Ambush magazine volume 29 issue 23 by Ambush Publishing

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

Fall Restaurant Guide, Halloween Highlights

t's almost time to give thanks with this Pre-Thanksgiving, Fall Restaurant Guide, Halloween Highlights edition of Ambush Mag. Get ready for a flurry of fundraisers as we approach the holidays for your favorite charity, carnival krewe or cause. There are many ads throughout this issue which will point you in the right direction. The Fall Restaurant Guide features Frady's on page 25 along with all of the Ambush favorites. Take advantage of the great eats these establishments have in store for you, and, of course, their holiday specials. Halloween will go down in history as one of the largest we have ever seen with thousands of visitors and locals packing the events, clubs, restaurants, businesses, and streets. The 28th Halloween New Orleans circuit party was bigger than ever, and lived up to the theme Wickedly Ever After. From Thursday's Lazarus Ball at Harrah's, to Friday's Patron/Host Brunch at Cafe Amelie followed later in the evening with HNO28 dance party at House of Blues, to the giant Halloween party Saturday night in the Morial Convention Center, ending with Halloween Brunch on Sunday aboard the Riverboat Natchez, this action packed weekend raised thousands of dollars for Project Lazarus. We all look forward to seeing how much was raised for one of the communities favorite charities. Past Halloweens have raised 4.3 million over the last 27 years. Visit HalloweenNewOrleans.COM for highlights and more on next years 29th celebration.

Ambush Introduces Service Industry Pages by Ad Rep Paul Melancon

new feature this issue is the introduction of the first Service Industry page on page 19. This innovation was the brainchild of New Orleans ad sales rep Paul Melancon. In these tough economic times, Paul thought it would be great if Ambush could offer a special rate for all service industry personnel on a page dedicated to these hard-working individuals. Half of the spots were sold on this first page, and Ambush expects that demand will expand for more than one page in the future. This is a great opportunity for all bartenders, waiters, waitresses, servers, hair stylist, personal trainers and entertainers to get their names and locations out there. For information, contact Paul at 504.535.3615 or email glenn_melancon@yahoo.com.

25th Art Against AIDS @ NOMA Dec. 3

rt Against AIDS, one of New Orleans’ premier visual arts and civic events, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year with the theme 25 Years of Art, 25 Years of Hope. 25 years ago, the event began as an exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center curated by Bill Fagaly. The following year Art Against AIDS moved to Arthur Roger Gallery as a sale of artistcreated ornaments displayed in his gallery. This year the event marks a... quarter century of achievement and generosity, with a Gala Event to take place at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) on Saturday, Dec. 3rd from 8pm to midnight. This exciting holiday gala benefits NO/AIDS Task Force and features a silent auction of juried art pieces by acclaimed artists. For the first time, it will also include “Paper Prayers” - an art form based on the Japanese custom of offering strips of painted paper as prayers for healing the sick - created by artists, school

children and local celebrities. The gala also features food from some of New Orleans finest caterers and restaurants, live entertainment, and a disco under the stars to dance the night away! The Patron Party and Auction Preview will be from 6 to 8pm on Nov. 30th, at Arthur Roger Gallery. Patrons will be the first to view select art items from the silent auction as well as be treated to complimentary cocktails, fine cuisine by Vega Tapas Cafe & Catering and live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased online at artagainstaids2011.eventbrite.com or by phone at 504.821.2601 ext. 216 or at the door the night of the event.

Deity Arts Hosts 3 Top West Coast Performers for Fringe Fest

n Nov. 16th through 20th, Deity Arts Gallery, 830 North Rampart Street in the French Quarter, will present three acclaimed San Francisco-based performance artists as part of the New Orleans Fringe Festival. West Coast underground legend Vinsantos, dancer/ performance artist Fauxnique and stand-up comedian David Kleinberg will bring their queer and only from San Francisco sensibility to local audiences. Tickets are $8 (with $3 Fringe button) available at the door or in advance at www.nofringe.org. Vinsantos will premiere his new interdisciplinary spectacle, Don’t Ask – Do Tell, which mixes storytelling, live music and drag. A sassy and sentimental exploration of gay love/longing/ loss told thru the lens of 4 wars (Revolutionary, Civil, WWII and Afghanistan), Vinsantos asks, “when I return home how can I hold you when I have no arms?” Nov. 16th through 20th, at 9pm. Vinsantos will be accompanied by local folk rock band Bon Bon Vivant. Monique Jenkinson is a multifaceted performing artist whose work hurls itself into the gaps between dance,

Thanksgiving, World AIDS Day, Holiday Shopping Guide out Nov. 22 / DEADLINE: Tues., Nov. 15

inside

commentary under the gaydar on the prowl/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans celebrazzi trodding the boards chop chop/frady's review snap paparazzi/new orleans

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classifieds 28 mobile paparazzi 32 a community within communities 34 pensacola paparazzi 34 ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie 36 acadiana happens/lafayette 37 ambush paparazzi/new orleans 38 acadiana paparazzi/lafayette 39

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Vinsantos (Photo by Michele Biloux)

theater, drag and performance art. Monique’s drag queen alter ego, Fauxnique, is a prolific fixture on the experimental performance scene. Recent accolades include: ‘Best Drag Act’ in the San Francisco Bay Guardian’s Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll, 7X7 Magazine’s ‘Hot 20 Under 40,’ and a Guardian Outstanding Local Discovery Award (GOLDIE) for Performance. Her one-woman show, Faux/Real premiered, to critical acclaim and sold out houses, in Spring 2009 at the Climate Theater in SF, played to an enthusiastic, capacity crowd at the New Museum in NYC (May 09), and returned to the Climate by popular demand (July 09). Fauxnique reworks this extraordinary live theater piece for the New Orleans [continued on 6]

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 Devin Black, 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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commentary Historians Need to Step up to the Plate by Mark Segal as President Lincoln a gay man? Were President Buchanan and Francis King partners? Can we prove that lesbians and trans people fought in the Revolutionary and Civil wars? Was a gay man the founder of the U.S. military? Why is any of this important? A new passion has taken hold of me the last year or so and, if you’ve been reading these pages or those in LGBT publications across the country, you’ve witnessed its intensity: LGBT history, especially LGBT people in American history. It was in full bloom as part of our sixth annual National Gay History Project in October. In the first year of the National Gay History Project, we asked Congressman Barney Frank to write an essay on gay history. He wrote eloquently about his early years in politics and his coming out as an openly gay member of Congress, and how difficult it was. He explained very clearly how even in the liberal 1960s, under liberal presidents such as Kennedy and then Johnson, antigay legislation was still being ushered through the political system. The article showcases a man who is passionate about politics and the system that makes change. Some children grow up wanting to be doctors, lawyers or artists. There are also those who grow up wanting to be like Barney: a part of a system that will foster change and equality. For them to know that LGBT people were a part of this system from the start and were founders of this country gives them great pride in themselves and hope for a future political career or work in government. And those are the children who will make the changes that will affect our future. This year’s National Gay History Project started out with a premise stated by a member of the far-right-wing Republican Party. The quote was, “Our founding fathers did not have homosexuals in mind when they created this country.” The project this year proved that statement utterly false. It was an ambitious project and our writers delivered more than what was expected of them. If you hear that quote again, tell them about Baron von Steuben. Without von Steuben, a gay man, there would be no U.S.A. Benjamin Franklin was the first U.S. official to recruit a gay man for the military; at that time, the Continental Army. Did you know that one of the most patriotic songs, “America the Beautiful,” was written by a lesbian, Katharine Lee Bates? And thanks to our reporting, the official library and home of President Buchanan is finally beginning to admit that it is possible that he was gay. Read about Buchanan, his partner William Rufus King and the rest at www.epgn.com, under Special Coverage. So, we’ve done our work. Now it’s the time for historians to step up to the plate. My personal promise: That will happen. Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s mostaward-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached atmark@epgn.com.

the "official" dish ...from 4 audience, Nov. 16th through 20th, at 7pm. David Kleinberg has been a stand-up comedian for 10 years and has appeared with Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, Richard Lewis and Sinbad. He was an editor and writer at the San Francisco Chronicle for 34 years, the last 14 years as editor of the Sunday Datebook entertainment magazine. He has performed his compelling new work, The Voice, at the Marsh Theater in San Francisco, one of the premier performance art incubators in America. The Voice is a remarkable, ground-breaking solo piece on sex addiction & recovery. Riveting, at times hilarious, the work is ultimately a powerfully spiritual journey dealing with one of today’s major social issues. David performs Nov. 16th and 17th at 11pm and November 18th through 20th at 5pm.

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

Bartender of the Month: November

here is one common factor that all bartenders must have in order to be successful and have repeat customers. They have to be likeable; people need to feel comfortable around them. I know being a bartender is a job, but honestly, it is one of the more enjoyable ones out there. Some people just look absolutely miserable behind the bar, like

they cannot wait for their shift to be over. One word of helpful advice for any bartender, never complain to your customers, we are trying to get away from our problems by coming in for a cocktail, we sure as hell do not want to take on yours. Having a bad day, lots on your mind, mad at your boss, boyfriend cheating on you, keep it to yourself. You are in the service industry, shake it off and smile for the customers. Put those acting skills to good use. Our bartender for November defi-

nitely does not have this problem. He is energetic, entertaining and a sheer joy to be around. Frankie at Oz is the epitome of everyone’s favorite party boy. He is always happy, animated and loves his job. You can just see it all over his face, when someone he knows walks into Oz, he just beams. He is enthusiastic, outgoing and goes the extra mile to make sure his customers enjoy themselves. Whenever Oz has a theme night, he is costumed to the hilt, which is why I think he is so good at his job; he looks at it as fun, not labor. One of his strong suits is he can talk to anyone, which is why he also hosts several shows at the bar as Frankie Fierce. And he has a boyish charm that you cannot help but fall in love with, he is a unique combination of the bad boy and the boy next door all rolled up in

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November Bartender of the Month Frankie Fierce & Oz GM Tommy Elias one adorable package. Whether a bartender or emcee, Frankie infuses his dynamic personality every time he is working making him one of the more popular bartenders at Oz. So if you want to meet the ultimate club kid party boy, go to Oz and check out Frankie, it will be one of the best times you ever have. Oz is located at 800 Bourbon Street.

Satyricon Brings the Events in November

atyricon is heating up a normally chilly November with two of their most popular and festive events. The first is the annual Barn Dance on Friday, Nov.11, 7-11pm. Dress as one of Miss Mona’s girls at the chicken ranch and get in on the HO-down. There will be music spinning from Country DJ Gary and his dancers as we waltz and line dance our way through the night. Do not worry if you have two left feet, we have instructors who will show you all the right moves. The event will be held at the Olde New Orleans Jazz Hall on the corner of Marigny and Chartres Streets in the Faubourg Marigny. It is directly across the street from the Friendly Bar (the old Body and Soul). Last year’s event was a huge hit. And the chicken ranch would not be complete without complimentary fried chicken and fixings buffet. There will be a fifty-fifty raffle and many more surprises. Tickets are $10 and include the buffet. Then on Sunday, Nov. 20 from 11am to 3pm, the krewe presents its Annual Holiday Buffet and Auction at JohnPaul’s. Get a jump on your holiday shopping as specialty baskets, holiday décor, gift certificates and a host of other gift items are auctioned by yours truly. There are also special guest performances by some of the top entertainers in our city. Tickets are $15 and include a scrumptious holiday feast. And in case you were wonder-

David Wagner, PhD, LPC, NCC, CHT

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under the gaydar ...from 8 ing, this is a Saints bye week, so no game. For tickets to either event, call 504.525.4498.

Halloween Highlights

hope everyone had a wonderfully wicked Halloween season, I know my holiday was just decadent. I have to say this goes down in the memory books as one of the best Halloweens ever, thanks to many people who made it special. So I just wanted to give you a few of my favorite highlights that made it so special. My

festivities actually started the weekend before when Amon-Ra threw their annual Soul Train Revival costume party and show at Michael’s on the Park. I love to costume and I donned my best disco duds for the fun filled night. There were great performers from the krewe and a fabulous buffet. As always Miss Jenkins tore the house down and Robert was just radiant dressed as Eva Las Vegas. Congrats to everyone for making it a good night. On Sunday of the weekend prior, Halloween had its final host party at Jim Mounger’s stunning house Uptown. The vodka drinks flowed as everyone talked about costumes and the upcoming four days of events with anticipation. These pre-event parties are one of the main reasons why I am a host for Halloween. Not only do you get the four days of events, but you also get eight other parties throughout the year. I strongly encourage people to think about being a host next year. All the monies raise go to Lazarus house, which is an excellent cause.

The beginning of the week flew quickly and before I knew it Halloween weekend was upon me. On Thursday, Halloween New Orleans hosted the Lazarus Ball in the theatre at Harrah’s Casino. What makes this event so special is their outstanding auction, which I was able to get some great deals on items. The music was energetic thanks to the dance band No Idea. Eat, Vega Tapas, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen and Harrah’s provided the food for the night, which was just delectable. It is always nice to see everyone in a different mode, and in more clothing, since this night is black tie optional. After Harrah’s I was not quite ready to call it a night, so I caught the tail end of Tittie Toulouse and Elecrtra City’s Halloween Outrageous show at JohnPaul’s. Tittie is once again back out of retirement and hosting a monthly show at JP, which is uproarious. I also like the twist of giving out prizes to the guests. I won a pair of titties given to me by Tittie. After winning breasts, there was nothing more for me left so I went home. On Friday, Jeff Mallon (aka Elizabeth Bouvier) and I did something new and attended the Cabildo’s Ghostly Galavant fundraising party. This costumed event was the best deal; for $35 you got free cocktails, food from some great restaurants and a live auction. What was also a treat; was I got to see some of the exhibits in the Cabildo, which I had not visited in years. Since we had a non-costume party afterwards, Jeff and I did not where costumes, but next year we vowed to be fully dressed in spooky regalia and tear it up. It looks like the gay parties will have to deal with us in costumes two nights instead of just one. After the Ghostly Galavant, we went to Halloween New Orleans Friday night HNO28 event at the House of Blues. And it was happening. The music in both the main room and the host lounge was pumping with lively DJs spinning great dance beats. I do not know if it was something in the air, but Jeff and I met boys by the dozens, it was like a smorgasbord of male specimens. I even made out with someone in the VIP room’s photo booth. Now those are pictures that will not make it into Ambush. Another new experience for me; was that Jeff and I decided to take those pedicabs all night and they were a hoot. But the key is to get a hot guy. Who doesn’t like a stud who petals in front of you with his tight ass and muscular calves in your face. Saturday, the excitement was in the air for the big event at the Convention Center. I was very lucky to help Nick who was the chair of Saturday night’s event with the decorations and male dancers, which were flawless. So for most of the day, I was on site making sure things got set up okay. That is what I love about my job; you see an event go from idea to fruition. Around five, I rushed to my lovely friend actor and makeup artist extraordinaire Barry Rutherford’s house who transformed me into my new persona for the night. Then I went home and met up with Jeff, who helped me into my costume, which was just damn sexy if I do say so myself. Jeff and I became Patsy and Edina from the super hit show Absolutely Fabulous and we owned those personas from the moment we got dressed till the

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under the gaydar ...from 10 very end of the night. I had some wonderful friends over to my house first for a little spot of bubbly and caviar before we left for the party. A limousine picked us up promptly at nine for our destination; we piled into the car in various costumes which ranged from the Red Power Ranger to Thelma and

Louise. We arrived at the Convention Center and I had to make sure that the dancers were all in place. Once they were set, the doors opened and the fun began. I have to say I never had so much fun in a Halloween costume ever in my life. Jeff and I were huge hits, we could not go ten feet without people taking pictures with us or commenting

on how good we looked. After a while they were talking to us like we were actually the real people, which we played to a tee. When we walked on stage for the costume show, we rocked the house, parading around like Eddie and Pats would have done. The DJs, the décor, the dancers and both shows were wonderful. It was nice seeing Bianca fly through the air. It was a magical night highlighted with great memories. The VIP room was a fantastic haven for those who wanted to get away from the madness, but still had its own special vibe with lounge seating, food and higher end alcohol, this is the reason why being a host is the best deal around. There was also a stripper pole that was constantly in use by the limber and super sexy dancer Anthony. We danced, we posed, we had a blast with old and new friends, and I even made out with four boys during the night. Go Eddie! At around three, we took a cab to the Marigny and checked out JohnPaul’s and the Phoenix who had their own special parties going on. When I noticed that it was four thirty in the morning, I decided it was time for my carriage to turn back into a pumpkin, so home I went. It was hard to wake up on Sunday morning, but I had to work a little, so once that was over, I came back home and got ready for the day. Even though I was going on three hours sleep, I was surprisingly alert and ready for the Sunday party aboard the Natchez which was relaxing. The weather was perfect for a laid back afternoon on one of the city’s favorite tourist attractions. And the food was perfect, mac and cheese, fried chicken, greens, a total Southern stick to your ribs fare. The crowning glory on the four day event weekend was when they announced Jeff and I winners of the costume contest group category under 5 people. I tell you all the hard work and walking all night long in heels on that cement floor of the convention center was so worth it when they handed me that trophy. I would like to thank everyone from Halloween New Orleans who worked so very hard to make this year special for me and so many others. I know we raised a lot of money for Lazarus House. I cannot wait to see what is in store for next year. The end of the weekend did not bring a stop to my holiday fun. Monday was Halloween night and after working all day. I managed to get costumed up as a chest of drawers with a lamp shade headdress. I was a one nightstand which was apropos for the week. I gave out candy to the kids in my neighborhood then went to JohnPaul’s for their Halloween night revelry. It started with the cast of Engender giving us their interpretation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. After they literally destroyed that sacred show in twenty minutes they did their normal drag numbers afterwards. I

can’t wait until next year when they decimate Rent or maybe they can stamp on the Sound of Music. Besides what is Halloween without a little horror? After the show, they had the costume contest where I won the best in the individual category as the One Nightstand. Grant and his friend won the group one as the Gay Mafia. I

Grant & Friend as Gay Mafia @ JohnPaul's drank my bar tab up then stumbled into the Phoenix to see what kind of trouble I could get into. I met this hot guy dressed as a knight with long hair and a shiny sword. So the One Nightstand ended with a good Knight! I hope everyone had a pleasurable and safe Halloween, and until next year, stay tricky.

Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom

ow I know the allure of doing drag after I played Edina Monsoon from Absolutely Fabulous with one of my best friends Jeff as Patsy. When you are in drag, even hideous you are a gorgeous creature, because you are over the top and gay men love that. Drag gives you the strength to step outside yourself and become that outrageous character you always wanted to be. You can say anything to people, get away with anything and become more sexually bolder. Halloween night I made out with no less than four people, which I never would have done if I would have been just Tony. I would have stopped at three like a proper Christian woman. But the men ate Jeff and I up, they wanted pictures with us, stripped for us and most of all did whatever we asked them to do. For those guys who said they would never do drag, that is fine, but I say before you toss something out of the door, you should try it at least once. Who knows what hidden persona will arise in you? 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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on the prowl by Rory Wright Email: rorywrightinnola@hotmail.com Photos by Lords of Leather

A Look at Lords of Leather Krewe: Part 2

his article is part two of a series of articles about the Lords of Leather, the only leather Mardi Gras krewe in the world. I was at the home of Mr. Ernie O’Steen on Fontainbleau Drive a long standing member who has been a participant almost from the beginning. Also, joining us that morning was Mr. George Hester a long term member who had been Lord Chancellor of the Lords of Leather from 1990-1997. What follows is based on the experiences and memories of these two, and the history will be added to by other members with their own perspective and memories of events. Truth be told there are easily more articles that can be written from my interviews, and I will be asking various members and alumni of the leather community to contribute their memories and stories so that there is a record of the colorful, adventurous, and sometimes outrageous history of the Lords of Leather Krewe in New Orleans. After last issues article I received an email from someone else who was there in the early day and am reposting it here: “Just finished reading your article on the Lords of Leather and Knights d’Orleans, and having tended bar at TT’s in those days, really enjoyed your article. I would like to mention, which you may know, was that there was another motorcycle/leather group other than the Knights, the Lancer MC, which Paul Stewert and I believe Mike from the Bear Trappers was a member. Those were fun days when the leather contest were held in the patio of TT’s, and Gator from Gator’s Leather Store in Houston would bring his crowd to town. Thanks for the walk down memory lane. --Jack A. Jones” In preparation for the interview, Ernie had laid out some of the t-shirts that had been created for the NO/AIDS Task Force Walk including the OBEY ME t-shirts. The first walk was in 1990 and the Lords of Leather were the first monitors. Some of the shirts are shown below. We continued discussing the history of the Leather community in New Orleans and the krewe membership. George Hester continued, “It used to be that to be a member you had to live in New Orleans and not out of town, because the krewe wanted participation from it’s members, and now that has relaxed somewhat in terms of geography but a member is still expected

to participate in the activities. By the 1990s Lords of Leather was comprised of about 25 members, and the Lords have always been a small krewe compared with other krewes. All of the members both living and those who have passed on, are listed at the web site at LordsOfLeather.COM." I asked them to talk about Mr. Louisiana Leather, George said: “Originally it was Mr. New Orleans Leather, but it evolved to become Mr. Louisiana Leather and was later moved to Southern Decadence Weekend due to the large number of men attending that event. The contest had bounced around to various venues, but in 1995, the event was held at Le Petit theatre in the French Quarter, which is the oldest community theatre house in the United States. There was a bit of a controversy that threatened the event. We had a bit of a controversy two years before at the St. Bernard Civic Auditorium, which had caused quite a stir, but it was not planned. At that event two years prior, Mr. International Leather was in town, and there was a young man recently moved to New Orleans, and he had offered to do on stage, a multiple version fetish demonstration as part of the event. Well, something that will never happen again, he was allowed to go on stage without a preview of his act being seen and approved by anyone! I was emcee at the event, but I was on stage on one proscenium with the deaf interpreter so I could not see what he was doing on the other proscenium. There were about 160 or more senior ladies in the audience and many more attendees, and my first clue that something was very wrong was to see the number of people getting up and walking out of the theatre. His act was horrible...he mummified someone into a fetal position with stretch wrap and it just got worse from there. Needless to say, two years later when we asked to hold our event at Le Petit, the board members remembered what had happened and almost blocked the contract; so I appeared before the board and promised a script would be provided to them two weeks before the event and they approved it.” We had been talking about the effects of the AIDS crisis on the krewe and also the years of charity work and fundraising done by the Lords of Leather. George continued: “We lost a third of our membership during the years 1990-1991 due to the crisis and it was a bad year. We discussed whether leather groups around the

Completed Costume

Artist Rendering of Concept for Ernie O'Steen's 1997 Costume world had adopted primarily safe sex practices and he responded: “They did for many years and now some of the groups don’t, there is no consensus on the subject in the United States leather communities. Because of the new and better drugs, some people take risks, but I think that most of the Leather groups send a message that safe sex practices are very important and that message is promoted. Ernie commented: “The longer the crisis has existed, a lot of the people who have become infected are now a broader group than in the beginning. The disease has touched gays, straights, women and families and which is why I have participated with the NO/AIDS Task Force in outreach programs into the schools and the community. There is now a broader understanding in the public on the subject and this has allowed the NO/AIDS Task Force to do as much in New Orleans as has been done in New York or other major cities.” This writer noted that the NO/AIDS Task Force and Lords of Leather were founded in the same year, and he and Ernie talked about the early days of the Gay Pride Parade, Ernie commented “The Gay Pride Parade was huge at one time and the Lords of Leather marched in the parade and carried a banner. Over the years it has become a smaller event due to a lot of reasons. Different groups have wanted to organize it differently over the years. It would be great if the parade could be a huge event again like it once was. Also in addition to the pride parade, there were back in 1991 or 1992, the first candlelight vigils were held and they drew large crowds. Both gay and straight folks who had lost someone to AIDS, carried candles from Woldenberg Park and walked past the Cathedral, where detractors would hiss and boo, but that year, the then mayor showed up, and walked with us, at the head of the group which changed things and it was great to have him participate.” The subject of being Gay in the South came up and George commented: “There is such a southern

sense of pride and of family. There was a stigma to being Gay, and you did not want to hurt your family so if you were in a rural area, you would travel to the big city looking for a connection, and just pray that you didn’t bump into any of your relatives who might be there for the same reason!” (laughter). A discussion was had about the changes in the culture over the last 25 years and how that has impacted the gay and leather communities. George explained: “You still have the deep southern influence which is called ‘The Baptist Bible Belt.’ If you lived in the South, your parents and grandparents were brought up to believe that homosexuality was a psychological malformation. There are many people still who stay in the closet even today, because of a family member that is still alive or for professional reasons. For the first seven or eight years, after the krewe was established in 1983, members were addressed by their first names only. You didn't know anyone’s last name. You were known by your title which was Lord or Vice-Lord and your first name. The first seven balls that were held, everyone wore a mask. It was not until the 8th ball in 1992 that people arrived without a mask. The clubs have changed a lot since Lords of Leather was founded. There were a dozen or more clubs in the 1980s and now there are only six. The cause of the decline I think was both due to the AIDS crisis but also due to the rise of the Internet. People used to be a member of a krewe in order to socialize and participate in activities and to meet people. People now can meet people on the Internet, and more recently with apps like Grinder and Growler, people can talk and socialize on their I-phones! So due to all of the above changes in technology and how we interact, there are less than half the clubs there used to be. However, Lords of Leather is one of the survivors and will continue to be so into the future. Lords of Leather has contributed to charities from the very beginning and also got involved in NO/AIDS Task Force Walk in 1990, and has continued it’s fundraising and charity work to this day. It has donated services and funds to the Belle Reve Hospice for many years. To join the group or to find more information online go to LordsOfLeather.COM.

14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

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snap 28th Halloween In New Orleans benefiting Project Lazarus @ Morial Convention Center ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio

paparazzi

16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

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celebrazzi

Ambush’s Rip & Marsha with Rona, Mike & Darwin @ The Lazarus Ball hosted by Harrah’s

Costume winners Tony Leggio & Elizabeth Bouvier as Absolutely Fabulous @ Halloween in the Convention Center

King & Queen Amon-Ra Tami & Jerry welcome guests to Amon-Ra’s Soul Train blowout @ Michael’s

Ambush’s Devin Black & Cutter’s bar baron Mac McAll celebrate raising $7,200 for Cutter’s Art in the Hood benefiting Buzzy's Kids

Amon-Ra's Miss Jenkins led the bevy of Soul Train beauties @ Michael’s on the Park

Harrah’s Richard Brower & Nick Breaux @ Cafe Amelie for Halloween Patron/Host Brunch

Ninth Circle of Divas DL Broadway & MC Frankie Fierce @ 9th Circle Opal & Deja present Amon-Ra Halloween Costume Contest winner Robert as Eva Las Vegas @ Michael’s on the Park

Jim Mounger (c) host final Halloween Host Party

MC Darwin Singleton, 23rd Mr. LA Leather, new 24th Mr. LA Leather David Butler, 1st Runner-up Robert Mills & Lords of Leather Capt. Gary Vandeventer @ Oz

Oz's Persana Shoulders & Bianca Del Rio join The Lazarus Ball @ Harrah’s

Oz’s Horror Turnabout filled the stage with stars led by GM Tommy Elias live

Zoo Revue’s Silky Fontaine, Ms. Dee, Bliss & Rusty LaRoux @ Michael’s on the Park

Oz bar baron Johnny Chisholm & partner Cy Whitney celebrate with friends @ Oz over Halloween

Pirates ahoy at the Cabildo’s Ghostly Galavant Fundraiser

Jerry Fredieu is presented special award during The Lazarus Ball @ Harrah’s

MC Kevin Limberg accepts $2,500 donation from TJ Maxx bringing the total for Art in the Hood @ Cutter’s to $7,200

Buzzy’s Boys & Girls’ Marty & Koo celebrate at Art in the Hood raising $7,200 for Buzzy’s

Oz’s David joins Ambush’s Rip & Marsha @ final Halloween Host Party @ Jim Mounger’s home

18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

The Highlights ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Devin Black, Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio

Halloween in New Orleans cochairs Jerry Fredieu & John Ramsey @ final host party

Y N

O U R A M E

H E R E Call Paul Melancon For Details 504.535.3615

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20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21

trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Next Fall at The Shadowbox Theater

n Geoffrey Nauffts’s Next Fall, Luke, a cute 20something actor/caterwaiter who holds Evangelical beliefs, picks up Adam, a prickly 40some thing atheist, and the next thing you know they’re a couple. Trouble occurs six years later when Luke is in a life-threatening accident and Adam has to deal with his boyfriend’s narrow-minded family. When I saw the play on Broadway in April last year, I didn’t buy the basic premise, not because of the age difference—I know some similar couples—but because Nauffts never showed, in any but the most superficial of ways, what would allow these two extremely different creatures to stay together. While I still can’t help thinking that Luke and Adam seem unlikely to last two days together let alone half a dozen years, seeing Director Bill McCarthy’s lovely production at the Shadowbox Theater recently, persuaded me of the play’s merits much more so than the Broadway version which may have put the script at a disadvantage; Next Fall seems to play better in a more intimate setting where audience members can more viscerally connect with the performers. The combination of a cast whose talents were several notches higher than the NYC ensemble and a closer proximity to them made for a heightened and more involving atmosphere in scenes both quiet (as when, in the hospital chapel, Luke’s mother Arlene acknowledges her son’s relationship with Adam) and highly charged (Adam’s inevitable confrontation with Luke’s father). Jeff Mallon & Evans Andrews McCarthy guided his in Next Fall (Photo by Larry Graham) cast to bring out the humanity in each of their characters and paced the show extremely well; despite being exposition-laden, the first act flew by. If McCarthy, directing for the first time “since college,” well-followed the staging demands of the piece, too often during the hospital waiting room sequences the actors just came onstage and sat down; a more experienced director would likely have been able to avoid such static visual images. As the hypochondriac Adam, Jeff Mallon offered quiet intelligence while softening the abrasiveness that has accrued to this mid-Westerner during his years in the City. Mallon wonderfully brought forth the role’s caustic humor without ever overplaying it and perfectly captured this aspiring writer’s souldeadening frustration at finding himself working in a friend’s candle shop. Most importantly, he provided Adam with enough of a backbone to make the final showdown ring true. Making his New Orleans theater debut, Evan Andrews brought the requisite cute looks and puppy dog innocence to Luke. An unexpected visit from his Dad, however, allowed Andrews to express depths of panic and a desperation to “degay” his and Adam’s apartment that was more primal (and compelling) than I recall from Broadway. And even if I never fully understood the reason why, Andrews convinced me of Luke’s deep held religious beliefs. Karen Shields’ Arlene was full of down-home Southern charm, but Shields also endowed her with a certain sophistication; when she confused “tchotchke” with “cha-cha” it wasn’t due to lack of intelligence but simply that the Yiddish word for “knickknack” was completely foreign to her. In Shields’ beautiful portrait, Arlene was less sassy than on Broadway and perhaps more rueful over her once wild ways, but just as understanding and compassionate a Mom as everyone wishes they had. Barry Rutherford made Luke’s prejudiced father Butch as decent as pos-

sible. Rebecca Howell, as Adam’s flaky gal pal, and Trenton Ryan Perez, as Luke’s tight-lipped friend Brandon, did well with their somewhat underwritten roles, though I did miss the altar boy appearance of the Broadway Brandon. Unlike the book-filled set on Broadway, McCarthy’s simple one works better by playing down Adam’s wide-ranging intellectual pursuits. The uncredited lighting occasionally had the actors in shadows, however. Shorn of an unnecessary layering of sentimentality, our local production of Next Fall is less like the Lifetime movie I once pegged it as and more like the bracing full-fledged drama it aspires to be. Should it return next Spring, as is rumored, those looking for thought-provoking, emotionally involving drama should not miss it.

New Orleans Ballet Association at the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts and NOCCA’s Freda Lupin Memorial Hall through May 12

he New Orleans Ballet Association opened their 2011-12 season with the Mark Morris Dance Group, the first appearance by this ac claimed company here in nine years. Having seen Morris’ glorious V during their last visit, my expectations ran high for this one; if they were not entirely met, this was still a most worthy start to NOBA’s season. The program began with All Fours (2003). Set to Bela Bartok’s String Quartet No. 4, Morris found a visual partnering for this astringent music. In the first movement, set against a blood-red backdrop, eight dancers seemed to be enacting some religious ceremony with their jagged movements and arms curved up in prayer position. The second movement featured Dallas McMurray and Aaron Loux, and a subtle, playful homoeroticism. Rita Donahue and Michelle Yard joined them for the tender third movement with choreography that seemed, at times, delicate enough to remind one of sleepwalkers. With both same sex and opposite sex partnering there was an intriguing ambiguity as to whether these were two couples, one in a more positive relationship than the other, or two different sides of one couple. Donahue and Yard had the fourth movement to themselves, and Morris resolved the dance with a recapitulation of the octet from the beginning. Throughout, the choreographer employed a rigorous formalism that engaged the mind and eye if not always the heart. Festival Dance (2011), with its score by Hummel, came next with a dozen dancers outfitted in beige polo shirts and blue chinos. There was a lush, lyrical playfulness in the engaging patterns of this paean to country club romanticism. But, while pretty to look at, after a while, it did become a bit repetitious. The evening ended with Grand Duo a work that still seems fresh 18 years after its premiere. Performed to music by Lou Harrison, a composer I was previously unfaJacoby & Pronk Contemporary Dance miliar with but Artists Drew Jacoby & Rubi Pronk whose music I (Photo by Marty Sohl) hope to hear more of, Grand Duo reminded me of some of Martha Graham’s mythic works. In lesser hands, this could come off as a Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo spoof of modern dance. But Morris’ masterful talents made it a collection of [continued on 24]

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

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trodding the boards ...from 22 incredibly compelling rituals of some mysterious sect. I’ll not soon forget its stomach-slapping, feet-stamping final movement. Throughout the performance, the dancing was of the highest caliber. And the entire evening was enhanced by the live music of the MMDG Music Ensemble (Colin Fowler, Andrew Janss, Jesse Mills, Jessica Troy & Georgy Valchev) who played with sensitivity, vibrancy and gorgeous sound. NOBA’s season continues November 11/12 with Jacoby & Pronk Contemporary Dance Artists at NOCCA’s Lupin Hall. These performances will feature the three year old company of dance partners Drew Jacoby and Rubinald Pronk and a collection of new works combining contemporary dance, classical ballet, and film (Alvin Booth’s Le Beau Est Toujours Bizarre) that they, along with guest choreographer Leo Mujic and guest artists Prince Credell, Chalnessa Eames and Michelle Wiles, will have crafted during their three-week residency at NOCCA. Following Jacoby & Pronk will be Shen Wei Dance Arts, which fuses East & West by incorporating Chinese opera, Eastern Philosophy, traditional & contemporary art, and dance (Jan. 21 at Mahalia Jackson); Stephen Petrino Company performing Underland, set to the dark, bittersweet songs of Australian rocker Nick Cave, and City of Twist, a homage to New York with a score by Laurie Anderson (March 2/3 at NOCCA); Complexions Contemporary Ballet featuring a NOBA-commissioned new duet for Artistic Director Desmond Richardson and NYC Ballet principal dancer Wendy Whelan with music by renowned local trumpeter Nicholas Payton (April 21 at Mahalia Jackson); and, lastly, the legendary Joffrey Ballet (May 12 at Mahalia Jackson).

New Orleans Fringe Festival at various venues Nov. 16-20

he New Orleans Fringe Fes tival returns for a fourth year with a vast smorgasbord of 70 shows in 34 venues throughout the city. Here’s a somewhat random guide to help you make the vastness more manageable: Wake Up! (Luthjen’s Dance Hall), a subversively absurd play which centers around how far one Asian boy will go to prove that he’s Black, is among the pieces that especially piqued my interest. Similarly, Lisa Biggs’ Where Spirit Rides (The Shadowbox Theatre) details how, at a Quaker meeting in 1831, Abby Kelley became possessed by the ghost of a black woman, who rode her for the next 35 years to

end slavery. Seen at the Fringe’s preview Pu-Pu Platter, this wicked sendup of race relations includes a mock slave auction involving life size plastic dolls. Writer/director Adam Falik partners with composer/musician Jonathan Freilich to produce ee me & pollock thee (The Marigny Opera House), an multidisciplinary opera/extravaganza about the relationship between e.e. cummings and Jackson Pollock in which the two artists journey to the dark heart of inspiration. And from the people who gave us the excellent Hedwig and the Angry Inch earlier this year comes SARAH, a site-specific story of a woman on the verge of losing control which will be staged in the living room of a Bywater double shotgun (1239 Congress). If you miss SARAH during the Fringe, its run continues thru December 4. As always, the GLBT community is well-represented at the Fringe. The Deity Arts Gallery will host three San Francisco-based performance artists. David Kleinberg’s The Voice explores sex addiction and recovery, and how Kleinberg dealt with his lifelong homophobia as he became a mentor to a gay sex addict. Vinsantos mixes storytelling, live music and drag in Don’t Ask – Do Tell, an examination of gay love/longing/loss told thru the lens of

four Wars (Revolutionary, Civil, WWII, and Afghanistan). And Faux Real, part nightclub act, part meditation on artifice and authenticity, features Fauxnique, the alter ego of Monique Jenkinson as it asks “Can a real woman be a drag queen?” Hmm, I guess she hasn’t met Becky Allen yet. The Beautiful Refrigerator is Empty (Aquarium Gallery) is a demonic drag cabaret starring Teena Geist, a 14-year-old with a dark heart and darker mascara, that delves into the operatic nature of teenage angst. Leigh Hendrix’s How to Be a Lesbian in 10 Days or Less (Café Istanbul) is a “wacky” sort-of coming out story as motivational speaker/expert lesbian Butchy McDyke guides her audience in an exploration of self-discovery, first

Cirque du Gay-Exposed @ Candle Factory

Faux Real @ Diety Arts

How to Be a Lesbian in 10 Days or Less @ Café Istanbul

love, lesbian sex, and queer politics. On the other hand, in Cirque du GayExposed (Candle Factory), two gay clowns take on juggling, dancing, puppetry and S&M as they serve up a rainbow of music, muscle and magic. Dysfunctional family histories always provide good material, and the coming of age story A Night of WellAdjusted Ladies (Luthjen’s) chronicles the mothers of co-writers Lisa Venzin and Debra Althaus using material they didn’t have to make up. Likewise, Erin Leddy lived with her grandmother for a year and recorded her memoirs which became the basis for My Mind Is Like An Open Meadow (Den Of Muses), a solo performance meditation on consciousness, memory and things passed down through generations. Other solo shows include song’n’dance entertainer Movin’ Melvin Brown – A Man, A Magic, A Music! (Michalopoulos Studio) journeying from the 1950’s to the ’90s; Paul Oswell’s self-explanatory An Englishman in New Orleans (Byrdie’s Gallery); In Search of My Clitoris, Sia Amma’s playful and wise (I hope!) comedy act about female circumcision (Aquarium); and ’33 – a kabarett, Bremner Duthie’s recreation of the final night of a cabaret destroyed by the Nazis in Berlin. And for sheer Fringy-ness, check out NEW NOISE/Mondo Bizzaro’s Pchile Goyin (a letting go) (NOLA Defender Theatre from Nov. 11) which uses intricate mask work, original live music and large-scale puppetry to tell the spectacle-sized folk tale of a woman swallowed by a lake. Tickets are $8 (with a $3 Fringe button). Visit www.nofringe.org for more info about the vastness known as the Fringe.

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

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

Frady's, A Must Stop in the Bywater

n recent weeks, there has been much buzz about the good eats coming out of Frady's One Stop Grocery & Delicatessen, so that is where preparations for this issue brought us. It was deadline week, and what better way to save time, but order out to avoid cooking in the office. Frady's was on our radar, so a short drive brought us to 3231 Dauphine. It was our first time, and the place reminded us of the little mom and pop operations we experienced many years ago in Baton Rouge. It's a unique place offering overstuffed po-boys, daily specials, everyday plate specials, breakfast specials, breakfast plate, along with groceries and home products. They also cater. The staff was notably accommodating, and greeted their regulars and non ones with the same efficiency. Much to our surprise, we were greeted by Cricket, who explained the menu options to us. The daily hot plate specials and everyday plate specials were all $7.00. Can y'all believe that?! You get to choose from three main courses accompanied by three sides and buttered sliced french bread. Marsha chose the fried chicken with sides peas and carrots, dirty rice, and beef mac. The chicken was Southern fried crisp, while the dirty rice and beef mac were exceptionally tasty.

Club Sandwich with Zapp's Potato Chips @ The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart St.

Glazed 10 oz. Pork Chop with Steen's Cane Syrup & Creole Mustard served with duck fat potatoes & green beans @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.

Roast Beef Special @ Frady's One Stop Grocery & Deli, 3231 Dauphine New Orleans Muffuletta (generous helping of ham, salami, provolone and olive salad) @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.

Garlic Shrimp Pasta (jumbo shrimp with garlic butter sauce over angel hair pasta) @ Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Mkt Pl

Shrimp Poboy Dressed

Dirty Rice, Fried Chicken, Peas & Carrots, Beef Mac & Buttered French Bread

Rip chose the oyster po-boy which was not available, but Cricket recommenced the shrimp po-boy instead, either the half (7.00) or full loaf (10.50). The full loaf was chosen and what a surprise it would be. It was overflowing with large shrimp, fried to perfection dressed with lettuce, tomato, and mayo. It was absolutely delicious! You could also add ketchup and hot sauce at no additional charge. One other thing caught our eye in the display case, deviled eggs. Three came to the order, and they tasted just like the ones our mamas made when we were back home. Frady's is definitely a must stop in the Bywater. It's worth a visit! Located at 3231 Dauphine St., they now offer delivery. Open Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm, and Sat. 9am-3pm, call 504.949.9688 for info.

New Orleans Restaurant Guide

Deviled Eggs

700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., 561.1095, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM, is serving sliders, paninis, quesadillas, and more

Gourmet Sliders with Onion Rings @ 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy 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 11am3pm. 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.

Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.

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. [continued on 27]

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25

The Adams family has nothing on Susan Reyes & Bourbon Pub Parade's Sandy Sachs @ Ritz-Carlton

Hot @ Club LAX for Halloween

Halloween @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Witchinators Rip & Marsha in costumes by Bungalows on Royal St.

Bartenders Blake & Spencer @ Good Friends Bar

High Priestess of Halloween Winner Wayne Nettles & Rai Lakai @ 9th Circle’s Witches Ball

Hotelier Blake Miller with a reveler @ Bourbon Pub

Julien & Brad celebrate @ Bourbon Pub

Engender’s Corynne Deville @ Cutter’s

Celebrating @ Michael’s on the Park

Marty & David @ Voodoo’s Zombie Fest

Dancers Paul & Cody with faux Pee Wee Herman @ The Corner Pocket

Bartender Will hanging ‘em @ The Double Play

snap

Jerome took 1st prize in 4 Seasons Pumpkin’ Carving Contest in Metairie

Ginger & Ray @ JohnPaul’s

paparazzi

Bryan Metoyer & Paul Harris @ Oz

Ambush’s Little MM @ Bobby Blue

Quido as Miss Ashlee @ The Corner Pocket

Engender does Rocky Horror @ JohnPaul’s

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

in The Easy ~ New Orleans,~Metairie ~ Photos Ambush, Corkern, Devin Black, Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon 2HotHalloween Action ~ Big New Orleans Photos bybyRicci Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio,

Partying @ the Phoenix

chop chop ...from 25 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. 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.-Sat. 511pm. 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 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! Open 11am-11pm Sun.-Sat., 11am-12midnight Fri.-Sat.

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CANAL STREET

100 IBERVILLE

200 BIENVILLE

300

500 TOULOUSE

600

RAMPART

ST. LOUIS

BURGUNDY

400

DAUPHINE

ROYAL

CHARTES

DECATUR

CONTI

BOURBON

ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN

800 DUMAINE

900 ST. PHILIP

1100

New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 Mr. Binky's Boutique, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095 Mr. Binky's Boutique of Harahan, 301 Funston St., 305.2160

1200 BARRACKS

1300

classifieds

ESPLANADE

1800

M A R IG N Y

23 ES TR R A H C

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

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

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] 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

casinos RT PA M A R

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

antiques

New Orleans, LA Experience The BODY ELECTRIC, nude rub, erotic, hot oils, full service table, deep tissue, light tissue, body scrubs. In & out calls. CALL AL 214.709.5199 [is2211]

book stores

GOVERNOR NICHOLLS

body rubs

1000 URSULINES

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 DIETY ARTS OF THE EXTREME ORIENT, 830 N. Rampart, DietyNOLA.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

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0811] FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com. 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

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29

living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A

Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. IN THIS TOGETHER, HIV/AIDS Case Management, 2511 Bayou Road, Suite B, 70119; Office: 504.962.3245, Fax: 504.962.3246; 962.3245, 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

travel New Orleans, LA [504] Adventures Actually, Kate Alexander, 220.5503, AdventuresActually.COM

websites GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM

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Happy Halloween from the Tunstal Manor

Happy Birthday Valerie, we love YOU!

Go GaGa!

mobile

Trent & Dothan, Alabama’s beautiful & talented Tiffany Racheals performing @ B-Bob’s

Michael & Rod host the Halloween Bash @ Tunstal Manor

The beautiful Biloxi Doll Danielle Savage performing @ B-Bob’s

Order of Phoenix King Denny & Queen Veronica on royal parade The Winner of Rupaul’s Drag Race RaJa performing @ B-Bob’s Cowboys, Indians & Witches... Oh My!

The beautiful Biloxi Boys, Don, Thad & friends @ B-Bob’s for a Night with RaJa

Happy Halloween Mario Brothers Mobile royalty Jasyn & James having a blast @ B-Bob’s

B-Bob’s bartender Jerry!! Yeah!

Hello Boys @ B-Bob’s! Crayton & Travis having a good time

Roll Tide!

Mr. Greg with Season 3 Winner RaJa

Happy Birthday Shawn, we love YOU!

Whodunnit @ Tunstal Manor...Clue?

B-Bob’s bartender Ricky & Wendy

32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

Halloween ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John Leon Weekley

papar azzi

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a community within communities

pensacola papar azzi

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

umbo, grilliads, and grits, thick, rich, tantalizing, filled with love and flavor. A table spread out and a gathering of dear friends sitting around the table; often in a kitchen redolent with the smells of herbs and spices. This is the stuff that builds community and engenders conversation and sharing. When I used to travel a lot and was invited for dinner at an associate’s home, in most parts of the country the purpose of dinner was to consume food and to move on. If one dines in cities far and away, one may be disappointed finding that servers in restaurants are all about turning the table around and moving the herd in and out. I was always so proud to announce that in New Orleans eating is an occasion in and of itself. This is one of the few cities that I am aware of that one may spend up to two or even three hours at a restaurant. In our local community, Bywater, Marigny, Tremé and French Quarter, on a personal level we love to gather friends and intimates, break bread and discuss the world at large. Food then becomes a vehicle of grace. As a Christian Priest, I can tell you that more often than not, we find Jesus breaking bread and eating. When we encounter the tax collector, Matthew (like many IRS agents he was despised), he is engaged at dinner. When Jesus speaks the beatitudes on the mount, blessed are the poor, etc. it is over fishes and loaves. When Jesus prepares to die he leaves us with a profound image, the Last Supper wherein he commends not only his disciples, but all

humanity to love one another, to be servants to one another, and to remember him by this solitary meal. For two thousand years, the simplicity of this single act has been recalled time and again as the center piece of the faithful. This meal indeed is preceded by the ancient and historic roots found in the ritual Seder meal on the Pass Over. We are creatures of ritual in virtually every aspect of our lives. Break the ritual and we have a bad day. One ritual that New Orleanians would be hard pressed to break is eating good food. As an example the Cochon de lait is quite simply a pig roast. Yet, we in New Orleans and throughout southern Louisiana, know that it is a celebration, a vehicle of grace that gathers in and welcomes the community. It is nearing Thanksgiving and we in New Orleans know that it is time for stuffed bell peppers and

[continued on 37]

Jordan @ Emerald City’s Turnabout show Jack The Pumpkin King is Emerald City costume winner

Maria all butched up @ Emerald City Jeffery & Valerie Heart @ Emerald City’s Employee Turnabout

Monica Cane @ Emerald City’s Turnabout show Penny Holiday & Jacob @ Emerald City

Halloween @ Emerald City

Brian @ Emerald City’s Employee Turnabout show

Condom Man @ Emerald City

Taylor Heart & Dustyn @ Emerald City’s Turnabout show

Emerald City’s very own Taylor Heart Halloween @ Emerald City

The Legendary Lisa Shay @ Emerald City

Kat @ Emerald City’s Turnabout

Halloween @ Emerald City

We found Waldo @ Emerald City

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

Halloween ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

Food for the Soul

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ambush

Corner Pocket hostess Lisa Beaumann with the Wizardly George Roth on Halloween Kel & Kelly @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Chris & DJ E @ 4 Seasons for Halloween

Dwain & Al in for Amon-Ra’s Soul Train Tittie Toulouse stars in Outrageous @ JohnPual’s

Lisa Beaumann wetting down contestant Preston while hosting Corner Pocket’s Halloween Wet Jockey Shorts contest

Tubby’s Golden Lantern show director Rikki Redd & Oz’s Frankie Fierce @ 9th Circle Engender celebrates Halloween @ Cutter’s

Greg, Aletha, Frankie Fierce & Irish Mike @ Ninth Circle of Divas show Josie Mae Cotton celebrates her birthday @ Napoleon’s Itch with Julian & Chuck

Celebrating Halloween weekend @ Lafitte’s

Lords of Leather Mr. Louisiana Leather Meet & Greet at the Phoenix

Kabrina Watson brings down the house for Oz’s Horror Turnabout Halloween @ Club LAX in Metairie

La Familia’s Johnny Passion @ Club LAX

Satyricon Capt. Tony joins AmonRa’s David for Amon-Ra’s Soul Train @ Michael’s

Wayne & Troy @ JohnPaul’s over Halloween weekend

Jeff Mallon & Evan Andrews during the “Next Fall” cast party @ Jeff’s home

TJ & Ryan join HNO28 Friday dance party @ House of Blues

Lisa & Kajun’s Pub’s Joann in for Petronius opening night of “Next Fall” @ Shadowbox Theatre

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

City-Wide Action ~ Metairie, New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Devin Black, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon

papar azzi

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

f you’re reading this then you’ve made it! You’ve made it through yet another year of madness that we refer to as Halloween. This week is short and simple so here we go!

Recapping a Night Cap

he best way to have a good night is to plan to have a bad one. That is if you want to have an amazing night plan to have a “simple quiet night with a small group and maybe one or two drinks.” I always find that when I plan such a thing that the exact opposite happens. It never fails and I’m not so sure why I am always so naïve to this. So with that said, call up a few friends and invite them over. Once your favorite close two are friends arrive, surprise them with an idea to go to the restaurant of your choice that also has an amazing happy hour. It also helps if that establishment serves genuine French absinthe. So yeah, about that…cut to drunk texting more to join you at the restaurant and sipping on absinthe for a few hours until heading out to the nearest strip of bars. I mean by the time we left the restaurant two more tables had to be added to our party. A table for four grew to a table of ten. That green fairy was definitely at

our table. I’m not really sure how the entire night played out. I do remember sitting at a piano bar with a gaggle of gays and the pianist kept responding to us at the Glee Cast. I’m not sure if that is an offensive gay joke or a witty compliment. I will have to ponder that one for a while.

Bar Spill

onic is still in the lead when it comes to fun on a Tuesday. If you still have not checked out this creative endeavor then what have you been waiting for? Please do not forget that each Friday night the Krewe of Divas travel all the way from Baton Rouge just to entertain you. Thursday nights kick off the weekend at Jules when Blake Duhon hosts countryfree karaoke. Don’t forget Saturday night is the night for dancing at Jules. Never forget to follow Lafayette Gay Men, Lafayette Lesbians, Tonic, Jules, Ambush on Facebook and check out Ambush’s website at AmbushMag.COM. Keep the party going, Lafayette!

A m bu s h M a g Facebook.COM/AmbushMag

communities ...from 34 mirlitons with deep fried turkey and oyster dressing. Americans all over feast on this special day set aside. But, in New Orleans, almost every meal that invites friends and family is Thanksgiving. Perhaps it is our city, perhaps it is our uniqueness, but one thing that crosses boundaries in this city is food. From the 7th Ward to the Garden District we all know the axiom “first ya make a roux.” Is there anyone gay or straight, black or white, rich or poor that doesn’t enjoy an iron skillet made corn bread? Food can bring us together and provide common ground. It goes beyond our individual worlds and beyond our own horizon. Perhaps that is what Jesus understood, first “ya make a roux” then you gather them together; then the soul is open to the mystery of shared experience. This past week, a lady approached me and asked if I knew of a place where she could go on Christmas day. I thought it unusual in that she enjoys a good income and has a family. I misunderstood. She wants to go and help others enjoy a Christmas meal, maybe serve food or cook food for those that don’t enjoy a feast during these Holidays. What will you do? Is there a possibility to invite someone on the fringes of “your group” to join you for a meal? Is there a place where you might venture out and feed someone who needs food. For in feeding that person you feed the soul. For in enjoying a meal with a person on the fringes, you feed the soul. In dinning with another you feed the soul; no, not only the recipient of your gift of hospitality but you. We receive the grace that we offer when we offer hospitality and

break bread together. It is just this vehicle that gathered “sinners” to listen to a young rabbi living on the fringes. A web search for “food diplomacy” got 15,300,000 hits. When we first respond to a disaster we send food. One of the great myths of the 1950’s was that America was “the bread basket for the world.” It was a source of national pride. The theological name for table fellowship is “open commensality,” that is to sit at table without consideration of social bias and without expectation of reciprocation. That is what Jesus did and perhaps that is what we can consider doing at some point during these holidays. I am not suggesting that one scoop up a homeless person and have them to Thanksgiving dinner, although that would be profound, but perhaps inviting someone who may be alone; perhaps someone on the fringes of your own social group. Maybe by this time next year we will have room to have a meal at Dodwell House Community Center; maybe it will be a grand meal and maybe it will be that safe place where no matter who you are, you will feel welcomed and those redolent aromas will pour out; mirlitons, turkey, oyster dressing, gumbo, and yes, string bean casserole with just a hint of Toney’s. Then we will sit together and get to know each other with a full belly and with good graces pouring forth. Until then, break bread together and give thanks for all that we have and all that we are. To support Dodwell House Community Center contact fr.bill@stannanola.org or go to www.dodwellhouse.org to make a donation to the dream.

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ambush

papar azzi

Bliss performs in Zoo Revue @ Michael’s on the Park

Damon bartending @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Bartender Troy welcomes you to Rawhide

Frank & Peter join Golden Lantern’s Country night

Justin & Eric @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

David & Robert in Jock Strap competition during Mr. Louisiana Leather @ Oz

Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2011 Bubbles Champagne entertains @ Mr. LA Leather

Jon slingin’ cocktails @ 700 Club Bar Baron Mike & bartender Paul @ Michael’s on the Park

Ron, Jerry & Mike celebrate their b-days @ Lafitte’s on Amon-Ra’s monthly b-day bar crawl

Lords of Leather Capt. Gary Vandeventer & MC Darwin Singleton from Mobile @ Oz

Tubby’s Golden Lantern bar baron Rick & Corner Pocket bar baron Michael Wednesdays Cowboy bartender Andy welcomes you to Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Tutu Cox behind the bar @ Michael’s on the Park

Manager Lance & Terry CW dancing during the Lantern’s Wednesday Country night

Bartender DB & Phoenix bar baron Clint Taylor join Mr. Louisiana Leather contest @ Oz

Lord King & Consort Ben & Pat take home the "Real Touch" with the top bid @ Oz

Former Mr. Louisiana Leather’s Danny Alford, Troy Powell & Michael Albracht

Outgoing Mr. Louisiana Leather Troy Powell congratulates 24th Mr. Louisiana Leather David Butler

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

Crescent City Nightlife ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

Bourbon Pub Parade bartender Chris Morton & new office manager Chuck Kee

lafayette

papar azzi

Hunter is ready to check that prostate

Cuties @ Jules

John & Rick

Halloween ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins

It’s Britney, bitch!

Beaux’s dick in a box Sexy! Come sit next to me!

Dylan Joshua Brown

Tyler & Joey Collins

Jordan Meaux @ Rick Rowan’s annual party

Costume finalist

Sexy Freddy Cougar!

The infamous Jenn & Kim Ryan, Jeff & Jacque @ Rick’s party

Rick performing his annual Halloween dance

Gotta love Troy

What’s going on here?

Oh Macky Ray!

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40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 8-21, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM