Ambush magazine volume 29 issue 24 by Ambush Publishing

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

2nd Bourbon Street Classic Dec. 2-4

he 2nd annual Bourbon Street Classic Tournament is set for FridaySunday, Dec. 2nd-4th in New Orleans presented by NOLA Softball League and Good Friends Bar. You are invited to come watch the competition and meet more than 500 players from 34 teams over the weekend. Events include: > Friday, Dec. 2nd, Welcome Party @ The Country Club 11am til, Registration Party @ Host Bar Napoleon’s Itch 7pm till; > Saturday, Dec. 3rd, Games @ La Salle Park 8am-8pm, Art Against AIDS @ NOMA 8-10pm, Host Bar Good Friends 9pm till; and > Sunday, Dec. 4th, Games @ La Salle Park 8am8pm, Host Bar Good Friends 10pm (following Awards Banquet). Additionally, late night host bar is Oz all weekend long; and late, late night fun is always available at Rawhide. Host bars feature jock dancers, drink specials, door prizes/raffles, celebrity appearances and more. All games are played at La Salle Park, 6600 Airline Drive, in Metairie with free parking and admission, covered bleachers, and concessions and beer available. Visit BourbonStreetClassic.COM for additional information.

25th Annual Art Against AIDS Dec. 3 @ NOMA

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 year’s honorary co-chairs are John Bullard, Director Emeritus of New Orleans Museum of Art, and his colleague, Bill Fagaly, Curator of African American Art, and one of the founders of Art Against AIDS. 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 6-8pm on Wednesday, 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 to the event begin at $60 and can be purchased online at noaidstaskforce.org, by phone at 504.821.2601 ext. 216 or at the door the night of the event. The regions rich cultural community provides the perfect frame for Art Against AIDS. It was this community

Pre-Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/New Year's out Dec. 6 DEADLINE: Tues., Nov. 29

inside

commentary 10 under the gaydar 12 a community within communities 16 obituary/miss dixie 16 celebrazzi 18 snap paparazzi/new orleans 20 nola favorites 21 trodding the boards 24 spotlight/mark boline 26

snap paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/new orleans classifieds acadiana happens/mobile pics acadiana paparazzi/lafayette on the prowl pensacola paparazzi low & slow ambush paparazzi/new orleans

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

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that came together in 1987 in response to the early devastating effects of the AIDS epidemic in the New Orleans area to found this event. Today Art Against AIDS is one of the city’s premiere holiday galas, spotlighting the eclectic collection of the area’s visual arts community and their works, the culinary arts featuring some of New Orleans’ finest restaurants, and entertainment provided by the best of the city’s nightlife—all under one roof. To date, Art Against AIDS has raised nearly $2 million to support the men, women and families affected by HIV and AIDS that NO/AIDS Task Force serves. For over 28 years, NO/AIDS Task Force has been providing hope, care and compassion to thousands of men, women and families affected by HIV & AIDS in Southeast Louisiana. The Task Force acknowledges that the complications of HIV-disease are not just physical, but mental, emotional and social as well. That is why the agency offers a full spectrum of care at low to no cost, including services such as: an HIV medical clinic, food pantry, home delivered meals, housing, mental health, medications, and many others. NO/AIDS also remains committed to the health of the entire community and reaches over 20,000 each year through HIV prevention education efforts. For more information, please visit www.noaidstaskforce.org or call 504.821.2601.

Nicole DuBois to Reign as 19th King Cake Queen over Carnivale in Rio on Bourbon Street

he Co-Captains of the Krewe of Queenateenas have chosen national celebrity Nicole DuBois to reign as King Cake Queen XIX of Gay Mardi Gras in 2012. The queen is chosen from those revelers participating in the previous year’s Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss whom has exhibited the most enthusiasm and expertise in bead toss techniques. The 2012 theme is Carnivale in Rio where DuBois will become the Samba Queen. The new King Cake Queen will be introduced to Carnival Society at the by invitation only 19th King Cake Queen Coronation on Saturday, Feb. 4th at the Ambush mansion. The highlight of her reign will be the 25th annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss on Fat Tuesday, February 21st where the Samba Queen will lead some 50 revelers tossing thousands of beads to the throngs below. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, DuBois now resides in Gulfport, Mississippi, where she is a hair designer and makeup artist. A three time national title holder: Miss Gay Universe 2000, Miss Gay National 2001, and Miss Gay America 2006, DuBois travels extensively promoting the art form of female imper-

sonation, and has worked with some of the top entertainers across the country. DuBois is on the Board of Directors for Miss Gay America and was show director at Joeys on the Beach in Biloxi, Mississippi for 10 years, along with being show coordinator for Unique Bar & Lounge in Alexandria, Louisiana. She was also a cast member for LaCage Follies at the Palace Casino and Resort in Biloxi from 1996-2000, as well as in the illusions of Wynonna Patsy Cline, and Lorrie Morgan. She can now be seen Sundays at the Bourbon Pub Parade as a cast member/ host of Lipstixx. DuBois has been make up artist to past KCQ XVII and XVIII; along with [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 OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ 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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the "official" dish ...from 4 Queen Apollo Shreveport X, XI, XII, and XIII; Queen of Gemini Shreveport XVI, XVII, and XIX; Krewe of AmonRa QueensXXXVI, XXXVII, XLII, XLIII, and XLIV. In addition DuBois does makeup for Gulf Coast Carnival Association, Krewe of Billikins, and Krewe of RevKing Cake Queen XIXelers, all on the Mississippi Gulf Elect Nicole DuBois Coast. as Miss Gay America The new 2006 (Photo by Larry Graham) King Cake Queen is known for her love of makeup, fabulous costumes, and rhinestones, but it is her quick wit on the microphone that really sets her apart. “Dream, reach, believe, and with hard work and dedication to this art form known as female impersonation, it can and will happen for you as well. This is our moment, and with each and everyone working toward the same goal, we can all make a difference." For more on the Krewe of Queenateenas, visit GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ.

State Farm Bayou Classic XXXVIII Nov. 24-27 in New Orleans

tate Farm Bayou Classic XXXVIII is pleased to announce its “Official Schedule of Events” for the weekend of November 24 - 27. This annual extravaganza features one of America’s greatest college sports rivalries, bringing the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans each November for a celebration of football, family and the traditions and pageantry surrounding historically Black Colleges and Universities. This year’s Bayou Classic features several new events, including a Thanksgiving Day Parade, My Bayou Classic House Party, Inspirational Brunch, My Bayou Classic Golf Tournament, HBCU Institute, My Bayou Classic Empowerment Exchange: Career Fair, College Fair, Health Fair, and Technology Village. While new and exciting events have been added to the line-up, Friday’s Battle of the Bands and Saturday’s football classic between Grambling and Southern remain the signature events of the Bayou Classic.

Card” program, FedEx will give away for free 30,000 ShopSmall American Express gift cards, each worth $25, to consumers through a Facebook promotion leading up to Small Business Saturday on November 26. Ten thousand additional cards will be distributed directly to FedEx customers. The contribution means more money in the cash registers of locally-owned independent businesses. “A vibrant small business community is critical to the health of the US economy and the cornerstone of the thousands of cities and towns FedEx serves every day,” said T. Michael Glenn, executive vice president of Market Development at FedEx. “Through this commitment, FedEx is able to help raise awareness for Small Business Saturday as well as put money directly into the pockets of consumers while reminding them to support their local businesses during the holidays.” In addition to the gift card giveaway, FedEx Office is serving as the official print sponsor of Small Business Saturday, helping independent retailers and other small businesses grab attention on Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season. Small business owners can visit www.facebook.com/ shopsmall to access Small Business Saturday posters that can be printed via the FedEx Office Print Online application at a special 20 percent discount. The offer can be utilized on all

online print orders through November 26, giving small business owners even more savings as they prepare for the busy holiday season. According to the August 2011 American Express OPEN Small Business Saturday Consumer Pulse, the need for the initiative remains vital — 46 percent of Americans say the strength of the small business economy is “worse” than five years ago. “Nine in 10 Americans believe small business success is critical to the health of the U.S. economy, and Small Business Saturday translates this sentiment into dollars and cents for independent retailers,” said Maryann Fitzmaurice, senior vice-president of American Express OPEN. “The FedEx commitment to this year’s Small Business Saturday adds an important voice [continued on 8]

FedEx Pumps $1M into Small Business Economy for 2nd Annual Small Business Saturday

edEx Corp. is injecting $1 million into the small business economy of the United States with its support of Small Business Saturday 2011. The commitment will send tens of thousands of additional consumers into Main Street merchants on November 26, helping to drive holiday sales for local businesses at a time when customer demand remains among their biggest challenges. As the premier sponsor in the “Shop Small Gift

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the "official" dish ...from 6 for consumers to support the Main Street merchants they love and couldn’t live without.” This year, FedEx will be encouraging consumers to demonstrate their support for small business by using the Shop Small gift cards on Small Business Saturday. Shoppers will be able to obtain their free $25 gift cards from the FedEx Facebook brand page. For a limited time, shoppers can register and share the offer with friends with a few simple clicks. By providing a mailing address, the cards will be shipped to the first qualifying 30,000 consumers in time for them to get out and shop on November 26, Small Business Saturday. Only one Shop Small Gift Card will be sent to each Facebook ID that registers. There are no consumer fees of any kind associated with the Shop Small Gift Card. For additional information on the FedEx gift card give-away, visit www.facebook.com/FedEx. For more on Small Business Saturday events, visit www.facebook.com/shopsmall. November 26th marks the second annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday (SBS) was created in 2010 by American Express in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: creating more demand for their products and services. A total of 1.5 million Facebook users, 130 public and private organizations, and 41 elected officials declared their support for SBS last year. More than 100,000 small businesses downloaded SBS marketing materials, 10,000 businesses signed up for free Facebook advertising that ran on SBS, and 200,000 consumers registered their American Express cards to receive $25 statement credits when they shopped at a small business on SBS. Small retailers who accept the American Express Card saw a 28% increase in sales on SBS when compared to the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2009. FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $40

billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 290,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.

Ambush Supports Small Business Sat., Nov. 26

oin the campaign to support small businesses by shopping on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26th. It only takes one buy to make this campaign a success. Consider the GLBT businesses and GLBT friendly businesses including: BLISS McCALL STUDIO, by appointment, 631 Elysian Fields Ave., 391.9131; DIETY ARTS OF THE EXTREME ORIENT, 830 N. Rampart; TANNER ORIGINAL ART, 830 Royal St., 524.8266; SUZETTE'S, 4636 W. Esplanade, Metairie; Q T PIE, 241 Dauphine St.; BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St.; KRAZY KATZ ON BOURBON, 909 Bourbon; LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St.; PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St.; RAZZLE DAZZLE, 524 Royal St.; and RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St.

Lords of Leather's One Hot Mess Nov. 26

he Lords of Leather present One Hot Mess - An Irreverent Tribute to Our Favorite Broke Down Divas on Saturday, Nov. 26th at JohnPaul’s, 940 Elysian Fields. Special guest stars Miss Gay Louisiana America Maybelline Maskara and King Cake Queen XVI Tami Tarmac

will be on hand to assist the Lords in celebration of divas gone wrong. The show begins at 9pm and includes a live auction for erotica and tables of 10 for the Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXIX. A $10 donation for admission is requested. For more information, contact any Lords of Leather member or visit LordsOfLeather.COM.

NOSIDA to Host the 3rd Annual HIV Awareness Music Project (HAMP)

he New Orleans Society for Infectious Disease Awareness, Inc. (NOSIDA), a local New Orleans non-profit organization, has announced their lineup for the Third Annual HIV Awareness Music Project (HAMP). This year, NOSIDA hosts an exciting evening of diverse and local music dedicated to increasing HIV awareness in New Orleans. The event, planned for Dec. 2nd at One Eyed Jacks, will feature a host of remarkable local artists who support our mission through their music. NOSIDA is proud to welcome to the stage: Quintron and Miss Pussycat, Vockah Redu, and Meschiya Lake and her Lil’ Big Horns. As with previous years, HAMP 2011 will feature free on-site rapid HIV testing, a prize raffle for charity, and [continued on 10]

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the "official" dish ...from 8 HIV awareness and prevention booths courtesy of the many local HIV service providers that share our commitment and vision. HAMP is a musical event that is dedicated to raising awareness of HIV in New Orleans and Southern Louisiana. “We think that music is an effective mechanism to reach out to young people to promote HIV awareness,” states local HIV physician and Executive Director of NOSIDA, MarkAlain Déry. Dr. Déry, an assistant professor of clinical medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine, also comments, “Southern Louisiana, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, is constantly in the top ten cities in the United States for new cases of HIV and AIDS. There are many reasons why Southern Louisiana has been hit so hard with the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Race, poverty and poor education are some of the main drivers for the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Southern Louisiana.” The signature event that differentiates HAMP from other awareness events is the use of artists and other prominent members of the media to perform “mock” HIV testing live, on stage, to demonstrate to the audience how convenient and easy it is to be tested for HIV. Dr. Déry continues, “we use celebrities and media to promote HIV testing. The process for getting tested is simple; it requires that a swab be rubbed on your gums for an instant, and the results are back in a matter of minutes. Live demonstrations by media figures will hopefully inspire others to follow suit and be tested.” The revenue generated from HAMP will be used to create a Louisiana personalized license plate promoting HIV awareness. A new license plate in Louisiana requires a legislative bill and a payment of $3,500 (refundable after a 1,000 plates are sold). NOSIDA, in concert with Louisiana AIDS Advocacy Network are working on securing legislative action. For the first time this year, Dr. Déry along with other NOSIDA board members will participate in a 7-day food fast to protest the Louisiana policies that promote an “abstinence-only” curriculum in public school. Despite multiple scientific studies that have shown the inadequacies and abject failure of these policies, the State of Louisiana continues to embrace and promote a curriculum policy, the practical effect of which is to keep Louisiana one of the country’s hot spots for HIV. The 7-day food fast will start one week before HAMP and all those that will be fasting will be keeping daily blogs highlighting the vast shortcomings of the current policies. The blog postings can be found at www.nosida.org. NOSIDA is committed to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS in Southern Louisiana, through every possible medium. In the last two years, NOSIDA has sponsored three major music events where the artist performed mock HIV testing and free HIV testing was available on site.

commentary After 30 Years of AIDS, People Under 30 Face Greatest Risk by Dr. Sam Ho, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare

eople who weren’t yet born when AIDS first emerged are today most at risk for becoming HIV positive – an alarming development that underscores how essential awareness is, especially as we approach World AIDS Day, Dec. 1. From 2006 to 2009, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the HIV incidence rate for Americans between 13 and 29 years old increased by about 21 percent. In fact, most of the new HIV infections reported in this country involve people under 30. Americans under 30 have never known a world without AIDS. At the same time, they’ve never really known a time when effective treatment for HIV and AIDS wasn’t available. This hasn’t always been the case. As this disease turns 30, we need to ensure people – especially younger people – remain aware of AIDS and how to prevent it. AIDS awareness is one of the biggest challenges we face when trying to prevent it. After 30 years of addressing what was once considered one of America’s most pressing health problems, AIDS is no longer front-page news. On this World AIDS Day, let’s not forget that about 56,000 Americans become infected with HIV each year,

--Dr. Sam Ho, M.D. according to the CDC, and that more than 14,000 Americans with AIDS die each year. Thanks to more effective and more available treatments, more Americans who have HIV and AIDS are able to live. The CDC estimates this number at more than 1 million nationwide.

Regularly testing people most at risk for HIV – and then providing antiretroviral drugs for HIV/AIDS patients – dramatically reduces the number of new infections. Preventing HIV is not complicated. If you’re sexually active, get tested. Don’t use IV drugs or share needles. Abstain or practice safer sex. With preventive care, patients and their health care providers can fight and manage this disease and slow its spread. But we can’t allow today’s more effective treatments to make us complacent or ambivalent, or to lessen our resolve to find a cure. To learn more or to find a place near you to get tested, visit www.actagainstaids.org.

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

Book of the Month

have finally had a chance to read the critically acclaimed novel by Kathryn Stockett, The Help. Finding that movies never do the stories they are taken from justice, I shied away from seeing the film until first reading the novel. And, I am glad I did, this book was an amazing piece of literature. Every once in a while you come across those books where reading them is a complete joy. That can definitely describe my experience with The Help. Not only were the three main characters so vivid, but the secondary ones were well fleshed out. Stockett did a remarkable job in telling an engrossing story of a time in the not so recent past where prejudice and fear was a way of life. The story revolves around three characters’ points of view. Aibileen Clark has been a black maid her entire life in Jackson, Mississippi and is in the process of raising her seventeenth white child. But after the loss of her only son, her world has become a very lonely and bitter place. Her best friend Minny Jackson is a maid also, but highly outspoken, never keeps a job for very long and recently has gone to work for a Jackson newcomer with many secrets of her own. Then there is Skeeter Phelan, a white socialite, who comes back to her home town from college armed with a degree and ambitious career plans. Together these very different women come together on a project about what it is like to work as a black maid in white homes. The tension increases as they meet in secret to write this tell all book that will alter their lives as well as the entire town forever. From start to finish, this book is a riveting description of life during that time period. Nothing is ever (no pun and intended) black and white here. The Help looks at these three ladies’ lives in often funny, poignant, and at times heartbreaking ways as they deal with racism, domestic abuse, social awkwardness and the harsh realities of the world. Stockett pulls the reader into the storyline so well, that I found myself going through many emotions from crying to laughing out loud. Congratulations on this debut work by a very gifted writer. This book should be placed on every person’s must read list, you will not regret it. For more

Ad Deadline Nov. 29th

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information on this book and more about the author, go to www.kathrynstockett.com.

Art Against AIDS Turns 25

5 Years of Art, 25 Years of Hope is the theme of this year’s Art Against AIDS. The NO/AIDS Task Force’s noteworthy fundraiser marks its 25th anniversary of the holiday gala and auction this year. This special evening will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8pm to midnight at the New Orleans Museum of Art. This year’s honorary chairs are John Bullard and Bill Fagaly. The John Burton Harter Charitable Trust presents this premiere event which has been known as the one of the best ways to kick off the holiday season. In addition to having one of the best silent auctions at a fundraising event, Art Against Aids will also have a live auction and featured this year will be paper prayers constructed by notable artists. Paper prayers have been done by many cities worldwide in conjunction with World AIDS Day. It is an excellent way for local artists to create works to help enhance the benefit. Guests at the party will see a new revamped retail area with more children’s ornaments and great new holiday gifts. There is also live entertainment, cuisine from over a dozen local restaurants and a lounge sponsored by Harrah’s Casino complete with a DJ. There several ticketing options starting at $40 with the patron levels beginning at $200. The Patron Party will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 8pm at the Arthur Roger Gallery located at 432 Julia Street. For more information on tickets, call 504.821.2601 or go to www.noaidstaskforce.org. Call and get your tickets now, this is definitely one event you do not want to miss.

Designers & Artists United for Honduras Fundraiser

ne of my favorite and totally unique fashion show fundraisers is just around the corner. Carolina Gallop’s 10th Annual Fashion Show Extravaganza is taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 30th, from 6-9:30pm at the Blue Nile in the Faubourg Marigny. All proceeds go to send clothing to Honduras. This year they are asking the public to bring canned goods, toiletries and coats for

the New Orleans Mission as they are in dire need. Designers showcasing their fashions this year include Carolina Gallop, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Marge Lea, Esther Rose, Michelle Beaty, and Casey Coren. The line-up of musical talent this year includes Claudia Baumgarten, Singer/Songwriter Lela Cloud, The Frenchman Band, Ruby Moon w/Bart Ramsey, Comedian Tammy Montana, Female Impersonator Princesse Stephaney and many more. There will be complimentary beverage sampling and food from 6:30 to 7:30. Doors will open at 6. Blue Nile is located at 523 Frenchmen Street (504.948.BLUE).

My Name Is Bond!

ou will now find out one of my guilty pleasures; I am a huge James Bond fan. I loved all the movies even the over the top cheesy ones. And Daniel Craig as the new blond Bond is super hot! Remember the scene when he comes out of the water in that tight black bathing suit showing all his, umm assets or the scene where he was naked, tied to a chair being flogged. I mean really, if they never had a gay audience before they scored one now. Uber masculine secret agent, hard boiled bad guys, stimulating scenes and erotic undertones make for every gay man’s fantasy action movie. Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli recently held a press conference and presented the cast of the 23rd James Bond adventure, entitled SKYFALL. The film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s Eon Productions, MetroGoldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as James Bond 007. The screenplay is written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan. SKYFALL, which went into production this month, will begin its worldwide rollout in the UK and Ireland on October 2012 and in North America in November 2012. Joining the producers and Director Sam Mendes were members of the cast of SKYFALL, including: Daniel Craig (looking very dapper), Javier Bardem (swoon), Dame Judi Dench (love her), Naomie Harris and Bérénice Marlohe (the newest Bond babes). The filmmakers also announced Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Whishaw will also star. In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. The Director of Photography is Roger Deakins, a nine-time Oscar® nominee who previously shot the films Jarhead and Revolutionary Road for Mendes. The Production Designer is Oscar® winner Dennis Gassner, who previ-

ously designed Quantum of Solace and collaborated with Mendes on the films Road to Perdition and Jarhead. The Editor is Stuart Baird, A.C.E., whose many credits include Casino Royale. Jany Temime, whose many credits include the Harry Potter series, In Bruges, and Children of Men, is the Costume Designer. Action specialist Alexander Witt is the 2nd Unit Director. Gary Powell is Stunt Co-ordinator, Chris Corbould is SFX Supervisor and Steve Begg is Visual Effects Supervisor, all of whom have worked on previous Bond films. So now my only question now is how to score tickets to the premiere in London. You never know Antoinette Ella Chardonnay could be your next Bond girl. Well, I would hate to see the series come to a screeching halt, so I will settle watching him in the theatre at Canal Place.

A Trailer Park Christmas

aul out the holly, the ham hocks, and the hairspray, y’all: after a two-year hiatus, Running With Scissors is moseying back to the Everlasting Arms Motor Park for another heaping helping of holiday hijinks in Grenadine McGunkle’s Double-Wide Christmas! And the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon has the opening night premiere at One Eyed Jack’s on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7pm. It is seven o’clock on Christmas Eve, and the unofficial queen of the trailer park, Grenadine McGunkle (Dorian Rush), is running around like a chicken with her head cut off! Company’s due to arrive in less than an hour for Grenadine’s interfaith potluck barbecue, and our poor little ol’ gal hasn’t even started the green bean casserole yet! Will Grenadine’s neighbors, Madge and Helen (Elizabeth Pearce and Jack Long), lend our heroine a hand? Did Grenadine’s cousins/step-sisters Crystal and China (Lisa Picone and Ashley Ricord) really get run out of Branson, Missouri? Why has Mrs. Finkelstein (Brian Peterson) been spending so much time at Hooters? Has Punkin (Brad Caldwell) finally found true love? And where is Mailman Johnny’s (Bob Edes Jr.) ex-wife shacking up? Find out this as Running With Scissors makes a mad dash for musical merriment at One Eyed Jacks! One Eyed Jacks is located at 615 Toulouse Street, in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. All tickets are $20. For tickets or more information on Satyricon’s opening event, call 504.525.4498.

Who Likes Gumbo!

umbo is one of the popular staple dishes in the Crescent City with everyone and their mama having their own [continued on 14]

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under the gaydar ...from 12 special recipe. Do you think your gumbo is the best in the city, now is the time to put your money where your mouth is so to speak? The Krewe of Amon-Ra is hosting their first annual gumbo cookoff on Sunday, Dec. 11 from noon to 3pm at Tubby’s Golden Lantern. Enjoy samples of delicious gumbo and watch the New Orleans Saints vs. the Tennessee Titans football game on the big screen. It is $25 for those who enter their gumbo and you could win a $100 cash prize. It is $10 for those who just want to taste and dine. Whether you enter your gumbo or just taste the varieties, you are sure to pass a good time. Tubby’s Golden Lantern is located at 1239 Royal Street.

If The Shoe Fits

raftin’ and Cocktails is back this December for another fun filled afternoon of drinking and making fun works of art. We have done gingerbread men, birdhouses and now we are decorating shoes. If you thought that the Krewe of Muses had fabulous shoes, you can now make your very own creation. On Sunday, Dec. 4 from noon to five at JohnPaul’s, Countess C. Alice will once again host this entertaining day. There will be a silent auction, raffle and generous libations. So come express your inner artist and make some fancy shoes, while enjoying the Saints game. And immediately after the game, there will be show with some of the best entertainers in the city. JohnPaul’s is located at 940 Elysian Fields.

Everyone Loves a Holiday Bear

he Krewe of Armenius presents the New Orleans Teddy Bear House. 10,000 bears, three floors and a weekend of holiday spirit are in store for all guests. This Christmas open house tour will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4 from 11am to 7pm. Adult admission is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children are $5 in advance and $6 at the door. But on Friday, Dec. 2, the krewe is hosting a preview party with two levels of patron tickets. A gold patron is $100 and includes an hour champagne party from 7-8pm, cocktails and food from 811pm, hors d’oeuvres and a gift basket. A silver patron tickets for $25 includes cocktails and food from 811pm. And if you want an adult night, on Friday, Dec. 9 from 7-10pm, the krewe is hosting Bears Night Out with the Bears. The cost is $25 and includes cocktails and a heated pool. The Teddy Bear House is located uptown at 1525 Duffosat Street. For tickets or more

information, go to www.kreweofarmenius.org or call 504.621.4598.

Interview: James Bould

am gonna wash that man right outta my hair. God, I love that song and it is such a wonderful gay anthem song. That tune and many more of your favorites can be enjoyed as the timeless classic South Pacific comes to the Mahalia Jackson Theatre Nov. 29 through Dec. 4. This breathtaking new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific is based on the 2008 Tony Award® winning Lincoln Center Theater production, directed by Bartlett Sher. Based on James Michener’s Pulitzer Prize winning book Tales of the South Pacific, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and a book by Oscar Hammerstein II and Joshua Logan. Set on a tropical island during World War II, the musical tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples — US Navy nurse Nellie Forbush and French plantation owner Emile de Becque and Navy Airman Joe Cable and a young local native girl Liat — and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices. Considered by many the finest musical ever written, the score’s songs include such classics as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair,” “Younger Than Springtime,” “Bali Ha’i,” “There is Nothin’ Like A Dame,” “This Nearly Was Mine” and “A Wonderful Guy.” Recently I got the chance to speak with James Bould who plays Commander William Harbison. TL: Is this your first national tour? JB: No actually I toured with the Wedding Singer for two years before South Pacific. TL: How long have you been with the tour? JB: This is my third year with the tour, but for the first two years I was behind the scenes as Assistant Company Manager, then last year I tried out and got the part. TL: How was this transition from being behind the scenes to moving on stage? JB: It was quite a change, but being part of the tour on the ground level, it helped that I have seen every aspect of the show. It was something I was used to so I found that assisted tremendously. TL: What is it about this show that you like and do you have a favorite scene? JB: This is a weightier show than many people think. I love the book part of the play over the musical. My character never actually sings. What intrigued me was how much of this show

James Bould still applies today and what was talked about in the forties. That was very interesting to me. One of my favorite scenes in the show has to be when I watch the “Nothing Like A Dame” number from the wings as I get ready to go on next. It is pure energy. TL: Have you ever been to New Orleans and what are you looking forward to doing here? JB: I came once in high school many years ago on vacation, so I was very excited about coming back. I am glad we are staying a week so the cast and crew will have some time to see the city. I am looking forward to going out late in your city. Most of the cities we play in, the bars close shortly after we finish our show, so we do not really get a chance to go out. But that is not the case in New Orleans, so I am looking to stay out late. TL: Why should people come see this show? JB: Because it is not just the theme of the show and the music, but the story that comes out of it. The show is three hours long and I believe audiences will go through a learning process with the characters. Even the music becomes a character of the show in its own right. You will have separate ideas being thrown at you that make you think, some bubble up within you without you even noticing. The show is an experience, a journey. It is definitely worth seeing. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 7:30pm. Matinees are Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. For more information on tickets, visit BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, MahaliaJacksonTheater.com or the Mahalia Jackson Box Office. Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster locations or via phone at 800.982.2787 (ARTS). Group discounts for 15 or more are available by calling 504.287.0372.

Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom

t is that time of the year when people’s worlds fly at a frenzied pace. Your life becomes engulfed in the holidays and there never seems enough hours in the day to get everything done. But this Thanksgiving, my only bit of advice is to slow down and give thanks to the so many things that you should be grateful for. Everyone has that list of friends, family, employees, caregivers, bosses and probably an array of others who aid you in some way. Take the time out to thank the people in your life that matter to you. Become connected to those who mean the most to you. And no, not on Facebook, where saying thank you is like blowing your nose. I just shake my head when someone posts these profound things on Facebook or professes their love for someone right after they post a picture of the meal they had for dinner. Really people, that displays a complete lack of sincerity. Here is an idea, someone does something nice for you or brings you happiness, call them, send them a card, spend some quality time with them; go out of your way to show them your appreciation. It will speak volumes for you as a person and go a long way on your karma scale. Being involved in your life, your community and your family will bring you immense rewards. A little selflessness goes a long way these days. So this Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on not only what will make you happy, but also the people you care about most. Sometimes I find the quickest path to your joy is seeing the ones you love achieve theirs. Happy Thanksgiving! 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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a community within communities

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

A Bridge Over Troubled Waters

“

Act locally think globally” is a catch phrase that tries to capture a sentiment seeks to understand the connections throughout the world that make us the human family. St. Anna’s has recently received a grant with a daunting task at hand. The task seems simple enough but the execution may be difficult indeed. Within our local and national conversation on the role of GLBT community several African American churches, among many other groups and denominations seem to speak out against full inclusion. The fact is that main-line churches in general seem to do so and even more so independent ‘evangelical’ fundamental churches. GLBT community in New Orleans, on the other hand, is far from homogenous and like so many things in our city there seems to be a lack of strong solidarity beyond our very keen ability to have a good time. We do know how to party! So here is the thing… the civil rights movement in the mid part of the last century was all about the inclusion of minorities, particularly Blacks, in the life of the community that we know as the U.S.A. Sometime later that same challenge has presented itself to GLBT community. Where is the solidarity? Harvey Milk, the Stonewall Riots, Gay Pride in NYC and San Francisco, glimmers of hope all. Where is the common ground of inclusion and to what degree are we willing to

obituary Yvonne ‘Miss Dixie’ Fasnacht, Bar Proprietor, Dies at Age 101 The Times-Picayune's John Pope did an excellent piece on the passing of the GLBT communities beloved Miss Dixie. Read it in its entirety below. vonne “Miss Dixie” Fasnacht, the fun-loving, no-nonsense proprietor of two New Orleans bars where gay men and lesbians could socialize comfortably long before anyone thought of coming out of the closet, died Sunday at her Metairie home. She was 101. Dixie’s Bar of Music, which was in the Central Business District for a decade before Ms. Fasnacht moved it to Bourbon Street in 1949, became a landmark that attracted such luminaries as the ballerina Margot Fonteyn, the actors Helen Hayes and Danny Kaye, newsman Walter Cronkite and U.S. Rep. F. Edward Hébert. “Dixie’s was the kind of place where Uptown and downtown, straight and gay, celebrities and regular folks rubbed shoulders,” a customer said in a 1996 TimesPicayune interview that included this observation from another former regular: “Everybody who was anybody ended up at Dixie’s.” Despite that lofty reputation, “it was a gay bar,” said Frank Gagnard, a former Times-Picayune critic, who was a customer. “It was more a social center than it was a pickup bar,” he said. “It was where gay people went to meet friends. Miss Dixie didn’t allow any hanky-panky at all.” Although Ms. Fasnacht was a lesbian, “she didn’t intend to have a gay bar,” said Peter Patout, a former neighbor and longtime friend. “It was a bar, and gays were there. It was known as a gay bar. She didn’t advertise it.” Ms. Fasnacht, a devout Catholic who unplugged the jukebox on Good Friday, ran the bar with her sister, Irma, who was stationed at the cash register, a massive, chrome-plated machine that regulars called “the mighty Wurlitzer.” In 2003, Pat Skelly celebrated with The bar got its name because Ms. the late Miss Dixie Fasnacht, Fasnacht, a lifelong New Orleanian, along with the late John-John was a musician who played the saxoParry, the late Sylvia Frank and phone and clarinet and pounded the Bobby Ramone for Miss Dixie’s tambourine. 93rd Birthday Bash at the Friendly In her youth, she joined a local Bar in New Orleans. Old friends group called the Harmony Maids. When and new ones paid tribute to the the Smart Set, an all-girl band, came to French Quarter legend. town and the saxophone player left,

step up and be counted? The task before St. Anna’s and indeed two communities that seem disconnected is to call to common conversation local African American religious community and local GLBT community. Sounds easy enough but it isn’t. Will either community engage the other? Will either community risk being hurt or scandalized? Will either community be willing to expose its own privately held sense of distrust and fear? So, do we simply walk away and say “it is what it is?” Is that good enough? If that is the measure of who we are locally, to simply say, “it is what it is” and to walk away then what egos we presume when we are disappointed or even disaffected when civil rights are violated or even deprived. Even greater is the spiritual darkness that descends on a people who do not or cannot love at least offer dignity and respect to the other. Yes, I know it is complicated. I know that social moiré’s and social expectations are nuanced and difficult. I know that it is more likely that Black gay men hang out in black gay bars. I know that it is more likely that pastors use GLBT community as examples of some perceived threat to “families and homes.” I know about ‘down low’ and other avoidance language. Yes, we know that and we know that fundamentally we move ever towards disconnection instead of connection and we tolerate it. We tolerate it in bars,

pubs, churches, masques, holy and profane places we tolerate it in government. “It is what it is.” After the first of the year during the quiet time of Lent we intend to invite you; yes, black and white, gay and straight to a conference intended to build a bridge of at least civil respect and if more, then solidarity. To begin the conversation is indeed an attempt to connect instead of disconnect; to honestly become a ‘Community within communities’ and to give up some independence and self wanting in order to stand together as one people created by God for the glory of God. Again, I point to our own Baptismal promise in the Episcopal Church and ask it of the entire community back and white, brown and yellow, gay and straight: “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?” and “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?” Will you? Really? If so, it requires action not quiet assent. More on the “Act Locally Think Globally” Conference after Christmas. Until then pray for all victims of HIV/AIDS and be careful out there. To support Dodwell House Community Center contact fr.bill@stannanola.org or go to www.dodwellhouse.org to make a donation to the dream.

Ms. Fasnacht filled in. The band later called her to join the musicians in Pittsburgh, where, Ms. Fasnacht said in a 1996 interview, she saw snow for the first time. Because that bowled her over, one of the musicians said, “We’re not calling you Yvonne anymore. We’re calling you Dixie,” Ms. Fasnacht said in the interview. “Anyhoo, I’ve been Dixie ever since.” That group disbanded and reorganized as the Southland Rhythm Girls, but it fell apart in the late 1930s, so Ms. Fasnacht returned home to New Orleans. In 1939, she and her sister opened the first Dixie’s Bar of Music at 204 St. Charles Ave., across from the St. Charles Hotel. Ms. Fasnacht, who had gone to school with the singing Boswell Sisters, occasionally performed. During the bar’s last years at that site, “we started to get the gay crowd,” she said in the interview, “and once you’re established, that’s it, They’re loyal. You can always bet on that.” She repaid that loyalty. In less tolerant times, “when there were raids, she would take the money out of her cash register and bail everybody out,” Patout said. In 1949, the Fasnachts decamped to 701 Bourbon St., where the bar operated until Ms. Fasnacht sold it in 1964. “I was getting older, and so were

the customers,’ she said in explaining her decision to quit. “Miss Irma and I lived over the bar, and it was hard for her to climb those stairs.” A fixture in both bars was a 35-foot mural of 66 celebrities, with their autographs, that Ms. Fasnacht donated to the Louisiana State Museum. Irma Fasnacht died in 1993. Survivors include nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Wednesday at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Burial was in Metairie Cemetery.

AMBUSH

MAG.COM 828

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Celebrating Michael & Doug’s 10th Anniversary bash Frankie with Dad & Mom Frank & Janet Wingerter celebrating partner Dusty Debris’ 21st b-day with Dusty’s Mom Anita Satterfield @ Oz's Legally Blond dance party

Team 3: Tony, Ronnie, David & Jeff win Amon-Ra Scavenger Hunt @ Lafitte’s

Deity proprietor Greg (c) with Fringe Fest cast @ Deity Art Gallery

Fringe Fest joins the cast of Les Femelles Fatale @ Michael’s on the Park

Barry Bareass Booty Contest 1st & 2nd Place winners Josh & Matt @ The Corner Pocket

Dusty Debris celebrates her 21st b-day with partner Frankie Fierce @ Oz’s Legally Blonde blowout

Country Club’s new team Chef de Cuisine Nathan Hilderbrand, GM Bert McComas, Director of Marketing Kristen Bradley, Chef Maryjane Rosas & Bar Manager Drew Kingswell (front)

Amon-Ra Scavenger Hunt director Deja Deja-Vue’ joins King Cake Queen XIX-Elect Nicole DuBois @ Lafitte’s

King & Queen Satyricon IX Kent & Brian join Brett for Satyricon’s Barn Dance @ Olde Town Jazz Hall

DJ Tim Pflueger, Persana Shoulders, Dusty Debris & the Club Kids @ Oz Hell Dance Party

Michael Ducote & Doug Minich host 10 year Anniversary celebration @ their Bywater Estate

Danny, Wayne & Troy @ Michael & Doug’s 10th Anniversary party

Queen Satyricon IX Brian Peterson cuts his cake @ his birthday party celebration

Kent, Tony & Brick @ Brian’s birthday party celebration

Celebrating Michael & Doug’s 10th Anniversary in the Bywater

TP’s Steven Forster joins Brian’s birthday party celebration

Princess Stephaney & Josh aka Coca celebrate Michael & Doug’s 10th Anniversary

Dorian Rush @ Brian’s birthday party celebration

Dale, Kevin & Michael celebrate he & Doug’s 10th Anniversary

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Celebrations Paparazzi ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon

celebr azzi

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Amon-Ra Scavenger Hunt Team 1: The DC Boys win 3rd place

snap

Steven Rizzo with DJ Viper Tongue from WTUL @ Satyricon’s Barn Dance

Joann, Jeff & Michael @ Kajun’s Pub for Saints Sunday

paparazzi

Opal Vanderhurst in Les Femelles Fatale @ Michael's

Brandon slings cocktails in The Balcony Bar for Amon-Ra's Scavenger Hunt

Amon-Ra Scavenger Hunt Team 4Kajun’s Pub gang takes 2nd place

Ted & David @ Satyricon’s Barn Dance

Bartender Barry welcomes you to Saints Sunday @ Kajun’s Pub

Dusty Debris does GaGa @ Oz Hell Dance Party DJ @ Kajun’s Pub Saints Sunday blowout

Bar Baron Mike Cookmeyer ready for the Saints game @ Michael’s

Amon-Ra Scavenger Hunt Team 2: Paul, Tami, Maybelline & Michael Having fun @ Satyricon’s Barn Dance @ Olde Town Jazz Hall

Hot bois @ Oz Hell Dance Party Tattooed hottie @ Kajun’s Pub for Saints Sunday

Amon-Ra Scavenger Hunt Team 5: Andre & Ricky

Country Dance instructor Gary & friend @ Satyricon’s Barn Dance

Dusty Debris & Persana Shoulders star @ Oz Hell Dance Party

Krewe of Petronius comes for Zsa Zsa’s new country show @ JohnPaul’s

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Shows, Krewes, Dance Parties ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Tony Leggio & Paul Melancon

Les Femelles Fatale’s Princesse Stephaney joined by Monalot Fontaine @ Michael’s on the Park

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trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

New in New York

recent visit to New York allowed me to catch some of the city’s newer cultural offerings. Two of them are “must see”; a third, well… If you’re the type who likes to go to the theater and just sit back and watch, then don’t get tickets for Sleep No More. For everyone else, however, do not miss this production from Punchdrunk, an ensemble from Britain that specializes in immersive theatrical presentations in which audience members can choose where to go and what to watch. For Sleep No More, the Punchdrunk-ers have taken over three abandoned warehouses on West 27th Street and turned them into the McKittrick Hotel; imagine a combination of the Bates Motel and the hotel from The Shining with a little bit of Norma Desmond’s Sunset Boulevard mansion thrown in and you’ll have some idea of what it’s like. When you arrive you’re taken in to what looks like a 1920’sspeakeasy. After you have a chance to get a drink, you and some other audience members are escorted into an elevator; don’t be surprised if you are split up from the folks you came with. You may be the only one dropped off on a floor or you may be deposited with a group. And then the fun begins. You are allowed, even encouraged, to explore every nook and cranny of Felix Barrett/Livi Vaughn/Beatrice Minns’ multi-story set. Open an envelope and you may discover a lover’s letter. Pull out a cabinet drawer and you may find an ostrich egg there. See if you can find the Preservation Hall Jazz Band photo. Wherever you go—a boudoir, a taxidermist’s shop, a graveyard—you will be rewarded with an overabundance of detail from the designers’ far-reaching and wide-ranging imaginations. (Don’t be shy, by the way. Each member of the audience is given a stylized commedia dell’arte mask to wear throughout the show to preserve one’s anonymity; apparently quite a few celebrities have been known to mingle undetected with the hoi polloi this way.) You’ll soon notice some unmasked people among you in vaguely 1930’s garb. These are the actor/dancers who will play out their version of Macbeth along with another tale seemingly inspired by Rebecca and other Hitchcock movies. You can follow whichever per-

former you like and can switch whom you’re following at any time. It helps to be familiar with the Scottish play but that’s not essential. As you go along, you’ll find yourself going up and down stairs, sometimes racing to keep up with the character you’re trying to follow. This is not a bad thing; rather, it adds an extra sense of excitement to the proceedings as does one’s luck when in the right place at the right time—at one point as I entered a stairwell, a bloody Banquo, or rather his ghost, came hurtling down the stairs en route to confront Macbeth at the banquet . At first I followed the Hitchcockian tale but found it a bit opaque and soon switched to Shakespeare’s bloody tragedy, one I’ve seen countless times before, including Orson Welles’ Haitian version (starring Esther Rolle as Lady M!) and one in Edinburgh that played out in various outdoor locales. Let me state unequivocally that Punchdrunk’s virtually wordless interpretation has got to be the most exhilarating one I’ve ever seen. The choreography by Maxine Doyle, co-director with Barrett, is passionate and aggressive but always serves the tale at hand. One of the first segments I saw (it’s possible to see them out of order; the overall sequence seems to be repeated about halfway through) was Lady Macbeth’s fervid dance after the killing of Duncan. She literally climbs the walls and then goes behind a window flinging herself at it in a way that makes you worry about her safety. Here, as in the other segments, the choreography beautifully conveys the anguished states of mind of the characters. Such other sequences as the King’s banquet and the coming of Birnam Wood to Dunsinane are magnificently done with Euan Maybank & Barrett’s lighting not only exquisitely illuminating individual moments but subtly aiding the audience to know what to look at and where to go when. Other memorable sections include Macbeth’s killing of Duncan followed by Lady M trying to assuage his guilt, and the wild, orgy-like dance when the Witches reveal to Macbeth the future they have in store for him. (That there’s lotsa nudity from the lithe-bodied cast doesn’t hurt either.) There is also a festive party foxtrot for four couples, one of which consists of two dashing men. But one of my favorite segments was one seen by only about a dozen others (out of an audience of 400)

when King Duncan (Phil Atkins), drugged by Lady Macbeth, staggers, albeit with a dancer’s grace, through his parlor pulling cloths off the multitude of clocks there as they ominously tick away. All of the cast members commit themselves fully to the proceedings, at times hurling themselves against walls and other objects, yet each performer is also a superb dancer who brings nuance and psychological acuity to all they do, none more so than Nicholas Bruder and Sophie Bortolussi. His is a haunted Macbeth who seems to know that what he’s doing is wrong but can’t help himself; Bortolussi imperiously goads him on but eventually must confront her own demons. David Israel Reynoso’s elegant costumes and Stephen Dobbie’s grandly layered sound design wonderfully enhance Sleep No More. About the only quibble I had with the show, other than slow-moving audience members, was that since here Macbeth smothers Duncan with a pillow, there are no bloody daggers for Lady M to take from him, thus diluting somewhat the motivation for her “Out, out damn spot” entreaties. And, directors take note, the multi-talented, hardworking cast really do deserve a bow at the end. Other than that, even if I missed some segments (in fact, I think I never made it to one entire floor of the Hotel), Sleep No More is one of the most exciting and satisfying theatrical events I’ve ever experienced. It’s not for everyone; two friends of mine hated it (while others loved it). But I would check back into the McKittrick Hotel again in a New York second. I wish I could be as enthusiastic about Katori Hall’s new play The Mountaintop (at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater thru Jan. 15) starring Samuel L. Jackson and Angela Bassett which envisions what Martin Luther King, Jr.’s final night might have been like. Set in King’s room at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Mountaintop opens on a stormy night as King (Jackson) returns from giving the “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech in support of the sanitation workers’ strike. He orders some coffee from room service and shortly Camae (Bassett), a housekeeper, arrives with it. Camae is not who she appears to be, however, and it would be unfair to give away that part of the plot. That said, of all the possibilities for Camae’s identity, what it turns out to be was the one thing I never would have imagined…and, frankly, I didn’t buy it. And even if I had, Hall could have done much more with this device to make her script richer and more satisfying. Admittedly, Hall gets off some good lines: “God [is] funny as hell”, “Negro talk spreads faster than lighting” and “[King’s got an] FBI file bigger than the Bible.” And there is a final coup de

theatre that is visually and oratorically magnificent, but it seems pegged on, something that could live on its own sans the play at hand. Jackson is by turns thoughtful, proud and suave, but as charismatic as he is, he doesn’t fully capture King’s searing intelligence and unique magnetism. And despite looking at least ten years younger than his age of 62, Jackson is no 39 year old. This might not be so important, but I suspect a 39-yearold faces imminent death differently than a 62, or even a 52, year-old would. Bassett makes Camae properly impulsive and sassy as well as tantalizing to such a womanizer as King was reputed to be. But before the revelation of who she actually is occurs, her manner and actions are not fully consistent with how a naïve housekeeper in 1968 would behave robbing the play of some of its tension; to some degree, it is a performance that makes sense best in retrospect. Kenny Leon directed smoothly and paced it well while Brian MacDevitt’s lighting uses slight but telling variations to change the atmosphere of the room. While I appreciate the emergence of a new voice on Broadway, I felt I was given much greater insight into King and the Civil Rights movement by Anthony Bean Community Theater’s recent production of The Good Negro. Let’s hope playwright Tracey Scott Wilson might soon be represented on Broadway as well. Romeo Edmead is giving a different sort of performance off-Broadway in Dialog in the Dark, an interactive exhibit down at the South Street Seaport. Edmead, who went blind at the age of two, is one of the guides who take up to ten people at a time though a recreation of a variety of New York City settings. What makes this special? The tour is conducted entirely in pitch black darkness with only your guide and the type of cane that visually-impaired people use to help you along. After a brief introductory film, the lights in the small room go out and you hear your guide’s voice. S/he welcomes you and soon ushers you into the first environment, Central Park full of the sounds of birds chirping, fountains bubbling and bikes going by. There is also the smell of flowers and the feel of gravel beneath your feet. From there you move on to a supermarket, the subway, and Times Square before ending in a luncheonette where the lights come up and you can finally see your guide. Throughout, Edmead was an engaging presence (as I’m sure all of the other guides are as well including Keith LaPan who is openly gay; if you’d like you can request a specific guide in advance). Edmead encouraged us to touch [continued on 26]

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM Offic

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25

spotlight feature by Tony Leggio E-mail: tonymgp@hotmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

ew Orleans will play host to the 2nd Annual Bourbon Street Classic proudly presented by NOLA Softball and Good Friends Bar Dec. 2-4. Thirty-four teams from around the country will descend on our fair city for the tournament with seven teams being local. The teams will be from the C and D Division. With only being in its second year, the Bourbon Street Classic has far exceeded expectations with selling out weeks in advance with more than 500 players. The host hotel for this year will be the newly opened Hyatt Regency. In addition to the action on the fields there are also several major events happening during the weekend. On Friday, Dec. 2, Napoleon’s Itch is their host bar. Registration begins at 7pm, no cover charge and drink specials. On Saturday, Dec. 3, Good Friends is the host bar with no cover charge all weekend long. Then finally on Sunday, Dec. 4, there is an awards presentation and dinner starting at the Bourbon Orleans,

followed by host bar Good Friends. Oz is late night host bar all weekend. Other weekend sponsors are Silver Sponsors Oz, NO/AIDS Task Force and NOLA Brewing. Bronze Sponsors are LGBT Community Center, Eat, and La Mina Sterling. Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to chat with NOLA Softball Commissioner Mark Boline at Gold Sponsor Napoleon’s Itch. Boline explained that Chuck Robinson is one of their biggest sponsors and one of the first people to help them. After speaking with Mark and learning about all the incredible things concerning NOLA Softball, I can see why not only has the Bourbon Street Classic been such a huge success but how this fledgling organization has grown beyond all anticipations. Boline also attributes the tournament’s success to his right-hand man, Roy LeCompte. “Roy has been with me almost since day one in forming the league and putting on the tournament. Many others have joined in and we all have built this league as a

trodding the boards ...from 24

stalled, don’t miss it. You will see the world through new eyes when you do.

Mark Boline

the various items in the market and throughout Times Square, and challenged us to identify them. Within about ten minutes he had all of our names memorized and could identify each of us. (How did he do that—smell?) And at the end he answered any and all questions we had, even those he’s probably been asked a hundred times before, with enthusiasm, forthrightness and not a hint of condescension for those of us who can only barely comprehend the world he inhabits. To say that Dialog in the Dark is a unique experience is an understatement. As the approximately one hour tour proceeds—and I wouldn’t’ve minded if it had been longer—understandably your senses of hearing, smell and touch become more heightened as does your sense of direction. More importantly, as in any great theatrical offering, Dialog in the Dark ultimately becomes moving as it allows you to identify with those people who live with and overcome challenges we can hardly imagine. Developed by a German journalist and filmmaker, Dialog in the Dark is also playing in Atlanta using Peachtree City-inspired environments. Whether you’re able to attend in New York, Atlanta or anywhere else it may be in-

Coming Soon to NOLA

don’t know about you but I’ve gotten pretty tired of all those burlesque troupes featuring lotsa gals no matter how talented & sexy they are. Which is why I already have my ticket for Boylesk! This new all-male burlesque show will be at the House of Blues for two shows on Friday, December 2, and features award-winning burlesque stars delivering pure prime beef, emphasiz-

team, just like on the field.” NOLA Softball is coming up on their third full season and it is shaping up to be their best, with more than a dozen teams. And the league and the city have Mark Boline to thank for that. Mark lived in Houston and was part of the Montrose Softball League before moving to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. He loved the city and wanted to be part of the rebuilding process. Even though he had a fulfilling career as a real estate broker, he felt there was something lacking in his life here. He remembered the friendships he built and the camaraderie he felt when he was involved in team sports back home. So in 2007, he formed a league and the idea was wildly popular, so he actually had the people before he even had anywhere to play. So Mark went to City Park who had no fields available after Katrina. He went through all the channels and finally wore down the Board of Directors and with his league and the help of Friends of City Park they rehabbed two fields themselves. The teams pitched in (sorry for the pun) and were a major factor in the fields being finished. The first season there was four teams and they played on two fields, last year the league jumped to eight teams, a 133% growth in membership making NOLA

Softball the fastest growing league in NAGAAA. “I believe this league brings good things into people’s lives,” comments Mark. “It is a great way to spend Sundays, whether you are watching or playing. It is like a family out there. The city and the gay community needed something like this.” This year two New Orleans teams went to the Gay Softball World Series in Chicago. Now that is inspiring. Even though NOLA Softball is a predominantly gay league, they do not restrict on the basis of sexual orientation or any other factors. Boline feels that doing this opens up the league to allies and families of the gay community as well as giving a safe place for those questioning and unsure of their sexuality. He even admitted that more than one relationship has come out of the league. “It is a great way to meet people.” Playing the games and bringing softball to the city has built morale in so many people after the hurricane. Currently Boline’s next major project is to Save the Quad. The quad was a four field complex that was destroyed during Katrina and in dire need to be rebuilt. As of right now eight teams play on two fields far apart from each other, if the Quad was renovated, there would be a four field location in one area complete with viewing areas and a large concession stand in the middle. The efforts of Boline and the entire NOLA Softball league in refurbishing the fields have not only helped our community but the entire city. Many girls’ softball teams have benefitted from this, as well as the new kickball league. In fact many other teams in the Gay Softball League across the country have raised funds to help our city and Save the Quad. For more information on how to help, like Save the Quad on Facebook. NOLA Softball welcomes all players no matter what your experience level with open arms. For information on playing or even sponsoring a team, go to www.nolasoftball.com. ing the masculine side of the tease with their sizzling surprise reveals and tongue-in-cheek exploits. Headlining from Chicago will be the Stage Door Johnnies! (Ray Gunn, Jett Adore, and Bazuka Joe) who won the 2011 Best Burlesque Troupe at the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas. Also on the bill will be Hot Toddy (Best Boylesque—2009 Burlesque Hall of Fame), The Evil Hate Monkey (Best Boylesque—2010 Burlesque Hall of Fame), the magic of Nathan Kepner and Morgan Tsu-Raun, and Mistress of Ceremonies Cora Vette. And the New Orleans Firefighters will light up the stage to promote their new 2012 “Fire Fighters Look Hot” Calendar. Can’t wait!

At the start of Dialog in the Dark

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM Offic

snap Birthdays, Fundraisers, Balls, Shows ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon

paparazzi

Persana Shoulders congratulates Dusty Debris on her 21st b-day @ Oz Legally Blonde bash

Sexy Nolan poses @ NOMA’s Odyssey Ball Contessa Breaux & Nadja @ March of Dimes Fundraiser Raven Kennedy @ JohnPaul’s for the Golden Age Revue

Dusty Debris’ GaGa b-day cake @ Oz Legally Blonde dance party

Chad & Michael @ NOMA’s Odyssey Ball Brent & Nick in for Louisiana State Museum fundraiser @ the US Mint ZsaZsa & Gizelle in ZsaZsa’s Hump Day The County Way show @ JohnPaul’s

King Amon-Ra Jerry & Kenny in for Dusty’s 21st Legally Blonde bday blowout @ Oz

Rab Dab’s Dave Rabalais & Marshall Harris @ House of Blues Heaven Party

Regina Adams in the Golden Age Revue @ JohnPaul’s In to catch Zsa Zsa’s 1st country show @ JohnPaul’s

Countess C Alice & friends @ the Golden Age Revue Shannon & Valerie join March of Dimes Fundraiser @ the Marriott

John & Robbie @ House of Blues Heaven Party

Bob & Juan @ March of Dimes Fundraiser

Ashley & Brian, Nick & Tyler join Odyssey Ball @ New Orleans Museum of Art

Eva Las Vegas in the Golden Age Revue

Starr Daniels in Hump Day The Country Way show

Help from Bungalows during the Amon-Ra Scavenger Hunt

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ambush

papar azzi

New Ninth Circle bartender Duane

Chris & bartender John @ Rawhide

Andrew & Chuck cocktailing @ The Double Play

Nicholas Jordan & Bourbon Pub’s Chris Morton @ Ninth Circle Fringe Fest’s Vinsantos performs @ Deity Arts Gallery Grant slingin’ cocktails @ JohnPaul’s Bartenders Damon & Tanar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Clover Grill’s Craig ready to serve you

Lafitte’s doorman Dennis Friday Dingo hostesss Princesse Stephaney & Nick @ Oz

Mkt. Dir. Kristin & barback Brandon @ The Country Club

Headquarters’ Jessica, Sheaman & Tim @ Michael’s on the Park Bartender Travis serving Jack & Lucas @ 700 Club

Johnny Love & Aria @ Michael’s on the Park waiting for Fringe Fest

Bartender Jake @ Queen’s Head Pub

Bartenders Ryan & Tim welcome you to Bourbon Pub Parade

Ron from Toronto in for Lafitte’s Red Party

Paul bartending @ Michael’s on the Park

Rawhide manager Joe & Wood Enterprises manager Michael @ Rawhide

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The Club Scene ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Paul Melancon

Bartender Greg ready to serve you @ the Phoenix

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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]

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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

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 TANNER ORIGINAL ART, 830 Royal St., 524.8266, HauntingArt.COM

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lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [0711] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walk-

30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM Offic

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31

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

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd.,

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

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

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org

Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org

GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. 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 NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755

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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

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] Q T PIE, 241 Dauphine St., 581.6633 BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St., 522.9222 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

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] 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

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

real estate agents

travel

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

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

websites GAY AMERICA, GayAmerica.COM GAY BARS, GayBars.COM GAY PENSACOLA, GayPensacola.COM OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, SouthernDecadence.COM

Ambush Ads Pay 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

Deadline Tues., Nov. 29th

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33

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

Promastur what?

always find myself staring into space while thinking random thoughts. Sometimes I get so lost in thought that I begin to verbally communicate these random cognitive contents and suddenly I’m engaged in a very intellectual conversation…with myself. If you’re really awesome you can engage in these and not even know what’s going on. My friend, Ryan, often does and we never know what to make of it all. The other day I was thinking about the word procrastination. Typically when we think of the prefix pro- we often think of good things. Words such as protagonist, professional, proactive,

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progressive give good and positive feeling. It’s a sense of moving forward in life, accomplishment. Then there’s procrastination that simply has no sense of accomplishment and instead, though feels great at the moment, later only makes you feel guilty. Recently I was introduced to a new word, promasturbate. Promasturbate is the act of killing time by masturbation. Now this one is real fun…of course for any teenager it will be followed by guilt. I’m thinking of catechism and Sunday school class teachings all of us young boys sat through. Hey, don’t spill that seed! I know often times I am quick to share stories of other sexual escapades and nights of embarrassing mayhem so I guess it’s only fair that this time I’m put on the spot. When I first heard this word, while watching Tosh.0 (if you’ve seen the show you know what I mean), I almost fell out of my chair laughing. I hadn’t realized there was such a word for such an action. I had no idea that I had been promasturbating all of these years. Well it’s been a while but often times in college it was the night before a major paper was due and I was just not in the mood. Cut to that awkward moment the next day when you open the web browser on your phone or computer and it’s filled with porn. This is always why I’m not so quick to handle the smart phones and personal keyboards of others. Simply think of the many times you took your smart phone into the restroom…or bed…to handle your business or even to simply promasturbate. Now think of the several others who have done the same. Here, hold my phone for a second while I go run and get us a drink…

Jeremy & Jason @ B-Bob’s Burlesque Show

Miss Teresa along with Miss Cie @ Miss B-Bob’s Pageant

Adam with B-Bob’s owner Jerry @ fundraiser for South Alabama Cares

Mobile’s Miss Gay Pride Camille Sherrington @ B-Bob’s

Peter & Queen XXX Michelle enjoy the Burlesque Show @ B-Bob’s

Cory, Jarrod & Michael attend BBob’s Saturday Night Fun House

mobile

papar azzi

Bar Spill

ules is beginning to dick the halls. I’m sorry, I meant deck the halls. Yeah, that’s right. Jules is preparing for its annual Christmas Party which will be held on Saturday, December 10th. This annual party, also their annual Red Party, will host silent auctions and drink specials fit for any Kris Kringle. Don’t forget that as always every Thursday is country-free karaoke with Blake Duhon. Friday always kicks off the weekend with $5 Blue Margaritas and Saturday is time for you to dance. Tonic is about to go through some exciting changes so make sure you keep them on your radar. Closing Out: Don’t forget to spike the eggnog and keep the party going, Lafayette!

Congratulations new 2011-12 Miss B-Bob’s Nadja Symone South Alabama Cares Director Cindy with Barrett

Jayme, Mack & Judson enjoying the show @ B-Bob’s downtown

South Alabama Cares Benefit Show Winner Cortnee with mentor Miss Cie (l)

34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM Offic

Pageants, Queens, Fundraisers ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John

don’t know about you but I’ve felt as though I’ve been living in a Katy Perry song lately. I’m either hot or cold. I never know if I’m in need of a sweater or shorts until I walk outside in the morning. I really wish Mother Nature would just pick something and stick with it. Luckily local holiday events are not as sketchy. You’re listening up with Joey Collins.

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35

lafayette

papar azzi

Darius keeps up tradition @ Tonic

Kevin, Spencer & Chris @ Tonic

Ryan & Margot @ ACA

Oh Macky! Rusty & Stephen @ Tonic Your bartenders @ Tonic are here to serve you Happy Birthday Jason Croosk!

Adam & Beaux @ Tonic Krewe of Divas host Chica LaRouge @ Tonic Steven, Sam & Jay @ Tonic Sunday morning with Ryan & Nick

Acadiana CARES crew do a bar crawl @ Tonic

Elizabeth & Jason enjoying their night

Hunter & Rick @ Jules Ryan Powell

Beyoncea & Mattie @ Tonic

Hunter & Joey @ Jules karaoke

Jessica & Joey @ ACA

What’s really going on, Chase?

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM Offic

Tonic & Jules ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Joey Collins

Ryan Rogers placed 2nd @ Boudin Cookoff

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

Everything Old is New Again

caught up with Clint Taylor, the newest owner of the the Phoenix on Elysian Fields Avenue and we discussed first his successful film career and then got into talking about the many changes and updates he has made since becoming owner in June of 2011. He explained: “I was originally from Louisiana and grew up here, but ended up moving to Atlanta and then spent six years in San Francisco. Lots of folks were moving to Palm Springs because prices were getting so high in San Francisco. When I got there a leather bar there called the Tool Shed was having a Mr. Tool Shed Leather contest (this was in 2001) and they were looking for contestants and I entered the contest, and was surprised that I won! At that time All Worlds resort had both a resort and a film company. They saw my picture in the paper and were looking for a leather guy who was also a bear, so they asked me to do a film.” I asked if he had ever imagined himself being asked to be a porn star and he laughed, “Not really. But I was excited that they asked me and being a bit of an exhibitionist myself, it was an intriguing idea. The film was called Bearing Leather and the whole premise was that it took place at a leather contest, gone wild! You might say.” ”They filmed the movie at the resort and the contestants were all up on a stage and the audience was all made up of guests from the resort. There was an audience of about 100 guys and the film was filmed from behind them so the contestants on the stage turned it into an orgy and the audience watched. After the success of that first video, Bear Films and Pantheon Films both approached me with video projects and it became something of a career. Then I moved back to New Orleans in 2003 and stopped making films briefly after Katrina hit, but I have just made a new film about three months ago called

Lonestar, and that was filmed at the Rockstar Cafe in San Francisco. “ We talked about the impact that Katrina had on the bar and the story around how he came to own it. He said, “I had been working at the Phoenix before the hurricane hit for some time and after the previous manager did not return and the new owner asked me to become manager of the bar which I did. I stayed at our home on the North Shore but it took a week just to get out of the neighborhood because of hundreds of downed trees. The bar was closed for about six weeks after that. The bar did not get flooding, but had roof damage and water damage from the storm. All of the beer was bad after no refrigeration, we had to throw a lot of things out. So our situation after Katrina was that we had new bar owners and a new bar manager and a lot of clean up to get done. The new owners were Bobby and Tim, and Tim had been the one who was really excited about owning a leather bar. Unfortunately, Tim died about a year after they purchased it, and Bobby lived part time in Ken-

tucky, and he owned other businesses, so a few years after losing Tim, he began thinking of selling it. In the meantime I just kept managing the bar and last year for Decadence 2010 he was going to bring all the paperwork, because I was the first person he asked to buy the bar and I surely much wanted to do Original Art on Wall of Bar so. But then his mom came down for Decadence cause she in a leather store but at prices lower had never been to New Orleans and than anywhere else and we will be with all of that going on, he asked me if open 24/7. We already host beer busts we could do the paperwork at Hallow- for the Lords of Leather and the New een of that year, and I said, ‘Sure’. Well Orleans Bears, and we are expanding then, he passed away before Hallow- these fundraisers to other groups on een and everyone was freaking out Saturday nights. because he had no heirs and everyI asked about the future of the thing went to his mom. I wasn’t worried Phoenix as he see’s it: He said “I want about it because I had met his mom to continue to serve all of our traditional and she knew all about the agreement customers and I have seen more to sell, but she just had a lot to deal with younger people coming to check this all of his assets and business in both out and it’s become something of a late Kentucky and New Orleans.” night destination bar for those that want ”So finally in June of 2011, I be- to dance and party and that’s been fun. came the third one to own this bar. We have strippers on the weekend and Jamie was the first and opened it in on big events we bring in porn stars 1983, and he sold it in 2005 to Bobby also. On Sundays we play the Saints who owned it before and after Katrina, games in season and we have free and I will tell you there was a lot that had shots for touchdowns and free pizza. to be done after 28 years of continuous We had a huge turnout for Southern operation. I knew when I bought it there Decadence this year with famous porn were years of damage from water, stars in attendance and everyone had storms, plumbing fixtures etc, and a lot a great time. It’s a work in progress and of renovations would be needed. The I encourage anyone to stop by and see first thing I wanted to do was paint the what we’ve been doing. exterior in colors that blended in with “I thanked Clint for his taking the the neighborhood. The bar had a seedy time to give me the interview and was reputation in the neighborhood and impressed by his hard work and his was barn yard red before we gave it the desire to keep the Phoenix's classic green themed colors that it now has. past while moving it forward into a new The rafters had termite damage from future. I will be showcasing each bar years of neglect, and we had to remove that caters to the bear or leather comwood and plaster as well as sheet rock munities in the coming months, and to get to the original framing which had encourage you to email me if there is been built in 1983. When we restored someone you want to see interviewed the ceiling it was painted black to give or a bar you recommend to be the it back its original look and to be in line subject of an upcoming article. with a leather bar look. Probably the most noticeable difference to customers is the bathroom. I had taken note at the Gay Depreciation Awards we were nominated for the worst bar bathroom. We completely expanded the bathroom with a new travertine floor and all new plumbing and fixtures. It no longer leaks from the ceiling into the bathroom, all of that has been restored.” ”Further renovations will include new granite countertops, upstairs and down. Also we are expanding the back wall of the bar so that we can carry twice as much liquor as we carry now. Our goal is to have the largest selection of any gay bar in the city and we hope to accomplish that by the end of the year. The managers office area will Classic Themes Showcased be turned into a leather store and we in the Bar will carry everything you expect to find

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

pensacola papar azzi

Jase & Sarah hanging out @ The Other Side

Beamish & Brandon @ Emerald City

One down, twenty-six to go

Nadya Symone & Monica Heart performing @ Emerald City

Michelle & Sandy @ Emerald City

You can always find a cute one @ Emerald City

Can you say CHEESE!

Terry & Ricky @ DRAG BINGO

Kat serving it up on the patio

Angie always smiling @ Emerald City The cage is always full on Emerald City’s dance floor

Lauren with the birthday girls @ DRAG BINGO

Kacey hanging with the boys @ Emerald City’s Saturday night D&D

David & Elisa @ The Other Side

Douglas & Marcus @ The Other Side

The First Lady of Pensacola Ebony Sinclaire always surrounded by BOYS

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM Offic

Hanging, Performing, Serving ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

Saturday night D&D @ Emerald City

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39

low & slow with r&m

1 cup sour cream 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese 1 tsp. smoked Spanish paprika Preheat oven to 400.

Prepare rice in rice pot. Using a 2 cup measuring cup, pour in reserved juice from Rotel and diced tomatoes, and enough chicken broth to make two

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

ll of our friends are always trying to figure how to lighten it up after a big Thanksgiving Day. The Brazillian Meat Paella can be made with turkey, along with a light Okra Salad, and Red Velvet Bread Pudding from left-over red velvet cake.

Brazilian Meat Paella 16 oz. pkg. Vigo yellow rice 4 tbsp. garlic infused olive oil 1 can low sodium chicken broth 1 can mild Rotel tomatoes drained, juice reserved 1 can low sodium diced tomatoes drained, juice reserved 1 lb. (2 links) smoked chorizo or sausage sliced in half rounds 1 whole rotisserie chicken breast

deboned & cubed (or substitute half turkey breast) 1 lge. onion chopped fine 1 heart of celery with leaves/6 stalks sliced thin 1 red bell pepper seeded in thin strips cut in half 1 green bell pepper seeded in thin strips cut in half 2 cloves garlic pressed 1 tbsp. lemon juice 2 cups frozen pearl onions thawed 2 cups frozen green peas thawed 1 bunch green onions sliced thin 1 cup pimento stuffed Spanish olives sliced 1 tsp. No Salt 5 grinds of black pepper mill 4 tbsp. capers

Brazilian Meat Paella

Okra Salad

Red Velvet Bread Pudding cups. Place in rice pot. Add remaining chicken broth in 2 cup measuring cup along with 1 tbsp. lemon juice, 2 tbsp. garlic olive oil and enough water to make two cups. Place in rice pot. Add rice and stir. Turn to cook. Once done flake rice with fork. Keep on warm for 10 to 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Take out of pot and place in large bowl to cool. In a large skillet cook sausage for 10 minutes stirring occasionally until slightly brown. Remove sausage and drain on paper towels. Keep sausage drippings. Add remaining 2 tbsp. garlic olive oil, and saute onions and celery for 10 minutes. Add bell peppers and pearl onions, and saute 10 more minutes. Add tomatoes, pressed garlic, No Salt, black pepper, and saute until liquid is absorbed about 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Add to bowl with rice, peas, capers, and mix. (At this point you can remove enough of the mixture to a 9x9 greased baking dish and freeze.) Now add in olives, and sour cream to bowl, and toss gently. Mix cheese and paprika in separate bowl. Add half cheese mixture to paella and mix. Pour into 9 x 13 greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese mixture on top. Bake the paella, uncovered on the lower oven shelf, for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and paella is heated though. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. [continued on 41]

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM Offic

low & slow ...from 40

Okra Salad 1 lb. bag frozen okra 1 red onion sliced thin & separated Vinaigrette: 4 tbsp. white vinegar

1/3 cup water 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1/4 tsp. No Salt 3 grinds of pepper mill (Whisk all ingredients together.) Cook okra according to package directions. Drain and place in bowl with onion slices. Pour vinaigrette over top and toss lightly with spatula. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Red Velvet Bread Pudding with Buttermilk Cream Cheese Icing (This recipe has been adapted in part from the original by Chef Paula Deen.) 1 left over Red Velvet Cake or [continued on 43]

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 41

ambush

papar azzi

Ray, Ralph & Chris @ Michael’s on the Park

Sugar @ Candy Bar

Dancer Rafael on the bar @ Corner Pocket

Glenn & Roger cocktailin’ @ Good Friends

Bartender Josh, Chef Maryjane & server Chuck @ The Country Club

Robert & Garth @ Oz’s Friday Dingo

Sam & Ken @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Oz bartender Blake with Nov. Bartender of the Month Frankie Rawhide manager Joe with Bear for New Orleans Bears’ beer bust @ Rawhide

Shane & Richie @ JohnPaul’s

Clover Grill’s Will with partner Drew @ Rawhide burger night

Clover Grill manager Dewayne & Jonathan @ Michael’s

Frank & Peter join New Orleans Bear Club beer bust @ Rawhide

Dancers Nick & David D. on the bar @ Corner Pocket Good Friends manager Neel

Bartenders Spencer & Troy @ Good Friends

4 Seasons in Metairie’s Chuck with Princesse Stephaney

Friends Josh & Robert pop in for Barry’s “Booty” Show @ Corner Pocket

JohnPaul’s bartender Bobby Fisher pops in @ Rawhide

42 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM Offic

Hot in the City! ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Paul Melancon

Sara Pettit, Chef Maryjane, Sarah Ney & Chuck Clothworthy @ The Country Club

low & slow ...from 40 make cake from box mix according to directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cut cake into 1-inch cubes and place on cookie sheet with rack. Place in oven for 10-20 minutes until cake is dry. Let cool completely.

AMBUSH

MAG.COM 8 28

Pudding Recipe 3 cups half-and-half 3 large eggs 1 large egg yolk Pinch salt 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 8oz. cream cheese, at room temperature 3/4 cup Splenda Combine half-and-half, eggs, egg yolk, salt, and vanilla in a medium bowl. With an electric hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and Splenda until smooth. Mix in the halfand-half mixture. Place the red velvet cubes in a 9x13 baking dish. Add the pudding mixture to the dish. Make sure the cake cubes are completely covered. Cover and refrigerate overnight Bake for about 30-45 minutes, or until the pudding is set. Let cool.

Buttermilk Cream Cheese Icing: 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened 2 8oz. cream cheese, softened 4 cups Splenda 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. vanilla Whisk butter and cream cheese together. Add Splenda and whisk. Add buttermilk and whisk, then vanilla. Spread on top of bread pudding.

GayNew Orleans.COM • Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 43

44 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Novem ber 22-Dec em ber 5, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM Offic