Ambush magazine volume 29 issue 25 by Ambush Publishing

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

Turn-A-Bout: It’s Gonna Look A Lot Like Christmas Dec. 10 Benefits Buzzy's Boys & Girls

uzzy’s Boys and Girls is proud to present It’s Gonna Look A Lot Like Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Olde Towne Hall (fromerly Body & Soul), 515 Marigny St. at Chartres. The annual Turn-A-Bout Drag Show will dazzle as Mistress of Ceremonies Frankie Fierce takes to the stage. Doors open at 7:30pm with the show beginning at 8pm. A limited number of reserved table seats are available for $50 (4 seats per table). There is a $10 donation at the door. For tickets and/or information contact: Steve at The Friendly Bar, 2301 Chartres St. 504.943.8929, or Michael at 504.638.6519. This year’s show will feature a host of Christmas Fairies…including New Orleans finest, sexiest, talented and most beautiful female impersonators who have generously volunteered their time and talents to support persons living with HIV/AIDS in the community. During the show, Buzzy’s Boys and Girls will present the prestigious William J. Fanning Hero Award to Cutter’s Bar for its dedication and commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Through their bar, Cutter’s, Mac McAll, Jimmy Kilgour and Dudley LeBlanc have been tireless supporters of Buzzy’s. They have raised thousands of dollars through donations, charity of the week, sponsorship of the annual Art in the Hood exhibition and auction. It’s a pleasure for the board of Buzzy’s Boys and Girls to honor such a progressive business and the owners! Since its inception, Turn-A-Bout has raised over $80,000 to support the efforts of Buzzy’s Boys and Girls to help those living with HIV/AIDS. The William J. Fanning Foundation, commonly called Buzzy’s Boys and Girls, was established to carry on the compassionate work of “Buzzy” Fanning after his death. Buzzy regularly visited and assisted patients in New Orleans’ Charity Hospital’s AIDS Ward in the early 1980s, at the height of HIV fear and stigma. Buzzy was helping those with HIV/AIDS long before there was any organized fund raising done on behalf of persons with AIDS/HIV (PWA). Frankie Fierce When Buzzy’s friends heard of his efforts, they started giving him small donations. Soon groups were holding fund-raisers for “Buzzy’s Boys.” With the money raised, Buzzy would buy milkshakes and small personal items, like slippers and toiletries, but he soon began to concentrate on helping patients pay for prescription drugs that were not covered by Medicaid or other sources. As the AIDS epidemic spread, Buzzy’s Boys and Girls grew, and a few good friends of his like Joyce Alberts, former owner of The Friendly Bar, Rodney Manko, Marty Curtin, and others began dedicating their time and efforts to helping Buzzy. Since Buzzy’s death in 1991, these dedicated people and others have been committed to carrying on his work. This commitment continues today! Now officially known as the William J. Fanning Foundation, Buzzy’s Boys and Girls remains completely dependent on donations and volunteer workers. Since none of the

foundation’s funds are used to pay salaries or overhead expenses, all donations go directly toward helping those in need by providing prescription medicine, medical equipment and supplies, eyeglasses, personal items, clothing at Christmas, and the like. 100% of all proceeds raised will benefit and support the work of Buzzy Boys and Girls.

Delta Festival Ballet Celebrates 30th Anniversary of its Holiday Classic, Nutcracker with Becky Allen's Ballet Debut

elta Festival Ballet, the largest professional ballet company in the state, presents its 30th annual Nutcracker this December in New Orleans, Slidell, and Leesville, Louisiana. As the only production in the area with live music, the performances in Slidell and New Orleans have the musical accompaniment of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. DFB’s Nutcracker is a lavish production with a cast of 130 dancers, elaborate sets, beautiful costumes, and superb dancing by the company’s professional artists. Three performances in New Orleans will be presented at Dixon Hall on the campus of Tulane University on Dec. 22 and 23. This holiday classic, with the famous Tchaikovsky music, was choreographed by British born, Richard Munro, who based his choreography on the original staging of the London Festival Ballet. The New Orleans and Leesville performances will feature guest artists, Martha Chamberlain, principal with the Pennsylvania, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, with her husband, Jonathan Stiles, of the same company, as her Cavalier. The cast throughout the tour includes former New Orleanian and Delta soloist, Jessica Fry McAlister, performing the Snow Pas de Deux in Act I and the Arabian Dance in Act II with her frequent partner, Ramon Gaitan. Jessica Touchet, a native of New Orleans, former Delta soloist, and most recently a soloist with the Smuin Ballet of San Francisco, returns to the City to perform in the Marzipan divertissement in Act II, and as the female Soldier Doll in Act I. Cutting Jahncke, a well-known and respected local actor, will perform as Herr Drosselmeyer, a role that DFB audiences have enjoyed for over 20 years. Candice

Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/New Year's out Dec. 20 DEADLINE: Tues., Dec. 13

inside

glitz returns to new orleans 5 celebrazzi 6 under the gaydar 10 a community within communities 12 on the prowl 14 snap paparazzi/new orleans 16 snap paparazzi/new orleans 18 travel feature/pensacola 22

mobile paparazzi big easy paparazzi/new orleans service industry page classifieds travel paparazzi/pensacola pensacola paparazzi ambush paparazzi/new orleans 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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Becky Allen

Holley, Slidell resident and Delta soloist, performs as the lead dancer in Waltz of the Flowers. New Orleans own inimitable Becky Allen makes her ballet debut as Mother Ginger in Act II of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, but this is far from her first dance experience on stage. She studied dance under Tony Bevinetto and at 14 was performing in his nightclub act. Multi-talented Ms. Allen has gone on to perform in almost every New Orleans venue imaginable. Now she will be appearing in a new role as Mother Ginger who with her “Bon Bon” children makes this scene one that audience members eagerly anticipate. The role of Mother Ginger is also among the favorite guest appearances in all of ballet. Delta Festival Ballet has been touring the state since 1981 with this critically

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THE OFFICIAL MAG

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP 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 WrightNew 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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he Gathering Place Worship Center Church donated a whopping $20,000 to Belle Reve. (Photo: GPWC member Agnes Lee, GPWC Pastor Lee Thompson, Belle Reve Program Coordinator Michele D’Aquin, GPWC member Stephanie Turlich, Belle Reve Exe. Dir. Vicki Weeks, GPWC members Cindy Goudeau, Xania Helmstetter, & Tanzanika Ruffin)

elle Reve Executive Director Vicki Weeks joins Wood Enterprises Ken Grandpre for the 19th Red Party raising $3,250 for Belle Reve at Cafe Lafitte in Exile’s annual turnabout show. Including this year, charity donations from the Red Party have totaled more than $87,750.

ophia Cuesta Luchianni, Starr Alexander, Jessica Hare Vanderhurst and show director Rikki Redd put on one of the hottest shows ever during Saturday night's Divas R Us at Tubby’s Golden Lantern.

he Staff of the Corner Pocket host the only Post Thanksgiving Feast on the Sunday following the holiday with chef’s Anthony, Bruce, Michael, Franco and Guido.

ord Consort and King Pat Johnson and Ben Bourgeois are joined by Nina M. Clore for the hysterical One Hot Mess hosted at JohnPaul’s in New Orleans for the annual Lords of Leather turnabout show raising funds for the krewe’s bal masque on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012.

ivas of Ninth Circle show director DL Broadway was joined by her family at the latest Divas show at Ninth Circle.

heers from the Mimosa Girls: Moanalot Fontaine, Coca Mesa, Sheeya Man, and Althena Jewell during The Country Club Drag Brunch held every third Sunday of the Month.

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

celebr azzi

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Friends of the Cabildo Book Singings the "official" dish ...from 4 acclaimed production. During this 30 year period it has been enjoyed by a few hundred thousand people including multitudes of Louisiana students attending the especially crafted school performances. For the 2011 performances 159 children from the New Orleans area were chosen from open auditions to perform with Delta Festival Ballet’s professional dancers. For tickets for the New Orleans performances call 504.888.0931 or visit Ticketmaster.com. Tickets for the Slidell performance are available through the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra at 504.523.6530 or www.lpomusic.com. For more on Delta Festival Ballet, visit DeltaFestivalBallet.COM.

Celebrating 3 Years of NOH8 Activism & over 18,000 Photos

he NOH8 Campaign will celebrate its third anniversary of “raising awareness for the fight for human equality for all.” The City of West Hollywood will proclaim Tuesday, December 13 “NOH8 DAY” with an on stage proclamation from Mayor John Duran at the House of Blues at 8430 W. Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood. To mark this occasion, the founders of the NOH8 Campaign, photographer Adam Bouska and his partner Jeff Parshley, will transform the House of Blues into a NOH8 Gallery Show, featuring hundreds of the 18,000+ portraits taken since the project’s incarnation in 2008. Says co-founder Adam Bouska, “We look forward to gathering with NOH8 supporters from all walks of life, including special celebrity guests and performers.” Adding, “We come together to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work we have left to accomplish.” Adds partner Jeff Parshley, “There’s no better way we could think of to commemorate our mission than to create a gallery, here in West Hollywood where the first NOH8 campaign photo was taken, and let these images speak for themselves.” More info at www.noh8campaign.com/ As part of the festivities, Adam Bouska will be doing a special photo shoot with some of the celebrity guests, including Cooper Hefner (Hue Hefner’s son), Mackenzie Phillips, Jenna Jameson, LeAnn Rimes, Tito Ortiz and many more. Doors to the House of Blues will open

at 7pm with Red Carpet arrivals from 89pm. Photos will be taken on stage from 8:30-9:30pm, followed by live talent performances with DMC (of RUN DMC), Mya and other surprises beginning soon there after. An official announcement of a special NOH8 Cruise to Tahiti will also be presented at the party. Since its inception, funds raised by the charitable campaign are used to continue promoting and raising awareness for marriage equality and anti-discrimination. This special evening is produced by Chad Hudson Events.

Lords' Objet d’art & Hors d’ouevres Dec. 10

he Lords of Leather present Objet d’art & Hors d’ouevres on Saturday, Dec. 10, 4-6pm at JohnPaul's, 940 Elysian Fields in New Orleans. There will be both silent and live auctions with exhibits by local artists which will also be for sale. There is no cover charge for this event. Spend an afternoon with the Lords and find a gift for that special someone. Platinum sponsor for the Lords of Leather is The Phoenix. For more information, visit LordsOfLeather.COM.

NOGMC Dec. Concert Our Favorite Things set for Both New Orleans & Baton Rouge

he New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus (NOGMC) is proud to announce its December concert, Our Favorite Things, to be performed Dec. 16th in New Orleans at UNO Performing Arts Center Recital Hall, and Dec. 17th in Baton Rouge at Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, 8470 Goodwood Blvd. It is a collection of the chorus' favorite holiday songs over the last thirty years. Selections from this concert will be recorded in November to allow the Chorus’ second CD to be available at the Christmas Concerts. Bring non-perishable food items for Food for Friends, and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to qualify for a special raffle prize. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. To purchase advance tickets visit NOGMC.COM or call 504.322.7007 or 225.387.4281.

he Friends of the Cabildo have announced its book signings at the 1850 House Museum Store and the Presbytere. Please note that Father Jerome LeDoux will be singing his book War of the Pews: A Personal Account of St. Augustine Church in New Orleans on four separate days. Copies of each book will be available to be purchased at each signing. The list below includes times, dates, and locations for each signing. Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 10th & 11th: War of the Pews: A Personal Account of St. Augustine Church in New Orleans by Father Jerome Le Doux (12pm-3pm), 1850 House Museum Store; Wednesday, Dec. 14th: Lost Restaurants of New Orleans by Tom Fitzmorris and Peggy Scott Laborde (4:30pm-7:30pm), 1850 House Museum Store; Sunday, Dec. 18th: A Louisiana Christmas: Heritage Recipes and Hometown Celebrations by Nancy Rust (12pm3pm Cooking Demo and Tasting), 1850 House Museum Store; Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 26th & 27th: War of the Pews: A Personal Account of St. Augustine Church in New Orleans by Father Jerome Le Doux (12pm-3pm in conjunction with Creole Christmas), 1850 House Museum Store. Founded in 1956, the Friends of the Cabildo (FOC) is 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Louisiana State Museum (LSM). The FOC assist the LSM through a variety of functions including providing volunteers and financial support to all State Museum properties in New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. The Friends of the Cabildo are located on Historic Jackson Square in the Cabildo at 701 Chartres Street and can be contacted at 504.523.3939. For more information, visit FriendsOfTheCabildo.ORG.

Caroling in Jackson Square Dec. 18

ince 1946, Patio Planters du Vieux Carré has sponsored Caroling in Jackson Square, a truly moving holiday tradition held every year by candlelight on the Sunday before Christmas. Jackson Square brims with candlelit faces and song-lit spirits as high as the spires of the St. Louis Cathedral on Sunday, Dec. 18 this year Candles and song sheets are provided. Gates open at 6:30pm and caroling begins promptly at 7pm. This event is free and open to the public. Patio Planters also makes annual

contributions to various courtyards and gardens to support the preservation and beautification of the French Quarter. These donations are made possible, and Caroling in Jackson Square remains free and open to the public, thanks to your support of these Patio Planters annual fund-raising events: Secret Gardens of the Vieux Carré (October), White Elephant Sale & Auction (November), and Holiday Home Tour (December). Visit PatioPlanters.ORG for details on all of the social events, fund-raisers, and contributions of Patio Planters.

NOMA’s 31-Hour FREE Birthday Celebration Dec. 16-17

he Isaac Delgado Museum of Art opened its doors on Dec. 16, 1911 owning just 9 works of art. Today NOMA has over 35,000 art objects in the permanent collection. Join the celebration on Friday, Dec. 16 at 10am through Saturday, Dec. 17 at 5pm as celebrating NOMA’s 100th Birthday! The museum will be open for 31 continuous hours with music, family art making activities, exhibition walk-throughs and more. NOMA’s centennial celebration is FREE and open to the public. The schedule is as follows: Friday, December 16th: 5-8pm: Art Making Activities, 5-7pm: Piano by Wayne Daigrepont, 6pm: Comedic Improv Tour by The New Movement, 7-8:30pm: Isidore Newman Choir, 8pm-12am: Art Making Activities by Prospect.2, 8:30pm: Tour by Modern and Contemporary Art Curator Miranda Lash, 9pm-12am: New Orleans Jazz Institute Quartet, 9:30pm: Irvin Mayfield performance and book signing, 10pm: Comedic Improv Tour by The New Movement; Saturday, December 17th: Midnight -3am: Quintron – DJ Set, 3-6 am: DJ Kazu, 8am: Yoga in Second Floor Museum Galleries, 9-11 am: NOCCA Jazz Band: Jazz Brunch in Café NOMA by Ralph Brennan, 11am-4pm: Art Making Activities (Young Audiences, YAYA, KIDsmART), 11am: Roots of Music Second Line around NOMA leading to the front steps, 11:15/11:30am: Remarks by Susan Taylor on front steps, 11:30am-2:30pm: Educational Programming, 2:30-4:30pm: Amanda Shaw Finale Performance. “NOMA 100 is about telling stories: the story of the museum’s evolution from an eleven object collection to a wide-ranging encyclopedic collection of over 35,000 works today; that of Director Emeritus John Bullard’s enthusiasm and tireless pursuit of extraordinary works; and the stories those works of art tell us about a culture, artist, and moment in time,” said Director Susan Taylor.

Visit www.noma.org for more info.

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will have you two stepping in the aisles. The next shows are December 7 and 21. JohnPaul’s is located at 940 Elysian Fields.

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

Bartender of the Month

nce again Ambush went on the road and I found my next bartender for the month of December while on my journey. As you will read later in this issue (page 22), I went to Pensacola, Florida for the long Thanksgiving weekend and had an absolute blast. It was right across the street from my hotel that I discovered one of the best mixologists I have seen since writing this article. Ben Purvis is one of Emerald City’s shining stars. I had the opportunity to hang out with him on two of his busiest nights, the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, and all I have to say is this boy is a bartending machine. There are several reasons why Ben makes an incredible bartender. First off, he has a natural charm that is enhanced by boyish good looks and a banging body (okay, call me shallow), then there is his

Bartender of the Month Ben Purvis Emerald City, Pensacola

personality, which is a nice mixture of bubbly, sarcastic and witty. His memory was spot on, I watched as he not only remembered my drink, but dozens of other drinks of both loyal customers and brand new visitors. It shocked me that he had that ability on such crowded nights. Lastly, he churned out dozens of drinks in record time, his bar totals must soar when he is on duty. One of the main ways to spot a good bartender is his section is always jampacked. Between his amazing bartending skills and his winning disposition, Ben will definitely go far. So when you go to Pensacola, make Emerald City one of your stops and experience Ben’s Southern hospitality. Emerald City is located at 406 East Wright Street.

Putting the Hump Back Into Wednesdays

here is a new drag show called Hump Day The Country Way. Now I know what everyone is thinking. OMG, not another drag show, haven’t we saturated the market, but this one is different, I am the emcee. Just kidding, your show director ZsaZsa d’LaHor has gathered a great cast of entertainers every other Wednesday at JohnPaul’s starting at 9:30pm. If you are in the mood for some great country music, both current and classic, come on out and see these lovely ladies bring the songs to life in vivid color. No one can top Eva Las Vegas when she does a country great like Minnie Pearl or Loretta Lynn. I mean she gives new meaning to the term “wild country.” Or Gizelle Bouvier when she saunters around crooning Harper Valley PTA. But most of all, it is ZsaZsa who brings her brand of comedy to the stage in every number she does. Come check out this fun show that

NORDC/NOBA Center Give Free Holiday Performance of the Nutcracker

n Sunday, December 11 at 4pm, the NORDC/NOBA Cen ter For Dance invites the community to a FREE Performance of The Nutcracker Suite at Dixon Hall, Tulane University. The production features participants of the NORDC/NOBA Center For Dance’s programs for youth and senior citizens along with students of NOBA’s free, after school partnership programs with Wilson Charter School (Orleans Parish), St. Benilde School and St. Jerome Church (Jefferson Parish). The Center For Dance, a cultural community partnership between the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) and the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA), offers year-round, free dance programming to ages 6-80+. The Nutcracker Suite brings together more than 200 students and 20 senior citizens throughout the greater metropolitan area for the holiday classic. Each center is assigned a part, such as angels, mice, and soldiers, and, during the fall, students learn choreography from their instructors at each of the centers where they study. All the parts come together for the first time only the day before the performance, when the students begin production rehearsals in the studios at Tulane University. Costumes and choreography for The Nutcracker Suite are created by Center for Dance faculty, and the sets are generously donated by Strike It Green Props, an environmentally aware prop, set and wardrobe rental warehouse, located in the heart of the New Orleans’ film district. Currently celebrating its 42nd Season, NOBA is the Central Gulf region’s premiere presenting and service organization dedicated solely to the art of dance. Each year NOBA provides concerts, classes, workshops and lectures to more than 25,000 area dance enthusiasts of all ages. NOBA’s dynamic Main Stage season annually features a diverse array of world-class companies and artists. In addition, NOBA’s nationally recognized award-winning education programs provide the community access to quality arts

programs with over 3,000 classes, performances, and workshops, more than 95% of which are free. Founded in 1992, the NORDC/NOBA Center For Dance was born out of a need to make high quality, professional dance training accessible to all school-aged children. A program that began with just 30 students at the Behrman NORDC Center now boasts an enrollment of 450 children per semester at 10 sites city wide. Through expanded partnerships to include schools, churches, and community centers, NOBA and its collaborators have provided more than 30,000 free dance classes to over 10,000 children. With a core curriculum of ballet, classes are open to any child with a demonstrated interest in dance. The PreProfessional Track (open by audition) provides an expanded curriculum in ballet/ pointe, modern, and other dance forms, as well as master classes with world renowned artists, scholarships to study at national summer programs, performances, and other activities. Through a dynamic professional faculty, a mentor program, family field trips, and more, the Center works with each child to cultivate dreams and strengthen futures. The Center is the recipient of many national honors, including the Coming Up Taller Award by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

Are You Ready for the Holidaze!

irque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2011 holiday season when it transforms the stage at the Mahalia Jackson Theater into a wonderland of fantasy and disbelief, December 20-24. Cirque Dreams, an American theatrical production company, brings its critically acclaimed entertainment brand to New Orleans for six glorious holiday performances presented by East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway In New Orleans. “Broadway Across America is thrilled to add Cirque Dreams Holidaze to New Orleans’ holiday calendar,” said David Skinner, general manager of Arts Center Enterprises which manages the Mahalia Jackson Theater. “Christmas in New Orleans has become a truly magical time with businesses across the city joining in the festivities. We are proud to offer Cirque Dreams Holidaze as another wonderful reason for families and guests to spend

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under the gaydar ...from 10 their holiday in New Orleans.” Created and directed by Neil Goldberg, creator of the ground breaking Broadway hit Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Cirque Dreams Holidaze is “so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil” according to the New York Daily News and “a delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load.” The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle raves, “even the Grinch would be impressed with this Christmas wonderland.” “Stuffed with so much holiday cheer and audacious acts, Scrooge would exit with a big ol’ smile on his face,” hails the Erie Times News about this “Broadway-worthy spectacle.” “The perfect way to come in from the cold, forget the holiday stresses and find the magic of the season” proclaims The Oakland Press. Don’t miss the international sensation that “Dazzled…at The Kennedy

Center” according to the Washington Post. Goldberg re-imagines the holiday season with Cirque Dreams Holidaze. An international cast of over 30 multi-talented and brilliantly costumed artists come to life and perform astonishing feats of disbelief. Experience gingerbread men flipping midair, toy soldiers marching on thin wires, snowmen daringly balancing, icemen powerfully sculpting, penguins spinning, puppets dancing and reindeer soaring high above a landscape of holiday wonderment. An original music score and some seasonal favorites accompany hundreds of astonishing costumes and holiday dreams in a setting of gigantic gifts, colossal candy canes and 30-foot towering soldiers creating a wonderland of spectacle. In a newly forged partnership with Armed Forces Entertainment, the Department of Defense program chartered to bring free, live, quality entertainment to U.S. military members and their families

overseas, Cirque Dreams will now share its creations with U.S. Troops at home and abroad. Military discounts will be available for all U.S. performances of Cirque Dreams Holidaze. In January 2012, sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment, the creation of the first ever Cirque Dreams World Tour will begin performing at military bases throughout 10 countries. Performances of Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Mahalia Jackson Theater will be held December 20-24 with nightly performances at 8pm (no Saturday evening performance) and matinees at 2pm on Friday, December 23 and Saturday, December 24. Tickets are available at the Mahalia Jackson Theater Box Office, online at www.BroadwayInNewOrleans.com or via phone 800.982-.2787 (ARTS). Group discounts of 15 or more are available by calling 504.287.0372. Military groups of 15 can purchase tickets at a discount by calling 504.287.0372. A military discount is

also available in person at the Box Office window with a military ID (max 4 tickets per ID). For more information, visit http:// www.CirqueProductions.com.

Get Into The Holiday Spirit

he Krewe of Petronius is helping everyone get into the holy holiday spirit with their Dining with the Divine One: Gospel Show & Church Social Dinner on Saturday, December 17 at 7pm; showtime 8pm. The cast of performers this evening include Natasha, Queen Petronius Bootsie deVille, Countess C. Alice, Queen Amon-Ra Tami Tarmac, Miss Gay Louisiana America Maybelline Maskara, Dominique DeLorean, Monica Synclaire-Kennedy and Serenity DeLaTerre. There is a $10 Dona-

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Counseling and Psychotherapy Couples, individuals, communication skills, coming out, relationship issues, grief and substance abuse. Gay therapist for Lesbian and Gay Issues.

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

“We say NO!”

orward: I was recently asked to tell the story of what happened and what the after story was about the ‘desecration’ at St. Anna’s. For the better part this story will speak for itself. That said, coming on the eve of Advent where Christians are asked to contemplate the sacred history of the coming Incarnation there is no doubt a link. The Facts: In an effort to provide a prayer space for passersby St. Anna’s opens the Narthex aka foyer of the church to the public as a prayer chapel. It is sparsely decorated with an Icon of St. Anna, a candle stand, a columbarium and photo of The Rev. Robert J. Dodwell. The nave is protected by a set of heavy glass doors through which one can enjoy the dramatically lit statues of Anna and the Blessed Virgin. It is a quiet safe space and a supply of holy cards is always out as a help for those that wish them. In front of the church forming a wall to a garden are two memorial walls listing the names of murder victims for the years 2007 and 2008 centered on that wall is a small statue of a weeping angel and wooden cross made from a destroyed shrimp boat from Katrina. On Tuesday, November 15th between the hours of 9am and 10am a person or persons entered the Narthex. They took more than a dozen holy cards and on them drew swastikas (symbols of Nazi Germany), on St. Mary cards wrote “Heil Mary” – in context a derisive slogan, on several other cards various symbols from the Aryan Nation. The cards were arrayed before the prayer stand in an Aryan Nation Symbol. Outside, the Angel before the memorial wall had her hand clipped off and with blue marker an Aryan Nation symbol placed on the remainder of the hand; nothing more, nothing less. Perhaps it would have been far better to have had great statues smashed and spray painted swastikas on the walls, maybe even broken windows. It would have been more dramatic and presented a higher level of destruction more consistent with the spiritual damage inflicted. We at St. Anna’s refuse to call this vandalism, which it is, but more rightly ‘desecration’ because this is as much a spiritual hate crime as it is a minor physical inconvenience. When I took a survey of the damage it seemed so little. But there is that feeling. The Immediate Response: We re-

ported the incident to police. Within a couple of hours officer Lewis showed up. She was disappointed and little confused in that she did not understand holy cards nor was she really familiar with swastikas or the other symbols. She was shocked by the memorials and they moved her. As we talked a TV news truck pulled up and began interviewing. That night ABC 26 featured the event Live at 5. Officer Lewis notified the First District that media was here. Within 20 minutes over a dozen officers representing several departments were on site. I thought it a bit much at the time. Yet, the response was interesting. The First District Commander said to me, “I heard this come over the radio and had to come. I am so damn mad. Churches need to be off limits to this kind of stuff!” Not only he but others were very angry. It was more than just a job assignment. By Wednesday several other stations had contacted us and did follow ups including Channel 6, Channel 4 and The Times Picayune. Then the AP picked up the story and it ran in several markets throughout the U.S. and abroad. Luigi’s cousins in Milan were even aware of it. It was now very public. The staff wondered and was somewhat amazed with all the attention. This incident seemed to have struck a nerve with many. I posted the story on a blog and as some know eventually shared my reflections with the clergy in Louisiana. Resurrection out of crucifixion: By Thursday the church had been contacted by many people offering help and assistance. They thought that the church had been deeply damaged. But, the emotional responses remained the same: outrage and anger over such violence – it was a gut

level response. Also, a deep concern for our spiritual health and reaction as a church was articulated. Congressman Richmond’s office contacted us and offered support on many levels and at this writing offered a contribution to restore and renew the memorial wall. Rabbi Cohen of Temple Sinai stopped by to offer support and care and he too offered a donation to restore the memorial wall. Deacon Jay of St. Paul’s stopped by in case we needed repairs thinking the damage worse than it was. Over the past two weeks we have received e-mails and letters from dozens within our Diocesan family and beyond expressing outrage and at the same time offering prayers for us and indeed the perpetrator(s). The real game changer however was that conversation with Rabbi Cohen who reminded me that our desecration struck a nerve in the Jewish community because it happened close to the day known as Krystallnacht. If you don’t know about this time in history November 9-10, 1938 read about it. It was the opening shot of the Holocaust. Rabbi Cohen reminded me that any form of hate crime is intolerable. The LGBT Community, often victims of hate crimes, is outraged. A Bear finding out about the desecration sent my blog to the Bear world and his parting comment to Parish Administrator Luigi was, “Bears bite back!” The word spread and the out pouring of support was unanimous – we will not stand for this. Now, in the season of Advent we as a people as a community of faith and hope and longing can say “no” we will not hate, “no” we will not tolerate this act that desecrates. Rather we will stand shoulder to shoulder and reject this spiritual defiling and degrading and say “no.”

under the gaydar ...from 11 tion at the door. This is definitely going to be a hallelujah screaming, foot stomping rollicking good time; so be sure to come on out and hopefully you might be lucky enough to get down on your knees.

Soups On!

ny self-respecting New Orleanian loves gumbo, which is a staple at any local’s dinner table. The Krewe of Amon-Ra is hosting their first annual Gumbo Cook-off on Sunday, December 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

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Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom

o you want to test the strength of your relationship, go on a road trip with someone. Whether it is a significant other, good friend or family member, any road trip of a length of time will put even the most stalwart bonds to trial. But these occasions can also be some of the most enjoyable memories of your life. It is a great time to connect with these loved ones or friends. In our busy lives we never really slow down and actually talk to each other. Road trips give you that opportunity. I go on a road trip every year over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend with my mother to a different city. It has become a ritual with us ever since Katrina and my

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

Bears, Bars & Leather

eing a bear or identified as one, is the same in New Orleans as other cities with some added local differences. The New Orleans Bear and Bear Trapper Social Club, contains members who are anywhere from those in their 20s to those in their 70s. As a younger bear I talked to about this subject stated, that when a group of bears enter a pub or restaurant for a pub crawl or a social dinner as a group, the local staff

and service people see the group as a group of mostly bearded men or bears; but, when the group is together they see each other as more of a broken down identity and more subtle sub-classification when they look at members of the group. As with any subject or special subset within any community, bears have developed their own communication and classification. As a somewhat shorter bear at 5 feet 6 inches, I will always be a pocket bear, but some of the other classifications may also apply. Some of the definitions and classifications below come from Wikipedia and so are from different sources within the world wide bear community. Some slang terms relating to the bear community world wide include the following: Bear run – a gathering for bear/cub types and their admirers.

Baloo - an older bear who befriends and welcomes a younger bear (Cub) into bear culture. Black bear - a bear of Black/African-American descent. Brown bear - a bear of Hispanic, Middle Eastern, or South Asian descent. Chaser – short for chubby chaser, or a man who likes overweight men. Is also used to generalize bear admirers Chub – a heavy set gay man. May or may not be a bear (chubby bear is a common term). Cub – a younger (or younger looking) version of a bear, typically but not always with a smaller frame. The term is sometimes used to imply the passive partner in a relationship. Can be hairy or hairless. Daddy bear – an older bear, sometimes looking for a relationship with a younger man. Goldilocks – a female, often heterosexual, who is often in the company of bears (a bear’s fag hag). Grizzly Adams – a man who is hairy and is attracted to bears; but does not self-identify as a bear. Grizzly bear - a very dominant, heavy, tall, or hairy bear. Koala Bear - a bear of Australian descent. Otter – a man who is hairy, but is not large or stocky – typically thinner, swimmer’s build, or with lean muscle or no muscle. Panda bear – a bear of Asian descent. Pocket bear – a short bear. Polar bear – a silver- or white-haired bear. Redwood - a red-haired bear. Trapper - a man of smaller stature attracted to bears, also known as a chaser. Wolf – a term for a muscle bear who is a rugged outdoorsy or biker type. Woof – a greeting used to express physical attraction (sometimes when a bear sees another bear in public). Victor Bear Vest has been a member of the New Orleans Bear and Bear Trapper Social club since it was founded 16 years ago. Because of his having lived much of the local history continuously he has a long term perspective that not many members of the bear community have. I asked him about how he came to live in New Orleans. “It was 1971, I was 25 years old and I had gotten out of the Air Force, and was working for the police force in Dallas Texas. My favorite aunt and uncle lived here in a house on Chartres Street. They were elderly and needed taking care of; they asked me to come live with them, which I did. I took care of them until they both had passed away and then got

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under the gaydar ...from 12 father’s passing. I watched for that first year after the storm, one of the strongest women I know sink into depression during the holiday season. It is completely understandable since she lost her house in Katrina, my dad died five months before that and my grandmother (her mom) also passed the previous year. She could not bear celebrating when everything seemed so depressing. I swore then and there, that no matter what I had to do, I was going to make sure she enjoyed the holidays no matter what. So I whisk her off to some fun place every year where we combine the shopping, holiday sightseeing and events, dining at great restaurants and most of all remembering that life is truly worth enjoying, especially during the holidays. We both have a great time and look forward to these jaunts annually. Now that being said, we each do have our pet peeves with each other during these trips. Like I hate it when she is a back seat driver and she gets annoyed every once in a while when I get distracted by a passing trucker or hot guy in a sportscar; but then again nobody is perfect. If you have an event or news item you would like me to cover in this column, please contact me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.

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on the prowl ...from 14 my own place on Dumaine Street. Later I moved to Burgundy Street and lived in a couple of different places on Burgundy for 26 years. I have lived now in the same place for over ten years just up the street from the Rawhide on Burgundy.” We talked about what New Orleans was like 40 years ago. “Back in the 1970s there was no crime like you see today. It was much safer overall and you didn’t have people getting knocked in the head like you see now, it was such a different time compared to now. It was wonderful.” We discussed how he came to identify as a bear and his story reminded me of Lady GaGa’s song Born This Way. He said: “Being from Alabama, I played for Bear Bryant for four years, and when the Bear died, I was given the nickname, so it predates the bear clubs by a long time. When I was born, I was 14 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 25 inches long, and was the biggest baby ever born in Decatur General Hospital and my daddy said, 'Well look at this little bear,' so I have been a bear my whole life. I remember one of the first New Orleans Bear get togethers, across the river at Tony and Mike’s house, they had a big pool party and I got invited to that, and I have been a member of the New Orleans Bear and Bear Trapper Social Club ever since. At that time we had about sixteen members and the club was much simpler then, mostly a social club. Now we are better organized and do more charity work, and have become a LLC. Traditionally from the beginning we would get together as a group on the second Saturday of each month, which we still do, and we would all meet up at a local restaurant or at one of the members houses for dinner or a party.” I asked him about Hurricane Katrina and it’s effect on the club. “I stayed here in the Quarter for eight days after Katrina, I had a broken hand and had a couple of teeth knocked out, because of 165 mile an hour winds and trying the close the two french doors upstairs and my hand got caught in between. My eye doctor lived across the street and he put ice on my hand to keep it from swelling up where it was broken, and then after 8 days they rescued me and took me to Baton Rouge. At the hospital in Baton Rouge they had to re-break my hand and put it in a cast. During the 8 days before, a bear friend and I would sit on the front porch at night with my Jesus candle burning and a radio. There was no water and no electricity, aid workers dropped off MREs and we ate at Johnny Whites on Bourbon Street which was still open, they would serve a huge burger, fries and coke for five bucks. There were helicopters over head and fires in the Quarter, but no fire trucks or response personnel. The helicopters would pick up water in big buckets from the river and dump it on the burning houses. The stores had all been looted except there was a small grocery in the Quarter but the owners stayed there and had guns so they didn’t get looted. The bear club got scattered all over the country after Katrina, but a couple of the members tracked down every one of them and we got back all of the bear club members but one who did not return after the storm. We did not have another bear club meeting until maybe November of that year. He wanted to talk about the upcoming Christmas parties and events. “There are 14 beds at the Lazarus house and last year the club provided gifts, so that the patients had something to open on Christmas morning. Also we have a big Christmas party there on December 17th for the bears with

a gift exchange for the members. Each member brings a gift valued between 20-25 dollars and we draw numbers for the gifts.” “Also for the past 16 years I have played Santa for Christmas in the Park. This year I will be down there the second Saturday of December which is the tenth, with a group of members from the Bear club volunteering and the kids will get to tell Santa what they want for Christmas and get candy from Santa. That will be about 1:30-2pm. Then at 3:30 we will have the Fun Run two mile walk in the park to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital. Now, six years after Katrina, a lot of the decorations and traditional Christmas in the park has been restored and is a beautiful thing to see whether driving through or walking through.” “The upcoming beer busts at the Phoenix will be the first Friday and the third Friday in December at 9pm, upstairs, and our new president, vice president and treasurer will be sworn in at the end of the year. The gay balls will begin in January and members of the Bear Club will volunteer with the Lords of Leather to provide security and services for that. Lastly I want to let any prior members know that in the NOBBTSC, we have a new President Jimmy Mondero, and a

new Vice President Charles Jenkins. These two have demonstrated leadership and skill and the group is attracting new members and welcomes all new and returning members. As the oldest continuous member of the club I want to welcome new and old members.”

Last Issue of the Year Ch r i s t m a s , N e w Ye a r 's

Runs Dec. 20-Jan. 2

DEA DL I N E: Tues., Dec. 13

5 0 4 .5 2 2 .8 0 4 9

Santa Victor Vest & Ed Rome @ Christmas

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snap Wilhemina Show Director Jeff Palmquist

Lords of Leather Captain Gary Vandeventer starts out as Marilyn Monroe

New Wood Enterprises manager Michael & Little MM

Darlene was a stunner!

MC Blanche Debris of Oz fame

Little MM, Wilhemina & Aletha

Toronto Imperial Court Royalty Ron in for the party

Big Mama of Billy’s, 4 Seasons & Double Play fame Bartender's Damon & Aletha

Troy was just lovely with honey Wayne

Good Friends Luke gets the top bid on Keke’s lamp

Belle Reve Program Coordinator Michele D’Aquin & Exe. Dir. Vicki Weeks

Special guest Queen Amon-Ra Tami Tarmac

HoneyB & Adam

Little MM & Shamus

King Amon-Ra King Jerry joins raffle boy Wayne

DJ Jeff, a mystery girl!

Keke (Earl) & Little MM

Special guest Miss Gay Louisian America Maybelline Maskara

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Lords of Leather’s One Hot Mess @ JohnPaul’s ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

19th Red Party raises $3,250 for Belle Reve @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

paparazzi

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snap paparazzi

Barback Kane & bartender Jim @ Lafitte’s

Saturdays Divas R Us MC Toebe @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Oz manager Glen & bartender Blake

Bartender Blake, Engender’s Corynne Deville & bar baron Mac @ Cutter’s Divas R Us show director Rikki Redd

Bartender's Byron & Richard hail from Rawhide

Bar baron Michael with his famous stuffed grape leaves

Society Page’s Orlando, Oz’s Tommy & Corner Pocket’s Michael for the Pocket’s PostThanksgiving Feast

Engender’s Dante Deville on stage @ Cutter’s Jessica Hare Vanderhurst in Divas R Us

Roger & Kajun’s Pub bartender Glenn in for the Pocket’s feast

ZsaZsa d’LaHor in Engender @ Cutter’s

Cutter’s bartender Jim

Bartender of the Year Lance Pippin hails from Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Good Friends bartender Christopher

Bartender/chef Anthony arrives with one of his dishes @ Corner Pocket feast Anthony & Don relaxing @ Michael’s on the Park

Bartender/chef Guido with his chicken & sausage gumbo

Herman & Paul @ Michael’s on the Park

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City Nightlife ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Paul Melancon

Bartenders/chefs Bruce with his turkey & Ashlee with oyster dressing @ The Corner Pocket

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

Ambush on The Road: Pensacola

love traveling and find that some of the best getaways are just a few hours from where you live. Every year, my mother and I have a ritual where we go to another city for the extended Thanksgiving weekend and enjoy shopping, dining at great restaurants and taking in some of the holiday happenings. This year we chose Pensacola, Florida and it was a truly memorable trip. We started our journey leaving New Orleans at 10am Thanksgiving morning and taking the scenic Beach Road drive through Mississippi. You hit the beach staring at Waveland and maneuver your way down the winding road through Ocean Springs. The drive itself was pleasant seeing how much the Mississippi Gulf Coast has rebuilt since Katrina. The homes are just breathtaking and the weather was gorgeous. Bay St. Louis is one of the cutest little towns; I made a mental note that I have to go back there and stay for a few days. And, I hear that they just opened a new gay bar, Club Red, all the more reason. We stopped at the Island View Casino on the way to Florida for a little spot of lunch and some gaming. We had a scrumptious Thanksgiving turkey dinner at their restaurant C&G Grille, which was a welcome change to dining at the buffet. We had a window view of the Gulf and had a leisurely lunch with great service. Kudos goes out to all those people who work on the holidays to make others’ day special. Our waitress was just an absolute pleasure. After lunch we gambled for two hours, my mother came out $150 richer and I obviously contributed $40 to the save our coast fund (at least I like to think that is where the money went). All in all I have to say that Island View is one of the nicest casinos on the coast and you should definitely do a day trip there. Back on the road, we made it into Pensacola around 4pm and checked into the hotel. The Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand Hotel was an incredible place to stay. Located conveniently downtown at 200 East Gregory Street, the hotel is near shopping, dining and the gay bars (which is the most important factor in my book), this has now become one of my favorite spots. What I found interesting was not just the beauty of the place, but its historic importance to the city. The Pensacola Grand Hotel has a rich heritage dating back to 1912. The hotel is located in the site of the historic L & N railroad passenger depot and has

been restored beautifully with the ornate lobby, lounge, restaurant and meeting rooms. After serving the industry for 58 years, the last train rolled out in 1971. The structure soon fell into disrepair; however, in 1978 it became listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an important architectural landmark. Six years later, developers purchased the depot from the railroad and restored it to today’s Pensacola Grand Hotel. All the guest rooms were completely renovated after Hurricane Ivan damaged them in 2004. I have to attest to the excellent quality of the rooms, my mother and I each had corner suites; mine had incredible views of the bay on one side and downtown on the other. After resting after the drive, we decided to go out to find some dinner. Being Thanksgiving night, the town was almost completely shut down, but we managed to find an open restaurant which was Landry’s Seafood. Even though I am not big on chain restaurants, Landry’s was just delightful. It was very crowded and the service was still wonderful. Our waiter’s name was Kyle who was working his first full day off of training, and was hysterical. A personable server can make any dining experience great and that is what he did. The food was good, the martinis even better. I found that the entire place was in a jovial mood, from the staff to the other patrons, everyone seemed to be enjoying the holiday. It is always nice when restaurants surpass your expectations. (Landry’s Seafood is located at 905 East Gregory Street). After dinner, I decided to do a little exploring. All the gay bars seemed closed except for the Roundup (www.theroundup.net), which has changed quite a lot since it renovated and moved locations. It is still one of the city’s gay neighborhood bars but now more spacious with lots of indoor and outdoor space. When I arrived they were finishing up a pot luck dinner they provided for their patrons. They had a great crowd, I guess a lot of people wanted to get away from their family after spending the entire day with them. I had a few drinks and called it an early night because I was exhausted. The next day my internal shopping clock went off at 3am. It is Black Friday and the sales were on. Now anyone who knows me will attest, I love to shop, and the sales on Black Friday are among my favorites. After fixing two Bloody Mary’s for us, mom and I were ready for the sales. We drove to the outlet mall Silver Sands in Destin which opened at midnight that morning.

“I can’t believe these crazy people are out here this early,” Mom commented. “Mom, we are here.” “Yes, but honey, we are drinking which makes the world of difference.” Who can argue with that? So after a few hours of shopping and getting some great bargains, we returned back to the hotel and had lunch at the hotel restaurant, appropriately titled The Restaurant 1912. I have to admit another outstanding meal; I had some great fish tacos. The décor in the eatery was also historic and included the entrance’s Biva doors bought in a shop in London, a cast bronze French style chandelier from a home in Philadelphia and beveled glass windows circa 1885 from a Victorian hotel in Pennsylvania, and scalloped-shaped grillwork from Lloyd’s of London. After crashing for a few hours, we were back out again to attend the kickoff celebration of Winter Fest, which is a holiday tradition for locals and visitors alike. The hub of all excitement begins in Christmas Town Wonderland, a plaza in front of the historic Escambia County Courthouse that has faux snow falling from its rooftop. Santa’s Workshop Revue is a free song-and-dance show in the Plaza with your favorite holiday characters like Rudolph, Frosty and Old St. Nick himself in his beautiful red sleigh. A special red trolley features delicious holiday treats. They started the night with the Elf Parade where hundreds of children line up for a short parade through downtown heralding Santa into the city. Then we took one of their performance tours, which features 11 stops complete with your favorite holiday characters singing memorable tunes to get you in the spirit. Our tour was visited by Rudolph, Frosty, the Peanuts Gang, Elvis (who of course sang Blue Christmas), the Cajun Alligator Boudreaux, the Grinch, the heroes from the Polar Express and culminated in a Living Nativity scene with one of the best singers performing O Holy Night that had the entire tour cheering. My mom especially liked the alligator because it terrified the children. I had to admit, it was kind of fun watching those kids scream in pure terror at this green outfitted man with sharp teeth. There are three different trolley tours and a walking tour that will take you through Downtown Pensacola from the Historic Seville to Palafox Business District. From the historic homes to the awesome light displays this area is very festive during the holidays. I highly recommend doing this tour which goes on through December. To find out more about Winter Fest happenings and dates, go to www.pensacolawinterfest.org. After dealing with lots of children we needed several cocktails. We went to Jackson’s Steakhouse which was one of the best restaurants in the city. The food was just spectacular and the service impeccable. Their steaks were so tender and cooked to perfection.

The atmosphere was another winning feature of this restaurant with its tasteful holiday décor and prime location near all the holiday and downtown action. One can easily tell this is one of “the places to dine and be seen” in the city. A little history about the steakhouse; it occupies the ground floor of the revitalized 1860s-era building that originally housed H. Pfeiffer & Company Mercantile. The building overlooks Plaza Ferdinand at 400 S. Palafox Street—where, in July 1821, General Andrew Jackson accepted the transfer of Florida from Spain to the United States and raised the American flag in Pensacola for the first time. He served briefly as governor of Florida and then returned to Tennessee with his wife Rachel. In 1828, Jackson was elected seventh president of the United States. In 1935, to commemorate this historic event, a bust of Jackson was commissioned and placed in Plaza Ferdinand. In 1998, a group of like-minded entrepreneurs were inspired to renovate the old building and open a restaurant in honor of this American hero. The name of the restaurant would be Jackson’s, with a re-creation of his signature serving as the logo and theme of the establishment. In keeping with this idea, since the restaurant overlooks the plaza where this moment in history occurred and where the bust of Jackson stands, they decided to create an atmosphere— from the handcrafted tree-branch light fixtures to the mural behind the bar— that would virtually put patrons in the park. Over the past decade, Jackson’s Steakhouse has earned the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator eight times. Also, as an eight-time consecutive recipient of Florida Trend magazine’s Golden Spoon Award, Jackson’s Steakhouse is considered one of Florida’s top 25 restaurants and is placed by the Distinguished Restaurants of North America in the top two percent of all fine dining restaurants in the country. And, I have to add, Jackson’s ranks as one of my favorite steakhouses in the United States. Once dinner was over, I ran back to the room and quick changed and ventured downstairs to the lobby bar in the hotel called the Cavu Club. There seemed to be lots of people there that night especially military personnel. It was a quaint lounge with a great feel, good bartenders and lots of Military memorabilia adorning the walls. Once I downed a very satisfying martini, I crossed the street to The Other Side which is connected to Emerald City and is more of a low key type neighborhood bar feel. It was quite empty when I first arrived so I took a cab, which was very easy to obtain, downtown to Cabaret. This bar has been open for about 2 ½ years, previously known as Jack and Ron’s. Now with a new owner and in a new location, Cabaret

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travel feature ...from 22 (www.cabaretpensacola.com) has a cool vibe to the place. Huge murals look down on patrons as they enjoy a great array of libations. Dubbed as Downtown’s Most Progressive Neighborhood Bar (read between the lines – gay bar), it offers everything from live musical acts to karaoke night. I had a few cocktails and conversation with the friendly staff there before returning to Emerald City where the scene had quite

picked up. Almost everyone who works at Emerald City (www.emeraldcitypensacola.com) in this bar was extremely friendly and hospitable. I immediately found my favorite bartender, Ben, who you read in another part of this issue is my bartender of the month choice. He kept me quite cocktailed and his Dirty Ass Bong Water Shots were to die for. That night one of the city’s premier entertainers Lauren Mitchell hosted the Strip Off

at midnight. Now this club knows how to get some hot male flesh out on that stage and Lauren is the ultimate entertainer, funny, snappy and sassy. She had the audience and some of the boys worked up into a frenzy. This is quite the show to witness. Afterwards I caught up with Lauren and talked to her about the club, the city and the gay community. I found out she previously worked in Emerald City’s predecessor The Office. Now she does almost nightly shows and is a mainstay

in the community. She said that when the club was The Office they performed on a platform placed over the pool. The club was completely renovated after Ivan to what it is today. “One of the only good things that came out of the storm is now I have my own dressing room.” I got to see backstage and it is probably the best one I have seen in a gay bar, with small private dressing rooms for their star performers and a spacious

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travel feature ...from 23

mobile

papar azzi

Chad & Cory with the Beautiful Girls of Mobile

Welcome, Spinning, Creating ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John

Welcome Home for the Holidays Joseph along with Miss Cie

B-Bob’s Show Host Miss Davenport showing her Alabama Roll Tide Spirit Patrick, O’Brian, John & Lee having a great time

DJ Leroy spinning happiness on B-Bob’s dance floor

The new Miss B-Bob’s Nadya Simone with Taylor Heart performing @ B-Bob’s

Dennis & Asher enjoying the Holiday Spirit @ B-Bob’s

B-Bob’s DJ Chromatic blowing the speakers up!

Judson creating the magic on the B-Bob’s dance floor

Lloyd, Greg, Mike & Kevin, & Mark visiting home from Vegas & Sacramento

Brandy & Bryant @ B-Bob’s Burlesque Show

Jasyn, Miss Cie & James enjoying a night out in Mobile

Bacchus owner Stevie with Harrison enjoying a cocktail

Crayton, O’Brian & Travis @ B-Bob’s Saturday Fun-Day

Miss Gina Germaine performing @ Midtown Pub

area for the others to get ready. One of the things I wondered was how was it living in Pensacola, with it being a military town and seemingly very straight -laced. “I think it is important how you carry and present yourself, I love this city and this bar. We are very much like a family here. I have performed everywhere in Pensacola from the Navy base to the Saenger and the Little Theatre,” Lauren explained. She was quick to point out that most of the gay scene is the bars. People blend here very nicely with each other which is one of the greatest things about Pensacola. She has never had trouble before, even with this being a military town. It is a very accepting area. She has honed her craft after years of performing, watching others and helping the newcomers come up in the scene. “Some of them are quite the energetic handfuls.” One of the most important things I noticed when she was performing, she acknowledges everyone who tips her. That is probably one of her strongest characteristics and what makes her a fan favorite. After an evening of meeting some great people, the lights went on and all good kids had to go home. Basically, they said stop drinking and leave. I cannot get use to these curfew cities. The following day, we did some more shopping at the Cardoza Mall which as malls go is quite impressive. Then we went to lunch at a superb restaurant located on the bay, The Fish House located at 600 S. Barracks Street. The Fish House is upscale dockside dining overlooking beautiful Pensacola Bay and Seville Harbor, just steps away from Historic Seville Square. It was a wonderful mixture of seafood and Southern home cooking. They also offer an inventive menu of fresh, daily seafood selections, housesmoked steaks, sushi, a handpicked wine list with over 300 wines, and its world-famous Grits a Ya Ya: A delectable Southern specialty of smoked Gouda cheese grits smothered with a sauce of fresh cream, sauteed Gulf shrimp, spinach, portabello mushrooms, applewood-smoked bacon, garlic, and shallots. The choices are not only the seafood but how you would like it prepared. From pecan dusted to gulf grilled, seafood lovers will feel like they are in heaven here. After having an incredible meal, we went for a sightseeing drive around the city taking in the NAVAL Base, the historic lighthouse and beaches. Once we returned, rested for a few hours, and changed, we went to dinner at The Grand Marlin located on Pensacola Beach at 400 Pensacola Beach Boulevard. The Grand Marlin is beach dining at its best. It boasts wonderful food, incredible view and atmosphere with an attentive staff, all

[continued on 27]

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big easy

papar azzi

Divas of Ninth Circle MC Frankie Fierce & Show Director DL Broadway @ Ninth Circle

Coca & Country Club manager Kristen @ Country Club Drag Brunch

Good Friends has the hot men

In for Divas of Ninth Circle @ Ninth Circle

Moanalot Fontaine wowing the Brunch crowd @ The Country Club

Princesse & Bobby at Marcy’s birthday tribute fundraiser for Buzzy’s Boys & Girls

Ted, Becky & George during Satyricon’s Holiday Party @ JohnPaul’s

Hotties @ Zsa Zsa’s Hump Day The Country Way show @ JohnPaul’s

Divas of Ninth Circle brought Jasmine Essex of Bourbon Pub fame to the stage @ Ninth Circle Althena waiting to do her next big number @ The Country Club Drag Brunch

Petronius’ Natasha & Queen Satyricon Sadie Shepard @ Satyricon’s Holiday Party

Fabulous men @ 700 Club

Opal Vanderhurst in Divas of Ninth Circle show Emcee/Satyricon Captain Tony with celebrity Firefighter calendar models @ the krewe’s Holiday Party

Marcy has a gin & tonic served with no straw as she watched from above her birthday tribute fundraiser @ JohnPaul’s benefiting Buzzy’s Boys & Girls

Thanksgiving @ The Country Club with managers Drew & Bert or should we say Indian & Pilgram

Randy, Ambush’s Tony & Marty (all went to high school together) @ Bourbon Pub

Hot dancers @ The Corner Pocket

Margarita Bergen strikes a pose during the Azucar Ball @ Hotel InterContinental

26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • Dec em ber 6-19, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

The Big Easy ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio

C Alice & Queen Petronius Bootsie deVille @ Satyricon’s Holiday Party

travel feature ...from 24 combined to make a unique dining experience. Also their shrimp and gouda cheese grits was the best I think I have ever had in a long time. Their oyster bar offers not only the best raw selection, but an array of gourmet styles. The barbecue oysters were just delicious. I have to admit, I recommend highly all the restaurants we dined at this trip, they all are definitely top choices. Since it was my last night in town, I could not miss the fun at Emerald City, so after getting refreshed after dinner, I sauntered across the street and was awed by the crowd. There were hundreds of people there. At the end of the night, Phil the manager told me there was a little over 600 people there and it was a slower night, they usually get upwards of 800 plus. WTF, that is a lot of people. This Saturday night it was drink and drown; where people pay ten dollars and drink well drinks from 10pm till 1am. There were also two drag shows that night starring Lauren Mitchell, Penny Holliday, Ebony Sinclair, Regine Phillips and Monica Heart. I caught both shows and these girls know

how to work it. They all had their own rhythm and moves down from Lauren’s Shania Twain medley to Penny and Ebony’s rendition of It’s Raining Men, every number scored big with the audience. Ben was still my bartender of choice that night, but there were other popular ones like Kat, who is a stalwart at Emerald City, hottie Brian and Bunnie who is also one of the resident DJs. In fact I was lucky enough to meet all the in house DJs that night, DJ Bunnie, DJ DeWhite Barkley and DJ Robbie C. After the first show, I sat down with the lovely Penny Holliday for a quick interview. She explained how she has performed for 36 years now which was hard to believe because she did not look a day over 40. As Penny talked to me in her dressing room, she exuded warmth which is why she captured this city’s heart. She said she landed in Pensacola on her way to Tallahassee to do a show and got asked to be a regular at the now closed Red Garter. Since then she has been entertaining audiences all over the Gulf South. Every New Year’s Eve she performs in Beaumont, Texas. New Orleanians may

remember Penny from the Glitz show where she performed Diana Ross. “I love doing characters like Diana Ross and Mary J. Blige. They are fun and the audience loves them.” She is also a very big advocate on the city. “I love Pensacola, the people, the scene and of course, Emerald City.” The place was so crowded but the group was upbeat and in the mood to have a good time. During busy nights like Saturdays, they open the doors and The Other Side becomes part of the club. That combined with the outdoor patio and rooftop, I can see why Emerald City is considered one of the premier clubs in the area. I met so many amazing people while I was in Pensacola, it is too hard to thank them all, but I would like to mention one guy in particular. Zachary, who is a regular took me under his wing, showed me around and made me feel at home. He got me to the front of the stage for the shows, helped me get great shots of some of the locals and was just an overall sweetheart of a guy. Another interesting thing about the bar was the mix of people, there was of course gay men, lesbians, straight couples, and

military guys (supposedly straight) who like to get a cheap drink on and dance with each other. Everyone got along and never once did it seem like anyone was uncomfortable. I love this bar. On Saturdays they close at 3am so at last call, I managed to get home in one piece and crash for the night, very happily cocktailed. On Sunday, we checked out and headed back to New Orleans, stopping briefly for some last minute shopping in Daphne, Alabama, then for lunch again with some more gambling at the Island View Casino. Which I am glad we did, because I was a $200 winner on the way back home. Sweet, paid for part of my trip. So when planning your next long weekend getaway, consider Pensacola. Even though the beaches are truly spectacular, be aware that Pensacola has so much more to offer year round, especially during the holiday season. For more information on the city, go to www.visitpensacola.com. For information on the gay happenings, go to www.ambushmag.com or www.gaypensacola.com.

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

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

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 Lafayette, LA [337] JULES DOWNTOWN, 533 Jefferson,

body rubs

RT PA M A R

264.8000 TONIC, 2013 Pinhook Rd., 269.6011 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, 4seasonsno.com CLUB LAX, 2301 N. Causeway, 834.7979 New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 BOURBON PUB & PARADE, 801 Bourbon St., 529.2107, BourbonPub.COM BYWATER PATIO BAR, 3162 Dauphine St., 944.4445 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200, CuttersBar.BIZ THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735 LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340

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 Experience The BODY ELECTRIC, nude rub, erotic, hot oils, full service table, deep tissue, light tissue, body scrubs. In & out calls. CALL AL 214.709.5199 [is2611]

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

book stores

guides

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

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

cable shows

French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

antiques

MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615 NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 371.5450 NINTH CIRCLE, 700 N. Rampart, 252.4558 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156. TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, TubbysBar.COM VOODOO BAR, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0950 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Bay St. Louis, MS [228] CLUB RED, 317 Reese St.,, 467.5920, ClubRedBSL.COM Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271

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

casinos Lake Charles, LA [337] L’Auberge du Lac Casino Resort, 777 Avenue L’Auberge, 337.395.7777 or 866.580.7444, ldlcasino.com New Orleans, LA [504] Harrah's New Orleans Casino, Canal @ the River, 800.,HARRAHS, GayHarrahsNOLA.COM

chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is2411]

circuit/events Dec. 29, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 17-21, 2012, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012, 13th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 25-28, 2012, Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 2012 41st Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 125,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 25-28, 2012 Halloween 29, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] FRADY'S ONE STOP GROCERY & DELICATESSEN, 3231 Dauphine St., 949.9688 MATASSA'S MARKET, 1001 Dauphine St., 512.8700 QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416

hair salons Mandeville, LA [985] RESTORATION HAIR DESIGN, 1800 W. Causeway Approach, Suite 119, 626.4353 New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555

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

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [0711] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Conti-

28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • Dec em ber 6-19, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM

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nental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0811] FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. One of several French Quarter residences that have been painstakingly restored and transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites. Beautiful and spacious townhomes available to accommodate groups of any size adjacent to the hotel. Just 3 short blocks from Bourbon St, with free Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast and access to two beautiful pools. Covered off street parking available. MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0112] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.522.7333, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com, “Spectacular, very unusual piece of property” with balconies of varying design ringing the courtyard. Circa 1880 Historic New Orleans Home lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms. Just steps away from Armstrong park, Bourbon St, and most of the popular gay clubs, bars, and restaurants. With two pools, free WiFi and complimentary continental breakfast. Secured off street parking available. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621

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

massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & thai massage/bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is2611]

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

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272

LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm

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

organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2

nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com,

fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. 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,

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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 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

Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse & cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM Frady's One Stop Grocery & Delicatessen, 3231 Dauphine St., 949.9688 Krystal, 116 Bourbon @ Canal, 523.4030 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Matassa's Market, 1001 Dauphine St., 512.8700 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930 Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET Royal House Restaurant, 441 Royal St., RoyalHouseRestaurant.COM, 528.2601 Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., 872.0360

retail/shopping Metairie, LA [504] SUZETTE'S, 4636 W. Esplanade, 888.7722, Suzettes.COM New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St., 522.9222 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 Q T PIE, 241 Dauphine St., 581.6633

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

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

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Staffers @ Emerald City love Ambush

Lauren Mitchell on stage @ Emerald City

One of Friday’s Strip-Off contestants @ Emerald City

Another Emerald City Strip-Off contestant

Cocktailin’ @ The Other Side

Legendary Kat slingin’ cocktails @ Emerald City

The DJ’s of Emerald City: Bunnie Hopson, Robbie C & Dewhite Barkley

Regine Philips with DJ Robbie C @ Emerald City

Valerie Heart @ Emerald City on Saturday night

Ebony Sinclair Saturday night @ Emerald City

Security is hot @ Emerald City

And one more Emerald City Strip-Off contestant

Partying @ Emerald City

Tony’s personal tour guide @ Emerald City & his newest “it” boy Zachary

Penny Holiday performs @ Emerald City

Some of the 600 plus crowd @ Emerald City on Saturday night

Jacob, Travis @ Matt @ Emerald City

Brian & Ben behind the bar @ Emerald City

Bartender's Jon Rainwater, Sean Sumpter & Nolan Wahl @ Cabaret, formerly Jack & Rons

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Travel Feature ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Tony Leggio

Lamont welcomes you at the front door to Emerald City

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Such a cute couple

Fun night out @ Emerald City

We all feel safe with Maria on the job

Dwayne & Lauren Mitchell @ Emerald City

Never know what you’ll run across on @ Drink & Drown

Missy @ Emerald City

Emerald City Saturday night Drink & Drown

What do you mean we have to do another turnabout?

Jon Thomas always lost in translation Alexa & Cameron @ Emerald City

Don't be fooled by that innocent smile

Steven & Blake @ Emerald City

Emerald City’s own Taylor Heart always with a boy on her arm

Grinder can be so entertaining

The lovely ladies of Pensacola with Miss Ebony Sinclaire

Emerald City Saturday night Drink & Drown

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Always, Lost, Lovely ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

Always a good time @ Emerald City

Emerald City Saturday night Drink & Drown

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papar azzi

Regina Adams, Starr Daniels, Silky Fontaine & Little MM in the Gumbo Revue @ Michael’s Always fun @ Le Roundup

Sunday’s Boy Next Door winner Ky, 1st runnerup David & 2nd runnerup Jameson @ Oz

Legendary Mother Moses @ The Double Play

Enjoying Le Roundup Scott offers Lady GaGa CDs plus much more @ Skully’z Records

Janice, Jack, Johnny & Lorrie cocktailin’ @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Double Play bartender Otis & Corner Pocket bartender Franko @ Double Play Oz’s fabulous Dusty Debris as Lady GaGa

Shopper with Bourbon Pride’s Josh Duffy

New bartender Lawrence joins Jon @ 700 Club Mercedes Ellis Loreal is a showstopper @ Oz

Lady Charles with bartender Will @ Double Play

New bartender Jonno @ the Phoenix

Bartender Carol welcomes you to Le Roundup Amon-Ra’s Ricky serving himself @ Phoenix’s Thanksgiving Feast

Hope, Bourbon Pub bartender Sammy & Moria @ Voodoo

Deanna cocktailin’ @ Le Roundup

Cliff & Danny in for the Phoenix Thanksgiving Buffet

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In the Spirit ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Paul Melancon

Tadhg, Marty & Greg @ Voodoo

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Thanksgiving kiss for Greg from Andre @ the Phoenix It’s Breakfast with Barry Saturday & Sundays @ Kajun’s Pub

Eva Las Vegas & Eric @ JohnPaul’s Thanksgiving Dinner

La Peniche Joe serves up her mashed potatoes @ JohnPaul’s Thanksgiving Dinner

Bartender Grant & Lords of Leather’s Cathy Fox @ JohnPaul’s Thanksgiving Dinner

Bartender Richie gettin’ some of the goodies @ Michael’s Thanksgiving Feast

Mike, Travis & Jeff @ 700 Club

Kajun’s Pub’s Joann poses with great morning customers Morning bartender Mitch @ Oz

Kent @ Rawhide

David, Jesse & David behind the bar @ The Parade

Kevin Bruce checking out green beans @ the Phoenix Voodoo doorman Jeffe & Show Bar’s Nidia @ Lafitte’s

Momma Bell & son Mike Cookmeyer @ Michael’s on the Park

Shirley, Wilhemina & Laverne @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Manager Pineapple strikes a pose @ Bourbon Pub Bourbon Pub bartender Brad

New Bourbon Pub Bartender Ryan X

Brian & Greg @ Bourbon Pub Parade

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Giving Thanks ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Paul Melancon

Kat carving the bird @ the Phoenix

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40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • Dec em ber 6-19, 2011 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide• GayMar diGras.COM