Ambush magazine volume 30 issue 08 by Ambush Publishing

2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 10-23, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM Offic

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

French Quarter Fest Artist Lineup set for 29th annual Festival

rench Quarter Festival has set the 2012 music lineup for the 29th annual festival April 12-15 and introduces two new stages to the growing festival – the Rick’s 315 Stage on Bourbon Street (traditional Jazz) and a Cabaret Stage at the Hotel Monteleone’s new Carousel Bar. Ambush Mag is a proud sponsor of French Quarter Festival which was founded in 1984 as a way to bring locals back to the French Quarter after major street and sidewalk construction before the World’s Fair. What was meant to be a one-time event has grown into a free, four-day festival with over 22 stages of music throughout the French Quarter, over 800 local musicians, over 250 hours of free music, and over 500,000 festival goers. This year French Quarter Festival introduces many new acts to the lineup including the Royal Southern Brotherhood with Cyril Neville, Don Vappie and the Creole Jazz Serenaders, Deacon John, New Orleans Bingo! Show, George Porter, Jr. and his Runnin’ Pardners, Papa Grows Funk, Gina Brown & Anutha Level, the Iguanas, and Bill Summers & Jazalsa, to name a few. French Quarter Festival will also feature 2012 Grammy winners, Rebirth Brass Brand - along with local favorites like Troy ‘Trombone Shorty’ Andrews and Orleans Avenue; Walter ‘Wolfman’ Washington; Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra; Jeremy Davenport; Soul Rebels; Amanda Shaw and the Cute Guys; and Don Vappie & the Creole Jazz Serenaders. In 2012 French Quarter Festival, Inc. launched the Musician Sponsorship program which eliminated the musicians’ responsibility of securing a sponsor. The new program has taken the burden off musicians and created hundreds of new partnerships for the festival. In March 2012, the Festival met its goal for musician sponsorships and will use the extra funds raised to cover musician parking at festival this year. One hundred percent of the musician sponsorship income will go towards musician expense at French Quarter Festival. Currently, twenty-one (of the twenty-two) stages at French Quarter Festival feature Louisiana artists exclusively. Over 800 local musicians perform at French Quarter Festival each year. Visit www.fqfi.org for more information on the music lineup, stages, and musician sponsorship. The free App for iPhone or Android is courtesy of Capital One Bank and Applitite.

World’s Largest Jazz Brunch at 29th French Quarter Festival

n a city known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, even festivals are known for serving world-class food. During the 29th annual French Quarter Festival (Thursday, April 12 – Sunday, April 15) festival-goers will enjoy signature offerings at the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch.” The 2012 festival welcomes nine new restaurants including Galatoire’s, K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen, Blue Dot Donuts, Three Muses, Maximo’s Italian Grill, Grand Isle, Deanies, Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, and PJ’s Coffee and Tea of New Orleans. Food and beverage booths, located in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint, make up the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch.” French Quarter Festival annually features authentic local cuisine from the area’s finest restaurants, including festival favorites such as crawfish and goat

Jazz Fest/Cinco de Mayo/Easter Highlights edition out April 24th ~ DEADLINE: Tues., April 17

inside

celebrazzi under the gaydar purple party paparazzi/nola french quarter festival spring fever paparazzi/metairie memorial weekend/pensacola ambush paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/new orleans

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chop chop/restaurant guide 28 classifieds 30 pensacola paparazzi 34 a community within communities 35 trodding the boards 36 pride/new orleans 38 big easy paparazzi/nola, met. 40,41 mobile paparazzi/mobile 43

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

cheese crepes, cochon de lait po-boys, crawfish bisque, Oysters Bonne Femme, hot boiled crawfish, grilled chicken livers with pepper jelly, sweet potato pie, bourbon bbq shrimp, prime debris po-boys, Abita beer, snoballs, and more. Foodies will also enjoy lamb sliders, Crawfish Diavolo, baked alaska, and boudin balls. In addition to the food offerings, the festival offers an array of refreshing beverages including Abita Beer, Absoult Vodka, Malibu Rum and Jameson cocktails and daiquiris, Pepsi products including Aquafina and Gatorade, Pat O’Brien’s hurricanes, Tropical Isle Hand Grenades (and Skinny Hand Grenades), WWOZ’s Mango Freeze, and Plum Street Sno-Balls – now with an additional fourth location in Jackson Square. Most menu items range in price from $4 - $8 to keep the festival not only fun, but affordable. In order to maintain the authenticity and quality of the cuisine, the Jazz Brunch Committee follows specific criteria for participating in the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch”. In order to qualify, vendors must be dine-in restaurants and New Orleans restaurants are given first preference. French Quarter Festival features neighborhood favorites including Antoine’s, Desire Oyster Bar, Galatoire’s, G W Fins, Muriel’s, Court of Two Sisters, The Bombay Club, Bennachin, Praline Connection, and Tujague’s – many of whom participated in the first-ever French Quarter Festival in 1984. Visit www.fqfi.org to view complete food and beverage menus, or download the free Apps for iPhone and Android – courtesy of Capital One Bank and Applitite. The “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” is served daily from 11am to 7pm at Jackson Square and Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint and 11am to 9 pm at Woldenberg Riverfront Park, except for Sunday when the entire festival closes at 7pm.

French Quarter Fest Special Events

ocals like ‘lagniappe’ – a little something extra – in almost everything they do. French Quarter Festival is no exception; although it’s known for music and food, the festival also offers a myriad of special events throughout the weekend – all free and open to the public. Dancing through the festival As part of French Quarter Festivals, Inc.’s partnership with the NOLA Jitterbugs, festival-goers can enjoy free dance lessons at the French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and on the riverfront - at the Cajun-Zydeco Showcase. Professional dance teachers from NOLA Jitterbugs, DancingMan504, Dance Quarter, and Cajun Dance Productions will teach classes. Friday, April 13: Cajun-Zydeco Stage – 2:00 Cajun

Jitterbug dance lesson / 4:00 Zydeco dance lesson Traditional Jazz Stage at the French Market: 12:45 Swing dance lesson / 3:00 BrassXcise Second Line dance lesson Saturday, April 14: Cajun-Zydeco Stage – 2:00 Zydeco dance lesson / 4:00 Cajun Jitterbug dance lesson Traditional Jazz Stage at the French Market: 10:30 am Traditional Jazz dance lesson / 12:45 Swing dance lesson / 3:00 BrassXcise Second Line dance lesson Sunday, April 15 Cajun-Zydeco Stage – 2:00 Cajun Jitterbug dance lesson / 4:00 Zydeco dance lesson [continued on 8]

THE OFFICIAL MAG

Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Louisiana-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 CIRCULATION: Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi

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 504.357.8440 paulmelancon_ambushmag@yahoo.com THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Tony Leggio, Kyler Landry, Nawlins Pics, Rev. Bill Terry, Rory Wright-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-Pensacola, FL Roy Williams-Pensacola, FL 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. ©1982-2012, 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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aster Grand Marshals XIII Rhonda Roget and Darwin Reed receive official mayoral proclamations from EGM II and New Orleans Human Relations Commission Executive Director Larry Bagneris at the 13th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception. Hosted at The Double Play, the annual event raised $8,135.75 for the 13th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends in New Orleans.

ay Easter Parade Boards Tittie Toulouse and Electra City received an official city proclamation from EGM II and New Orleans Human Relations Commission Executive Director Larry Bagneris celebrating the 10th Spring Fever Extravaganza hosted at Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop and Club LAX in Metairie. Benefiting the Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends, the event raised $7,502. (Photo: GEP Boards Tittie Toulouse, Electra City, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain with Larry Bagneris, GEP Boards Opal Masters & Tony Leggio)

irect from Rupaul's Drag Race, Sharon Needles performs at B-Bob's in downtown Mobile to an enthusiastic crowd.

ew Mr. Phoenix Leather 2012 Lance is joined by judge Troy Powell following stiff competition at the Phoenix in New Orleans.

he Krewe of Amon-Ra's Bunny Reject contest came to a hilarious close with 1st runner-up Miss January Eva Lena Doucher, 2nd runnerup Miss June Willamena Boucher and winner Miss April Frankie Fierce announced by MC and Queen Amon-Ra XLVII Barry Rutherford at Oz in New Orleans. Frankie won a carriage for two in the 13th Gay Easter Parade.

celebrazzi

riends gathered at The Friendly Bar celebrating the life of legendary bar owner Alice Brady. A commemorative brick was installed outside the Friendly by Yanette, Don and Marty in memory of Alice L. Brady.

athy Fox premiered her new show Tres Femme at JohnPaul's in New Orleans with Miss Gay Pride Monica Sinclaire-Kennedy, Summer Rayne, Josie Mae Cotton, Voice of Pride Derrick Stevens, Persana Shoulders and Raven Kennedy.

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the "official" dish ...from 4 Traditional Jazz Stage at the French Market: 10:30 am Swing dance lesson / 12:45 1920s Charleston dance lesson / 3:00 Balboa Swing dance lesson Author and Artists at French Quarter Festival Festival-goers can enjoy the Pirates Alley Juried Art Show presented by the New Orleans Art Association, open Saturday and Sunday of the festival from 8am to 6pm with over 100 artists displaying original fine art on Pirates Alley, Pere Antoine Alley, Cabildo Alley, and Royal Street. French Quarter Festival Artist and Author Signings, featuring Brandon Delles, official poster artist for the 2012 French Quarter Festival – and Kit Wohl, author of New Orleans Classic Brunches-French Quarter Festival edition - Jackson Square near the merchandise tent - 2012 Poster Artist Brandon Delles will sign every day from 11am to 7pm, and Saturday from 11am. to 5pm. Kit Wohl will sign her book on Friday and Saturday from noon to 5pm and on Sunday from noon to 3pm. French Quarter Festival Artist Poster Signing and Reception, featuring 2012 French Quarter Festival poster artist Brandon Delles – Vincent Art Gallery, 631 Decatur; hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served – 5pm to 9pm. Musical Special Events at French Quarter Festival (All events are free and open to the public) French Quarter Festival SecondLine Kickoff Parade led by New Birth Brass Band – 100 block of Bourbon Street to Jackson Square – Friday, April 13th at 10am. Opera at Dusk – operatic performances with musical accompaniment from a beautiful French Quarter Balcony. Sponsored by La Belle Galerie; 300 block of Chartres – Saturday, April 14th at 6pm. Battle of the Bands – Traditional Jazz bands compete in a rousing playoff on the steps of the Supreme Court

building on Royal Street. This year’s bands include Cori Walters and the Universe Jazz Band, Andrew Hall’s Memories of New Orleans and Bob Walters’ Good Time Jazz Band – 400 block of Royal Street – Saturday, April 14th from 5:30pm to 7pm. New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Concert at St. Louis Cathedral Grammy Award-winner Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra will perform original Jazz arrangements of Negro spirituals and sacred music – St. Louis Cathedral – Saturday, April 14th at 6pm. Dancing at Dusk – Audiences will be ‘In the Mood’ for a ‘Sentimental Journey’ with the sounds of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie and other favorites from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s. Dance and swing on picturesque Royal Street at this festival favorite. This year’s big band is Rocky’s Hot Fox Trot Orchestra – 400 Block of Royal Street – Sunday, April 15th from 6pm – 7:15pm. The St. Louis Cathedral Annual Spring Concert – Under the direction of Dreux Montegut, the Saint Louis Cathedral Concert Choir and Orchestra, joined by Loyola University Chamber Singers and New Orleans Vocal Arts Chorale, will perform at the St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square. The combined ensembles will perform the Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, K 339 by W. A. Mozart and the Missa Kenya by Paul Basler – St. Louis Cathedral - Sunday, April 15th at 7pm. Rouses World Championship

Crawfish Eating Contest Hosted by the IFEA (International Federation of Eating) Professional and celebrity eaters battle to eat the most crawfish by the pound. The professional eaters round will be preceded by a media round – Old U.S. Mint, 400 Barracks Street – Saturday, April 14th at 12noon. Fireworks are back! Sponsored by Tropical Isle 2012 brings the return of the fireworks show presented by Pyrotecnico and sponsored by Tropical Isle. Fireworks are scheduled for Saturday, April 14th at 9pm over the Mississippi River. Fireworks were last seen at French Quarter Festival in April 2005 (preHurricane Katrina). New series! Let Them Talk: Conversations on Louisiana Music Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint, 3rd Floor - 400 Esplanade Sponsored and presented by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. and the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, with support from the University of New Orleans Midlo Center, Hogan Jazz Archives at Tulane University, and the Louisiana State Museum. Saturday, April 14 12pm — The Many Sides Of Sunpie — Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes is a multifaceted exponent of New Orleans and Louisiana music and culture — who does distinguished work as a Ranger for the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park — and crowd-pleasing turns

as the multi-instrumentalist (harmonica, piano, accordion) leader of Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots. Meet Bruce Barnes in this interview with Fred Kasten. 1pm — Super Sousaphone — New Orleans sousaphone virtuoso Matt Perrine is also a big time performer on acoustic and electric bass — and that versatility keeps Matt in demand with an eclectic range of bands — including the New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Tin Men and John Ellis’s Double Wide. Find out more about the life and career of Matt Perrine in this interview with

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the "official" dish ... from 8 Fred Kasten. 2pm — Groove Interrupted — Longtime Times-Picayune music writer Keith Spera’s recent book Groove Interrupted: Loss, Renewal, and the Music of New Orleans includes a chapter about the recording of jazz trumpeter Jeremy Davenport’s 2009 album, We’ll Dance ‘Til Dawn. The scenes capture the wise-cracking camaraderie of a cast of characters that includes trumpeter Kermit Ruffins. For Let Them Talk, Keith Spera and Jeremy Davenport discuss the behind-the-scenes reality of making a jazz album in the modern era. 3pm — Funkify Your Life – Electric bass master George Porter, Jr. laid down the super funky bass lines that helped form the foundation of the deep grooves created by legendary New Orleans band The Meters, whose innovative, irresistible and highly influential music remains a powerful force in the funk, jam band and hip-hop genres. George Porter, Jr. has gone on to become an award-winning bandleader with his Runnin’ Pardners and first-call sideman of international renown – and talks about these many aspects of his life in music with interviewer Fred Kasten. 4pm — Clyde Kerr, Sr. Award Winners Shirley Chatters Bloom and Jonathan Bloom – The Clyde Kerr, Sr. Award honors outstanding achievement in music education. This year’s award winners are Shirley Chatters Bloom and her son, Jonathan Bloom. Shirley Chatters Bloom is a soon-to-be 91 year-old violinist and vocalist who sang with Paul Robeson and taught at the Grunewald School of Music with Clyde Kerr, Sr. Jonathan Bloom is a noted percus-

sionist and a dedicated music educator in New Orleans for over three decades. For Let Them Talk, Jonathan and Shirley Chatters Bloom discuss their lives in music and music education with New Orleans historian Al Kennedy. Sunday, April 15 1pm – In the Pocket with Johnny V. — Drummer and composer Johnny Vidacovich is a New Orleans rhythm master. From second line street beats to trad jazz cadences, contemporary jazz polyrhythms to big band swing, and hard-hitting funk to jam band explorations, Johnny Vidacovich has the rhythm covered – and music colored – in exciting and innovative ways. For Let Them Talk, Johnny V. discusses his life in music with interviewer Fred Kasten, and takes to the trap set to demonstrate some essential New Orleans rhythms. 2pm – Lionel Ferbos: on the Right Side of 100! – New Orleans trumpeter Lionel Ferbos celebrated his 100th birthday in July of 2011 and continues to charm listeners with his heartfelt singing and playing at regular appearances around the Crescent City. He also had a long career as an accomplished craftsman in the building trades and talks about his life and times with award-winning photographer and jazz historian John McCusker. 3pm — 21st Century Slidemen in a Tailgatin’ Town – The trombone has played a primary role in New Orleans jazz and brass band music for over a century. Outstanding contemporary trombonists Craig Klein, Delfeayo Marsalis, and Mark Mullins remain deeply informed and respectful of the New Orleans trombone tradition, even while spending considerable time pursuing different approaches to music. For Let Them Talk, the three discuss their lives as trombonists and the instrument’s evolving role in modern music. Interviewer Fred Kasten 4pm — Dynamic Duo: Meschiya Lake and Tom McDermott – Top-notch New Orleans pianist and composer Tom McDermott and rising-star jazz vocalist Meschiya Lake have won a lot of fans with their series of intimate but powerful duo performances in the last few years. For Let Them Talk Tom McDermott, also an accomplished journalist, interviews Meschiya Lake about her life in music. The session concludes with a 15 minute miniconcert of jazz and blues classics. New this year! Children’s Museum Activities and fun at the HermannGrima House The education departments of some of New Orleans’ great museums (Longue Vue House and Gardens, Hermann-Grima House, Beauregard Keyes House, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, and more) will host activity booths in the beautiful

courtyard gardens of the Hermann-Grima House, located at 820 St. Louis Street – Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 6pm. Children and adults alike can also enjoy the family friendly activates at the riverfront plaza near the Audubon Aquarium. The riverfront Children’s Headquarters is filled with fun educational activities, fun exercise offerings, and kid-friendly music and food. To view the full schedule of Special Events or for more information about the Children’s Areas, visit www.fqfi.org or download the free app on your iPhone or Android courtesy of Capital One Bank and Applitite.

10th Spring Fever Raises $7,502 at Gumbo Stop & Club LAX

he 10th Spring Fever Extravaganza raised an astounding $7,502 benefiting the 13th Gay Easter Parade and Food For Friends. Under the direction of GEP Boards Electra City and Tittie Toulouse, the VIP Dinner Reception at Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop raised $2,170, while the Spring Fever show and auction at Club LAX brought in $3,632, and sponsorships another $1,700. Minus expenses of $1,040, the event netted $6,462. The breakdown includes: 2,170.00 VIP Dinner Reception Tickets (62) @ $35 each 200.00 VIP Tables (4) @ $50 330.00 Spring Fever Door 471.00 Stage Performance Tips 231.00 50/50 Raffle-winner Leroy 60.00 Auction 1 Absolut Basket/Misael Rubio 165.00 Auction 2-Bear Trap 3-Night Stay/Earl Barrow 30.00 Auction 3-Necklace/Purse Set/Daniel 125.00 Auction 4-Hotel Storyville 2-Night Stay/ Marty Curtin & Koo Gaffney 195.00 Auction 5-Bryce Landry Painting/Tony Leggio 100.00 Auction 6-Bunny Basket Wine & Candy/ Little Ricky & Chad 150.00 Auction 7-Saints Glasses/Ice Chest/ Safonda Peters 200.00 Auction 8-Saints Jacket/Leroy 125.00 Auction 9-Bryce Landry Painting/Tony Leggio 500.00 Auction 10-Royal Blue Crown Egg/Chuck Turner 200.00 Auction 11-Sex Toy Basket/VNO-NO Tennis-Jerry 425 .00 Auction 12-Big Yellow Bunny Basket/Josie Mae Cotton 125.00 Auction 13-Easter Egg Cake/Rip & Marsha 5,802.00 Subtotal/Event: Sponsorships: 500.00 Misael Rubio/Quartermaster 500.00 Electra City & Tittie Toulouse 100.00 James Stevens 100.00 Marty Curtin & Koo Gaffney 100.00 Laurie Aicklen/Spudly 100.00 TJ Conrad 100.00 Toby Lefort & Al Herrera/Club LAX 100.00 Icons/LAX in Memory of Marcy Marcell 100.00 Icons/LAX in Memory of Marcy Marcell 1,700.00 Sponsorship Subtotal 7,502.00 Grand Total -930.00 VIP Dinner Expense -110.00 50/50 Raffle Expense 6,462.00 Spring Fever Total Performances by some of New Orleans top enter[continue on 12]

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the "official" dish ...from 10 tainers including EGM XIII Rhonda Roget, EGM IV Electra City, EGM XI Tittie Toulouse, EGM V Princesse Stephaney, EGM IX Safonda Peters, Varla Jean Merman, Dominique DeLorean, Wendy Kennedy, Crystal Rivers, Marty J, Johnny Passion and others were indeed one of the highlights of the evening.

13th Purple Party Raises $8,135.75 @ Double Play

he 13th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception raised a whopping $8,135.75 for the 13th Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends. Hosted by Double Play's Chuck Turner and Bill Miller, the event brought in $2,436.75, auctions $4,185.00, and sponsorships $1,514.00. The breakdown includes: Event: 800.00 Billy's Donation 590.00 Door 318.00 Raffle 189.00 Tips 301.00 Egg Raffles 78.75 Skky Cocktails 160.00 Jello Shots 2,436.75 Event Subtotal Auctions: 1,500.00 Royal Cinderella Carriage Egg/Chuck Turner 500.00 TV/Gene Theriot 300.00 Easter Basket/Rip Naquin 150.00 Lavita Basket/Rhonda Roget & David Forth

300.00 Millinium Basket/Gary Vandeventer 150.00 Grace Jones Poster/Electra City 250.00 Diva Doll/Chuck Turner 200.00 Drago Gift Card/Ellen Miller 110.00 Grey Goose Basket/Ben Bourgeois 60.00 Drag Jewelry/Safonda Peters 95.00 Cuervo Basket/Coca Mesa 50.00 Jaegermeister Basket/Robert-New Orleans Bears 70.00 Marble Table/Chairs/Bud Ranzy & Creig 150.00 Boy Auction/Chuck Turner 100.00 Boy Auction/Chuck Turner 100.00 Coca Auction/Chuck Turner 100.00 Boy Auction/Chuck Turner 4,185.00 Auction Subtotal 6,621.75 Subtotal/Event Sponsorships: 500.00 Kevin Sullivan 250 .00 DB & Caroline Carnes 100.00 Bootsie DeVille 100.00 Jo-Jo Holdings 100.00 Lee Worrells 100.00 Ben Bourgeois & Pat Johnson 114.00 In Honor of Chuck & Bill's 41st Anniversary 150.00 Hoyle A Byrd 100.00 Anonymous 1514.00 Sponsorship Subtotal 8,135.75

Grand Total

There were no expenses for this event with all monies raised going to the 13th Gay Easter Parade and Food For Friends due to the generosity of

Chuck Turner and Bill Miller. The annual event honored Easter Grand Marshals XIII Darwin Reed and Rhonda Roget bringing a majority of former Easter Grand Marshals to the affair. In addition to one of Chuck and Bill's legendary buffets, special performances by Big Mama, Coca Mesa, Electra City and others brought the evening to a climax. Past Grand Marshals include EGMs I Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, II Larry Bagneris and the late Miss Do Moreland, III Timm Holt and Teryl-Lynn Foxx, IV George Simons and Electra City, V Brett Messmer and Princesse Stephaney, VI James Swire and Lisa Beaumann, VII the late Doc Reed and Opal Masters, VIII Michael Elias and Rona Conners, IX Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters, X Tony Leggio and the late Marcy Marcell, XI Chuck Turner and Tittie Toulouse, and XII Gary Vandeventer and Elizabeth Bouvier.

Gay Easter Parade to Donate over $32,000 to Food For Friends

he 13th annual Gay Easter Parade will donate over $32,000 to Food For Friends this year. The parade minus expenses has benefited charity for the past 11 years, bringing total donations now to over $142,000! As of press time, final tallies had not been completed on the 3rd Bunnies In The Big Easy hosted at the RitzCarlton's Crescent View Ballroom on Good Friday, April 6. A full accounting of the Easter Parade's fundraisers and expenses will be released in the next

edition of Ambush. The parade itself rolled on Easter Sunday, April 8, led by Easter Grand Marshals XIII Darwin Reed and Rhonda Roget, bringing some 47 units to the streets of the French Quarter including Pair-A-Dice Tumblers, New Orleans Bears walking group, carriages, wagons, trolleys, cars, and trucks. Highlights will appear in the next Ambush.

4th Chili Cook-OFF Last Gay Easter Parade Fundraiser April 21st

he 4th annual Chili CookOff hosted at Good Friends, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, and Rawhide will be joined by Oz as a participating bar this year. Held on Saturday, April 21st, cooking is 1-4pm with tasting/judging 4-6pm at each bar. For $10 enjoy unlimited tasting and FREE Bud Light while it last. $5 goes to the Top Chili Chef while $5 benefits the 13th Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends. All tasters will vote for the winner at each bar. The 4 winners go up against each other at Lafitte’s. Tasters cast their final ballot to choose the 4th Top Chili Chef. Table space and hot plate is provided at each bar. Chefs picks bar and provides everything else making at least 2 gallons of chili. Pick up your Registration Form at Good Friends, Lafitte’s, Rawhide or Oz. Please join the Gay Easter Parade in supporting this cookoff which will be its final fundraiser this year benefiting Food For Friends.

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

Bartender of the Month

eing a bartender is like being on a stage at times. All eyes, albeit blurred vision sometimes, are focused on you. A good bartender can size up a patron immediately and play the role that is needed to make their evening a happy one. From concerned friend to flirty server, no part is too difficult if you are good. That is why some of the best bartenders are performers. David at Club LAX, or his alter ego Valerie Colby Kerrington, is a wonderful mixture of both and my choice as bartender for the month for April. First off, I was a huge fan of Dynasty in the Eighties, so I love his drag moniker, which earns him extra points for that alone. And the fact that he is a bundle of fun drama makes him even more personable to the people who frequent his establishment.

party. So come out and see David behind the bar; or on the stage as Valerie, at Club LAX. LAX is located in Metairie at 2301 North Causeway.

Everyone Needs a Guardian Angel

roject Lazarus is holding its annual Guardian Angel Award Gala on Wednesday, April 18 at the Pavilion of Two Sisters at City Park. This year’s 2012 Guardian Angels being honored are Sister Anthony Barczykowski, D.C., Carey Bond and Henry Lambert. Richard W. Thompson will be the emcee and this is a special guest performance by Anais St. John. There is also a patron party from 6 – 8pm on Tuesday, April 17 at the Windsor Court. Ticket prices for the event are $150, and for both the patron party and the gala $250. For more information, go to www.projectlazarus.net.

Cocktails and Crowns

Bartender David Club LAX David, like his other half, knows how to work a crowd. He is efficient and professional, and has a keen understanding of his regulars and their needs. Very rarely, do I get an opportunity to go partying in Metairie, but recently I made the trip out to Club LAX for an Easter Parade function, Spring Fever, and was pleasantly surprised to see that David remembered me. He is also a pro at servicing a packed bar, he can spot a customer waiting with money over the crowd and get their drink to them in a timely fashion. I also credit this skill with being a drag queen at times. Girl, they can spot a dollar bill out of the corner of their eye, they are trained that way. I always said that drag queens would be your best choice as people on the tactical military surveillance teams. Adding to his skills, David is also a good cook. The last time I was at LAX, was the holiday season and he prepared a great dish for their Christmas

he Krewe of Petronius is hosting their annual Cocktails and Crowns Party at ArtEgg Studio on Saturday, April 21 from 7 – 10pm. This is one of the krewe’s premier fundraisers and always a good time. Everyone who enters receives a sash with some wonderfully eccentric title. They also get a chance to wear any of their crowns they have been awarded or pilfered. They have a full open bar and an extensive buffet. Ticket prices are $30. ArtEgg Studios is located at 1001 South Broad Street. For more information, go to www.kreweofpetronius.org.

A New Mystery Writer Emerges on the Scene in the Crescent City

ver since the Harry Potter series have I rarely ever gotten excited about the release of a new book, but I am chomping at the bit to review the first book by N.S. Patrick. Not only am I enthusiastic because of the subject matter (I love mysteries), but I know Steve Patrick personally. I am so proud of Steve on this new chapter, pun intended, in his life as an author. The Mysteries of Jack the Ripper by Silver Knight Publishing will be released on Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes and Noble’s Nook at the end of April/beginning May with the paperback following shortly in June. Steve Patrick has been a fixture in

the New Orleans gay community for many years helping many organizations such as the Gay Easter Parade and NOLA Pride. He is a native of Cedarville, Michigan and attended Albion College where he obtained a BA in Business Administration. He served as an officer in the Navy during Viet Nam and now lives in our fair city. So what mysteries will Steve unveil about the legendary mass murderer, that we have not already heard. He puts is very succinctly. “I have watched with interest the many attempts to put a name to Jack the Ripper. Finally in 2009, I decided to initiate my own research and establish what man/woman actually committed the butchery of five prostitutes. What I had to keep in mind was the fact that all five murdered women seemed to not have feared their killer. There were no signs of a resistance. Starting with that premise I began. Once underway, I became aware that applying modern forensic techniques was not a good method to discover “Jack’s” identity. I created a mindset of a London citizen living in Whitechapel in the fall of 1888 and began working with solely the information available to the police. The resolution to which I arrived was startling. But the more I thought about my analyses, the more I realized it is the only logical solution to an old unsolved mystery.” For more information on The Mysteries of Jack the Ripper, go to www.silverknightpublishing.com.

Now This Is A Coming Attraction!

agic Mike, is the ultimate magic man. The new Warner Bros. Pictures will be released in theaters nationwide on June 29th. It deals with a subject matter in the New Orleans gay community that we are all too familiar with. It is a dramatic comedy set in the world of male strippers, Magic Mike is directed by Academy Award® winning director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic)

and stars Channing Tatum in a story inspired by his real life. The film follows Mike (Tatum) as he takes a young dancer called The Kid (Alex Pettyfer) under his wing and schools him in the fine arts of partying, picking up women (read between the lines gay men, which is where Tatum allegedly worked in LA), and making easy money. Soderbergh directed the film from a screenplay by Reid Carolin. Magic Mike is produced by Nick Wechsler, Gregory Jacobs, Channing Tatum and Carolin. The film stars Channing Tatum (Haywire), Alex Pettyfer (I Am Number Four), Matthew McConaughey (The Lincoln Lawyer), Matt Bomer (“White Collar”), Joe Mangianello (“True Blood”), Olivia Munn (I Don’t Know How She Does It), Riley Keough (The Runaways), Cody Horn (“Rescue Me”), and Adam Rodriguez (“CSI: Miami”).

The behind-the-scenes team includes production designer Howard Cummings, costume designer Christopher Peterson, and choreographer Alison Faulk. I for one will be the first to line up to get a little more magic in my life.

Dodwell House Fundraiser is Set

t. Anna’s Church Ministries’ Dodwell House is having their annual fundraiser on Saturday, April 21 at 6pm. I along with the very engaging Elizabeth Bouvier will act as emcees for the evening which will be filled with auctions, food, libations and great entertainment. Slated to perform this evening will be Ballet Folklorico, Gregory Thompson and the Treme Community Choir. What is Dodwell House? Dodwell House is consecrated to the work of transformation and reconciliation. In the work of transformation they are dedicated to engendering a culture of boundless horizons of hope, possibility, and integrity. By acts of reconciliation this facility is dedicated to the proposition that all cultures have value; that all peoples are members of the beloved community; and that issues of discrimination can and shall be vanquished by the work set about in this safe environment. The real vision of this mission will be to provide safety and education to all young people particularly those who have been marginalized by race, economic location, or language barriers. This work is the work of Anna’s Arts for

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under the gaydar ...from 14 Kids. The health and welfare of all people shall be the concern and work of St. Anna’s Mobile Medical Mission that, among many assets, will work to create a well informed and medically education population which may lack the resources or access to medical education. Oportunidades NOLA shall and is vested in creating a cultural beacon of hope, offering language skills, and social opportunities to Latin American immigrant populations. In so doing Dodwell House will be a beacon of hope and cultural bridge making real our Christian idea, “Love each other.” Dodwell House is located at 1519 Esplanade. For tickets, go to www.dodwellhouse.org or call 504.947.2121.

4th Annual People Of Substance IDOL Talent Competition

OS is happy and very delighted to host the 4th annual POS IDOL Talent Competition on Sunday, April 22 at JohnPaul’s. They are looking for inspiring contestants, and performers who’d like to share their gifts in exchange to win cash prizes. There will be prizes in three categories of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The entry fee for anyone interested in competing is only $25. The contestants could either do a male or female impersonation, live singing, dancing, poetry, comedy, acting role skits, duets and much more Doors will be open to the public at 6pm, and all contestant need to arrive and sign in at the door with a POS official between 5 to 5:30pm. All contestant must report to the dressing room, painted or not painted no later than 5:30pm to start the lineup , and to have their music, and prompts ready to submit to the MC or DJ. Tickets for the P O S IDOL are $10. If you have any questions or concerns please feel to contact John @ 504.272.1171, Shantel @ 504.570.0482 or Darrel @ 504.258.1658. JohnPaul’s is located at 940 Elysian Fields.

Party Down

arch has come and gone but the events kept roll ing. My two week period of fun began on Tuesday with a Mad Man party at the Hotel Monteleone. Frankie Fierce and I donned our period attire and drifted back in time at this fabulous theme party hosted by the hotel. The crowd was huge as guests dined on specialty cocktails while the Yat Pack performed. Now this is what I call a great party, good food, costumed cigarette girls passing out candy smokes and festively attired guests. Then on Wednesday, I attended the incredible premier of A Streetcar

Named Desire by Southern Rep at Michalopoulos Gallery on Elysian Fields. The opening night was a fundraiser for the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon and was sold out. It was probably one of the best performances I have seen in a long time. Aimee Hayes and Ashley Ricord Santos were splendid as Blanche and Stella respectively. And Michael Aaron Santos was crazy sexy as Stanley. And whoever was the costume designer in the show who decided to put Stanley in just boxers, sans shirt needs to win a Big Easy Award. You know your target market. The following days, my friend Ashley invited me and several of our mutual companions to the opening of Bonefish Grill in Metairie and clasp your pearls gays, it was actually very nice. The décor is cosmopolitan, the food was exceptional and the drinks were very delicious. The pineapple martini with rosemary was inspired. Rounding out our group that night was Ashley’s boyfriend and all around hottie Brian, Nick, Laura, Valerie and Vickie. So for those brave gays that dare venture out of the Quarter to suburbia, I highly recommend trying out Bonefish. The service is also outstanding and most of them are family members, wink wink. On Friday, I was off to the Petronius Patron Party at a Julia Street Art Gallery which was a great way for one of the oldest krewes to kick off their new year. There was lots of food and mingling with some great people. The weather was lovely and the warehouse district was just hopping with activity. After the event, my friends Beaux, Barret, Brent and I strolled down to the Sugar Mill for the Fashion Week celebration. Not having been before, I did not know what to expect and I was surprisingly entertained. There fashion runway shows were enjoyable and the crowd was an eclectic mix of very pretty pretties. It is always fun to people watch at those types of parties. That weekend was another Easter fundraiser, this time at Club LAX. GEP Board members Tittie Toulouse and Electra City hosted the 10th Spring Fever, which began with a dinner at the Gumbo Stop, then moved to LAX for a drag show. The crowd in Metairie was huge and in festive spirits. When the night was over, the event raised over $6,400 for Food for Friends. This was an incredible job and congrats to all of those who worked so hard to put this event on. The weather has been incredible lately and that makes Sunday Fundays even better. After a few weeks away, my friend Jeff Mallon is back in town and that means, ladies hide your husbands and hunker down and pray for daylight because the ladies about town are back at it. So we started Sunday off by stopping at Cutter’s for the Chili Cookoff benefitting Buzzy’s Boys. There were many delicious entrants, so the judges had a tough time deter-

mining the winner. But I believe the true winners were the guests who got an opportunity to sample all these fine recipes. After we strolled into the Quarter and met up with the Krewe of AmonRa for their birthday bar crawl. We rolled through the Quarter stopping at all the popular watering holes. After a few hours, I went home to change for dinner. I love a good dinner party, and my friend Brent Durnin held a fun filled one at his home in Kenner. Yes, I trekked all the way to Kenya, but it was so worth it. The evening was filled with great people and a warm atmosphere of laughter, hearty cuisine and copious libations. The Easter themed evening was a huge success and I highly recommend these intimate dinners with friends as an alternative to the craziness of clubbing. In fact, I had so much fun, I am hosting one of them as soon as Easter is over. Monday, several friends and I attended the Big Easy Awards at Harrah’s Casino. The event is literally a Who’s Who in the New Orleans theatre community. It is always a great night having the opportunity to hang out with all the talented people who keep us entertained throughout the year. Laura, Beaux, Barret, Frankie and I seem to fit in quite nicely with everyone in the acting community, probably because we are all actors at heart. You realize you are not as young as you once were when the hangover goes on way to long after a night of drinking. I use to be able to drink all night, get a few hours of sleep, hop up and work the entire next day. Now my wall hits around lunch time, and it is time for a siesta. Nap time is now essential if I want to continue this party lifestyle. That is how I felt on Thursday after going to happy hour then catching the drag show at Oz on Wednesday night followed by the Drag Survivor. That second event started at midnight. Madame please, I would love to catch the show, but unfortunately I work daylight hours. Being a gay in New Orleans is not for the weak of heart. The weekend brought many events and the city was packed with Final Four fans. On Friday, the energetic Frankie Fierce and I went to a NBA party with players and coaches at Jax Brewery. By no means am I a very short person, but at this party I felt simply Lilliputian. Flowing vodka and basketballers make for one hell of a night. Saturday was the Purple Party at the Double Play which is one of the final Gay Easter Parade fundraisers. We raised over $8,100 while having a wonderful time. After, I meandered down to Michael’s On The Park for Misti Ates’ La Familia show, which also had a large audience. For my Sunday, I spent it at the New Orleans Fairgrounds with a group of friends and clients for the running of the Louisiana Derby. This is the last day of racing for the season and the

masses came out to enjoy the “Sport of Kings.” I was very lucky to be invited to a private all inclusive area that included free flowing libations, food and a perfect view of the track. They had lots of other activities such as a Macy’s fashion show and best dressed contest. The weather was great, the company was fun and best of all, I won. Who could ask for a better Sunday?

Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom

o see Madonna or not to see Madonna, that is the question? The Material Girl is descending on our city over the Halloween weekend and the gay community is aflutter with excitement. Most of my friends are going to the concert and of course asked me to join them. Normally, I would not hesitate to jump at a chance to go to a concert of one of the gay icons of our time, but then they told me the price. Now in no way can I be called a budget gay. I spend money as frivolously as the next queen. But $400 a pop for floor seats and a grand for the VIP tickets with the meet and greet even made me pause. I am sorry, but if I can fly to the west coast cheaper than to go see Madonna, I take issue. Living up to her moniker, she said in a recent press outing, when asked about the high cost of her ticket prices, I am worth it. Honey, I do not care how much I love you; I can go to Europe and back for the price of a VIP ticket. So I have to say no, stop the madness. No performer today is worth that kind money, and I mean no one. I do not care what kind of stage show she or he does. Add to the cost the price of drinks (and trust, mama likes her hooch) at the Arena, cocktails and food pre and post event, and poof, I have a night out on the town that cost more than probably my mortgage payment. But mixing into the craziness of the concert is the fact that it also falls on the same night as the huge Lazarus House Halloween costume extravaganza. So what does that exactly mean, two things, people will go see Madonna in costume or there will be hundreds of less people in attendance at the annual party. I am thinking it may be the latter, because you know almost 80 percent of the audience will be gay. No parent in their right mind will shell out several hundred dollars for their pre-teen child to go to the show. That is why she targets the gay market; we have the most disposable income to pay the exorbitant prices of her show. So where will I be the night of the Madonna concert, I will have not made up my mind. Well, like a prayer, who knows someone may take me there. If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.

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paparazzi

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13th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception raises $8,135.75 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ The Double Play ~ New Orleans

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10th Spring Fever Extravaganza raises $7,502 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop & Club LAX ~ Metairie, Louisiana

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Friendly Bar, Oz, Amon-Ra Bunny Reject, Kajun’s Pub, Corner Pocket, Double Play ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush, Kyler Landry

papar azzi

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Mr. Phoenix Leather @ the Phoenix ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Kyler Landry

JohnPaul’s, Bourbon Pub Parade ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Kyler Landry

ambush

papar azzi

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chop chop

appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery.

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

New OrleansRestaurant Guide 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., 561.1095, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM, is serving sliders, paninis, quesadillas, and more at the popular club in the French Quarter. Restaurant hours are 7pm til Wed.-Sun. with extended Decadence hours. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. The chef has paid attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM is part coffee shop, part cafe, and part bakery. "We take pride doing all our own baking, and you can order your next special treat from us," says owners Matt and Kevin. This little neighborhood place will fulfill your sweet tooth or both your breakfast or lunch cravings in a quiet setting while serving "desserts like Mom use to make". Located across the street by the Armstrong Park arch, the cafe is open Wed.-Sun. 7am - 3pm. Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, 504.371.5074, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, is truly a fresh new restaurant with a 23-year history of serving New Orleans and guests from all over the world. Think of Fatoush as a combination coffee house, herbal teahouse, natural juice bar, and organic restaurant offering a unique selection of the richest and healthiest foods from around the world. Handcrafted dishes that contain only the finest natural ingredients and a variety of cuisines and innovative taste offfer thrills that are appealing, exciting, and best of all, healthy. Open 7am-10pm daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place, 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM, is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.-Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri. Sun. 11am-10pm. Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads,

Gourmet Sliders with Onion Rings @ 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy

Salsiccia Marinara Pizza @ Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Mkt Pl

BBQ Brisket with peas baked beans & French bread @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.

Beef Lasagna @ The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart St. (left) Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.

(above right) Hot Appetizer Platter @ Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130

Veal Parmesan (lightly paneed cutlet of veal baked with red sauce & parmesan cheese over linguine @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.

Jazz Fest/Cinco de Mayo Ad Deadline Tuesday, April 17th 504.522.8049 28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 10-23, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.COM Offic

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CANAL STREET

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French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater

antiques 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,

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

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

body rubs New Orleans, LA [504] M-4-M full body, erotic, affordable, discrete, strong hands, experienced but not liscensed. Harahan location. Chas 504.585.4684 [is8]

book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700

Feb. 8-12, 2013, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, 14th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM

counseling New Orleans, LA [504] DAVID WAGNER, PhD, LPC, Counseling & Psychotherapy, 3001 Fifth St., Metairie, LA 70002; 836.0000

employment New Orleans, LA [504] HELP WANTED - Cashier/backup needed at Club New Orleans. Drug test required. Submit application at 515 Toulouse St.

florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381

framing New Orleans, LA [504] ANGLE CUSTOM FRAMES, 4422 Magazine St., 269.3726

galleries

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

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

casinos

guides

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

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

chiropractic Chalmette, LA [504] SIMPLY PRECISE CHIROPRACTIC, Dr. Domingo De Los Reyes D.C., 9135 West Judge Perez, Suite B, 504.302.1718, SimplyPreciseChiropractic.COM [is213] New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., St. Charles Chiropractic, 1529 Jackson Ave., 566.1833 [is312]

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

circuit/events

hair salons

May 24 - 27, Memorial Day Weekend, International Gay Lesbian Country Western Dance Club Convention, Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel, New Orleans, LA benefiting NO/AIDS Task Force Food for Friends, NewOrleansHoedown.COM May 25-28 Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 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, Halloween 29, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, halloweenneworleans.com Dec. 28, 2012-Jan. 1, 2013, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM

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

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:

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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. [0712] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "half-kitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0812 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. MAISON DE MACARTY BED & BREAKFAST, 3820 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.267.1564, MaisonMacarty.COM, E-mail us at kurt@maisonmacarty.com. Luxury gay owned and operated bed and breakfast. 8 bedrooms with ensuite baths, pool, sun deck and beautiful courtyard. Sleep, eat and play at Maison de Macarty. Book it now! 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. [0113] 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 [is2612]

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.,

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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 BIG EASY STOMPERS, 1317 Pasadena Ave., Metairie, LA 70001 www.NewOrleansHoedown.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Ameri-

cans, 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, 1001 South Broad St., Suite 115, New Orleans, LA 70125, KreweOfPetronius.ORG KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. Email: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LESBIAN & GAY COMMUNITY CENTER OF NEW ORLEANS, 2114 Decatur St., 701162013; 945.1103, Fax 945.1102, Email: info@lgccno.net LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70117-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM LOUISIANA STATE GAY RODEO ASSOCIATION (LSGRA), 915.3339, lance@lsgra.com, LSGRA.COM MCLNO HOP Clinic, 136 S. Roman Street, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112; Appts.: 504.903.6959, www.hopclinic.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, PO Box 15889, 70115-5889 MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NEW ORLEANS GAY MEN’S CHORUS, 322.7007, nogmc.com; nogmc@aol.com NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, nojazzfest.com NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 821.2601;

NOAIDSTaskForce.COM N'R Peace, 3201 Gen. DeGaulle Dr., Suite 201, 70114, 364.1950 OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM PEOPLE OF SUBSTANCE, INC. (POS), 7210 Arbor Dr., 70126, 244.1920, posnola.com PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATION NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Great fun for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Visit nolasoftball.com for full details and find us on Facebook. ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org 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] 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] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455 FRENCH QUARTER PET ASYLUM, 513 Dumaine St., 302.9845

pharmacy New Orleans, LA [504] & Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists caring for HIV/AIDS, new-to-market & hard-to-find medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.AvitaDrugs.COM. MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312

photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com

plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] PIPES "R" US PLUMBING, “Let us PEEP in your pipes”, 140 N. Carrollton Ave., Office 504.866.2730, Fax 504.484.0907, PipesRUsNewOrleans.COM

real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] LATTER & BLUM, Agent Steve Richards,

712 Rue D’Orleans @ Rue Royal, Cell: 258.1800, Office: 948.3011, SRichards@LatterBlum.com LATTER & BLUM, Agent Brian M. Pawlowski, brianrealtor@aol.com, Agent Stace McDonald, stacerealtor@aol.com, 840 Elysian Fields, 451.2495

restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse & cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 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

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 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 RAZZLE DAZZLE, 524 Royal St. 568.0001, RazzleDazzle.COM RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662

spas New Orleans, LA [504] CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com

tattoos New Orleans, LA [504] AART ACCENT NEW ORLEANS, 1041 N. Rampart St., 581.9812

theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM JOY THEATER, 1200 Canal St., TheJoyTheater.COM MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052

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

websites OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, SouthernDecadence.COM

Next Deadline Tuesday, April 17th 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com

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pensacola

Emerald City’s 5th Annual Toga Party ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

papar azzi

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a community within communities

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

Dodwell House Update

pril 21, 2012 marks the sec ond Annual Dodwell House Extravaganza! The doors will open at 6pm. Patrons may purchase tickets on line at www.dodwellhouse.org for $50/person or at the door for $60/person but seating is limited. This year the keynote speaker is United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana Jim Letten. Also attending are Councilwomen Jackie Clarkson and Kristen Palmer. The Mistress of Ceremony is Elizabeth Bouvier attended by Tony Leggio. Several weeks ago, St. Anna’s was honored by the Krewe of Amon-Ra, King Amon-Ra XLVI, David Forth, thanked us for being who and what we are as a church and the gift was in recognition of recent hate crimes against the church. The monies have been designated to Anna’s Arts for Kids, an outreach that takes young atrisk children: we love them, teach them, take them out of the neighborhood so their vision can expand, we introduce

them to Opera and etiquette. At that point, several faces in the crowd were respectful but skeptical or maybe that was my imagination. A mainline church, huh, receiving support from a gay krewe, huh, seemed strange to some, I suppose. Churches have hurt and belittled the gay community for decades if not centuries. It had to be said: I acknowledged the hurt that mainline churches have done. I began to unfold a vision of what Dodwell House is and the symbolic nature of both the concept and the EXTRAVAGANZA. By the time we left, while I am sure some remained skeptical, the faces had changed to guarded courtesy to hon-

est, hopeful appreciation and maybe expectation. Yet, it was Amon-Ra that gave without question but for the need to do some good. So, this is what the EXTRAVAGANZA is about. First, it is about raising money. I’d be a liar to say differently. BUT, as an Episcopal priest I can also say that something can be both one thing and another thing in equal proportions. This EXTRAVAGANZA is equally about gathering in, hospitality, bridge building, and community. Why, the very name of this column was born out of the first event. What I shared with the good souls of Amon-Ra was that Dodwell House represents a safe place. It is a place where a gay krewe can have meetings, or the Lords of Leather can have a Christmas pot luck party. Such meetings and the people attending will NOT be inconsistent with what we believe or how we behave as a church or faith community. Equally, it is a place where Latinos can learn and even more, express themselves; as is also true with our children from the neighborhood. No fear, no leaving, no need to look over one’s shoulder. Dodwell House represents and makes real the dream we all have of radical acceptance and love. It is made so by the invitation for use that it offers. It is made so by the hands and hearts and yes, pocketbooks that helps to build it and make it real. It is one of a kind. Imagine! It is a lovely warm

evening. A Mariachi band is wandering through a patio. The patio is lit with lights strung from above. Each table is decorated with glitter and glamour. Miss Elizabeth Bouvier has just announced a wonderful silent auction item to be sold. The aromas of New Orleans cooking are carried lightly on the spring breezes. You turn to your left and it is Mr. Louisiana Leather. You turn to your right, it is Rev. and the First Lady from Hollygrove. Laughter rises at a point from the table with Lake Charles folk mingling with straight people from Oxford, Mississippi. Wandering all about are black folk, white folk, straight folk, middle income, lower income, and upper income. Maybe a rabbi walks by and by golly, she’s young and new to the city. A speech by the Federal Attorney in New Orleans still hangs in your memory about the need to help children in this neighborhood. Yes, all of this is intentional; a gathering of communities within a single community, neither gay, straight, black, white, brown, languages and dress, each very different saying, “I am who I am and its OK.” The only evening intentionally developed to draw in peoples from all communities to celebrate. This is not a gay gala, a black fundraiser, a young adult beer blast, a drag show, a Latin Night, or an art sale: it is all in all. PLEASE JOIN US AND MAKE [continued on 36]

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bers willing to participate in what turns out to be a mildly suggestive line dance up on their feet; the majority of the crowd participated at the performance I attended. The play proper then starts. There’s by Brian Sands some talk among the three characters Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com and a bit of gender-bending revelation. But just as things are getting a little too Road, previous site of Indigo. Since Kiss Kiss Julie at the cutesy and touchy-feely, Nick Slie Katrina, it has been giving a loving comes barreling on as August Joan Mitchell Center restoration and both the building and Strindberg and puts Julie (a transits surrounding grounds look sumptuthrough April 15 formed Sparks) in her place. For Julie, iss Kiss Julie, the ever- ous. as this inspired mash-up has it, ran Julie begins in the erstwhile resintrepid ArtSpot Produc away from her Swedish home and tions’ current presentation, taurant. There are antique-looking opened a brothel in Storyville. Director exemplifies this collaborative wooden boxes scattered around the Kathy Randels handles this sequence ensemble’s strengths and weak- floor where you can gaze into a partner’s with the fluid logic of a dream. eyes while both pairs of hands fondle nesses. Strindberg wants to see his “Miss Using Strindberg’s Miss Julie as a feathers or nylon stockings. A cop (Lisa Julie” done where it is actually set and jumping-off point, this meditation on Shattuck), a cowboy (Ashley Sparks) reclaim it from those who would present sex, sexuality, gender and power ofit as an “enfers vibrant theatrical images, challightened” lenging ideas, and a wide-ranging view. In an inimagination, yet its power is diffused by genious gamits wordiness and the journey it takes bit that leads us on is more intellectual than emointo the next tional. sequence, the Kiss Kiss Julie is being performed audience is at the Joan Mitchell Center on Bayou separated into men and women (or communties ...from 35 those who THE DIFFERENCE THAT YOU SEEK identify as TO MAKE IN THIS WORLD. Let’s get such); the together and make an evening to reformer group is member. Dodwell House Extravalead into the Lisa Shattuck, Ashley Sparks & Nick Slie ganza, April 21, starting at 6pm. Tickkitchen and in Kiss Kiss Julie ets on sale at www.dodwellhouse.org sits on or at the door. Open bar and buffet. benches, the latter perches on bleachAuction items include a sponsored or a gambler (Rebecca Mwase) might ers and must view the action through a Easter Experience in the Gay Easter bring you to one of these boxes for you large window. Parade 2013 by Ambush who we are to look through other apertures and The play’s most compelling scene proud to have as a community partner observe the participants. then transpires in Pirandellian fashion. The trio gets those audience memin changing our city. Don’t miss out!

trodding the boards

As Shattuck, Sparks and Mwase embody the characters in Miss Julie, they debate Strindberg as to how they should be played while performing sections of the play. Strindberg directs them imperiously until they turn on him and Slie transforms into Sammy, a girlish little boy with a lisp who turns out to be Strindberg’s great-great-grandson (though for a while I thought Sammy was a girl). Just at this dramatic moment (when Kiss Kiss Julie might have gone in the direction of Caryl Churchill’s Cloud 9), however, the audience is led out into the 200-year-old mansion’s large backyard and given 20+ minutes to explore Jeff Becker’s interactive creations that are sprinkled about in various alcoves and gazebos. These include a spinthe-bottle style game, a Dodge Dart where revelations can be spilled to an intimate audience and, yes, a spanking post. You can even lay on a sheet and just look up at the starry skies. While this is in keeping with the sensory theme of Kiss Kiss Julie, it causes the play’s dramatic momentum to dissipate and the production turns into an interactive funhouse which is, well, fun but art that’s more conceptual than theatrical. In the final section, in which the characters metamorphose into the actors playing them, a pas de trois at a garden table quietly evokes lust and longing, and the play’s most moving moment occurs as Jean, Julie’s footman/lover (Slie), and Christine, Julie’s maid & Jean’s girlfriend (Shattuck), fall together into the onsite swimming pool as Julie can only stick her toe in daintily, her upper class breeding preventing

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[continued on 38]

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pride: beyond the rainbow

ew Orleans Pride embraces the message in our mission to celebrate and promote the history, diversity, and future prosperity of not only the New Orleans LGBT community, but the New Orleans community as a whole. We are using public awareness of and education about the LGBT community as a way to combat “phobias” and discrimination. We are creating ways to increase the interactions between the LGBT and the heterosexual communities to create unity in New Orleans. Despite the progress we made with Pride 2011, there is still much more that needs to be done. We do realize that because of past years, New Or-

trodding the boards ...from 36 her from forthrightly diving in. There is a certain amount of superfluous running around, however, and an unfocused, self-indulgent final section in the pool that is redeemed only by a good exit line. Working from ideas generated by the ensemble, Lisa D’Amour crafted the script which has a very different texture than her Detroit which will be opening at Playwrights Horizons in New York next season. I’m not sure who’s to blame but I would have preferred if more of the narrative had been dramatized rather than spelled out as the former passages are so much more involving. Slie, an Ambie Award-winner for ArtSpot’s Loup Garou, projects powerful intelligence and 19th century virility as Strindberg and a coy sexuality as Sammy. Also fine is Mwase as both Christine and Caddo, the stern mistress of Julie’s brothel. Sparks and Shattuck, respectively, an award-winning director and an imaginative playwright, though, are simply not as strong acting presences as their castmates and I wondered if their somewhat stiff acting was intentionally sending up such 19th century style. I wish I could see what two actresses like Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver back in their Yale days would’ve done with these

leans Pride may not have the respect it deserves. We do, however, ensure you that the new organization is dedicated to making New Orleans Pride a summer travel destination. We have created short and long term goals mapping out where we want Pride to be from now through the next five years, and we hope you would consider being a supporter of New Orleans Pride: The Official Pride of New Orleans. As part of re-branding Pride’s image, we have adopted new bylaws that hold our board and committee members responsible for upholding the highest standards in our community. New Orleans Pride has accepted Darrin Ferris’ resignation effective March 10, 2012. Please review the names and contact information below. These individuals are the Pride Board of Directors and Committee Members. These are the ONLY individuals that have authority to speak on behalf of New Orleans Pride. Please contact any of us if you have any questions or concerns about Pride 2012: Chris Leonard Chair, 985.232.2775 Ben Warshaw - Secretary Jeff Kiefer - Financial Administrator roles. Along with Becker’s designs, Melissa Cardona’s installation of scrolls with written passages, frames within frames, gold-leafed mannequin hands, feathers, and photos create the proper hothouse atmosphere. Ellen Macomber’s period appropriate costumes, frequently taken off, and Hannah Adams inventive lighting make important contributions as well. As with all things related to love and sex, you must experience Kiss Kiss Julie yourself as different people will respond to it in different ways. Whatever my reservations, for the theatrically adventuresome, this Julie does offer a night you’re unlikely ever to forget.

Visiting Hours at the Mid-City Theatre through April 21

ince I was a kid, I never liked the ambiguity of an unresolved ending—I wanted to know the fate of the characters I had just invested an hour or two in. I cried as Stuart Little drove off in search of his friend and, more recently, I was hoping for another act to show how the marriage of Light in the Piazza’s two young lovers would turn out. In Visiting Hours, being given its world premiere by Rising Shiners, how-

Catherine Czindula - Public Relations Misti Ates - Fundraising Jonathan Lyons - Fundraising Charlotte Boudreaux - Sponsorship Lonnie Cheramie - Sponsorship Kevin Donahugh - Sergeant - AtArms Cody Boudreaux - Logistics Kelly Landry Bradley Latham Persana Shoulders Sharon Barreca Rachel Bufkin Email: nolapride@gmail.com or nolapridesponsorship@gmail.com. As we look forward to Pride 2012, we thank you for your continued support to make us all proud to be who we are.

those around her? And Caudle keeps his audience wondering until the end whether there’s any hope for Paul and Shelly or if they’re simply some bad seeds. Occasionally Caudle ladles on the exposition a bit thickly and there are some slow spots; I could’ve done without the let’s-look-thru-the-family-photos section. But there are many moments of gripping theater in Visiting Hours as buried truths are revealed. And Act One’s conclusion arises believably and dramatically infuses the play with multiple possibilities as to what will happen next. Ann Mahoney Kadar, following up her delightful Anton in Show Business at Loyola, directed smoothly and brought out the characters’ imperfect humanity. Davis and Hohn create two loving people who just sometimes see things differently. Davis’ Marian may be into religion and yoga but she’s a toughie when it comes to defending her cub. Hohn, in one of her best performances, wonderfully shows the desperation that comes of being in a situation over which you have little control. Terrebonne, sunburnt and gaminlike, can pass as either a 23- or 35year-old and makes Shelly’s brashness utterly natural. Nick Thompson fashions Paul as a bitter little shit but his innate charm allows you to understand why he can get away with so much. It comes as no surprise that Becky Allen can well-inhabit Nat’s generous side but she’s not afraid to show the ugly, needy parts of Nat as well. Sporting a new outfit with each entrance like a decked out Mardi Gras float, Allen’s Nat is a passive-aggressive, smart cookie with an alcoholic’s mean streak. While one wonders if Caudle imagined Allen when writing the role (as though anyone could envisage Becky prior to seeing her in the flesh), she brings an idiosyncratic flair to Nat as she expands her theatrical range.

ever, while we’re not exactly sure of what will happen to Marian and Beth, playwright David Caudle has done such a fine job of creating these and the rest of the characters that we can well imagine what the future holds for them. And the likelihood that it’s a sad and challenging one might explain the empathetic afterglow that lingered in my mind as I left the Mid-City Theatre. Though set in Coral Gables, Florida (Roger Grissom’s set nicely reflects its beachside locale) Visiting Hours could take place almost anywhere in the country. Marian (Becki Davis) and Beth (Tari Hohn), a couple of some two decades, haven’t seen Paul, Marian’s son (and, by extension, Beth’s as well) in two years. Having paid off Paul’s gambling debts, they’re living a decent but simple existence courtesy of their friend Nat (Becky Allen) who is allowing them to stay rent-free in her garage apartment. Visiting Hours is set in motion as Paul’s girlfriend Shelly (Jessie Terrebonne) lets herself in to the apartment. She’s not making a social call, though. Turns out Paul is in jail, arrested for aggravated assault, and needs bail money. The resulting plot examines the loyalty we owe our family, friends and romantic partners, and to what extent we can trust those we know and love. That a lot of this turns on financial necessities resonates even more now in these Great Recession times than it would have when the play was first written over six years ago. It is Caudle’s great Becky Allen & Jessie Terrebonne achievement that his charin Visiting Hours acters aren’t all they first Having debuted last year with their appear to be. Marian, a bit older than Beth, seems like a softie but generally admirable production of The Weir, it is knows how to manipulate people to get heartening to see Rising Shiners prewhat she wants. Beth looks like a sturdy senting a new play by an up-and-combroad but is more likely to give in than ing young playwright. Not sure what’s get her way. Nat is certainly generous next on their agenda but I’ll be looking but might it just be a way of controlling forward to it.

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~ Photos by Kyler Landry, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon

Tubby’s Golden Lantern, Good Friends Bar, NOLA Softball, Michael’s On The Park, Bourbon Pub, JohnPaul’s ~ New Orleans

big easy

papar azzi

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4 Seasons, Club LAX, Big Easy Awards, Amon-Ra Birthday Bar Crawl, Cutter’s ~ Metairie, New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Nawlins Pix

big easy

papar azzi

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mobile

papar azzi

8th Mobile Alabama Pride Parade & Festival April 21-22 Expecting 1,500-2,000 Attendees

Travis & Timothy hosting good times...

Miss Amber Douglas & Miss Gina Germaine performing @ Midtown Pub

Mobile's Miss Gay Pride Pageant April 15

obile's Miss Gay Pride pageant is set for Sunday, April 15 at B-Bob’s Downtown, 213 Conti beginning at 9pm. The winner receives $450 Cash ($250 on pageant night, balance when giving up title), crown and trophy. The winner must be prepared to ride in the Pride Parade Saturday April 21st at 1pm. First runner-up wins $150 cash and trophy. Contestant registration is 2pm on April 15th. Entry fee of $125 must be received by Saturday, April 14. Categories of Competition include: Presentation: Contestants may wear any style of clothing that they would like… This year's theme is “Colors Of Pride” (must use 3 colors). Judging is done on originality, fit and style of costume, audience appeal, confidence on stage, speaking ability and overall showmanship. Judges will also critique make-up, hair, accessories, coordination and music. Formal Wear: The formal wear theme will be “Elegant & Proud!” and will be presented on stage. Contestants should wear an evening gown. The judging will be on the contestants formal wear selection, fit, style, tailoring, stage presence and modeling, poise, confidence and overall look of the selection, as well as, make-up, hair, accessories, nails, stockings and shoes. Question & Answer: Each of the contestants will be given an on-stage question during the formal wear category. The judges will consider how well they interpret their response to the question asked, the completeness of their answer, grammar, eye contact, poise and confidence. Talent: Contestants will also be judged in an on stage talent competition. Examples of acceptable talent could include: live singing, lip sync, dance, gymnastics routine, stand up comedy, dramatic reading, etc. The talent may not include nudity, fire or water. The judging will be done on the contestants ability to perform her craft, individual showmanship, originality, audience appeal, makeup, hair, costuming, audio, props and dancers. Visit mobilealabamapride.com or facebook.com/MobileALPride for additional information.

Judson & Justin cruise directing @ B-Bob’s

Gabrielle’s new hot bartender Eric serving it!

B-Bob’s blonde bombshell Miss Cie Miss B-Bob’s Nadja Simone with her Pensacola Boys...

Graham & Company = good times

Welcome home Corey

Happy Birthday, Melanie, we love YOU!

Happy Birthday Leon, we love YOU!

2011 Highlights

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Good Times, Cruising, Birthdays ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Cieanne & John

he Mobile Alabama Pride group is organizing its 8th annual Pride Parade and Festival in downtown Mobile, Alabama. The Pride Festival is April 21 and 22 in Bienville Square expecting to bring in some 1,500-2,000 attendees from all along the Gulf Coast. On Saturday entertainment runs from 12noon until 5pm. Set up time for vendors begins at 7am until noon. The parade is at 2:30pm. The line-up is the same for Sunday (except no parade) plus a volleyball tournament beginning at 12:30pm. Find out more information by contacting Jerry Ehlen – B-Bob’s, Mobile Alabama Pride, 251.209.2269 or visit mobilealabamapride.com or facebook.com/ MobileALPride.

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