Ambush magazine volume 30 issue 13 by Ambush Publishing

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the "official" dish

inside

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

celebrazzi/new orleans under the gaydar 41st southern decadence snap paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans big easy paparazzi/new orleans pensacola/mobile paparazzi

Ambush Mag Celebrates GAA Top 5 & Pride Week in New Orleans

mbush Mag, now in it's 30th year, celebrates the selection of the Gay Appreciation Awards Top 5 Finalists, as well as Gay Pride week in The Big Easy. The readership of this publication decided the Top 5 finalists in each Gay Appreciation Award category of which one of those is the winner. The winners will be announced at the 25th GAA Gala on Saturday, July 21st, 8-10pm , at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. Results and more details follow below. An entire week of festivities is featured for New Orleans 33rd Gay Pride Celebration running through Sunday, June 24th produced by the Official Pride of New Orleans. Find out all the details in Under the Gaydar on page 14 by columnist Tony Leggio who is also Co-Pride Grand Marshal 33 with Matthew Birkhoff. To celebrate Pride, Ambush is hosting Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Reviewing Stand on the balcony of the Ambush Mansion at 828 Bourbon Street to observe the festivities. The Royal Standard of the United Kingdom has arrived in duplicate to ,be flown from the balcony, The Royal Standard of the United Kingdom direct from London. The standard is flown when the queen is in residence in one of the royal residences, on the queen’s car on official journeys and on aircraft (when on the ground). It may also be flown on any building, official or private, during a visit by the queen, if the owner or proprietor so requests. The Royal Standard was also flown aboard the royal yacht when it was in service and the queen was on board. The only church that may fly a Royal Standard, even without the presence of the Sovereign, is Westminster Abbey, which is known as a “royal peculiar”. Friends will join Ambush publishers on the reviewing stand for the Gay Pride Parade on Saturday, and for the Queen's Brunch on Sunday afternoon. Each guest will be gifted with Union Jack beads to wear for the occasion.

GAA Top 5 Finalists, Regina Adams to Receive Coveted Lifetime Achievement Award

he 25th annual Gay Appreciation Awards Top 5 Finalists have been selected by the readership of Ambush Mag. One of the finalist in each category is the winner which will be announced at the 25th GAA Gala on Saturday, July 21st, 8-10pm, at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. VIP Tables with four seats are $200 and are very limited. All proceeds benefit the William J. Fanning Foundation (Buzzy’s Boys & Girls). Since 1997, the gala has raised $42,672 for charity. Contact Rip Naquin for table sales at marsha@ripandmarsha.com or 504.522.8049. Door admission is $10. Regina Ann Adams has been selected unanimously to received the coveted 25th Lifetime Achievement Award by the GAA Board of Directors Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, and Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain. Regina has been a main stay in the gay community for many decades entertaining in numerous troupes and shows as well as raising funds for numerous charities and causes. In 2005 and 2006, she reigned along with Lisa Beaumann as the first Southern Decadence Grand Marshals (33rd) to reign twice due to Hurricane Katrina which cancelled the 2005 Decadence celebration. Past Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Jimmie Callaway, the late Dan Fountain [Betty Buttons], the late Andy Boudreaux, the late Buzzy Fanning, the late Dirty Dottie, the late Miss Fury, Rip and Marsha Naquin- Delain, the late Dan Romero, the late Miss Do, the late Louise McFarland, Miss Dixie Fasnacht, the late Alice Brady and the late John Dodt, Gene Adams, the late Charlene Schneider, the late Steve Mettner, Marty Curtin and Koo Gaffney, the late Donald “Donnie Jay” James, Kitty Blackwell, Michael “Fish” Hickerson, the late Marcy Marcell, Mary L. Lathouwers, Don Evans, Jean Redmann, and Chuck Turner and Bill Miller. Sponsored by Ambush Mag, the awards thanks those in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the out-

4th of July edition out July 3rd DEADLINE: Tues., June 26th 6 14 15 16 18 23 24

ambush paparazzi/new orleans 26 classifieds 28 a community within communities 32 reVIEW: books, movies, cds 32 trodding the boards 34 halloween new orleans 36 ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie 38

Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com standing services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the GLBT Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today across the Gulf South. Entertainment for the GAA Gala will include production numbers from the Top 5 Finalists in the Show Bar of the Year category, as well as last year’s Entertainer of the Year Elizabeth Bouvier. The exciting duo of Lisa Beaumann and Teryl-Lynn Fox will emcee the affair. Top 5 Finalists include: Circuit Party/Event of the YearGay Easter Parade, Gay Depreciation Awards, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras, Halloween, Southern Decadence Hair Salon of the Year-Avalon, Bobby Blue, Head Quarters, Mickey Nolan's Salon, Salon D'Malta Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the YearKrewe of Amon-Ra, Krewe of Armeinius, Krewe of Petronius, Lords of Leather, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Neighborhood Bar of the YearCafe Lafitte in Exile, Club LAX/Metairie, The Friendly Bar, Good Friends Bar, Tubby's Golden Lantern Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award-Toby Lefort, Chris Leonard, David Mcray, Gay Easter Parade, NO/AIDS Task Force Bitch of the Year-Tiffany Alexander, Tony Leggio, Lance Pippin, Princesse Stephaney, Persana Shoulders Show Bar of the Year-Bourbon Pub Parade, JohnPaul's, Michael’s On The Park, Oz, Tubby's Golden Lantern Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award-La Familia Variety Show, Greater Tuna, New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus, Next Fall, Running With Scissors Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year-Clover Grill, Eat, Mona Lisa Restaurant, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli; Verti Mart Dance Club of the Year-700 Club, Bourbon Pub Parade, Drama Club/ Houma, Oz, Tubby’s Golden Lantern Bartender of the Year-Andy Ehlers/Tubby’s Golden Lantern, Bobby Fisher/JohnPaul’s, Lance Pippin/ Tubby's Golden Lantern, Jeff Palmquist/Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Frankie “Fierce” Wingerter/Oz DJ of the Year-Chris Allen/Bourbon Pub Parade, E (Eddie Mitchell)/4

Seasons-Metairie, JRB/Oz, Myke Kolb/ Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Tim Pflueger/Oz Leather Bar of the Year-Club LAX/ Metairie, Le Roundup, Michael’s On [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 Blanche-Alabama Devin, Tony Leggio, Kyler Landry, Rev. Bill Terry, Rory Wright-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-Pensacola, FL National Advertising Rep: Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 Ambush Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2012, 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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celebrazzi

outhern Decadence Grand Marshals 37 Tiffany Alexander and Misael Rubio select Pat McArdle and TJ Conrad as SDGMs 38 at Coronation 2012 hosted at Oz New Orleans. The new grand marshals will lead the 41st Southern Decadence Labor Day Weekend and announced the official theme as Peace, Love & Hope = Monkey Dance with official colors of white, purple and silver. Visit the Official Southern Decadence website, SouthernDecadence.COM, for further information.

iss AIDS Awareness Emeritus Summer Rayne, 1st runner-up Aubrey Synclaire, newly crowned 2012 Miss AIDS Awareness Mercedes Ellis Loreal, 2011 Miss AIDS Awareness Starr Alexander and 2010 Miss AIDS Awareness Gia GiaVanni celebrate following competition at Manning’s in New Orleans. The event raised $1,098 for the Southeast Louisiana AIDS Awareness (SELAA) organization.

he late Stephen Murrell’s Sisters, Mom and Dad join Jeff Mallon who hosted the Celebration of Life for Stephen at The Friendly Bar in New Orleans. A memorial brick was placed along with other commemoration bricks outside on the Friendly’s sidewalk.

obby Vallecillo celebrates his partner Andy Ehlers' birthday with a huge party including a buffet and show at Tubby's Golden Lantern in New Orleans. Andy is both the show coordinator and bartender at the Lantern.

rewe of Amon-Ra June Birthday Bar Crawl ended up at Cafe Lafitte in Exile celebrating the birthdays of member David Richerson and Lafitte’s DJ Jeff Waguespack in New Orleans. (Photo: Ron Issler, President Deja Deja-Vue, Stuart Nettles, DJ Jeff Waguespack, David Richerson, Darwin Reed, Captain Opal Masters and Jerry Scavo)

egina Ann Adams has been selected to receive the coveted 25th Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Gay Appreciation Awards Board of Directors Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, and Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain at the 25th GAA Gala set for Saturday, July 21st, 8-10pm at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. All proceeds from the gala benefits the William J. Fanning Foundation (Buzzy’s Boys & Girls). VIP tables of 4 are $200. Door admission is $10. Visit AmbushMag.COM/GAA for additional information. (Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM)

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the "official" dish ... from 4 The Park, Phoenix, Rawhide 2010 Cheridon Comedy Award-Zsa Zsa d’LaHor, Big Momma LaVouge, Princesse Stephaney, Persana Shoulders, Tittie Toulouse Fly Fashion Glamour AwardDusty Debris, Dominique DeLorean, Opal Masters Aubrey Synclaire, Monica Synclaire-Kennedy GLBT Business of the Year-Bourbon Pride, La Mina Sterling, Mary’s Hardware, Rab Dab Clothing & Gifts, Scully’z Recordz Leather Person of the Year-Jason Ashford, Cathy Fox, Pat Johnson, Toby Lefort, Gary Vandeventer

Transgender of the Year-Regina Adams, Dee Cooley, Jasmine Essex, Joann Guidos, Jessica Vanderhurst Lesbian of the Year-Misti Ates, Marty Curtin, Pat McArdle, Debbie Rulh, Sandy Sachs, Gay Man of the Year-Tommy Elias, Darrin Ferris, Ken Grandpre, Tony Leggio, Chuck Turner Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year-Elizabeth Bouvier, Dusty Debris, Monique Michaels, Monica SynclaireKennedy, Tittie Toulouse The Marsha Delain Award of Excellence, the "Drag Ambassador" award is presented by Marsha NaquinDelain.

Pat McArdle & TJ Conrad Selected as 28th Southern Decadence Grand Marshals

outhern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXVII Tiffany Alexander and Misael Rubio selected Pat McArdle and TJ Conrad as 38th Southern Decadence Grand Marshals at Coronation 2012 hosted at oz. The new grand marshals announced this year's Southern Decadence theme as Peace, Love & Hope = Monkey Dance. The official colors are white, purple and silver. The wait is now over so revelers can start getting their costumes and/or ensembles together for the 38th Official Southern Decadence Parade on Sunday, September 3 celebrating 41st Southern Decadence celebration of gay life, music and culture. The grand marshals poster and song will be released at the Official Press Party usually scheduled some-

time in July. For additional information, visit SouthernDecadence.COM.

Oz Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Annual Neon Party

z presents "20 Years Dancing Over The Rainbow" celebrating the club's 20th milestone anniversary Neon Party. Set for Saturday, June 30th, 10pm, the spectacular party features early resident DJ Bull, followed by international superstar DJ Wayne G. (from the UK), ending with late resident DJ Tim Pflueger, and lights by Johnny Eubanks. Persana Shoulders hosts the night's festivities with the colorful Oz Club Kids. Plus the hot Men of Oz will dance on the bar tops throughout the club. Located at 800 Bourbon Street, Oz has won Gay Appreciation Awards' Dance Bar of the Year for over the past decade voted on by the readership of Ambush Mag. Visit OzNewOrleans.COM for additional information.

The Rainbow Flag Project Up June 22nd

he Rainbow Project, a nonprofit, 501-3c, acknowledges the following participants in donating funds for the Rainbow Flags to once again fly on N. Rampart Avenue from Toulouse Street to Esplanade Avenue. The Rainbow Flags will go up on June 22nd during New Orleans Pride week. "We gratefully acknowledge their commitment to the GLBT community and appreciate their altruism on our behalf."

Donors include: Bourbon Pub/Parade, Club New Orleans, The Corner Pocket, The Double Play, Good Friends Bar, JohnPaul’s, Kajun's Pub, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Michael’s on the Park, Napoleon’s Itch, Ninth Circle, Oz, Phoenix, Rawhide, Society Page, Voodoo Lounge, and Quartermaster Deli. The work of this project could not have been accomplished without the legal expertise of Jack Sullivan, Attorney-at-Law, the cooperation of the Whitney Bank, Rip and Marsha-DeLain Naquin, owners/editors of Ambush Mag and Larry Bagneris, Jr., Chairman of The Rainbow Project.

FEMA $$$ Continue to Support Crucial Health Care Services

he Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced $289,150 in Katrina-related recovery aid to the Metropolitan Human Services District, the lead Louisiana state agency charged with providing addiction, behavioral health and developmental disability service to citizens of Orleans, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. Pre-Katrina, the MHSD operated out of a facility owned by the Louisiana Office of Facility Planning and Control[continued on 10]

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the "official" dish ...from 8 the New Orleans Mental Health Center, located at 3100 General DeGaulle Drive in New Orleans. In addition to FEMA’s recent funding for MHSD, FEMA previously obligated $1.3 million directly to FP&C for work necessary to restore the actual New Orleans Mental Health Center facility, which was damaged significantly during Katrina. As a result, MHSD had to move its service-oriented operation to temporary facilities in order to continue providing services. “Our recent funding to the Metropolitan Human Services District reimburses the agency for costs associated with using temporary facilities, including trailer rentals and land leases, following Katrina,” said FEMA’s Louisiana Recovery Office Deputy Director of Programs Andre Cadogan. “Our assistance is significant because, through supporting Louisiana’s overall recovery, we are also supporting state efforts to offer vital public services, including mental health services, throughout Southeast Louisiana.” The building of the new, postKatrina New Orleans Mental Health Center is scheduled for completion at the end of this summer; and once it’s completed, MHSD plans to then move back into the facility at the same location as it was before Katrina. “These FEMA funds help ensure that residents of New Orleans’ West Bank can have their needs met in an appropriate setting. The opening of this facility also contributes significantly to MHSD’s commitment to establish the first true continuum of care model for the communities we serve,” said Judge Calvin Johnson (ret.), Metropolitan Human Services District executive director. To date, FEMA has obligated approximately $11.5 billion in public assistance funding for Katrina and Rita related recovery work throughout Louisiana. When FEMA approves projects through its supplemental Public Assistance grant, the funds are made available to the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, who disburses them to the applicant for eligible work completed. The Public Assistance program works with state and local officials to fund recovery measures and the rebuilding of government and certain private nonprofit organizations’ buildings, as well as roads, bridges and water and sewer plants. In order for the process to be successful, federal, state and local partners coordinate to draw up project plans, fund these projects and oversee their completion. FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate

all hazards.

New Orleans Pride Parade June 23rd

he Official Pride of New Orleans will present the Harrah’s Pride Parade beginning at Washington Square Park at 6pm on Saturday, June 23rd. The Parade will weave through the Marigny and French Quarter before ending near Lafitte’s. The parade is free to participate in, but you must register in advance on the Pride website at www.prideneworleans.org. The parade goes down Royal Street to Dumaine, right on Dumaine to Dauphine, left on Dauphine to Iberville, left on Iberville to Bourbon, left on Bourbon ending at St. Phillip. The route passes in front of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Reviewing Stand hosted on the balcony of the Ambush Mansion at 828 Bourbon Street.

Same-Sex Couples Seek To Strengthen Families By Expanding Adoption Rights In North Carolina

reensboro, N.C. – The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of North Carolina Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit on behalf of six same-sex couples and their children seeking the right to obtain second parent adoptions. A second parent adoption occurs when one partner in an unmarried couple adopts the other partner’s biological or adoptive child. This can occur in both gay and straight relationships. In December 2010, the North Carolina Supreme Court banned second parent adoptions for same-sex couples. “North Carolina’s law denies children the permanency and security of a loving home simply because their parents are lesbian or gay,” said Jennifer Rudinger, Executive Director of the ACLU of North Carolina. “This is fundamentally wrong. No parent should have to worry about what will happen to their children if something happens to their partner.” Marcie and Chantelle FisherBorne, one of the couples in the case, have been together for 15 years and live in Durham. Each woman carried one of their two children — a threeyear-old girl and a newborn boy. When their daughter was born, the couple was treated rudely by a hospital staff member who demanded their legal paperwork. If both women were able to be fully-recognized legal parents to their children, such encounters could be avoided. “We were treated as if our family was less than other families during what should have been one of the

Pride Parade Map Courtesy of Official Pride of New Orleans happiest occasions of our lives,” said Marcie Fisher-Borne. “We don’t ever want there to be any question as to who should care for our children. If something were to happen to either one of us, it could tear our family apart.” Some of the protections that come with a second parent adoption include: ensuring that all children in the family are covered if one partner lacks health insurance, ensuring that families will stay together and children will not be torn from the only home they’ve known if something should happen to the biological parent, ensuring that either parent will be allowed to make medical decisions or be able to be by their child’s bedside if one their children is hospitalized. “The current policy is discriminatory and doesn’t take into account what’s best for a child,” said Elizabeth Gill, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Project. “These parents want the same thing as any other parents: to be able to provide the best possible care and protection for their children. The law

should not stand in the way of allowing loving couples to share responsibility for their families.” The full list of plaintiffs in the case are: Marcie and Chantelle FisherBorne, Durham; Crystal Hendrix and Leigh Smith, Asheville; Lee Knight Caffery and Dana Draa, Charlotte; Shana Carignan and Megan Parker, Greensboro; Leslie Zanaglio and Terri Beck, Morrisville; and Shawn Long and Craig Johnson, Wake Forest. Lawyers on the case include James Esseks, Rose Saxe and Gill of the American Civil Liberties Union; Christopher Brook of the ACLU of North Carolina; Garrard R. Beeney, David A. Castleman, C. Megan Bradley, W. Rudolph Kleysteuber IV, Daniel W. Meyler and Dustin F. Guzior of Sullivan & Cromwell LLP; and Jonathan D. Sasser and Jeremy M. Falcone at Ellis & Winters LLP. For more information on this case, including video of some of the clients, please visit: www.aclu.org/second-parent-adoption-NC.

World’s Leading Scientists, President Bill Clinton, South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, Philanthropist Bill Gates & Humanitarian Sir Elton John to Address XIX International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C. (AIDS 2012)

rganizers of the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) announced that President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States, South African Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, philanthropist Bill Gates, and humanitarian Sir Elton John, founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, will be among the high-level speakers who will join thousands of the world’s top AIDS researchers, community leaders, and other stakeholders in Washington, D.C. this summer. An estimated 25,000 attendees are expected to attend AIDS 2012, which will take place from July 22 to 27 under the theme Turning the Tide Together.

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the "official" dish ...from 10 President Clinton will deliver keynote remarks at the closing session on Friday, July 27. Sir Elton John will deliver a keynote address on Monday, July 23. In the last few years various research trials, including HPTN 052, TDF2, Partners PrEP, and iPrEx have demonstrated with solid evidence the efficacy of HIV treatment as prevention, while other studies are currently investigating the possibility of a cure for HIV. “Thanks to these scientific advances, for the first time we have a real opportunity to make a major dent in the epidemic,” said Elly Katabira, International Chair of AIDS 2012 and President of the International AIDS Society (IAS). “We are delighted to welcome the world’s leading AIDS scientists to AIDS 2012, and to have secured these highlevel keynote speakers at this crucial time in the global response to HIV.” The theme of AIDS 2012, Turning the Tide Together, has been selected to emphasize how a global and decisive commitment is crucial to change the course of the epidemic now that science is presenting promising results in HIV treatment and biomedical prevention. This biennial event is the world’s largest meeting on AIDS, where leading scientists report on the latest AIDS research, and together with implementers, community leaders and policymakers, help to identify next steps in the global response to AIDS. “AIDS 2012 represents a unique occasion to mobilize policy makers, governments, NGOs, scientists, people living with HIV and civil society to join forces,” said Dr. Diane Havlir, U.S. Co-Chair of AIDS 2012 and Professor of Medicine at the University of California. “Despite the global turbulent economic climate we cannot miss this historic moment, and it is vital to continue to attract funding to invest in AIDS research and promote programmes based on effectiveness and efficiency in order to optimize the use of resources,” concluded Havlir. The full AIDS 2012 programme is now available through the conference website www.aids2012.org and significant parts of the programme – including webcasts of key sessions, speeches, slide presentations, abstracts, digital posters, sessionspecific and daily rapporteur reports, as well as workshop handouts and audio recordings, will also be online during the conference. Some confirmed high level speakers at AIDS 2012: President Bill Clinton, founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health, South Africa Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary of the National League for Democracy, Burma, (video address) Kathleen Sebelius, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michel Sidibé, Executive Director, UNAIDS Ambassador Eric Goosby, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Bill Gates, Bill & Melinda Gate Foundation Sir Elton John, Elton John AIDS Foundation Whoopi Goldberg, Actress Kesetebirhan Admasu, Minister of State for Health, Ethiopia

Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Canada Benedict Xaba, Minister of Health, Swaziland AIDS 2012 is convened by the International AIDS Society and the conference’s international partners: the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+); the International Council of AIDS Service Organizations (ICASO); the International Community of Women with HIV/AIDS (ICW) and the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS): the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition (CVC); Sidaction. The U.S.-based Black AIDS Institute; the District of Columbia Department of Health (DOH); the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA); the National Institutes of Health (NIH); the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) at the White House; and the U.S. Positive Women’s Network (USPWN) are serving as local partners. Get the latest conference updates and share your thoughts and ideas through the Conference Facebook and Twitter. We are tweeting – @aids2012 – and hope many of you will tweet along with us, using #AIDS2012 to keep the conversation going. Become a fan of AIDS 2012 on Facebook and stay in touch with the latest conference updates and developments. Please visit www.facebook.com/aids2012 to become a fan. If your group or organization is participating in AIDS 2012, we welcome posts of photos and videos of your work on this page. Tell us why you are coming to Washington and what you hope to gain from AIDS 2012. The International AIDS Society (IAS) is the world’s leading independent association of HIV professionals, with over 16,000 members from more than 196 countries working at all levels of the global response to AIDS. Our members include researchers from all disciplines, clinicians, public health and community practitioners on the frontlines of the epidemic, as well as policy and programme planners. The IAS is the custodian of the biennial International AIDS Conference and lead organizer of the IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 30 June– 3 July 2013. Visit www.iasociety.org or www.ias2013.org.

2012 French Quarter Festival Musician Sponsorship Program is a Success

rench Quarter Festivals, Inc. is proud to announce that the new 2012 French Quarter Festival Musician Sponsorship Program was a great success. Thanks to the generous support and donations of festival fans, New Orleans businesses, and local restaurants, the Musician Sponsorship Program exceeded its original goal and raised over $100,000 in funding for festival musicians as well as artist parking all four days of festival. French Quarter Festivals, Inc. continues the Musician Sponsorship Program for the 2012 Satchmo SummerFest, August 3-5, 2012. FQFI is currently seeking musician sponsors for the 12th annual Satchmo SummerFest, the premier American Jazz Festival dedicated to the life, legacy, and

music of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. Musician Sponsorship allows fans, businesses, and restaurants to support this beloved music festival. Sponsorship levels begin at $750 (Struttin’ with Some Barbecue sponsor) or as much as $20,000 at the “Pops” Level. All donations will help support Satchmo SummerFest musicians. Sponsorships of all sizes are welcomed and will be acknowledged. All events produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. are FREE and open to the public. FQFI strives to keep Satchmo SummerFest a high quality event that celebrates Louis Armstrong and the best of New Orleans culture. The organization is committed to keeping the event accessible to everyone and contributing to the economic well-being of the French Quarter, the City of New Orleans, and the State of Louisiana. The musician sponsorship program facilitates the relationship between artists and sponsors and eliminates the musician’s responsibility in securing a sponsor, freeing them to focus on their performance. Because French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, sponsorships are tax deductible - another great benefit for supporters. With the launch of this program, businesses are once again invited to truly participate in this annual community celebration, making a major impact, and enjoying the benefits of sponsorship. Satchmo SummerFest is not just a fun, high quality event. The festival annually generates over $4 million in economic impact with over $300,000 in direct tax revenue going to the city and the state as a direct result of the festival. Satchmo SummerFest also attracts over 26,000 people to the French Quarter each year. Satchmo SummerFest began in 2001 to celebrate the centennial birthday of Louis Armstrong. Taking place near his birthday, August 4th, Satchmo Summerfest offers three days of fascinating seminars about the history and influence of jazz music in New Orleans and discussions about the life and talent of Louis Armstrong, two days of music from some of New Orleans’ finest traditional jazz and brass bands, and authentic local cuisine from the area’s finest restaurants that create “Red Bean Alley.” Satchmo SummerFest also hosts a variety of special events and activities including: Sunday morning Jazz Mass at the historic St. Augustine Church in Treme; a traditional second line parade; traditional jazz dance lessons; a children’s activity area; and a Trumpet Tribute to close the festival.

Groundbreaking Campaign Aims to Make Frequent HIV Testing the New Norm for Gay & Bisexual Men

an Francisco AIDS Foundation, San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), and a coalition of partners today launched an innovative multimedia effort to encourage gay and bisexual men to test regularly for HIV and make frequent HIV testing the social norm in the community. “Many Shades of Gay” celebrates the diversity of the gay community and focuses on one simple message: No matter what you’re into, get an HIV test every six months.

“This is an HIV testing campaign unlike anything we’ve seen before. Not only is it creative, fun, and interactive, it also carries a vitally important message for gay and bisexual men: regular HIV testing is good for your health, your sex partners, and our entire community,” said Neil Giuliano, CEO of San Francisco AIDS Foundation. “We are an incredibly diverse community, and the fight against HIV unites us all—getting tested frequently for HIV can, too.” At the heart of the effort is an interactive and educational website that invites users to create a personalized avatar—a tiny, digital version of themselves. Described as “the most robust avatar generator ever built,” it contains literally billions of customization options, including wardrobe, accessories, tattoos, and piercings—allowing gay and bisexual men to create an avatar as conservative or campy as they desire. Once an avatar is created, it informs the user about the importance of regular HIV testing and helps them to find the nearest testing location. The website also allows users to opt in to receive reminders via email or text from their avatar when it’s time to get another HIV test. The site also includes a channel for HIV-positive guys, which provides health information and resources to connect them to HIV treatment and care.

“The San Francisco Department of Public Health and many communitybased service providers are focused heavily on increasing both the supply and demand for HIV tests among gay and bisexual men,” said Tracey Packer, Acting Director of HIV Prevention at SFDPH. “We’ve worked hard in the past year to scale up the number of HIV tests offered throughout San Francisco, and ‘Many Shades of Gay’ is the kind of bold, attention-getting campaign we need to increase demand for those tests.” In the first phase of “Many Shades of Gay,” avatars will blanket San Francisco, the internet, and social media. Once users create their avatars, they are invited to keep the campaign going by sharing it through social media channels and inviting friends to join the effort. Two more people are infected with HIV every day in San Francisco. Nationwide, the infection rate is actually rising among gay and bisexual men— the only risk group for which this is the case—with communities of color especially hard hit. Studies show that early detection and treatment of HIV can dramatically reduce a person’s chances of spreading the virus to someone else. “Many Shades of Gay” is a collaboration between San Francisco AIDS Foundation, San Francisco Department of Public Health, ISIS, Alliance Health Project, Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center, Mission Neighborhood Health Center, and funders from the public and private sector. Global advertising agency ATTIK is providing pro bono creative development for the campaign. To see the campaign and create an avatar, visit www.ManyShadesOfGay.com.

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

Book of the Month

y book of the month for June says every thing in the title. Guilty Wives is a guilty pleasure. James Patterson’s latest thriller in which he penned with David Ellis has everything that a quick summer suspenseful story should have; scandal, deceit and murder. It is one of those pop fiction beach reads that you can finish in a weekend. The story centers on four female friends who go on an allgirls vacation in Monte Carlo that leads to a horrible crime. Patterson is a master of weaving fast paced, edge of your seat page turners. The narrative basically follows Abbie Elliott and her three best friends who go on a holiday away from their families only to find their lives turned upside down. After their first magical day and evening in this exotic spot, these four women are thrust into the harsh light of the next morning and a crime that makes headlines around the world. There are plenty of plot twists and no one is quite who they seem. If you are looking for an exciting fare for the beach or the airplane ride, Guilty Wives is the perfect vacation book. For more information on this novel and other books by James Patterson, go to www.jamespatterson.com.

Calling All Alien and Titanic Fans!

he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is once again presenting an opening night of another one of Running With Scissors madcap mash-up of two box office hits. This time Alien and The Titanic get the special treatment as radio plays. This special opening night performance will be on Thursday, June 21 at 8pm. Running With Scissors Radio Players present a hilarious, action-packed double-bill performed by a dedicated troupe of young(ish) starlets, Broadway washouts, and at least one diabolical diva. An Alien Home Companion & The Titanic Comedy Hour stars Kyle Daigrepont, Jack Long, Brian Peterson, and Dorian Rush. The performance will be held at the AllWays Theatre located at 2240 St. Claude Avenue, at the corner of Marigny Street. Tickets are $20 and showtime is at 8 p.m. For tickets, call 504-4156476. .

20 Years of Dancing Over The Rainbow

any gay clubs have come and gone, but there is one establishment which has been consistently ranked as one of the premiere destinations for gay nightlife in New Orleans. For the past twenty years Oz has been synonymous with dancing to fabulous music till the wee hours of the morning. And, on June 30th, Oz is celebrating this milestone with their notorious Neon Party. If you have never been to one of this club’s exciting theme nights then try to make it out to this one. And remember to wear your neon rainbow colors. The musical lineup is off the charts on this night. DJ Tim Pflueger gets the party started right, followed by DJ Bull who will spin late night. But they also have Superstar DJ Wayne G from the United Kingdom as a special guest star. So come out and light up the night. Oz is located at 800 Bourbon Street.

Living In Progress Goes Denim

iving In Progress or LIPS as it is more affectionately known as is presenting a Night of Denim and Roses on Saturday, June 30 at JohnPaul’s. This fun organization always throws banner events and this one is shaping up to be a memorable one. For your $10 entry fee, there will be food, entertainment and door prizes, as well as a cash bar. The festivities begin at 8pm. JohnPaul’s is located at 940 Elysian Fields.

Pride Plans A Spectacular Week of Fun

hat are your plans for Gay Pride this year? Well they have numerous things in store for you. You can find out more about all the fun by going to www.nolapride.biz. But here are just some of the highlights. On Tuesday, June 19, there will be a family night at Sun Ray Grill from 5 to 10pm. with a portion of the proceeds of all sales that night going to Pride, so this is a great opportunity to enjoy a delectable meal and support a worthy cause. On Wednesday, June 20, the New Orleans Film Society will present a film screening of the movie Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same at the Contemporary Arts Center. Then on Thursday, June 21st, there will be a book signing for our very own Steve Patrick from 6-8pm at the Freddie Guess Studio. Tickets are $20 and include a signed copy of the book and light

food and drinks. On Friday, Cocktails with Pride will take place at the Bourbon Vieux from 7-10pm. Tickets are $25 and it includes vodka drinks, beer, food, an auction, and dancing. This is a great way to kick off Pride weekend. On Saturday, Chevron presents Family Day in Washington Square from 1-5pm. There will be Voice of Pride Finals, relationship blessings, food, drink and entertainment. Immediately following that, the Pride parade begins at 6pm from Washington Square and works its way through the French Quarter. And ending the weekend is a street festival sponsored by Oz, Napoleon’s Itch and the Bourbon Pub from 1-5pm Sunday. There are so many incredible events; I hope to see everyone out.

Everyone Get Soaking Wet!

mon Ra is having a swim Party on Sunday, July 15 from 4-6pm at the Lion’s Inn. If you have never been to one of their poolside gatherings, it is a sight to behold. I especially love it when Rhonda Roget does the water ballet number, simply magical. Tickets are $10. The Lion’s Inn is located at 2517 Chartres Street.

Anything Goes for Armeinius

33rd Pride Grand Marshals Tony Leggio & Matthew Birkhoff

he Krewe of Armeinius presents the opening night of Tulane Summer Lyric show Anything Goes on Wednesday, July 20 at 8pm. Tickets are $35 and the [continued on 22]

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Southern Decadence Susan Lucci’s Rip, Tami & Marsha Justin & John President Deja & b-day boy David Richerson @ Corner Pocket

Big Easy Sisters, Sisters of the Muddy Waters

Lonnie, Chris & Bradley

Robert with members King David, John & Rhonda

New SDGMs 38 Pat McArdle & TJ Conrad

SDGMs 33 Regina Adams, 36 Julian Artressia & 37 Tiffany Members Jerry & Double Play bartender Will

SDGM 37 Tiffany Alexander kicks off the show

SDGM 35 Tittie Toulouse wows ‘em with her latest outrageous rendition

Dusty Debris & Britney Johnson

Elias Brothers Corner Pocket’s Michael & Oz’s Tommy

Stuart & member Safonda SDGM Misael, Pride Grand Marshal Matthew, SDGM Tiffany, Venus & Mr. Aubrey

snap paparazzi

SDGMs 36 Toby, 34 Electra & 37 Misael on stage together

Frankie Fierce & Princesse Stephaney

Oz host/MC Persana Shoulders

Corner Pocket bartender Mitch & bar baron Michael Elias

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Krewe of Amon-Ra June Birthday Bar Crawl ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Ambush

Coronation 2012 Announces Southern Decadence Grand Marshals 38 Pat McArdle & TJ Conrad @ Oz ~ New Orleans

SDGMs 37 Tiffany & Misael become Has Beens with the announcement of their successors

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In for Cougar Cabaret @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Klorocks Bleachman stars in Les Femelles Fatale @ Michael’s

Athena Jewelle in Cougar Cabaret @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Former Queen & King Satyricon Brian & Kent @ Let’s Make A Round of Bingo

Having fun @ JohnPaul’s Country Western Dance Mr. Phoenix Leather Lance, KD & Jeff @ Let’s Make A Round of Bingo

snap paparazzi

Kelton behind the bar @ Le Roundup

Ray behind the bar @ Napoleon’s Itch

Todd & Gigi @ Let’s Make A Round of Bingo

Bubbie Kakes stars in Les Femelles Fatale @ Michael’s

Cocktailin’ @ Michael’s On The Park

Tami Tarmac welcomes Barret & Beaux to Cougar Cabaret @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

The lovely hostess & MC Todd during Satyricon’s Let’s Make A Round of Bingo @ JohnPaul’s Deanna having a cocktail @ Le Roundup

Tommy & Kia on Le Roundup’s refurbished patio

Grand Prize winner of the Fifi Mahoney custom Brian Peterson wig @ Satyricon’s Let’s Make A Round of Bingo

Hottie Dwayne behind the bar for Jeff Mallon’s birthday party @ Casa Leggio

The men folk @ Jeff Mallon’s birthday party @ Casa Leggio

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The Crescent City ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon

Tony, Adam & Paul @ JohnPaul’s Country Western Dance Night

Les Femelles Fatale show director Princesse Stephaney @ Michael’s On The Park

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under the gaydar ...from 14 theatre is located at Dixon Hall on Tulane’s Campus. For information or to buy tickets, go to www.kreweofarmeinius.org.

Party Down

he temperatures are rising and so is the amount of parties. My two weeks were filled with amazing soirees, theatrical events, incredible openings and just a few late nights on the town. Let’s jump right into the deep end of the pool; starting the Tuesday after Memorial Day, I went to see the play Hogan’s Goat at the Irish House restaurant on St. Charles Avenue. The show was good, but it is interesting to see all the new makeshift theatrical spaces popping up in the city especially since the closings of Le Chat Noir, Southern Rep Theatre and Le Petit. It just goes to prove that New Orleans is a city where culture will survive no matter what odds are stacked against it. On Wednesday I went to a wonderful hospitality party hosted by Limousine Livery at the Bourbon Heat. It may be a tourist bar, but some of the guys who are working there are Italian dreams. But I kicked off my weekend with an incredible event. On Friday, I went with my friend Laura to the opening of Revolution, the new John Folse and Rick Tramanto restaurant in the Royal Sonesta. To say that this place is a culinary vision is not doing it justice. The Viking Kitchen alone is a sight to behold. Rumor has it they spent six million dollars on this renovation and build out and it is breathtaking. There are close captioned televisions so guests can see the action in the kitchen, several different dining rooms each with its own atmosphere, and a chef’s table that is nothing short of spectacular. The food was delicious and the party that night was a veritable who’s who of New Orleans society. After the party I bounced over to Club LAX with some friends to check out Misti’s Gay Pride fundraiser. There were so many people in attendance and we raised a lot of money for the event. I have to hand it to Misti, she is one hard working young lady and it shows in her act. Saturday was a very bittersweet day. Stephen Murrell’s Celebration of Life was held at The Friendly Bar and his family flew in for the event. There was a balloon release and his personalized brick was laid commemorating his life. There was a huge spread of food and a wonderful show done by some of his favorite local entertainers led by Elizabeth Bouvier. It was a touching send off to a lovely man. Afterwards, I went to JohnPaul’s for the hilarious and campy show Let’s Make A Wheel of Bingo hosted by the over the top emcee Todd Shaffer. This zany show was presented by the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon and can be best

described as part theatrical comedy and part game show, but all fun. Probably the most hysterical part of the night was Todd’s pregnant Vanna White assistant who was just spot on and a laugh riot. Besides Todd for putting on this brilliant show, we need to thank Brian Peterson for creating a Fifi Mahoney magnificent wig as the grand prize. The next day I took a little road trip to Covington, yes the Northshore to see Jefferson Performing Arts’ show Xanadu which was one of my favorite movies in the day. I had to admit it was very enjoyable reliving these classic songs from Olivia Newton John and ELO again. Also, the audience was filled with an array of Northshore queens. Who knew so many of us lived over there? Before the show, my mom and I ate at this amazing restaurant in downtown Covington called Toad’s Hollow. The service and the food were outstanding. If you ever get a chance to make it over the Causeway bridge, check that place out. The next week was busy with hospitality events. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, I went to receptions at Margaret Gardens, Redfish Grill and the Cajun area at the Audubon Zoo respectively. Each one was a great networking mixer. I especially liked taking the little train to the party in the middle of the zoo, great added touch. On Friday, I went to on a spontaneous bar crawl with my friends Beaux, Barrett and Tal to the Golden Lantern, Pub and Michael's On The Park. We caught Tami’s Cougar Cabaret and Princesse Stephaney’s Les Femmes Fatales shows, as well as the Pub’s Strip Off. The crowds were fun and the boys were out in droves. Saturday was another incredible event as I was my friend Nick’s guest at the World War II Museum’s Victory Ball. This grand fundraiser lasted about six hours from the patron party to the after party and just was an incredible evening. John Besh catered the entire event and the entertainment was a trip down memory lane with a celebrity Rat Pack band. The Dean Martin and Sammy David Jr. characters were uncanny. This soiree had everything you want in an event to make it memorable from great food and drink, to wonderful entertainment and a good array of people to mix and mingle with. This was the second hot social event I was very lucky to be a part of in two weeks. I finished out the weekend by hosting an intimate little birthday party at my house for one of my best friends Jeff Mallon (aka Elizabeth Bouvier). There were about two dozen of her closest buddies there to celebrate her special day. And it also was a long day, because I was up at the crack of dawn making a jello shot cake, so basically I started sampling cocktails since 6am. By the time the party started at three, I had cooked and cleaned all day and

was dragging, but thank goodness for our spirited and scantily dressed bartender Dwayne. He helped me rise to the occasion. I always find that these private parties can be extremely enjoyable and great ways to reconnect with all your friends in a more private setting. So that ends my two weeks and we are just getting into the summer months. There will be plenty of barbecues and socials to fill up anyone’s calendar. So in the meantime, try to stay cool and enjoy the heat.

Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom

am sure by now that if you read my column regularly; you have realized that sometimes my articles are a little quirky. I have my opinions on many things and I love to write crazy stories like the Cathy Fox murder mysteries. You can love them or hate them, hopefully it is the former, but that is the beauty of it, you still read the magazine. I am a very small cog in the large wheel that turns out this wonderful publication. In other words I am one page in Ambush that you can read or skip over, again hopefully the former. That is the same with any organization in the city, whether it is a carnival krewe, a charity, or even a festival. As you may be aware by now, I was voted as Grand Marshal of Gay Pride along with Matthew Birkhoff. And I have enjoyed doing some fun and irreplaceable things, albeit many late nights, like judging contests that start at ten or later during the week, which is hard especially since I do have a day job. But I have met some great people from every part of the gay community, which to me, has been the best part of this title. Meeting these new people and learning about their story has helped me tremendously understand that New Orleans and the gay community is truly a melting pot. From lesbian soccer moms and drag queens to circuit boys and professional businessmen (sometimes these people are one and the same), we run the gamut. In this new capacity as grand marshal, people have told me many things, mostly good; but there have been a few people who have said the negative. And that is the great thing, as with anything; you learn how to become better by criticism. But constructive critiquing is never harmful, but some people have said they did not support Pride because they did not like this person, they did not agree with this event or whatever reason they may have to feel slighted. And they may be justified in their complaints. But no matter the reason, you have to let it go and just get over it. Last time I checked you were still gay and if I am not mistaken or you plan on moving to live a solitary life in the Tundra, you are still a part of the gay

community. Now in these unsure times, when the LGBT world is fighting for our rights, there is no room for pettiness or egos. That second part is especially hard for me to say, since I do have a healthy one of those. But I realize; and my friends and my mother (who trust me is an expert at this) let me know regularly, I am no more special or deserving than anyone else. We need to unite as one and create a voice with unity and harmony. That is why I love our new Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Pat and TJ’s theme this year Peace, Love and Hope = Monkey Dance. Three things we all need in our lives, but with a fabulous twist. To say you do not like an entire group because of a few people or because of things done in the past, is just crazy. And ultimately saying you hate Gay Pride is like saying you hate who you are. Gay Pride is more than just a festival; it is a spirit within you of being happy with your lifestyle choice. I mean honestly, if I got angry because I did not like or agree with something, I would not ever go to another carnival krewe function, including my own, or be a part of any board, gay or straight, or even date again for that matter. Boys suck! I have been working with the current board of Pride and even though there are people in it I do not agree with, on a whole they are a hard working group of individuals who genuinely care about the cause and our community. That is the saddest part of what I have seen, the in-fighting in our society and it needs to quit. Our city has begun to realize what a major economic impact our community has on it, and we are being respected more now than in the past. If you do not realize this, read the book In Exile to find out just how poorly the LGBT community was treated. You do not have to like everyone in the gay community, be their friend or even have dinner with them; hell sit on the other side of the park if you like. But at least stop by some of the Pride events and see old friends or maybe even meet new ones. So rejoice in the fact that we are fabulously unique individuals and please come out to support Gay Pride. We need to see you there because everyone in this city matters. Happy Gay Pride! If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at tonymgp@hotmail.com.

Nex t Am bush De a d l i n e : T u e s d a y, J u n e 2 6 t h Ca l l 5 0 4 .5 2 2 .8 0 4 9

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big easy

papar azzi

Bar Baron Matt ready for Hump Day @ 700 Club

Lonnie & Mr. Gay Pride Mark @ Club LAX for Johnny Passion’s Pride Show

Club LAX’s Toby & Pride Chair Chris @ Johnny Passion’s Pride Show

Jim, Bayou Chad & Little Ricky cocktailin' @ Oz

Elizabeth Bouvier hosts Stephen Murrell’s Celebration of Life @ The Friendly Bar

Easter Grand Marshal Rhonda Roget does Stephen Murrell’s fav act

Lauren Brown MCs Stephen Murrell’s Celebration of Life show

Gizelle Bouvier in Stephen Murrell’s Celebration of Life show

Amon-Ra’s Darwin, Queen Barry, King David & Opal do Stephen Murrell’s balloon release

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Lights, Camera, Action ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Tony Leggio

Stephen & Brian @ W Hotel Rooftop Pool Party

Celebrating birthdays @ Drag Bingo

Emerald City’s Saturday night Drink & Drown

Ebony Sinclaire & Chris up to no good I’m sure

Bar baron Jerry & bartender Leon welcome you to B-Bob’s

The Rose Garden @ Bellingrath Gardens & Home Bachelorettes take over Drag Bingo

Hanging out on the patio @ Emerald City Steven & Blake catching the show @ Emerald City

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papar azzi

Manager Bob hails from B-Bob’s

Chris & Dwayne all smiles @ Emerald City

Dwayne, Lauren Mitchell, Jay & Josh @ Emerald City The hot guys of Drag Bingo

Justen hanging out @ Emerald City

Emerald City’s newest bartender TC

Hanging out @ Emerald City

Lauren Mitchell & her boys

The lovely Miss Regine Phillips

Bellingrath Home

Quentin having a great night @ Emerald City

B-Bob’s DeeJay Scotty

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B-Bob’s, Bellingrath Gardens & Home ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Ambush

Celebrating, Hanging Out, Up to No Good ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell

emerald city paparazzi

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ambush

papar azzi

Easter Grand Marshal Darwin Reed joins Bubblez Alexander @ Andy’s b-day Lantern show

Blaine, Dan & bartender Jasmine @ Kajun’s Pub

Michael & Jessica @ Head Quarters 1st Runner-up Aubrey Synclair in Miss AIDS Awareness

Monica Synclaire-Kennedy in Cathy Fox’s Trois Femmes @ JohnPaul’s 2010 Miss AIDS Awareness Gia GiaVanni performs

Manager Lance slings cocktails for Andy’s Birthday @ the Lantern

Chris & Mark cocktailin’ @ the Phoenix

Cathy Fox headlines Trois Femmes @ JohnPaul’s

2011 Miss AIDS Awareness Starr Alexander gives up her crown

Daisy Doss d’LaHor join Andy’s bday show @ Golden Lantern

Bar Baron Mac joins Engender’s Edwina Cox @ Cutter’s

Hannah in Trois Femmes @ JohnPaul’s

Miss AIDS Awareness Pageant judges Cathy Fox, Joanna Wilson, Dominique DeLorean, Duane Sullivan & Charlotte Boudreaux

New Miss AIDS Awarenss Mercedes Ellis Loreal benefiting SELAA

Miss AIDS Awareness MCs Philip Gordon & Rikki Gee

Rob, Antonio & Jim @ the Phoenix

Josh @ Bourbon Pride

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Birthdays, Cocktails, Culture ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Devin, Kyler Landry, Paul Melancon

Bartender Andy Ehlers celebrates his birthday with friends @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Bartender Ashley welcomes you to Kajun’s Pub

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

bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, b-bobs.com GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM

book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 MR. BINKY'S NEW ORLEANS, 2441 Paris Rd., 270.9900

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

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antiques

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

Houma LA [985] THE DRAMA CLUB, 126 N. Hollywood, 580.2582 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,

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., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1112]

circuit/events 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 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 May 24-27, 2013 Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM

counseling Lafayette, LA [337] COUNSELING/THERAPY, James Huval, MSW, LCSW - Psychotherapy for individuals and couples/sliding scale. Lafayette office location. Accepting new clients. Day/evening appointment times available/For more information: www.HuvalMSW.COM or 337.356.1343

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] 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

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

groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416

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

hardware New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465

insurance New Orleans, LA [504] ALLSTATE: Buckwalter Insurance Group LLC, 2002 20th St., Kenner, 504.469.4800;101 Schexnayder Ln., Destrehan, 985.764.3833 LIFE INSURANCE: As an independent agent, I can shop around and find you the best rate to fit your budget. Call Terry today at 504.444.1120. [is1412]

lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several

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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 Bour-

bon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com

museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm

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

organizations Mobile, AL

ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM AQUA, THE PARTY, PO Box 145, Mobile, AL 36601, TheAquaParty.COM BAY AREA INCLUSION, BayAreaInclusion.ORG FUSION, MobileFusion.ORG GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY, PO Box 53425, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BIG EASY M.C.C. (Metropolitan Community Church of Greater New Orleans), Sunday 12:15pm Solumn Mass, 5pm Praise & Worship, at St Matthew’s UCC, 1333 S. Carrollton Ave. at Willow. Fellowship after service. Mailing address: 1333 S. Carrolllton Ave. New Orleans, LA, 70118; 213.4340, w w w . b i g e a s y m c c . c o m , pastor@bigeasymcc.com BIG EASY STOMPERS, 1317 Pasadena Ave., Metairie, LA 70001 www.NewOrleansHoedown.com BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 CHURCH OF CHRIST THE LIBERATOR, Sun. 11am Service, 607 Marigny St. (behind The Friendly Bar), ChristTheLiberator.ORG

COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981, ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GLSEN [Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network], 482.4081, Fax 595.8587, Email: glsenno@hotmail.com, glsenno.org GULF GENDER ALLIANCE [GGA], NonProfit Support Group for Transgender persons. Monthly meetings, socials and political activism. Privacy respected and expected. Interview required. Nondiscriminatory. Call 504. 324.4035 or write PO Box 56836, New Orleans, LA 701566836; gga.org, E-mail: info@gga.org HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES HOTLINE, c/o Family Service of Greater New Orleans, 504.202.2131. The Hate Crimes Project offers to assist those who feel that they may have been a victim of a hate crime. The project provides advocacy for persons victimized due to race, religion, gender and gender identity, age, disability, and/or sexual orientation. KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, info@kreweofarmeinius.org, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF AMON RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, 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, 2443 Halsey Ave., New Orleans, LA 70114, 504.906.7990 Todd J. Blauvelt / Secretary, krewe.of.satyricon@gmail.com, 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

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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

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

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 Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903 Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930 Prime, 3162 Dauphine, opening soon Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET

retail/shopping 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 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip, 561.8167

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 MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052

photography

travel

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

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

plumbers

websites

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

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

real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] Latter & Blum INC/Realtors, STEVE RICHARDS, 712 Orleans @ Royal, French Quarter. Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, Email: SRichards@LatterBlum.com LATTER & BLUM, Agent Brian M.

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a community within communities

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

Gay Pride

orty years after Stonewall, where is the gay rights movement headed? What does the focus on marriage equality mean for the goals of gay liberation? To what effect do we work for the rights of all in New

Orleans? Dr. King and others have echoed a similar theme: that when the dignity of one human being is imperiled the dignity of all human beings is imperiled. The effects of racism are precisely the same engine that drives the bias and fear against LGBT community. Yet, do we stand and watch from afar driven by the fear of social retribution or do we engage the community and make a stand. I am the first to admit that “making a stand” in New Orleans is more often a stand at the cocktail lounge or perhaps a stand in line for fresh shucked oysters

reVIEW...books, movies, cds by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

irst things first. Congratulations to the 2112 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals, Pat McArdle and TJ Conrad. Over the coming weeks and months you will have friends you didn’t know you had, giving you suggestions and advice. Listen, but do what you want to do. It is your turn to shine. Over the years there have been many traditions added to Southern Decadence which is fine. But to my knowledge the only rule is, on the Sunday before Labor Day, show up at the Lantern, 1239 Royal Street, and blow your whistles at two pm. Have fun. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this is that Blanche, Grand Marshal XXIII, star of stage, screen, television and every bar stool in every gay bar between Canal Street and Franklin Avenue. I am still in Alabama but through the magic of the internet I will be bringing you commentary on books, movies, and cds in AMBUSH. I am starting with the book JUST KIDS by Patti Smith. It was a New York Times bestseller and won a national book award. It is based on Patti’s diaries of her life with Robert Mapplethorpe. Patti was a poet who later on became a rock star. Mapplethorpe is best known for his homoerotic / BDSM photography. They lived together from 1967-1974. This book is about many things. There is a bit about Patti’s early years in Germantown, Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, but not the usual four or five chapters that can bog you down. It moves right along to when Patti moved to New York City and her struggles to make it there. She meets Mapplethorpe one night and a friendship was formed. Patti is be a poet, not

uncommon in those years, and Robert an artist. Most everyone can relate to being new in town and not having a lot of money. When I arrived in New Orleans I had $300 to my name and no job. We would call it networking today, back then it was just trying to make friends with people that could help you along. Patti finds people that like her poetry and Robert discovers photography. Robert also discovers he is gay. They remain devoted to each other but the dynamics of the relationship change. She finds bars where she can read her work and Robert finds a patron, Sam Wagstaff. They all remain friends until Patti leaves New York City for Detroit. The book is also about New York City and it’s nightlife during this era. For awhile they live at the Chelsea Hotel, an infamous hotel, described by Patti as ”a dolls house in the Twilight Zone”. Over the years many artist, poets, writers, and musicians called this place

at the local restaurant. We do love our parades and parodies. We love Mardi Gras and Decadence. Somewhere in there we abrogate our obligation to hold churches, synagogues, government and indeed private business accountable for what is arguably an act of fear and disregard for the human condition as played out against LGBT Community. When the dignity of one human being is imperiled the dignity of all human beings is imperiled. For those that don’t know the Stonewall Riots are the painful birthing of the movement that has resulted in PRIDE. Proud to be who we are; proud to be human in its vast variety; proud to be where we are and what we are as God made us. PRIDE is a time to rejoice and make that statement. I hope rather than isolation the community commits

to enculturation; rather than withdrawal re-drawing the boundaries of radical love and acceptance. That is what my God stood for and stands for.

home. Deals could be made with the owner for rent. The likes of Oscar Wilde, Dylan Thomas, Thomas Wolfe and Bob Dylan lived here. Later this was where Sid killed Nancy. It is also about the clubs and the people they admired from the shadows and later would become there friends. The Warhol crowd; Holly Woodlawn, Candy Darling, and Jackie Curtis, The clubs, from Max’s Kansas City to CBGB’s. CBGB’s is where the book ends. Patti had finished her first real album, HORSES, and moves to Detroit with Fred Sonic Smith to start a family.

Robert continued his work in New York. His partner, Sam Wagstaff died of AIDS first. Patti and Robert continued their relationship, mostly over the telephone. Robert Mapplethorpe was diagnosed with AIDS at the same time Patti was carrying her second child,. He died March 9, 1989. Even if you're not old enough to remember some of these places and people, this book is a good read. I have always been a magazine freak. Before it became a men’s fashion magazine, DETAILS was the magazine of New York City nightlife. Between that and Andy Warhols INTERVIEW, I can put faces with names of most of the people mentioned in this book. Even if you can’t, Patti’s writing style has a sense of poetry. There are sketches by Patti Smith and sketches and photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe. Patti has included some of her poems. To most of you it will be a historical biography, Patti Smith is still around and working. She puts a CD out every few years and is working on another book. Even though it was considered quite controversial at the time, Robert Mapplethorpe’s work can be found in the finest galleries across the world. Patti has recorded some fabulous albums and CDs. HORSES is in ROLLING STONES top 100 albums of all time. Her biggest hit was BECAUSE THE NIGHT, written for her by Bruce Springsteen.

There is risk in any enterprise that challenges fear and prejudice. There is always the fear of rejection, of physical and spiritual harm. There is going to be a response and it will not always be what we want and need to hear. But men like Stuart Butler, Louie Crew, and Bayard Rustin. I simply say this; on PRIDE weekend find a church, pray, show up, be who you are. There is a good list on the PFLAG website. Go, join others in faith and commitment. Begin to make the difference. We owe it to the next generation that seeks only to be left alone to live happy, free, and lovingly into our humanity.

As a rock fan, I love the book. I think it would be an enjoyable read for anyone.

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trodding the boards by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

The Gingham Dog at The Elm Theatre through July 7

he Elm Theatre is currently presenting Lanford Wilson’s The Gingham Dog. That it is an examination of a disintegrating marriage might cause some to go “Seen that before.” But that it is a portrait of a disintegrating marriage between a white man from Kentucky and a black woman, written and set in late 1960s New York, that does not feel dated, demands that attention be paid to this rarely staged work.

Gloria articulates, with wounding intensity, thoughts that heretofore had remained unexpressed, Wilson captures the rawest of emotions. Appearing less than two years after the Supreme Court struck down all anti-miscegenation laws, Gingham Dog is also notable for its portrait of a mixed race couple, one that doesn’t trumpet a small-world-after-all triumph but candidly assesses the challenges such twosomes faced, including estrangement from their own families; at one point, as Gloria tries to speak on the phone to her young niece she says, with metaphoric overtones, “I can’t

Joyce Deal in The Gingham Dog Though not dated, Dog is by no means perfect. Exposition is baldly stated. The second act feels more like a coda than a conclusion to the first. We wonder how Gloria and Vincent ever came together in the first place. No wonder this early play by the future Pulitzer Prize-winner lasted on Broadway for a mere 5 performances despite a cast headed by George Grizzard and Diana Sands (no relation). Yet at 31, Wilson was already writing the lyrically naturalistic dialog for which he would become known. His wide-arm compassion allows us to see both Gloria’s and Vincent’s perspectives, neither wholly right or wrong. When Gloria brings a “trick” home after Vincent’s hurried departure, her explanation to him upon his early morning return is not vindictive but a guileless accounting from someone who needed immediate human companionship. Once past the exposition, delivered by Vincent’s narrow-minded sister from Kentucky during an ugly confrontation with Gloria, rather than leaving their scab alone, these soon-to-be former spouses go at each other and the play comes to ferocious life. As

understand a word she’s saying.” And while Wilson has a character hopefully stating, “One day I’ll see the end of an era that suppresses a race,” he layers Dog with a symbolically more pessimistic and perhaps more apt view as Gloria and Vincent go their separate ways after three years of marriage. Gingham Dog’s script may not be completely satisfying, but Elm’s production of it is nearly so starting with Joyce Deal’s Gloria. Steely but never strident, Deal underplays, beautifully, Gloria’s anger so that her ultimate eruption is that much more powerful. With her Mona Lisa smile that hides more than it reveals, one can understand what attracted Vincent to her even if the script doesn’t fully spell it out. Though Deal does exhibit a tender side to Gloria, she remains wary, certain of her stance and ready to defend it. As she listens, closely, to what Vincent says, you can tell that her Gloria is already thinking about her future elsewhere even as every now and then she seems to entertain, briefly, an alternate possibility with Vincent. Garrett Prejean’s Vincent is a de-

cent guy caught up in circumstances he seems ill-equipped to handle. One can imagine a more devastated Vincent—by the end, Grizzard’s version was “not going to survive”—but Prejean makes clear that this is the romance against which Vincent will measure all future ones of his, never entirely understanding what went wrong. As Vincent’s sister, Becca Chapman’s Barbara is clearly no angel. Yet Chapman does make us wonder as to how much of her antipathy towards Gloria is because she’s black, how much is due to her “stealing” her beloved brother away from the family, and how much is simply that these two strong-willed women were just never meant to get along. While one might expect Barbara to look like one of the blonde debutantes from The Help, the diminutive Chapman convincingly creates the illusion of a formidably larger character through the commitment of her powerful acting. Chris Marroy does as much as he can with the underwritten role of a supportive but ineffective neighbor. If Director Beau Bratcher’s staging felt somewhat slack in the opening, more low wattage scenes, once the temperature rises, he calibrates the emotional pitch with precision, never letting his cast go over the top while giving the script’s silences room to breath. He also well-choreographs Gloria and Vincent’s pas de deux placing each in a space previously occupied by the other, a nice way of illuminating their relationship. Set designer Sean Creel fashioned a natural, lived-in look for the Lower East Side apartment though some sort of indication of the exact time frame, say, pre- or post-Martin Luther King’s assassination, might have been helpful. When I directed a production of Wilson’s off-Broadway hit The Hot l Baltimore in college, my choice to do it was described as “brave.” Elm’s production of this Broadway flop is even braver...and well worth seeing.

For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf at the Anthony Bean Community Theater through June 24

ne sometimes wishes New Orleans’ theaters could plan seasons that don’t feature more then one production of the same show. Having seen Dillard’s superb For Colored Girls... earlier this year, did I really want to see it again? The answer is a resounding “Yes!” Ntozake Shange’s 1975 choreopoem for seven women remains a haunting

distillation of the Black woman’s experience. Of all forms of literature, I like poetry the least yet Shange’s chiseled poems with their precise imagery, sly humor, and muscular urgency I can hear time and again, discovering new facets with each listening. They are as vitally American classics as Emily Dickinson’s, Walt Whitman’s or Robert Frost’s. Shange mesmerizingly describes Black women as “half notes scattered” or an abortion as “metal horses gnawing my womb” but also playfully charts a young girl’s affections as they transfer from an imaginary playmate to a real life boy. One wishes that the poems dealing with violence against women would feel dated but, sadly, they do not. Only I Used to Live in the World [but now I live in Harlem] seems like a period piece as that historic neighborhood has been made safer through gentrification. Anthony Bean directs with a sure hand, filling the stage with his cast and deploying them in evocative tableaux. Bean has added some music (more on this later) to underscore the poems which is a nice touch except when it occasionally overpowers the speakers. Likewise, choreographer Ieasha Prime-Martin’s dances are lovely to look at, amplifying, in the case of Toussaint, the poem’s African connections, but they do sometimes chop up the spell that Shange’s words cast. Prime-Martin, who appeared in the 25th anniversary production of For Colored Girls..., does an amazing transformation from the sassiness of Now I Love Somebody More Than to the fear and pain of Abortion Cycle. Though she starts A Night With Beau Willie Brown at too high an emotional pitch (I’ll never forget Tony Award-winner Trazana Beverley’s slowly building to its shattering conclusion), Prime-Martin is a clearly accomplished actress who I hope we’ll be seeing more of in the future. Lauren Channell, so fine in Dillard’s production in some of the more mature passages, is here all youthful exuberance as the Graduation Night virgin who is willingly deflowered. Sheleta Burke Manuel, who had me convinced she was an actual senior citizen in ABCT’s The Amen Corner, turns out to be quite youthful; as the “yella” girl in Toussaint who loves to read, she captured a child’s cadences perfectly and was charming as both the girl and her newfound boy friend. Dorshena Pittman is impressively regal in Sechita, bringing vitality to one of the weaker poems. She’s equally appealing in the more conversational Pyramid’s account of a woman who discovers that she and her friends have been sharing the same man. I just wished she hadn’t rushed the humorous indignity of the title line in Somebody Almost Walked Off Wid Alla My [continued on 37]

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trodding the boards ...from 34 Stuff in an otherwise excellent rendition. Though Colored Girls can be cast in a variety of ways, I’ve only seen it done with young-ish actresses, so it was refreshing to see Donna King, a veteran ABCT actor, take part. By having her speak the 1960s-specific part of Graduation Night, Bean evoked both a woman looking back on her past and a certain timelessness. And King was harrowing as Beau Willie Brown who “oozed kindness” before committing a monstrous act. Toya “T. Church” Thomas and Giselle R. Nahkid completed the ensemble to luminous effect. I admired Ms. B. who did away with the usual leotard/skirts to costume the cast using appropriately colored scarves, wraps and sashes in the first part, and diaphanous wraps and skirts after intermission. Though I could’ve done without that atmospherebreaching intermission for this one act play (Southern Rep did the same thing during Red last fall in order to give audiences a bathroom break), only one of Bean’s directorial choices did I find truly questionable. In an attempt to augment the play and put his stamp on this production, Bean added a kind of Greek chorus of three young women who periodically emerge to sing sections from pop songs that allegedly comment on the poems. Putting aside issues of copyright holders’ permission and the likelihood that Shange would be appalled at such interpolations, the lyrics of even such classic songs as Bridge Over Troubled Water and R-E-S-P-EC-T, not to mention such lesser hits as Loving You and Lady Maramalade, pale in comparison to Shange’s magnificent words. Or to use a New Orleans metaphor, it’s like when you go to a Mardi Gras ball and see various debutantes and matrons with cheap Mardi Gras beads hanging over their designer gowns. Worse, these un-

necessary additions break the intoxicating aura that Shange’s glorious choreopoem creates. Did Bean really believe that Shange’s Rainbow just wasn’t enuf? I’m all for new interpretations of classic works and hope that in the future Bean will challenge himself, his actors and his audiences with new approaches to Shakespeare, the Greeks, Ibsen, Chekhov and the Restoration playwrights. In the meantime, a visit to the Anthony Bean Community Theater will reward you with a fine production of a modern

classic plus a li’l disposable lagniappe thrown in.

Nex t Am bush De a d l i n e : T u e s d a y, J u n e 2 6 t h Ca l l 5 0 4 .5 2 2 .8 0 4 9

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ambush

Bourbon Pub Parade’s Sandy Sachs & CeCe Peniston @ the Parade

Kevin cocktailing @ Le Roundup Drag Survivor winner Summer Rayne @ Club LAX in Metairie benefiting NO/AIDS Walk

Wendy, Edwina, Corynne, Shelbie & bar baron Mac celebrate Engender’s 1st Anniversary @ Cutter’s

Coach, Drag Survivor contestant Steve, Frankie Fierce & friend @ Club LAX

”Fire, A Bitch, A Player, & Whipped Cream” @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Johnny Passion & Beth Trepagnier on stage @ 4 Seasons in Metairie

Engender’s Shelbie Hebert & bartender Blake @ Cutter’s CeCe Peniston live @ Bourbon Pub Parade

Rob & Selece @ Double Play

Co-author of “In Exile” Frank @ Double Play

Ryan trains PGM Matthew behind the bar @ Bourbon Pub

Mike, Country Club GM Bert & bar baron Jay @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern

Bartenders Hunter & Scott hail late night from Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Jasmine Essex & Bradley Latham @ Bourbon Pub Parade’s Boys on Parade

Bartender Jay welcomes you to Ninth Circle

David & Randi behind the bar of Bourbon Pub’s Boys on Parade

Julian Artressia & Darren Isabelle join Boys on Parade @ the Pub

New Cafe Lafitte in Exile manager Patrick

Ryan & Dustin @ Oz on Friday night

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Around the City ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Devin, Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon

papar azzi

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