2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 23-Nov 23-Nov.. 5, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM
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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Ambush Mag joins HRC Endorsing President Barack Obama for a Second Term
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he presidential election on Tuesday, November 6th may be one of the most important to ever face the LGBT community. Ambush Mag endorses a second term for President Barack Obama. Whatever you do, make it to the voting booth on November 6th. The outcome may very well affect life as we know it as LGBT Americans. All of our gains are in jeopardy, and may even be reversed without the help of President Obama. The Human Rights Campaign endorsed President Barack Obama earlier in the year. According to HRC: "The decision was made based on the President’s demonstrated commitment to LGBT equality and his record of accomplishment, from major legislative victories to critical administrative reforms. Since taking office, President Obama’s Administration’s record of accomplishment for the LGBT community includes: · Pressing for passage and signing legislation to repeal the 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell' law that bans openly lesbian, gay and bisexual servicemembers. · Pressing for passage and signing an inclusive hate crimes law – the first federal statute to explicitly protect LGBT individuals. · Determining that the administration believes Section 3 of DOMA to be unconstitutional and refusing to defend the discriminatory law in court. · Requiring hospitals nationwide to adopt LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination policies regarding visitation. In addition, the administration’s policies: added gender identity to the equal employment opportunity policy governing all federal jobs; permitted married same-sex couples to use their marriage licenses as evidence of a name change for passports and instituted more reasonable standards for changing a gender marker on passports; allowed the Census Bureau to release data on married same-sex couples; extended a number of benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees possible under existing authority; launched a National HIV/AIDS Strategy and efforts to target populations most at risk; required abstinence-only-until-marriage sex education programs be inclusive of and non-stigmatizing toward LGBT youth; and recognized LGBT families are protected under a host of laws from the Violence Against Women Act to family and medical leave regulations to housing programs." HRC President Joe Solmonese had the following to say: “President Obama has improved the lives of LGBT Americans more than any President in history. In 2008 we were promised change and profound change is what we got. More remains to be done and ensuring that President Obama is able to continue the forward momentum toward equality for another term is an absolute priority of the Human Rights Campaign.” For more information, visit HRC.ORG.
Get Ready for Two Halloweens
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es, that's right, the way Halloween falls this year will result in two Halloween celebrations most places in the Gulf South. There's the weekend before Halloween which is October 26th-28th, and then Halloween itself, Wednesday, October 31st. That just means there are more parties, events, and contests that one can imagine. As you flip through the big 52-page edition of Ambush Mag, you will see page after page of the hottest events, shows, contests, djs, and dancers in New Orleans, Metairie, Slidell, Baton Rouge, Mobile and Pensacola. And don't forget you may need that fab Halloween costume, new fashions, or the latest hair style or doo. By all means, you'll need to keep up your energy level taking advantage of all the great restaurants and delis in the Chop Chop New Orleans restaurant guide. See you in the streets-Happy Halloween!!!
Halloween New Orleans (HNO 29): The Ultimate Benefit Weekend MONSTER BRAWL Oct. 25-28
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he 29th Annual Halloween New Orleans circuit party brings you to the ultimate benefit weekend, and this year, get ready, it's MONSTER BRAWL! For four days, Thursday-Sunday, October 25th-28th, you will join the excitement of the season ring side. Halloween's in New Orleans provides funding for Project Lazarus, a home in New Orleans for men and women with AIDS, so that they may provide healthcare and support services for their residents. In its 28 year history, the organization has raised over $4.5M for Project Lazarus. Halloween is one of the only 100% donation/volunteer event weekends left in the United States For 2012, taking a stand against bullying, which has had such tragic consequences over the past year, Halloween’s in New Orleans, with the support of Project Lazarus, is pleased to announce that The Trevor Project will be an additional beneficiary of the fundraiser. Join Halloween’s in New Orleans as it presents The Lazarus Ball to kick-off the weekend for Halloween 29 at Ogden Museum of Southern Art Thursday, October 25th, 7:30-11pm. This year’s black tie preferred function will feature live entertainment, food, and silent auction with items from many local businesses, galleries, restaurants, and
inside
Halloween Highlights edition out Nov. 6th DEADLINE: Tuesday, Oct. 30th
celebrazzi ambush paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans under the gaydar pensacola paparazzi classifieds big easy paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans halloween new orleans (hno 29)
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spotlight/avita drugs 38 a community within communities 38 reVIEW 38 on the prowl 40 mobile paparazzi 42 trodding the boards 44 ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie 46 chop chop/prime grille 48
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com entertainment venues. Open bar included with admission. Ogden Museum of Southern Art is located at 925 Camp Street. Think you have what it takes to compete in The Monster Brawl. Well come on down to the legendary New Orleans House of Blues Friday, October 26th, 9pm-3am, for Weigh In’s: Strip Down and Size Up. You will have a chance to weigh in, check out your monster competitors, have a drink, and dance the night away to incredible tracks you know and love by New York’s own DJ Corey Craig. So train hard and strong. See you at the scales. Open bar included with admission. VIP Host Lounge for Halloween 29 Patrons, Benefactors and Hosts provided. House of Blues – New Orleans is located at 225 Decatur St. Prepare yourself for a Saturday night like you’ve never experienced before. Darker. Tougher. Grittier. Costume or Gym clothes required. It's Monster Brawl, the main event and costume party on Saturday, October 27th, 10pm to 4am, at CAC Sheds, 900 Camp Street. Come dressed or change in the “Locker Room” as you enter the party! There's a coat check for your clothes. 11:30pm-12:30am is the Costume Contest with celebrity judges. 12:30am is a show like you’ve never seen before featuring the “celebrity bitch fight of the century,” New Orleans Bounce, and continual surprises throughout the night! Open bar included with admission. VIP Host Lounge with viewing area for the show and VIP bar is provided. Lighting by the amazing Brian Holcombe and music by DJ Mike Cruz (NY) is in store for you. Back by popular demand and sure to sell out is the Halloween Brunch on the Steamboat Natchez which this year is CHAMPIONS CRUISE on Sunday, October 28th. Boarding begins at 2pm, boat leaves PROMPTLY at 2:30pm. Steamboat Natchez is located at Toulouse Street and the River in the French Quarter. It's a 90minute cruise with brunch, music, friends (new and old) and an amazing view of the city from the Mississippi! Don’t miss the boat! Open bar included with admission. Halloween tickets include: Four Day Weekend Pass-Includes entry to ALL FOUR weekend events. OPEN bar at all events including free water. Door price: $285, advance ticket: $260. Three Day Pass-Includes entry to FRIDAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY events. OPEN bar at all events including free water. Door price: $215, advance ticket: $195. Dance Pass-Includes entry to FRIDAY and SATURDAY events. OPEN bar at all events including free water. Door price: $155, advance ticket: $140. Thursday Only-Admittance to Thursday's event at Ogden Museum of Art. OPEN bar at all events. Door price: $70,
advance ticket: $65. Friday Only-Admittance to Friday's event at House of Blues - New Orleans.
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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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C
ast member Venus Shante DaVis, and special guest Derrick Barry, join bar baron Jerry Ehlen, along with special guest Toni Dee, show director Miss Cie and cast member Jawakatema Davenport following an incredible 20th Anniversary Show at B-Bob’s in Mobile, Alabama. All doing character impersonations, Derrick Barry was a spitting image of Britney Spears. This closed out the three days of festivities beginning on National Coming Out Day, October 11th running through Saturday, October 13th. For more on B-Bob's, visit B-Bobs.COM.
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ew Orleans own Frankie Fierce of Oz fame, Drag Ambassador Dusty DeBris, and Ambush Mag’s Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain traveled to Mobile to celebrate B-Bob’s 20th Anniversary weekend. Bar Baron Jerry Ehlen, GM Bob Brunson, and staff Leon, Ricky, Scotty and Michael showed them a fab time including the club’s “hit” anniversary show with Derrick Barry and cast. After heading back to the hotel following the festivities, the young ones decided to venture back out and catch Gabriel’s.
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inger/comedienne Sharon McNight presented Songs to Offend Almost Everyone live during B-Bob's 20th Anniversary weekend in Mobile, Alabama.
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artender Randi joins birthday boy Brad Robbert behind the bar at the Bourbon Pub Parade in New Orleans. Well wishers packed Brad and Randi’s “gay cubicle” closing out Brad’s b-day weekend for his booze fest. Brad summed it up with, “And best birthday gift du jour? Finding out Traffic Trannie is finally barred from the bar. Well that’s just better than xmas with a puppy in a bow!!!”
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aisy Doss d’LaHor and Entertainer of the Year Monique celebrate their birthdays with Bartender of Year Andy Ehlers (center) at Tubby’s Golden Lantern in New Orleans. Friends mingled for the party and buffet followed by the duet’s festive birthday show.
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errick Barry (right) led the night of character impersonations as Britney Spears closing out B-Bob's 20th Anniversary weekend in Mobile, Alabama.
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the "official" dish ...from 4 OPEN bar at all events. Door price: $60, advance ticket: $55. Saturday Only-Admittance to Saturday's Monster Brawl at CAC Sheds. OPEN bar at all events including free water. Door price: $95, advance ticket: $85. Sunday Only-Admittance to Sunday's Champions Cruise on the Natchez Riverboat. Includes brunch and open bar. Door price: $60, advance ticket: $55. Ambush Mag is a proud sponsor of Halloween New Orleans 29. For tickets and additional information, visit HalloweenNewOrleans.COM.
Friends of the Cabildo Ghostly Galavant Weekend Oct. 26-28
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riends of the Cabildo, the support organization for the Louisiana State Museum, will host its 26th annual Ghostly Galavant fundraiser, October 26th-28th. The three-day event kicks off with a Friday night “Gala” at the Cabildo from 8-11pm. The Saturday and Sunday Ghostly Tours leave from the 1850 House on Historic Jackson Square. The tours will run every half-hour from 10am until 3pm each day. The Ghostly Galavant weekend begins with the “Gala,” a Halloween costume party at the Cabildo on Jackson Square. Guests are encouraged (but not required) to dress up in costume and get in the Halloween spirit! Tickets include food and drink (beer and wine) from restaurants in the French Quarter, including Muriel’s Jack-
son Square, Joel Catering and the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen. Entertainment will be provided by Los Po-Boy Citos. Tickets for the “Gala” are $40 dollars in advance and $45 dollars at the door. On Saturday and Sunday, Friends of the Cabildo tour guides will take guests on a haunting and hilarious tour of the French Quarter. Ghosts, such as Louisiana Governor Earl Long, voodoo priestess Marie Laveau and the Baroness Michaela Pontabla, may all be happened upon in French Quarter buildings and courtyards. Tours begin at 10am on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are only $20 for adults (+21), $10 for students and children are free. To purchase your “Gala” or tour tickets, contact the Friends of the Cabildo office at 504.523.3939 or online at www.friendsofthecabildo.org. Founded in 1956, the Friends of the Cabildo (FOC) is 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Louisiana State Museum (LSM). The FOC assist the LSM through a variety of functions including providing volunteers and financial support to all State Museum properties in New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. The Friends of the Cabildo are located on Historic Jackson Square in the Cabildo at 701 Chartres Street and can be contacted at 504.523.3939.
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New Orleans Fringe Announces the 2012 Fringe Fest Lineup with 76 Wild, Weird Fresh and Original Shows
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he New Orleans Fringe Festival announces the lineup for its fifth annual festival, Nov. 14 - 18, 2012! The Fringe features an incredible 76 shows from all over the country (and even internationally!) performing at 41 venues throughout the city, primarily in the Marigny and Bywater. Tickets are $8 with the one-time purchase of a Fringe button ($3). Visit www.nofringe.org for more info about tickets and show times. What is Fringe? A mind-twisting Medea, a serenade of stiltwalkers, opera out-of-bounds, dangerous wolves, contortionist rabbits, Hamlet rubbed wrong, revenge-thirsty puppets, dance from treetop to bayou, and so much more. Visit www.nofringe.org for the entire lineup and schedule. Tickets are available at www.nofringe.org and Mardi Gras Zone before the festival. During the Festival, buy Scotty Heron & Layard Thompson tickets with cash or credit card at the Freein Twink Spree Melee For-All Tent on the corner of Press and The Bring Your Own Venue (BYOV) option Dauphine in the Marigny or at Mardi Gras Zone. Tickets are also available at all Fringe greatly expands the scope and flavor of the venues. Tickets are $8 with the one-time festival by encouraging artists to organize purchase of a festival button ($3), a 6- their own spaces throughout the city. Over show pass is $40, and an all-access pass 50 BYOV shows are presented at venues such as Zeitgeist, the Allways Lounge & is $99. The Festival features 24 shows that Theatre, Michalopoulos Studio, Mudlark were identified through a unique peer re- Public Theatre, Byrdie’s, John Paul’s and view process as high-quality, original, more. Visit the Free-For-All Tent at the corfringe-y theater. These “Fringe-Managed Venue” shows are presented in six perfor- ner of Press and Dauphine in the Marigny mance venues at offbeat theaters and for Peep Show Previews, the Friday Night unusual spaces: Shadowbox Theatre, Tent Party with Rising Appalachia and AfMardi Gras Zone Warehouse, Den of rica Brass, Busker’s Happy Hour, and the Muses, Marigny Opera House, Café Fringe Trunk Show and Art Market. Istanbul in the New Orleans Healing Cen[continued on 10] ter, and new this year The Old Firehouse.
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the "official" dish ...from 8 Got kids? In addition to the kid-friendly shows at venues, Family Fringe features LOTS of free kids’ activities including dance performances, a hula hoop party, a bike repair workshops run by RHUBARB, openmic event, puppet shows, an obstacle course and more. Now in its second year, the Yard Art Tour (YAT2), a self-guided walking/driving public art tour organized by the Fringe, is still accepting submissions. Before and after shows, audience can drift around the neighborhood looking at a bit of fun, wacky, poignant, pointed yard art. To submit your art, visit www.nofringe.org. The eccentric GoodChildren Fringe Parade will be rolling down St. Claude from Poland Avenue at 2 pm on Saturday, November 17 to the rhythms of the GoodChildren Marching Band and to the steps of performers and neighborhood types alike. More information on the Fringe and all Festival events can be found at www.nofringe.org. The Fringe is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was founded by local arts organizers to nurture fearless theater in New Orleans and to benefit artists, venues, neighborhoods and local businesses. Sponsors: Louisiana Division of the Arts, Arts Council of New Orleans, City of New Orleans, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, Bywater Neighborhood Association, Whole Foods Market, Bernard Productions, NOLA Brewing Company, Old New Orleans Rum, Regions Bank, Mardi Gras Zone, WWNO 88.9, NOLA.com and a host of local businesses and individuals. This program is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. This program is supported in part by a Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of New Orleans. The grant is administered through the Arts Council of New Orleans.
HRC Scorecard of 112th Congress Shows Legislators Out of Touch on LGBT Equality
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he Human Rights Campaign released its Congressional Scorecard for the 112th Congress that rates members of Congress on their support for issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. An analysis of the data shows the LGBT community is making gains on Capitol Hill, but anti-LGBT legislators continue to hinder full equality. The average score for House members was 40 percent and 35 percent for Senators, down significantly from the 111th Congress. “While we continue to make advancements toward equality in Washington, the 112th Congress has more anti-equality members set on halting our progress,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Still, we continued pushing the envelope and made history with the first ever hearing and Senate Judiciary Committee approval of the Respect for Marriage Act, legislation repealing the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. And for the second time, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the
Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act.” In the House, 115 members scored 100 percent, including 33 from states with marriage equality and eight from states facing marriage related ballot measure this November. In the Senate, 22 scored 100 percent, including seven from states with marriage equality and five from ballot measure states. The number of Senators with a zero percent score decreased from 32 last Congress to 14 this year, but disturbingly in the House, the number of zeroes dramatically increased from 144 to 219. “LGBT equality was prominent in the 112th Congress, giving us great cause for optimism despite the fact that opponents of equality gained seats halting our progress,” added HRC Legislative Director Allison Herwitt. “Yet while the American people move forward on these issues, the majority of Congress – particularly the House – continues to be out of touch.” For the first time in this scorecard, HRC notes whether or not Members of Congress have taken an affirmative position in favor of marriage equality. While marriage-related issues can arise in Congress, the baseline question about where a Senator or Representative stands on this issue is of great importance to all fairminded Americans. Votes and co-sponsorship of legislation scored in this Congress: • Senate vote on the Hutchison Amendment to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act striking key provisions prohibiting discrimination against, and expanding services to, victims of domestic violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as eliminating protections relating to Native American and immigrant victims. • Senate vote on President Obama’s nomination of J. Paul Oetken to serve as U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York, making him the first ever openly-gay male Article III judge in history. • Senate vote on President Obama’s nomination of Alison J. Nathan to serve as U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of New York, making her the second openly-lesbian Article III judge in history. • Co-sponsorship of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act that would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity; • Co-sponsorship of the Tax Parity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act that would equalize the tax treatment of employerprovided health coverage for domestic partners and other non-spouse, non-dependent beneficiaries; • Co-sponsorship of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), to provide samesex partners of U.S. citizens equal immigration access; • Co-sponsorship of the Domestic Partnership Benefits & Obligations Act that would provide spousal health-care, retirement, and other benefits to all federal civilian employees with qualifying samesex domestic partners; • Co-sponsorship of the Respect for Marriage Act (RMA) that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and ensure the federal government respects lawful marriages between same-sex couples; • Co-sponsorship of the Domestic Partnership Benefits & Obligations Act (DPBO) that would provide spousal health-
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10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t . 23-Nov 23-Nov.. 5, 2012 • Of fic ial Hallow een Guide • Hallow eenNew Orleans.COM
Jobie, Beaux & Lady Fancy Fingers @ Armeinius’ Cocktober Fest
Randy, Craig & JohnPaul’s Cathy Fox @ Armeinius’ Cocktober Fest
Tony & JohnPaul’s Paul @ Armeinius’ Cocktober Fest The gang with Bruce & Nick @ Armeinius’ Cocktober Fest
Costume Winner Michael & Maybelline in Amon-Ra’s Soul Train Reunion @ Oz
Troy & Wayne @ Lords of Leather Halloween Auction @ Phoenix
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papar azzi
Tony & Jeff @ Armeinius’ Cocktober Fest
Panda Bear’s Ed & QT Pie’s Robert @ Armeinius’ Cocktober Fest
Deja “Blanche” Deja-Vue’ & Opal “Train Hobo” Masters on stage for Soul Train Reunion
Josh joins Mr. Phoenix Leather Lance for Lords Halloween Auction Tiffany Alexander in Soul Train Reunion @ Oz
Albert & Channing @ Armeinius’ Cocktober Fest
Chase & Captain Gary join Lords of Leather Halloween Auction @ the Phoenix
Ms. Jenkins’ Auntie, Tami Tarmac & Ms. Jenkins in Amon-Ra’s Soul Train Reunion @ Oz Soul Train Reunion brings Kenny to the Oz stage
Michael & Tim @ Armeinius’ Cocktober Fest
Chris & Danny join Lords of Leather Halloween Auction @ Phoenix
Tittie Toulouse gettin’ ready to drop her Soul Train baby @ Oz
All the Amon-Ra Soul Train Reunion stars @ Oz
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Krewes of Armeinius, Lords of Leather, Amon-Ra ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed
George & Ben @ the Phoenix for Lords of Leather Halloween Auction
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snap paparazzi
Trevor getting ready for his shift @ Double Play
Kyle, Frankie, Club LAX’s Al & Jo-Nathan @ Oz
Rafael on the bar @ The Corner Pocket
Dakota, LAX’s Al & Gerard @ Oz Daisy celebrates her b-day with Veronica, Tru & Regina @ the Lantern
Harris & Joe join Brad’s birthday blowout @ Bourbon Pub Parade
Ashlee & Bruce behind the bar @ Corner Pocket
Joe, Garrett & Ryan cocktailing @ 700 Club
Greg welcomes you to Voodoo
Bar Baron Matt welcomes you to 700 Club
Scott from DC stops in @ Bourbon Pub Parade
Jonathan, sexy Club LAX bar baron Al & Dakota @ Oz
John gets a birthday spanking from bartender Matt & Miss Nettie @ Bourbon Pub
Corner Pocket bartender/dancer Mitch
Troy always smiling @ Corner Pocket Chris welcomes you to Bourbon Pub Parade
Marty & Chris in for Brad’s b-day bash @ Bourbon Pub
Double Play’s Will & Ambush’s Paul @ Oz
Bartender Philip welcomes you to The Double Play
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Birthday, Cocktails, Dancers ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
Monique celebrates her birthday with Jason & Mom Cindy @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Book of the Month
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y book of the month for October is by one of my favorite authors who I have followed since the first book in her series. Like with most serial novels based on a person or set of characters, there is always a formula. But with Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels, conventionality is tossed out of the window with hilarious results. Very few novels have ever made me laugh out loud, but Evanovich comedic timing in books is superior.
Blending action, romance and comedy, Explosive Eighteen is another hit. All the novels are based on Stephanie Plum, a New Jersey native, who was fired from Macy’s lingerie department and attained a job working for her sleazy cousin Vinnie in a bail bonds office as a bounty hunter. With a cast of kooky characters, she solves a new mystery with each book, usually with hysterical outcomes. She has a penchant for having her car blown up and finding trouble. All the while dealing
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Science Appropriations bill, prohibiting the use of funds in the bill “in contravention of” the Defense of Marriage Act. • House vote on King amendment to the FY 2013 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, prohibiting the use of funds in the bill “in contravention of” the Defense of Marriage Act. The full scorecard and scores for individual Representatives and Senators can be viewed online at www.hrc.org/scorecard. A final scorecard will be released at the conclusion of the lame duck session following the election. For each two year session of Congress since 1989, HRC has published a Congressional Scorecard that includes key Congressional votes and co-sponsorship of pro-LGBT legislation. It is a critical tool to assist fair-minded Americans in assessing the relative support or non-support of Members of Congress and to advocate for pro-equality legislation. The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.
care, retirement, and other benefits to all federal civilian employees with qualifying same-sex domestic partners; • House vote on Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act that omits key provisions adopted in the Senate version prohibiting discrimination against, and expanding services to, victims of domestic violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as eliminating protections relating to Native American and immigrant victims. • House vote on Foxx amendment to the FY 2012 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, prohibiting the use of funds in the bill “in contravention of” the Defense of Marriage Act. • House vote on Huelskamp amendment to the FY 2012 Department of Defense Appropriations bill, prohibiting the use of funds in the bill for “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal training materials developed for military chaplains. • House vote on Huelskamp amendment to the FY 2013 Commerce, Justice &
with her zany family and complicated love life. She is torn between two men, her on and off boyfriend Detective Morelli and mystery bounty hunter Ranger, both of whom add to her stress factor in life. In Explosive Eighteen, Stephanie returns from a disastrous trip to Hawaii only to find herself embroiled in another crime. After her seatmate on the plane ride back is found dead, Stephanie soon becomes a target for thugs, the FBI and various random characters who want to do her grievous bodily harm. Adding to the madness, Lulu, Stephanie’s partner who used to be a “ho” has fallen in love with one of their skips and her nemesis Joyce Barnhardt moves into her apartment. Evanovich takes readers on another rollercoster ride of fun and madcap antics of our favorite bounty hunter. If you are an avid fan of Evanovich, Explosive Eighteen is a wonderful installment. For those who do not know about this author, go to www.evanovich.com. Once you read one of her books, I can guarantee you will be hooked.
Just the Treats Baby!
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alloween is upon us and Dijon, one of the hottest new restaurants in the Lower Garden District is having the first annual Halloween Bash. On Wednesday, October 31, come celebrate at Dijon where they will be pouring bottomless signature cocktails such as Witches Brew, Black Cat Martinis, NOLA Blonde and Brown and various wine selections which includes Ghost Hill Pinoit Noir Blanc and Spellbound Temprarillo. The menu consists of a variety of ghostly delights such as “Mummy Dogs” pastry wrapped housemade andouille sausage, “Sacrificed Pig” a whole roasted cochon de lait, “Jack O’ Lanterns” oyster dressing stuffed pumpkins, “Candied Corn
Fudge” tri colored vanilla flavored, and “Bobbing For Apples” red wine poached apples. Adding to the festivities will be a costume contest with prizes. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door while they last. The party begins at 7:30pm and runs to 10:30pm. For tickets, call 504.522.4712 or go to www.dijonnola.com for more information. Dijon is located at 1377 Annunciation Street.
Cowboy Up with Satyricon!
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he Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is bringing back their annual barn dance at JohnPaul’s on Friday, November 2. All kinds of excitement are in store for you as you don those cowboy boots. There will be country line dance lessons, a beer bust and raffle prizes. Come check out this fabulous event that helps support the krewe and maybe you might just find that certain hombre you have been looking for. Tickets are $10 and doors open at 7pm. John Paul’s is located at 940 Elysian Fields.
Mirlitons Anyone
O
ne of my favorite New Orleans festivals is coming up on Saturday, November 3. The 23rd Annual Mirliton Festival is presented by the Bywater Neighborhood Association and goes from 11am to 7pm at the Brickyard. This quirky little festival is a celebration of Bywater food, music, art, families, friends, and mirlitons. Not many festivals can tout that Princesse Stephaney once reined as queen, in fact I am not sure if there has ever been a queen of the Mirliton Festival after her. Why mess with
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Registrations are now being accepted for this event at http:// www.magnoliadancesport.com.
New Exhibition Opens At The Historic New Orleans Collection
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new exhibition in The Historic New Orleans Collection recently completed Perrilliat House opened to the public on October 11 (my birthday, I knew I would love this place). Part of the Williams Research Center, the new building—located at 400 Chartres Street—houses the Laura Simon Nelson Galleries for Louisiana Art. This new gallery space will host rotating exhibitions drawing from the substantial visualart collection donated by Laura Simon Nelson in 1995, as well as other THNOC holdings. The inaugural exhibition in the galleries is representative of Nelson’s collection, which is a diverse group of more than 350 objects ranging from impressionist works to cubism and other modern styles. Dozens of paintings from her donation will be on display, including artists such as Jacques Guillaume Lucien Amans, Josephine Marien Crawford, Ellsworth Woodward and William Woodward. The Laura Simon Nelson Galleries for Louisiana Art are open Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30am–4:30pm. Admission is free, and guests may enter at 400 Chartres St. For more information, visit www.hnoc.org or call 504.523.4662.
Travel Spotlight under the gaydar ...from 18 perfection, I guess. Plenty of local restaurants will be on hand serving their favorite dishes of this pear shaped delicacy of South Louisiana. Entertainment includes featured performer Kermit Ruffins and there will be local artists selling their wares also. This interesting fruit is a staple in most New Orleanians cooking. The mirliton was once the principal food of the Aztecs and Mayas making its way to North America. Louisiana soon became one of best homes for growing, but it is also found in California and Florida. The mirliton (pronounced me-lay-taw if you live in the country and mirl-uh-tahn if you live in the city) can be fried, stuffed, pickled, stir fried, cooked with tomatoes and used in salads. Stuffed Mirliton is by far the favorite here in the Crescent City. The mirliton is also known as the chayote [chi-OH-tay], mango squash and vegetable pear. The Brickyard is located at 3036 Chartres Street. Tickets are $5, children under 12 are free. For more information, go to www.bywtermirlitonfestival.com.
$15. The Professional Show Session on Saturday night is $40. Tickets for Parti-Gras, “the after party to write home about”, featuring the local band REWIND, are $35.
L
ooking for some good old fashioned gay fun this season, well Dallas offers something called Fall Frolick and it is a celebration of the gay lifestyle in the Big D and Fort Worth areas. North Texas Council of Clubs is proud to present Fall Frolick 2012 November 16 18. North Texas Council of Clubs is a group of organizations from Dallas and
Fort Worth, Texas. The first purpose of NTXCC is to provide a calendar of events for all member clubs and support them in their efforts in the community. Also a second purpose is to produce Fall Frolick each year. Fall Frolick is in its second year and it is so much fun that it takes two cites to host it. Last year was such a great time and this year is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever. Things kick off on Friday night in Fort Worth and on Saturday move to Dallas. The Fall Frolick Follies will cap off the weekend on Sunday in Dallas. The official unofficial after party will take place after the Follies. Fall Frolick provides friendship, club fun, hanging with friends old and new, cocktail parties, dinner and a show. The best part of it is that if you do not live in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area is it free. If you live in Dallas or Fort Worth and surrounding counties it is only $10 for the entire weekend. The details of the weekend are as follows: Friday, November 16-Fort Worth will host an evening of fun, transportation will be provided to the clubs in Fort Worth from Dallas. Saturday November 17-Dallas will host breakfast, lunch, and dinner at various clubs throughout the day and evening. Sunday November 18-Brunch followed by the Fall Frolick Follies and the Official Unofficial After Party will also take place. The complete schedule of events and bars may be found by going to NTXCC.org or FallFrolick.com. You can also register for this festive weekend. I for one cannot wait to check out all Dallas and Fort Worth have to offer.
Party Down
I
had a pretty crazy week at work so my party schedule began on Friday when my friend Laura and I attended the Louisiana Legends Rock and
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So You Think You Can Dance
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ooking for an alternative to all those celebrity dancing reality shows? Then come to Magnolia Dance Sport Challenge (MDSC), November 9 & 10 in New Orleans, to see real devotees of ballroom dance showcase their love of the sport. MDSC offers amateur and professional dancers the chance to demonstrate their love of dance, while competing for cash, prizes and championship points. Situated in the Westin Canal Place at the entrance to New Orleans’ French Quarter, this two day event will feature dances ranging from smooth ballroom presentations to the more colorful Latin dances. Competition categories offer dancers of all levels the chance to strut and swing. Professional competition will be held in the American Smooth and Rhythm divisions as well as the Show-dance division. The competition is open to spectators. Session tickets for Friday and Saturday start at
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under the gaydar ...from 20 Roll Gala at the Old US Mint on Esplanade Avenue. This fundraiser benefitted the Louisiana State Museum, and the Old US Mint was the perfect place for the party. They showed off their major renovation of the top floor in which the space is now transformed into a concert hall/recording studio. It is truly a state of the art facility. Guests enjoyed sumptuous cuisine by top local restaurants as they mixed and mingled. The libations flowed and the weather was perfect for this outdoor soiree. But the best part of the night was the entertainment. They had one of the best Elvis impersonators I have seen in a long time, and not only was he an impressive singer, but his hips moved nicely. Following Elvis, was Levi Kreis, a star of Broadway’s Tony Award-nominated Million Dollar Quartet, and his band who brought us back to the late 1950s with an electrifying concert, impersonating a young, hip and happening Jerry Lee Lewis. It was a night with a lot of shaking going on. Afterwards we pedi-cabbed our way to the House of Blues for a fundraiser benefitting one of Laura’s friends who has had several heart surgeries and his medical bills are piling up. They had some awesome entertainment like Bonerama who kept the dance floor packed. They also had a silent auction filled with great art. It was touching to see so many people come out to support a person when they need it the most. It is just a shame that we live in a country where medical costs are so out of hand that even if you have insurance, it still isn’t enough to cover your bills. On Saturday one of my favorite events in the city occurred. Art For Arts Sake has to rank as one of the top things I enjoy every year. It is an open celebration of art that takes place around the city from the Bywater, Marigny and French Quarter to Julia and Magazine Streets. This year I spent most of my time on Magazine Street where much of the action was happening. I found that Julia Street has become very congested and that you stand in line to buy a ticket, and then stand in line to buy a drink has gotten monotonous. But Magazine Street, it is much more of a party atmosphere, with free shuttles bringing people up and down the thoroughfare. Chris, Laura, Helene and I sipped cocktails, while we shopped and perused art. After the event, we made our way to the Big Top Gallery for their Art for Arts Sake After Party which was overrun by the Krewe of Zombies, yes, there is now an actual group of people who dress like zombies to go to events and have bar crawls. It was so much fun getting into the Halloween spirit while talking to zombie lookalikes of Andy Warhol, Elvis and Snooki. When we were done partying Uptown, Chris and I went back to the Quarter to attend Monique Michael’s drag show/birthday party at the Golden Lantern. The mood was festive and the “girls” looked great. After that, I went to catch the tail end of Johnny Passion’s show at the Pub, which was as always great entertainment. Johnny is truly one of the hardest working performers in this city and the crowds at her shows prove it. From there, I just bounced around the Quarter dragging my sorry butt home in the wee hours of the morning. I guess that is why I spent Sunday glued to my couch. Wednesday of the next week was a mixture of work and play. I began my
evening off with a reception at the Audubon Cottages, which is located on Dauphine Street and has just been newly renovated. The newly renovated Audubon Cottages are a historic collection of seven cottages that offer guests private, luxury hotel accommodations in the French Quarter. The seven Cottages include private, guest-only access with a shared saltwater pool, said to be the oldest pool in New Orleans. Set in original brick, the pool is surrounded by lush foliage and offers seating in wrought iron chaise lounges. A French Quarter butler is on hand to attend to every detail for each guest. After taking a tour of all the rooms, this truly is a special haven in the Vieux Carre. After the reception, I went to a nice intimate dinner at Albert Carey’s home with a few friends. I am really enjoying the resurgence of the small dinner parties. It gives people a chance to become better acquainted with each other in a relaxed atmosphere. And besides, Albert’s home is a showplace, so it is hard to have anything but a good time there. On Thursday, October 11, I celebrated my birthday with an informal dinner with my mom and a few friends at Charley’s Steakhouse Uptown. If you have never been, you need to make it a point to check this place out. It is traditional New Orleans to the hilt and the service staff is funny, friendly and exceedingly attentive. After the three hour dining experience, some of us moved the party back to my place for a few more cocktails and fun conversation. The following day I continued my birthday celebration with a late lunch with Contessa Breaux followed by manicures and pedicures, of course with cocktails. I love day drinking. Saturday was quite a full day for me. I had to work during the day and into the late evening, then off to two very exciting gay carnival krewe events followed by a few cocktails afterwards with friends. My evening began at the picturesque La Maison Du Lac, which is a marvelous venue on the Lakefront. This renovated office/boat house now is a gorgeous rental facility for weddings and private parties. That night I worked on Michael and Daven’s wedding. Strangely enough this was my first gay wedding I have ever attended, and even though they got married in another state where their union is recognized, they wanted to have something here for their family and friends. It was absolutely lovely as they said their vows with the lake in the background, candles illuminated the area as the sun began to set. It was just breathtaking. The grooms arrived by horse and buggy and the ceremony began. It was actually really nice that my clients and I have so many mutual friends in common. In fact, the ever so fabulous Teryl-Lynn Foxx was the wedding coordinator and Opal Vanderhurst walked down the aisle in some killer shoes. Raven Kennedy was present as was Vicki Weeks. It was virtually a who’s who. After making sure the reception was up and running, I dashed back home and donned a bedazzled lederhosen and walked down to Armeinius’ Cocktober Fest Party. And boy do those people know how to throw down. There was German beer flowing, which I drank out of my hand made rhinestone stein, sausages with sauerkraut and German Potato Salad and of course a drag show. There was also chicken drop, beer swilling and sausage eating contests which were as much fun for the spectators
as the contestants. Congratulations to the krewe on a fun filled night. Continuing on with the party, I hopped into a cab and went to the Quarter where I caught the tail end of Amon-Ra’s Soul Train Reunion Show and Costume Contest. This Krewe keeps things lively and Tami Tarmac was a wonderful emcee. As usual, Miss Jenkins stole the show, but there were some other noteworthy outfits, Michael Strickland who won the contest made a believable Don Cornelius. Once again, I had attended another cool party. Afterwards, I was in a very playful mood, so I convinced some friends to continue the festivities. We ended up at the Phoenix, where we lost our Swiss Miss and then JohnPaul’s where I may have been over-served. All I know I woke up the next day with a live rooster in my house and the smell of vodka and regret lingering in the air. God, I love Saturday nights in New Orleans. So you can get your mind out the gutter, the bird was from the chicken drop contest and since we were all going out after the party, we did not want to keep it locked in a car, so we dropped it off at my house. The next day, I stayed on my couch until it was time to bring the rooster to its rightful home. That night I had a laid back dinner with a friend. Suhko Thai in the Marigny is definitely a lively place on Sunday nights. But I am glad to have a easy night, because I have to prepare for all the events coming up for Halloween.
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom
P
arty with a purpose this Halloween! Halloween 29 is here and is probably the most fun a gay person can have in this city over the holiday. Four days of parties and events spotlight this festive weekend filled with dancing, silent auctions, music, food, art, outrageous costumes and most of all men. This year’s theme is entitled Monster Brawl and it is sure to be an over-the-top extravaganza. But having so much fun; never helped so many people like it does for Halloween. Taking a stand against bullying, which has had such tragic consequences over the past year, Halloween in New Orleans, with the support of Project Lazarus, is pleased to announce that The Trevor Project will be an additional beneficiary of our fundraiser this year. For 29 years, all of the proceeds have been designated to Project Lazarus, which provides services to people with AIDS who can no longer live independently, or whose family can no longer take care of them. The primary purpose of Project Lazarus is to provide continuity of care in a homelike environment. Their highest goal is to enhance the quality of life for those it serves. The four major events of Halloween 29 are as follows: 1. Thursday, October 25th: The Lazarus Ball is the kickoff to the Halloween weekend at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. This year’s black tie preferred function will feature live entertainment, food, and our silent auction with items from many local businesses, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This is one of the best silent auctions done by a charity during the year and plays an important part of the organization’s yearly
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under the gaydar ...from 22 fundraising. It is also a good chance to see how nice these guys clean up, since they will be mostly naked for the rest of the weekend. The time of the event is 7:30pm to 11:30pm and open bar is included with
admission. The Ogden Museum is located at 925 Camp Street. 2. Friday, October 26th: Weigh-Ins Strip Down and Size Up is the second noteworthy event in The Monster Brawl. The legendary New Orleans House of Blues is the venue for this party where guests have the chance to weigh in, check out your monster competitors, have a drink, and dance the night away to incredible the tracks you know and love by New York’s own DJ Corey Craig. The event is from
9pm to 3am and open bar is included with admission. The House of Blues – New Orleans is located at 225 Decatur Street. 3. Saturday, October 27th: Monster Brawl is the ultimate costume party at the Contemporary Arts Center SHEDS. It is a mixture of Fight Club and Frankenstein’s lab. Get prepared for a Saturday night like you’ve never experienced before. Costume or Gym clothes required. Come dressed or change in the “Locker Room” as you enter the party. There will also be a check for your clothes. Spinning this evening will be DJ Mike Cruz from New York. There is so much happening this evening that includes sweaty workout men, locker room, hot dirty gogo boys, outdoor “play” area with boxing ring, huge outdoor bar, an amazing industrial space, lighting by Brian Holcombe and so much more! Doors open at 10pm. At 11:30pm, there will be a costume contest with celebrity judges: Bryan Batt, Chet Pourciau and more. 12:30am begins a show like you’ve never experienced at any other HNO event featuring the first choreographed BOUNCE show (by Diogo de Lima) with music created FOR the show with Nicky Da B and NOLA bounce dancers plus the “celebrity bitch fight of the century” and continual surprises throughout the night. There will also be VIP Host Lounge with viewing area for the show and VIP bar. The event goes from 10pm to 4am. The Contemporary Arts Center – SHEDS is located at 900 Camp Street. Costumes or gym gear required at this dance extravaganza, costume parade and show. Open Bar is included with admission and VIP Host Lounge for Halloween 29 Patrons, Benefactors and Hosts. 4. Sunday, October 28th: Champion’s Cruise if the finale of the weekend. Back by popular demand the Halloween Brunch is on the Steamboat Natchez with boarding beginning at 2pm; the boat leaves promptly at 2:30pm. Guests will enjoy a 90 minute cruise, brunch, music, friends (new and old) and an amazing view of the Mississippi River. Open bar is included with admission. The Steamboat Natchez is docked at Toulouse Street & the River in the French Quarter. Buy individual tickets to each of these events or a host package which in my opinion is the best deal. Good times, hot men and help a good cause, now there is definitely nothing scary about that. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.halloweenneworleans.com.
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Nightlife @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
Special Pink Bingo for Breast Cancer raised over $3,000 for Pink Honey Badgers of Sacred Heart Hospital @ The Other Side ~ Pensacola, Florida
pensacola papar azzi
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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 Houma LA [985] THE DRAMA CLUB, 126 N. Hollywood, 580.2582 Lafayette, LA [337] 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] 1135, 1135 Decatur St. 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 CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829 COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200, CuttersBar.BIZ THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM JOHNPAUL'S, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888, JohnPaulsBar.COM KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735, KajunPub.COM LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, MichaelsOnThePark.COM NAPOLEON'S ITCH, 734 Bourbon, 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 RAINBOW ROOM, 632 Bourbon St., enter thru Fishbowl, 994.1036
SOCIETY PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 299.0156. TUBBY'S GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, TubbysBar.COM VOODOO BAR, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0953 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
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
chiropractic Chalmette, LA [504] SIMPLY PRECISE CHIROPRACTIC, Dr. Domingo De Los Reyes D.C., 9135 West Judge Perez, Suite B, 504.302.1718, SimplyPreciseChiropractic.COM [is213] New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is2012]
circuit/events 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 Aug. 28-Sept. 2, 2013, 42nd 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
costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 SOUTHERN COSTUME COMPANY - 951 Lafayette St., 523.4333, SCCNOLA.COM
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
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 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
lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [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] THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 877-681-5087 frenchquarterguesthouses.com. Email: info@stpeterhouse.com. Four meticulously restored boutique Inns located in the heart of the French Quarter’s most popular LGBT neighborhood. Each building’s individual character and charm provides an unforgettably authentic French Quarter experience! 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
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Wi-Fi and complimentary continental breakfast and access to two beautiful pools. Covered off street parking available. MAISON DE MACARTY BED & BREAKFAST, 3820 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.267.1564, MaisonMacarty.COM, E-mail us at kurt@maisonmacarty.com. Luxury gay owned and operated bed and breakfast. 8 bedrooms with ensuite baths, pool, sun deck and beautiful courtyard. Sleep, eat and play at Maison de Macarty. Book it now! MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0113] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.522.7333, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com, “Spectacular, very unusual piece of property” with balconies of varying design ringing the courtyard. Circa 1880 Historic New Orleans Home lovingly restored and converted into beautifully appointed rooms. Just steps away from Armstrong park, Bourbon St, and most of the popular gay clubs, bars, and restaurants. With two pools, free WiFi and complimentary continental breakfast. Secured off street parking available. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621
marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com
massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & thai massage/bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is2612]
media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Cam-
pus, 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 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
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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 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, www.bigeasymcc.com, 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 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 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 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 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 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. New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312, www.MumfreysPharmacy.COM. Supporting & serving the LGBT Community for over 20 years. Local pharmacy offering personalized familylike service, automatic refills & free metro wide confidential pickup & delivery. Also offering shipping for out-side our delivery area. When you call us you speak to a person, not a machine. See our ad.
photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
plumbers New Orleans, LA [504] PIPES "R" US PLUMBING, “Let us PEEP in your pipes”, 140 N. Carrollton Ave., Office 504.866.2730, Fax 504.484.0907, PipesRUsNewOrleans.COM
real estate agents New Orleans, LA [504] Gay-Owned Agency — New Orleans Relocation LLC, Mark Boline, Realtor/Broker, mark@nolarelo.com, 504.273.0088, 1027 Touro Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Visit NOLArelo.com to search all NOLA properties for sale. Latter & Blum INC/Realtors, STEVE RICHARDS, 712 Orleans @ Royal, French Quarter. Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, SteveRichardsProperties.COM, Email: SRichards@LatterBlum.com LATTER & BLUM, Agent Brian M. Pawlowski, brianrealtor@aol.com, Agent Stace McDonald, stacerealtor@aol.com, 840 Elysian Fields, 451.2495
restaurants New Orleans, LA [504] 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 561.1098, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 The Decadence Shoppe (coffehouse & cafe), 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans
Prime Grille, 3162 Dauphine, 301.1740 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 LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 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 PLANET BEACH, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgunday St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.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
tours New Orleans, LA [504] GAY NEW ORLEANS WALKING TOUR, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St. , 568.0717
websites OFFICIAL GAY EASTER PARADE, GayEasterParade.COM OFFICIAL GAY MARDI GRAS, GayMardiGras.COM OFFICIAL GAY NEW ORLEANS, GayNewOrleans.COM OFFICIAL SOUTHERN DECADENCE, SouthernDecadence.COM
AMBUSH
MAG.COM
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big easy
papar azzi
Michael’s On The Park’s Mike @ Lafitte’s Karoake
Les Femelles Fatale’s Princesse Stephaney @ Michael’s On The Park
A Zombie joins the Big Top Gallery for Zombie Walk during Art For Arts Sake
Chris & Persana Shoulders @ Dance Club of the Year Oz
Tru Demille in The Gumbo Revue @ Michael’s On The Park
Outrageous show’s Electra City & bartender Bobby @ JohnPaul’s
Outrageous show’s Tittie Toulouse & Good Friends Luke @ JohnPaul’s
In for Monique Michaels’ b-day show @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
Krewe of Armeinius celebrates Cocktober Fest
Legendary Barry Bareass & Jacob @ Oz
Popping in for Outrageous with Electra & Tittie @ JohnPaul’s Bubbie Kakes @ JohnPaul’s
Cocktober Fest, Armeinius style
Colbi Montrese, Dusty DeBris & Lisa Beaumann on stage @ Oz
Both MC Barbara Ella & Ken Grandpre do a duet @ Lafitte’s Wednesday Karaoke
Celebrity lookalikes appear during Louisiana State Museum fundraiser @ the US Mint
Klorocks Bleachman headlines Bleachmen’s Follies @ Michael’s On The Park
A show stopper @ Tubby’s Golden Lantern
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Shout Out ~ New Orleans ~ Photos Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
Chi Chi Rodriguez serves up the best daiquiris on Bourbon Street @ Oz
Troy & Wayne join Louisiana State Museum fundraiser @ the US Mint
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Skully’z Recordz Scott @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Ambush’s Marsha checks out Bungalows for tutus, wigs & everything Halloween
snap paparazzi
Voodoo’s DJ Alan @ Ninth Circle Catch stylist Carrie @ Bobby Blue til 11pm Tues.-Sat.
DJ Myke does Disco tunes during Trash Disco @ Lafitte’s Bartenders Barry & Dustin welcome you to Kajun’s Pub
Bobby Blue’s own Scott & Freddy Voodoo/Ninth Circle bartender David Bar manager David joins in Karaoke @ Kajun’s Pub Raven Kennedy @ Show Bar of the Year Oz
Lynne hails from Restaurant Deli of the Year Quartermaster Michael doin’ Devin’s new doo @ Head Quarters
Seth in for Happy Hour @ Le Roundup
Queen & King Amon-Ra Barry & David @ Oz
Dave carries the hottest fashions @ Rab Dab Clothing & Gifts
Dale shows off Halloween Costumes @ QT Pie
Tommy cocktailed @ Le Roundup
DJ Tanner running Kajun’s Pub’s Karoake
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Inside Look ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Devin, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
Co-proprietor Matt welcomes you to the all new Prime Grille
Mickey will make your hair part of your costume @ Mickey Nolan Salon
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spotlight feature Avita Drugs Pharmacy Sponsors Halloween New Orleans (HNO) in Support of Project Lazarus
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ince 2004, Avita Drugs Pharmacy has supported Project Lazarus. The pharmacy not only helps support Project Lazarus with the Halloween New Orleans (HNO) event, but also sponsors or supports other projects and events throughout the year, including its Annual Gala (Dinner and corresponding Patron Party) and Bon Appétit event to help raise needed dollars to run its programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. Avita Drugs Pharmacy is once again a proud sponsor of Halloween New Orleans. Beginning in 2010, Avita supported the effort to recruit new hosts. Avita’s support reduced the “Halloween Host” fee by $100 for new hosts. As a result of this, HNO has seen an increase of new host memberships over the past two years. “Avita Drugs Pharmacy is proud to support our community and those organizations like Project Lazarus who truly make a difference in the lives of people affected by HIV/
a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
ALL HALLOWS EVE Ghosts, ghouls, creatures of the night, come out with strident strife to allure and seduce the innocent man who hides in his shelter with his clan. They will hammer at the door and what is more they shall howl with darkest deepest delight. It is the season of the witch who from Endor came to call the spirit long past to King’s Saul’s utter shame. Samuel as a specter rose Saying your kingship for disobedience will close. Mother of Abner and seer of things Through her voice good Samuel’s voce does ring. BOO!
Y
es, brothers and sisters the grittiness of the scripture is of ten over looked. The witch of Endor is found in the Book titled 1st Samuel. It recounts the calling of the prophet Samuel by the unnamed woman at the request of King Saul, first King of the nation of Israel. Samuel decried Saul for this act and indeed for parting from God. This text surrounds itself with the great and early myths of, or national memory of, Israel. What Christians call “The Old Testament” and what for many is holy writ is very different from what is called “The New Testament.” It is a powerful book that contains wisdom, humanity in all of its manifestations, and cries for justice in the face of injustice. It is a manifesto of creation and a peoples seeking unity with their creator. It is a book used to abuse, hurt, injure, ridicule, and hate. It is a book used to elevate, celebrate, and to articulate love present, past, future. It is a book of stories and doctrine and engagement with the Creator. It is not history so much as it is a profound insight into our quest for sacred unity. It is a good read at least much of it is. The Hebrew Bible contains a number of books which vary from sect to sect. The core of which is called Torah and within that context is the Pentateuch or five principal books of the Hebrew Bible. While one may reject some or perhaps all of the
religious implications of this ancient writ by all measure it is still a good read. Genesis itself is worth a read or two. In Giants called “Son’s of God” and Nephilim walked the earth. In it God is constantly judging and forgiving and making covenant. It is an utterly fascinating engagement that is an ancient and deep attempt to understand the human condition and nature and to put it into a spiritual context. Now at this point literalists and ultra conservative readers of this Holy writ may be jumping up and down. I say these things not out of any disparagement or even chiding sarcasm but out of deep and abiding respect for what is ancient. Pick up a Bible read Genesis and Exodus more that Cecil B. DeMill more than Heston or Ben Kingsley the imagery, the insight, the humanity, the sacred enfold one another amazingly. Try a good read. So much of our current culture both good and bad has been conditioned by this material by this Holy writ. Allow yourself to be taken back to an age before science, before cell phones, before atomic weapons, before health care, before the IRS, before nationalism as we now know it. Do not be repulsed at the violence you will encounter – we are still a violent people; embrace the beauty and symmetry of a spiritual understanding of creation found in the First Chapter of Genesis. You may be surprised at the radical equality between humanity and creation between man and woman in this text. Try to glean where one story is told twice by different writers. Who knows, maybe just maybe, something wonderful may happen with an open mind and tolerance for historical context. Halloween is ancient, this text is more so. Halloween allows us to express alter egos and hidden personas; this text is open vibrant brutal and beautiful. Who knows perhaps simply reading Genesis 1:1 through 2:1 may so bless your understanding of creation from a spiritual stand point that it may change the way you look at the stars. To dismiss a text such as this simply because it is old or because it has become perverted in its understanding is to place oneself directly in the way of ignorance. If you want to fight condemnation then have a firm foothold on those
AIDS,” says Avita Drugs’ Founder, Jerry Purcell. “Project Lazarus would not be able to provide the important services that we do for the community without the support we receive from Halloween in New Orleans,” says Project Lazarus’ Executive Director, Kim Moss. “The agency is forever indebted to the totally volunteer Board of Directors and other energetic and loyal supporters of Halloween in New Orleans.” Halloween New Orleans (HNO) has played a vital role in the history of Project Lazarus. Beginning in 1983, HNO was established as a private non-profit organization with the sole purpose of raising funds to support the mission of Project Lazarus. To date, over $4.5 million dollars have been raised by the dedicated members of HNO for Project Lazarus. This year, HNO, with the support of Project Lazarus, is pleased to announce that The Trevor Project will be an additional beneficiary of the fundraiser. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to the LGBT youth community. This fabulous weekend of fun was originally started as a dinner party given by a few people to honor their friends and
loved ones who had died from AIDS and has become the single largest cumulative donor to Project Lazarus since the agency’s inception. This year the four-day event starts with the famous “Lazarus Ball” and concludes on Sunday with a cruise aboard the Riverboat Natchez. Avita Drugs Pharmacy is truly a specialized pharmacy that provides a total medication solution to people living with complex health conditions. Avita provides personalized service along with convenient on-time delivery, billing and financial assistance, compliance packaging, and many other services to fit the needs of patients and their healthcare providers. Avita has pharmacies located in Baton Rouge, Dallas, New Orleans and San Antonio. Aside from serving patients with HIV/ AIDS, hepatitis, mental health disorders and organ transplants, Avita has developed programs to simplify the complexities faced by patients and medical caregivers in providing life-sustaining drug therapies. For more information, visit Avita Drugs Pharmacy (AvitaPharmacy.COM), Project Lazarus (ProjectLazarus.NET), Halloween New Orleans (HalloweenNewOrleans.COM).
tools, like scripture, which are used to condemn; for these same tools, when studied and read, can be used to push back condemnation and hatred. “God saw all that God had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning – the sixth day.” Finally, consider joining us for the 1 Million Bones art installation which will be open for viewing, meditation, prayer, and vigil from 3:30pm November 1-3. Again
LGBT community is invited in group settings to fully participate remembering our lost AIDS victims who without treatment passed; remembering Matthew Shepard who died as a victim of hatred and ignorance. There is still time: contact Luigi at St. Anna’s Church to have an artist and materials delivered to your venue for memorial bone creation by e-mail luigi@stannanola.org or phone 504.947.2121.
reVIEW...books, movies, cds by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
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ne of my favorite sayings has always been, “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.” It kinda speaks for itself... don’t mess up a good thing. So I was surprised to see a commercial about a month ago for a new version of STEEL MAGNOLIAS. I didn’t know there was anything wrong with the original 1989 version. I should stop and acknowledge that I am a big fan of the original; it is one of my favorite movies of all time. I’m a big ol’ southern girl at heart and an Alabama/ Louisiana sissy in real life, so what's not to love about the movie. STEEL MAGNOLAS/ 1989 is an iconic movie, with an iconic cast, full of lines most of my friends know by heart. I watch it every Christmas afternoon... It’s an emotional rollercoaster that leaves you feeling good. But, I’m starting to digress. STEEL MAGNOLIAS was originally a 1987 Off-Broadway play written by Robert Harling. The play takes place in a southern Louisiana town and deals with the death of Harling’s sister. The play is set in Truvy’s Beauty Shop and has a cast of six: Truvy, M’Lynn, Ouiser, Annelle, Clairee, and Shelby. In 1989 STEEL MAGNOLIAS was made into a major motion picture produced by Ray Stark and directed by Herbert
Ross. It starred Sally Field as M’Lynn, Dolly Parton as Truvy, Shirley MacLaine as Ouiser, Daryl Hannah as Annelle, Olympia Dukakis as Clairee, and Julia Roberts as Shelby. While the beauty shop is still the center of attention, other characters and locations are added. Tom Skerritt as Drum... M’Lynn’s husband, Sam Sheppard as Spud... Truvy’s husband, and a young Dylan McDermott as Jackson... Shelby’s fiance and future husband. It is set in the fictional Chinquapin Parish. It was filmed in Natchitoches, Louisiana. It grossed $95 million worldwide. It was obviously a bigbudget film... A-list stars, great sets and wardrobe, lots of filming on location... it’s wonderful! STEEL MAGNOLIAS, the play was produced on Broadway in 2005. It was also produced in Atlanta about this time and directed by Kenny Leon with a mixed cast. A remake of the movie with an allblack cast was Robert Harling’s idea. He told producer Craig Zadan, “his dream would be to do it again with an African American cast.” Zadan and his partner Neil Meron have produced the Academy Awards and also produced the Emmynominated A RAISIN IN THE SUN, di-
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on the prowl by Rory Wright Email: rorywrightinnola@hotmail.com
Belle Reve, Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow...
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had the good fortune of recently interviewing Vicki Weeks, the Executive Director of Belle Reve, which is a nonprofit, licensed organization located in the Bywater which houses, educates, feeds, and provides access to medical care for persons with HIV and AIDS. “The name Belle Reve,” she explained from her office on the second floor of one of three buildings that form the complex, “Comes from the well known Tennessee Williams play, A Streetcar Named Desire and it is French, meaning 'beautiful dream.'" Vicki continued to discuss the early days: “Belle Reve was founded in 1992 and opened its doors in March of 1993. The founding occurred because three very good friends found that they were losing a lot of their friends to the AIDS Epidemic. Two of the three were social workers. In the early 1990s they called it assisted living because at that time, most people were still dying with the diagnosis. Peter Drago, Jan Vick and David Messler were the three who started it all. Jan and Peter were the social workers and they got grants to fund the beginning years. The project was somewhat modeled after Project Lazarus which had been founded by the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1985 and was working to house homeless people with AIDS.” “The work they did in the first two to three years secured the grant money to purchase the first house which housed the first residents, and cover the salaries for the staff. Once the organization had been founded and was certain to continue, they moved on and Judith Chassignac took over as the Executive Director.” I asked her why she chose to volunteer and how she had gotten involved: “I was successful but unfulfilled in the sales work I was doing and wanted to give back to the community. I had seen a show on cable TV locally about Belle Reve and the hostess was interviewing Judith and asked her what was most needed at the moment and she answered ‘volunteers,’ so I called the next day and started to volunteer. This was in 1997 and I volunteered part time. I am sure that this happens to a lot of people who do volunteer work, they become vested in the work and the people and the projects being done. In 1998 I was asked to join the Board of Directors which I was happy to do and continued to volunteer.” We discussed her road to becoming the acting Executive Director: “In October of 1999 Judith stepped down from her position for personal reasons and the board discussed whether to do a local search, a national search and how to keep everything going while the search was on and it was clear the organization needed an Executive Director. I had experience running my own business and the board voted for me to fill in as a part time director while they searched for a permanent person to take the job. Now I had been in the Executive Directors office every day that I as a volun-
teer, but had never sat behind the director’s desk working for Belle Reve and when I did I had an Epiphany that everything I had done to that point in my life had prepared me for this moment and this is what I was supposed to be doing. In January of 1999 I applied for the job full time." We talked about the difficulties in the early years of Belle Reve and the disease itself: “Early on people died very quickly after a diagnosis, there was not the medication, or the treatment available at that time. One drug might work for some people, but not all and the medications were very harsh on the system. There were so many symptoms to try and treat for those not on medication.” I asked her what made a sea of change in the treatment and understanding of those with HIV/AIDS. She responded without hesitation. “The most influential thing that happened was because of a little boy named Ryan White. He was a hemophiliac, and got AIDS from a blood transfusion. He was stigmatized at school and shunned by his community, but this little boy went all the way to Washington D.C. and testified before Congress. Although he died in 1990, inspired by his life and message, Congress enacted the Ryan White Care Act, which provides funding and access to medication to over half a million people with HIV in America.” She talked about how things have improved over the years: “Today, if someone dies, its because they are already terminally ill and on hospice care, most of our residents stay with us while they are examined medically and given three meals a day, a place to stay and support for getting a GED, if needed or the skills they need to find work. With the medications available today people are living healthy and productive lives which are a major change from the early years. If someone comes to us from being homeless they have three months where they are given safe housing, health care, social work, any needed mental health services and skills training. Our philosophy is that we will give anyone a chance. But we have a strict no drug or alcohol policy on site and a curfew. If we did not have these rules it would create a relapse environment for people who are trying to recover and move forward in their lives. Our purpose is to help people, many of whom have been homeless or are just getting out of a hospital due to surgery or have just been released from completing a prison sentence. Our social workers will assist the new resident to arrange for medical care as well as psychological care to determine what medications will most allow them to regain their health and well being to move forward. “ I asked about staff and the buildings: “We now have fifteen paid staff and our volunteers; we get 2 full time interns who are majoring in Social Work from the university who spend a year with us and learn a lot while helping run the organization. We are also supported by so many individuals and groups from the community
Volunteers with Program Coordinator Michele, Property Manager Gerald & Executive Director Vicki and that support is so important to the residents and staff. We also coordinate with many other organizations in New Orleans every year. We now have three buildings, and they include Belle Reve, our original house that has 8 bedrooms and we have Belle Grace which has 7 offices on the second floor, employee lounge and meeting room, and we have Belle Esprit which means ‘beautiful spirit’ and contains four apartments for families to stay together. It has taken many years and a lot of work by all of the staff, volunteers and our contributors to reach the point we have now moving into the future.” This interviewer found the staff at Belle Reve to be very attentive and professional and found in meeting a few of the residents briefly that they appeared safe, healthy and relaxed in the environment. Belle Reve has consistently received superior ratings and honors from monitor-
reVIEW ...from 38 rected by Kenny Leon. Starring Queen Latifah as M’Lynn, Jill Scott as Truvy, Alfre Woodard as Ouiser, Adepero Oduye as Annelle, Phylicia Rashad as Clairee, and Condola Rashad as Shelby, STEEL MAGNOLIAS, the 2012 version, was filmed in Atlanta in the spring. Zadan and Meron produced, Kenny Leon directed with screenplay by Robert Harling and Sally Robinson. Now the observations and comparisons... this will definitely be unfair, like apples and oranges, but they put it out there and people are going to talk. The 2012 version had 18 shooting days... the 1989 version had 50. The 2012 runs 89 minutes... the 1989 version is 30 minutes longer. I couldn’t find any actual figures, but the Lifetime budget is nowhere near the Tristar one in 1989. What suffers? Lots of things. There aren’t many outside or location shots. No Annelle walking through town, setting the scene for the movie... she just shows up and knocks. No smashed Easter eggs in the back of Clairee’s car. No Christmas Festival or Clairee and Ouiser in the locker room after the game (so no naked, firm rear ends). No lighting the Christmas lights on Truvy’s house... it’s a table in the center of the beauty shop. We don’t get to see Ouiser and Clairee shopping for pork and beans or Annelle almost spilling her red beans and rice. You have to look real close to see that Annelle is having a Halloween Wedding Shower. One of my favorite scenes is M’Lynn driving through the bayou
ing agencies, including a “Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Service” from the City of New Orleans and a “Special Commendation” from the United States Department of State. Additionally, Vicki Weeks has been honored with an “Acclaim Award” from the Forum for Equality for her tireless work in the HIV/AIDS community. Belle Reve has also won corporate and foundation funding from MAC Cosmetics, Harrah’s Casino, BellSouth, Wal-Mart and the Almar Foundation as well as donations they cherish from local bars, organizations, groups and individuals that make up the total budget and picture of the organization. A list of organizations they connect and collaborate with can be found at their website. More information can be found by accessing their website at www.BelleReveNOLA.ORG or by calling 504.945.9455. to get Jack Jr. after Shelby dies... gone. Most of the cemetery scene takes place in the beauty shop. There is little or no character development. In the 1989 version you understand Truvy’s and Spud’s relationship and it makes sense they had a boy like Louie. You know that Clairee and Ouiser are best of friends. You know M’Lynn is the steel in the Eatenton household. Even the wardrobe is lacking. M’Lynn, Truvy, Ouiser, and Clairee could have easily swapped clothes. Shirley MacLaine walked around in overalls, diamonds, pearls, tennis shoes with little lace socks, and a mink... Alfre Woodard needed her own style. So did Jill Scott... there was no glamour there. There was no style. It seems like I’m picking, so I will stop. There was plenty of talent on the screen, not all used wisely. The screenplay seemed to revert back to the play at times... maybe it should have done that more often. There were references to Beyonce, iPhones, Facebook, Michelle Obama, and other things 21st century. I wish there were some new 21st century iconic lines. It wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t good. Several articles and reviews I have read posed the question... Was It Necessary? I would have to say no. But I told you at the beginning I loved the original 1989 STEEL MAGNOLIAS. I would love to hear an opinion from someone who saw this one and hasn’t seen the original. That would be interesting. My email is under my byline. It doesn’t bother me but I am puzzled by one thing... Why was Owen Jenkens Caucasian? Just asking...
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papar azzi
Twelve-year partners Phillip & Jerry celebrate the weekend
Toni Dee, Judy & Miss Cie Miss Cie & friends
Bartender Ricky & GM Bob Brunson
Derrick Barry as Britney Spears Stevie, singer/comedienne Sharon McNight, Jerry & Josh
Gabriel’s bar baron Carl Ambush Mag’s Marsha & Rip
Show Director Miss Cie Bartender Leon, Derrick Barry & bar baron Jerry B-Bob’s DJ Chromatic
Mobile’s Bold & Beautiful Miss Venus with B-Bob’s owner Jerry
Venus Shante DaVis
Jawakatema Davenport & Oz’s Dusty DeBris
Derrick Barry & Toni Dee
Scotty & Michael welcome you at the door
Miss Southern States Regine Phillips
Dusty DeBris, Frankie Fierce & Christopher
GM Bob Brunson, Rick & Patrick
Frankie & Dusty snag the hot shot boy, Josh!
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B-Bob’s 20th Anniversary Weekend ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Frankie Fierce, Rip Naquin, Leon Weekley
mobile
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Tom Hook (piano), Eric Bernhardt (sax), Jay Hagen (trumpet), and David Phy (trombone) in Jump Jive and Wail! The Music of Louis Prima
Jump Jive and Wail! The Music of Louis Prima at the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen through Nov. 24
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he Stage Door Canteen has a winner with its new, take-no-prisoners revue Jump Jive and Wail! The Music of Louis Prima. What in any other city might’ve been merely a cheesy stroll down memory lane geared towards fans of an older generation, at The WWII Museum is an authentic, rollicking tribute to a native son, superbly done. Even more so than last year’s Glenn Miller show, Jump Jive and Wail! successfully integrates music with Prima’s life story, a tale of ups & downs and constant re-invention, that for those unfamiliar with the details of his career keeps you wondering as to what comes next. And because Prima covered a wide range of styles and song genres, Jump Jive and Wail! provides a variety of tempos and moods, never settling into just one groove. Prima grew up at 1812 St. Peter Street on the edge of the Storyville District. By age 16, he was a bandleader. Five years later, Guy Lombardo caught his act in New Orleans and convinced him to come to New York. A move to Los Angeles in 1935 led to cameos in some movies and by 1939, following the trends of the times, he had started a big band. Prima must’ve been quite a guy. Rather than run from his Italian heritage during World War II, he took a chance and embraced it leading to such hits as Angelina and Zooma Zooma. At a time when the armed forces and many other institutions were still segregated, Eleanor Roosevelt heard him play at a black nightclub in Washington, D.C. and invited him to perform at FDR’s birthday celebration. How did he greet the President? “Hey, Daddyo!” FDR loved it. As Prima’s popularity began to fade in the early 1950s, he moved to the up’n’coming Las Vegas with his soon-tobe wife, Keely Smith. In November 1954, they opened the Casbar Lounge at the Sahara and by 1958 they were doing five 45-minute sets six nights a week starting at midnight each night(!!!). Prima and Smith became known as the “King and Queen of Vegas” and “the greatest stage act couple in American history” with her playing “straight guy” to his wild stage antics. They would go on to win a Grammy at the first Awards ceremony in 1959 for “Best Performance By A Vocal Group” for That Old Black Magic. There’d be more drama in the ’60s as Smith, the fourth of his five wives, divorced him and rock’n’roll threatened to eclipse him. But he changed styles, remarried (Gia Maione who served as an advisor to the show), and scored one of his biggest successes as the voice of King Louie, the King of the Orangutans, in Walt Disney’s animated film The Jungle Book, which spawned the hit song I Wanna Be Like You. Bandleader Tom Hook, who came up with the concept for Jump Jive and Wail! along with the Canteen’s Entertainment Director Victoria Reed, captures Prima’s enthusiastic joie de vivre as vocalist/pia-
nist and is an engaging narrator. The six outstanding musicians who back him up for the 20+ numbers are all a bunch of showmen as befits a Prima tribute and they’re all pretty good singers too! The horn section, all recent transplants to New Orleans, especially stands out. Sexy sax player Eric Bernhardt with his long hipster sideburns wails on There’ll be No Next Time standing in for Prima’s legendary sideman Sam Butera. Trombonist David Phy adds a playfulness with his long slide. And trumpeter Jay Hagen hits some heavenly notes in the finale of Sing, Sing, Sing one of the greatest songs from any era, here given a phenomenally swinging version. Cristina Perez capably handles vocal duties, though if you’re not aware of Smith’s deadpan demeanor, you might think Perez is zoning out during the Prima/Smith section. In a nice touch, dancers Chance Bushman and Lisa Casper add visual and kinetic appeal by jitterbugging, boogiewoogeying, and jiving in an array of period appropriate costumes, as well as a gorilla suit, designed by Judy Claverie and Reed. Prima’s songs and recordings remain invigoratingly timeless yet the audience I saw it with recently skewed older including some WWII vets. There’s nothing wrong with that (and might be explained as it was a matinee up against a Saints game), but I hope new generations will go and discover this vibrant part of New Orleans’ and America’s musical heritage. You have until November 24 to do so. Jump to it!
New Orleans Opera at the Mahalia Jackson Theater through April 14, 2013
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ew Orleans Opera kicked off its season with a gala concert, Celebrating 50 Years of Placido Domingo, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the distinguished singer’s debut with the company. And what a wonderful night it was! At 71, Domingo continues to sing with warmth in his voice, a beautiful tone, and the greatest sensitivity. Not only is there still a ping in his timbre as he effortlessly spins out Don Giovanni’s lines, but he is very much the elegant roue. Mistress of Ceremonies Patricia Clarkson noted Domingo’s acting as well as singing abilities, and he did not disappoint with a pensive but ultimately triumphant Nemico della patria from Andrea Chénier as well as a defiantly accusatory Maravilla from the zarzuela Amor, Vida de mi Vida. Yet
he can still come off as a love struck 20something as in a duet from Luisa Fernanda. He is, in a word, amazing. Domingo was joined by four other singers. The exceptional mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe brought steeliness and passion to her arias, her voice evoking the richness of a Stradivarius cello. Ana María Martínez sang beautifully with an earthy sensuality while negotiating tricky runs. New Orleans’ own Sarah Jane McMahon was as charming as ever opposite Domingo in Don Giovanni’s Là ci darem la mano while bringing out the humane determination of Make Our Garden Grow from Candide and the glittery sophistication of La Traviata’s Libiamo. Though an audience favorite, tenor David Lomelí exhibited some slight strain as he went for the high notes in an otherwise worthy rendition of Nessun dorma from Turandot. He was more relaxed, and much better, in an aria from the zarzuela La Tabernera del Puerto. Conductor Robert Lyall and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra shifted seamlessly from Verdi to Wagner to Mozart. Joined by the New Orleans Opera Chorus, the combined forces were especially stirring in the Candide finale with Lyall marvelously capturing its grandeur. Yet, despite all the outstanding vocalizations, there were two non-singing moments that I found most memorable. During the Libiamo, Domingo, who also has a distinguished career as a conductor, took the baton from Lyall in a seemingly impromptu maneuver and led the orchestra for several minutes. Even if this had been planned, there was a wonderful playfulness to it. And after all the bows, as the lights were coming up, Domingo went towards the back of the stage, took a chorus member by the hand and brought her to the podium. Although the microphone was no longer at full volume, Domingo announced that she had been in the chorus when he made his debut 50 years ago. Then, with a graciousness rare in anyone let alone a superstar, he escorted her offstage arm in arm. May Domingo be around to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of his Debut with New Orleans Opera! The N.O.O. season continues with Rossini’s The Barber of Seville on November 16 and 18. The cast features Deborah Domanski, Michele Angelini, Matthew Worth and the renowned bassbaritone Samuel Ramey as Don Basilio. Samson and Delilah by Camille SaintSaëns follows on March 15 and 17, 2013
with Edyta Kulczak (Delilah), Richard Cox (Samson), and New Orleans native Greer Grimsley as the High Priest. The season concludes on April 12 and 14 with Puccini’s Madame Butterfly starring Maria Kanyova as Cio-Cio San and Bryan Hymel, yet another New Orleans native, as Lieutenant B. F. Pinkerton. Hmmm...when will N.O.O. program an allNOLA Traviata with McMahon, Hymel and Grimsley?
Loretta Lynn at IP Casino Resort in Biloxi
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nother golden milestone was recognized during Loretta Lynn’s recent performance at the IP Casino Resort in Biloxi namely her 50th anniversary of becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry. At 80, Lynn has lost none of the infectious enthusiasm and impish humor that marks her persona, joking about how she got a very expensive watch from the Opry in honor of the occasion. Seems like she would’ve been just as happy getting a cheap one. This should come as no surprise from the woman who, as a 13 year old, taught younger kids to read in a one room schoolhouse that her great-grandfather had built, something Lynn now looks back on with pride mixed with disbelieving laughter. Lynn recently had knee surgery and so did not move around the stage as much as the last time I saw her in 2008. And she was visibly annoyed at her voice that didn’t always want to cooperate when it came to hitting the high notes despite Lynn’s assurances that she was not suffering from a cold. But if Lynn’s tone sometimes sounded a little hoarse, on those songs that sat comfortably in her range, like You Ain’t Woman Enough To Take My Man and the beautiful Kentucky Girl, she was as great as ever. For this outing, Lynn related more tales of her life than in past appearances like how she supported her family by picking strawberries in Washington State when she was just starting out and making only $50 a night for singing. And how Patsy Cline “learned” her to yodel. And how Conway Twitty and she loved each other, but just as a brother and sister would. And in case you’re interested, she’s trying to find a boyfriend but “can’t find one old enough.” (During the performance’s introduction, Patsy Lynn, Loretta’s daughter, told
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trodding the boards ...from 44 how her “Dad could never get away with anything in our house; Mom would write a song about it and the whole world would know!” Loretta has now been inducted into more Songwriter Halls of Fame than any other woman. Guess it pays to have an ornery spouse.) Looking resplendent in her bejeweled, sparkly lavender gown (picture Glinda the
Good Witch’s sister), Lynn continues to be a master storyteller in such songs as They Don’t Make’em Like my Daddy Any More and Love Is the Foundation. She can be touching as in Here I Am Again or When the Tingle Becomes a Chill yet finds the zesty humor in Fist City and One’s on the Way (changing the lyric from Jackie to “Michele is in the White House”). Though I was disappointed that she didn’t include any songs from her Grammy-
winning album Van Lear Rose, this was one of her best-paced concerts with the spotlight firmly planted on her and her back-up singers doing just a few numbers which gave her a chance to sit down briefly. Not one to rest on her laurels, no wonder Loretta Lynn continues to have a lovefest with her audiences. Other headliners coming up at the IP Studio A include Howie Mandel (Nov. 2),
Clint Black (Nov. 3), Kenny Loggins (Nov. 9), The Charlie Daniels Band (Nov. 10), and Dwight Yoakam (De. 1). If you purchase General Admission tickets, plan to be at the theater by 7:15pm to get the better seats...and leave plenty of time for parking. And before you go to the all-youcan-eat buffet, just remember that the aisle between the two rows of bar stools in the back of the theater was not made for plus size people!
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ambush
papar azzi
Bartender Misty welcomes you to The Friendly Bar
Drag Out brings Faith Essex to the stage @ Bourbon Pub Parade
Dennis ready for Oktoberfest @ Lafitte’s
Tim dances @ Rainbow Room
Bartender of the Month Cha Cha @ Good Friends Bar Frank & Peter sample Lafitte’s Oktoberfest feast
Rainbow Room’s DJ Cali & Blueberry
Clover Grill’s Will with Mr. Ray @ Lafitte’s for morning ritual Sable Monay-DeLorean in Drag Out @ Bourbon Pub Parade John, Kirt & friend @ Rawhide
Bartender Chuck celebrating his b-day @ 4 Seasons in Metairie
Crescent City Tour Booking Agency’s Frank Perez grills while sleep-walking for Lafitte’s Oktoberfest Michael, Joe & Hia celebrate @ Rawhide's Oktoberfest
Isabella DeVille's birthday bash @ 4 Seasons in Metairie
David & King of Decadence Kevin join Rawhide’s Oktoberfest
Scott, Jeff & Chris @ Lafitte’s Oktoberfest
Catch dancer Kerry @ Rainbow Room
Dancer JT hails from Rainbow Room
Happy Birthday Aletha @ Lafitte’s
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In The Clubs ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Devin, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
Alex Ella & Barbara Ella celebrate Oktoberfest @ Good Friends Bar
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Prime Grille Has Many Surprises in Store for You
P
rime Grille is the Bywater's newest eatery featuring casual fine dining at reasonable prices. Located in the old Bywater Bar.B.Que Restaurant at 3162 Dauphine St., proprietors Matt Cummings and Kevin Fruits have transformed the interior into a snappy bistro which definitely enhances a comfortable dining experience. This is the second venture for the guys, and we're sure this one will be just as successful as their first, The Decadence Shoppe at 806 N. Rampart in the French Quarter. But let's get down to the surprises here on their lunch menu. First, if you don't order anything else, do not miss the appetizer Scotch Eggs (9.00). It is so unusual to find a Scotch Eggs dish that we have never had at any other restaurant in the sion to your senses. city. These hard-boiled eggs were In addition to appetizers, the Lunch wrapped in andouille and sausage, then menu offers various salads and sandbattered and deep fried. They come wiches. We tried the Prime Rib Sandsplit in half with an incredible vinegar wich (13.00), and the 1/2 lb. Bison based bbq sauce and Creole mustard. Burger (13.00). The Prime Rib was OMG!!! Unbelievable! The eggs were tender and very thinly sliced where it crisp on the outside and once dipped in almost melted in your mouth. It was the bbq sauce, or the Creole mustard, served with horseradish sauce and au or both, it was a gastronomic explo- jus. But as good as the sandwich was, the house made chips were to die for! The Bison Burger was actually a combination of Bison and Black Angus. Make sure and order it medium rare. It's a tasty combo, and not at all dry, since the Black Angus added just the right amount of fat to make this a knock-out selection. The surHalf lb. Bison Burger with Fresh Cut French Fries prise on this plate was
the fresh cut french fries which came out perfectly crisp. We were too full for dessert, but understand all of them are prepared at The Decadence Shoppe daily for Prime. At dinner, Prime serves appetizers, salads, and mouth watering entrees including Pecan Crusted Spicy Catfish, and fried turkey leg. They also serve Sunday Brunch. The ever evolving menus will give each diner exactly what they may crave and desire. They will also be serving on the patio, and bar out back once renovations are complete. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, they're open Tue. - Thur. 11am - 9pm, Fri. - Sat. 11am - 10pm, Sun. Brunch 10am 3pm, Tue. - Sat. dinner starts @ 5pm. Call 504.301.1740 for reservations.
New Orleans Restaurant Guide 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., 561.1095, 700ClubNewOrleans.COM, is serving sliders, quesadillas, and more at the popular club in the French Quarter. Restaurant hours are 7pm til daily with nightly menu specials. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. The chef has paid attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM is part coffee shop, part cafe, and part bakery. "We take pride doing all our own baking, and you can order your next special treat from us," says owners Matt and Kevin. This little neighborhood place will fulfill your sweet tooth or both your breakfast or lunch cravings in a quiet setting while serving "desserts like Mom use to make". Located across the street by the Armstrong Park arch, the cafe is open Wed.-Sun. 7am - 3pm. Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, 504.371.5074, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, is truly a fresh new restaurant with a 23-year history of serving New Orleans and guests from all over the world. Think of Fatoush as a combination coffee house, herbal teahouse, natural juice bar, and organic restaurant offering a unique
Prime Rib Sandwich with House Made Chips
World Famous Hamburger @ Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St.
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12 oz. New York Strip with maitre d'butter & pommes frites @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
New Orleans Muffuletta (generous helping of ham, salami, provolone and olive salad) @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.
Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
Club Sandwich with Zapp's Potato Chips @ The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart St.
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Eggplant Karniyarik @ Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130,
Custom Breakfast @ Krystal, 116 Bourbon
Gourmet Sliders with Onion Rings @ 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy
Garlic Shrimp Pasta (jumbo shrimp with garlic butter sauce over angel hair pasta) @ Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place
chop chop ...from 48 selection of the richest and healthiest foods from around the world. Handcrafted dishes that contain only the finest natural ingredients and a variety of cuisines and innovative taste offfer thrills that are appealing, exciting, and best of all, healthy. Open 7am10pm daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030. Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place, 522.9500 or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM, is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212
Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.-Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri. Sun. 11am-10pm. Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 587.7903, serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including Margaritas, Piña Colada, Daiquiris etc., all made using the freshest seasonal ingredients from local farmers and suppliers including local rum, Old New Orleans Rum. Open 10am-6pm daily. Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will de-
light any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm. Prime Grille, 3162 Dauphine, 504.301.1740, is the Bywater's newest eatery featuring casual fine dining at reasonable prices. Located in the old Bywater Bar.B.Que spot, the interior has been tranformed into a snappy bistro which definitely enhances a comfortable dining experience. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Open Tue. - Thur. 11am - 9pm, Fri. - Sat. 11am - 10pm, Sun. Brunch 10am 3pm, Tue. - Sat. dinner starts @ 5pm.
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Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery.
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