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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Gotta Shop for the Holidays!
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he lights are twinkling all across the city as holiday decor adorns homes and businesses alike getting you in the spirit to do that special shopping for your family and friends. Oh it's an exciting time of year! We're making our list and checking it twice... There are so many places to get just what you're looking for, but why not support our gay and gay friendly small businesses first? Ambush recommends some of it's favorites including: BLISS McCALL STUDIO, by appointment, 631 Elysian Fields Ave., 391.9131, BlissMcCall.COM, offers a gallery-style portfolio of paintings. BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570, is home for everything Pride and Rainbow, plus the best cards, calendars, jewelry, stickers, tee's, underwear, art by local LGBT artists, lube, adult toys and much much more. BUNGALOWS, 719 Royal St., 522.9222, offers jewelry, objects d'art, sculptures, mask, great gift assortments and loads more. FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700, has books, magazines, calendars, knickknacks and other gift ideas. LA MINA STERLING, 840 Royal St., 324.3423, carries an array of sterling silver jewelry, stainless steel products, and now great scarves. "Come by and see Poncho for your Christmas goodies." MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart (upstairs), 529.4465, has all the tools and gadgets to make anyone's culinary dreams come true. "From the home cook to the professional chef, we have the perfect gift." PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064, features a large selection of men's sexy underwear, poppers, lube and more. QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633, brings you sexy ensembles, accessories, hosieries, corsets and exotic heels. RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662, has a large assortment of the latest club wear including shirts, jackets and pants, underwear, plus assorted jewelry items, and more. SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip, 561.8167, is your one stop fetish shop with leather, lubricants, smoke shop, videos, adult novelties and much more. Another great idea is to give a gift certificate or membership to your fav hair salon, fitness club, or spa. Ambush recommends: BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100; CLUB NEW ORLEANS, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com; THE COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666; MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782; and PLANET BEACH, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgundy St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM. Then there is also another favorite, a gift certificate to a great restaurant or deli, a VIP card to your fav nightclub or maybe a T-shirt or club gear from your fav club or bar. The choices are endless. Flip through these pages and maybe the answer to your gift dilemma will appear right before your eyes!
Wayne's 4th Holiday Toy Drive benefits Anna's Arts for Kids Dec. 10 @ The Phoenix
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hoenix bartender Wayne's 4th annual Holiday Toy Drive is set for Monday, Dec. 10, 6-10pm, at The Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields. The holiday event offers free food, drink specials and prizes. It's your opportunity to bring in an unwrapped toy which is donated to Anna's Arts for Kids at St. Anna's Episcopal Church on Esplanade Avenue. It gives us all a chance to make the holiday special for a child in need.
New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus presents 30th Holiday Concert Dec. 14 & 15
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he New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus is proud and excited to present its 30th annual holiday concert, Sounds of the Season, on Dec. 14 and 15. "We invited choirs from community partners that have
inside
Christmas, New Year's out Dec. 18 DEADLINE: Tues., Dec. 11
celebrazzi moment in gay new orleans history obituaries trodding the boards ambush paparazzi/new orleans a community within communities snap paparazzi/20th red party snap paparazzi/american bandstand gay mardi gras 2013
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Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com supported us for many of our thirty years to join us for Sounds of the Season, and choirs from the Unitarian Church and University Presbyterian Church, both in Baton Rouge, have answered yes! Music celebrating our holiday traditions will ring out from NOGMC, our guest choirs, and our combined voices during concerts in both New Orleans and Baton Rouge." Mark your calendars, or better yet, buy your tickets, now for Dec. 14 in New Orleans at the UNO Performing Arts Center Recital Hall and Dec. 15 in Baton Rouge at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge; both concerts begin at 7:30pm. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the door. (Don’t forget to bring a non-perishable food donation and participate in the raffles to benefit Food for Friends and the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Your generosity last year provided funds for almost 6,000 meals!) Visit www.nogmc.com for more information.
Upside Down Christmas benefits Belle Reve Dec. 15 @ Michael's
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ichael's On The Park, 834 N. Rampart, is hosting its Holiday Party: Upside Down Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 15, 5-8pm. Proceeds from the evening benefits Belle Reve including a $10 donation at the door, raffle with prizes and the Holiday Drag Show beginning at 6:30pm. To celebrate the season, bar baron Michael Cookmeyer will be offering free well and domestics from 57pm.
19th Christmas Gala benefits Belle Reve Dec. 15 @ Good Friends
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he 19th annual Christmas Gala: Angelic Christmas is set for Saturday, Dec. 15, 9pm, at Good Friends Bar, 740 Dauphine. The annual turn-a-bout show brings the staff to the stage like you've never seen them before with emcees Rikki Gee and Barbara Ella. Staff decorated angels will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.
4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Dec . 4-17, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM
There will also be two raffles, one a 50/50 raffle, and one for prize raffles. Tickets are $1 each and can be pur[continued on 8]
THE OFFICIAL MAG
Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Louisiana-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line CIRCULATION: Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi
STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Paul Melancon 504.357.8440 paulmelancon_ambushmag@yahoo.com THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Blanche-Alabama Tony Leggio, Patrick Michael, Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry, Rory Wright-New Orleans Bob Brunson, Cieanne & John, Leon WeekleyMobile, AL Lauren Mitchell-Pensacola, FL National Advertising Rep: Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 Ambush Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip Naquin-Delain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2012, AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation
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celebrazzi
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he 20th annual Red Party: Red Velvet hosted by Cafe Lafitte in Exile raised $3,722 this year for Belle Reve, bringing total proceeds now to over a whopping $91,472 for charity for the past 20 years. MC Blanche Debris and Wood Enterprises' Ken Grandpre join Belle Reve's Michele D'Aquin and Steve Lorio, along with Red Party Chair Jeff Palmquist (back) on stage for the event. The hilarious turn-a-bout show brought the bars staff to the stage including Lady Stacks, Jessaterica, Brittney Smears, Tanner, Princess Centrnella, Aletha, Ruby Slippers, Cha Cha, Dennis, Boy George and She'll Eata Buffet, all auctioning their own version of Red Velvet Cake. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
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enowned photographer Larry Graham, official portrait photographer of the King Cake Queens of Gay Mardi Gras, has just completed an extensive photo shoot with King Cake Queen XX-Elect Dusty Debris at his GrahamStudioOne.COM. The two photos (above and left) are the pre-coronation poses and beautifully express "The Platinum Queen" reigning over 20 Years of Magic, Myths & Mortals for the Krewe of Queenateenas. The official coronation portrait by Graham will be unveiled at the 20th King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation on Saturday, Jan. 26 introducing the queen to Carnival Society, which is by invitation only. The big day for the 22 year old queen is Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday), Feb. 12 when as King Cake Queen XX Dusty Debris leads the 26th annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss from the Ambush Balcony, 828 Bourbon Street, at 2pm.
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he top three winners of the Krewe of Petronius' giant raffle celebrate at the 6th Queer Bar Shopping Network hosted at The Phoenix in New Orleans. The event included a Christmas decor sale and an auction of wreaths, trees, and arrangements, as well as a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the krewe's 52nd bal masque Jan. 19, 2013. (Photo by Tony Leggio)
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rthur Severio, Tami Tarmac and Paul Davis take home the 1st place trophy and gift basket for the Krewe of Amon-Ra's annual Scavenger Hunt hosted upstairs in the Balcony Bar at Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans. Proceeds benefit the krewe's 48th ball on Jan. 12, 2013. (Photo by Tony Leggio)
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merican Red Cross' Special Event Specialist Becky Torres accepts a check for $2,000 from Bourbon Pub Parade's GM Louis Sachs, office manager Chuck Kee and night manager Scott Horner raised to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy for New York City Disaster Relief at the Bourbon Pub Parade in New Orleans. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
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he Lords of Leather's annual American Bandstand: From Sinners to Saints was hosted at JohnPaul's in New Orleans. The krewe and special guests did an amazing job for this hysterical turn-a-bout show. You wouldn't know some in this bevy of beauties were "real butch men" or maybe you would. The stars included: Danny Calhoun as Amanda Straddle, John Breaux as Detox, Brock Andersen as Willm Beli, Josh Aldridge as Vickie, Troy Powell as Trampolina Soirée, Barry Stoneking as Carlotta Dick, Ed Azemas as Shanita Quit, Ben Bougeois as Coco Kentucky, Pat Johnson as Anita Moore, Lance Baggett as Lillian Sugarbaker, plus Bubbles, Natasha, Miss Louisiana Leatherette C. Alice, Tami Tarmac and Monica-Synclaire Kennedy. Proceeds benefit the krewe's 30th bal masque on Feb. 10, 2013. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
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the "official" dish ...from 4 chased from your favorite bartender.
Corner Pocket Christmas Party Dec. 16
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he annual Corner Pocket Christmas Party is Sunday, Dec. 16, 8pm, at 940 St. Louis Street. In the spirit of the season, please bring an unwrapped gift for a needy child. The highlight of the evening will be "A Special Christmas Show" starring Lisa Beaumann, Barry Bareass and The Corner Pocket Dancers with special guest King Cake Queen XX Dusty Debris.
Oz Christmas Party set for Dec. 19
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z's annual Christmas Party has been set for Wednesday, Dec. 19, 8pm, with fabulous food and friends. Everyone is invited and admission is an unwrapped toy for an underprivileged child. With your donation, you will enjoy complimentary cocktails and delicious food 810pm. At 10:30pm is the always anticipated special Christmas Show brought to you by both casts of reigning Show Bar of the Year.
Holiday Art Market scheduled for Dec. 8
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hop Till You Drop is the theme for the Dec. 8 O.C. Holiday Art Market where we are celebrating to all things retail to connect back to the corridor’s glory days when Dryades Street was second busiest shopping corridor in the city. This holiday market will feature door prizes, a gift wrapping station and will be decorated inside and out with lights and ribbons. With more than thirty vendors selling wide varieties of unique, locally handmade arts and crafts, one can find gifts for everyone on the list. In addition to retail theme the market will also be celebrating the Eastern European roots of this historic neighborhood. This section of New Orleans was settled in the mid to late 1800s was home to mostly Jewish merchants and residents. Latkes, baba ghanoush, chocolate babka, hamantaschen cookies, tabouleh and hummus will be prepared and served fresh thanks to the Fat Falafel, the newest addition to New Orleans’ food truck line up. Tulane Hillel will also be providing some kosher treats. Shoppers will enjoy live klezmer music from noon to three courtesy of the Jazz Cannibals. Project Create will be tabling and inviting shoppers to create their own holiday cards. Project Create will provide all the materials needed for this free diy craft opportunity. The photo exhibit “Treasures: Lost, Found and still to be discovered” 40 Years of Photographs from the Lower St.
Charles Corridor “ will be on display at the OCH Gallery for visitors to further get reacquainted with the rich history of the neighborhood. Other food choices at the market will include gourmet vegetarian dishes from Tsai Nola and tasty Columbian arepas from Maïs Arepas. In the L.M. Mezzanine, Project Create will be offering a 2 hour painting class from 11am to 1pm for $20 that is open to the public. One can reserve a space at jordanfrankel@projectcreatenola.org. From 1 to 3pm Ms. Lila Moore will be offering a free “Introduction to Ebooks” workshop. The family friendly atmosphere and easy to access location provide important exposure for artists of all mediums in Central City and New Orleans as a whole. All crafts are hand made as the market gives a place for both burgeoning and experienced artists to showcase their work in an easy to reserve vendor format. There are lots of crafts activities provided for children and pets are welcome and there is plenty of parking. The OCH Art Market is held on the second Saturday of every month at 1618 O.C. Haley Blvd, right in the heart of Central City. This building, also home to the Zeitgeist Theatre, is a protected historic landmark and with its 18 foot ceilings is a tourist attraction in itself. The market seeks to provide a foothold for returning Central City and Dryades Street to its former glory as a thriving commercial district second only to Canal Street. Since its beginnings in November 2010, the OCH Art Market
has risen to the occasion and provides a venue for not only New Orleans citi[continued on 10]
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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
“Entertainingly Out: Tony Jackson & Patsy Valdelar”
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ew Orleans has a long history as an entertainment destination. In addition to being the birthplace of jazz and home to several legendary nightclubs, the city has always produced colorful entertainers, many of whom were gay. In this edition’s column, we remember two of them—Tony Jackson and Patsy Valdelar. Tony Jackson was a seminal figure in the city’s music scene at the turn of the Twentieth Century. Born in 1876 in Uptown New Orleans, Jackson grew up in a poor African-American neighborhood and demonstrated musical ability at an early age. By the time he was thirteen, he was playing the piano in neighborhood bars during the day and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best piano players in town. When Tony turned twenty-one, Storyville was created and the brothels / clubs of the infamous redlight district launched his career. In the twenty years Storyville existed (1897 to 1917), legalized prostitution flourished in “cribs” (dirt cheap whorehouses consisting of little more than small bedrooms) as well as elegant mansions which offered full service bars and elaborate shows featuring exotic acts and music. One brothel, The French House, even offered what was billed as an “Erotic Circus.” Many of the Madams and prostitutes were lesbians and at least one house, according to the Blue Book (a Storyville catalogue / guide for visitors), offered live lesbian sex act shows. While lesbianism in Storyville was not uncommon, male homosexuality was strictly forbidden, although there was a not so clandestine gay brothel not far away in the Central Business District. Despite the heterosexual atmosphere of Storyville, Tony Jackson, who lived openly as a gay man, was one of the district’s most popular musicians. Jackson’s piano playing style was dynamic and mesmerizing. One of his signature moves was to do a high stepping “cake-walk” while pounding the keys. He also dressed to the nines, usually wearing an ascot tie and a diamond pin. Jackson’s impeccable sartorial style set the standard for other performers. In addition to being an amazing pianist, he also composed and sang. His repertoire included ragtime, early jazz, pop, opera, blues, and some classics. His musical genius, incredible versatility, electric style and theatrical performances earned him the praise of his fellow musicians. Jelly Roll Morton called Jackson “the outstanding favorite” musician of New Orleans and jazz great Clarence Williams said, “We all copied Tony.” Similar testimonials also came from Johnny St. Cyr, Bunk Johnson, and Baby Dodds, all significant figures in the early development of New Orleans jazz. Although Jackson never recorded and never achieved mainstream success, he did tour Vaudeville twice (in 1904 and 1910) with the Whitman Sisters Troubadours. Songs attributed to Jackson include: “Some Sweet Day,” “The Naked Dance” (covered by Jelly
obituaries Jeffrey Luke Waguespack
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effrey Luke Waguespack, 47, a native of Schriever and resident of New Orleans died Sunday, November 25, 2012 at Tulane Medical Center in New Orleans after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a 1983 graduate of E.D. White Catholic High School and a 2004 graduate of Nicholls State University. He was the proud owner of Pulse Night Club in Houma, LA before moving to New Orleans to fulfill his dream to be DJ/VJing on Bourbon Street at Cafe Lafittes in Exile. He is survived by his mother, Mary Alice Fremin Waguespack of Schriever, his partner Jason LaBiche of New Orleans, two brothers and their wives, Randy and Erica Gamborella Waguespack of Labadieville and Mark and Melinda Babin Waguespack of Thibodaux Step daughter
Ciera LaBiche and step granddaughter Clairissa LaBiche of New Iberia Six nephews Edward, Michael, Robert, Jade, Rusty and Trey Waguespack, step nephew and niece Kyle and Meridith Cadow. He was preceded in death by his father Edward Waguespack, sister-in-law Tillie Cortez Waguespack, his grandparents Luke and Theresa Waguespack and Paul and Lynda Fremin.
Walter Casper Cox
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e bid fond farewell to Walter Casper Cox, who passed into the next stage of his existence on October 11, 2012. Walter is survived by Marco Meneghini, who filled many roles such as Best Friend, Longtime Companion, Caregiver, and in the end, the person Wa l t e r chose to call ‘Dad’. Walter embarked upon the hard road that would be his life
Roll Morton), “Pretty Baby” (dedicated to Jackson’s male lover), “I’ve Got Elgin Movements in My Hips With Twenty Years’ Guarantee,” “Michigan Water Blues,” and “I’m Cert’n’y Gonna See About That.” Jackson moved to Chicago in 1912, where he helped establish that city’s jazz heritage until he died in 1921. In 2011, Tony Jackson was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame. Decades after the decline of Storyville and its famous jazz clubs, New Orleans’ rich musical heritage lived on at the Dew Drop Inn on LaSalle Street. From 1939 to 1970, the Dew Drop Inn was considered the South’s swankiest nightclub and featured local talent such as Tommy Ridgley, Larry Darnell, Earl King, Huey Smith, Irma Thomas, and Allen Toussaint as well as nationally known performers including Ray Charles, James Brown, and Little Richard among many others. Little Richard, who before he became famous performed in drag as “Princess Lavonne” in a traveling Vaudeville show, was especially inspired by Patsy’s flamboyant style. For nearly twenty years, the shows were hosted by New Orleans’ most famous female impersonator, Patsy Valdelar. Musical acts at the Dew Drop Inn were often preceded by a drag show, one of the more notable of which was Bobby Marchan’s “The Powder Box Review.” Many of the female impersonators came from out of town, but Patsy was always the star. Around the city, Patsy was referred to as “the Toast of New Orleans,” a title which earned her the nickname, Toast. Patsy, originally from Vacherie, Louisiana, had been inspired to become a female impersonator by a well-known New Orleans cross dresser, the legendary Caldonia. Before working at the Dew Drop Inn in the 1950s and 1960s, Patsy worked briefly at the Gypsy Tea Room and also with the Valdalia Sisters, a group of singing female impersonators. While working at the Dew Drop Inn, she helped organize the annual Halloween Gay Ball, which was also affiliated with the club. Both Tony Jackson and Patsy Valdelar were remarkable not only for their incredible talent and amazing performances, but also because they lived openly gay lives in times that were extremely hostile to gays and lesbians. This fact becomes even more extraordinary when one considers they both worked and thrived in traditionally hyperheterosexual environments, namely Storyville and an African-American nightclub, respectively.
trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The 2012 New Orleans Fringe Festival
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hat a difference two years make! On the opening Wednesday of 2010’s Fringe Festival, there was just a handful of shows to choose from; I recall seeing a wan comedy troupe at Le Chat Noir whose sketches were more misses than hits. I was out of town during last year’s Fringe, and so was surprised and impressed by the vast array of offerings on 2012’s Opening Day, 37 to be exact. And with over 70 different events and productions this year, unlike in 2010 when I wrote that “with careful planning, it was possible to partake of a good deal of [all the offeron May 20, 1983. Removed from his home at the age of five to be placed into a life of foster care, Walter’s life was a story of challenges and heartbreaks, ultimately ending in a brutal attack in 2010 which left him crippled. Life works in mysterious ways and in the end, his path of recovery from his injuries led him on a personal journey where his ability to love and feel love blossomed. Supported by Marco’s friendship, his friends at the Country and Western dances and the New Orleans Radical Faeries, Walter told Marco in September for the first time, “I’m happy.”
ings]”, even with the best of planning, it was possible to see only a fraction of everything that was on the Fringe menu in 2012. No matter. Not only did crowds come out for all things Fringe-y, but there was a heartening diversity to them. The usual theater junkies mixed with alternative bohemians mixed with Uptown types; even Maestro Robert Lyall of the New Orleans Opera Association was seen heading to one show at 11pm on the final Sunday! None of this would have much mattered if the quality of the works was not at a certain level. While I wish I could say that each and every one was a gem, I think the
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the "official" dish ...from 8 zens to explore what Central City has to offer, and also for visitors from out of town looking to shop in an historic New Orleans neighborhood. Spaces are still available! Come spend the afternoon at the OCH Art Market and enjoy all of the culture and talent this newly revitalized district has to offer! More information on this market can be found at http:// www.ochartmarket.com.
Unfortunately, multiple medical issues, including brittle diabetes, made for an early morning departure at only 29; however, his friends celebrate that Walter triumphed over an incredibly hard life and, in the end, was smiling.
10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Dec . 4-17, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM
N e x t De a d l i n e : T u e s d a y, De c . 1 1 t h
5 0 4 .5 2 2 .8 0 4 9 m a r s h a @r i p a n d m a r s h a .c o m
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ambush
Spotlight ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Patrick Michael, Rip Naquin
papar azzi
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a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
“For wherever your treasure is, there shall your heart be also.”
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For wherever your treasure is, there shall your heart be also” is a statement for the current times hurled forth from the fist century by the Evangelist Saint Luke. The young rabbi from Galilee also said, “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” essentially, you can’t take it with you! Christmas is both a time of abundance, giving, sorrow, loss, a merchant’s kingdom come. We are sold into believe that Bing Crosby is still at a fireside mantle with pipe in hand. Gene Kelly is dancing his way through the snow and claymation is touting Frosty the Snowman all in southern Louisiana. But we are not persuaded with visions of snow are we? A local author has renamed and reworked the Christmas myth with alligators named Gaston, Tiboy, Pierre, Alceé, Ninette, Suzette, Celeste and Reneé! Our proper English-German Christmas dinner is renamed and reworked as Reveillon Dinners. How much is myth? How much one forgets why we celebrate this season? It is, by the way, a natural time of year when humanity has always done something because it is in the midst of winter and such “something’s” always look forward to something new. It is a time of hunkering down and getting ready for SPRING! It is the season of the longest night December 22nd. The Christian tradition of Christmas co-opted the pagan feast of Saturnalia-”a time of unrestrained revelry.” For all of this confusion and history and remarketing there is still a compelling sense of giving – not to mention tax write offs as a seasonal thought. If all of this sounds muddled and a bit on the caustic side it should and it is because frankly this is a muddled season that means many things to many people. We are not on the same page. It is a season of buy, buy, buy, it is a season of Chanukah Trees, Christmas Lights, dreidels and stocking. Oy, such confusion! But it’s simple really, three religious groups have made it what it is today and in so doing we have lost our roots of holiness and joy. For the Jewish tradition it is a minor feast where a present is given on each of 8 days honoring the rededication of the Temple after the Maccabean Revolt. For pagans it is the season of the longest night evoking the depth of winter looking forward to the coming of new light in Spring thus Yule logs, holly, and mistletoe; and for Christians it is the Feast of the Incarnation; that is the birth of Jesus: Three tradition threads interwoven and over-marketed into a polyglot season that is confused and redolent with anxiety – not to mention some pretty good parties warming up for New Year’s celebrations. But it is simple really or it can be. Http://www.goodsearch.com is a place to spend your money and you know you are going to do it. Put it to purpose. If you
designate St. Anna’s as your charity we will get a percentage of your purchase. It will help Anna’s Arts for Kids, the Medical Mission, and Adult Learning Academy all of which are supported one or another by the LGBT community. You know you are going to buy stuff. Buy it here. Yep, the list of stores is glorious better than any Mall in the USA! Stores include Bed, Bath, and Beyond; Target; Brookstone; WalMart; Bloomingdale’s and so on. You know that you are going to buy. After you register go to GoodShop. Yes, this pitch is tawdry and lacks any sentimental value. The question is simple to give for the good or to feel good? Maybe both and that is OK. Make this a giving season and perhaps just perhaps try to simplify it a bit. We’d like to finish the Dodwell House a community project for ALL OF THE COMMUNITY – make a Christmas donation and if you wish we’ll send a card to a friend that said you made a donation in their name to Dodwell House just drop a note or line to us. Send your gift to St. Anna’s Church, 1313 Esplanade, NOLA 70116. Yep we are right in there with the hustle aren’t we? Nope not really! We will hold a glorious celebratory mass on Christmas Eve starting at 11pm. You will hear the word Emmanuel said a lot that is, “God is with us.” At St. Anna’s we celebrate the incarnation because we believe in that – each human created has something of God within them. We believe that all creation is a temple of hope and dignity and just so God became one of us. Presents can become holy instruments of good will rather than re-gifted dross that you really didn’t want. God is with us not against us. I know that most of you will spend some money on presents and gift giving; on parties and gatherings; on Reveillon Dinners and bar parties. Set aside a moment for yourselves and contemplate the grandeur that can be worked out in this season not by the mercantile machine but by the heart that beats for giving because in giving we receive. Settle down, untangle the mess, find yourself in the simple place. And then, if you must give think about a GoodShop gift or even a donation in the name of one you love. Do we really need more stuff? Think about our Community and our Community within the larger Community: http:// www.goodsearch.com. “For wherever your treasure is, there shall your heart be also” Jesus.
trodding the boards ...from 10 Fringe’s planners can be justifiably proud of their choices. While productions fell all along the quality spectrum, I suspect if I had seen them all, I’d rank them onto a bell-shaped curve. And yet, as often happens when dealing with opinions of artistic matters, things that I wasn’t crazy about were enjoyed by others and vice versa. Here’s a round-up of the shows I was
able to fit in during five exciting and ex- pared to many other people in the world. hausting days. But if Tar Baby becomes a bit polemiMost memorable was The Mudlark cal towards its end, its ideas, arguments Public Theatre’s The Mysterious and challenges are ones that can’t be Axeman’s Jazz, a retelling of gruesome brought up too often, leaving you, as any events that took place in New Orleans and great theater should do, with a whole cirGretna during World War I and shortly cus of stuff going on in your head. afterward. Using amazingly expressive No matter how much is going on in puppets and projected shadow images, your head, it likely pales in comparison to writer/director Pandora Andrea Gastelum Hamlet’s in The Rub where the words employed vast inventiveness in the telling “incestuous sheets” echo in his brain. The of this bloody tale while honoring the dig- Tremor Theater Collective’s adaptation of nity of the actual participants, many of Hamlet fused old and new to create a them immigrants who got caught up in the melancholy Dane for our time. biased and unfair legal system of the day. Ophelia sings What the World Needs In this age of multimillion dollar over- Now. Polonius’ advice to Laertes gets upblown cinematic mishaps, there was an dated with commercial taglines. With her ineffable charm to Mudlark’s use of simple, boy toy Claudius in tow, Gertrude, the real age-old devices including a wonderfully power, speaks political double-talk as she’s evocative musical score. Gastelum and interviewed on TV. Amidst the outrageously her entire krewe of puppeteers, whose un-P.C. floats in the Den of Muses, it all quick-changing voices brought to individu- registered as deliciously surreal. alistic life all of the characters, are to be While none of this was revolutionsaluted for bringing back from the dead ary—Hamlet’s been done a zillion ways— this enduring mystery and all its interwo- the Tremors gave a freshness and an ven reflections on a particular time in our urgency to the Bard’s words, occasionally society. And as lagniappe, it turned out that re-written with current allusions to produce one of the puppets represented the late a tantalizing neo-Shakespearean lingua grandfather of friends of mine! franca, reflecting our own times of powerAnother highlight was the return of grabbing politicians and the family memDesiree Burch whose 52 Man Pick Up bers who come along for the ride. was a treat two years ago. Written with I especially liked Jordan Barbour’s Dan Kitrosser, her Tar Baby was billed as Polonius, a typically wheedling party a “Fun-Filled Carnival of Race & Capital- apparatchik as well as the regally supercilism,” and that it was as a series of side- ious Gertrude of Marguerite Van Cook, but show acts led to a finale underneath an the entire cast, outfitted in Shamon inventively devised big top. Burch seemed Cassette’s eclectic costumes, was fine. even more assured than in 2010 as she With no Rosencrantz, Guildenstern or dissected black stereotypes old and new. Horatio and an abrupt ending that felt Amid discourses on the discontents black calculated to fit a prescribed time frame, people have with their hair and what it’s this was a less layered Hamlet. But with like to audition for a room full of NYU film flashes of brilliant insight, this bracing reinschool hipsters, Burch made the personal, terpretation, under Nessa Norich’s sharp including baggage she still carries around direction, was a worthy one for the Fringe. from 12th grade, universal. In contrast to the pageantry of The Bravely relying on the wit of the as- Rub, Melanie Gall presented a simple, but sembled spectators to buoy her along, no less effective show at Byrdie’s. More Burch and Director Isaac Byrne included Power to Your Knitting, Nell! gave us the snarkily playful viewer participation in which tale of a young gal from the Lower East members of the mostly all white audience Side who winds up on the radio during became “slaves” to a catchy beat of “Sold, World War II encouraging women to take sold, sold”; this segment offered up the up needles, and make scarves, sweaters evening’s best line, “Watching white people and other goodies for their soldier guys. work is exhausting.” As Tar Baby led to an explosive anger you don’t often hear verbalized, it was by turns intelligent, thoughtful, funny and even moving. Its casual presentation belied a highly structured show and made one wonder how much of the Desiree we’re The Cast of The Rub seeing is “real” and how much is a heightened stage verThe story was simple but, outfitted by sion of her. actual knitting-themed songs from the era Tar Baby could be somewhat shorter performed by Gall with her gorgeous soas it continues for about 10 minutes past prano voice (while knitting no less!), an its seeming finale with diminishing results. absolutely winning one. And Gall’s in-charAt the same time, while consistently fasci- acter interactions with the audience, some nating, the script conflates a number of of whom were also knitting, was an espetopics—race, body shape, cial treat. socioeconomics–that overlap, but which While Gall knitted, artist Sarah David deserve explication on their own. And there drew a portrait of model Audra Rouse in is a certain self-indulgency to the show as one of the upstairs rooms at John Paul’s Burch admits that, despite her justifiable [continued on 17] complaints, she has it pretty good com-
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Cafe Lafitte in Exile’s 20th Red Party: Red Velvet raises $3,722 for Belle Reve ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Al & Dwain, Rip Naquin
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trodding the boards from 14 Bar during Chard Gonzalez Dance Theatre’s Gnothi Seauton. And while David drew, Cory Komasa and Sunshine Breland wrestled (in the nude after their togas came off) and recited lines from Hegel in another room. Meanwhile, Christopher Forsyth, Reese Johanson, Mary Carol Chenet and Gonzalez danced singly, in combinations of twos and threes, and all together in two other rooms. Similar to NYC’s Sleep No More, Gonzalez gave audience members the choice of what to watch and for how long, so that each of us had our own experience and no two were likely to be the same. As the wrestlers, who spent long portions merely standing or sitting, and the artist/model provided mostly static experiences, I partook a good deal of the dancers who, despite performing on hard wooden floors, held nothing back. Gonzalez’s choreography, parts of which were improvised, has a playful side but his serious passages were even more absorbing, none more so than his duet with Forsyth, involving mirror images, which maintained a powerful hold on viewers. Gnothi Seauton also provided my favorite line of the Fringe. As one dancer’s nose came up to the raised arm of another, she witheringly sneered, “Deodorant?” Such verbal spiritedness was in full view in Goat in the Road’s Instant Misunderstanding in which William Bowling and Christopher Kaminstein portrayed two brothers trying to invent the internet. Or were they the sons of Johann Gutenberg, inventor of movable type? Or both? I can’t say I fully got all the references in Misunderstanding but I thoroughly enjoyed the evocation of Beckettian clowning that thread its way through a bizarre game of charades, parodies of po“doesn’t allow poets”, part appraisal of Billy the Kid, and part litical speeches, and the existential search, Billy the Kid met the challenge of wildest preparation of making a haunting and viable organic whole out of its sandwiches I’ve ever disparate original material. seen. If there was a lotta talk (as one character commented In this endless loop in a more 21st than 19th century way, “blah, blah, blah”), how of a program about techcan you not relish a piece in which folks literally laugh into nological hopes and anxiothers’ gonads? Still, if this was ArtSpot in a more waggish eties, Bowling and mood, the humor was of a sort a little too bone dry for my Kaminstein along with taste and, after all that came before, that ending, in which co-writer Sascha Kathy Randels, Todd d’Amour and Becca Blackwell stripped Stanton-Craven aver that down to mod clothes and boogied to a disco beat, felt William Bowling & Christopher “exploring things is diffiunearned and tacked on. Kaminstein in Instant cult”; perhaps, but when Gotta say tho, despite my reservations, this was the Misunderstanding done with such perfect Fringe favorite of at least one acquaintance of mine. synchronization, it’s a joy Another audience favorite, WONDERHEADS’ full-face to watch. Wisely not lingering on any one section too long, mask Grim & Fischer, in which a widow confronts Death, was Andrew Vaught directed with breakneck pacing and captured extremely well done—Kate Braidwood’s lifelike movements as the the piece’s witty visual humor as well as the more serious turn elderly woman were particularly convincing—with many beguiling it took towards the end. moments but its initial piquant humor curdled into a heavy-handed If Instant Misunderstanding began to run out of steam dose of sentimentality by the end. after about an hour (10-15 minutes of the show could be trimmed with no loss), this brash and inventive mental jaunt is well worth a look. You can catch its final encore performances at Michalopoulos Studio (513 Elysian Fields) on December 7 and 8. Two other shows, if not as intellectually ambitious, also provided tremendous amounts of fun. Anonymous Ensemble’s Liebe Love Amour! tricked out a romance involving Erich von Stroheim with a phenomenal combination of live action, vintage film, audience participation, and blue screen wizardry as well as sound effects and music. As Tall Hilda, the heroine, searched for love, LLA!’s post-modern repurposing of old movies reminded me of the 24 hour epic The Clock crossed with The Lily’s Revenge. And what an ending, boasting stilts and a giant rose! In Sherlock Holmes & the Hansom Cab Killer, three actors played a multitude of roles as the world’s greatest detective tracked down a murderer. Featuring swordplay, fog, shadow puppetry and silly, tongue-in-cheek humor, the talented quick-change artists of The Baggy Pants occasionally poked through the fourth wall with nods both to Monty Python and the stage version of The 39 Steps. Both Sherlock and Liebe would’ve been even better for being a tad briefer, but I emerged from each with a big grin on my face. A lot of people had grins on their faces at the end of ArtSpot’s Jack Spicer’s Billy the Kid, a mash-up of Spicer’s ten-part poem about the frontier outlaw and quotes from his lectures on poetry & inspiration held together by additional words by Lisa (Detroit) D’Amour. Part romantic triangle among two cowboys and a boardinghouse proprietor who
And while Margot Walsh and Ricardo Barba’s multi-room installation at the Parse Gallery was a knock-out, Night Light Collective’s ambitious TOPOS, an immersive theatrical experience which took place in it and whose audience members became part of a would-be utopia with an authoritarian streak, would have benefitted from more richly developed characters (kudos, though, to the accomplished actors who inhabited them) and vignettes that played out with a more highly charged sense of dramatic urgency. The other few shows I saw were complete or near-complete misses, but why speak ill of the departed? The Fringe’s conclusion felt like the end of summer camp—wearily satisfied that it was over and already looking forward to next year’s!
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Lords of Leather’s American Bandstand: FromSinners to Saints @ JohnPaul’s ~ New Orleans ~ Photos Rip Naquin
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Glamour, Nightlife, Cocktails @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
mobile Hello, Welcome, Happy Birthday & Thanksgiving ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John
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Hello Boys & Girls
Welcome home Kevin with DJ Leroy
Toni Dee @ B-Bob’s Thanksgiving
Bartender of the Month
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ou have seen this character in so many movies and television sitcoms throughout the years, but in one bar she really does exist. Who is this person, why it is the sassy black friend; the one who has all the snappy comebacks and has the best advice on any subject. And where can you find this person? It is none other than Miss Ashlee Logan at the Corner Pocket. With her birthday coming up in December, I thought this would be the perfect month to spotlight her. Originally from North Mississippi, Ashlee has lived in New Orleans for 24 years and bartending at the Pocket for the last 15. Never one to mince words, Ashlee slings drinks with attitude. But all this brashness is tempered with a professional attitude and winning personality. And she knows how to rock a bar. She can service a full, busy bar, maneuver strippers clumsy dance moves and still be witty at the same time. Her customer base is loyal and come in especially to hang out with her.
“Elf” will be shown. The second will be the romantic comedy “Love Actually” on Wednesday, Dec. 19. The W French Quarter is inviting New Orleans residents and guests to celebrate the holidays and help raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts as part of a larger W Brand fundraising initiative. Since 1988, the Robin Hood Relief Fund has been dedicated to fighting poverty in New York City and local communities. It was reactivated specifically to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy, with 100 percent of proceeds going to the cause. This seems like a great way to help others and get into the holiday spirit. There is a limited number of chairs available in the courtyard; but guests are encouraged to bring their own collapsible chairs and blankets to the movie series. If there is inclement weather, the movie will be rescheduled. This event is totally free and open to the public. Enjoy a lovely evening under the stars featuring movie-style small bites and specialty hot drinks from SoBou. Snacks will include Ghost Pepper Cotton Candy, Creole Beer Nuts, deluxe popcorn, s‘mores roasting station, grilled doughnuts and more. To make the night even sweeter, W French Quarter will be giving away a twonight stay to W Chicago Lakeshore on Dec. 12 and W Atlanta-Midtown on Dec. 19 to one lucky movie-goer! The times for each evening is 6pm – 9pm. The W New Orleans – French Quarter is located at 316 Rue Chartres. For more information about the Naughty + Nice Holiday Movie Series, please visit www.wfrenchquarter.com/whappenings.
Soups On!
Happy Birthday Weston
Welcome home Joey & Shane
In her spare time, Ashlee also volunteers at a homeless shelter for men, now coming up on 20 years of service. Her skills behind the bar are also exemplary, making some of the best cocktails to keep the people coming back to the Pocket for more. The dancing boys may be a draw, but it is Ashlee who keeps the customers well lubricated. It is very hard for a bartender to stand out in a bar like the Corner Pocket, where most of the clientele’s attention is diverted elsewhere, but Ashlee manages to do this with finesse and ease. So make it a point to stop by the Corner Pocket to experience Miss Ashlee in the flesh. The Corner Pocket is located at 940 St. Louis Street.
Are You Naughty or Nice?
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Happy Thanksgiving from the Davenport Family
Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s
he W French Quarter is presenting a “Naughty + Nice” Holiday W Happening Movie Series in which some of the proceeds from food and beverage sales will benefit Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. There will be two movies shown in the series. The first will be on Wednesday, Dec. 12 as the comedy
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ew Orleans most prominent dish is being served up for you to try in many different styles and flavors thanks to the Krewe of AmonRa. Their Gumbo Cook-off fundraiser will be on Sunday, Dec. 9th at 2pm. The event takes place at the Golden Lantern and combines two New Orleans favorite pastimes, watching Saints football and eating Gumbo. There is a $10 donation to taste all the different gumbos and $25 to enter your gumbo. The winner will receive a $100 prize, which is chosen by the people tasting. Tubby's Golden Lantern is located at 1239 Royal Street.
Walking in a Winter Wonderland with Pride
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ew Orleans Pride is present ing the 2nd Annual Winter Wonderland on Friday, Dec. 7 at 10pm at JohnPaul’s. This event is near and dear to my heart since I am one of the reigning Grand Marshals of Pride. This event is always a great time and includes raffle door prizes and entertainment. Some of the items raffled off will be Hornets vs. Rockets tickets, dinner for two at the Beach House and a silver necklace.
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on the prowl by Rory Wright Email: rorywrightinnola@hotmail.com
Discovering LGBT Clubs in the Burbs
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here are at least two exciting and entertaining gay bars to discover in Metairie, just a few miles away from the French Quarter and New Orleans. They are the 4 Seasons and Out Back Bar, which has been in continuous operation for over thirty years and Club LAX, which has been in it’s current form since 2009. Both Bars are on N. Causeway Blvd. in Metairie. This article focuses on Club LAX and the next Burbs article will be all about 4 Seasons and Out Back. This writer met up with Toby Lefort, coproprietor with Al Herrera at Club LAX last week to talk about it’s past, current operations and future. The bar is larger than it looks from the parking lot. You walk through the front door to find an area that contains copies of the Ambush, free condoms and promotional materials and turn the corner to find a good size bar area with smiling bartenders who say hello and welcome you to the club. Inside, there are high topped tables and stools to have drinks with friends, and to the right are a row of video poker machines for entertainment. There are seven large screen TVs and a small but effective
stage at the front of the bar for drag shows, events, and auctions throughout the year. There are pool tables in the back and the bar has new carpet and is clean and comfortable. Before being purchased and renovated by Al and Toby, the bar had originally been named Angles, owned by Chuck and Bill, who are the owners of 4 Seasons. It had then been purchased by two women and was called The Sanctuary and ran as a Lesbian bar for seven years. To get some idea of the history of the bar at this location, a Google of the Sanctuary (because it seems like anything that has been online, stays online for along time), found it described as a dive bar and the only all lesbian bar in NOLA with cheap drinks and friendly women. A yelp comment states that: “Now it’s a boy bar- I think its called LAX. Now we don’t have any lesbian bars in the area, I guess that’s what happens when we uhaul it up and get all domesticated!” We talked about how Toby and Al had ended up co-owning a bar and where he had come from. “Growing up in a small town in Louisiana was not easy. I grew up between Lockport and Larose and it was very difficult to be gay because nobody talked about it. The only gay life there was in Houma, which is about 19 miles from where I lived. After graduation I learned
bartending from Tom Shepard and his partner in Gibson, worked at a bar called Kixx as a bartender for over a year. I met my first partner and moved to New Orleans in 1992 and attended my first Southern Decadence, that was amazing and watching that I decided I wanted to be a grand marshal someday and my friends said, “That will never happen Toby keep dreaming," and I told them, "you never know." He says smiling. Now into the 1990s and Toby is hired by Harrah's and goes to dealer school. He works for Harrah's when they opened in the large casino where they are now located in 1999 he was on staff. Always interested in giving back, he comments: “It was exciting because you could be an openly gay supervisor and Harrah's is a great company to work for. They donated materials and funds for my fundraising for the NO/AIDS Task Force. I worked with them until Hurricane Katrina hit. I was living in Lafayette at the time. Harrah's advanced all their employees three months pay and they asked me to be a national trainer, so I was able to work in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Tunica, Mississippi and Indiana after the storm and then Harrah's reopened in about 7 months and brought the employees back.” We talked about what motivated him to do fundraising. “I have always wanted to give back, and back in 1994, one of my dearest friends Travis was dying of AIDS. Travis' family was not very supportive because they could not accept that he was gay. He was dying back then and had minimal contact with his family. He would come to New Orleans to visit and on the day he died, he asked me to become the
biggest fundraiser in the NO/AIDS Task Force in memory of him, and as big a goal and impossible a goal as that seemed, I told him I would do it. He died, passed away three minutes later. I kept up the goal every year for Travis and in 2003 for the first time I was announced as the highest fundraiser that year and I made the promise to Travis come true. It doesn’t matter from year to year who raises the most because at the end of the day its all about helping people. My goal before I am done is to have raised a million dollars for that cause and if that goal is met it will be met because of the amazing support of so many people. It is those people who are the heroes and they deserve all the credit for what we have been able to accomplish.” As far as the grand marshal goal, Toby was chosen grand marshal for the 2010 Southern Decadence and another goal was accomplished. As business partners they had been looking for an opportunity but when Al Herrera called to say they had to meet the next day and sign papers to own the bar, Toby couldn’t sleep. He had to tell both Harrah's and the owners of 4 Seasons that he couldn’t work there anymore and why. Harrah's wished him well and the 4 Seasons owners reacted with class and support. “Chuck and Bill are phenomenal people and were so supportive and understanding. There are people that like to gossip and make a rivalry of the two bars, but the truth is we are and remain good friends and they have a great bar, and there has never been a rivalry between the
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under the gaydar ...from 24 All the top entertainers in the city will be part of this star studded evening emceed by the talented Misti Ates. Guests are
on the prowl ...from 26 two bars and never will be.” Fast forward two years down the road and Club LAX has become what the owners agree, is a local “cheers for queers” type bar. There are a group of women who still come and hang out who used to come when it was the Sanctuary. There are a mix of gay men, lesbians, straight couples and transgendered folks and every one is welcome. “We welcome anyone who respects us and we have a lot of fun. Many regulars come by every week and they feel like they have found a comfortable home to relax, have a drink, play pool, listen to music and talk amongst friends.” On Friday night DJ Kenny Morris is in the bar and the bar is open from 5pm until as late as the crowd wants to stay. Thursdays is the Bigger than Toby drink special all evening where you can order a triple well shot in a very tall and large man or woman’s statue glass for only $8 and keep the glass.
On the first three Saturdays of the month you can catch a drag show at 10pm with some of the most fun and entertaining drag artists around, The first Saturday watch the Appletini Review with Passion Armani Cassidine, Marty J, and guest starts. The second Saturday watch Goddesses of Glam with Dominique DeLorean and Anastasia Davenport, and the third Saturday see the act Elementz with Karli Essex and guest stars. Sunday’s are fun with the Saints game on 7 large TV Screens, free food and often potluck brought by patrons and free jello shots for every touchdown. Its a great place to watch the game. On December 14th the club is having a
big Christmas party and auction and everyone is invited. The party runs from 811pm with catering by Glen J. Hogh of Vega Tapas Cafe who is donating the food, great drink prices and at 11pm over thirty donated items are being auctioned off for charity. To summarize, with ample free parking, two friendly bartenders, Micah Williamson and Wayne Penton, two great owners and low drink prices, Club LAX is a place to check out.
encouraged to bring a toy for Grace House. Tickets are $10 at the door and a VIP table is $100 and includes four admissions. Make sure you join me and the rest of the Pride family for this event. For more information go to www.prideneworleans.org.
Broadway at NOCCA
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he New Orleans Center for Creative Arts has a lot to sing about coming up in 2013. Three fabulous stars of stage, screen and television will be bringing their amazing talents to New Orleans audiences. Patti LuPone, Sutton Foster and Megan Mullally will be doing shows in January, March and April respectively. Coming up first will be two shows with Broadway legend and two time Tony Award-Winning star of Evita and Gypsy Patti LuPone on Jan. 7. Sirius/XM radio star Seth Rudensky will act as pianist and host for this magical evening of entertainment. Show times are 6:30 and 8:30pm. NOCCA is located at 2800 Charters Street. For more information or to buy tickets, go to www.broadwaynola.com.
Party Down
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ell there is no escaping the holidays now. We are in the thick of all the excitement with non-stop events and parties to keep everyone enticed. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, I know mine was especially fun. You will read about my adventures in Ambush on the Road. But before I left for the holidays, there were some enthusing things I did the week prior. Let’s begin with three hospitality events I attended back to back Tuesday through Thursday. On Tuesday, I went to the monthly networking gathering of Meeting Professional International at the newly renovated Hyatt French Quarter which was formerly the Chateau Sonesta then the Chateau Bourbon. The entire hotel has had a facelift and the new changes are tremendous. Their lobby has an updated look with their new Powdered Sugar Market and Batch Bar. The reception was very nice and the food was exceptional. Not ready to go home, my friend Jeremy and I had a few more cocktails in the Quarter stopping at Lafitte’s, Oz and Good Friends, which was packed with karaoke fans. The Hyatt Corporation followed up the following day with a reception at the Ogden Museum introducing customers to 1718, their new off premise catering and event company. To say the food was delicious was an understatement. They pulled out all the stops to show guests their remarkable culinary talents. On Thursday, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau held their Business After Hours at Antoine's. As always, the restaurant did an impressive job and I got to connect with many people in the industry I had not seen in a while. Afterwards, my friend Erin and Alison journeyed into the Quarter where we went to movie star Channing Tatum’s brand new bar Saints and Sinners. The décor is reminiscent of the old days of the Red Light District in the Crescent City. It had a very sexy vibe with lots of pretty people. We enjoyed their happy hour with some new friends we met at the Business After Hours, then we went to Allison’s family mansion on Royal Street for wine on her wrap around balcony. It was a superb way to end a great evening with friends, new
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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
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 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 Oct. 24-27, 2013, Halloween 30: I3OO, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.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. A locally owned and operated French Quarter hotel that has been beautifully transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites. Several historical townhouses are also available to accommodate larger groups of up to 26. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St., free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is 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]
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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, Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A 19th century home that has been historically restored and transformed into a locally owned and operated hotel. Experience the rich history and hospitality of New Orleans at an affordable price. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621
marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com
massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage; heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & thai massage/bodywork). Call 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is2612]
media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306
Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am-4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, TuesSun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, TuesSun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm
music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 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 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 GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM 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 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. SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM 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 phar-
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under the gaydar ...from 27 and old. I started the weekend by attending Re-Prom, a fundraiser for the Boys Town of Louisiana, at Gallier Hall on Friday. This retro themed cocktail reception had flowing libations, splendid cuisine by Rommel’s and a lively dance band that kept people moving the entire night. Several local celebrities raised money to vie as King and Queen of the prom for this second annual event. So it is not just the gays that love our crowns. One girl raised ten grand to get that tiara on her head, now that is a person who is in it to win it. Saturday was a full evening of events, I began by going to the opening of the headquarters main showroom of Razzle Dazzle. Located in the French Quarter on Royal Street, the store now has a new warehouse/showroom on Elysian Fields. Not only can guests shop there, but they are now a full service design house and event venue space. The reception was outstanding, and loving the Christmas holidays like I do, many purchases were made that night. People dined on great cuisine as they sipped the very potent Razzletinis. This was a wonderful way to start the night off. Afterwards, I went to the Phoenix for the Krewe of Petronius’ holiday moneymaker, the Queer Bar Shopping Network, where they auctioned off lots of gifts and décor. Bootsie, C Alice, Natasha and the gang once again put on a holiday happening to remember. This weekend was also Fringe Fest, so once I left the Phoenix, I met up with my friends Nick and Vince to see two late night shows. One was at a space in the Marigny, I never even macy 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
heard of and the second was a naughty cabaret at the Allways Lounge. Both places were standing room only, the first play was about the Axe Man Murderer that prowled New Orleans in the early 1900’s (true story, never knew we had our own gruesome Jack the Ripper) done with marionettes and the second was a burlesque cabaret show helmed by a dominatrix in a school teacher’s attire. It was great seeing two of my favorite bartenders Chris Wecklein and Rusty Laroux at Allways. But once the show was over, I retired for the night. My mom joined Beaux, Barrett and I the next day for Sunday brunch at Dijon restaurant which was having a special Beaujolais three course meal. An accordion player performed background music as guests dined on the sumptuous fare complete with a complimentary glass of that delicious wine. There were also bottomless bellinis and mimosas for everyone. After lunch, the boys and I went to Lafitte’s to participate in Amon-Ra’s Scavenger Hunt. It was a great way to work off lunch as we traipsed all over the French Quarter looking for items. In its sophomore year, this is quickly becoming one of my favorite fundraisers for the krewe. I began the week by catching the intense dramatic play Beirut at the MidCity Theatre starring Idella Johnson and Christopher Ramage. These gifted actors lit up the stage as they performed this powerful one act play. And on a more superficial note, they both have banging bodies. I could watch Mr. Ramage “perform” all night. But if you have not had a chance, see this moving production. This leads me to my holiday esca-
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 Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM 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 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 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 MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St.,
pades for Thanksgiving, so read further on in the column and enjoy.
Ambush on the Road
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hanksgiving has come around and it is once again time for my annual road trip with my mom. This year we combined several cities on our excursion. We left Wednesday morning and headed for Lake Charles. On the way we stopped at Poche’s Market in Beaux Bridge to buy some holiday cracklins’ and have lunch. It is hardly a fancy place, but it delivers some of the best down home cooking in the area. And their cracklins’ are some of the finest I have ever tasted. Once we finished our country dining experience and buying several gift containers of those pig delicacies, we got back on the road and arrived at Lake Charles. We stayed at one of the preeminent casinos in the area L‘auberge du lac. This property is the epitome of luxury and excellence. My mother is a gambling aficionado and she has given her seal of approval so to me that is the highest rating any property can get. I am not the biggest gambler but there is something very exhilarating when I come to this place. This casino is built for excitement with 70 table games and approximately 1,600 slot machines; so there is something fit to delight your every need. And there award winning dining facilities are outstanding. After spending an afternoon of gaming, mom and I changed and met Tico Soto with the Lake Charles CVB for dinner at Ember Grille and Wine Bar. He had invited several prominent men in the gay community to join us, some I had met on my last visit to the city. But it was especially exciting to meet the president and one of the members of the two gay carnival krewes in the city. Cliff is the president of the Krewe of Illusions told me all about all about all the thrilling things that happen during Mardi Gras season in Lake Charles. We New Orleanians forget that this is a statewide event; we just 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 Burgundy 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 NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, NOFringe.ORG
tours New Orleans, LA [504] GAY NEW ORLEANS WALKING TOUR, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St. , 568.0717
tend to do it bigger. Their ball this year will be on February 9, 2013 at the Rosa Hart Theatre. Kris from the Krewe du Carnivale also filled me on his event. Both draw huge crowds from around the area and have spectacular costumes. The company and meal was top notch as expected and it was a great pre-Thanksgiving gathering. After I left, Mom and I went to a cocktail reception hosted by Paul and Derrick, two of the top designers in the city. Tico had arranged for me to take my favorite mode of transportation when I visit the city, Superior Taxi and Limo Service. Their drivers are always professional, conscientious and get you to your destination quickly. Paul and Derrick threw an impromptu gathering in their home which has got to be one of the most impressive houses I have seen. Mixing modern architecture with period pieces, their place exudes warmth. Their use of outdoor space flowing into the indoor areas worked harmoniously with the layout of the house, making it one hell of a place to have a party. Their outdoor stone fireplace crackled with aromatic logs as guests walked from room to room exiting onto private porch areas. And their artwork would make many museums jealous. I got the opportunity to not only visit with Paul and Derrick, but a bevy of their handsome male friends while enjoying champagne and later absinthe. After numerous libations, we moved the party to Crystal’s where a drag show was just beginning. I saw the owner John and my friends who I met on my first trip and made many new ones. I had one of the bartender Robert’s potent “Walk Me Home Baby Jesus" cocktails to get me to my happy place. There are some very talented performers in Lake Charles and they know how to put on a show. So after a night of traversing through Cajun country, I retired back to my casino to crash. I cannot tell people what an amazing city Lake Charles is. It is the perfect place for a weekend getaway and provides an ample amount of things to do. L’auberge alone is a destination with all the shops, spas and restaurants, but there is so much more. And the gay scene is outstanding, I have met some of the nicest and hottest men in this city. The following day, we drove to San Antonio and checked into the Drury Plaza and Suites Hotel on the Riverfront. From the moment I entered the property, I knew my stay would be special. Formerly the Alamo Bank, the property now melds modern amenities with the grandeur of days gone by. This 24-story skyscraper was renovated to maintain its historical character and stands as TripAdvisor’s #1 rated hotel in all of San Antonio. Featuring stunning architecture, their lobby has 50foot ceilings, travertine flooring and stained glass windows, which all add to the ambiance when you arrive. And even though this property is a great choice for people on a budget because it offers a hot breakfast every morning, a huge list of amenities, reasonable rates and an extensive evening happy hour that even impressed me, it is hardly a budget hotel. From the exceptional service of the staff to my incredible suite, this hotel is a perfect choice when you want to stay in San Antonio. The guestrooms feature Flat Panel LCD TV’s, comfortable beds and free wireless Internet throughout the hotel (and my suite had a
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under the gaydar ...from 31 kitchenette and living room). After we got settled into our room, my mom and I met up with Jeff Mallon (aka Elizabeth Bouvier, Ambush’s Gay Appreciation Awards Entertainer of the Year four years running and now currently residing in Austin), who was visiting family in San Antonio. He decided to extend his trip for the entire weekend to hang out with me. We had Thanksgiving dinner on the Riverwalk at a delightful open air restaurant called Ostra. Located in the Mokara Hotel, the eatery has an exquisite riverfront locale. It is also an AAA four-diamond restaurant, and recently awarded Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence. The Executive Chef John Brand treats diners to a sustainable seafood menu filled with exotic new dishes and tempting standards. They also boasts a highly acclaimed Oyster Bar, which includes a variety of the freshest oysters, clams, crab, shrimp and ceviche, a full wine list and specialty tequilas cocktails. It was an enjoyable way to begin our trip. After dinner, Jeff and I decided to check out some of the gay scene. This city has a lot to offer in that arena. We took a cab to Main Street where many bars are located within walking distance of each other. We started at Pegasus, which is a huge facility by New Orleans standards (in fact all the bars are big in San Antonio, guess it is true that everything is bigger in Texas). It is like several bars in one. There are two outdoor areas with stages for shows. There is a larger one towards the front for drag shows and one in a patio in the back which does karaoke. The Flying Horse is another space with more of a country feel for all the cowboys. And for the leather queens, The Hawk is the place for them and doubles as a leather shop. We had a few drinks there and talked to a very personable bartender named Tony, who loves New Orleans and sang Lafitte’s in Exile Aletha’s praises. I know we are lucky to live in the Crescent City, but it is always nice to hear that reassurance from others from out of town. Next we went to The Saint which is right down the street on Main and met
another bartender Andrew who kept us entertained for numerous cocktails. The Saint is one of the more popular dance clubs in the area that has fabulous drag shows. They also offer drink specials and jello shots every night for super low prices. I can attest to that first hand, Ms. Bouvier and I had several and it was surprisingly cheap. Then we went next door to Essence, and that is where things began to heat up. The bartenders were scorching hot and so were the male dancers. If you like Latin men, which I definitely do, this place will drive you wild. Talk about fantasies on top and behind the bar. We had so much fun, we closed the bar down, definitely not use to the 2am closing rule. The next day, my mom and I made got our Black Friday retail therapy on at a shopping mecca between San Antonio and Austin (about 40 minutes outside the city). There are two outlet malls side by side San Marcos and Tanger and the shopping is phenomenal. These people don’t play in this state on Black Friday. We arrived at 5:30am and the place was already packed. People think we are crazy to do this, but there is something about all the excitement that gets my blood pumpimg. That and the amazing deals you get by going at the butt crack of dawn. But at least we are not fanatical like some people. I like to think of us as genteel Southern women out for a spot of shopping. But these bitches in Texas take this seriously, bringing large rolling suitcases for their packages, so they do not have to make any trips to the car. My mother thought it was vulgar, I thought it was amusing, that is until one queen yanked a shirt right out of my hand. Then it got real. So we did what any refined ladies would do, we took a shot of Jack Daniels that mom keeps in a flask in her purse and we got my shirt back. The nellie boy came out pretty unscathed. Well almost. Just kidding there was no incidents. We got back to the hotel by noon and met Jeff and his brother Jarret who was also in town for lunch at Rita’s on the River. The food was very good and there was a live Mariachi band doing numbers for guests. Since I was up so early that morning, I took a little siesta after lunch. Later that evening, Jeff and I went to see the boats line up for the parade which was right by our hotel; then we passed a little church festival that was serving wine cocktails. I got me a go cup and went on my merry way. I do not condone this, but I figured that if the cops stopped me I would plead ignorance due to living in NOLA. Then we all met up for the Kickback, the hotel’s happy hour. Every guest gets three complimentary cocktails and food. But the food is more than just your normal fare; it is pretty substantial with salad, baked potatoes, pasta and meatballs, nachos with all the fixings and hot dogs. Then we went down to the Holiday River Parade. The hotel had graciously lined up a private viewing area for the parade right up in the front. This special section was for paid guests and served beverages such as wine, beer, sodas, margaritas and hot chocolate along with several food items for purchase. The theme of the parade this year was “The Lights and Sounds of the Season” with a holiday song title for each boat/float. The Grand Marshal was Olympic swimmer and silver medal winner Jimmy Feigen, who is no stranger to parades having just been in the Parade of Nations at the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympics. The parade lit up the night with more than 85,000 lights
total. It was a nice holiday experience that I recommend to everyone young and old. When the parade finished, Jarret, Jeff and I took a cab to the opening of a new gay bar located outside the city called Creed. It is a somewhat expensive cab ride from downtown, but well worth the money. It is a well-appointed club that gives patrons a more upscale experience. The décor is rich with ornate chandeliers, comfortable and plush lounge seating and a center stage dance floor. The staff is friendly and personable. There are many lounge areas as well as private spaces all of which bottle service is available. The atmosphere is as relaxed as you want it to be. That night, DJ Toucan was spinning and this guy was amazing. He added to the entire ambiance and kept the energy level raised. I also met the delightful manager Gilbert who was a gracious host, as well as the owners James and Janet who sent us over several purple shots that were tasty indeed. Purple is my signature color, whether it be in clothes or liquor. We had a wonderful time and JC, our server, was just dreamy. When we left, we went back to Main Street and stopped in at Sparky’s Pub. Picture the Pub but larger with a more cowboy décor feel. The place was jammed with hot men and surprisingly straight couples, but after talking to a few of them, I know some Texas women are in for heartache in a few years. But you cannot blame these ladies; who doesn’t like to sleep with a so-called straight man. Once again we closed the bar down and had to return to the hotel. The following day we went to the Historic Market Square which is a taste of Mexico with a plethora of shops, outdoor food and merchandise vendors and popular restaurants and taverns. While walking around the scent of sizzling onions and meats fill the air as vendors hark their wares. It is a brilliant explosion of color and activity. After a spot of shopping we had lunch at La Margarita, which is one of the more fashionable dining destinations in the square. We were seated right away, just making it before a line formed. The place was alive with bright colors as it was decorated in wreaths and chandeliers made of ribbon and lights. The restaurant’s history is also impressive. In 1941, Pete and Cruz Cortez opened a little three-table cafe for early-rising farmers and workers at San Antonio’s Mercado [Market]. Sixty-five years later, the Cortez family is still serving authentic Mexican food at their three restaurants: La Margarita, Mi Tierra, and Pico de Gallo. La Margarita is well-known for being the first American restaurant to serve sizzling fajitas. But it is their margaritas selection that we enjoyed the most. Now Pete’s and Cruz’s children and grandchildren continue the family tradition and you can tell there is a lot of warmth in this place. My favorite dish was the Campechana Cocktail, a mixture of fresh Gulf oysters and shrimp combined with a special cocktail sauce and their homemade Pico De Gallo. After lunch, Jeff and I went shopping and visited the San Fernando Cathedral, which was founded in 1731 and is the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas. The cathedral building has the added distinction of being the oldest standing church building in Texas. A funny thing also happened to me at the church. The local news was there filming a man on the street interviews about a comment the pope said about the nativity not being exactly like it is portrayed in manger scenes. No duh! It was a barn, what do you think it looked like and where were the chickens, who heard of a barn with only one cow, (remember the donkey belonged to Joseph and Mary). But it was very cool to be on TV, and wasn’t my mother surprised that night when she was watching the local news and saw my face pop up. She told me later, she said a silent prayer that it wasn’t because I was being
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reVIEW...books, movies, cds by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
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he year was 1962...President Kennedy was in the White House...the country did not know or care who Lee Harvey Oswald and Jack Ruby were...no one knew where “the grassy knoll” was located. We lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis and John Glenn orbited the earth...President Kennedy said we were going to the Moon by the end of the decade. Jacqueline Kennedy took America on a televised tour of the White House. Andy Warhol painted his first soup can and Johnny Carson took over the TONIGHT SHOW. Wal-Mart and K-Mart both opened their first stores. James Meredith registered at the University of Mississippi escorted by Federal Marshals and Marilyn Monroe was found dead on August 5. The Beatles released “Love Me Do” and Walter Cronkite hadn’t started bringing the Vietnam War into our living rooms every night. Route 66, Mr. Ed, My Three Sons and The Beverly Hillbillies were hits on television. The Beatles were getting their start, Bob Dylan was singing protest songs, Chubby Checker was doing the twist, the Beach Boys were learning to surf and Roy Orbison was being Roy Orbison. A new car would set you back $3,125, gas was 28 cents a gallon and eggs were 32 cents a dozen. West Side Story, To Kill A Mockingbird, Whatever Happened To Baby Jane, and Gypsy were new film releases. I know, I used to go to the LEVY THEATER in beautiful downtown Enterprise every weekend. We lived close to downtown and there were sidewalks. We had to cross Main Street at the Boll Weevil monument, but we were big kids and Enterprise had a population of slightly over 11,000 in 1962. Anybody could learn to cross the street if it meant getting out of the house for the afternoon. Oh yeah, movies were 35 cents. And there was a new man coming to town...a Mr. James Bond...and this year we are celebrating 50 years of 007. Dr. No premiered in London on October 5, 1962. Theater bookers in the United States weren’t impressed, it opened in the middle of the country and worked it’s way to both coast. Needless to say it was a hit and the rest is movie history. There have been 32 James Bond films over the last 50 years and it is a $5 billion franchise. James Bond was created by Ian Fleming in 1953. He wrote twelve novels and two short story collections. After his death six authors have written authorized novels or novelizations. There have been six official 007s: Sean Connery, 1962-1967 DR. NO FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE GOLDFINGER THUNDERBALL YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE George Lazenby, 1969 ON HER MAJESTY’S SECRET SERVICE Sean Connery, 1971 DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
Roger Moore, 1973-1985 LIVE OR LET DIE THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN THE SPY WHO LOVED ME MOONRAKER FOR YOUR EYES ONLY OCTOPUSSY A VIEW TO A KILL Timothy Dalton, 1987-1989 THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS LICENSE TO KILL Pierce Bronson, 1995-2002 GOLDENEYE TOMORROW NEVER DIES THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH DIE ANOTHER DAY Daniel Craig, 2006-2012 CASINO ROYALE QUANTUM OF SOLICE SKYFALL NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN, 1983, with Sean Connery is considered a remake of THUNDERBALL. It was not produced by EON Productions and is not considered an official Bond film. It was Connery’s last, and most consider, worst Bond film. ”Bond, James Bond” has been around for 50 years and has added much to our pop culture. It is still one of the top twenty movie franchises. We have the Bond Girls...Pussy Galore/Honor Blackman from GOLDFINGER, Mary Goodnight/Britt Ekland from THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN, Jill Masterson/Shirley Eaton...the golden girl from GOLDFINGER, and the original... Honey Ryder/Ursula Andress stepping out of the sea in a white bikini in DR. NO. There are the Bond villians...Le Chiffre from CASINO ROYALE, Francisco Scaramanga and Nick Nack from THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN, Red Grant and Rosa Klebb...villians in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, Oddjob from GOLDFINGER, Auric Golfinger from GOLDFINGER who has one of the most memorable and oft-quoted lines in a James Bond film...”No Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!” Then there is the notorious leader of SPECTRE...Ernst Stavro Blofeld. Bond drove many cars over the years starting with the Sunbeam Alpine Series II in DR. NO, but the Aston Martin is THE Bond car. It has been said that 1/4 of the worlds population has seen a James Bond film. He paved the way for Jason Bourne...Ethan Hunt...Jack Ryan. The Derek Flint films with James Coburn and the Matt Helm series with Dean Martin came out of Hollywood after 007. Television gave us THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E., I SPY, and GET SMART. And then there is the music...Academy Award nominated...Live And Let Die/Paul McCartney, Nobody Does It Better/Carly Simon, and For Your Eyes Only/Sheena Easton. Not to mention...Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever, Moonraker/Shirley
under the gaydar ...from 32 arrested for some crazy stunt. We did a twirl through the Alamo, which is bigger than I remembered it and the historic Menger hotel which is where Teddy Roosevelt is famous for staying. After all that walking we decided to take a libation break above the clouds and went to the Tower of the Americas for a cocktail. Hovering an incredible 750 feet in the air, the Tower gave us a panoramic view of the city while sipping on our drinks at the Chart House restaurant and lounge. It was a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon. That evening, Jeff, my mom and I decided to make it a special evening by going to one of my favorite chain restaurants that I haven’t been to in years. Fogo de Chao is an upscale Brazilian steakhouse that has a massive salad bar and serves meat in a very unique way. Every person gets a card that can be turned to ether red or green. When it is on green, they keep bringing you the meat, when you flip it back to red, they stop. The 16 different meat choices that range from chicken and pork to every cut of beef you can imagine is served by hot Latino men from swords. There is something about men with meat that make my mouth water. All kidding aside, this is a memorable dining experience, albeit gluttonous. We had a fun time laughing and joking and reminiscing about the weekend and our great times in New Orleans. It is always good to connect with friends and family who live far way. After dinner, I was beat so I went back to the hotel packed and went to bed. The next morning, mom and I said our Bassey, A View To A Kill/Duran Duran, You Only Live Twice/Nancy Sinatra, Goldeneye/Tina Turner, The Living Daylights/ a-ha, Die Another Day/Madonna, and Skyfall/Adelle. The James Bond franchise has left it’s mark on popular culture and the newest film, SKYFALL is breaking all sorts of records. Released in the US on November 8, SKYFALL is the highest-grossing film in the Bond series. Figures online today (1127) have it near the $800 million mark worldwide. It is from EON Productions, distributed by MGM and Sony Pictures Entertainment. It is directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty) and stars Daniel Craig as Bond. This is his third Bond film and he seems to bring new life to the role. He has signed on for two more films. We do say good-bye to Dame Judi Dench in her role as “M”. In the short film, HAPPY AND GLORIOUS, Mr. Craig teamed up with royalty. He joined THE QUEEN in a short film opening the Olympics in London. It was her majesties first film role. It also celebrated 007’s 50th and THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE. There have been ups and downs in the Bond franchise, not all were great and not all stand the test of time. The older ones are campy and fun to watch at home. Craig is doing lots of things right. Who would have thought 50 years ago that 007 would still be around, hell, who would have thought I would still be around? Now if I can just find me some 28 cent gas and a 35 cent picture show. A FOOTNOTE: To the spirit and memory of Elizabeth Taylor...sorry about LIZ & DICK and I’m real sorry about Lindsay Lohan. It was a “real slow talent day” in Hollywood.
goodbyes to Jeff and got on the road for 7am. We made great time arriving in Houston for 9:30am where we did more shopping at IKEA and Garden Ridge, both located in Katy. If New Orleanians want to do something good for the city, rally to get these two stores to open in our area soon. After dropping some more cash in the Texas economy, we moved onto our next stop. It has become a tradition that we eat at a Cracker Barrel at some point of our trip, not because the food is good (it helps that it is), but because we love to shop at their general store for knick knacks (or another term for it crap you do not need). This year we stopped at one right outside Lake Charles. We finally arrived back home around 6pm with thankfully no traffic. So if you are looking for a place to go for your next holiday that mixes culture and shopping with a party atmosphere, I highly recommend San Antonio. For more information on any of the two cities I have visited, go to www.visitlakecharles.org or www.visitsanantonio.com.
Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom
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ometimes being late is a good thing. For those who know me, they can attest that I hate to be late for anything. I am always one of those punctual people if not early for things. It was just the way I was brought up. As you read recently I went on a holiday road trip with my mom, and we left Lake Charles late that morning for San Antonio for a myriad of reasons. I was hung over and moving slow from partying the night before with my friends in the area to the GPS being more complicated in programming that morning (again blame me for that, electronics are not my forte after a night of partying). Anyway, I was grumpy and aggravated as we left. We were going at a good and steady pace until we hit one of the thickest fog banks right outside of Beaumont which slowed us down, then bringing us to a screeching halt. We sat in gridlocked traffic not moving for two hours, but for some reason I felt very calm, almost thankful. We knew there had to be a bad accident up ahead but had no idea of the severity. Once we realized we were not moving two hours later, we followed many cars turning around on the embankment and taking and alternate route to Houston, which caught us back up with the I-10 and we finished our journey. It was not until later that evening, we discovered exactly how bad the accident was. The 140 car pile-up sent 80 people to the hospital and claimed two lives. We saw where the accident happened and we were literally right over a hill, less than two miles away. I truly believe that because we were late that morning, it saved us from being in that catastrophe. I know it sounds very “Final Destination” of me, but what is even more eerie is that the two people who lost their lives had the same last name as us. So I learned one thing on that stretch of highway, life is not a race, you will get to the end soon enough so do not rush things. So in the meantime, take it easy out there on the roads, and have an extremely safe holiday season. If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
New Orleans Restaurant Guide
BBQ Shrimp @ Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie
World Famous Hamburger @ Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St.
Hot Appetizer Platter @ Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130
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
Breakfast @ Krystal, 116 Bourbon
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. 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. Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM. Featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” Deanie’s signature BBQ Shrimp served the New Orleans way--jumbo head-on Louisiana Shrimp served in our unique blend of seasonings with a crusty baguette. For 50 years Deanie's has been serving huge portions of the best boiled, broiled and fried seafood in New Orleans. The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart, 529.8874, DecadenceShoppeCafe.COM is part coffee shop, part cafe, and part bakery. "We take pride doing all our own baking, and you can order your next special treat from us," says owners Matt and Kevin. This little neighborhood place will fulfill your sweet tooth or both your breakfast or lunch cravings in a quiet setting while serving "desserts like Mom use to make". Located across the street by the Armstrong Park arch, the cafe is open Wed.-Sun. 7am - 3pm. Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, 504.371.5074, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, is truly a fresh new restaurant with a 23-year history of serving New Orleans and guests from all over the world. Think of Fatoush as a combination coffee house, herbal teahouse, natural juice bar, and organic restaurant offering a unique selection of the richest and healthiest foods from around the world. Handcrafted dishes that contain only the finest natural ingredients and a variety of cuisines and innovative taste offfer thrills that are appealing, exciting, and best of all, healthy. Open 7am-10pm daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. 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 delight 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 plus Saturday and Sunday brunch. Open Tue. - Thur. 11am - 9pm, Fri. - Sat. 11am - 10pm, Sat. Brunch 11am-5pm, Sun. Brunch 10am - 3pm, Tue. - Sat. dinner starts @ 5pm. 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.
Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
Scotch Eggs @ Prime Grille, 3162 Dauphine 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.
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Beef Lasagna @ The Decadence Shoppe, 806 N. Rampart St.
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Nightlife ~ New Orleans ~ Photos Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Patrick Michael, Rip Naquin
papar azzi
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40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Dec . 4-17, 2012 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM