2 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 3
the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Pre-Halloween Heralds in Fall Celebrations And we're off and running... Just coming off an unbelievable Southern Decadence and Labor Day Weekend, the Gulf South moves into the Fall season with everything Halloween. From Oktoberfest to a multitude of scary events including one of the year's largest fundraisers, Halloween XXX benefiting Project Lazarus, this issue of Ambush brings "Your VIP Guide" to life. Join in the festivities whether you're in Houston, New Orleans, Metairie, Slidell, Baton Rouge, Mobile or Pensacola. On Facebook, you can catch Today's Ambush VIP Guide most days featuring the hottest events direct from the pages of the South's oldest regional LGBT tabloid now in its 31st year since 1982.
Ambush Mag is a proud sponsor of Halloween XXX: Chapel of Love which runs Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th in New Orleans. See pages 21 and 26 for more on the original red carpet celebration or visit www.HalloweenNewOrleans.COM. Get your weekend passes or individual event tickets today! The mission of the Hosts of Halloween is to provide funding for Project Lazarus, a home in New Orleans for men and women with AIDS, so that they may provide healthcare and support services for their residents. Project Lazarus, which provides direct AIDS services, is the sole beneficiary of all funds which are raised. In it's 29 year history, Halloween has raised over $4.6M for Project Lazarus. According to the organization, "We are one of the only 100% donation/volunteer event weekends left in the US."
National Coming Out Day Oct. 11 The community comes together to celebrate National Coming Out Day (NCOD) on October 11th each year. According to Wikipedia NCOD is an internationally observed civil awareness day celebrating individuals who publicly identify as bisexual, gay, lesbian, transgender—coming out regarding one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity being akin to a cultural rite of passage for LGBT people. The day is observed annually by members of the LGBT community and allies on October 11.
Lords of Leather Halloween Party & Costume Contest Oct. 26 Where will you be when the lights go out??? If you like things that go “bump in the night” you will want to be at the Phoenix Bar on Saturday, October 26th. That will be the setting for the Lords of Leather Halloween Party and Costume Contest. Begin the evening by checking out “The House of Glory….Holes” party from 6 – 9pm in the Eagle Bar (up-
2013 Fringe Fest Lineup with 77 Wild, Weird, Fresh & Original Shows The New Orleans Fringe Festival announces the lineup for its sixth annual festival, November 20 - 24! The Fringe features an incredible 77 shows from all over the US (and abroad) performing at 30 venues throughout the city, primarily in the Marigny and Bywater. Tickets are available at www.nofringe.org and Mardi Gras Zone before the festival. During the Festival, buy tickets with cash or credit card at the Free-For-All Tent in Architect’s Alley in the Marigny or at Mardi Gras Zone. Tickets are also available at all Fringe venues. Tickets are $8 with the one-time purchase of a festival button ($3), a 6-show pass is $40, and an allaccess pass is $99. What is Fringe? “Well, there’s alotta ways to get there from here, you can... take the Underground Railroad past the Down and Outskirts, pick up the Oregon Trail on the other side of the City of Bones, you come to Butcher Holler and Possum Kingdom, where the She-Wolf of Spain Street prowls the streets of This Sweaty City and you can meet La Matadora and Icarus for a bowl of Ice Scream at Emma’s Parlor ‘cause after all, they’re Leaving the Nest, and y’all gotta talk about the Struggle for Justice and The Unwanted and Willing ‘fore you go Running down the Rails with Buttboy and Tigger whispering NothingYouEverWantedToKnow about Christmas in Bakersfield and the Blue Book...” - Swamp Deville Visit www.nofringe.org for the entire lineup and schedule.
Halloween issue out Oct. 22nd DEADLINE: Tues., Oct. 15th
inside winston gray memorial & 2nd line a community within communities moments in gay new orleans history spotlight feature/frank marino celebrazzi, email, elections snap paparazzi/new orleans under the gaydar pensacola paparazzi halloween xxx mobile paparazzi
stairs). Cost is $10 and includes all the domestic beer and well drinks you can handle. The always-optional clothes/ costume check will be available as well. After the party, the fun is just beginning as the Lords/Phoenix will be awarding prizes for the best Halloween costumes in both individual and group categories. Contest begins at 11pm. So plan your haunted Halloween festivities and come see us after darkness falls at the Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields Avenue on Saturday, October 26.
6 8 10 12 14 16 17 20 21 22
snap paparazzi/new orleans classifieds review ambush paparazzi/new orleans trodding the boards ambush paparazzi/new orleans houston paparazzi
AD INFO: Call 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
4 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
24 28 30 32 33 34 35
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 Texas - Houston
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 THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Blanche-Alabama Frankie Fierce, Charles Jenkins, Tony Leggio, Frank Perez, Arthur Severio, Rev. Bill Terry-New Orleans Bob Brunson, MIss Cie & 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 NaquinDelain, 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. ©1982-2013, AMBUSH, INC.,ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDINGAD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation
The Festival features 24 shows that were identified through a unique peer review process as high-quality, original, fringe-y theater. These “FringeManaged Venue” shows are presented in six performance venues at offbeat theaters and unusual spaces: Shadowbox Theatre, Mardi Gras Zone Warehouse, Den of Muses, Marigny Opera House, Backyard Ballroom, and the Old Firehouse. The Bring Your Own Venue (BYOV) option greatly expands the scope and flavor of the festival by encouraging artists to organize their own spaces throughout the city. Over 50 BYOV shows are presented at 30 venues such as Zeitgeist, the Allways Lounge & Theatre, Michalopoulos Stu[continued on 8]
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 5
6 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 7
a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Coming Out
the "official" dish ...from 4 dio, Mudlark Public Theatre, Byrdie’s, JohnPaul’s and more. Central City has five venues this year in Fringe! NEW this year: FREE shows along the parade route at our “Parade HotSpots” starting at 1 pm on Saturday November 23, and parade starts at 2pm. FREE Family Fringe featuring “Makers” (inventors) and many free performances for kids. NEW Box Office location and Free-For-All Tent in Architect’s Alley in the Marigny (behind Mardi Gras Zone). Just us for Peep Show Previews, November 20-21, 57pm. Now in its third year, the Yard Art Tour (YAT3), a self-guided walking/ driving public art tour organized by the Fringe, is still accepting submissions. Before and after shows, audience can drift around the neighborhood looking at a bit of fun, wacky, poignant, pointed yard art. To submit your art, visit www.nofringe.org.
The Fringe is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was founded by local arts organizers to nurture fearless theater in New Orleans and to benefit artists, venues, neighborhoods and local businesses. Sponsors: Robert Rauschenberg Foundation, Louisiana Division of the Arts, Arts Council of New Orleans, City of New Orleans, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, Bywater Neighborhood Association, Good Eggs, Bernard Productions, NOLA Brewing Company, Old New Orleans Rum, WWOZ 90.7, OffBeat, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, Mardi Gras Zone, WWNO 88.9, NOLA.com and a host of local businesses and individuals. This program is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. This program is supported in part by a Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of
Coming out! Billie Jean King was “outed” by her estranged lover according to a recent NPR interview. Celebrities “come out” or are “outed” with increasing regularity it seems. Some who are not “out” are simply quiet. It’s complicated right? A young man sat in the quiet church. It was dark and he was a well known cantor. His tenor voice had sung in some of the most prestigious synagogues and churches in New Orleans. I walked in on that quiet contemplative
scene. He looked up and said, “you know that I am gay?” I said, “of course.” He wept. He came out. He had never hidden who he was, at least not as an adult, at least not with his friends, but never ever in his previous church. He looked up and said, “Father, you know I have never been able to say in my church to my pastor that I am gay.” He wept. A tall man with a shaved head and
New Orleans. The grant is administered through the Arts Council of New Orleans.
are available all day from 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Ticket sales to end at 3pm.
2013 Creole Christmas Set For December 27-28 Friends of the Cabildo, the support organization for the Louisiana State Museum, announces its 2013 Creole Christmas is set for Friday and Saturday December 27th-28th. The two-day event allows guest to visit five French Quarter historic houses decorated in traditional Christmas decorations. Featured houses include Gallier House, 1850 House, Spring Fiesta, Historic New Orleans Collection’s Williams Residence, and Beauregard-Keyes House. Friday-Saturday, December 27-28, 9am– 4pm, Self-Guided Tours begin at the 1850 House Museum Store at 523 St. Ann Street on Jackson Square and
8 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
[continued on 10]
Spring Fiesta House will provide refreshments and docent led tours throughout the day. Tickets are $25 per person, $20 FOC members. Tickets can be purchased online at www.friendsofthecabildo.org or the day of the event at the 1850 House Museum Store. Friends of the Cabildo is a private non-profit volunteer group that provides financial and volunteer support for the Louisiana State Museum, its projects and its property. Since incorporating in 1956, the Friends of the Cabildo has grown into a large statewide membership organization, a dynamic and motivating force in broadening and supporting the aims of the Louisiana State Museum.
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 9
moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
“Bourbon Street Gets Its First Gay Bar” The other day I was sitting in a bar chatting with a friend when several straight women wandered in and sat nearby. My friend, who is somewhat advanced in age, became annoyed and ruefully asked me if I remembered the days when women were not allowed in gay bars. A much younger acquaintance of ours heard the remark and a heated discussion ensued. My old friend (who is in his 80s) insisted that gay bars should be exclusively reserved for gay men while my younger friend (who is in his 20s) countered that such a sentiment violated the spirit of tolerance and acceptance older gays have fought so hard for over the years. Having heard this debate before in several other bars, I chose to remain silent, but the argument did cause me to ponder the future of gay bars and even if that designation would one day become a thing of the past. It is said that to know where you’re going, you have to know where you’ve come from so naturally, having an interest in history, the subject also made me consider the history of gay bars. Gay bars as we know them today in New Orleans did not exist until the mid-20th century. Prior to that, drinking gays were relegated to a handful of straight bars that did not forbid their patronage but were a little less than welcoming. At the turn of the century in
New Orleans, Tony Jackson, the famous gay pianist, used to hang out at a saloon called The Frenchman’s (at Bienville and Villere Streets); the bar is also referenced by jazz historians as allowing cross-dressers. There was also the Golden Feather on St. Bernard Avenue and the Dream Castle on Frenchmen Street. And during Prohibition (1920-1933), there was, reputedly, a speakeasy in the lower Pontalba Building. All of these drinking establishments were predominately straight but somewhat gay-almost-friendly. The oldest gay bar in New Orleans is Café Lafitte in Exile. In 1933, Tommy Caplinger, Harold Bartell, and Mary Collins opened Café Lafitte at the cor-
a community within communities ...from 8
mate. Why upset them, they know, I know, the neighborhood knows, hey. Celebrities come out with a flourish. They write books and are hailed as being brave; perhaps. They also have attorneys and publicists to help them with this. Billie Jean King, well that was a bit harder it was much earlier. Today, for many young men and women coming out it seems a bit less of a challenge I think. Yet, for so many taboos, religious, cultural, and social stigma still permeate our land. After ten years of stories it seems evident that choice is not an issue rather being is the way it is. That is to say you are who you are and in large measure you are who you are made to be. I get it; science is all over the place. But the stories aren’t all over the place. The stories are consistent and always start, “I always knew that I was different.” One can only imagine another who would tell his story. I know that his mother would certainly say, “He was always different.” He might say: When I was a young boy I would eagerly leave my parents side to go to my father’s house to learn and then to teach and when I was born they tried to kill me because of who I would grow up to be. I seemed to scare some people. I always knew that I was different. My momma told me stories about how special I was. Then I grew up. I came out. My family that loved me did not
an accent redolent with the Mississippi Delta stood in front of the old church. His flamboyant conversation rang of the deep-south with a girlish twist to his words. The new priest came from the suburbs and things like the Radical Fairies, who this man was a member of, was quiet, to say the least, new to him. “So when did you come to know that you were gay?” the priest asked. I always knew that I was different even as early as age six. One day, I knew that I was truly gay, I guess I was 12 maybe 13. “How did you deal with that?” again the priest queried. “I was walk’n in the woods one day. I lay down in the grass beneath a slash pine and I looked up and saw the clouds. I just knew that Jesus loved me for who I was.” The priest, me, wept. Another story: the short guy had an edge. He was not raised in cotillions environments rather the south side. Yea, I knew it as early as I can remember. I was different. Hell I knew what and who I was by the time I was 15. Yea I dated girls because I had to. It was expected. I’m Italian ya know. But hey, like the guys in my neighborhood said, I might be a fag but I’m their fag so keepa you hands off. The old ladies, hey, they loved me they cared for me and even today, they say about my partner, you have such a nice room-
ner of Bourbon and St. Philip Streets. They were accepting of and welcoming to their gay clientele. (Collins was a lesbian, Caplinger was straight, Bartell’s orientation is unknown). Although the bar could not be classified as a “gay bar” as we think of that term today, it was as gay friendly as the times would permit. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Café Lafitte was a trendy nightspot. Robert Kinney mentions the bar in his classic 1942 book, The Bachelor in New Orleans, suggesting, “If the bartender is passed out, go behind the bar and mix your own drink!” In a city known for its bars, Café Lafitte was a must stop for visitors and a Mecca for celebrities, including Lyle Saxon, Tennessee Williams, Frances Benjamin Johnston, Enrique Alferez, and Robert Rouark among others. In 1951, the owner of the building that housed Café Lafitte (currently Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop) died. After his estate was settled, the building was then sold by his family and the new owner told the owners of Café Lafitte that they could keep their bar but that the queers would have to go. Caplinger made the decision to relocate the bar down the street on the next corner. The words “In Exile” were added to Café Lafitte to refer to the bar’s gay patrons who were “in exile” from the former location. Café Lafitte in Exile opened its current incarnation at 901 Bourbon in 1953. The grand opening was celebrated with a costume party. To avoid being discovered and thus raided, the front door was barricaded with sandbags and barbed wire. Those in the know had to enter through a back door. As the 1950s unfolded, Lafitte’s became one of a handful of French Quarter “queershops,” a derisive term used by police to refer to what we now call gay bars. There was also the Starlet Lounge on Chartres Street and Tony Bacino’s on Toulouse Street and a few others. These bars were frequented almost exclusively by gay
men—women, even lesbians, were specifically not allowed. A few lesbian bars opened on Tchoupitoulas Street in the Irish Channel in the 1950s but these bars were short lived. Gays and lesbians finally had bars of their own; the era of gay folk having to “tone it down” in order to drink in straight bars was essentially over, although a few bars managed to successfully blur the line between gay and straight, the most notable being Dixie’s Bar of Music, which relocated from the CBD to Bourbon Street in 1949. There was also the My-O-My Club on the Lakefront which featured female impersonators but essentially catered to a straight clientele. Before the advent of the internet and the subsequent seismic shift in public attitudes toward homosexuality, the gay bar served for decades not only as refuge and playground for gay men but also as identity giver for those just coming to terms with their gayness. For young and old alike, the gay bar was a safe space as well as a place for answers for those who felt the burgeoning yearnings of the identity that dare not speak its name.
understand. They even came to me and my friends and said, “Send him home because he is not right in his head.” They, many of the people around me tried to ‘fix’ me. The people in power tried to silence me. It appeared that the law and all of society stood against me. But I stayed true to who and what I am. – Jesus. Perhaps the foregoing re-telling is a bit gilded but it certainly is not intended to trivialize. It is intended to say that being different as in “I knew I was different” is not a bad thing. In fact our quest for fitting in as a society is so over rated that we have lost some of our passion for being unique, odd, beyond convention. I believe and hope that is changing. There was a time when ‘ink’ was only for hookers and sailors and bikers. Now ‘proper people’ style with ‘ink.’ There was a time when you would
not nor could not where white before Easter or black after Easter. Not so any more. Sorry ladies it’s the truth. Perhaps there is hope. Recent studies in evangelical church circles have older leaders confused because human sexuality is not an issue but poverty and violence is. Perhaps things are changing. I hope so. I believe that the confusion, hatred, and rejection of LGBT community and by extension any minority are simply a result of not listening, not caring, and are born out of fear. The opposite is true to this extent, do not fear those that fear you. Be who you are. Pray in your churches and synagogues not in darkness and silence shedding a tear but because you have a great deal in common with someone else who ‘came out’ and knew they were different at a very early age.
10 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
As society and technology have evolved, so has the role of the gay bar. Despite all the progress our community has made and despite how far society has come, it’s still not acceptable or safe for a gay couple to go into many straight bars and make public demonstrations of affection. It is, however, becoming increasingly common for straight folk to patronize gay bars in order to show how “tolerant” they are. This is a function of gay bars that my 80-something year old friend probably never imagined. Nevertheless, for good or ill, “straight-friendly” gay bars are the inevitable product of the acceptance for which we as a community have fought for so long. I’ll leave it up to you to decide if such a consequence constitutes a case of being careful for what we ask for.
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 11
spotlight feature by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Interview with Frank Marino Frank Marino, one of Sin City’s most celebrated performers, is bringing his exhilarating Vegas show to Harrah’s Casino October 24 – 27. Joined by a cast of illusionists as the top female music icons, Marino will take the stage at the Harrah’s theatre along with his sexy male dancers aptly dubbed the Mardi Gras boys. Frank Marino as comic icon Joan Rivers is joined by an all-star cast of superstar female impersonators who not only recreate but almost uncannily duplicate the likenesses of stars ranging from Britney Spears to Cher and Diana Ross to Beyonce, Madonna and Lady Gaga. Years ago, my parents took me to see Frank Marino’s show at the Riviera and I was enthralled. I credit his show for making me the avid drag fan I am today. I cannot wait to see him light up the Crescent City. Last week, we were able to connect for a wonderful phone interview. His charming personality and excitement of performing in the Big Easy was apparent. TL: Is this your first time in New Orleans? FM: I have actually been to New Orleans three other times, but this is my first time performing in the city. I have been previously for Mardi Gras and it was crazy busy. I am not a big crowd person, but I managed to have a great time. My partner and I have been together for twenty years, so I think our first time to New Orleans was probably during our first year together. TL: It is amazing we have not been lucky enough to have you perform in
New Orleans before. FM: I have been doing my show as Joan Rivers for over 20 years at the Riviera Hotel and Casino called An Evening at La Cage. A few years ago, I moved the show to The Quad Resort and Casino and renamed it Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas. The Quad is part of the Caesar’s Entertainment Group, so they brought me down to perform. TL: What can audiences expect from your show? FM: The show is a cross between cabaret and MTV and VH1. We have added more current illusionists who perform as Pink, Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. These new additions join our other icons such as Madonna, Tina Turner, Cher and Bette Midler. People will see basically 17 characters. I come out first as Joan Rivers at the onset of the show, and then just become a fashion plate each time I return to the stage wearing a
The Cast
The Mardi Gras Boys different Bob Mackie gown. We also have some male dancers that can best be described as Chippendale’s meets La Cage. TL: You were once sued by Joan Rivers, is that correct? FM: Yes, she sued me in the 80s for five million dollars to stop me performing in her likeness. In fact, I was the first impersonator ever sued by a celebrity. But we are now friends; in fact, we were just on Fashion Police together. That was fun and it was great meeting Kelly Osbourne. TL: You have had so many wonderful recognitions like being honored in 2005 by Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman proclaiming February 1st, to be Frank Marino Day. You have received a key to the City and had a street, Frank Marino Drive, named after you as well as being immortalized in the sidewalks with two stars on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame. What would you like to achieve next? FM: I would like to have a wax figure of myself in the Las Vegas Madame Tussard. I think I have earned it. (I told him, just go in there and cover Joan River’s name plate with one of his own, then he can hit another milestone by being the only impersonator sued twice by a celebrity). TL: You are also very active in the gay community in Vegas? FM: Vegas has always been a very transient city, so that always hampers having organized events, but lately the city has been growing and people have been committed to the community. My partner and I were just grand marshals of Las Vegas Pride. I had been before but this is was great because we did it together. TL: Congratulations are also in order. FM: Yes, my partner of twenty years and I got engaged and as soon as we finish building our dream house, we will have the wedding on the property. It is quite the chore so we expect to get married in about 18 months. TL: So tell me some of the things you like about New Orleans. FM: Like Las Vegas, New Orleans is a city where too much is just enough. What I am looking forward to doing is performing and just being a tourist. I love the restaurants, the culture and the history. I cannot wait to go out and have fun with the cast. So make it a point to come and see some of the best drag/illusionist performers in the country at Frank Marino’s show. For tickets go to www.harrahsneworleans.com. Tickets levels are $29.99 - $39.99 plus tax and fees.
12 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 13
celebrazzi
NO/AIDS Task Force CEO Noel Twilbeck and Communications Manager TJ Rogers celebrate at the Chevron NO/AIDS Walk which raised over $200,000 this year with some 3,500 walkers. Presenting sponsors Avita Drugs and Shell joined other sponsors including Ambush Mag for the 24th anniversary year of the largest annual AIDS awareness event in Louisiana. The event benefits NO/AIDS Task Force, one of the oldest and largest AIDS service organizations (ASO) in the Gulf South. The Walk was led second linestyle by the Pocket Aces Brass Band, The 610 Stompers and Sirens of New Orleans. (www.NOAIDSWalk.COM)
GM Tim Wilson welcomes you to Wood Enterprises which includes Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Clover Grill, Good Friends Bar, and Rawhide 2010 in New Orleans.
The Krewe of Amon-Ra's 4th annual Girls Gone Broadway was a hit as members Safonda Peters, Tittie Toulouse, Georgeanna Belle, and Electra City hit the stage doing "Best Little Whorehouse" along with Miss Jenkins and Tiffany Alexander opening this krewe's largest fundraiser of the year in New Orleans. Funds raised help put on the krewe's 49th Mardi Gras Ball on February 8, 2014. (www.KreweOfAmonRa.COM)
Roger Copenhaver will celebrate partner Glenn O'Berry's 65th birthday on October 9th in New Orleans.
Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Venus Santiago, Connie Hung, Gia GiaVanni, Jacqueline Hyde, Maybelline Maskara, Francesca Fierce, and (front) Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Tami Tarmac joined together to help send Gia GiaVanni to Miss Gay USofA at Large in Orlando. The show was held at Neighborhood Bar of the Year, The Golden Lantern in New Orleans. (Photo by Arthur Severio)
elections
email Subject: Hi!! Visiting NOLA To: Tony Leggio Hi my name is Brandon I'm visiting from Orlando and just wanted to say I enjoyed reading your article about your recent trip to NYC. It was nice to sit here in the Bourbon Pub and read such a nice expose.
Subject: Travel Spotlight To: Tony Leggio Catching up on my reading. Truly enjoyed “The Big Apple for Rip & Marsha’s Wedding”. Frankie sent pics but your travelogue was priceless. Thanks for sharing. --Butch
14 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
Louisiana Election Oct. 19th, Early Voting ends Oct. 12th Louisiana voters can cast their ballots in early voting through Saturday, October 12th or on election day, Saturday, October 19th. This election covers judgeships, propositions, and charter amendments. Early votes can be cast at the offices of registrars of voters from 8:30am-6pm, except Sundays. Info on early voting locations is available at http://www.sos.la.gov/ E l e c t i o n s A n d Vo t i n g / P a g e s / EarlyVotingLocations.aspx. Voters can also go to the Secretary of State’s smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, or GeauxVote.com to find out what’s on their ballot, where to vote, and their voting districts.
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 15
The Big Easy Sisters
Bartender Alex welcomes you to Rawhide 2010
Jean & Princesse
Brad Robbert slinging cocktails @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Accent on Arrangements Team
Cat, Christopher, Huck & Mr. Al @ Michael’s On The Park
Armeinius’ Beaux & Barrett with Dove
Larry with volunteers
Trash Disco with Tabitha & Bartender of the Year Jeff @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Maryamm & Andrea from Louisiana Pizza Kitchen
Hubert S. Monkeys & friends cocktailing @ the Phoenix
Quartermaster’s Misael with fellow walkers including top individual walker Toby
Wayne & Chris behind the bar @ Oz for Sunday Dingo
Lanie, DL & DJ Duane Parrish @ Voodoo
610 Stomper Dorian with jello shots
Arthur, Ronnie, David & Robert with Team Amon-Ra
NO/AIDS Task Forces's Cheryl & buddies
16 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
Kevin, Mom Shirley, bartender Will & Hoyle @ The Double Play
Tommy & Deanna @ Le Roundup
In the Clubs ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
24th NO/AIDS Walk Raising over $200,000 @ Audubon Park ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
Joey & Jace behind the bar @ Good Friends
under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
joint serving booze and music in the front. In the back is the game room, and upstairs is a very high class and exclusive brothel. Doors open at 7pm. Don and MeMe ask that all guest arrive before the ribbon cutting ceremony (7:30pm) as they will be serving a steak dinner immediately after.
According to my sources, Don Wannabe and his wife, Madam MeMe, are hosting the Halloween event of the season. The Grand Opening of the Four Deuces speakeasy is to take place October 19th. And I hear people [continued on 22]
A Nightmare on Bourbon Street Oct. 19 There are many scary things that happen in the French Quarter and on Bourbon Street especially. And one krewe is striking fear in your hearts this season as the Krewe of Amon-Ra presents Nightmare on Bourbon Street, their annual Halloween Party. The event takes place at Oz on Saturday, October 19th starting at 7pm. You can contact any krewe member of Amon-Ra for tickets to this spooktacular event. There is a $10 donation to attend and you could win a $100 Costume Contest Prize. Can you imagine coming as a washed up drag queen or a killer trick. Um, or maybe you can actually wear a costume, either way this event is a blast; and all the proceeds help the krewe put on their ball. For more information, go to Nightmare on Bourbon Street! Page on Facebook, or their website at www.kreweofamonra.com. Oz is located at 800 Bourbon Street.
Pride Can Be Murder I am a huge fan of murder mysteries, from Agatha Christie to Murder She Wrote, I love them all. Now is your opportunity to become part of all the fun and join New Orleans Pride as they transform Paulie’s into the 1920’s Four Deuces. The Four Deuces is a lavish juice
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 17
18 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 19
pensacola
Nightlife @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
paparazzi
20 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21
under the gaydar ...from 17
Excitement Reigns ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John
The Mardi Gras Order of Pan with MIss Cie
B-Bob’s Tuesday Bingo Hostess Miss Jawakatema Davenport
are just dying to get in! An inside source has confirmed that the créme de la créme of “The Family” will be attending this extravagant event. We expect stringent security measures to be in place at such a large event. Orders are that no packing of heat is allowed. The cream, and not so cream of society, will be there. With gangsters, politicians, dolls, molls and many other interesting guests in attendance this event is sure to be the bee’s knees. This is definitely a great way to celebrate Halloween in style and be a part of all the fun. Dress the part because there are several prizes to be awarded such as Best Performer - For Oscar deserving performance skills; Best Costume - For using outstanding creative imagination in costuming; Super Sleuth - For using superior wits and detective skills to solve the mystery; Wealthiest Player - For using cunning, bribery and other nefarious skills to amass the most wealth. Tickets to the Murder Mystery Dinner event are $20 (includes steak, baked potato, side salad). Purchase an advance ticket and pick which character you want!!! For more information, go to New Orleans’s Pride Murder Mystery Dinner on Facebook.
Dance with Young At Art Hello Boys of B-Bob’s
Young@Art’s final programming event for 2013 will be an exclusive modern dance performance by Silas Riener and Rashaun Mitchell at the newly re-opened Le Petit Theatre, with a reception catered by Dickie Brennan’s Tableau on Friday, October 25th at 8pm. Regular admission is $45. This is sure to be a moving evening of motion, beauty, and appreciation of the male form. Listed in Dance Magazine’s 25 to watch for 2013, Mitchell and Riener are artists who work collaboratively and separately on varied performance projects, including site-specific installations, improvisa-
Biloxi’s Miss Toni Dee @ B-Bob’s
Get Strung Out! The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon will have you strung out this October literally. They are bringing the hottest group to the city of New Orleans to perform their full show for a concert experience on Tuesday, October 29th. Join the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon for this very special, one-night-only performance by Well Strung, the group that New York Daily News called, “The hottest thing with a bow since Jennifer Lawrence in The Hunger Games.” It doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime chamber music fan, of if your idea of “classical” music is Sony & Cher, you’ll appreciate Well Strung’s dazzling skills, their eclectic repertoire — and they ain’t too hard on the eyes, either. The event begins at 7:30pm at Café Istanbul located at 2372 St. Claude in the Healing Center. Purchase tickets at the VIP level, and you’ll get the chance to meet these four manly musicians at a sparkling reception following the show! Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased by calling 504.252.5476 or visiting https:/ / w w w. e v e n t b r i t e . c o m / e v e n t / 2504557198.
Get into the Gulch
mobile
paparazzi
The Beautiful People!
Miss Venus @ B-Bob’s
tional dances, traditional proscenium pieces and highly crafted immersive experiences. Mitchell and Riener began working together on dance projects in 2009. They are interested in crafting new vocabulary for dance performance, and new ways for experiencing dance research. They are both drawn to space as an agent of performance, and have been particularly interested in how to create dance in response to complex and active spatial environments. Their first site-specific dance-poetry project NOX, with text by Anne Carson, takes into account its surroundings as a vehicle for communicating particular metaphorical or sense-based aspects of dance and performance. NOX was nominated for New York Dance and Performing Awards in 3 categories (Mitchell-emerging choreographer, Riener-performance, outstanding production of 2012).
DeToxx, Vicky Voxx, William & Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s
MISS GULCH RETURNS! Yes the poor, misunderstood woman from the Wizard of Oz is coming to New Orleans to perform her own special cabaret. This one-man, one-piano musical tour de force by Fred Barton stars Bob Edes Jr., accompanied by Jim Walpole. The opening night performance will be hosted by the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon on Friday, October 18th at 8pm at the Mid-City Theatre, 3540 Toulouse Street. Tickets are a $25 donation and can be purchased by calling 504.252.5476 or www.MysticKreweOfSatyricon.com. “A show for the ages… a score full of sophisticated comedy numbers that would make Cole Porter proud… the lyrics are so cleverly constructed, the
22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
rhyme schemes so elegantly intricate, and the messages so rich and ripe that they make a mockery of most of today’s Broadway show scores.” – TheaterMania.com Poor Almira Gulch! In The Wizard of Oz, the crotchety cantankerous Kansan intrigued and intimidated us, but she never got to tell her side of story. She’s remained poorly understood, grossly underestimated, and vastly unappreciated. Through the decades, frustrated fans have hungered for solutions to the mysteries surrounding Miss Gulch. Why does she ride that bike? What does she have against neighborhood girls and their little dogs, too? What becomes of her after that tornado? And most of all: who’s the real woman beneath that ferocious facade? Now, the biddy is back in all the glory Hollywood denied her, starring in a one-man, one-piano tour de force: MISS GULCH RETURNS! In this unforgettable metaphorical musical, Miss Gulch gives us the dirt. She lays her soul bare — and yours if you dare. She sings (at last!). She belts a mean tune (what other kind?). The role of Miss Gulch is performed by multiple Big Easy award-winner Bob Edes Jr., accompanied at the piano by Jim Walpole. MISS GULCH RETURNS! is presented by Running With Scissors. So turn off your cell phones, turn Judy’s picture to the wall, turn up the volume, and welcome to the wit and wisdom of Miss Gulch, your “entertainesse extraordinaire!”
Party Down October is here which means we are on the fast track into the holiday season, so pull up your big girl panties and get ready to party. My days have become so hectic that I need a social secretary to keep my schedule straight. But since nothing else in my life is straight why should my schedule be any different. My two weeks started on Tuesday with dinner at Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse to celebrate Dawn’s (my mom) birthday. If you haven’t been to this restaurant, the food and service is impeccable. They truly made this a special and memorable dining experience for us. On Tuesday, I went to two hospitality events. The first was at the W Hotel on Poydras Street which will be changing its flagship next year after a multimillion dollar renovation to become a Le Meridien. They showed off some prototypes of the new rooms and it looks fabulous. They are very artistic, sleek, but yet still have a New Orleans allure. After that gathering, I went to the re-opening of Broussard’s Restaurant. One of the oldest dining establishments in the French Quarter, Broussard’s recently changed owners and closed down for some much needed renovations. There re-launch was well-at[continued on 26]
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 23
The cast for Petronius’ King’s event @ 4 Seasons in Metairie
Gia GiaVanni in her Miss Gay USofA at Large benefit @ Golden Lantern
Queen Amon-Ra Deja Deja-Vue' in Amon-Ra’s Girls Gone Broadway
Beaux & King Petronius Lee @ 4 Seasons for Petronius’ King’s event Gia GiaVanni on stage for Oz’s Wednesday show
Francesca Fierce in Gia GiaVanni benefit @ Golden Lantern
King Amon-Ra John Zeringue & Reba Douglas in Girls Gone Broadway
Celebrating @ Petronius’ King’s event @ 4 Seasons in Metairie
Ms. Jenkins in Amon-Ra's Girls Gone Broadway
Monalot Fontaine on stage @ Oz
Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Venus Santiago in Gia GiaVanni benefit @ Golden Lantern
Bebe & Capt. C. Alice join Petronius’ King’s event @ 4 Seasons Barbara Ella & Kenny Walker in Amon-Ra’s Girls Gone Broadway
King Amon-Ra John & Lola @ Amon-Ra’s Girls Gone Broadway
Jacqueline Hyde in Gia GiaVanni benefit @ Golden Lantern
Lisa Beaumann in the Wednesday Oz show
Blanche Debris & Boy Next Door Strip Off contestants Sundays @ Dance Club of the Year Oz
Natasha @ 4 Seasons for Petronius’ King’s event
24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
Maybelline Maskara in Gia GiaVanni benefit @ Golden Lantern
The Stars Shine ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Arthur Severio
Connie Hung on stage @ Show Bar of the Year Oz
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25
under the gaydar ...from 22 tended as guests got a chance to sample some of their cuisine and see the improvements. The restaurant has still kept its grandeur, just updated some of the internal mechanics as well as some cosmetic features. Their courtyard is still one of the most beautiful ones in the city. Theatre always is abundant during this month and I went to see two plays this week. On Thursday, I went to see Venom at the Elms Theatre, an edge of your seat dark comedy that seemed more thriller. The cast was powerful. This is one of the local theatres in the city located on Julia Street in the Warehouse District and has been producing award winning shows for a few years. If you are a theatre buff, make it a point to check them out. Friday was a day of parties. My first stop was the Martini Madness soiree at City Park held at the renovated Popp Fountain and Arbor Room. My friends Beaux, Barrett and I sampled delicacies from local restaurants while trying martinis of every flavor and color of the rainbow. Skittles is right, you can taste the rainbow; except this one packed a punch. The food was tasty with my favorite being Troy McPhail from Commander’s Palace interesting sorbet dish. We then made our way to the Aquarium of the Americas for Scales and Ales which is like the Zoo To Do but more casual. The crowd is younger, little rowdier and most definitely more cocktailed, so we fit in perfectly with them by the time we arrived on the scene. What makes this event so special is the ability to see our impressive aquarium at your leisure while
AMBUSH
MAG.COM 8 28
sipping drinks. If I thought my evening was hectic on Friday, Saturday was non-stop. My mom and I went to Costco first thing in the morning with the rest of the crowds to wonder at this fabulous new store to our city and the verdict is I LOVE IT! OMG, this place is a wonderland for shopping, from lobsters (yes they sell freaking lobsters from the tank) to high end jewelry, electronics and wine. The place is like a Sam’s, Target, Best Buy and Restaurant Depot all rolled into one tidy package. Get your card and start shopping, you will not be disappointed. That evening, I hopped events, starting with my friend Jan’s 60th birthday soiree at the private home of our mutual friend Laurene. It was great to celebrate this witty lady’s big milestone. Many good friends were in attendance as the abundance of wellwishers, most in the hospitality industry, caught up with each other. And Jan looked radiant as she greeted all the guests with her affectious personality and sweet southern drawl. It was hard to tear myself away, but alas, I flew to Metairie to go to Petronius’ “A Night Fit For A King” event at the 4 Seasons. There was food along with an entertaining show. The krewe had a good time. My last stop of the night was at Carl Mack Presents place in the Marigny for Amon-Ra’s Girls Gone Broadway Extravaganza. What an exciting night as I ran in halfway through the event and was whisked backstage and transformed to do my number. I felt just like a regular diva of the stage. Yes, ladies and gentleman, I performed that night for their fundraiser as Lola from Kinky Boots doing “Sex is in the Heel” from the award winning musical. Girls Gone Broadway is one of their major fundraisers for the krewe and is always enjoyable as their krewe members and friends perform numbers from all your favorite shows. I think I brought the hot mess to their show closing the event, but it was fun and all the girls/guys did a great job wowing the audience while having a grand time. There was more food and cocktails as expected, so when the show was over, I hung up my high heels
and crashed for the night. Sunday was an easier going day; I went to see Rivertown’s 42nd Street which was a tap dancing marvel. Later that night, I had an intimate dinner party for my friends Beaux, Barrett and Chris (aka Barbara Ella) to thank them for helping me become Lola the evening before. It takes many people to turn this Mary into a Mary. The following week, I went to the Louisiana History Alive’s party at the Paris Room above Café Soule. LHA is a group of actors who portray characters from New Orleans storied past such as Marie Laveau, Andrew Jackson, Baroness Pontalba and Jean Lafitte. There are over a dozen people and they mixed and mingled with guests at the party explaining their stories. It was like taking a step in the past, and the great part is these historical characters are available for hire at your next event. I mean who wouldn’t want to rub elbows with Andrew Jackson. On Wednesday night, I had to work but afterwards I stopped in briefly to check out Karaoke at Cafe Lafitte in Exile. They had a large crowd of some moving singers and some that moved you to the exit doors, but that is always the crap shoot you get at karaoke. But no matter everyone was having a good time as long as the drinks flowed. Thursday was another one of those days with back to back events for the hospitality community. I went to the Roux House above Walk On’s monthly mixer which is always a great way to network with other in the business community, then I moved onto the LGBT social at Cathedral Studios on Julia Street. This was a laid back chance to meet others in the gay community in different industries. I ended the night by going to the Hospitality Cares fundraiser at the Bank in the Whitney Hotel Building on Poydras Street. Saturday, I went to dinner with friends at Sobou, the new restaurant located in the W Hotel French Quarter that features craft cocktails, stunning atmosphere and unique cuisine. Sobou is part of the Commander’s Palace family and it shows in their food and service, both top notch. Then we went to Mags 940 to see the Under the Big Top fundraiser for New Orleans Pride
26 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
which had a boisterous, costumed crowd. They raiser over one grand for the group as Pride members performed numbers that had a certain carny feel. After, we sort of made stops at some of the Quarter watering holes like Good Friends and Oz. Finally on Sunday, it was a day of marathons both drinking and exercising. I began at the NO/AIDS Walk as my team from Accent on Arrangements did the three mile stroll through the Garden District, but this fundraising event for the NO/AIDS Task Force is like no other mostly because they have Bloody Marys and mimosas served as well as jello shots (thanks to Dorian with the 610 Stompers). I brought my little heifer Rose with me, who after the first two block sat her elongated dachshund butt down and had to be carried for the remainder of the walk. Talk about a workout, I could not even hold my cocktail, my hands were full. After, Beaux, Barrett and I went to the Who Dat Martini Party on the Creole Queen. It was very serene way to spend a lovely Sunday afternoon cruising on the Mississippi River listening to the Yat Pack perform and sipping martinis. The riverboat is such a great thing to do for both tourists and locals alike. I never get tired of seeing our city from the river. Not wanting to end our Sunday Funday, we next stopped at Oz to catch dingo with Blanche. I won a weekend pass for Halloween which was fun, but after the show, I needed to get home for some much needed rest. So that ends my two weeks, hope yours was just as fun, now the countdown starts to Halloween, get those costumes ready.
Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom: Halloween XXX This year jump into the holiday with all the ghostly spirit you can muster. New Orleans is the perfect city to spend Halloween with all the allure and mystery. But I have a way to enjoy Halloween and help a great cause at the same time. Partying has never been so much fun and done so much [continued on 27]
under the gaydar ...from 26 good. Halloween New Orleans is presenting Halloween 30, a four day celebration that benefits Lazarus House, October 24 - 27. Halloween’s in New Orleans begins with the “The Lazarus Ball” to kick-off the weekend for Halloween 30 at the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center located at the WW2 Museum. This year’s event will feature live entertainment, great food, and their incredible silent auction. The auction is an important part of our yearly fundraising, and it is probably one of the best auctions at a fundraiser. This event is from 7:30 to 11pm. Each night has a theme and this evening’s is “The Wedding Shower.” Dress is fancy cocktail attire. The following night is where you say goodbye to the single life at “The Largest Gay Bachelor Party.” Your wildest fantasies will come true as you dance all night to the tracks of Dallas’ breakout DJ, Brandon Moses. The historic Civic Theatre where the very first Halloween New Orleans was held 30 years ago will be turned into the hottest dance club complete with drinks, sexy male dancers, and even a “Champagne Room.” As with any good southern bachelor party, they will have lots of booze and the boy, and hopefully you won’t miss the wedding. Remember this night is all about the last fling before the ring. This event is form 9pm – 3am. My favorite evening is Saturday as guests make their way down the aisle into the “Chapel of Love” and be greeted by our “minister,” comedian Shawn Pelofsky. With DOMA defeated, there are many ways you can have some fun with this theme! The event will be at Mardi Gras World with the amazing DJ ABEL (NY). Doors open at 10pm and the party rages to 4am. The costume contest starts at 11pm with
celebrity judges Chet Pourciau, Chris Rice, Bryan Batt and Tom Cianfichi. The midnight performance will be The 30th Anniversary Show commemorating its past 29 years of stage performances with a cast of hundreds. On Sunday, we wind down with the Honeymoon or “Breakup” depending on how you look at it with a Gospel Jazz Brunch at the House of Blues from 1 – 4pm. There will be a New Orleansstyle, all-you-can-eat cuisine (including fried chicken!!) The party is over so you can EAT! The entertainment this afternoon will be Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, Well-Strung and St.
Peter Claver Gospel Choir. There is still plenty of time to get your tickets are become a host. So be a part of this great cause, for more information, go to www.halloweenneworleans.com. If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 27
900
LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, MichaelsOnThePark.COM NINTH CIRCLE, 700 N. Rampart, 252.4558 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, NewOrleansPhoenix.COM RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM RAINBOW ROOM, 632 Bourbon St., enter thru Fishbowl, 994.1036, Facebook.COM/ rainbowroomonbourbon TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM VOODOO BAR, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0953 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271 Houston, TX [713] NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON, 11410 Hempstead Hwy., 677.0828, www.neonbootsclub.com
1000
bathhouse
CANAL STREET
100 IBERVILLE
200 BIENVILLE
300
500 TOULOUSE
600
RAMPART
ST. LOUIS
BURGUNDY
400
DAUPHINE
ROYAL
CHARTES
DECATUR
CONTI
BOURBON
ST. PETER ORLEANS ST. ANN
800 DUMAINE
ST. PHILIP
URSULINES
1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS
1200 BARRACKS
1300
classifieds
ESPLANADE
1800
FR M
A
R
IG
EL YS IA N N
Y
23 00 ES TR R A CH
24 00
FR 2 AN 500 KL L 26 00 IN YA O R E LO IN UI PH SA U DA
22 00
19 00
EN 200 0 C 21 HM 00 EN
FI EL D S RT PA M RA
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
alterrations New Orleans, LA [504] Mr. Curtis Alterations, 529.3428
attorneys New Orleans, LA [504] Littlefield Law LLC, Attorney R. Kelp Littlefield, 639 Loyola Ave., Suite 1820, 504.525.1328 Tureau Legal, Troy A. Tureau , Attorney at Law, 8303 Pritchard Place, 70118, 504.602.9511, thelawprofessor@comcast.net
bars Mobile, AL [251] B-BOB'S DOWNTOWN, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.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 Lafayette, LA [337] BOLT NIGHTCLUB, 116 E. Vermillion, 524.1380 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, 4seasonsno.com CLUB LAX, 2301 N. Causeway, 834.7979 New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, 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, CornerPocket.NET COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER'S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal, 529.2860, Facebook.COM/GoldenLanternBar GOOD FRIENDS BAR, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735, KajunPub.COM
New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com
book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
casting call Naked Builders is coming to New Orleans and is looking for cast members for an internet semi/reality show. Looking for electrician, plumber and laborers . Tradesmen must have a current license and have references. This is a real job working naked on a real project so, experience and skill is a must. These positions are best for TRUE NUDIST!! No Sex involved!! and NO SEX ALLOWED!! Acting experience is not required but you must be willing to participate in the show as your hired profession. Actors will be cast later on another date. Labors pay is 10.00 hr with potential to make more, Much More!! Tradesmen pay is Neg. All positions are offered a bonus program based on viewers. All positions are part time and require Valid I.D and a background check. Offer ends Oct 13. Call Casting Director for an interview Ray. 318.286.0781.
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1913]
circuit/events Oct. 24-27, Halloween 30: I3OO, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.COM Dec. 27, 2013-Jan. 1, 2014, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM Feb. 28-Mar. 4, 2014, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, 15th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.COM May 23-26, 2014 Memorial Day Weekend, Pensacola, FL, sponsored by Ambush, GayPensacola.COM Aug. 27-Sept. 1, 2014, 43rd Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 150,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush &
28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
SouthernDecadence.COM
costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633
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] Court Yard Gallery, 1129 Decatur, 330.0134
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; 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 SALON D'MALTA, 1233 Decatur, 565.5555, SalonDMalta.COM
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. [0713] 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 "halfkitchen", 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. [0813] Chateau LeMoyne French Quarter 301 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70112, Phone: 504.581.1303, http:// www.hiclneworleanshotelsite.com/gay-hotelsnew-orleans. Enjoy a stay enriched with the cul-
ture and history of New Orleans at Chateau LeMoyne. Our historic building features all the best of old-time architecture and our prime location allows guests to stay just steps from the French Quarter, while still at enough distance to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. Versatile guest accommodations include charmingly appointed suites and cottages, while on-site amenities include drinks and dining, a scenic courtyard area and pool, and meeting and event space. When you’re ready to explore, top New Orleans attractions are only moments away. We look forward to welcoming you to the “Big Easy.” 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 WiFi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available. MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0114] 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 (Swedish/Deep Tissue); heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & Thai/Sport Stretching massage). Call/text 504.458.5996 / website righttouchnola.com for pictures, location & special. License #LA4553 [is2613]
media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Parade Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Pride 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 10am5pm 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 10am-4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, 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, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 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 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 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 NATIONAL HOTLINE, 206.350.HATE (4283), National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233), Hate Crimes Hotline at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 800.552.6843 KREWE OF AMON-RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, 1701 Frenchmen St., New Orleans, LA. 70116 KreweOfPetronius.ORG, petronius1961@cox.net KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ KREWE OF URSUS, kreweofursus@aol.com LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. E-mail: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70117-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans , Interim Pastor Gail Minnick , Service time: Sundays 5pm, 1333 South Carrollton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118, 504.270.1MCC, www.MCCNewOrleans.COM, Pastor @MCCNewOrleans.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 BEAR AND BEAR TRAPPER SOCIAL CLUB, P.O. Box 57756, New Orleans, LA 70157-7756, 504.452.3564, theneworleansbears.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 REGIONALAIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 RENEGADE BEARS OF LOUISIANA, PO Box 3083, New Orleans, LA 70177; renegadebearsoflouisiana@gmail.com 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 Bour-
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 29
reVIEW... by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Prisoners
bon 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 YWCAAIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717
pets New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
pharmacy Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists caring for HIV/AIDS, new-to-market & hard-to-find medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.AvitaPharmacy.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 family-like 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] Arthur Severio Photography, 834 Chartres, New Orleans, LA 70116, 917.318.4300, ArthurSeverio.COM 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 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/French Quarter, Steve Richards, LGBT Realtor, 712 Orleans @ Royal, Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, Website: www.SteveRichardsProperties.com, Email: SRichards@LatterBlum.com LATTER & BLUM, Agent Brian M. Pawlowski, brianrealtor@aol.com, Agent Stace McDonald, stacerealtor@aol.com, 840 Elysian Fields, 451.2495
restaurants Mandeville, LA [985] The Po-Boy Shack, 1703 N. Causeway Blvd., 626.1303 New Orleans, LA [504] Borracho @ Kajun's Pub, 2256 St. Claude, 267.6108. 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 Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields, 943.3861 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 Lil Vic's Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, 304.1238 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27,
It’s refreshing to finally see a movie with an original idea, not a sequel, a prequel or a retread. But a word to the wise, Prisoners is not pretty. It’s intense, you will either love it or hate it. It is basically a kidnap thriller, but it is so much more. Prisoners is from the award winning Canadian director Denis Villeneuve, written by Aaron Guzikowski, with Mark Wahlberg on board as executive producer. Roger A. Deakins’ cinematography is one of the stars of the movie. The visuals are dark, dank, bleak... most of the movie takes place at night or in the rain. The mood is set for a very disturbing movie. Hugh Jackman stars as Keller Dover, Maria Bello as Grace Dover, his wife, with Erin Gerasimovich as Anna Dover, their daughter. Terrence Howard is Franklin Birch, their neighbor, Viola Davis as Nancy Birch, his wife and Kyla Drew Simmons as Joy Birch, their daughter. Jake Gyllenhaal is Detective Loki, Paul Dano is Alex Jones, the prime suspect with Melissa Leo as Holly Jones. Prisoners is set somewhere in Pennsylvania. Anna and Joy are kidnapped on Thanksgiving afternoon. Detective Loki is brought in to lead the investigation. Alex Jones, the original prime suspect, is released due to lack of evidence. This is where Keller takes matters into his own hands and the 587.7903 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, movies twist and turns begin. 720 Orleans It would be unfair to reveal anything Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 beyond this point. Prisoners is about the Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET abduction and the search to find the girls. The Ruby Slipper, 2001 Burgundy, It will thrill you and it will sicken you. It is 525.9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.Net Tom Foolery's Spirits & Cookery, 91 complex, it is ugly, it will keep you guessing French Market Place, 522.5851, Facebook.COM/ the identity of the kidnapper or kidnappers. It is rated R for disturbing violent content TomFoolerysSpiritsAndCookery including torture and language, Jake Gyllenhaal is excellent as the twitchy Detective Loki. I have never been a Hugh New Orleans, LA [504] Jackman fan, but he gives his best here...just BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, how far will Keller Dover go to protect his 566.1570 family? HIT PARADE, 741 Bourbon St., There are shades of Se7en, Silence Facebook.COM/HitParadeNOLA of the Lambs and Mystic River here, but MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 Prisoners is it’s own suspenseful little PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 movie. At a little over two and a half hours QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., it is a bit long, cuts could have been made. 581. 6633 As I said, some people will like it and some RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 won’t. After a summer of blockbusters it's Royal St., 525.6662 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip, one of the first serious movies. There is “Oscar” buzz already. I might wait awhile on 561.8167 that. XXX SHOP EROTIC BOUTIQUE, 1835 Nl Rampart St., 232.3063 Prisoners was released September 20. It’s from Alcon Entertainment, distributed by Warner Bros. It had a $46 million budget and broke even after opening weekNew Orleans, LA [504] end. Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse,
retail/shopping
spas
581.2402, www.the-clubs.com Planet Beach, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgundy St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM Skin Science, 3213 17th St., Metairie, LA 70002, 504.309.7048, SkinScienceLLC.COM
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] ALLWAYS LOUNGE & THEATRE, 2240 St Claude Ave., TheAllwaysLounge.NET 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 MID-CITY THEATRE, 3240 Toulouse, 488.1460, MidCityTheatre.COM NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, NOFringe.ORG Slidell, LA [985 CUTTING EDGE THEATER, 742 Robert Blvd., 649.3727, CuttingEdgeTheater,COM
30 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
The Emmys The Emmys were on a couple of weeks ago and they were silly at times and sad at times. Neil Patrick Harris was host and producer. Thank you to Merritt Wever for the best acceptance speech ever, “Thank you so much, I gotta go, bye.” Much better than thanking half the LA phonebook. Jeff
[continued on 31]
tours New Orleans, LA [504] Creole Queen Paddlewheeler, 1 Poydras @ Riverwalk, 529.4567, CreoleQueen.COM Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM
reVIEW ...from 30 Daniels, next time no chewing gum, please. Diahann Carroll and Kerry Washington glowed like the stars they are. Congrats to
Michael Douglas on the award for Behind the Candelbra and the speech. With all due respect, the extended IN MEMORIAM tributes to Corey Monteith, Jonathan Winters, Gary David Goldberg, Jean Stapleton and James Gandolfini did not work. Doing it was unfair and it broke up
the flow of the show. Let’s hope we don’t see those again. Now for my biggest bitch. If you're part of The Fashion Police and you're working the red carpet, should you really have pale lavender hair with bright red lipstick and a
beautiful bright red gown? Older British women such as Mrs. Slocombe (Mollie Sugden) on “Are You Being Served” got away with it. Nellie Mae Hartzog, the lady who played the piano at the small Methodist
[continued on 33]
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 31
ambush
In for Sunday Dingo @ Oz
Bootsie DeVille with fans during Bootsie & the Bitches show @ Michael’s On The Park
Louisiana History Alive Characters party @ Paris Room
Madonnathon with hottie @ Good Friends Bar
Lafitte’s bartenders Andrea & Michael @ Le Roundup
Starr Alexander joins Legends On The Park @ Michael’s
Miss Carol behind the bar @ Le Roundup
Andre, Coca, Steven, Frankie & Karbin @ Oz
Miss Gay New Orleans America Mercedez & Coca @ Oz Bartender Torin @ Ninth Circle Michael & Doug in for Trash Disco @ Lafitte’s
Jose & Rene @ Martini Madness in City Park
Crescent City Diva’s Lauren Brown on stage @ 4 Seasons in Metairie
DJ Dominick hails from Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Bartenders Anthony & Scott @ Michael’s On The Park
New manager Cha Cha Martinez & bar baron Mike Cookmeyer @ Michael’s On The Park
Legends On The Park’s Rikki, Tiffany & Opal @ Michael’s On The Park
Guy & bartender Frankie @ The Balcony upstairs @ Lafitte’s
32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
Jose & Richard @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
DJ Terry @ Golden Lantern
The Big Easy ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
paparazzi
trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Tennessee Williams in New York There was a mini-Tennessee Williams Festival in Manhattan recently as his The Two-Character Play was finishing up its run and The Glass Menagerie, an import from the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) in Cambridge, MA, was about to open. Both interesting productions, neither quite what I expected. In The Two-Character Play, Felice (Brad Dourif), a playwright/actor, and his sister Clare (Amanda Plummer), an actress, find themselves abandoned by their troupe while on tour. To satisfy their expected audience, the siblings prepare to perform a two-character play that Felice has written. Reality and illusion, however, quickly blur. Felice’s play apparently reflects their own possibly violent past, involving the death of their parents, but, as they rehearse, they discover that the script can be altered whenever one or both of them cannot accept its truth (or remember the words). I would hate to see a bad production of this play which can be a bit confusing as Williams switches among his layers of reality; at times, the play-within-the-play comes off as a parody of his earlier works. It takes a while to get going and could probably be trimmed by about twenty minutes. Perhaps because of this, The TwoCharacter Play had only a brief run on Broadway in 1973 and has seldom been revived since. I don’t recall a New Orleans production, certainly not in the last ten years and probably not in the last twentyfive. That said, Director Gene David Kirk gave his production theatrical flourishes and expertly led his cast through the script’s emotionally perilous terrain, evoking the characters’ fears on many levels. Kirk helped them find the subtext to bring out a myriad of nuanced colorations as, both subtly commanding figures, they traded
reVIEW ...from 31 church I went to as a child got away with it. But not Kelly Osborne, member in good standing of the Joan Rivers critical bitches. Please... A very long time ago in drag years, I put a Woody Woodpecker red party color on my hair, as I was doing Ziggy Stardust in a show at “Paw Paws,” a long gone drag bar on Burgundy and Orleans, I think. Party colors faded a bit every time you washed your hair. I dressed around the color until it was a beautiful October orange... come on Kelly, you can do the same.
IN MEMORIAM: Winston Gray 1931-2013 Like most people, if you’re honest, he was the best of times and the worst of times... but he was someone we will never forget.
their balance of power. Both Dourif and Plummer brought out Felice and Clare’s earnestness, anger, loving qualities, brittleness and senses of irony, and gave wonderful shadings to these and the other emotional textures Williams gave them to play with. Their desperate longing to connect evolved into tenderness by the very end. Though Dourif and Plummer presented fiercely natural characterizations, anchoring the production in a recognizable reality, the whole story came off as somewhat surreal; I wonder if Director Robert Wilson would approach this script in a more abstract, or stylized, manner. The Two-Character Play may be Williams in a more minor key but with Dourif, headstrong, and Plummer, radiant, both giving wholly committed performances, it was one not only well-worth seeing but one I’d even like to see again. There’s talk of bringing the production to Los Angeles, and the Tennessee Williams Festival here would be a perfect venue for it. See it if you can. On the other hand, based on the glowing reviews that just came out, you may understandably want to see the new Glass Menagerie (Booth Theater through January 5, 2014). If you don’t get a ticket for it, though, I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it. It starts off promisingly. As he stands on one of the interlocking hexagonal spaces that seem to float on an inky black sea, Zachary Quinto finds the lyricism in Tom’s opening lines, sometimes discovering new (and valid) interpretations of them. Afterwards, Steven Hoggett’s movement has him falling into the Wingfield apartment and it seemed like this production would reveal hitherto unknown depths in Williams’ canonic script. But then Cherry Jones comes on. This two time Tony Award-winner is certainly a marvelous actress. But she is simply too tough an Amanda and, worse, her Amanda starts at too high a vocal and emotional pitch from which it has nowhere to go. Even when her line readings convey a perfect interpretation of the text, there is no shading to them. Watching Jones turn Menagerie into a laugh riot (Who knew this drama could be a sitcom pilot?), I recalled Lyla Hay Owen’s
revelatory performance as Amanda at the AllWays in 2009. When she made the telephone calls to try to sell magazine subscriptions, there was charm, steeliness, some desperation, and an innate patrician-ness in her voice that evoked pathos at how far she had fallen and admiration for her determination to soldier on. Jones seems to treat this whole scene as a blithe joke. Only when Amanda is reliving her memories of a happy youth does Jones come into full, three-dimensional focus and you can imagine the courtesan she must have once been. The rest of the time she reminded me of an overwrought Medea or some other Greek heroine. Sadly, Jones seems now to be interpreting all her roles the same way. What was fine for Sister Aloysius in Doubt and convincing enough for the title role in Mrs. Warren’s Profes-
sion, simply isn’t right for Amanda Wingfield. She is not helped by Director John Tiffany who uses up his bag of tricks quickly. The stars reflected in the blackness that surrounds the stage is lovely but gets a bit tiresome. The pauses he allows his cast would be more at home in a Pinter play. What turns out to be half a quarter moon reflected in the blackness, I at first thought was a shark’s fin (the Jaws theme kept running through my mind). Worse, Tiffany has inflated this chamber drama to fill a large stage to little effect. While we hear of social unrest and the influence of the movies, things that speak to our own times, all we do is look at a black back wall for the entire evening. Though still set in the 1930s, perhaps some current images could have been layered in. Instead, Tiffany has directed his actors too often to speak at the audience rather than to each other; I frequently felt a lack of connection among the performers which is strange since this production had time to gel during its run at Harvard earlier this year. And while I didn’t mind the pillows Amanda brings back to spruce up the apartment before the big dinner (though where does she get the money for them?), Tiffany’s choice to have her drape a row of paper Chinese lanterns along the balcony was a bizarre reference to A Streetcar Named Desire and Blanche DuBois. After that compelling opening passage, Quinto only occasionally finds the deep anguish in Tom and his conflicting desires; for an openly gay actor, Quinto strangely tamps down the clearly homosexual longings of Tom (a stand-in for the young Williams) reducing him to standard issue “aspiring young artist” material.
[continued on 35]
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33
ambush
Charles on Piano Saturdays @ Michael’s On The Park
Manager Rodney welcomes you to Second Skin
Maggie behind the bar @ Le Roundup
Morning bartender Adam @ the Phoenix
Dancers Tone & Scott on the bar @ The Corner Pocket
Bartender Danny @ the Phoenix
Dancer Felix on the bar @ The Corner Pocket
Bartender Josh welcomes you to Bourbon Pub & Parade
Gene cocktailing @ The Phoenix Dick shots for the boys @ Oz
Kookie Baker takes flight during Amon-Ra’s Girls Gone Broadway
Taylor @ Organic Banana
Little Ricky, Chad & buddy in for Saints game @ Good Friends
Dancer J.J. on the bar @ The Corner Pocket
Lafitte’s Liz with Rawhide manager Richard & Guy @ Rawhide 2010
Dancer Dan on the bar @ The Corner Pocket
Aubrey Sinclaire in Amon-Ra’s Girls Gone Broadway
Ambush’s Paul Melancon & Golden Lantern’s James Garner
Earl Johnson’s Mom enjoying Golden Lantern show
34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your
DJ Dominick does “West Side Story” in Amon-Ra’s Girls Gone Broadway
Lights, Camera, Action ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
paparazzi
trodding the boards ...from 33 Brian J. Smith is good as The Gentleman Caller—after all, it’s hard to screw up his scene with Laura, one of the most perfect ever written—but he’s nothing special and lacks the role’s requisite charisma which gives his fall from grace almost tragic overtones. Only Celia Keenan-Bolger sings Williams’ music appropriately, making you care about her plight and hope she’ll find happiness. Yet even she is hamstrung in the second act by the costume of Bob Crowley (who also designed the set) which looks like something you’d get at a Danskin store. At least Lighting Designer Natasha Katz, doing luminous work throughout, provides her with one of the production’s memorable moments as light from the glass unicorn illuminates her face. I’m not one to think that’s there’s a “right” and a “wrong” way to do classics like Menagerie; the modernized Streetcar I saw in Bratislava earlier this year took chances that largely paid off and shall remain one of the most memorable productions I have ever seen. Nor am I the only one to feel the way I do; my companion for the performance agreed with me and at least half the audience refrained from giving the show the nowadays obligatory standing ovation at the end. Even the applause seemed to die away more quickly than one would expect. So maybe I just saw an off night. If you see it, let me know what you think. But come awards time, I suspect I’ll be scratching my head when Laura’s glass menagerie adds quite a few Tony’s to its collection.
houston
paparazzi The Ranch Reunion is an event to reunite past patrons of “The Ranch” a longtime LGBT country bar in the 80s and 90s. Comprised mostly of women the reunion has made Neon Boots the official host bar for this event.
Girls checking in people to the 1st annual Ranch Reunion
Marsha Mellow scoping out the boys in the Justin Fulcher Band
On the Boards There’s one more week to see the Second Star’s Performance Collective’s production of Mauritius at Mid-City Theatre (3540 Toulouse). Directed by Harold Gervais, this play by Theresa (Smash) Rebeck proves that stamp collecting is far more risky than you think. Mauritius features Leslie Boles, Andrea Carlin, James Howard Wright, Marc Belloni and Joe Seibert, and runs through October 12. Also running through October 12 is Steel Magnolias at Cutting Edge Theater (747 Robert Blvd.) in Slidell. Sure you’ve seen it before but have you ever seen it performed in an actual beauty salon? This time around, the magnolias are Suzanne Stymiest as M’Lynn, Jennifer Gesvantner as Shelby, Kayla Johnson as Annelle, Melissa Benson as Clairee, Ms. “Tee” Augustine as Ouiser, and Carla Constanza as Truvy. Based on the music of Stevie Wonder, Songs in the Key of Life at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center (1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.) takes numbers from Wonder’s recording and rearranges them without dialogue to tell the story of an urban family whose lives are changed by a single unexpected event. Musical numbers featured include Sir Duke, Isn’t She Lovely, I Wish, and Love’s In Need of Love Today. It plays through October 19. And let’s hope the weather cooperates for The Park Bench Plays, Four Humours’ second open-air showcase of new playwrights and directors. This year’s production features works by locals Angela Jo Strohm and Stacie LeJeune as well as Chicago playwright Adam Webster. It’s at Clouet Gardens (707 Clouet St., btw. Royal & Dauphine) through October 21.
Bartender Patrick Daugherty
Chasity White MCs The Ranch Reunion
The Justin Fulcher Band
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 35
36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Oc t ober 8-21, 2013 • " Y our VIP Guide" • GayMar diGras.COM Your