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THE OFFICIAL MAG
the "official" dish
Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Louisiana-Florida
by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide
6th New Orleans Fringe Festival Features Diverse & Genre-Bending Shows for Every Taste
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
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. There’s a lot to love this year for LGBTQ audiences! Shows like “Gayland,” which presents a world in which almost everyone is gay, evangelical lesbian conservatives hold power, and the marginalized ungays are agitating for the right to marry.
online chatting, where lines between fantasy and reality become blurred and things get out of hand in more ways than one! Two boys leap from one over the top underpants-bursting adventure to the next, until one asks the unthinkable... “Can we meet?” 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
"Gayland" From Dallas, Texas, “John Michael and The Order of The Penix” is an adult-themed one-man odyssey; Theaterjones.com testifies this monologist “leaves the audience breathless, mesmerized and laughing loudly.” And local outfit The Elm Theatre remounts “Butt Boy and Tigger,” an outrageous ride through the world of
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, Art Klub, Mudlark Public Theatre, Byrdie’s, JohnPaul’s and more. Central City has five venues
Thanksgiving/Bayou Classic/World AIDS Day issue out Nov. 19th >DEADLINE: Tues., Nov. 12th
inside
celebrazzi investigative report moments in gay new orleans history snap paparazzi/halloween xxx snap paparazzi/halloween xxx snap paparazzi/new orleans pensacola paparazzi mobile paparazzi a community within communities ambush paparazzi/halloween
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spotlight features real estate classifieds under the gaydar ambush paparazzi/c'est si bon trodding the boards ambush paparazzi/la grande ville
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Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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"John Michael and The Order of the Penix" this year in Fringe! NEW this year: FREE shows along the parade route at our “Parade HotSpots” starting at 1pm 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. More information on the Fringe and all Festival events can be found at www.nofringe.org. The Fringe is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was founded by local arts organizers to nurture fearless theater in New Orleans and to benefit artists, venues, neighborhoods and local businesses. Sponsors: 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 New Orleans. The grant is administered through the Arts Council of New Orleans.
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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
21st Red Party Nov. 23 @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile The spectacular 21st Red Party: Kickin' in Red is set for Saturday, November 23 at Cafe Lafitte in Exile benefiting Belle Reve. A whopping $91,472 has been raised for charity over the past 20 years. Beginning at 9:30pm, the annual turn-a-bout show brings to the stage members of the staff as you've never seen them before. And this year after each performance, they will each auction off their own red high heel creation. The Red Party, under the direction of Bartender of the Year Jeff Palmquist, has one of the best parade of prizes of [continued on 8]
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celebrazzi
Over 3,000 revelers poured into Mardi Gras World for Halloween XXX: Chapel of Love raising thousands of dollars for Project Lazarus in New Orleans. Costume interpretations for this year's theme were incredible. The midnight feature was a magnificent stage production with over 100 participants including a live singer bringing "Love Is In The Air" to the gigantic crowd complete with a full orchestra. Ambush Mag is a proud sponsor of Halloween in New Orleans (www.HalloweenNewOrleans.COM).
Persana Shoulders, Scott Bickford, Bianca Del Rio, Oz New Orleans' Johnny Chisholm and partner Cy Whitney joined The Lazarus Ball at the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center at the WWII Museum. The kickoff for Halloween XXX was a huge success bringing out 550 benefactors, hosts and sponsors enjoying an evening of fine food from Chef John Besh, and the always exciting auction. Oz is the Official Bar Sponsor of Halloween each year (www.OzNewOrleans.COM).
The Board of Directors of Halloween in New Orleans took to the stage at House of Blues to thank all that made this 30th Anniversary of Halloween such a huge success. The Honeymoon Sunday Brunch brought 750 out for the festivities ending the weekend at House of Blue with Halloween's first 2nd line to Canal Street, then down Bourbon ending at Official Bar Sponsor Oz New Orleans.
Teryl-Lynn Foxx, Blanche Debris, Persana Shoulders, King Cake Queen Dusty Debris and Bianca Del Rio were some of the headliners in this year's midnight feature show for Halloween XXX: Chapel of Love at Mardi Gras World.
Wilhemina and Darrin welcomed guests to Winston Gray's Memorial and Jazz 2nd Line at MBR in New Orleans. Friends mingled over great food, entertainment, and celebrated with a 2nd line parade through the French Quarter past Winston's home on Bourbon Street.
Darwin Reed surprised partner Opal Masters with a big surprise birthday party at The Balcony above Cafe Lafitte in Exile. Cute Ronnie had a glass of champagne at the top of the stairs and escorted Opal into the bar to greet over 200 party guests. Photo by Larry Graham.
Steven Forster, whose striking photographs of celebrities and entertainers have been collected by museums and published worldwide, will exhibit his work in a show titled “Celebrity” at Boyd|Satellite Gallery in New Orleans, opening Saturday, December 7, with a reception with the artist from 6 to 9pm. The exhibit continues through December 31. See full story on page 26.
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line "Charity Alert" contained a link to an article in the Dallas Observer from 2010 detailing a similar scam the con artist had pulled in Dallas in 2009. When Manos approached Rip NaquinDelain about purchasing an ad in Ambush Magazine for the event, Naquin-Delain was skeptical. “He couldn’t look me in the eye and he talked too fast,” noted Naquin-Delain, “It all sounded too good to be true.” His suspicions were further heightened when Manos was unable to provide any verification of his organization’s non-profit status. As word of Manos’ past spread throughout the French Quarter and around the city, “Indulge” sponsors began to with-
investigative report by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
Silky Smooth Web of Deceit Ends in New Orleans with Arrest of Michael Manos Where does one begin with the sad, sleazy, sordid tale of Michael Manos, alias Michael Morgan? A quote from Sir Walter Scott comes to mind: “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” The glam-scamming con artist, armed with botox and a bad hairpiece, sashayed into New Orleans back in June and began spinning his latest fraud—a glitzy, star-studded charity fundraiser dubbed “Indulge.” The event was billed as a Hallow- the exclusive worldwide premiere of a een Masquerade Ball to be held at the new reality television show called, “Bourswanky Eiffel Society on St. Charles bon Street.” Advance tickets sold at a Avenue on Thursday, October 24. Local steady clip. businesses from the New Orleans But, to quote a saying of old, all Saints to small mom and pop shops in that glitters is not gold. Manos’ the French Quarter clamored to be- silky smooth web of deceit come sponsors. Not only would they began to unravel on Tuesday, October be helping raise money for the Cov- 22, two days before the big event, enant House (a local charity that helps when Rip Naquin-Delain, publisher of homeless youth), they were told, they Ambush Magazine, sent out an e-mail would also have a chance to network blast and a Facebook post exposing with the city’s movers and shakers. In Michael Morgan as Michael Manos—a addition to the red carpet treatment, con artist and a convicted felon. The ereplete with paparazzi, sponsors and mail and Facebook post with subject attendees would also get a glimpse of
the "official" dish ...from 4 any raffle held in the French Quarter. Make sure and get your raffle tickets from your favorite staff member. All raffle sales, auction proceeds, donations, and stage performance tips goes to Belle Reve. Visit www.Lafittes.COM for more information.
Lords of Leather Upcoming Events The Lords of Leather are busy planning a couple of entertaining events for the soon-to-be-here holiday season. First up, on Saturday, November 30th is their annual “American Bandstand” show. Come see how these “manly” men redesign themselves for one night as they sing and dance their way across the stage at Mag’s 940 (formerly JohnPaul’s). The show will start at 8pm. Then, as Christmas approaches, the Lords will be hosting a “Gay Night at the Teddy Bear House” Party on Friday, December 20th from 7-10pm. The Teddy Bear house, located Uptown at 1525 Dufossat Street (just off St. Charles Avenue), puts on display 12,000 (yes, 12,000!) Teddy Bears inside and outside a holiday-themed lighted and decorated residence. Santa’s Sexy Elves will be serving food and drinks to good kids as well as naughty ones on the patio and there will be a Teddy Bear Auction of bears decorated by the krewe’s members. Tickets are $20 and will be available from any krewe member.
Public tours of the Teddy Bear House will follow on Saturday and Sunday, December 21st and 22nd sponsored by the Lords. Hours will be Saturday 5pm until 10pm and Sunday from 11am until 7pm. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids. It truly is an amazing sight and kids young and old will enjoy this unique holiday event. Tour tickets will be available at the house upon arrival.
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CURRENTS 2013: New Orleans Photo Alliance Members Showcase Dec. 12-Jan. 5 The New Orleans Photo Alliance (NOPA) in partnership with the Ogden Museum of Southern Art is proud to announce CURRENTS 2013, its annual members showcase exhibition. CURRENTS 2013 will be on display at the Ogden Museum during PhotoNOLA. The fifth annual exhibition, designed to highlight the diverse work being created by NOPA members, will present images by fourteen Alliance members. The featured artists are: Christa Blackwood, Anne Berry, E2 (Elizabeth Kleinveld & EPaul Julien), AnnieLaurie Erickson, Gloria Baker Feinstein, Terri Garland, Kevin Kline & Bruce Schultz, Ashley Jones, Galina Kurlat, Brandon Thibodeaux, Alison Turner and Meg Turner. The exhibition was curated by Gordon Stettinius, Founder & Director of Candela Books + Gallery (Richmond, VA), whose selections reflect an overview of contemporary photographic practices. The featured works include a mix of alternative and contemporary processes, black and white and color, docu-
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Berry Anne Spectacled Langur mentary and conceptual projects. CURRENTS 2013 will be on display from December 12, 2013 – January 5, 2014. An opening reception will be held on Friday, December 13 from 5 - 7pm, preceded by a Jurors’ Talk with Gordon Stettinius beginning at 4:30pm. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is located at 925 Camp Street, and is open Wednesday - Monday 10am-5pm, and on Thursdays evenings from 68pm for Ogden After Hours. The New Orleans Photo Alliance (www.neworleansphotoalliance.org) is comprised of a diverse group of photographers who joined forces in 2006 to create unity and opportunity for photographers in the Gulf South. It is a volunteer run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which currently includes more than 300 members from across Louisiana and the United States. Since its inception, the New Orleans Photo Alliance has sponsored numerous photographic exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs including PhotoNOLA, the annual photography festival in New Orleans. NOPA administers two $5,000 annual awards, The Michael P. Smith Fund For Documentary Photography and the Clarence John Laughlin Award.
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investigative report... from 8 draw from the event. Upon learning of Manos’ past, the Covenant House, which was slated to receive a portion of the proceeds from “Indulge,” withdrew from the event and told Manos they wanted to distance themselves from the whole affair and would not accept any money generated by the party. According to Richard Arnold, the charity’s development director, Manos insisted they take two items that were donated for a silent auction that never came to pass—a football signed by a few Saints football players and a painting. Arnold is quick to point out the Covenant House was not involved in the planning of “Indulge.” On Wednesday, October 23, Federal marshals tracked Manos to a warehouse in Kenner where he was picking up the red carpet for the masquerade ball. Manos was arrested for violating his probation in Dallas and for violating his parole in New York. The New Orleans scheme shared some similarities with the Dallas scheme. When Manos arrived in Dallas, he claimed to be Mladen “Mordan” Stevanov, the disavowed son of a wealthy Greek tycoon. There Manos targeted Robert Petrie and Anthony Porcaro, co-owners of an upscale restaurant named Bella. Manos pitched them a reality television show based on the restaurant called Bella Boyz. The show’s launch would be accompanied by a grand reopening of the restaurant. Manos told the pair that the show would be produced by his own production company, Society Fashion Report Television, which, he claimed was a subsidiary of his global media empire, SFR International. He also planned to debut a new magazine called SFR. Manos fled Texas when people there began researching his background. And what a background it was. Michael Manos was born in 1963 and grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York. His extensive and incredibly lengthy rap sheet began when he was arrested at age 17 for bank robbery. In the 1980s, he was involved in a blackmail scheme in Washington, D.C., that targeted Republican politicians who hired gay male escorts. In 1988, Manos and his friend, Robert Wooley, a heroin addict whom Manos had previously met in prison, decided to steal checks from Wooley’s roommate and deposit them in Manos’ bank account. When the checks were taking longer than usual to clear, Wooley kidnapped the roommate while he was sleeping. After beating him with a baseball bat, Wooley threw him in the trunk of his car and drove to Manos’ house. The two kept him in the trunk for four days as they emptied his bank account. Manos was subsequently arrested and given a 15 to life sentence. While in the New York prison system, Manos claims he was raped repeatedly and attempted suicide in 1997. He was paroled in 2004
and upon being released from prison, Manos promptly fled the state. He turned up in Atlanta in 2007 as Christian Michael de Medici. There, he befriended Jane Fonda and defrauded a charity in which she was involved. He donated a house to the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention; the only problem was he didn’t own the house. Authorities estimate he has used 15 to 20 aliases over the course of his illustrious criminal career. In a familiar pattern, when Manos skipped town in Dallas, he left behind a stack of unpaid bills and staggering debts. Using the restaurateurs’ credit card, Manos had run up over $70,000 in unauthorized credit card charges. Ultimately, a private investigator in Texas tracked him to San Francisco where he was arrested for credit card fraud and theft. At the time of his arrest, authorities found in his possession 30 credit cards with false names, $10,000 in cash, and a stolen Bulgarian driver’s license. When Manos arrived in New Or-
tered with the Secretary of State’s Office a company called Royale Productions, which specializes in local event planning and promotion. Royale Productions partnered with Manos to produce “Indulge.” Picou and Exsterstein also introduced Manos to their friend, Eddie Paulin. The four men then began promoting the event, recruiting sponsors and selling admission tickets. One man, an employee of Good Friends who agreed to speak only under condition of anonymity, recalls meeting Manos at the Queen’s Head Pub. Manos explained that “Indulge” was a fundraiser for a local charity and that since he was in the service industry he could purchase a $150 VIP ticket for only $20. Initially motivated by altruism, this man bought one ticket to help contribute to a good cause. Then he decided to buy another ticket so he and his boyfriend could attend the event together. He handed Manos a $50 bill and awaited $30 change, which was not forthcoming. When he told Manos he had given him a $50, Manos replied,
"Indulge" Promoters Chris Picou, Ryan Exsterstein, Michael Manos (aka Michael Morgan) & Eddie Paulin leans early this summer, he used the “No, it was a $20.” Manos looked alias Michael Morgan and announced through his money and noted there was he was the grandson of banking giant nothing but $20 bills. At this point, a J.P. Morgan. Touting something called mutual friend with whom both were the M2 Trust—an investment company visiting told Manos that he had seen the that falsely claims to be headquartered bill and that it was, indeed, a $50. in Geneva, Switzerland and have of- Manos, acting surprised, then produced fices in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, the bill, saying, “Oh, here it is.” New Orleans, and Washington D.C., Robert Welles was approached but is actually a phantom company that one afternoon in Café Lafitte’s by Picou. exists only in the form of a slick Picou offered Welles a VIP ticket to website—Manos began constructing “Indulge” valued at $150 for $20. Welles his latest con—”Indulge.” was suspicious and declined the offer. Sometime in June, Manos went to His curiosity peaked, Welles called the the Bourbon Pub & Parade, where he Eiffel Society to ask about the event met bartender Chris Picou. A few and the ticket prices. He was informed weeks later, Picou and his boyfriend, that some tickets were $20 but those Ryan Exsterstein, a waiter at a French were General Admission, not VIP tickQuarter restaurant, formed and regis- ets. He was further informed that the
only legitimate tickets to the event had to be purchased on-line through the Eiffel Society website. On October 10, Welles posted on Facebook a picture of the “VIP” tickets and warned they were counterfeit. He also notified Aletha, a bartender at Café Lafitte’s, that the tickets Picou had left with her to sell were bogus. Aletha attempted to call Picou for two days but Picou did not return her calls until Welles posted what he had learned on Facebook. Picou returned to the bar and picked up the tickets without any explanation. It is unclear whether Royale Productions, and by extension Paulin, were in on the plot. Exsterstein and Picou insist they were unwittingly manipulated by Manos and were therefore unwilling accomplices in the elaborate scheme. At one point, Exsterstein became suspicious when Manos asked for his Social Security number “for business purposes.” Exsterstein did not give Manos his Social Security number; nevertheless, Royale Productions continued promoting “Indulge.” Royale Productions is not the only business to be tainted by the scandal. The debut issue of VIP (Visions in Print French Quarter Magazine), which launched the week of “Indulge,” lists “Indulge” and the (non-existent) M2 Trust as one of its contributing sponsors. The magazine also features a photo spread of a scantily clad Picou as well as a quote from Michael “Morgan” on its “Community Quotes” page. According to Picou, he and Exsterstein also sell ads for the magazine.
So what happened to the money generated by advance ticket sales and sponsorships? Exsterstein and Picou claim they made no money on the fiasco, explaining that what little money they did generate through ticket sales were spent on expenses to cover the cost of the event. Repeated calls to the Eiffel Society went unreturned. Officials at the Covenant House report that they received absolutely no money from the event. Yet, over the weekend after “Indulge,” Exsterstein claimed the Covenant House received $12,000. He was also overheard in a French Quarter bar saying, “Even though we lost money, the charity still got its money.” Picou points out that despite the fact that Manos was behind bars, the “Indulge” party did go on. And it did, albeit the event was a much scaled down version of what was originally planned. As of this writing, Manos remains in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Facility in Gretna awaiting his fate.
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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
“For the Love of Song— The New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus” The year is 1982. It’s Christmas time in New Orleans and you’re celebrating the season by visiting with friends at your favorite gay watering hole in the French Quarter. Your conversation is suddenly, pleasantly, interrupted by an angelic chorus of voices singing Christmas Carols outside the bar. Surprised, you wonder if the carolers realize they are at a gay bar. Curious, you peek outside only to see a group of handsome gay men singing. Meet the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus. The Chorus had been founded ear- or sleaze.” And for 31 years, that is just lier in the year by Louisiana native Jerry what the NOGMC has done. Zachary. Zachary earned a B.A. in Singing Carols at the bars that first Music from Louisiana Tech University in Christmas proved to be a great promo1971 and an M.A. in Music from L.S.U. tion and recruiting tool. Membership in 1973 before moving to Chicago. and interest grew and within a year, the Inspired by the success of the Windy Chorus traveled to New York where it City Gay Men’s Chorus, Zachary de- performed at Lincoln Center with nine cided to start a similar group in New other gay choruses in what was the Orleans after he moved to the city in nation’s first festival of gay choruses. 1981. These choruses evolved into the Gay Also playing a role in the formation and Lesbian Association of Choruses, of the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus of which NOGMC is a founding memwas Zachary’s social and political con- ber. The NOGMC has performed at science. The lack of interest in the local every subsequent GALA festival – MinGay Pride Festival coupled with the neapolis (1986), Seattle (1989), Denarrest of about a dozen men in front of ver (1992), Tampa (1996), Montreal Jewel’s Tavern (a notorious gay bar) (2004), Miami (2008) and Denver for obstructing the sidewalk motivated (2012). Zachary to take action. He was also The Chorus performed its first Gay fed up with what he describes as “the Pride Concert in 1983 at St. Mark’s Mardi Gras mentality”—the notion that Church in the French Quarter. The Mardi Gras was the only thing that group also held regular rehearsals at mattered in New Orleans. Noting the the church, which did not charge the apathy of the gay community and the group in exchange for one performance negative connotations that were often a month. Several other area churches associated with it, Zachary says, “The had denied the Chorus the use of their Chorus was always about putting a facilities for rehearsals. But St. Mark’s face on the community that wasn’t drag has always been very supportive of the Chorus. When the Chorus performed at Le Petit Theatre for the first time in 1983, Le Petit’s Board of Directors wouldn’t allow the use of the word “gay.” Zachary cleverly sidestepped that restriction by including the symbols for the musical notes “g,” “a,” and “e” on the poster that read “New Orleans Men’s Chorus.” Reflecting on the controversy, Zachary recalls naming the group, “I wanted MAG.COM Gay in the title because you didn’t see that word in print back then.” Reviewing the performance, critic 8 28 Frank Gagnard wrote, “It was blacktie-full dress before intermission and preppie khakis and rolled up sleeves afterwards. . . . The amateur group, directed (with baton) by its founder, Jerry Zachary, applied itself seriously to a varied program, ranging from Lassus’ “Echo Song,” Purcell and Haydn—but not a scheduled Bach selection—to contemporary concert-hall names and show tunes as fresh as “Memory,” from “Cats.” The NOGMC performed again at Le Petit in 1988 in what was billed as
AMBUSH
“Showtime at Le Petit.” This time the NOGMC hosted groups from Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Madison, Wisconsin, Denver, and Seattle. Other joint concerts have been with choruses from Houston, St. Louis, Philadelphia, and Chicago. In addition to collaborating with other gay choruses from around the country, the NOGMC has also worked with international choruses, most notably the gay men’s chorus from Berlin, Manner Minne and the Stockholm Gay Men’s Chorus. Yet, despite its international reach, the NOGMC’s heart remains close to home. The Chorus has always tried to support Southeast Louisiana’s gay and lesbian community throughout its history. A short list of the events they have participated in include: caroling from bar to bar in the early years; caroling at C100, C600, Belle Reve, PFLAG, and at Lazarus House; performing for the Lazarus Remembrance Service, AIDS Memorial Dedication, MCC’s Spirit Awards, NO/AIDS Task Force “Art Against AIDS”, World AIDS Day services, HAART, Pride Parades in both Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Mr. Louisiana Leather contest, and at the Mardi Gras balls of Petronius, Lords of Leather and Armeinius. Although their primary purpose has been to serve the gay community, the chorus also serves as a model of gay pride to the straight world. The Chorus also has performed with the New Orleans Opera Chorus in Aida in 1989, with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 entitled “Resurrection” in 2008, and has appeared on news programs on both the local CBS and NBC affiliates. They also sang for the New Orleans World’s Fair in 1984, and have caroled at the Riverwalk along the Mississippi River. An exhibit of memorabilia from the early years of the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus will be on display at a meeting of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana on Friday, November 8, at the Marigny Opera House, 725 St. Ferdinand Street at 6:30pm. The exhibit and meeting are free and open to the public. The chorus will perform its 31st annual holiday concert on December 13 in New Orleans and on December 14 in Baton Rouge. For more
information, visit www.nogmc.com.
LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana to Hold its First Public Meeting by Frank Perez The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana will hold its first public meeting on Friday, November 8th, at 7pm at the Marigny Opera House (725 St. Ferdinand Street). The public is invited and encouraged to attend. The Mission of the LGBT Archive Project of Louisiana is to promote and encourage the preservation of materials that chronicle the culture and history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender Community of Louisiana. The group’s purposes include: > Educating the community on the importance of ensuring that LGBT historical materials are archived and made available for future generations to access, research and study > Promoting the proper maintenance and preservation of historical LGBT materials > Providing an informational directory of archival resources where LGBT historical materials may be deposited or accessed for research and study > Indexing, publishing and maintaining a current list of locations of archived historical LGBT materials > Developing financial resources to assist in the preservation and availability of certain LGBT collections. The November 8th meeting is open to the public and will be both informational and invitational. The public will not only be informed of the project’s importance but also be invited to participate in the project. Opportunities for participation include volunteering to get involved with the group’s administration, volunteering to help the project achieve its purposes, learning about donating archival material, joining an informational mailing list, and donating money to the project among other things. Several exhibits of archival material will be on display at the meeting. For anyone interested in LGBT history, this meeting is not to be missed. The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana is a new organization and this is an excellent opportunity to get involved with preserving our rich LGBT heritage.
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Halloween XXX: The Chapel of Love @ Mardi Gras World ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Darwin Reed & Arthur Severio
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Halloween XXX: The Lazarus Ball “The Wedding Shower” @ US FreedomPavilion The Boeing Center, WWII Museum~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed
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Halloween XXX: Club Event @ Civic Theatre, Brunch-2nd Line @ House of Blues to Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Arthur Severio
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Winston Gray Memorial & Jazz 2nd Line; Divas Las Vegas ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Arthur Severio
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Opal Masters’ Surprise B-day Bash @ The Balcony; Amon-Ra’s “Nightmare on Bourbon St.” @ Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Larry Graham, Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed
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pensacola
Fire Halloween Bash @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
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a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
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Halloween!!! ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John
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Did you do what we talked about? New Orleans enjoys all four seasons in a week during the winter months. Warm, rain, then cool, rain and warm again. It was on one of those autumnal days that Derrielle approached me. It was gloomy outside in the early evening hours, spitting rain, preparing for this week’s winter. Derrielle is a precocious 9 years old who has planted on her round face a perpetual smile. She is a member of the after school program that we host at St. Anna’s Church. I make it a habit to walk through the Parish Hall during this time to meet and just briefly talk with the 20 odd kids and ten or so adults who passionately give of their time to help teach these children. During my stroll Derrielle got up from a table across the room and with a newspaper in hand she approached; talking away with that winsome smile before she even got within ear shot. “Children do babble,” I thought to myself. Without premise, opening line, or any indication of what her subject was she simply asked, “Did you put them up yet?” again that smile radiated. I asked what she was talking about. She said with smile never changing, “The little girls that got shot this week” and handed me the newspaper that she had brought from home; carried all day in school and now presented me with. She began to tell me all about her. She told me that one “little girl” was just about 12 about to have her birthday. The smile faltered but did not go away. I replied that the weather was raining outside and that I would surely put their names on the board as soon as the weather cleared. I looked at the paper. I looked down at Derrielle and expectantly she looked and said, “You need to do that now.” Smile falters once again but does not go away. You see St. Anna’s is the church with the Victims of Violence memorial. We put the names of all murder victims on a board outside in the front of the church. We also have a permanent memorial on a Wall and alas we have very little room left on that. It stretches ten feet by four feet with over 2,100 names of others who died due to urban violence.
Mr. Josh Duffy performing @ B-Bob’s
Michael & Scotty
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Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s
It starts in 2007 and is still maintained today. “No Derrielle, I can’t today the ink won’t dry. I have to wait until Monday.” This is what the Times Picayune reported (by Paul Purpura, NOLA.com): Arabian “Ray Ray” Gayles was killed just eight days shy of her 12th birthday, when bullets gunmen fired outside her Pigeon Town home pierced a wall and struck her as she slept. On Saturday (Sept.14), four days after she would have celebrated that milestone, Arabian was buried following a funeral at the Baptist church at Willow and Monroe streets, only blocks from where she was fatally wounded. After reading the opening lines I sort of kneeled down so that I could be on eye level with Derrielle. I asked her, “What are you feeling about this?” Again, the smile faltered. It really did not come back much after that. She shrugged, as children do, and said “I don’t know. But you need to put her name up.” I asked again, “Does this make you sad?” Again, a shrug, she looked at her feet and shuffled a bit <discomfort>. Then she said, “I am dreaming about this.”I asked, “What are you dreaming?” Again, a shrug and “I don’t know.” Again I asked, “Are you dreaming about her.” The short answer that a lot of our kids give, “yea” said shyly and eyes cast down. I gave her a hug and asked if she wanted to help me put the name up. She shrugged and said, “yea.” It was, for me, a very quiet drive home: thoughts tumbling, wondering, trying to understand Derrielle and trying hard to think of a way to take her disquietude away. The streets were dark, the roadway wet, I headed home. I said very little when I got home. Then the dogs greeted me, my wife hugged me, dinner was set, programs to watch and Derrielle and Ray Ray faded for the evening. The weekend came and went, the weather was wonderful on Sunday and we enjoyed a great church pic nic at an old building we are restoring to provide a place for kids like Derrielle. Yet, at that time both Derrielle
Mobile Scavenger Hunt 2013
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Annual Employee Halloween Horror Turnabout @ Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
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The Cat Walk ... Halloween ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Charles Jenkins
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spotlight features Steven Forster Presents "Celebrity" @ Boyd I Satellite Gallery Opening Dec. 7 Steven Forster, whose striking photographs of celebrities and entertainers have been collected by museums and published worldwide, will exhibit his work in a show titled “Celebrity” at Boyd|Satellite Gallery in New Orleans, opening Saturday, December 7, with a reception with the artist from 6 to 9pm. The exhibit continues through December 31. Described as “the Richard Avedon of the South” by Times-Picayune critic David Cuthbert, Forster has created thousands of images of luminaries, from glamorous to gritty. The exhibit is the first for Forster in more than half a decade and includes photographs of Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock, Drew Brees, Barbara Walters, Hoda Kotb, Whoopi Goldberg, President Jimmy Carter, Larry King, Jerry Lewis, Anderson Cooper, Ellen Degeneres, Jerry Springer, Bryan Batt, Ryan Phillippe, Magic Johnson, Roseanne Barr, Sean Payton, Reese Witherspoon, Macy Gray, Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse, Ray Charles, Adrienne Bruno Hatcher, Jake Huntr,
Wynton Marsalis, Duck Dynasty, Irvin Mayfield, Anne Rice, Patricia Clarkson, James Gandolfini, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Coolidge, Fats Domino, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Lindy Boggs, Jon Hamm, Mark Wahlberg, Lorenzo Lamas, Dita Von Teese, Ethel Merman, Ella Fitzgerald and many others. Forster writes and shoots for the Party Central page that appears twice weekly in The New Orleans Advocate newspaper. Previously, for 20 years, his work appeared on the Big Easy page of The Times-Picayune. A New Orleans native, Forster’s celebrity and fashion photography has also been published in The New York Times, People Magazine, Associated
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It was going to be her birthday.” Derrielle was touched by this moment. A ‘little girl’ like her was shot. She simply does not know how to process this but something deep inside inspired her to say, without saying, “We can’t forget her.” Something deep down inside was saying, without being said, “She’s like me and I’m like her, she’s my sister.” At age nine she does not know how to rage, or to weep, or to rebel or to cry out in the face of this sort of loss. But, deep deep down inside she does; she just doesn’t know how to say it, cry it, or express it. Maybe this is because she is assaulted with it every day that she lives. Ask almost any child that lives in the poorer parts of the city, “What do you do when you hear gun shots?” They all have as quick an answer as if you had said, “What is your favorite color?” usually quicker. “STOP AND DROP!!!” they will shout out. So, from across the room Derrielle shouts, “Did you do what we talked about?!” A wavering smile, looking at shoes, shuffling feet, I will answer, “Today I will.” No we won’t forget Ray Ray we won’t forget Derrielle we can’t forget our children. There is an abundance of promise resident within our children just like Derrielle’s inner self is tenacious, demanding, angry and seeking. You and I … the grownups, have a lot of work to do. Find an active grass roots charity that engages kids who are exposed to poverty and violence; perhaps Anna’s Arts for Kids with Derrielle might be the ticket and invest; invest your time; invest your talent; invest your treasure but don’t be shy and don’t think that you won’t be welcomed. You are a community within a community and a powerful one at that.
and Ray Ray were not on my mind. Tuesday came. I did what I usually did on Tuesdays, answered e-mail, set liturgies, wrote some letters asking for donations to build our outreach programs and offered pastoral care to my fellow workers and parishioners. As the glorious cool and dry evening drew near I did what I always do. I started my walk through the Parish Hall. A smaller group of kids and tutors were there. Each evening a question by one of the kids is posted on the white board in the Parish Hall. Like Jeopardy the answer is given and the children have to guess what the Question is. It’s delightful and sometimes entertaining. Darrel Durham the head of the program was sitting with some of the kids and with Derrielle. She shouted out, “Did you do what we talked about!?” At first I was confused, then the paper came out, the same paper she held last Thursday. Darrell looked a bit somber and he looked at me. He nodded his head toward the white board and said, “Did you see what Derrielle put on the board?” I glanced over and in the usual child-like misshapen letters was written: Answer: Arabian Ray Ray Gayles At this point both Darrel and I looked at each other with no small degree of concern and remorse in our eyes because: THE QUESTION IS: Who got shot and died? I asked again, “What are you feeling about Ray Ray?” Perhaps it was using her name, perhaps it was just time, perhaps it was the moment but the answer was “Sad.
Press, Elle Magazine, Washington Monthly and many others. His fashion work swept the most recent Alpha Awards presented by the Fashion Group International (founded in 1930) of New Orleans. In his most recent of several awards from the New Orleans Press Club, Forster was honored in July 2013 with first place for multifeature still photography. His photographs are in the permanent collections of the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and others. Boyd | Satellite Gallery is located at 440 Julia St. Hours are 10:30am to 5pm, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, contact gallery director Ginette Bone at 504.581.2440 or visit Steven Forster on Facebook.
Long-Time LGBT Leader & Rights Advocate Stewart Butler to Receive Award from ACLU of Louisiana Long-time advocate Stewart Butler will receive the 38th Annual Ben Smith Award by the ACLU of Louisiana. This award honors people who have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of civil liberties in Louisiana. It is named for the late Ben Smith, a founder of the ACLU of Louisiana and
Stewart Butler (Photo by Larry Graham)
a civil rights lawyer who was arrested for his work to end segregation and for participating in mixed-race gatherings. Mr. Butler, who entered politics while still a student at the University of Alaska in the late 1950s, has devoted much of his life to equality for all people of New Orleans, and especially the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered communities in New Orleans and around Louisiana. He began his civil rights work in New Orleans helping with voter registration drives run by James Singleton in the 1970s. In 1973, he and his soulmate, Alfred Doolittle, left the Upstairs Lounge after Alfred unexpectedly said he wanted to leave some 30 minutes before the fire that killed more than thirty persons, the most of any fire in the history of New Orleans. In 1980 he was a founding member of LAGPAC, an early advocacy group seeking equal rights for the gay community. Mr. Butler was the only individual to be a part of all three attempts to pass a New Orleans Gay Rights Ordinance in 1984, 1986, and 1991. He has served on the boards of the Lesbian and Gay Community Center, LAGPAC, Celebration New Orleans, PFLAG, and many other organizations dedicated to equal rights for all. Mr. Butler, an Army Veteran, holds degrees in geological engineering and business administration and attended law school. He has received honors including the ACLU-LAGPAC GittingsHay Award for service in 1985; Louisiana Council for Equal Rights Award for outstanding achievement in politics in 1991; the Human Rights Campaign Outstanding Leadership and Service Award in 1993, and the 2004 Equality Louisiana’s Community First Award. A dinner honoring Mr. Butler will be held on March 22, 2014 at the New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center in New Orleans. The keynote speaker will be Melissa Fluornoy, PhD. Fluornoy is the chair of Louisiana Progress, a former state legislator from Shreveport and the founder of the Louisiana association of nonprofit organizations and the Louisiana budget project. In addition to being an advocate, activist and philanthropist, Melissa is currently the state director of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast.
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real estate Home Buying Tips from Gay Real Estate Professionals We asked a couple of gay real estate professionals from different areas to give us tips on how to buy a home from acquisition to a satisfactory move-in. A lot of advice was offered to us and we decided to provide the best tips relevant to our readers.
Get the right agent A great agent is essential in the process of acquiring a home. You need check out sites like GayRealEstate.com to find atop gay realtor and also carry out interviews of a couple to establish the right candidate for the job. Once you identify the right person, ensure they are willing and able to communicate to you in the way that you want be it email, text or anything else.
Make sure you are pre-approved for a loan According to Denver Gay Realtor Merlin Parker, having a preapproval letter or lack of one for that matter may mean getting or missing on a perfect home ownership opportunity. Being approved for a loan makes you more confident and realistic about prices and also keeps you one step ahead of other home buyers.
Avoid looking at too many homes Looking at too many homes will only make you overwhelmed and leave you confused ~ yes, you should see every home in your price range that fit in your parameters of size, location, construction, etc., but don’t make yourself crazy by trying to see every home on the market, in any location, etc. Make a list of the things you consider must-haves and those you consider luxuries. Narrow the search down by “commute time to work”, recreational outlets, church and other items of importance.
Be open minded Many buyers set out looking for “the perfect house” only to realize that the features they desire in a house are only found in a very old mid-century ranch, not the brand new construction specified. It is important to stay open minded and open to suggestions from your agent, who may have a better idea of what would work for you and your desires.
After you find a home, learn the neighborhood According to gay realtor Jeff Hammerberg, it is important to go back to the streets where you have found a potential candidate at different times of the day to get a feel for the vibe of the neighborhood. Since a significant part of your life in that neighborhood will revolve around the neighborhood itself, and amenities offered ~ it’s great to be clear about your new neighborhood. Walking trails, library, shopping, neighborhood activities/ newsletter?
Do not buy without a home inspection It is imperative to get the home you intend to buy inspected by certified inspectors. A home inspector can look at everything top to bottom ~ if you have additional concerns hire an expert in “structural / electrical / roof / furnace / ac / mold / insects”. Never rely on the aesthetics alone.
home.
Do not get emotional Irrespective of how attracted you are to a house, you should not be pushed beyond your budget. Do not push yourself beyond reasonable limits, and ensure you work with people you are comfortable with. Also make sure you have a backup house that you like as this may reduce the excitement and the tension associated with getting a
Author Jeff Hammerberg is a gay realtor and Founding CEO of GayRealEstate.com ~ Offering Free Instant Access to the Nation’s Top Gay, Lesbian and Gay Friendly Realtors Coast to Coast. Free Buyers Representation ~ Free Relocation Kit to any City, USA ~ Free Sellers Market Analysis for home sellers.
Speak up if you don’t understand something If you do not understand any part of the home buying/ inspection process and paperwork, you should feel free to ask. In as much as the agent will have handled the whole process for you (and with you) you should avoid signing documents that you do not understand, as they may come back to haunt you.
Submit your highest and best offer upfront In cases where the market is doing really well, a lot of the properties listed for sale will receive multiple offers. Give a realistic offer supported by comparable sales ~ your agent will provide and review this data with you prior to submitting an offer.
Be ready to compromise In this market, a winning bid may have to be tailored to fit the seller’s needs. You should not lose a house you like over something trivial like appliances, a light fixture, or an extended or expedited closing. It is the big things such as the neighborhood, size and layout that matter when you want a house. Next DEADLINE Tuesday, Nov. 12th
504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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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
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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,
book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1913]
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New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com
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
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 & SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 23-26, 2014, Halloween 31, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.COM
costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633
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 culture 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:
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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 / For pictures http://www.christophernola.com. 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 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 Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 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 car-
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Bartender of the Month Halloween is one of the craziest holidays in the city of New Orleans and the bartenders that work it need to be at the top of their game. Halloween New Orleans was a huge success and brought in record crowds. In fact it is at one of the events, that I discovered my bartender of the month for November. Jeffrey works at the House of Blues manning the Voodoo Garden bar in the courtyard on Sunday for the Gospel Show during Halloween XXX. To say that Jeffrey is a good bartender is an understatement, he is a hospitality professional that has speed, personality and a cute smile (dimples and all). Jeff was the first bar that was hit by the several hundred men and women who attended Halloween XXX as they came in for brunch, so you can imagine his line was long and always packed. Not only did he manage two lines with ease, he kept the crowds moving the entire time, never once missing a beat. He was like a well-oiled
ing 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
Bartender of the Month Jeffrey, House of Blues machine making cocktails, greeting every person as they walked up and acknowledging the others in line. And the guests noticed this, many of whom decided to bypass other bars just to go back to his bar for their drinks
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, 587.7903 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET The Ruby Slipper, 2001 Burgundy, 525.9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.Net
retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 HIT PARADE, 741 Bourbon St., Facebook.COM/HitParadeNOLA MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465
even if it meant they had to wait a few more minutes. Now that is the mark of an excellent bartender. It is so hard to give personal attention to customers when it is this busy, but Jeffrey managed this with ease. The House of Blues has always been a major part of the gay community in New Orleans, not only with its special events like SIN Night, but also they also employ many LGBT people. Known for their outstanding food and music, the organization has a motto built on diversity and love. No wonder it has hosted many Friday and Sunday Halloween events in the past. This year they stepped up the game and Jeffrey as well as the service of all the other staff was amazing. So go to the HOB and check out Jeffrey, he will definitely put soul into your world, well at least your cocktail. The House of Blues is located at 225 Decatur Street.
Coven Star Sings Is the fabulous new season of American Horror Story keeping you glued to your sets? Well, wander away from your TIVO to catch one of its stars Patti LuPone as she performs at Broadway at NOCCA on November 16. Her show starts at 7:30 and features Seth Rudetsky as pianist and host. Mark Cortale and Broadway @ PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662 SECOND SKIN LEATHER, 521 St. Philip, 561.8167 XXX SHOP EROTIC BOUTIQUE, 1835 Nl Rampart St., 232.3063
spas New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com Planet Beach, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgundy St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM 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
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
NOCCA proudly present the legendary Patti LuPone currently starring on American Horror Story: Coven and HBO Girls. LuPone A Memoir appeared last season on Broadway opposite her Evita co-star Mandy Patinkin in An Evening with Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin and prior to that, created the role of Lucia in the new musical Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, for which she was nominated for Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. She recently made her debut with the New York City Ballet as guest soloist in their new production of The Seven Deadly Sins and starred as Joanne in the New York Philharmonic’s production of Company. Winner of the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Actress in a Musical and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Performance of the Season for her performance as Rose in the most recent Broadway production of Gypsy, her other stage credits include her debut with the Los Angeles Opera in WeillBrecht’s Mahagonny, the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s opera To Hell and Back with San Francisco’s Baroque Philharmonic Orchestra, Mrs. Lovett in John Doyle’s production of Sweeney Todd (Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations; Drama League Award for Outstanding Contribution to Musical Theatre), the title role in Marc Blitzstein’s Regina, a musical version of Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes at the Kennedy Center, Fosca in a concert version of Passion, which was also broadcast on PBS’ Live From Lincoln Center, a multi-city tour of her theatrical concert Matters of the Heart, the City Center Encores! production of Can-Can, the NY Philharmonic’s productions of Candide and Sweeney Todd (NY Phil debut) and performances on Broadway in Michael Frayn’s Noises Off, David Mamet’s The Old Neighborhood, Terrence McNally’s Master Class, in her own concert Patti LuPone On Broadway and three solo concerts at Carnegie Hall. A graduate of the first class of the Drama Division of New York’s Juilliard School and a founding member of John Houseman’s The Acting Company in which she toured the country for four years, her subsequent New York credits include Dario Fo’s Accidental Death of An Anarchist, David Mamet’s The Water Engine, Edmond and The Woods and Israel Horovitz’ Stage Directions and performances in the musicals Pal Joey for City Center Encores!, Anything Goes, The Cradle Will Rock, Oliver!, Evita (Tony and Drama Desk Awards- Best Actress in a Musical), Working and The Robber Bridegroom. In London, she won the Olivier Award for her performances as Fantine in the original production of Les Miserables and in the Acting Company
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under the gaydar ...from 30 production of The Cradle Will Rock. She also created the role of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard and recreated her Broadway performance of Maria Callas in Master Class. I was fortunate enough to see this talented star last year when she came to New Orleans and can verify that her show is truly not to be missed. For tickets or more information, go to www.broadwaynola.com or call 800.838.3006.
Satyricon Sings! The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon is presenting a memorable evening of music and magic at New Orleans Theatre Sings on Tuesday, November 19 starting at 7:30pm at Mid-City Theatre. Guests are treated to a night full of stars with some of our most beloved New Orleans stage performers in New Orleans Theatre Sings, a collection of songs paying tribute to our great city of New Orleans. Satyricon has been supporting our New Orleans theater community for many years with its popular “show buyout nights” and fundraisers, which helps raise monies toward their annual Mardi Gras Ball Extravaganza, and kick starting many local theater productions with a boost to revenues, and “word of mouth” publicity. Stars performing this evening are Becky Allen, Leslie Castay, Greg Bonin, Jason George, Marshall Harris, Dorian Rush, David Tringali, Cathie Choppin Weinstien, Idella Johnson, Meredith Long and many, many more. Jim Walpole will be joining them on piano. So come on out to New Orleans Theatre Sings and enjoy the music, browse our silent auction with complimentary food and champagne. Tickets are $25; reserve your tickets now as seating is limited. For more information or tickets, call 504.488.1460.
Party Down As most of you know when you read this article, there is a two week lag time from events in here to what is happening now, so as I am writing this, the big Halloween weekend is over but not the actual holiday itself, so there are many more parties and events to make it to. But let’s begin the last two weeks on Wednesday with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Business After Hours Natchez event. As a local you forget about the great things we have to do in our city because they are touristy. But for me riding a riverboat never gets old. There is something so majestic and nostalgic about taking a cruise on the mighty Mississippi River. For this evening both the Natchez and CVB reminded us locals in the hospitality community what a great way to showcase our city for private events and have a fun time also. The party was wonderful and so was the food. Also that night I went to a party at the Maison De Ville. There was delectable cuisine and flowing libations as guests enjoyed the beautiful courtyard and got to see some of the rooms. The fete that night was to celebrate Fodor’s Travel, the leading name in travel guides for 77 years, naming the Hotel Maison De Ville as a 2013 Fodor’s 100 Hotel Award winner. This distinction designates Hotel Maison De Ville as an outstanding hotel as selected by Fodor’s editors and travel experts, recognizing high style, excellent service and a one-of-a-kind stay for guests. This marks the first time that a New Orleans hotel has achieved this accolade. Each year, Fodor’s Travel invites their roster of 500 local contributors around the world to nominate the best hotels in their destinations. Fodor’s senior editorial team deliberated on over 4,000 Fodor’s Choice picks and new property reviews. As a 2013 Fodor’s
100 Hotel Award-winning property, Hotel Maison De Ville will be featured on http://www.Fodors.com and in a free interactive eBook, available in the iBookstore. A complete list of all 100 selected hotels is available at http://www.fodors.com/hotelawards/2013. Located in the heart of the historic French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, Hotel Maison De Ville is a true representation of Southern hospitality in a small luxury boutique hotel. Believed to be built in the 1780s and later converted to a hotel in 1944, Hotel Maison De Ville was fully renovated and restored in 2012, maintaining its old New Orleans charm and characteristics. It was home to both Antoine Peychaud and Tennessee Williams. Famous past guests include Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Paul McCartney, Robert Redford, and former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson. On Friday, I went to see Miss Gulch Returns at Mid-City Theatre. The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon hosted this one man tour de force with talented Bob Edes at the helm. It was a quiet
evening to prepare for the following day filled with lots of events, costumes and drinking. I started by being a part of the NO/AIDS Task Force’s Gaymazing Race with Beaux and Barrett. We were dressed as the Big Easy Sparklers and enjoyed a day of learning more about HIV and AIDS while running from bar to bar slamming drinks and enjoying the unique challenges. You answered questions and did games for points, so even though we came in second on time; we came in fourth on points which won us the Trailer Park Trash Basket, how fitting. [continued on 33]
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C’est Si Bon ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Paul Melancon
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Saenger Theatre: The Abyssinian Mass and The Book of Mormon It took eight years for The Saenger Theatre to reopen after Hurricane Katrina and the devastating flooding caused by the levee failures, but it was well worth the wait. The $53 million renovation of the landmark theater on Canal Street has bought it back to what it must have looked like when it opened in 1927. Or better. While in the years leading up to Katrina, the Saenger had begun to look a bit shabby, now, walking into the foyer from Canal, there’s a renewed sense of entering a true cultural arts palace. The grand chandeliers sparkle. The original paint scheme has been freshly restored. The new concession booths are inviting. Yes, the concessions are expensive but... The moving clouds on the auditorium’s ceiling are back along with the constellations of the night sky made up of 150 lights looking down on an interior design that’s meant to recall an Italian Baroque courtyard. Dramatic lighting highlights the statues on the upper levels. It’s nice to have the grand old lady back again. One of the initial offerings at the “new” Saenger was The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis performing Marsalis’ Abyssinian Mass featuring the 70-voice gospel choir Chorale Le Chateau, conducted by Damien Sneed. This extraordinary work debuted in 2008 in honor of the 200th anniversary of New York City’s Abyssinian Baptist Church located in Harlem. Marsalis draws on his vast knowledge of sacred and secular music to offer a wide range of styles that continuously engage the audience. Re-
flecting the form of an African American church service, Abyssinian Mass is divided into movements that each have their own personality yet come together to make a complex whole. Cool jazz from the mind plays against hot jazz from the heart. Traditional jazz contrasts with big band stylings followed by hard-driving bebop. Minor keys are used to brilliant, haunting effect. All of a sudden a Latin flair emerges from a trumpet. Though it is obviously a keenly religious work, The Abyssinian Mass is much more. A driving, propulsive beat dominates some sections, while in others classical influences can be detected. Throughout it all, the Mass keeps harking back to gospel music and spirituals whose words and phrases (“Everyone has a place in the house of the Lord.”) give this opus a tellingly humanist character. The 15 member JLC Orchestra delivered a sterling performance of this challenging music bringing out its various textures as trombones and horns tossed rhythms back and forth in true New Orleans style. It is an unquestionably superb ensemble, playing at the
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anyone ask for. I finally wrapped up my night by stopping at Paulie’s for the Pride Murder Mystery Costume Ball. They had some great participants that night and everyone seemed to get into character. Congratulations on their event and there is nothing better than a little murder to get things kicked off. Sunday was the final Halloween Host Party at Jim Mounger’s stately home. It was a great precursor to coming attractions and you can feel the excitement in the air. The following week I rested up to get ready for the all the major events, starting on Thursday. And it is a good thing because the events were over the top incredible, but I needed all the stamina I had to keep up. Thursday I started my night by attending the opening night of Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas show at Harrah’s Casino. Marino brought his Las Vegas illusionist show to the Crescent City and it was fantastic. Not only
If you have not participated in this event, make sure you come out next year; the weather was great for a day of tooling around the Quarter. Later that night we did a costume change into just that, costumes, and participated in Amon-Ra’s Nightmare on Bourbon Street event at Oz. The three of us were the Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus and we brought the house down with our rendition of “I Put A Spell On You.” The costumes were all great especially the Jeremy's Rubber Man from American Horror Story who won the costume contest donating his $100 winnings back to the krewe. Then we went to a costume Halloween House party hosted by Brandon in the lower Garden District. I have forgotten what a good gay one. There was a smoke machine, lots of liquor and half naked boys, what more could
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is Marino known as a great comedienne who emulates Joan Rivers, but his fashion quick changes between each number would make Cher green with envy. His talented performers mimicked everyone from Britney Spears, Pink and Katy Perry to Tina Turner and Dolly Parton. Afterwards I got the chance to meet the cast and found them all very personable. Next, I went to the Thursday night Halloween XXX Lazarus Ball at the World War II Museum which was a very elegant evening. Everything this night shined from the food to the silent auction. Friday was quite the busy night, starting my evening off at Opal Masters surprise birthday bash at Lafitte’s with Beaux and Barrett. Darwin and Deja threw a lovely event to commemorate the day this icon in the drag community was birthed. Congratulations, Mike/Opal on your birthday and look forward to hanging out with you for many more to come. Next, we went to Le Petit for the Young At Art Presentation with Silas Riener and Rashaun Mitchell for the NO/AIDS Task Force. These graceful dancers created a piece about relationships that was beautifully acted out on the stage. The show was followed by a dessert reception in the courtyard of Tableau restaurant where you got to meet the performers. All I have to say is Silas is stunning with his long hair, swoon. We then went to the Civic Theatre for the Friday night Halloween Dance Party. The venue was stunning and the DJ was crazy good. The set-up was also exceptional with the VIP Host Lounge on the stage. This party was so grand, we lost track of time and closed them down at 3am. On Saturday, I worked all day and then quick changed that night thanks to the wonderful makeup and costume skills of Chris Arthur aka Barbara Ella, who transformed both of us into the spitting images of two major players from American Horror Story Coven Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates, The Supreme and Madame LaLaurie respectively. I have never had so much fun getting into a character before; we played the parts to the hilt. The entire night was nothing but pictures dancing and great times meeting people. The costumes this year were more creative especially with the wedding theme; and the midnight show was a visual extravaganza. We had a blast and played until 3am again then decided to continue the party in the Quarter at Oz, Lafitte’s, 700 Club and Good Friends. I have to say nothing beats a walk of shame at 5am in the morning dressed as Madame LaLaurie and Barbara Ella was not feeling all that Supreme either. On Sunday, I crawled out of bed, drank some strong coffee and met up with Chris (Barbara Ella) and we attended the final event for Halloween at
the House of Blues. Their Sunday event was so much fun. The entertainment was comedienne and emcee Shawn Pelofsky who was hysterical followed by the hot men of Well Strung who put on an incredible show, and they are very easy on the eyes. The food was down home stick to your ribs greasy good, just what everyone needed. But the crowning moment on the cake was when Chris and I took home the costume contest award for Most Theatrical. Now I am an award winning drama queen. When the brunch was over, we became part of the first ever Halloween gay second line down Bourbon Street ending with jello cake at Oz. We played a little while at Oz, then Lafitte’s before making our way back to the Marigny. We stopped briefly at Mags 940 for their pumpkin carving apple bobbing. I finally ended up at home and in bed by 8pm. Now that is what I call two weeks in New Orleans. I hope you had a great preHalloween weekend.
Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom Never pass up an opportunity to support a good cause especially during the holidays. There are many charitable events that are tied to major holidays in New Orleans such as Halloween New Orleans benefitting Lazarus House, Art Against AIDS benefitting the NO/AIDS Task Force, the Gay Easter Parade benefitting Food For Friends and the Gay Mardi Gras Krewes which helps keep a tradition of the gay community alive. So now that the holiday season is upon us, make it a point to participate in some of these great celebrations that also help worthy causes. It is a great way to have fun and feel good at the same time. And even though Halloween is over, it is never too late to start saving to be a host for next year. If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.
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La Grande Ville ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Charles Jenkins, Paul Melancon, Tony Leggio
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trodding the boards ...from 33 top of their game. One does wonder about its make up, however; while racially diverse, must it be all male? Hmmm... No such qualms are to be had about Chorale Le Chateau. Its sopranos have voices that reach towards the heavens. Its basses provide gravity and a marked solemnity. Individual voices, as when a four man doo-woptinged grouping comes downstage, bring to mind descriptions such as “velvety” and “satiny” and “silky.” Sneed did a superb job of leading his troupe, not only controlling dynamics and cuing the singers with precision, but bringing out the Mass’ joyful spirituality and inspirational qualities. In addition to their musicality, the visual component with which the Chorale animates the proceedings is not to be underestimated. While its members look very stately in their red robes, they know how to get down and convey a looser feel at times. Whether clapping and swaying in synchronization or individually, they added a vital theatricality to what otherwise could have been a rather static event. Though occasionally the orchestra overpowered the singers making the lyrics difficult to discern, this was an otherwise amazing evening, made even more so as it testified to hometown boy Wynton’s international success. (His father, master pianist Ellis Marsalis, was in the audience.) It is almost impossible to convey how grand a performance it was—you really had to be there. Which makes it all the more sadder to report that the Saenger was only about half full that evening. Granted there was a Saints game that afternoon that finished only shortly before the lights went down in the theater. And apparently the program was a late addition to the Saenger’s schedule. But one wishes each and every seat had been filled with others who would have enjoyed it as much as I did. Filling seats was not a problem for The Book of Mormon, Broadway’s smash hit musical about Mormon missionaries in Africa. Having seen it in New York a year ago, I was curious to see if it would be any different on the road with its attendant opening night excitement. The answer, not really. Its success still puzzles me. Do I think it’s blasphemous? No. Do I care about all the four letter words and their variants? No. Do I think it’s funny? Well... It starts off well enough with Hello!, a cute demonstration of the door-todoor attempt by the chorus of young Mormon guys to convert people to their religion. But then it slogs along for the rest of the first act and the beginning of the second, ladling out exposition and serving up songs that make their point and keep making it and making it with
little wit and barely sophomoric humor (for example, Turn It Off; Man Up; and Hasa Diga Eebowai, a dig at The Lion King’s Hakuna Matata). Coming from South Park’s Trey Parker & Matt Stone and Avenue Q’s Robert Lopez, I was expecting more, much more, like stomach-hurting laughter. That wouldn’t come till midway through the second act when, finally, first with I Am Africa, which sends up every cliche about the “Dark Continent” and then with the Natives’ wacky retelling of Mormon history and doctrine (Joseph Smith American Moses), I found myself laughing wholeheartedly. Interestingly, some friends of mine said they thought the show was hysterical while everyone sitting around them at the Saenger were cracking nary a smile. Other friends told me they were underwhelmed but everyone sitting around them were howling. Clearly, one man’s meat is another man’s “maggots in my scrotum” to quote one of the show’s more memorable (and printable) lines. One couldn’t complain about the production itself. Unlike some touring shows, nothing was held back in the way of sets, lighting and costumes, all equaling the originals on Broadway. As Elder Price, disappointed that he’s sent to Uganda instead of Orlando, Mark Evans sang with conviction and deadpan humor while investing Price with every bit of personality the meager script offered; he should have a bright future as a leading man on this side of the Atlantic or in his native England or both (his American accent was flawless). Christopher John O’Neill’s dorky Elder Cunningham, who manages to convert a bunch of Ugandans by stretching the truth, was funny enough, even a little touching as he meets with success for the first time in his life. But I would have loved to see this role played by a young Jackie Gleason. The rest of the cast were good enough, doing what they could with the silly material. Shame on the producers, though, for not allowing NOCCA grad and 2008 Ambie Award-nominee (for Tommy) Josh Daniel, a company swing, to go on when the critics were in the house. The Saenger’s next few Broadway offerings do not exactly get one’s pulse racing (Ghost the Musical; Sister Act; Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles; and a return of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), but at least we have Memphis (March 11-16) and War Horse (May 13-18) to look forward to. I guess if we waited this long for the Saenger to reopen we can wait a few more months for these Tony winners.
Possum Kingdom at The St. Claude Truck Farm through Nov. 10 One cannot help but admire Cripple Creek Theater Co. for presenting An-
drew Vaught’s new play Possum Creek which was, as described in its press release, “inspired by the unfolding environmental ruination and societal crises in south Louisiana.” “The story takes place,” continues the release, “in a small community of swamp workers whose lives and livelihoods are uprooted when the whims of unseen ‘upriver’ consumers and the degradation of their natural environs force them to sacrifice and discard their jobs, homes and memories.” Arriving at The St. Claude Truck Farm in the Bywater, you wait in a brightly lit backyard until show time when the lights go out and you are led by flashlight-bearing ushers to an outdoor seating and stage area in which trees and bushes have been worked into Adam Tourek’s detailed set. Selena Poznak forges her usual lighting magic, outdoors no less, creating a dusky world where mysterious predators stare at the swamp workers from not too far away. Poznak conjures up a magical atmosphere, but it’s magic of a very dark variety. As 13-eyed fish vomit forth dead birds there are many visually stunning moments in Possum Kingdom, none more so than when a pirogue comes floating on through the “swamp” to deposit Inman (Vaught), the swamp workers’ overseer and middleman who takes the brosia they harvest upriver and returns with unmarked canned goods and other supplies for them. Unfortunately, this wondrous physical production, overseen by Director Bonnie Gabel, works in service to a script that feels both underdone and overstuffed. Vaught peoples his community with unquestionably industrious souls. But they are each defined by basically one characteristic. Marjorie (Kate Kuen) fills journals with a history of the community. Alder (Dylan Hunter) has been building a home for himself for seven years. Pattison (Martin Bradford) is the hardest worker but seems to drink too much of the beer that Inman brings back. And young Fitz (Philip Yiannopoulos) tries very, very hard to do as well as the others. All of this is made clear by Vaught, but we never get a deeper sense of who these people are, or a larger sense of community. We’re left to wonder if these are the only ones supplying the necessary brosia for the seemingly much bigger upriver community. If so, shouldn’t/wouldn’t they be valued as artisans contributing a critical skill? Rather, Vaught conflates two environmental tragedies—the using up or taking away of natural products (e.g., deforestation) and despoliation of the land (e.g., chemical and oil companies’ malfeasance). While both have tragic consequences, they affect the environment in different ways. Add to this nasty possums who are out to kill and you’re dealing with a script so overwrought that it verges on a parody of
some horror film. Instead, Vaught may have been aiming for a theatrical equivalent of Beasts of the Southern Wild; certainly Cripple Creek has given the show an equally imaginative look. But Possum Kingdom lacks the rootedness of that film. Who are these people? Have they always lived here? What do they aspire to? Watching them play lowstakes card games adds little to our understanding of who they are. In a sense, while Vaught and Co. are clearly on the side of the swamp workers, they underestimate the strength of the “little” people, portraying them merely as victims and not very smart ones at that. The Possum program makes reference to Margie Richard of Norco who successfully fought Shell Oil and forced the megacompany to relocate 375 families in 2002 after polluting the area where they lived. Where is someone like her in this narrative? Without this David vs. Goliath underpinning, Possum Kingdom lacks a necessary dramatic tension. We feel sorry for these people but are never so emotionally involved that we care deeply about them. And some of the details (how can/why does brosia seemingly adhere to everything?) are just confusing. Gabel has done a magnificent job of staging this challenging work, giving it the momentum that it needs. But it is also part of the director’s job to assist the playwright in honing and clarifying his vision, and in that Gabel could’ve gone farther. Whether she had anything to do with passing trains that whistled and church bells that chimed with perfect timing to heighten the play’s atmosphere with expressionistic flair, I cannot say. Gabel drew fine, stylized performances from Yiannopoulos, Bradford and, especially, Hunter, as well as Vaught whose Inman may be a gruff capitalist tool but one who is still grieving over his dead wife (Odile del Giudice in a thankless and probably unnecessary part). Kuen, though striking the right emotional note, goes overboard in the eye-popping department, bordering on hillbilly stereotype. I usually don’t encourage people to attend shows I’m not wholly enthusiastic about, but, despite its shortcomings, and if you’re not put off by sitting outdoors for two hours at night, do see Possum Kingdom either in its last weekend here or when it travels to Lockport (Nov. 15-17). Unlike Book of Mormon, for little more than the price of a movie ticket, not only will you be supporting a local theater company, but you’ll be rewarded with the unique experience of watching intriguing theater in someone’s backyard that will give you plenty to talk about afterward. Consider any trains and chimes as lagniappe.
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