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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Holiday Parties in Full Swing, New Year's Spectaculars Set Across the Gulf South 'Tis the season to enjoy all of the festivities. Holiday parties and events are already in full swing with at least 14 more on the horizon, many celebrating by hosting toy drives for needy children or fundraisers for favorite charities. Whichever it is, please join in to make this holiday special for all of those around us. If you haven't finished your shopping for that special one on your list, let's not forget all of our small LGBT businesses including boutiques, shops, bookstores, galleries and adult stores; or gift certificates from your fav hair salon, restaurant, club/bar or spa. If you're ready to party 2014 style, not only do we have New Year's Eve celebrations in the Big Easy, Metairie and Slidell, we have them in Houston, Mobile and Pensacola. Whereever you are, there's no reason not to ring in the new year in style! This Christmas, New Year's Ambush offers some 28 pages in ads and a huge classified section to meet all of your needs. And remember, the publication is available at over 80 locations and online at www.AmbushMag.COM, or follow us on www.Facebook.COM/AmbushMag. In the spirit of the season, the staff of Ambush Mag wishes all of its readers, clients and friends the merriest of holidays and a very Happy New Year!
mental health/substance abuse services to persons regardless of their ability to pay or health insurance status. For a complete list of 2014 Health Center New Access Point awards: http:/ /www.hhs.gov/news/press/2013pres/ 11/20131107a.html. NO/AIDS Task Force is a nonprofit, 501(c) (3) community-based organization that provides HIV/AIDS services throughout southeastern Louisiana. Since its founding in 1983, NO/ AIDS Task Force has grown from a primarily volunteer group operating an information hotline on a donated answering machine to a sophisticated organization that creates and operates a continuum of services to assist people affected and infected by HIV. Serving more than 6,000 people annually, NO/ AIDS Task Force’s comprehensive and integrated services encompass prevention education, support services, and clinical care. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, NO/AIDS Task Force expands its mission to improve access to care for seven medically underserved metro New Orleans neighborhoods. For more information, please visit www.noaidstaskforce.org or call 504.821.2601.
NO/AIDS Task Force Celebrates National Recognition as a Federally Qualified Health Center Lords of Leather sets 3 NO/AIDS Task Force has been designated a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and named recipient of a major funding grant from the US Holiday Events Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support the provision of high quality, patient-centered healthcare in seven metro New Orleans neighborhoods. The award is part of the federal government’s efforts to expand access to primary healthcare under the Affordable Care Act. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that $150 million in awards will support 236 new health center sites to serve more than 1.25 million additional patients. NO/AIDS Task Force is one of four healthcare providers located in metropolitan New Orleans area to receive funding under the program. NO/AIDS Task Force’s transition from an HIV/AIDS service organization to a community-based, primary healthcare provider began in 2008 when the Board recognized that many of the same barriers to care that existed for individuals and families living with and coping with HIV also existed in the broader community. NO/AIDS Task Force CEO Noel Twilbeck described, “Our Community Needs Assessment identified the necessity of addressing declining health and quality of life outcomes for all New Orleans residents and guided the decision to widen our client and patient base to reach community residents who live without insurance, with limited access to preventive and basic healthcare services.” The new community health center will use proven interventions and evidencebased practices to improve outcomes for people living in a seven zip code area that includes Mid City (present home of NO/AIDS Task Force HIV primary care services), its historical base of the French Quarter, Marigny, Bywater, Treme and the 7th Ward, plus two contiguous 9th Ward neighborhoods in the Gentilly area. “NO/AIDS Task Force will provide non-HIV infected New Orleanians with the same continuum of comprehensive services and levels of medical and supportive care that the organization proudly continues to make available to our current clients and patients,” Twilbeck said. “We will use lessons learned over the past three decades serving this community to operate a health center without barriers, one where anyone can walk in and be seen. Some of our guiding principles are high quality care, professionalism and impressive health outcomes,” Twilbeck continued. The location of the new health clinic is under review, but plans call for the facility to be fully operational within 120 days of the Notice of Grant Award. The funding grant for NO/AIDS Task Force to become a Federally Qualified Health Center totals $775,000. This amount is equal to 22.52 percent of the estimated total costs of the program. The remaining $2,666,888, or 77.48 percent, of the budget for the program will be financed by nongovernmental sources. The FQHC designation is awarded to community-based organizations that provide comprehensive primary and preventive care, including oral health and
It’s that time of year again to dig out those “ugly” Christmas sweaters for that once-a-year fashion statement. You’ll be in style whether partying with the Lords of Leather or Christmas shopping with Mom at Walmart. You and your friends are invited to the Lords of Leather “Gay Night at the Teddy Bear House” Holiday Party on Friday, December 20th from 7-10pm. Come see a spectacular sight and enjoy some holiday cheer with members of our community on the backyard patio. And, if it’s warm enough, you can take a dip in the pool! The residence of Ricky Lenart at 1525 Dufossat Street (just off St. Charles Avenue) will be decorated with thousands of teddy bears, showcased inside and out by lights and music. Santa’s Sexy Elves will be there serving food and drinks to guests both naughty and nice. The Lords will also auction off some
THE OFFICIAL MAG
Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Louisiana-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Official Gay New Orleans Guide Official Southern Decadence Guide OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line CIRCULATION: Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi Texas - Houston
STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin-Delain, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Naquin-Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin-Delain • 504.522.8049 NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Paul Melancon 504.357.8440 THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Blanche-Alabama Frank Joseph, 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
original member-decorated teddy bears for you to take home – they might make [continued on 8]
End of the Year 2013 into 2014 issue out Dec. 30th >DEADLINE: Fri., Dec. 20th
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celebrazzi houston paparazzi under the gaydar moments in gay new orleans history pensacola paparazzi snap paparazzi/new orleans snap paparazzi/new orleans mobile paparazzi trodding the boards a community within communities
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reVIEW ambush paparazzi/new orleans classifieds ambush paparazzi/new orleans spotlight features friday night before mardi gras frankie fierce 30th b-day & fundraiser
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celebrazzi
Bourbon Pub & Parade proprietor Sandy Sachs presents $2,000 to Food For Friends Pantry Manager Bobby Vallecillo benefiting NO/AIDS Task Force at the club's annual Christmas Party. Proceeds were raised during their annual Oh, What A Drag! turnabout fundraiser earlier in the year. (www.BourbonPub.COM) (www.NOAIDSTaskForce.ORG) (Photo by Rip Naquin)
NO/AIDS Task Force CEO Noel Twilbeck, and Food For Friends Program Manager Glen Kahrman welcome sponsors, patrons and guests to the 27th annual Art Against AIDS Gala at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Sponsored by Ambush Mag, the fun filled evening was chock full of entertainment featuring the New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus, The Sirens of New Orleans, Roxie LeRouge, Broadway Bares' Patrick Boyd, The Honorable South, Anais St. John, and DJ Robbie Martin. There was dancing, great food, and an incredible, auction, all benefiting NO/AIDS Task Force and its many valuable programs. (www.NOAIDSTaskForce.ORG) (Photo by Darwin Reed)
Misti Ates, aka Johnny Passion, accepts $100 from sponsor Ambush's Marsha Delain for Johnny Passion's 3rd Original Winter Wonderland raising $2,438 for Food For Friends.
Ambush's Tony Leggio congratulates Steven Forster on his "Celebrity" exhibition opening at the Boyd Satellite Gallery in New Orleans.
New Second Skin Leather proprietors Phoenix’s Clint Taylor and Leather Masters’ David Carranza welcome you to their 50-70% off clearance sale at Second Skin Leather, 521 St. Philip in New Orleans. The sale runs TuesdaySaturday noon-8pm, as they prepare for their grand re-opening in January.
Phoenix's Eric Johnson and Golden Lantern's Wayne Hendon hosted the Toy Drive benefiting St. Anna's Kids at the Phoenix in New Orleans.
Matthew, Lance, Ed, Ben and Don were some of the hilarious stars in Lords of Leather's annual American Bandstand: Feelin' Dizzny turnabout fundraiser. As their slogan said, "Sometimes the dream is a nightmare!"
GM Bert McComus and proprietor Jay Janis welcome Sarah Nui (center) to The Country Club Christmas Party. The festive holiday soiree featured the New Orleans Opera Chorus live with culinary delights prepared by Chef Maryjane Rosas and her staff. (www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM) (Photo by Paul Melancon)
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a great, last-minute gift for someone on your Christmas List. Tickets are available for $25 from krewe members and also at the door. The Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leather would like to thank everyone who has supported them this past year. We extend to all warm, holiday wishes and the hope of a great 2014! Mr. Ricky Lenart has graciously invited the Lords of Leather to lead public tours of the home on Saturday December 21st from 5-10pm and on Sunday, December 22nd from 11am7pm. Each room on all three floors is theme-decorated and kids young and old will enjoy the accompanying narration. Background lighting and music complete the scene as you pass from room to room and around the house from the outside. Admission for kids will be $5 and adults will be $10. Tickets are available from krewe members in advance and will be available at the house on tour day. Celebrate this New Year’s Eve with the Lords of Leather at the annual Fetish Ball on Tuesday night, December 31st at the Phoenix Bar, 941 Elysian Fields Avenue. Festivities begin at 8pm in the Eagle Bar (upstairs) and fetish wear is encouraged. For $20, each guest gets unlimited well drinks and domestic beer until 11:00pm and free coat check. For those who purchase their tickets in advance from www.lordsofleather.com, a bottle of champagne will be included. (This offer will not be available the evening of the event.) So get out the horns and party hats and let’s ring in 2014!
Big Easy Sisters Continue Shaking Things Up in NOLA The Big Easy Sisters: The Sisters of the Muddy Waters have been busy the last few weeks! The bi-monthly “Tea Room Trade Bingo” event held on November 16th raised $213.01. The once monthly Beer Bust at The Phoenix raised $145 at the November event, held on the 22th of the month. On December 14th, Novice Sister AuJus hosted “The Big Easy Sisters’ Christmas Extravaganza: A Not-So-Silent Night” at Paulie’s Bar and Restaurant. The Big Easy Sisters will be performing at the Oz Christmas Party on December 18th alongside some of New Orleans’ finest. The group also plans to host an event called “Sister Gras 2014” in honor of the start of Carnival season, on the night of Sunday, January 5th, 2014. The event will celebrate Twelfth Night/King’s Day, and will take place at The Phoenix (941 Elysian Fields Avenue). From 4-8pm, happy hour prices will be in effect (1 hour longer than normal), draft beer will be sold for $3, and an assortment of Jello Shots and King Cakes will be provided. There will
be a raffle, as well as exotic dancers to celebrate this wonderful occasion. There will also be some visiting Sisters from other cities in attendance for the night. For more information about these or other events, please contact Novice Sister AuJus, Mistress of Gossip (Public Relations) at PR@thebigeasysisters.org, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ thebigeasysisters. The Big Easy Sisters would like to wish the community a Merry Christmas, and remind everyone that we exist to spread the universal joy, and promote HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention. Should you need assistance with an HIV/AIDS related event or other fundraiser, please contact Novice Sister AuJus at PR@thebigeasysisters.org for more details. Happy Holidays, Get Tested, and don’t forget to wear a condom!
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2013 Creole Christmas set for Dec. 27-28 Friends of the Cabildo, the support organization for the Louisiana State Museum, announces its 2013 Creole Christmas is set for Friday and Saturday, December 27th-28th. The two-day event allows guest to visit five French Quarter historic houses decorated in traditional Christmas decorations. Featured houses include Gallier House, 1850 House, Spring Fiesta, Historic New Orleans Collection’s Williams Residence, and Beauregard-Keyes House. Self-Guided Tours begin at the 1850 House Museum Store at 523 St. Ann Street on Jackson Square and are available all day from 9am-4pm. Ticket sales to end at 3pm. Spring Fiesta House will provide refreshments and docent led tours throughout the day Tickets are $25 per person, $20 FOC members, and can be purchased online at www.friendsofthecabildo.org or the day of the event at the 1850 House Museum Store. Friends of the Cabildo is a private non-profit volunteer group that provides financial and volunteer support for the Louisiana State Museum, its projects and its property. Since incorporating in 1956, the Friends of the Cabildo has grown into a large statewide membership organization, a dynamic and motivating force in broadening and supporting the aims of the Louisiana State Museum.
Edie Windsor, One of Top 5 Time Magazine's "Person of the Year," Launches Website Edith “Edie” Windsor, the plaintiff in the June 2013 Supreme Court decision that struck down the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act,” is on the editorial short list of 5 – coming in at #3 - for [continued on 10]
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Nightlife @ Neon Boots ~ Houston, Texas
the "official" dish ...from 4
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Book of the Month Since World AIDS Day is December 1, my book that I would like to spotlight this month is a biography of a flamboyantly fabulous entertainer who was struck down way too young by this dreaded disease. Mercury: an Intimate Biography of Freddie Mercury by Lesley-Ann Jones is a revealing glimpse in the man that would be Queen and whose music still lives on way after his death in 1991. I have always enjoyed Freddie Mercury’s music, his groundbreaking performances and his sheer songwriting talent, so this book was an incredible portrait into his life from his childhood until his death. Jones gained access to many people in Mercury’s inner circle and details in vivid color Queen’s steady rise to fame and Mercury’s own personal demons that personified themselves in his pleasure seeking excesses. What I appreciated about this novel was that it was a more complete version of Mercury featuring both his personal and professional life. The interviews with those close to him, painted
a very talented but troubled man who had a complex personality. This book is a must read for his fans, but it will appeal to anyone who wants to get a more complete view of Freddie Mercury. My favorite part of the book was [continued on 12]
the "official" dish ...from 8 Time magazine’s person of the year, caps off a year of landmark progress for equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Every December, Time magazine chooses from five finalists one “Person of the Year.” In addition, Windsor was a finalist in the public online poll, a clear demonstration of the growing public support for marriage equality and the power of her story and fight for equality and dignity for her marriage and life with Thea Spyer and the thousands of other same-sex couples in the U.S. and around the world. “I am honored that Time chose me
as one of the number 3 individuals in the top 5 nominees for ‘Person of the Year,’ but I am just one person who was part of the extraordinary and on-going fight for marriage equality for all our families, “ said Edie Windsor. “There are thousands of people who helped us come this far and we still have a lot more work to do. The gay community is my ‘person of the year’ and I look forward to continuing to fight for equal rights and educate the public about our lives alongside my gay brothers and sisters and our allies,” Windsor continued. “Even without taking the ‘Person of the Year’ even being in the top 5 is an extraordinary way to end a year that has been historic for all of us and truly spectacular for me and gave me the chance to tell my story via Time through an interview and audio interview with photo slideshow. Thea would be thrilled, proud and so happy to see what we
have all accomplished together,” concluded Windsor. “Designing Edie’s website has been a collaborative effort with one of my heroes and a labor of love for me personally,” said Carla Grande, a New York based agent, producer and web designer who has worked in the fields of photography, illustration, design and fine art for over twenty-five years. “Creating an online resource for ‘all things Edie’ has been a joy and an unforgettable experience,” Grande continued. “From the landing page video chronicling Edie’s life with Helen Reddy’s “I am Woman” in the background [Note: song used with permission of the artist] to the sections of the site that offer a glimpse into Edie and Thea’s relationship, Edie’s life and the highlights of the DOMA case, the award-winning documentary Edie and Thea: A Long Engagement and her other activism, my hope is everyone who visits this site is inspired by Edie, her life and the power of one person standing up to injustice,” concluded Grande. The site, www.EdieWindsor.COM has many components, in addition to the landing page video that is a short chronicle of Edie’s life and produced by the same team that created the documentary film, Susan Muska, Gréta Olafsdóttir, dozens of photographs, highlights of her fight against DOMA and information and links to “Edie’s causes.”
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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
“Stewart Butler: Lion in Winter” New Orleans has never been a hotbed of political activism and this is certainly true in the gay community. In the years after Stonewall, when LGBT+ communities in other cities were mobilizing, Friends of Dorothy in New Orleans were, for the most part, content to organize socially, primarily in the form of the gay Carnival Krewes. It took the Upstairs Lounge fire in 1973 to rouse any semblance of a political consciousness and Anita Byrant’s visit in 1977 to produce a significant public demonstration. Gay activism in New Orleans came of age in the 1980s and at its forefront was Stewart Butler. Butler, who had left the Upstairs Lounge with his partner Alfred Doolittle just minutes before it burned down, also participated in the Anita Bryant protest march organized by the Gertrude Stein Society. In the early 1980s, Butler became very involved with LAGPAC (Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus), eventually serving on its Board of Directors. LAGPAC worked to elect candidates supportive of gay rights and also staged two memorable protests against the Pope’s visit to New Orleans in 1987 and the Republican National Convention, which was held in New Orleans in 1988. In 1991, LAGPAC was instrumental in persuading the New Orleans City Council to pass an ordinance that included sexual orientation in the city’s anti-discrimination policy. The proposed ordinance had failed twice before in 1984 and 1986. Butler was the only person to serve on all three committees fighting for the ordinance. In addition to his work with LAGPAC, Butler has also been very involved with the local chapter of PFLAG since its founding in 1982. Around 1988, Butler became a PFLAG Board Member and remains so to this day. In 1993, Butler chaired the National PFLAG Conference in New Orleans. In the 1990s, Butler led the charge to have transgender people included in the PFLAG Mission Statement. Consequently, in 1998, PFLAG became the first national gay rights organization to include transgendered people in its Mission Statement. Butler also took the local and national Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to task for their reluctance to advocate for transgender persons. Butler has also participated in three Marches on Washington for LGBT rights, the Southeastern Conference for Lesbians and Gay Men (SECLGM), Louisiana Lesbian and Gay State Con-
ferences / Celebration, AIDS Memorial Marches, the New Orleans GLBT Community Center, and numerous voter registration drives. The amazing thing about Butler’s activism is not only its breadth, but also the fact that he didn’t start advocating for gay rights until he was in his forties. Before embarking on his journey to becoming the Elder Statesman of LGBT+ activism in New Orleans, Butler had already lived a rather remarkable life. Born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1930, he moved to New Orleans when he was two years old. At age eleven, he moved to Carville, Louisiana, where his father, who was a pharmacist, took a job at the Leprosarium Hospital. After attending LSU from 1947 to 1951, Butler joined the U.S. Army, in which he was promoted to the rank of 1st Lieutenant before being discharged in 1954. He then spent ten years in Alaska where he earned a B.S. in Geological Engineering and a B.A. in Business Administration. Butler also spent some time in San Francisco where he attended law school before returning to New Orleans in 1964. In 1973, Butler’s life changed forever when he met his life-partner, Alfred Doolittle. Butler recalls, “I met Alfred at Lafitte’s. He looked just like Prince Valiant. As I was taking him home, he said to me, ‘You’ll probably throw me out tomorrow like the rest of them.’ But I didn’t.” The two were together for thirty-five years until Alfred’s passing on March 2, 2008. Alfred had a brilliant yet troubled mind and was a talented artist and writer. He composed poetry and three plays, one of which, “Peter Puck,” was performed one evening in the courtyard of Butler and Doolittle’s Creole Cottage on Esplanade Avenue. Since the performance the home has been called the Faerie Playhouse. Butler and Doolittle bought the
home, which dates to 1842, in 1979. In the decades since then, the Faerie Playhouse has hosted numerous organizational meetings in the LGBT+ community as well as served as a refuge to homeless gay youths—a testament to not only Butler’s commitment to civil rights but also to his compassionate heart. In the courtyard garden behind the cottage lay the remains of several leaders and activists including, Charlene Schneider, John Ognibene, Cliff Howard, and J.B. Hartner. On March 22, 2014, the Louisiana ACLU will honor Stewart Butler by awarding him the prestigious Ben Smith Award. 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 a civil rights lawyer who was arrested for his work to end segrega-
tion and for participating in mixed-race gatherings. Butler’s other awards include the Gittings-Hay Award (1985), the Louisiana Council for Equal Rights “We’re Here”Award (1991), the Human Rights Campaign Outstanding Leadership and Service Award (1993), Equality Louisiana’s Community First Award (2004). Stewart Butler is a fascinating man and has led an extraordinary life. His passion for and commitment to the struggle for equal rights is inspiring. And yet, those who know him well will testify that as impressive as that commitment is, it pales in comparison to the warmth and love and kindness he extends to all that meet him. Perhaps his long-time friend Randy Trahan summed it up best: “Stewart can want you to think he is a mean old goat but I know that deep down he is ALL heart and that heart pumps rainbow colored blood.”
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starting at 7:30pm into the night. Tickets for the patron party are $127 and includes open bar, hors d’oeuvres and Foundation Room access. The concert ticket is $37 and includes great music and one Abita beer. For tickets or more information call 504.310.4999 or go to www.hob.com/neworleans.
the detailed descriptions of his lavish parties that included nude models, over the top décor and naughty happenings. One of these parties even takes place in New Orleans. You can tell great care went into the research of this book and it holds no punches. Jones shows the reader the highs and lows of Mercury’s life in the fast lane. But the most important part of this novel was the music, and this great entertainer who will live in our memories forever. The saying is true, legends never die. For more information on the book or the author, go to www.lesleyannjones.com.
Go Home For The Holidays Home for the Holidays is one of my favorite holiday events and it is a testament for the memory of the person it was created for: Daniel Price. Daniel Price, an up and coming artist and New Orleans native, was tragically killed in San Francisco on December 19, 2003. A graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School and NOCCA, Daniel was a talented artist whose works can be seen all around New Orleans. As a way to make some good out of this tragedy, the Price family created the Daniel Price Memorial Fund for Aspiring Artists, in keeping with his love of arts and music. The fund provides scholarships for visual arts and music students at NOCCA. This year’s event will take place on Monday, December 23 at the House of Blues. The concert this year features Shamarr Allen, The Underdawgs, John Michael, Eric Lindell Band, Trombone Shorty, James Andrew, John Boutte, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins and many more. There is a patron party from 6 – 7pm featuring Irma Thomas and Cellist Jee Yeoun Ko and her Faubourg Quartet with the concert
Party Down My first week was getting ready for my trip which you will read about later in this article, but I got back on Sunday, grabbed my baby Rose and attended the first annual Santa Paws Holiday Dog Parade downtown. It was a festive event with lots of dog owners and lovers that began at Heritage Park and went down Convention Center Boulevard to the Plaza of the Convention Center where there was a costume contest and holiday lights. It was a spirited premier of this event that is sure to be a hit. My second week began on Tuesday with a hospitality party for ISES (International Society of Event Specialists), NACE (National Association of Caterers and Events) and MPI (Meeting Professionals International) at the Board of Trade. This is always an enjoyable evening that is more than a networking event; it is a chance to catch up with people in the industry before the holidays totally engulf us. The food was done by Pigeon Catering and the entertainment was the sultry Jayna Morgan and her band, then a DJ who kept us dancing the night away. There was also a contingent of college students in the hospitality program of Southern Mississippi who came down to volunteer at the party. So of course, I had to go out with them afterwards, first at Barcadia, then ending the evening at the 80th celebration birthday of Pat O'Brien’s. I discovered two things that night. First that there is never any shortage of fun things to do on a week[continued on 14]
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under the gaydar ...from 12 day night in the Crescent City, and second, I am NOT a college kid anymore. God my hangover the next day was wicked! Wednesday was a holiday party at the newly renovated lobby of the Westin Hotel connected to Canal Place. It was a great way to start the evening and their renovations of the lobby were impressive. To me, this lobby also is one of the best views of the river and the French Quarter, especially at night. After, I went to Marc Behar and Jeff Sbisa’s Chanukah party at their home on Jackson Avenue. What was so cool about this evening, they had American Horror Story on the television and it was the episode they filmed in their home. It made me giddy to be standing in the set of the show. Their party is always a wonderful get together of friends and family. I always meet so many fun and interesting people. I also enjoy their white elephant game, which is always amusing. I continued with the holiday parties on Thursday by attending the Gamble Communications soiree at their offices on Metairie Road. They always roll out the red carpet for their clients and friends with lots of good food and the wonderful Jimmy Maxwell Band. Then I met up with the NO/AIDS people for a little meet and greet with our special guest for Art Against AIDS, Patrick Boyd from New York. Patrick has been in Broadway Bares and was brought down to do his number for our event. Beaux and Barrett joined me as we had a relaxed time at Tableau. Patrick is just a doll and a really down-to-earth person, so being the Southern Host I am, I just had to show him around the city, so we took him to all the gay clubs, Oz, Pub, Lafitte’s (both In Exile and Blacksmith Shop), 700 Club and the Corner Pocket. He definitely got a whirlwind tour of the gay climate in NOLA. Saturday was a very busy day, starting with brunch with the wonderful Patrick Boyd at the Marigny Ruby Slipper, then to the New Orleans Museum of Art to start the set-up for Art Against Aids. It was a lot of work, but the team got it done. Ran home and did a quick change. Beaux and Barrett scooped by and we made a brief cameo at Steven Forster’s art exhibition at the Boyd Gallery on Julia Street. It was simply magnificent seeing all his photographs in an aptly titled show called “Celebrity.” It was a great mixture of local and international celebrities from chefs, to movie stars and politicians. Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock and Bryan Batt, just to name a few. It was very interesting how he grouped them and made you think upon your own definition of celebrity. Congrats Steven on a fabulous show. We then scooted off to Art Against AIDS at the Museum and oh what an incredible
night and party. It truly was a magical evening, from the auction and décor to the restaurants and the entertainment, everything was spectacular. The highlight of the evening though had to be Patrick’s naughty “Newsies” strip that he did from Broadway Bares. A little magic with a healthy helping of sex appeal is always a great combination. Because I had not had enough partying, we stopped at a house party afterwards with a great DJ, and then ended the evening with a nightcap at Mags 940. Been a long time since I pulled an all-nighter, but it was well worth it. I spent most of my day on Sunday recuperating from Saturday night. After giving Patrick a ride to the airport in the morning, I came back to my house and became one with my couch. I did muster enough strength to attend Albert Carey’s tree decorating party that evening at his stylish condo in the Warehouse District. As always, Albert had a lovely little gathering with great people and lots of martinis. His tree was a sparkling vision when we were done. What a great and eventful two weeks of fun, now onto the holidays. Here’s hoping that all your stockings get stuffed. Merry Christmas and Happy holidays.
Ambush on the Road Every year my mom and I take a road trip for Thanksgiving. It is a great bonding time for us, but also an amazing reason for us to get a jump start on our holiday season. This year we went to Mobile, Alabama which is one of my favorite cities to visit. We started our excursion on Thanksgiving morning, when we drove through Mississippi taking the scenic beach road. We stopped briefly in Gulfport, Mississippi at the Island View Casino for Thanksgiving lunch at the Island Grille. The restaurant overlooks the beach and is much more civilized than eating at the buffet. They had a wonderful traditional turkey dish complete with cranberry sauce. After we ate, we gambled some and I actually won. We then continued our drive down the Mississippi coast to Biloxi and stopped at my absolute favorite casino, The Hard Rock. It was not that crowded, so I got to play on all the fun games that are usually too busy to sit at, and I won again there. This was definitely a great sign for the trip. After playing some more, we continued our journey to Mobile and checked into the luxurious Battle House Hotel. The Battle House Renaissance Hotel & Spa is one of the premiere hotels in downtown Mobile. This hotel has been a favorite of entertainment celebrities, sports legends, a president and a king since 1852. The Battle House was thoughtfully restored to its original grandeur and is a proud member of Historic Hotels of America. This legendary AAA Four Diamond Hotel also offers The Trellis Room, Mobile’s only Four Dia-
mond Restaurant. We got settled in our rooms, and then went down for dinner. The entire hotel was decorated for the holidays with a massive Christmas tree as the centerpiece of their ornate lobby. We did not have much choice as restaurants go on Thanksgiving night, but we walked two blocks down to the Battle House’s sister property, the Renaissance Harborplace, for dinner at the Harbor Room. The Harbor Room is an elegantly appointed restaurant with a great view of Mobile Harbor. The food was delicious especially their Conecuh Stew and their homemade bread which comes in an iron pot, soft and gooey. After dinner we walked around the hotel looking at their extensive art collection. Both properties have some impressive pieces. I made it an early night in anticipation for Black Friday the following day. Now so many people say they hate shopping on Black Friday and that is fine, but if done right, it can be quite enjoyable. I know this sounds crazy, but I woke up around 3am and called my mom’s room, which she also happened to awake early. We were on the road by 3:30am and at the Foley, Alabama Outlet Mall by a little after 4am. The shops had a crowd, but there was no craziness like you heard about on the news. The people shopping were polite and it seemed like one giant early morning retail party. The outlet mall in Foley is about forty five minutes from Mobile and has some incredible stores. We got some huge deals. After shopping for about an hour, I realized that I should stop buying for myself and get some presents. My mother had packed a pitcher of Bloody Mary’s to make our little retail therapy even more enjoyable. By 6am we had finished shopping at the mall and had an early breakfast at our favorite stop when we are on a trip, Cracker Barrel. We did some more shopping after at some bigger stores like World Market and Stein Mart, before heading to Fairhope, Alabama which is right across the bay from Mobile. Fairhope is a quaint, picturesque little community with some great boutique shops, cafes and bars. We walked along the decorated streets of the city while we browsed through the stores. The city has grown quite a bit since I visited five years ago, but still has that bedroom hamlet harm. After completely filling the trunk with gifts both for us and others, we returned back to the hotel for a well-deserved nap. That night, we went to dinner at Noja. We had eaten here previously and the food, service and atmosphere were just delightful as I remember it. Noja‘s cuisine melds influences from around the globe and across the Gulf Coast for some of the most delectable dishes. The ambiance of the restaurant was wonderful and you can tell that
this is a locals place. This night there were many Mobile residents and their family dining out, because it seemed everyone knew each other. Anyone visiting this city needs to make this one of their stops. After dinner I dropped my mom back off at the hotel and I walked to the gay downtown club district. There are three bars all within one block of each other: The Flip Side, B-Bob's and Gabriel’s Downtown. I started my evening off at B-Bob's, which is a two story bar with a lot of character. The staff was outstanding and made me feel right at home. Bartenders Leon and Patrick were just awesome. Downstairs is a more chill setting with videos and a pool table, whereas upstairs is a high energy show bar and dance club. I met so many great people while I was there and their drag show was fantastic. They have some talented performers and I got to see Venus Shante DaVis again who I just absolutely adore. I played there; then went over to The Flip Side which used to be called Bacchus. The bar which is also owned by the people from B-Bob’s has been totally renovated and is now a more open and inviting space. I met the owner Jerry who is truly one of the most genuine people; I can see why his bars are so successful. I then ended my night at Gabriel’s Downtown which is another fun place. Carl, the owner made me feel welcome and the crowd was lively. Thanksgiving weekend brought out lots of people. Mobile has a thriving gay community and these three bars are prime examples of this. I cannot wait to go back and visit them again. After lots of cocktails, several shots and dancing with some very cute guys, I went home to lay it down. Saturday was another full day. Mom and I headed out early back to the Hard Rock casino in Biloxi for some gambling therapy. Once again I won, this time enough money that my trip was almost paid for. We had lunch at their 24/7 Grill which was a great diner that was designed to look like the soda shoppes of days gone by. After leaving the Hard Rock in the early afternoon, we headed back to Mobile stopping at the Greyhound Dog Track to catch the last few races. We sat in the clubhouse and had some cocktails, while we watched these beautiful dogs race. After the last race, we drove to Bellingrath Gardens to look at their holiday lights which are known worldwide as one of the best light displays. Walter Bellingrath bought his fishing camp along Fowl River in 1917 at the advice of his physician, Dr. Paul McGehee. Dr. McGehee determined that Mr. Bellingrath was work-a-holic and needed to “learn how to play.” At that time the camp included two dilapidated shacks, no electricity or running water and Mr. Bellingrath loved it. He and his father-in-law fixed up the cabins
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under the gaydar ...from 14 and added screened porches while using the property for hunting and fishing. In the 1920s one of the shacks was removed to build a lodge with beamed ceilings, a large fireplace and screened porches overlooking Fowl River. Bessie Bellingrath, Mr. Bellingrath’s wife and former stenographer, was well known for her love of gardens and the couple’s South Ann Street home was admired for its extensive gardens. In fact, the Bellingraths often allowed garden admirers access to their driveway, which was known for numerous azalea and camellia blooms. Mrs. Bellingrath soon realized available property for additional azaleas, camellias and other plants was diminishing on South Ann Street. Open acres of land on her husband’s fishing camp allowed room for a variety of plants and Mrs. Bellingrath soon gave the property a feminine touch. Frequent travelers, the Bellingraths ventured on a European excursion in the summer of 1927. During their visit, they gained a deep appreciation for the beautiful English estates and European gardens. Upon their return, they hired prominent Mobile architect, George B. Rogers to design a garden for the couple. Since there were no landscape architects in that era, the city’s finest architect was chosen for the job. Rogers took meandering paths and
added a back drop of tall camellias and azaleas, which he and Mrs. Bellingrath collected from across the Deep South. Water features of fountains and waterfalls were installed and framed with English flagstone walkways. The stone had been obtained from old city sidewalks in Mobile where they had been in place since arriving as ballast in English sailing vessels collecting loads of cotton for the mills at Manchester. During the spring of 1932, a national garden club meeting was being held in Mobile. On Sunday, April 7, 1932, the Bellingraths issued a general invitation to the public to view the Gardens between one and five that afternoon. Over 5,000 Mobilians jammed the roads to see what the Bellingraths called “Belle Camp,” currently in the height of its azalea season. Mobile’s police force was needed to direct traffic. The couple was stunned. Overwhelmed by the response, the Bellingraths soon opened the Gardens to the public for spring appreciation and named the former fishing camp Bellingrath Gardens. Two years later in 1934, the couple decided to open the Gardens year-round. Mr. Bellingrath often said the Gardens were like a beautiful woman with a different dress for each week of the year. Throughout the year, Bellingrath Gardens and Home features a wide variety of flowering plants throughout the 65 acre estate. From camellias in winter, azaleas in
spring, roses in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn and poinsettias during the holidays, Bellingrath Gardens and Home is always beautiful, but never the same. But nothing takes your breath away like all the holiday lights on display during the season. My favorite area was the Chinese New Year complete with fireworks, a pagoda and Asian fish, simply breathtaking. We enjoyed strolling around the grounds admiring not only the lights, but the flowers themselves. Bellingrath Gardens is a must see during the holidays. When we returned back downtown, we went for a late night dinner at The Royal Scam, which is located right down the road from our hotel. The restaurant opened in 2006 and has quickly become a hit. It is truly the epitome of casual fine dining with an extensive wine list, craft cocktails and a superb menu. Their duck was to die for. They also have some of the cutest waiters in the city. I have to say, Mobile may not have the number of restaurants New Orleans has, but they have some really great options. I did not have a bad meal while I was there. I called it an early night. On Sunday, we woke up, checked out of the hotel and returned back to New Orleans. It was another memorable road trip with my mom, and I can promise it will not be five years again before I return back to Mobile.
Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom Most of my friends would describe me as more of the sentimental, touchy feely sort of person. Like many others, I am a ball of contradictions, I am tough, but my feelings get hurt easily; I am crazy busy all the time, but I always say yes to do things; I am quick to judge, but very forgiving; you get my gist. But one thing I am is appreciative for all the things my life has afforded me, so this is my time to thank all those in my life who make an impact on me every day. To my mom and my family, you are always wonderful and understanding; and I do not know how I was so lucky to be blessed with you. To my friends, thank you for putting up with my wild shenanigans for another year. To everyone at my job Accent on Arrangements, thank you for making this the most incredible year. Staring a new job can be scary, especially after being with a company for 13 years, but you made my first year an amazing ride. To Ambush Magazine, Rip and Marsha, you two truly are the best, I appreciate being part of your incredible publication and family. And to you, the readers of Ambush, thank you for supporting the magazine and reading my column each week. May you experience all the happiness of the season and much prosperity in 2014. Happy reading!
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pensacola
Miss Order of Zeus Pageant @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
paparazzi
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Lady Elves
Kenny Walker & Jerry Scavo
Bartender Brad with Randi & Julien Members of NOLA Opera Chorus perform Bar manager Santa Drew Holiday smiles @ the party
Steven, Louis, Frankie & Brian
Golden Lantern’s James Garner & Mr. Aubrey Synclaire
Clinton & Bourbon Pub’s Carla
Ready for our close up
GM Bert, Voodoo’s Greg & King Petronius Lee
Friends with Randi & Blake
Rob & Ren
Holiday party bois
Antoine & Debra
Ambush’s Paul, Lanie & John
Noel Twilbeck, Bobby Vallecillo, Toby Fugate & Tony Leggio
Aubrey, Miss AIDS Awareness Gia GiaVanni & Lance
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$2,000 raised fromOh, What A Drag! presented to Food For Friends @ Bourbon Pub & Parade’s Christmas Party ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Rip Naquin
Country Club’s Annual Christmas Party ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
GM Bert The Country Club kitchen staff
Bourbon Pub’s Chuck, Carla, proprietor Sandy & Matthew present $2,000 to Food For Friends' Bobby
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Ed does Wreath Auction Broadway Bares’ Patrick Boyd & Auction Co-Chair Bryan Batt
Featured DJ Robbie Martin from Club New Orleans
Lord King Pat Johnson
The Sirens of New Orleans
Mr. Louisiana Leather Lance Baggett
Sponsor Avita Drugs’ Jerry Purcell & Abdul Fula
Miss LA Leatherette 2013 C. Alice & Lord Consort Joey Landry Andy, Nick, Event Chair Tony Leggio & Barrett
New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus
The Men from Friday Night Before Mardi Gras
Matthew Hester Roxie LeRouge
Anais St. John, Laura & Broadway Bares' Patrick Boyd
Darwin & Opal join sponsor Ambush’s Frankie, Marsha & Rip
MC Elizabeth Bouvier
Countess Chase & Brock
Ben
Don
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Lords of Leather American Bandstand: Feelin’ Dizzny Turnabout Show ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Charles Jenkins
Art Against AIDS benefiting NO/AIDS Task Force sponsored by Ambush @ New Orleans Museumof Art ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Darwin Reed
Captain Gary Vandeventer
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mobile
paparazzi
Ambush on the Road ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
B-Bob’s Jerry & Gabriel’s Carl welcome you to Mobile
Cocktailing @ B-Bob’s
Direct from The Flip Side
Hot guys @ B-Bob’s
Venus Shante DaVis always a crowd pleaser @ B-Bob’s
Striking a pose at B-Bob’s
The “Blond Bombshell of Mobile” Miss Cie headlines @ B-Bob’s
Behind the DJ booth @ B-Bob’s
Cocktailing @ The Flip Side with Carl
Bob & Jerry welcome you to Mobile’s newest bar, Flip Side
Bar proprietor Carl with his bartender @ Gabriel’s Downtown
It’s always festive with Patrick @ B-Bob’s
”Gay? Fine by me” @ B-Bob’s
Patrick & Leon have a moment @ B-Bob’s
Jawakatema Davenport on stage @ B-Bob’s
The Boys of B-Bob’s
Coby & Carl at B-Bob’s
One of B-Bob’s most popular bartenders, Leon
Cocktails @ Gabriel’s
Miss Cie dazzles the crowd @ B-Bob’s
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant at Mid-City Theatre through Dec. 21 Move over Rudolph and Scrooge and maybe even Santa himself, there’s a new holiday headliner in town, L. Ron Hubbard. “L. Ron?” you ask, “He of Scientology?” You better believe it. While A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant could ostensibly be presented at any time of the year, since its New York debut 10 years ago, it typically comes to the stage around the Holidays. And why not? The angel narrator fits in well with the seasonal trappings and it’s a nice change to see young’uns cavorting away from Nutcrackers and other standard holiday fare. ”Young’uns”? Yup, cause the con- to be a kid to fall for this crap!”) while ceit in Kyle Jarrow’s retelling of the making it queasily believable (“The childfounding of this, um, “religion” is that like amongst us could be seduced in the cast members are all 9- to 14-year- this fashion.”) as a parade of celebrity olds, lending an innocence to this faux- Scientologists, Tom and John and nativity play that its appalling narrative Kirstie, appear on the stage. would otherwise lack. Directors A.J. Allegra and Natalie With a sprinkling of alternately perky Boyd have calibrated Scientology to and quasi-spiritual tunes, Jarrow takes perfection allowing its tongue-in-cheek us from Hubbard’s birth on the plains of humor to shine forth while never permitNebraska through his exploits in ting their charges to camp it up. Using Hollywood’s early days, trips to Hawaii the simplest of materials and lots of and China, and naval service in World imagination, they create the grandest War II as he searches for answers to of effects from wartime battles to a raft life’s questions before zeroing in on his adrift in the Pacific Ocean. development of Dianetics. The young cast, all pros, seem to As the talk turns into the mumbo have an innate sense of irony knowing jumbo of Scientology–all engrams and when and how far to push it without preclears and auditors—about three ever going overboard. Other than quarters of the way through this hour Richert and Catherine Elvir as the Anlong show, the fresh-faced mien of gelic Narrator, the ten others all play Aaron Richert, who portrays Hubbard multiple roles and, rather than singling throughout, turns ominous with only the any of them out, I’ll just wonder who’ll slightest adjustment of bearing before be the first to win a Tony or an Oscar. becoming positively scary as his conMusical Director Jefferson Turner trol over his powerless acolytes is re- took the cast’s raw talent and polished vealed. it to the highest sheen. Paige McRae’s In The NOLA Project’s marvelous costumes aptly look like they were production, the use of children simulta- created on sewing machines by stayneously allows an audience to distance at-home parents. Torey Hayward’s itself from the goings-on (“You’d have scenic design ingeniously uses a back-
The cast of A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant
drop of sheets before contributing to a mini-coup de théâtre. And Prop Master Jamie Bird earned her title by creating all sorts of Scientology gizmos. If you’d like some subversive fun to go with those visions of sugar plums, then head over to the Mid-City Theatre. And rather than fruitcakes, tickets to A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant would make excellent gifts.
Long Day’s Journey into Night at The Art Klub through Dec. 21 If you’ve never seen Long Day’s Journey into Night, by all means go see Promethean Theater Company & Four Humours Theater’s current production of this classic. It’s not your typical holiday show, but if you think your family is dysfunctional, wait till you see the Tyrones. In Eugene O’Neill’s most autobiographical play, Mom’s addicted to morphine, Dad’s an alcoholic miser, older brother’s another alcoholic and a whoremonger, and kid brother’s dying of consumption. What a way to spend an evening. And yet, in this great, timeless play, those are just the surface details. Under Stephen Eckert’s intelligent, pellucid direction, we see the characters having the same arguments over and over again, and if there’s fighting and insults, there’s also apologies and warmheartedness, the bonds that hold these warring souls together. Hearing O’Neill’s words again, words that hold your attention throughout Journey’s 3+ hour-long running time, I was struck by how much it is a play about memory, and how we can’t remember some things...and can’t forget others. It is also, in the guise of Mary Tyrone, a chilling portrait of how a mind changes; while here it is due to drugs, it could easily have been some form of dementia causing Mary’s transformation and the deceptions that follow from it. Eckert has assembled an outstanding cast, and conducts with the proper tempi to elicit a brilliantly nuanced display of family dynamics. In the interplay between Michael Martin’s James Tyrone Sr. and Mary Pauley’s Mary we see their affectionate give-and-take but sense how mismatched they are on a deeper level. Pauley, always a wonderful and natural actress, captures all of Mrs. Tyrone’s facets—her modesty and her coquettishness, her motherliness and her vanity, her snobbishness and her insecurity. Fluttering about but always planning where she’ll get her next fix, Pauley is spectacular. Martin looks the part of a matinee idol yet is not afraid to be less dashing around his home and more of a pain in the ass. Recalling a hardscrabble childhood, Martin abjures any trace of sen-
timentality as he desperately tries to explain his niggardly ways. If he’s the father whose sons can never do right by him, on those occasions when he does display tenderness and understanding, Martin melts your heart. As James Jr., Todd d’Amour nicely underplays this womanizer in a role that can be given to grandstanding. He can be a cad and not the nicest of siblings, but his underlying decency comes through, himself his biggest enemy. Interestingly, Glenn Aucoin’s Edmund is more melodramatic than his thespian father and brother as he goes on about Nietzsche and other so-called “morbid” writers. This is not a criticism; Aucoin captures the tortured, dreamy quality that O’Neill ascribed to his standin. Rather, both Martin and d’Amour might’ve hammed it up a wee bit more, something that would’ve been in keeping with actors of that time. Still, better to underdo than overplay. And having seen this production’s first performance I suspect all these actors will grow even further into their roles. Leah Farrelly’s wood-paneled summer cottage has an apt, lived-in look with nothing extravagant about it. Her lighting, however, is not always as precise as would be hoped for, the result, perhaps, of The Art Klub being a challenging space to work in. Daniel Schubert-Skelly’s sound design of waves and foghorns properly sets the mood. Now, if you are familiar with Long Day’s Journey, you may still want to see this impressive production, but don’t expect it to tell you anything new or enlighten you in any way. For while Eckert is scrupulous in realizing the playwright’s intentions—a vital talent when bringing to life new plays—he brings nothing of himself to the work. Watching it, one might think that Eckert is a 60, 70 or even 80-year-old director who has staged Journey before. Knowing that he only recently graduated from Tulane, I couldn’t help but wonder “Where are this 24-year-old’s passions and ideas?” For this is a production that could’ve been staged 5, 10 or 50 years ago. Nothing wrong with that but, as with his productions of Hay Fever and Equus, both, like Journey, modern classics, nothing new was revealed by the staging and there was no sense of dialog with the audience about these pieces. There are any number of approaches Eckert could have taken. With its themes of drug addiction and celebrity, Journey would be ripe for modernization in this age of Obamacare, YouTube, AIDS, and prescription pill overdoses. (As it was, I almost thought “Consumption? What’s that?”) Or he could’ve staged it starkly with simple yet bold fields of light adding to the emotional landscape. Or he could’ve brought a different approach to the
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Them Bells, after which these two titans of illusionism traded some tasty in-jokes about their shared history in two of Busch’s plays, The Divine Sister and Die, Mommie, Die! Handsome pianist Tom Judson tickled the ivories magnificently for both of these divine divas. Next up in the Broadway@NOCCA series is Tony winner Alice Ripley on January 6 and then Sutton Foster returns on January 27; both will be at NOCCA’s Lupin Hall.
trodding the boards acting, stylized, overwrought or whatever. (As it was, these were the tamest bunch of drunks I’ve ever seen.) It’s not for me to tell this rising young director what to do. But it is incumbent upon each generation of theater artists to bring their own challenging and idiosyncratic perspectives to the classics. Otherwise, our theater is in danger of ossifying.
Broadway@NOCCA through Jan. 27, 2014 Broadway@NOCCA became Off-Broadway@Café Istanbul when Charles Busch made his New Orleans debut, looking every inch like the glamourous movie stars that inform much of his work. In 75 minutes of song, comedy and recollections, he conveyed the spirit of a ‘60’s TV special (think Juliet Prowse) on a much more intimate scale. Pronouncing that his theme would be “Actresses,” Busch told tales of encounters with Maxine Andrews (nice) and Ginger Rogers (not so nice), and gave a hysterical point/counterpoint rendition of a hypothesized Joan Crawford/Bette Davis interview based on their own words. Without Seth Rudetsky as interlocutor this was more of a pure cabaret act than the usual Broadway@NOCCA
Charles Busch offerings and if Busch was on shakier ground when singing (he admits he’s “not the world’s greatest singer.”), he makes up in style what he lacks in voice and well-knows how to put over a song. While I could’ve done with one or two less ballads, in the case of a number from Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol, it was just a deliciously fun excuse to show how well Busch knows how to (comedically) steal a stage. With her special guest appearance, our own Varla Jean Merman nearly stole the show herself with a LOL mash-up of The Hunchback of Notre Dame and one of Kander & Ebb’s signature tunes for Liza, Ring
Grenadine McGunkle’s Double-Wide Christmas! at Mid-City Theatre through Dec. 22 She’s baaaaacccckkkk! Our favorite mistress of the trailer park, Grenadine McGunkle, has returned for another iteration of her Christmas shenanigans. Running With Scissors’ beleaguered heroine may have “grown a little wiser” since she first appeared 12 years ago...but don’t count on it. What’s remarkable, however, is how fresh RWS has kept this long-running series. For their 2013 outing, after a false zombie apocalypse scare, Grenadine is getting ready to be in a beauty pageant, eager to check that experience off her bucket list. In addition to the usual PBR drinking and smoking of various substances, Richard Read “and
the cast”’s book adds to the mix sugar free gummy bears and their effect on the digestive system, ukelele-playing Siamese twins and, my favorite, a crossbow that was used to set up the Christmas lights on the Presbyterian church. GMD-WC!’s characters are so well-drawn, it’s like visiting with old friends. If we miss some (Bianca Del Rio’s Loretta, Brad Caldwell’s Punkin), others (Elizabeth Pearce’s Madge) are sharper than ever. Dorian Rush continues to endow Grenadine with bubbly optimism layered with daffy innocence and a little nagging neuroticism. Brooklyn Shaffer’s Gladys Finkelstein is still the classiest broad on the far side of Bayou St. John. As the twins Crystal & China, Lisa Picone and Ashley Ricord Santos have become such a vital—and deliriously trashy—part of the show, that I was surprised to discover this was only their third McGunkle outing. And as the mailman Johnny (soonto-be JoAnn) Shoemake, Bob Edes, Jr. is a jaw-dropping sight to behold in his severely cut blonde wig. Singing Santa Baby for the talent portion of the pageant, Edes adds another comic masterpiece to his already staggeringly large gallery of unforgettable portrayals. New to the line-up is Kyle
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a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Where is God in all of this?!
Later in the day as evening came a different man, totally ripped (intoxicated), was weaving his way down the street in front of St. Anna’s. For those that do not know, we have a lovely garden in front of the church. Box planters stand at the foot of the Victims of Violence memorial wall. Just last week an angel statue that adorned it along
with a bronze memorial plaque was stolen and not recovered. This week on this day the young man took it upon himself to express his anger at God and at churches in general. He tore out all of the lovely plants threw them on the ground and then ripped off a “prayer [continued on 34]
What follows is largely based on a conversation with the ‘Earth Mother Deacon Joyce.’ You may recall that I wrote about her sometime back. Recently, in early December during the weekday a series of events happened that caused no small degree of frustration. At 7:30 in the morning a mentally impaired man accosted the head of our Anna’s Arts for Kids at the Dodwell House. Darryl lives at the hoped for community center. This man was belligerent and tried to break in to the compound. The police were called removed him and released him. He came back and Darryl had to defend himself. No one was really hurt in this incident. But the tensions ran high.
trodding the boards ...from 32 Daigrepont, playing it butch and almost unrecognizable in an outrageous comb over, and the mysterious clownfaced Kentucky Sisters (aka Jo Morris and Launa Reed) as the uber-talented uke duo. GMD-WC! promises and delivers nothing more than pure comedy. If I might’ve enjoyed a bit more plot than what we got from the beauty pageant motif, say, something involving those uke-playing twins or even, perhaps, a really real zombie invasion, that just gives me something to look forward to for next year’s Double-Wide Christmas!
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a community within communities ...from 33
reVIEW... by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
BONNIE AND CLYDE X 2 Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ambushed near Sailes, Bienville Parish, Louisiana on May 23, 1934. They were criminals; bank robbers and murderers along with several members of their gang. Their story of sex and violence has turned them into folk heroes of that era and our part of the country. As a child I paid $1 to see “the death car” in a shopping center parking lot. Now I find out there were 4 or 5 of those cars touring the country ...I want my money back. The “real’ one is supposed to be in Las Vegas, owned by a casino and for sale ...somewhere between $5 and $10 million. Give me my dollar first. The original BONNIE AND CLYDE hit the big screen in 1967, a landmark film, considered to be one of the first of the “new” Hollywood era. It was popular with the younger generation and prompted other filmmakers to be more open and honest ...especially about sex and violence. It was one of the first to show “blood” when someone was shot and to this day features one of the bloodiest death scenes in cinematic history. It starred Warren Beatty as Clyde Barrow and Faye Dunaway as Bonnie Parker, featuring Michael J. Pollard as CW Moss, Gene Hackman as Buck Barrow, Clyde’s brother and Estelle Parsons as Blanche Barrow, Buck’s wife. Estelle Parsons won the Academy Award for best Supporting Actress and was hilarious. Like most biopics, the movie took “creative license” with the facts but with Flatt and Scruggs’ “Foggy Mountain Breakdown,” BONNIE AND CLYDE/ 1967 was a fast moving, period piece. It’s on television and DVD everywhere. Fast forward to last weekend and you have BONNIE AND CLYDE : DEAD AND ALIVE. It was billed as a television “event.” It came from the HISTORY CHANNEL, A&E, and LIFETIME. It was a two night event, 240
minutes, produced by Neil Meron and Craig Zadam, the team that brought you the hideous remake of STEEL MAGNOLIAS on LIFETIME recently ...but they did a much better job this time. Written by Joe Batteer and John Rice and directed by Bruce Beresford, BONNIE AND CLYDE : DEAD AND ALIVE still takes plenty of “creative license”, but in the other direction. The miniseries stars Emile Hirsch as Clyde and Holliday Grainger as Bonnie. This version of the lover/criminal tale develops Clyde’s relationship with his family and his brother Buck, played by Lane Garrison. We also meet Bonnie’s mother, Emma, portrayed by Academy Award winner Holly Hunter. Oscar winner William Hurt is featured as Frank Hamer, the lawman on the hunt for Bonnie and Clyde and Elizabeth Reaser portrays PJ Lane, the fictitious newspaper reporter Bonnie befriends. When you look at historical accuracies both versions have their faults. The miniseries is longer so it goes into greater detail and character development. Clyde was portrayed as sexually dysfunctional, maybe gay, in the original, not so in the 2013 version. Bonnie comes across as the dominant half of the couple this time, that probably wouldn’t have happened in the 1930s. And this is the prettiest Depression I have ever seen ...new clothes, polished cars and starched shirts all around ...maybe not. Some have complained about the inaccuracies since it’s on the HISTORY CHANNEL and maybe they have a point. BONNIE AND CLYDE : DEAD AND ALIVE has more facts and digs deeper than the original. The 1967 BONNIE AND CLYDE is fast pace, sometimes comical in nature. They’re different, but enjoyable in very different ways. BONNIE AND CLYDE has been on DVD and BLU-RAY forever. You can watch BONNIE AND CLYDE : DEAD AND ALIVE online, in repeats on the
request” box and destroyed it. The site was sad to see very sad indeed. The church was a mess. He began to weave his way down the street. Jimmy who works on the Mobile Medical Unit ran after the guy. Some pushing and shoving transpired. The police were called as he was so belligerent and a danger to himself and others and they responded in good order. The young man was arrested and statements taken. Where is God in all of this anger, discord, destruction and anxiety? Well, as neighborhood people walked by, even the roughest of those who never say, “hello” expressed disappointment even outrage that such a place was desecrated. They may not worship here but none the less it is a place important, spiritually, to this neighborhood. The community seemed to come together over this loss. I for one was distressed and not in a good place. Then I noticed one of the lead Police Officers looking at the now barren Memorial Wall. He asked, “are all these names just New Orleans?” I affirmed that they were, we have over 2,000 names since 2007. I backed off as he silently began to read each name from start to finish. His posture, his very countenance changed to profound sorrow. He had not realized the scope of death in our city due to violence because he is surrounded by it daily; the proverbial “forest for the trees.” When he was done he came to me with sorrow and new understanding saying, “I found six of my good friends on that wall.” At mass that night we hosted a group to raise monies for the Pilipino people dealing with their disaster. Stuart Butler a regular at our Wednesday night service attended and inquired about the torn up garden. I told him about the garden, about the crazy guy earlier, and sighed. His response was anger, not at those that wrought this destruction but at those powers and principalities that have deprived this HISTORY CHANNEL, A&E, and LIFETIME and it will be out on DVD and BLU-RAY in January. MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and to all...have another cocktail...
city of adequate and effective mental health care. Where is God in all of this? Later Deacon Joyce shared her views of all that transpired. It goes like this: “You know we have lost the reason for Christmas! Jesus, he was born in a manger, a damn barn! Stink all around him with those nappy animals all smelling bad. We have forgotten about this. I think when Christmas rolls around people forget this. It’s all about winning the lottery – and they ain’t. It’s about Johnny coming back home to Jane – and baby she ain’t! It’s about getting that big car when ya can’t afford it – it ain’t gonna happen. We forgot who Jesus is! He was born in a barn! Father, he came into the world so we can survive. Not so we can get all that bling! He came into the world so that when all the shit happens he is with us. He came into the world so we won’t be alone. Hell, let the wise men give their gifts. The gift is that Jesus helps us survive. So I think people get angry when everything is not fixed up at Christmas, disappointed, it happens every year. We forget why that baby was born and where he was born.” So, a Police Officer was changed and humanized and transformed seeing the Memorial Wall as he had never seen the murders. Stuart spoke for many of us in decrying the lack of humanity in our governmental systems. Joyce spoke truth about the baby Jesus and His purpose among us. A neighborhood rallied in the midst of the destruction of holy ground. THAT MY FRIENDS IS WHERE WE FIND GOD AMONG US. This New Year let us commend ourselves and one another to works of mercy, acts of charity, holding the principalities and potentates accountable. We can make a difference not out of abundance but out of poverty. .
Next Ambush DEADLINE Fri., Dec. 20 504.522.8049
marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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ambush
paparazzi
Thor & Bartender John @ Rawhide
Chris & Ryan @ Mona Lisa
Mercedes & Gina @ Good Friends Bar Bartender Adam @ the Phoenix
Big Easy Sisters in for Southern Barbituates @ Michael’s
Christmas with Josh @ Bourbon Pride
Server Suzanne @ Clover Grill Bartender Artillia @ Ninth Circle
Bartender Kelton welcomes Ambush’s Paul to Le Roundup Bartender Brad welcomes you to Double Play
Jeffrey & friends from Atlanta celebrate his birthday @ Oz David & Earl @ Le Roundup
Max with Wood Enterprises GM Tim @ Rawhide
Proprietor Paul welcomes you XXXShop
Mark & Voodoo bartender Chris @ Voodoo
Michael & Tommy Elias celebrate Post-Thanksgiving @ The Corner Pocket
Kenny, Jerry & Jim @ Corner Pocket Post-Thanksgiving Dinner
Leather Master’s Ted welcomes you to the all new Second Skin Leather
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La Scène Sociale ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
Tina @ Quartermaster
Golden Lantern’s Steven & COK’s Daniel @ Phoenix
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Mandeville LA [985] Shirley "Toni" McCord, CPA, #4 Sanctuary Blvd., Suite 304, 985.727.7797, www.tmccordcpa.com Metairie, LA [504] Shirley "Toni" McCord, CPA, 3925 N. I-10 Service Rd., Suite 215, 504.888.8333, www.tmccordcpa.com
alterations New Orleans, LA [504] Mr. Curtis Alterations, 529.3428
attorneys New Orleans, LA [504] Littlefield Law LLC, Attorney R. Kelp Littlefield, 639 Loyola Ave., Suite 1820, 504.525.1328 Tureau Legal, Troy A. Tureau , Attorney at Law, 8303 Pritchard Place, 70118, 504.602.9511, thelawprofessor@comcast.net
bars Mobile, AL [251] B-Bob's Downtown, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.COM
bathhouse New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com
book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700 RT PA M RA
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is2313]
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French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
accounting
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 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
GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, HOUND DOGS, 668 Main St., 344.0807 SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM Lafayette, LA [337] BOLT NIGHTCLUB, 116 E. Vermillion, 524.1380 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] 4-SEASONS / PATIO BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, 4seasonsno.com CLUB LAX, 2301 N. Causeway, 834.7979 New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 BOURBON PUB & PARADE, 801 Bourbon St., 529.2107, BourbonPub.COM CAFÉ LAFITTE IN EXILE, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829, CornerPocket.NET COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742
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 FEE & ARTS REVIVAL STUDIO, 834 Chartres, 917.318.4300 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
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welcoming you to the “Big Easy.” THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 877-681-5087 frenchquarterguesthouses.com. Email: info@stpeterhouse.com. Four meticulously restored boutique Inns located in the heart of the French Quarter’s most popular LGBT neighborhood. Each building’s individual character and charm provides an unforgettably authentic French Quarter experience! FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A locally owned and operated French Quarter hotel that has been beautifully transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites. Several historical townhouses are also available to accommodate larger groups of up to 26. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St., free WiFi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available. MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0114] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.522.7333, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com, Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A 19th century home that has been historically restored and transformed into a locally owned and operated hotel. Experience the rich history and hospitality of New Orleans at an affordable price. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621
marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com
massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage (Swedish/Deep Tissue); heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & Thai/Sport Stretching massage). Call/text 504.458.5996 / For pictures http://www.christophernola.com. License #LA4553 [is2613]
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
media
New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666
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
organizations
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION,
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, services at 10am, 6200 St Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118; 504.270.1MCC www.mccneworleans.org 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 OUT-
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REACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717
pets New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
pharmacy Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists caring for HIV/AIDS, new-to-market & hard-to-find medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.AvitaPharmacy.COM. New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312, www.MumfreysPharmacy.COM. Supporting & serving the LGBT Community for over 20 years.
Local pharmacy offering personalized family-like service, automatic refills & free metro wide confidential pickup & delivery. Also offering shipping for out-side our delivery area. When you call us you speak to a person, not a machine. See our ad.
photography New Orleans, LA [504] Arthur Severio Photography, 834 Chartres, New Orleans, LA 70116, 917.318.4300, ArthurSeverio.COM GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] Gay-Owned Agency — New Orleans Relocation LLC, Mark Boline, Realtor/Broker, mark@nolarelo.com, 504.273.0088, 1027 Touro Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Visit NOLArelo.com to search all NOLA properties for sale. Latter & Blum INC/French Quarter, Steve Richards, LGBT Realtor, 712 Orleans @ Royal, Cell: 504.258.1800, Office: 504.529.8140, Website: www.SteveRichardsProperties.com, Email: SRichards@LatterBlum.com LATTER & BLUM, Agent Brian M. Pawlowski, brianrealtor@aol.com, Agent Stace McDonald, stacerealtor@aol.com, 840 Elysian Fields, 451.2495
restaurants Mandeville, LA [985] The Po-Boy Shack, 1703 N. Causeway Blvd., 626.1303 New Orleans, LA [504] Borracho @ Kajun's Pub, 2256 St. Claude, 267.6108. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 504.371.5074 Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields, 943.3861 Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, 523.4030 Lil Vic's Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, 304.1238 Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Pl., 522.9500 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Organic Banana, 1100 N. Peters, Bay 27, 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 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 HIT PARADE, 741 Bourbon St., Facebook.COM/ HitParadeNOLA MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 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 N. Rampart St., 232.3063
spas Metairie, LA [504] Body, Health & Wellness, 3262 Severn Ave., 267.4549 New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.theclubs.com Planet Beach, A Contempo Spa, 301 Burgundy St., 525.8266, PlanetBeach.COM
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] ALLWAYS LOUNGE & THEATRE, 2240 St Claude Ave., TheAllwaysLounge.NET
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The new "Sisters" revue @ 4 Seasons in Metairie with Natasha, Monica, Giselle & Lauren
Coca Mesa, Sheeya Mann & Miss AIDS Awareness Gia GiaVanni direct from Oz
Misti & Catherine take in new "Sisters" revue @ 4 Seasons
Ambush’s Frankie Fierce joins Steve Forster for his “Celebrity” Exhibition opening reception @ the Boyd Gallery
Jessica welcomes you to Head Quarters
Shop with Scott @ Skull’z for Christmas
Tico, Robbie, Marvin & Dawn @ Santa Paws Parade
Hosts Jeff & Marc @ their Chanukah Party
Athena Jewelle, Frankie Fierce & Monica Synclaire-Kennedy @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile Mom joins son Steven Forster for his “Celebrity” Exhibition opening @ the Boyd Gallery
Finale of the "Jewel Box Revue" @ Michael’s On The Park
Bartenders Amon, Andrew & Big Mike welcome you to Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Kabrina Watson headlines "Left Ovah Bitches" @ Ninth Circle Bartender Brian brings toys for the Phoenix’s Toy Drive benefitting St. Anna’s Kids
Wayne welcomes Paul to St. Anna’s Kids Toy Drive @ the Phoenix
Margarita Bergen & her baby @ Steven Forster's “Celebrity” Exhibition opening
Chi Chi Rodriguez in "Left Ovah Bitches" @ Ninth Circle
Tony’s baby Rose relaxing in her holiday outfit @ Santa Paws Parade
Sizzling @ The Corner Pocket
"Jubilee! Dragging for Jesus" starring Reba Douglas, Debbie Snatchcake & Kookie Baker @ The Golden Lantern
40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Dec em ber 17-29, 2013 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM Mardi
La Scène des Clubs ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Chuck Hinkley, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
paparazzi
spotlight features XXXSHOP Introduces New Product Lines The XXXShop, an erotic boutique located at 1835 N Rampart Street, in the Marigny, has expanded it’s product lines. Under special arrangement with Spartacus Leathers, many of their unique men’s quality leather body adornments are new available. A sampling includes upper body harness in 3 sizes, 8-style metal and leather dividers, v-style sewn metal and leather dividers, English cages, under and over cages, and lace-up sheath, as well as collars, clamps, rings and more. The XXXShop is the only local shop carrying advanced fetish designs such as Master Series products, including Power Exchange Vibrating Sound, Silicone Cadence, Cum-Thru D-Ring. The Rapture line offers collars and chastity cages in stainless steel, masks in leather and stainless, and urethral plugs in three and five joint models. The shop carries the #1 selling male toy in the world, Fleshlight’s Vortex, Stamina Training Unit, Flight Pilot, and Instructor, Original and Fleshjack models, as well as Pipedream Extreme ultimate toys. CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM The recently opened new showMAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PER- room offers girl’s couples a private FORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong area to select a wide range of Vac-UPark, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 Lock harness’s, attachments and acMID-CITY THEATRE, 3240 Toulouse, 488.1460, MidCityTheatre.COM cessories, in multiple sizes & materials, NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, matched to their own skin tone. NOFringe.ORG We invite ladies and their partners Slidell, LA [985 to delight in selecting fine ladies lingerie CUTTING EDGE THEATER, 742 Robert by Hustler, Exposed and Rene’ Rofe’. Blvd., 649.3727, CuttingEdgeTheater,COM Many other products are offered for all orientations and fetish’s at the lowest prices in town guaranteed. Now New Orleans, LA [504] open daily from 3pm to 3am. Please Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Cresring the doorbell on arrival. cent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Call 504.232.3063 to inquire about Tour @ Facebook.COM specific products.
tours
Santa Claus is coming. Are you? Squirt.org’s huge Holiday Sale Squirt.org kicked off its Holiday themed Sale “Santa Claus is coming. Are you?” on Cyber Monday, December 2nd. The sale provides Squirt members in the United States an exceptional 50% off on select Fan Club membership. Users can save 50% on the 1 year, 6 month and 3 month packages. Through the Fan Club Membership users will get unlimited access to: · Profile views · Picture views · Member video views · Emails · Instant Messaging · See who looked at their profile
The sale is ending December 31st, 2013. For full details visit Squirt.org Squirt.org is an international gay adult dating/cruising site operated by Pink Triangle Press since 1999.
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