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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
2013 into 2014 As 2013 comes to end, we have much to celebrate in gains in the LGBT community. With the historic decision of the Supreme Court on DOMA, it opened the doors to thousands and thousands of us who never dreamed in our lifetime that we would be able to marry legally, but now we can in 18 states. Although we could not marry here in Louisiana, we traveled to NYC, and married on our 40th anniversary August 17. It was one of the most emotional experiences in our lifetime, and we both are so thankful to our friends who joined us in New York, and then those at our wedding reception in New Orleans. It was one roller coaster ride of pure joy. There are no shortage of places to ring in the New Year, 2014. The bars and clubs are pulling out all of the stops to show us an amazing New Year's Eve. Many of us will enjoy a dinner before the festivities at our favorite restaurant or eatery. While others will celebrate at home with their own traditions. Whichever it is, we at Ambush wish all a very Happy and Safe New Year. Special thanks to our clients and readers for making Ambush what it is today! As always, Ambush is available at over 80 distribution points, online at www.AmbushMag.com, or at www.Facebook.com/AmbushMag.
Lords of Leather Fetish Ball Dec. 31 Ring in the New Year on New Year’s Eve, December 31 at the Lords of Leather Fetish Ball. Break out the leather, rubber, latex or uniform and come to the Phoenix Bar, 941 Elysian Fields Avenue for a night of celebration and kink. A champagne toast will be held at midnight for all attendees. Cost is $20 for unlimited well drinks and domestic beer from 8pm until 11pm in the Eagle (upstairs) at the Phoenix. Coat check will be available as well.
Frankie Fierce 30th Birthday Party benefits Buzzy's Boys & Girls Jan. 11 Turning 30 is a big deal for all of us, and on Saturday, Jan. 11, you can join Frankie Fierce for his much anticipated 30th Birthday Party & Charity Fundraiser. Hosted at Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon Street, $5 door donation, the celebration is 4-7pm with buffet, fashion show, auctions, happy hour, and music. You will walk the Red Carpet with New Orleans Advocate's Steven Forster, Ambush Magazine and Arthur Severio of ArthurSeverio.COM. The buffet begins at 4pm, followed by the 5pm Fashion Show with designs by John Joseph Delgadillo Farewell Show before his LA move, Bourbon Pride, and Gerald Kenokouture Watson. The silent auction runs from 4-6pm, and then the live auction begins at 6pm (contact Frankie Fierce, Anthony Lala or Rikki Gee to make auction donations). Dance to the music of DJ of the Year DJ Jonathan JRB Reed, plus there's $2 Fireball Whiskey Shots with all proceeds benefiting Buzzy's Boys & Girls. As of press time, donors of auction items include: secret donor, 2 pairs of 2 court side tickets to New Orleans Pelicans; secret donor, Jessica Lange AHS shirt and children’s book written, photographed and signed by her; Brandito's Burritos gift basket; Abita Beer gift basket; Crescent City Tour Booking Agency 4-person walking tour; bar tabs from Cafe Lafitte’s, Good Friends and Rawhide; Moon Wok gift basket; Creole Cuisine Restaurants gift certificate; Fredrick Guess Studio painting; Idyll Hands 90 minute massage; Little Vic's gift basket; art from Danny Calhoun Collection; Quartermaster gift certificate; candle gift basket
inside
32nd Anniversary, Mardi Gras Classic issue out Jan. 14 >DEADLINE: Tues., Jan. 7
celebrazzi moments in gay new orleans history a community within communities under the gaydar big easy paparazzi/nola, slidell pensacola paparazzi celebrazzi/xmas eve bonfires snap paparazzi/new orleans reVIEW
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ambush paparazzio/new orleans trodding the boards classifieds snap paparazzi/new orleans ambush paparazzi/new orleans frankie fierce 30th b-day fundraiser
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Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
from Sammantha Morgan; La Mina Sterling jewelry; $75 gift certificate from 4 Seasons, Double Play and Billy’s; Kajun’s Pub/Borracho gift certificate; jewelry by Thomas Savoie, Jr.; The BlakeMoore Bark gift certificate; pet sitting gift certificate by Donna; $50 bar tab from 700 Club; original painting by Andrew Hopkins; and $200 horseback riding lessons gift certificate. Sponsors include: Ambush Mag, Oz, Fireball Whiskey, Frank Joseph Brand, Sir Speedy, Bourbon Pride, ArthurSeverio.COM, Kappa Designs, and Lee Worrells. Frankie would like to thank all of the sponsors, donors, friends and family for their immense help. Also, a special shout out to the original site of the party, The Country Club, which had to be moved to Oz, a larger indoor space, when the attendance tripled for the party.
Top Ten 2013 LGBT Travel Trends in Annual Research Report Community Market & Insights (CMI) has released key findings from its Annual LGBT Travel Survey. Now in its 18th year, the study has successfully tracked the trends, travel patterns, brand recognition and destination rankings of the LGBT community over time. More than 3,000 LGBTs from across the United States participated in this study in Autumn 2013. The research was presented at CMI’s 14th Conference on LGBT Tourism & Hospitality in Fort Lauderdale. Top Ten Research Findings for 2013 1. 2013 saw modest increases in LGBT leisure travel over the previous year (a 5% increase). However, the trend towards a decrease in business travel continues from recent years. 2. When asked to write in their answer, “Which hotel group or brand has done the best job outreaching to the LGBT community over the past year?” Hilton was the number one large brand hotel group, while Kimpton won the title among boutique brands. 3. Among LGBT Americans who traveled to another destination and spent at least one night in a hotel, New York City remains the number one most-visited destination by LGBTs, with Chicago and San Francisco tied for second. 4. When selecting a hotel, free WiFi is a major motivator for over 70% of LGBT community members. Hotel brands that continue to charge for an Internet connection could be seen as having a competitive disadvantage. 5. Among LGBT parents, researching and selecting a hotel that is “childfriendly” becomes more important than selecting a hotel that is “LGBTfriendly,” although both are important.
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
6. Over 70% of LGBT travelers consider themselves to be a “planner” when arranging a vacation, with fewer than 15% considering themselves as “spontaneous” in their travel choices. 7. Over 75% of LGBTs under age 45 use their mobile devices for travel information. And among those who use their mobile devices, over 80% are using them to find local restaurants, and nearly 60% use mobile devices to research local attractions. 8. For those just getting married, there is no clear favorite same-sex honeymoon destination. Responses varied widely across the United States, Canada and Europe. The honeymoon [continued on 10]
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celebrazzi
Clover Grill manager Errol Rizzuto, Giterdon manager Beverle Herrington, Good Friends manager Tony Plum, Mary's Ace Hardware manager David Blazak, and Rawhide manager Richard Walker, join the Wood Enterprises Employee Christmas Party in The Balcony at Cafe Lafitte in Exile.
Bartenders Trevor and Will welcome guests to The Double Play Christmas Party.
Wood Enterprises' Inventory Control Mike Kolb, Director Marketing/Operations Chris Ward, AP/AR Policies and Procedures Specialist Katherine Stretch, CFO Gary Agee, and CEO/GM Tim Wilson welcome employees and their guests to the annual Wood Enterprises Employee Christmas Party in The Balcony at Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans. Johnny Passion's 3rd Original Winter Wonderland brought Johnny, Tony Leggio and Persana Shoulders to the stage raising $2,438 for the reason for the holiday season, Food For Friends. Proprietor Michael Elias and host Barry Bareass welcome guests to The Corner Pocket Christmas Party.
GM Candise Holman joins bartender Mitch and Tony for LeRoundup Christmas Party in New Orleans.
Oz manager Adrian, GM Greg Jones, attorney Scott Bickford, proprietor Johnny Chisholm and partner Cy Whitney, promotions host Persana Shoulders, and manager Johnny Bratan, aka DJ Bull, hosted the annual Oz Christmas Party at Dance and Show Bar of the Year Oz. Manager Glenn Fonte was not pictured.
Proprietor Michael Cookmeyer joins Larry Bagneris at Michael's On The Park Christmas Party raising $$$ for Belle Reve.
New Orleans Southern Decadence Inc.'s James Garner and Marsha Delain join Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago as they present $4,001.88 to this year's charity Belle Reve at The Golden Lantern, the Home of Southern Decadence in New Orleans.
Partners Johnny Chisholm and Cy Whitney host The Emerald City Christmas Party in Pensacola, Florida.
Partners Doug Minich and Michael Ducote celebrate their 15th anniversary over the holidays in New Orleans.
Blanche Debris and GM Greg Jones celebrate Oz's win once again for "Best Commercial" in the French Quarter Holiday Decorating Contest.
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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
“The History (and Future?) of a Louisiana Homophobe”
the White Citizens Councils vigorously opposed racial integration. Keeping true to form of their racist heritage, the Council of Conservative Citizens has described black people as a “retrograde species of humanity.” The Sixth District Congressional election is not until November, 2014, and Perkins has not officially announced his candidacy. He is, however, widely
The new year has arrived and as we look back over 2013, the LGBT+ community has much to be happy about. The Supreme Court overturned DOMA and effectively killed California’s Prop 8, marriage equality made advances in several states, and even Shreveport voted to protect gays and lesbians from discrimination. Despite these political advancements, the hate-filled enemies of equality can also point to gains. In April of 2013, Governor Jindal appointed Tony Perkins, fundamentalist Christian and former President of the arch-conservative Family Research Council, to the Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement. This appointment is especially disturbing in light of the fact that anti-sodomy laws are still on the books in Louisiana and as recently as last year, the law was used by law enforcement in Baton Rouge to arrest gay men. What’s even more disturbing is that Perkins is reportedly eyeing a run for Congress from Louisiana’s Sixth Congressional District. Perkins has a long history of antiLGBT advocacy and the Family Research Council has been designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Perkins earned a B.S. from Liberty University, the evangelical school founded by the late Jerry Falwell before earning a Master’s degree in Public Administration from LSU. After serving in the Marine Corps, Perkins became a police officer in Baton Rouge but was forced to resign in 1992 for failing to report an illegal conspiracy of which he had advance knowledge of involving Operation Rescue, the national anti-choice organization that systematically blockaded abortion clinics and terrorized pregnant women. He then worked as a news reporter in Baton Rouge for an independent television station before being elected to the state legislature. Perkins served as a Republican State Representative from 1996 to 2004. In 1998, Perkins founded the Louisiana Family Forum to specifically fight LGBT equality. In 2002, he ran unsuccessfully for the republication nomination in the U.S. Senate race and in 2003 he began a campaign for Louisiana Insurance Commissioner before accepting a job as President of the Family Research Council, an off-shoot of James Dobson’s anti-gay group Focus on the Family. The Family Research Council declared July, 2013, Ex-Gay Pride Month and hosted a series of events in Washington, D.C. to commemorate “ex-gays” who have supposedly become straight through religious faith. In 2008, Governor Jindal appointed Perkins to the Louisiana
Commission on Marriage and Family. Records indicate Perkins never attended a meeting of the Commission. Perkins has established himself as one of the nation’s leading homophobes and a darling of the religious right. In 2006 he urged Congress to pass a Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage in an article he wrote for Human Events: “The definition ... is rooted in the order of nature itself. It promotes the continuation of the human race and the cooperation of a mother and a father in raising the children they produce. This union can only be protected through amending the United States Constitution. If it’s not, activists will continue using the courts to sell a five-legged dog.” Perkins’ colorful, if venomous, rhetoric is not restricted to comparing same-sex marriage to genetically mutated animals. Perkins has also suggested pedophilia is a “homosexual problem,” supported ex-gay re-orientation therapy, compared gay rights activists to terrorists, called the “It gets better campaign” a gay recruitment tool, praised a Ugandan proposal making homosexuality punishable by death, claimed marriage equality will lead to a revolution, and, of course, declared all homosexuals worthy of “eternal damnation.” Perkins’ hatred is not reserved just for LGBT folk; he also has ties to white supremacist groups. In 1996, while managing state legislator Woody Jenkins’ campaign for U.S. Senate against Mary Landrieu, Perkins paid $82,500 to former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard and Republican State Representative from Metairie David Duke for his supporters mailing list. The Jenkins campaign was later issued an Ethics Code violation and fined $3,000 by the Federal Elections Commission for filing false disclosure forms in an effort to hide the payment to Duke. In 2001, Perkins gave a speech to the Louisiana chapter of the Council of Conservative Citizens, a political group that promotes white separatism and white nationalism. In her book Hate Crimes, Barbara Perry demonstrates that the CCC is essentially a resurrection of the old White Citizens Councils of the 1950s and 1960s. In those days,
reported to be planning a run for the office. It’s an open secret among politicos he has been coveting the seat for some time. When recently asked about his potential candidacy, Perkins said, “I’ve been encouraged by many people to consider getting in and I’m thinking about it.” Indeed, the possibility of a “Congressman Perkins” is something we should all think about—and shudder in horror.
a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
EPIPHANY! The old, the new, the renewed, and reviewed; it is that time of year again. Time Magazine does the person of the year. CNN top ten news events and other sources give us the word of the year and the list goes on. We try to look back in vague memories of what was. What moved us? What do we want most to forget? What do we want most to remember? What did we accomplish or not accomplish the list goes on. Heck, let’s just call it a day and go get cocktailed! The only problem with that is we’ll wake up tomorrow to the same song and dance. Recently, a lot has been said about the new Pope. He is shaking things up. He is showing solidarity with the poor. He is telling Cardinals to sell the Mercedes! Women, priest, not likely. LGBT inclusion, not likely; married priests not likely, nope none of this seems to be on the horizon. Yes, I went there. Perhaps someday the Christian faith will return to her roots, her origins, her radical earth shaking past, and begin to gather in instead of cast out. Perhaps our faith catholic will someday begin to harvest, and to reap, instead of hoarding and hiding. Perhaps someday we may, as the Gospel Hymn says, “walk hand in hand.” Government: by the people, for the people and of the people. Well the NSA got a dime dropped on them didn’t they? Also, data indicates that the 1% is accumulating more monies than ever before. We continue to mechanize and thus marginalize. We are perhaps breeding an entitled class on both ends of the economy more so than ever before. I heard on NPR today that a President of a Private College near Chicago makes over $3million per year! Let’s not even talk about professional sports stars! “As the market will bear” really should only go too far. Yet, in 2013 it seems that the end of polio in the world is almost at hand. More people apparently went back to work in the USA – not as many as we’d like but it is better than decline. Apparently we avoided yet again another war, this one in Syria. Oh and my o my
it was Russia that intervened in this one. On a local note we are told that we are growing, becoming a tech center, and we continue to make movies here. Tourism seems to be back and draws like Voodoo Fest and French Quarter Fest and even Gay Pride grew in numbers and importance. So, not all is lost. 2013 like most years seems to be a mixed bag. Life seems to be a mixed bag. Neither the worst nor best of years in the midst of all of it some grace shines through. We celebrated the life of Mandela – we celebrated. We celebrated in Ambush the life of Stuart Butler; we continue to celebrate his life among us. For St. Anna’s Church our doors are still open, open to all, and we preformed our first two same sex blessings of committed partnerships. The blessing is one of the most beautiful and sacred services that I have had the blessing to officiate. Somehow and in some way our missions, Anna’s Arts for Kids and the Medical Mission continue to operate. There is a lot to celebrate. There is still a lot of work to be done. This column is titled “A community within communities” for a reason. I pray and hope that in 2014 we might see a transformation. That our community might become one which echoes the words of Jesus when he said, “they all might be one.” His vision is unity not disunity; his vision is love at all costs, not the cost of love, his vision is hope, not despair, his vision is companionship not loneliness. I hope and I pray that we can, together, get over our fear over our prejudice, and celebrate our communities as one community. Much work remains to be done. Let’s embrace the vision and get that work done. Come out come out wherever you are! Be seen for what you are, that is EPIPHANY.
Next Ambush DEADLINE Tues., Jan. 7 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Bartender of the Month I thought that the start of the New Year deserved to have someone very special as the Bartender of the Month. This person made my recent trip to Mobile such a memorable time, he has earned this honor. Leon at B-Bob’s in Mobile, Alabama is one of those freespirited bartenders that help attract customers and create a great experience for patrons. Like in any career, a good professional will draw a following, such as hairdressers, musicians and chefs; the same is true for bartenders. That is certainly the case for Leon. When this young man flashes his smile, one cannot help but to be enchanted by his charisma. He is funny, conversational, polite, and serves delectable cocktails. He treats all his customers with equal warmth and friendliness, whether they are a regular or not. When you go to a bar/club in a different city, especially alone, it may be somewhat intimidating; but not so at B-Bob’s, thanks to bartenders like Leon. He introduced me around making my visit probably one of the best memories I had of my trip to the city. Leon also knows how to work a busy room. He glided around the four sided bar upstairs making sure all patrons were well lubricated with their favorite beverage. The night I was there, it was a
Bartender of the Month Leon Weekley, B-Bob's, Mobile drag show so there was a crowd of party-goers; all of whom he kept very happy. Some bartenders are defined by their bar, and even though B-Bob’s and Leon are like a well matched couple; it takes an expert to generate that feeling. Leon is a pro that fashions that festive atmosphere. He also has some very dreamy bedroom eyes, which also helps. So next time you are in Mobile, go to B-Bob’s and let Leon wet your whistle. B-Bob’s is located in Mobile at 213 Conti Street.
Now Onto Mardi Gras Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the rumors are true, I am no longer a member of a Gay Carnival Krewe, but
the "official" dish ...from 4 destination with the highest number participants was Hawaii, but the honeymoon destination only represented 7% of couples. This may improve with Hawaii’s recent recognition of marriage equality. 9. Pride events continue to play an important role in motivating LGBT travel. And younger LGBTs are even more likely to travel to another city for a Pride event than older LGBTs. 10. The LGBT media and mainstream media play an equal role in influencing the travel decisions of gay men and lesbians. The Community Marketing & Insights team has been conducting LGBT consumer research for 20 years. Our methodologies include online surveys, focus groups, IDIs, MROCs, and advisory boards in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia and Asia. Industry leaders around the world depend on CMI’s LGBT research and analysis as a basis for feasibility evaluations, positioning, economic impact, ad creative and brand testing, informed forecasting, measurable marketing
planning and assessment of return on investment. CMI’s clients span a wide spectrum of industries. Custom CMI studies have been produced for Wells Fargo Bank, Aetna Insurance, Gilead Pharmaceuticals, Target Brands, Johnson & Johnson, E&J Gallo Wineries, Prudential Financial, Hyatt Hotels, MetLife, WNBA, Esurance, Travelocity, Absolut Vodka, American Cancer Society, Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB, Japan National Tourism Organization, The U.S. Census and numerous other corporations and organizations across North America and around the world. CMI’s research has been published in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Miami Herald, Advertising Week, CBS News, NPR, Associated Press and many other international, national and regional media. For more informatioon, please visit www.communitymarketinginc.com
that does not diminish my support for all the organizations and what they do to keep a special art form alive in the gay community. That being said, The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon invites you to its annual 12th Night Ball on Saturday, January 4, 2014 from 7pm – 10pm at the home of Dr. Marc Behar and Jeff Sbisa. Their house is located at 1422 Jackson Avenue. This event will feature the introduction of King and Queen Satyricon XII, a traditional holiday buffet, a fabulous silent auction, the announcement of Satyricon’s bal masque theme, and the crowning of the King and Queen of 12th Night (chosen by a drawing from among the attendees). Black tie is preferred at this noteworthy event. For tickets or more information, go to Mystic Krewe of Satyricon on Facebook or www.satyricon.wordpress.com.
Christmas Is Not Done Yet! Good Friends Bar is hosting the 11th Day of Christmas Gala on Sunday, January 5, 2014 starting at 7pm. This Turnabout event will feature emcees Ricky Gee and DJ Ping and a special performance by the wonderfully talented Varla Jean Merman. The bar’s crafty staff will be donning their gay apparel as they strut themselves to raise funds to benefit Belle Reve. In addition to the entertainment, there will also be a live auction. Each performer has created a handcrafted auction item. So make sure you come out and support your favorite person from Good Friends as well as support this worthwhile cause. Good Friends is located at 740 Dauphine Street.
Broadway At NOCCA Continues The Broadway at NOCCA continues on Monday, January 6, 2014 with Alice Ripley starting at 7pm. Mark Cortale and BROADWAY @ NOCCA are proud to present Alice Ripley. Ms. Ripley received the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Next to Normal. She also received the Helen Hayes Award as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations. Original Broadway cast: Side Show (Drama Desk, Tony Award nominations), The Rocky Horror Show, James Joyce’s The Dead, Sunset Boulevard, and The Who’s Tommy. She also appeared on Broadway and on National tour in Les Misérables. With her band RIPLEY, Alice has written and produced the albums Everything’s Fine (2001, Sh-K-Boom Records), Ripley EP (2003), Outtasite (2006). Tickets range in price from %50 $100. For more information or tickets, go to www.broadwaynola.com.
Get Fierce! There are not many people out in the gay community that impress me like
this guy. He continues to amaze me in a good way every time I see him. People can tell he’s coming from a mile away by his infectious laugh and he sometimes gives the illusion of a jack rabbit on speed. But he is truly one of the sweetest, most caring and honest individuals I am honored to call my friend. So come and celebrate Frankie Fierce’s 30th birthday party at Oz and help raise lots of money for Buzzy’s Boys and Girls. The girl is hitting her milestone on Saturday, January 11 from 4-7pm. There is a $10 Cover and light food. At 5pm there will be a Fashion Show with designs by John Joseph Delgadillo (this is his farewell show before he moves to LA) and Gerald Kenokouture Watson. Music is by DJ Jonathan Djjrb Reed 2013 GAA DJ of the year. There will also be drink specials such as $2 Fireball Whiskey Shots. There is a silent auction which closes at 46pm.
Lucky 13 The Krewe of Orpheus is kicking off Mardi Gras in festive style with one of the first parties of the season. Dance, drink, eat and welcome Carnival at their 13th Night on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Generations Hall from 8pm to midnight. The event will feature music by Weathered, plenty of great food, open bar, surprise guest performers, a playoff telecast, and live auction of a work by Louisiana’s Artist Laureate, George Rodrigue, to benefit the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts. The price is $60 in advance and $70pp at the door. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/498523.
Party Down The holidays are my favorite time of the year, meeting up with old friends, decorations, the feeling of warmth and all the fabulous parties. I flew around these last two weeks like a turbo charged race car at the Indy 500. I attended so many things that if I ever hit the lottery, I have decided to hire my own social secretary. Okay, drinking buddy, but why get bogged down on labels. This first week’s events began on Tuesday with the holiday party for the Degas House. Located on Esplanade Avenue, this stately manor was once the New Orleans’ Home to the French Impressionist Master Edgar Degas. The Degas House Historic Home and New Orleans Bed and Breakfast is a masterpiece of history and hospitality. It is the only home or studio of Degas anywhere in the world that is open to the public. The house was beautifully decorated for the holidays with a towering tree in its parlor. Guests enjoyed some light fare and cocktails as they enjoyed the evening. I always feel that historical homes make great [continued on 14]
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big easy
paparazzi
Bradley & his ladies @ Lucky Pierre’s Ross, Persana & Adrian @ Oz
John & Country Club’s Drew @ Voodoo
Eric & Calvin @ Quartermaster
Angela & Magic @ Le Roundup Christmas Party
Bull, Steven & Brian @ Oz
Myra & James welcome you to Christmas dinner@ The Golden Lantern
Christmas Show @ Billy’s in Slidell Having fun @ Oz Bartender Carol @ Le Roundup Christmas Party Bartender Jay festive @ Ninth Circle
Glamour in Billy’s Christmas Show Joe & Tony @ Le Roundup Christmas Party
Orlando & Joe @ Bourbon Pub & Parade Karbin @ Ninth Circle
Zander & Annie @ Ninth Circle
Bartender Earl @ Lucky Pierre’s
Fab in Billy’s Christmas Show in Slidell
Jobie & John @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
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The Big Easy ~ New Orleans, Slidell ~ Photos by Charles Jenkins, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
Proprietor Collette welcomes you to Le Roundup Christmas Party
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under the gaydar ...from 10 settings for events, especially during the holidays. The following day, I attended a business networking holiday gala at Mardi Gras World for the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. The backdrop of this party along the mighty Mississippi River added to the ambiance of the evening. It is so great to mingle with industry people in a fun and light atmosphere over drinks, letting the cares of the office slip away and catching up. For many of us, this is the only time of the year we get to see each other. There were several hundred people in attendance and I have not seen MGW look better. The food was outstanding. It was a great way to kick off my evening. I followed it up with meeting some friends at the Christmas Party for Bourbon Pub. Now this was a different kind of fun. There were lots of drinks and food catered by the Praline Connection. The Pub made a $2,000 check presentation to the NO/ AIDS Task Force and there Christmas tree was piled high with Toys For Tots. Congratulations on the Pub and their staff for offering their special patrons this holiday gathering. Thursday, I attended another hospitality industry party that is pretty wellknown in the industry. The Freeman Decorating Holiday Party had not been held since Katrina and in its heyday
was considered the industry party to go to during the season. Freeman is one of the leading providers of integrated services for face-to-face marketing and brand-building events, including expositions, conventions, and meetings. This year’s party was held at the World War 2 Museum and it is good to see that they are back to their great form in hosting events. The food catered by John Besh was outstanding and the band kept people dancing until the end. Next up on Friday, I went to my friend Jeremy Smith’s holiday/graduation party at his home Uptown. He and his partner Ryan along with their dog Brickston hosted an evening of festive cheer with a very potent gin punch. After doing a twirl there, it was off to Paulie’s for the fabulous Johnny Passion 3rd Winter Wonderland Spectacular. I was lucky enough to hostess along with Johnny and the amazing Persana Shoulders. My highlight of the night was my duet of Heat Miser/Snow Miser with Johnny while Frankie Fierce, Beaux and Barrett were the backup dancers. We raised a lot of money, $2,438 for Food For Friends, and the evening was a smashing success. This now brings us to Saturday which had to me my busiest night of the year so far this season. People think Santa Claus makes a lot of stops in one night, that man has nothing on me. Eight places one unforgettable (well
maybe near the end, everything got hazy then) evening. With Beaux and Barrett in tow (we did pick up stragglers later) we began in the French Quarter at the AFA Gallery’s Customer Appreciation event hosted by Ambush contributor Brian Sands. We hopped to another gallery opening EPAUL JULIEN: A Ten Year Retrospective. This was a New Orleans African American Museum Pop Up Gallery at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation lobby on Rampart Street. This show was a testament to this photographer’s immense talents. Frank Pizzolato’s swanky holiday soiree on Elysian Fields was our next stop of the night. Frank is the ultimate host and his get together is always a unique mix of both the gay and straight communities which makes it a wonderful place to meet new people. I enjoyed the night in his Blue Man cave having great conversations with people. Now this is where the hysterical Richard Perque joined us for our next few stops. After we went to Paulie’s for the Big Easy Sisters fundraiser and I have to say these “ladies” worked hard for the money. The Westbank was the next feature on this Hot Mess Holiday Tour. Joshua and Sam hosted a jolly celebration in their new home which is pretty awesome. Their house is huge and the crowd was fun. They give people a great reason to travel to the “Bestbank.” Feeling like we needed more excite-
ment, we tried out the new maybe gay, maybe gay friendly club, I have heard so many rumors. But Lucky Pierre’s it was certainly very gay this night. What a huge place, I remembered it from its many incarnations like Club 735, but most fondly from its current name during the eighties, when it was a popular dance club with cages and hot music. So we danced and saw lots of our gay friends before moving to Oz to dance even more. We (or maybe it was just me), ended the night with having a nightcap with Ms. Elizabeth Bouvier and Barbara Ella (again not quite sure when they joined the group) at Mags 940. Talk about one epic night! Sunday was a more relaxing day, as I took in two plays, one matinee and one on the evening. I saw Annie at Rivertown during the day and the show was just superb with a great cast. The shows being staged in this theatre are some of the best in the city, I cannot wait for Young Frankenstein to come in 2014. In the evening, I saw Deathtrap at the Shadowbox Theatre. I love a good murder mystery and this troupe did a good job at bringing Ira Levin’s work to life. More Christmas parties peppered the next week starting on Monday with Michael’s On The Park’s holiday merriment. They had a nice crowd with some delicious food. It was the perfect [continued on 15]
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and pass a good time with. It is always fun hanging with the straight crowd from time to time. They even had one guy dressed festively with a Christmas gift on his box. Yeah, all straight crowd right, wink, wink. My week ended with a relaxing party at my friends Rene and Jose Luis’ home in the Quarter. They had a little get together before caroling, but because of the rain, we ended up staying there drinking and singing eighties tune. And a new tradition is born. Their home was decorated in red, black and silver in celebration of the Chinese New Year. I have to admit some of the best parties turn out spontaneously; this was one of those nights, and an ideal way to end the weekend. That concludes my two weeks of excess; now let’s start the New Year off with a bang! See you under the fireworks.
Tony’s Tidbits of Wisdom
under the gaydar ...from 14 way to start the week off right. On Wednesday, I had my Board of Directors Dinner for the National Association for Caterers and Events at Palace Café. The food was wonderful, and after dinner, we had a carriage pick us up and bring us to Tableau for dessert. This is one of the highlights of the year for my board and me. After dinner, I had enough time to catch the tail end of the Oz Christmas Party which was in full swing. I joined all my friends as we drank and enjoyed their annual holiday Christmas show. As an event planner, one of the hottest trends right now is progressive dinners and that is just what my company Accent on Arrangements did for our holiday party. We began with appetizers and cocktails at the Hard Rock cafe which is more than a national
chain; it truly has a New Orleans flavor all its own. Next we had soup or salad at Palace Café followed by entrees at Broussards and finishing with Baked Alaska at Antoine’s. Each restaurant was an incredible dining experience and it was nice getting a chance to talk with my co-workers in a less stressful environment. Afterwards, I had just enough time to catch the finale of the Corner Pocket’s Christmas Party and Show. You know it is the holidays in NOLA when the CP Boys don their Santa hats. The food and drink continued on Friday for the Gay Mafia luncheon (our joking title) at Deanie’s. Usually there are only four of us who attend this, but this year we opened up and had twelve guys all in the hospitality community solving the problems of the gay world over martinis. It was a fun and raucous afternoon capped off with a very Dirty
Santa gift exchange. I hate playing this game with vicious queens; they all eventually want what you have. After spending the afternoon having cocktails at some of the gay establishments, I went back home and regrouped for the evening. That night Beaux, Barrett and I went to the Lords of Leather Holiday Party at the Teddy Bear House Uptown. This is its last year at this location so I definitely could not miss it. This home has over 12,000 teddy bears in various locations and posed like in the shower, the kitchen, the Mardi Gras room and my favorite the blustery birthday party. The Lords had a great spread of food and had some very interesting decorated teddy bears in their silent auction. I ended up with Summer Sausage Bear, do not ask. Then we went to my friends Vicki and Bill’s house for their holiday fete. There were lots of new people to meet there
I always felt like the New Year is like erasing a chalkboard or getting a new blank notebook with nothing written in it. It gives the promise of new and exciting things, a chance for you to write your own story again. Whatever it may be, lose weight, get a new job, learn a language, there is so much that life has to offer and the potential of the unexpected is electrifying and scary at the same time. I have my own special resolutions I am attempting for this New Year, but I challenge everyone, both in the gay and straight community to adopt one that hopefully will last the entire year: believe in a better you. As history has proven, when we work together as one team, we can get more accomplished, create a better environment and further happiness. I think New Orleanians have gotten this concept down, having survived the hardships of Katrina, and many years before Betsy. We know how to roll up our sleeves and work hard at things we believe in. And in this time with all this hate and bigotry out there, we need to have faith in a brighter tomorrow. The question is not what these people are saying; it should be why are they saying it, what is there motivation, and how can we make them understand. I mean hell; I thought this Phil Robertson guy was one of the people from ZZ Top. I had never watched a Duck Dynasty show in my life and now understand why. I wanted to leave you with one of my favorite quotes by the inspirational Nelson Mandela. “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite”. Happy New Year!
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Emerald City Christmas Party ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
pensacola paparazzi
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celebrazzi Bonfire Adventure Tour by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain For the first time we had the opportunity to celebrate a time honored Louisiana tradition - the lighting of the bonfires on the banks of the Mississippi River! Our friend and Gray Line Tour Development Manager Etienne-Emile Skrabo got us booked on the Christmas Eve Bonfire Adventure Tour, along with Kent Roby. It included round-trip narrated motor coach transportation. We departed the light house at Toulouse and the River. Once on our way, Etienne and Kent opened up champagne for the four of us. First stop was a guided tour of San Francisco Plantation built in 1855. After the plantation tour, we were served Christmas dinner complete with deep fried turkey, cornbread dressing, green beans, candied yams, cake and rolls in the Sugar Mill Pavilion on the grounds. A police escort then stopped traffic as our "sleigh of coaches" were led to the foot of the levee in Lutcher in the middle of all of the action. We certainly felt like VIPs. A short walk across the highway landed us on the levee with bonfire structures lined up as far as the eye could see. At precisely 7pm the bonfires were all lit accompanied by fireworks the likes of 4th of July in New Orleans. That way Papa Noel, our Cajun Santa Claus, could find his way to Bayou country. After more champagne, and almost an hour of the festivities, we boarded our motor coach for egg nog and cookies, and headed back to the City. It was magical!
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Corner Pocket’s Michael Elias, Johnny Chisholm, Tommy Elias & Persana Shoulders
Red & partner Chris
The Clover Grill Gang Bartenders Frankie, Robert & Joe Cocktail Time
Monalot Fontaine
Johnny Chisholm with long-time friend Ambush’s Marsha Delain Excitement!
Gary Agee & Ken Marino
Bull, Derrick, Karbin & Steven
Fashionistas! Good Friends Bartenders Jeff, Jace & Joey
Partners Max & DJ Dom
Good Friends Bartender Joseph & friend
Mr. Tami Tarmac & Mr. Aubrey Synclaire
Holiday Fun!
Paul Davis & Darrin Duplissey
Loads of Toys for Children's Hospital from Oz patrons
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Oz Christmas Party ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
Wood Enterprises Employee Christmas Party in The Balcony @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
Frank Pizzolato, Cy Whitney, Council District C Candidate Judge Nadine Ramsey & Oz’s Johnny Chisholm
Partners Josh, Wood Enterprises GM Tim & Barry
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reVIEW... by Blanche Email: ambushreview@aol.com Photo by Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Happy New Year, 2014 As 2013 draws to a close, I would like to wish everyone a safe and fabulous 2014 ...my how time flies when you're having fun! All of your favorite bars will be hosting New Year's Eve celebrations, please go and enjoy but remember a few things. New Year's Eve comes with a lot of hype ...it’s supposed one of the most wonderful nights of the year ...but be advised, the person you kiss at the stroke of midnight might not be around all year. "Party like it’s 1999" but, you still might have trouble getting a cab home. January 2 brings the 80th Annual Allstate Sugar Bowl to the MercedesBenz Superdome. It will be the second biggest college bowl game with the #3 Alabama Crimson Tide taking on the #11 Oklahoma Sooners. #1 Florida State will play #2 Auburn on January 6 in Pasadena for the national championship. Alabama and Oklahoma should fill the Quarter with tons of fans making service industry workers happy. It will be interesting to see if Alabama can
bounce back after their last second loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom Due to an early holiday deadline and printing schedule, I am writing this a few days before Christmas. Movie theatre’s should be full on the afternoon of December 25th ...gifts have been opened and everybody needs a break from family. “American Hustle”, “47 Ronin”, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”, “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom” will go into nationwide release that day ...a little something for everyone. I am really looking forward to “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”. Nelson Mandela passed on December 5, 2013. This movie is based on his autobiography. It traces 50 years of his life, from his childhood in a rural village [continued on 30]
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ambush
paparazzi
Celebrating @ Michael’s On The Park Christmas Party Bartenders Anthony & Ashlee @ Corner Pocket Christmas Party
Cliff & Maggie @ Double Play Christmas Party Carl & Tommy welcome you to Corner Pocket Christmas Party
Donnie & Hoyle @ Double Play Christmas Party
Celebrating @ Corner Pocket Christmas Party
Richard Perque & Frank Pizzolato @ Frank’s holiday soiree
Bartender Scott & manager Cha Cha welcome you to Michael’s On The Park Christmas Party
National Assn. of Caterers & Events Board’s holiday dinner @ Palace Café
Nick, Jim & Leonard @ Michael’s On The Park Christmas Party Big Easy Sisters host their holiday fundraiser
Jose & Rene host their Caroling Pre-Party GM John & bartender Urban @ Double Play Christmas Party
Enjoying the season @ Lucky Pierre’s
Santa’s Elves on the bar @ Corner Pocket Christmas Party
Billy, Wayne & Jeff @ Corner Pocket Christmas Party
Frank & Larry @ Corner Pocket Christmas Party
Joshua & Sam at their home holiday party
Fun @ Lucky Pierre’s
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Holiday Parties ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
Chuck & Brad welcome friend to Double Play Christmas Party
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Year in Review What might have been most notable about New Orleans’ theater scene in 2013 was that, for the most part, the drama stayed on the stages. We didn’t have to deal with beloved venues and/or theater companies closing down, temporarily or, worse yet, for good. Unlike Isaac last year, there were no hurricanes that forced schedules to be re-arranged. And whether through informed planning or mere happenstance, audiences weren’t faced with multiple productions of the same show and the ofttimes nasty rivalries that such occurrences engender. Rather 2013 will be remembered
as a year of rebirth for two of this city’s cultural icons. It took eight years for The Saenger Theatre to reopen after Hurricane Katrina and the devastating flooding caused by the levee failures, but when its curtain went up again in September, it proved well worth the wait. The $53 million renovation of the landmark theater bought it back to what it must have looked like when it opened in 1927. Or better. Since then, the Broadway in New Orleans series has brought produc-
reVIEW ...from 27
live on NBC at 7pm CST. They honor the best in film and television. “12 Years A Slave” and “American Hustle” both scored 7 nominations. Nominees in the Best Motion Picture-Drama category are “12 Years A Slave”, “Captain Phillips”, “Gravity”, “Philomena” and “Rush”. “Her”, “Inside Llewyn Davis”, “American Hustle”, “Nebraska”, and “The Wolf of Wall Street” are up for Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy. The last three are considered “dramedies”, which will give then a better chance at winning. Best Drama Series-Television nominees are “Breaking Bad”, “Downton Abbey”, “The Good Wife”, “House of Cards” and “Masters of Sex”. Best Comedy Series nominees are “The Big Bang Theory”, “Brooklyn 99”, “Girls”, “Modern Family” and “Parks and Recreation”. A complete list of categories and nominees can be found online. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will host once again this year. Sosie Bacon, daughter of Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon has been chosen Miss Golden Globes. Woody Allen will receive the Cecil B DeMille Award for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment”. The Golden Globes are voted on
to his inauguration as the first democratically elected president of South Africa. He spent 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid views, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, and was president from 1994 to 1999. Some reviewers say the biopic seems rushed because it covers so many years ...some say it’s a film you watch because “you should, not because you want to.” All agree it’s accurate, and that’s good enough for me.
The Golden Globes and SAG It’s the end of the year and time for “the best of” list and awards season. Since they’re pretty much the same thing, let’s move on to the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Golden Globes from the Hollywood Foreign Press. Both are precursors to the Academy Awards ...a chance for more red carpets, designers, stylist, jewelry, hair and makeup, fashion commentators, drivers, parties, speeches, etc. Hollywood is big business and they love to celebrate themselves. The 71st Annual Golden Globes will be January 12, 2014, broadcast
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by the Hollywood Foreign Press, a group of fewer than 100 mostly little known foreign journalist. The scandal and talk this year is about the complete shut out of “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” which includes no nomination for Oprah Winfrey. Following six nights later on January 18, we have the 20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on TNT and TBS, live at 7pm CST. The SAG’s honor individual and ensemble performances ...after all acting is a collaborative art. The 50th Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Rita Moreno. Two panels of 2,200 members choose the nominees and they are voted on by all active members of SAG-AFTRA, that’s more than 100,000 people. I will list the three ensemble categories. All others can be found on the Internet. OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE by a CAST in a MOTION PICTURE “12 Years A Slave” “American Hustle” “August: Osage County” “Dallas Buyers Club” “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE by an ENSEMBLE in a TELEVISION DRAMA SERIES “Boardwalk Empire” “Breaking Bad” “Downton Abbey” ”Game of Thrones” “Homeland” OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE by an ENSEMBLE in a TELEVISION COMEDY SERIES “30 Rock” “Arrested Development” “The Big Bang Theory” “Modern Family” “Veep” “Dallas Buyers Club”, “August: Osage County”, “Boardwalk Empire” and Game of Thrones” all have multiple nominations. Robert Redford, “Saving Mr Banks” and “The Wolf of Wall Street” were snubbed.
SISTER ACT Joan Fontaine, age 96, passed away Sunday, December 15 at her home in Carmel, California. Her death brings to an end Hollywood’s most vicious case of sibling rivalry. She and her sister, Olivia de Havilland, age 97, Paris, haven’t spoken in decades. The feud was said to be over family, men, directors and movie roles. “Olivia has always said I was the first at everything ...I got married first, got an Academy Award first, had a child first. If I die, she’ll be furious, because again I got there first.” I guess Miss de Havilland is furious. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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trodding the boards ...from 30 tions to the Saenger that have all had the highest of production standards; one just wishes the material was a little better than what we got with Sister Act, Ghost, and even the crowd-pleasing The Book of Mormon, which only about half of, I thought, lived up to all
the hype. The Saenger has, however, presented an impressive range of headliners including Jerry Seinfeld, Diana Ross, Bill Maher, and Bonnie Raitt as well as Wynton Marsalis’ extraordinary Abyssinian Mass featuring The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a 70voice gospel choir. Over in the French Quarter, it was
similarly heartening to see the corner of St. Peter and Chartres Streets come back to life after Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré’s multi-year and multi-$$$ renovation. The Théâtre looks stellar after its spiffing-up, and if Love, Loss and What I Wore, which occasioned a soft opening in July and Lombardi, the official opening presentation, may not be anyone’s idea of “great plays,” they
certainly packed in the crowds; unfortunately, some miscommunication and schedule challenges kept me from seeing the most recent show there, Hair, one of my favorite musicals. Other locations began to come into their own this year. After a brief holiday [continued on 32]
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trodding the boards ...from 31 show in December 2012, The Joy Theater on Canal Street housed Voices in the Dark’s Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, a pretty good stage version of the memorable movie. Under new management since the Spring, the Joy launched an impressive series of theatrical shows this fall including Beatlemania Now, One Funny Mother: I’m Not Crazy!, and Tony’n’Tina’s Wedding. The season finished with holiday performances of Lightwire Theater’s A Very Electric Christmas. This new production from the 2012 America’s Got Talent semifinalist troupe could’ve used some streamlining in its story-telling but, visually, featured a myriad of magical moments. Though primarily a space for dance and classical music events, The Marigny Opera House is increasingly being used as well for theater and performance art such as Button Wagon’s Trash Rabbit, and The Mudlark Puppeteers’ wondrous The Snow Queen, which will be returning for another run in January’14. MOH also housed the highlight of this year’s New Orleans Fringe Festival, Happenstance Theater’s Cabaret Macabre; inspired by Edward Gorey, Victorian nightmares, and Gothic romance, it looked right proper in this 19th century edifice. And while the reopened Civic Theatre on O’Keefe Avenue, New Orleans’ oldest theater (1906), mostly hosts music concerts, it was home in April to a staged reading of Dustin Lance Black’s 8, about California’s Proposition 8, presented by Southern Rep and Forum For Equality. The National Performance Network’s recent showcase there also demonstrated it could be a suitable theater venue. Of course, not everything was rosy. While it looked like Southern Rep would have a long residency at the Contemporary Arts Center, through no fault of this brave company, it was not to be. After one production there (33 Variations), SRep began its peripatetic existence at Ursuline Academy with an adaptation of Pride and Prejudice; if you missed it, it will return in April to the Greater Covington Center. As it continues to search for a longterm base, future stops for SRep include Art Klub on Elysian Fields (The Night of the Iguana) and The Marigny Opera House for its annual New Play Bacchanal in January; meanwhile, its Lagniappe series carries on at MidCity Theatre with Pat Bourgeois’ longrunning soap opera Debauchery! and 6x6, a nearly-monthly evening of six 10-minute plays all inspired by the same theme. Although every year has its passings, 2013 was especially hard on NOLA’s theater community with too many people leaving us much too soon.
Among them were Mark McLaughlin, Charlotte Lang, Buzz Podewell and Jonne Dendinger. All whom we lost these past 12 months shall be missed. On a happier note, the Broadway@NOCCA series added something that had been missing from the calendar here by bringing some of Broadway’s loveliest lights to New Orleans for fun evenings of music, talk and occasional bitchiness. Hosted by Seth Rudetsky, Patti Lupone kicked things off in January followed by Sutton Foster, Megan Mullally, Audra McDonald and Megan Hilty. The second series has featured Jane Krakowski, Charles Busch and the return of Ms. Lupone (with American Horror Story castmates Jessica Lange and Gabourey Sidibe in the audience); Alice Ripley comes for Twelfth Night on January 6. We had another above-the-title visitor when Bernadette Peters gave a concert with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra that featured incisive interpretations of a number of Stephen Sondheim songs. If you wanted earthier celebrities, though, AllWays Theater gave us Off-Broadway’s Penny Arcade with Mink Stole coming in February. Adding to this revivifying parade of solo shows is the Joy Theater where Colin Quinn will be doing his Unconstitutional monolog on January 9. New Orleans Opera took care of something else that had been missing here by presenting some rarely heard works. So far we’ve had Der Vampyr (The Vampire) imaginatively reset in NOLA and Benjamin Britten’s Noah’s Flood appropriately staged at Trinity Episcopal Church; Massenet’s delightful Cendrillon (Cinderella) follows in February. Bravo to them for taking this risk! Too often missing from getting the proper recognition are the productions at our local universities and schools. Some of this season’s most accomplished shows had casts that weren’t old enough yet to vote. Among them were Dillard’s Dreamgirls; Loyola’s Wealth, The Money Box, Patient A, and The New Mrs. Jones which appeared in its one-act play festival; NOCCA’s Tartuffe (I was sorry to miss their color- and gender-blind version of Pacific Overtures); Tulane’s Yentl and Still Life with Iris; and UNO’s Orestes 2.0 and The Taming of the Shrew. Delgado’s playful Rocky Horror Show went on even after a fire but, unfortunately, succumbed after a second blaze which was, shamefully, deemed arson. And mention must be made of the New Orleans Ballet Association’s presentation of Martha Graham’s spectacular Panorama with its cast of 33 dance students, ages 14-20. Similarly, our theatrical cousins on the North Shore also tend to get overlooked. They shouldn’t be. Director Larry Johnson, Jr. gave Slidell Little Theatre’s Into the Woods an imaginative new approach. Jekyll & Hyde
may not be the greatest musical but Playmakers’ production was a worthy one. Cutting Edge Theater’s Sweeney Todd would have been one for the ages if only Richard Fuentes’ singing matched his inspired acting abilities. As it was, Brian Fontenot’s production was one of the year’s highlights and its setting in an actual beauty parlor made the experience that much more sublime. And, further north, having missed such shows as Mamma Mia! and American Idiot that were part of Baton Rouge River Center’s Season of Broadway, a trip or two up to our state capital may be in order for 2014. As satisfying as many of the season’s revivals or local premieres of contemporary works were, new plays by homegrown writers enabled audiences to participate in the ground-up creative process; the fact that many of these plays were set here or dealt with indigenous issues allowed viewers to gain a new perspective on such topics. The NOLA Project had the balls to do a season that included three new works (Catch the Wall by Gabrielle Reisman, A Truckload of Ink by Jim Fitzmorris, and AJ Allegra’s Oregon Trail). Some companies were equally ballsy to do new plays outdoors— Cripple Creek’s Possum Kingdom by Andrew Vaught; Mondo Bizarro & ArtSpot Productions’ Cry You One; and Four Humors’ The Park Bench Plays. Other original scripts with local settings and concerns were Jefferson Performing Arts Society’s Blueberry Hill, Junebug Productions’ Lockdown, and Mold by John Biguenet at Southern Rep. Let’s hope they all receive future productions. Each year some folks seem to stand out. While Bob Edes, Jr. has been justly lauded over the years, in 2013 he outdid himself offering a range of performances that almost defy belief. As the conflicted psychiatrist in Promethean Theatre’s Equus, he plumbed the emotional complexity of this highly dramatic role. His turn as Albin in Tulane Summer Lyric’s La Cage aux Folles was endearing and sassy yet he also gave the anthemic I Am What I Am beautiful voice and the depth of a Shakespearean monolog. And as Mailman Johnny-soon-to-be-JoAnn in Running With Scissors’ Grenadine McGunkle’s Double-Wide Christmas! Edes had to be seen to be believed. Can we just take up a collection and invest in Edes to go to NYC or LA? I’m sure we’ll get a handsome return when he starts making the millions he deserves. I don’t know if Mary Pauley can sing and I haven’t seen her in drag (yet), but this year she brought to bruising life Mary Tyrone in Promethean’s Long Day’s Journey into Night, spellbindingly embodied a 91-year-old French Quarter denizen in
the otherwise forgettable What Do You Say To a Shadow?, and, eschewing the affectations that had accrued to her roles in the New York production of Clybourne Park, found authentic heartbreak (Act One) and humor (Act Two) in them. It wouldn’t surprise me to see her next season as Tevye or Henry Higgins. Nor would it surprise me to see Jeff Roberson, aka Varla Jean Merman, as Maria von Trapp—he’d probably do a better job than Carrie Underwood. What makes Roberson so special is that while he starred off-Broadway in Mildred Fierce to rave reviews, he’s a true team player here in such ensemble shows as ReDesigning Women, Upstairs, and the current Golden Girls Live!...and an outstanding one at that. Still, in an act of petit larceny, Miss Merman practically stole the show during Charles Busch’s appearance at Café Istanbul. Another team player is Marshall Harris who has captained his “Quarter” Rat Pack cabaret show from a seemingly single appearance to an ongoing series, most recently adding A “Quarter” Rat Pack Christmas to the repertoire. With such special guest stars as Becky Allen, I hope that in 2014 we’ll get A “Quarter” Rat Pack Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day too. Other notable productions for which, if space permitted, every member of the cast and krewe would be acknowledged: —Director Glenn Meche reconfigured the AllWays space to give greater scope to Tennessee Williams’ Battle of Angels and guided Veronica Russell, Diana Shortez, Rebecca Meyers, among others, to performances finely attuned to Williams’ rhythms and their characters’ idiosyncracies —Under Carl Walker’s direction, Brendan Bowen, Clint Johnson, Andrew Vaught, squeezed out every bit of manic merriment from Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) –Christopher Bentivegna, previously known only for his acting, proved to be a fine director getting every yuck and drop of blood out of Evil Dead: The Musical; Robert Facio also came into his own as a leading man —The WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen stuffed forty songs associated with Frank Sinatra into My Way’s 65 minutes of sheer entertainment —David Hoover and a cast of impeccable comic actors made Rivertown Theaters’ rollicking revival of Noises Off a laugh-till-it-hurts treat —Spell #7 at the Anthony Bean Community Theater reminded us, brilliantly, that Ntozake Shange’s poetry encompasses more than just For Colored Girls...; a sterling ensemble brought her words to magnificent life —NOLA Project’s A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s [continued on 35]
32 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Dec . 30, 2013-J an. 13, 2014 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM Offic
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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
FI EL D S
book stores RT PA M RA
New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
chiropractic
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 LOUIE'S @ CONGO SQUARE, 700 N. Rampart, 252.4558 LUCKY PIERRE'S, 735 Bourbon St., 586.1836, LuckyPierresNOLA.com MICHAEL'S ON THE PARK, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, MichaelsOnThePark.COM 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
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is2313]
circuit/events
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
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
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
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
Sout hernDec adenc e.COM • Dec . 30, 2013-J an. 13, 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 33
you’re ready to explore, top New Orleans attractions are only moments away. We look forward to welcoming you to the “Big Easy.” THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 877-681-5087 frenchquarterguesthouses.com. Email: info@stpeterhouse.com. Four meticulously restored boutique Inns located in the heart of the French Quarter’s most popular LGBT neighborhood. Each building’s individual character and charm provides an unforgettably authentic French Quarter experience! FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 800.457.2253,FrenchQuarterSuites.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com. Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A locally owned and operated French Quarter hotel that has been beautifully transformed into spacious multi-bedroom suites. Several historical townhouses are also available to accommodate larger groups of up to 26. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St., free WiFi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available. MARIGNY MANOR HOUSE, 2125 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116, PHONE: 504.943.7826, Toll Free: 877.247.7599, marignymanorhouse.com, E-mail us at info@MarignyManorHouse.COM. 1840’s Grand Greek Revival guest house, large spacious bedrooms, private baths, antique 4 poster queen beds, wireless internet access, tv/vcr/dvd/cable, telephone, complimentary continental breakfast and off street parking. [0114] NEW ORLEANS COURTYARD HOTEL, 1101 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.522.7333, Toll Free: 800.457.2253, NOCourtyard.COM. Email us at Reservations@bpmhotels.com, Official Host Hotel of OZ New Orleans. A 19th century home that has been historically restored and transformed into a locally owned and operated hotel. Experience the rich history and hospitality of New Orleans at an affordable price. Just 3 blocks from Bourbon St, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, and continental breakfast included. Off street parking is available. BON MAISON GUEST HOUSE, 835 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.561.8498 BOURGOYNE GUEST HOUSE, 839 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.524.3621
marketing & printing New Orleans, LA [504] SIR SPEEDY, 343 Carondelet, 586.9812, 586.9817, offering printing and marketing services including web design and hosting. info@sirspeedyneworleans.com, sirspeedyneworleans.com
massage New Orleans, LA [504] RIGHT TOUCH MASSAGE -- Christopher - Full body therapeutic massage (Swedish/Deep Tissue); heated table; private studio; tropical garden; Faubourg Marigny Area, French Quarter. Upgrade (Salt Scrubs Bodywork & Thai/Sport Stretching massage). Call/text 504.458.5996 / For pictures http://www.christophernola.com. License #LA4553 [is2613]
S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am-4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm
music
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
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,
34 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Dec . 30, 2013-J an. 13, 2014 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM Offic
71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCAAIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717
pets New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
pharmacy Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists caring for HIV/AIDS, new-to-market & hard-to-find medications including Serostim. Local pharmacy that supports the LGBT community. www.AvitaPharmacy.COM. New Orleans, LA [504] MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312, www.MumfreysPharmacy.COM. Supporting & serving the LGBT Community for over 20 years. Local pharmacy offering personalized family-like service, automatic refills & free metro wide confidential pickup & delivery. Also offering shipping for out-side our delivery area. When you call us you speak to a person, not a machine. See our ad.
photography New Orleans, LA [504] Arthur Severio Photography, 834 Chartres, New Orleans, LA 70116, 917.318.4300, ArthurSeverio.COM GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
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
trodding the boards ...from 32 Scientology Pageant used Orwellian logic and 12 of the sharpest child actors in town to “celebrate” the life of L. Ron Hubbard with gleeful irony Other worthy shows included The Adventures of Butt Boy and Tigger (Elm Theatre), Chesapeake (Second Star Performance Collective), Shivaree 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.the-clubs.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 CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM JOY THEATER, 1200 Canal St., 208.1180, TheJoyTheater.com MAHALIA JACKSON THEATRE OF PERFORMING ARTS, 801 N. Rampart, Armstrong Park, mahaliajacksontheater.com, 525.1052 MID-CITY THEATRE, 3240 Toulouse, 488.1460, MidCityTheatre.COM NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, NOFringe.ORG Slidell, LA [985 CUTTING EDGE THEATER, 742 Robert Blvd., 649.3727, CuttingEdgeTheater,COM
tours New Orleans, LA [504] Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM
(Four Humours), and Under Milk Wood (Cripple Creek Theatre Co.). And at the risk of leaving somebody out, here are, in addition to those already mentioned, some other praiseworthy folks who trod the boards in 2013: Elizabeth Argus, Ashley Smetherman Lemmler, C. Leonard Raybon (A Little Night Music); Glenn Aucoin, Michael Martin (Long Day’s Journey into Night); Teresa Augustine, Mary Kathryn Carroll (Showboat); Jake Bartush (Chesapeake); Leslie Boles (Boys’ Life and Mauritius); Joshua Brewer, Elizabeth Ryan, Renee Saussaye (Into the Woods); Ben Carbo (Romeo & Juliet); Leslie Castay (Next to Normal); Todd d’Amour (Long Day’s Journey into Night and Venus In Fur); Lucy Faust, Richard Mayer, Matt Story (Boys’ Life); Marc Fouchi, Ricky Graham, Mike Harkins, Janie Heck, P.J. McKinnie, Mason Wood (Spamalot); Rebecca Greaves (Equus); Deborah Jack, Robert Jahncke, Sara Pagones (Sweeney Todd); Tenaj Jackson (Catch the Wall); Mason Joiner (Shivaree); Sean Jones, Denitrus Wesley, Wilbert L. Williams (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom); Tiffany Michaela Jones, Bill Mader, Edward Carter Simon (Evil Dead: The Musical); Kate Kuen (Clifton Monroe Chronicles/Bway Betty); Randy Maggiore (Mold); Chris Marroy, Garrett Prejean (The Adventures of Butt Boy and Tigger); Dane Rhodes (Killer Joe); Noah Ricketts (La Cage aux Folles); Carol Sutton (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and Mold); Mychael Thompson (Sanctified); Cassie Worley (The Merry Wives of Windsor). Looking forward to the curtain going up on 2014!
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Karli LaCorre
Reba Douglas
The Holy Family Rikki Gee & DJ Ping
MC Tony Leggio, Frankie Fierce & Persana Shoulders
Ellen & Gang
Catherine entertaining the revelers
And the Angel appeared...
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Lords of Leather Gay Nite @ The Teddy Bear House hosted by Ricky Lenart ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
Johnny Passion’s 3rd Original Winter Wonderland raises $2,438 for Food For Friends ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce
Princesse Stephaney Ava Gina & host Johnny Passion
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Wood Enterprises’ Gary, Tim & Chris off to dinner @ Windsor Court with Tom Wood Aubrey Synclaire in Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
ambush
Sunday Show MC Blanche Debris @ Oz
paparazzi
Ambush acquires painting from Newton Lomax @ Lafitte’s
Bartender Justin @ the Phoenix Sarina Styles in Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Zhane’ Kennedy in Sunday Show @ Oz
Dancer Star @ Rainbow Room
Opal Masters in Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Adam behind the bar @ the Eagle-Phoenix
SDGM Tami Tarmac in Divas “R” Us Holiday Show @ Golden Lantern
Dancer Rapheal @ Rainbow Room Will & Jack shopping at COK Miss Golden Lantern Imani Black in Divas “R” Us
Gia GiaVanni in Sunday Show @ Oz
Nicole DuBois in Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Coca Mesa in Sunday Show @ Oz
Kenneth Matherne welcomes you to the newest gay bar Louie’s @ Congo Square Jan. 1st
Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels in Divas “R” Us
38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Dec . 30, 2013-J an. 13, 2014 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM Offic
’Tis the Season ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
Vic & Matthew welcome you to Little Vic’s
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40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Dec . 30, 2013-J an. 13, 2014 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM Offic