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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Oz & Ambush Mag host 50th Annual Bourbon Street Awards Worth $3,000 in Cash Prizes The 50th Annual Bourbon Street Awards show, the ultimate costume contest, is set for Mardi Gras day, March 4th at 12noon. Johnny Chisholm and Oz New Orleans, as well as Ambush Mag brings us this fantastic contest. Award category prizes are worth a total of $3,000! Categories include: Best Drag, Best Leather, Best Group and Best of Show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category. First place in each category wins $500 cash. The Best Overall Costume, the grandest award of all, garners a whopping $1,000 cash prize. Celebrity emcees will feature the talents of current RuPaul Drag Race Contestant Bianca Del Rio and Oz’s own Blanche Debris. . In 2009, for the first time in 23 years, the contest actually took place back on Bourbon Street. Since 2002, Oz New Orleans has presented the contest on St. Ann at Bourbon. 2009 saw the contest outside Oz on Bourbon Street down from Ambush headquarters at 828 Bourbon. The awards were previously held outside of Cafe Lafitte in Exile on Bourbon until 1985 when it was moved to the corner of Burgundy and St. Ann outside of Rawhide in 1986. The parade of costumes will originate down Bourbon at Dumaine passing both Cafe Lafitte in Exile and Clover Grill, the original site of the awards, heading past Ambush headquarters towards Oz at 800 Bourbon. The Bourbon Street Awards, now entering its fifth decade, has hosted some of the most exciting and extravagant Mardi Gras costumes ever seen. The 50th Annual Bourbon Street Awards will be “The Best Free Show of Mardi Gras.”
Barbara Ella to Reign as "The Borghese Queen" at 21st King Cake Queen Coronation Feb. 16 As King Cake Queen XX Dusty Debris' beautiful reign comes to an end, the 21st King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation this Sunday, Feb. 16th will introduce Barbara Ella to Carnival Society as "The Borghese Queen." Hosted at the famed Ambush Mansion on Bourbon Street, the Krewe of Queenateenas celebrate "Rome, Royalty & Intrigue." The home's balcony celebrates the theme in brilliant red, purple and gold with Adam and Steve (the mannequins) dressed in black slacks, red shirts, white dinner jackets and red/white Venetian masks. By invitation only, admit cards are required at entrance for the coronation. (Attire: gentlemen in tuxedo or suit, ladies in evening gown or evening suit.) The festive evening includes the royalty receiving line until 8:45pm in the first floor Ambush Mag offices from where Borghese Gumbo will be served along with the wine and beer bar. The King Cake Queen gift exchange from the new queen and former queens is set for 9pm. Down the hallway will lead guests to the patio, and the King Cake Queen stairwell where the new queen's porKing Cake Queen XXI of trait by renowned photographer Larry Gay Mardi Gras Barbara Ella Graham will hang along with previous (Photo by Larry Graham)
queens. Here a stop at Belle Lain's Magnolia Bar, guests will be served cocktails or soft drinks. Entering the second floor hallway, guests will find the formal Victorian parlour, and the dining room serving the remainder of "Banchetto di Carnevale," translation for feast of carnival. It includes Venison & Veal Ousso Bucco with Italian egg noodles, Meatballs Cacciatore, Eggplant Caponata with cream cheese, Stuffed Artichoke Casserole with crabmeat, Antipasto Salad featuring elk salami, provolone, prosciutto, swiss & bison mortadella with Ditalini, Goat Cheese Pyramid with figs & pancetta, and Antoine's Cream Cheese King Cake. And finally through the dining room guests will find themselves on the famous Bourbon Street balcony, site of both the Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss on March 4th, and Southern Decadence Bead Toss Labor Day weekend. For more information, visit www.GayMardiGras.com/KCQ.
22nd Krewe of Barkus Parade Feb. 23 The Mystic Krewe of Barkus, the only officially licensed Mardi Gras krewe by and for canines, will take to the streets of the French Quarter for the 22nd year on Sunday, Feb. 23, 1pm, to the theme “Dogzilla: Barkus Licks the Crescent City.” This is sure to be a canine encounter of epic proportions and a gathering of paws that is certain to sniff out the monster inside every krewe member. It promises to be a celebration to empower every fourlegged creature with the bark of nature only a dogzilla can deliver. For one day, this krewe will take over the French Quarter and lick the Crescent City with dog pageantry that applauds the talented and talentless, judges not on your education, worldliness or degree of dental care, but on your sass and frass and how your tail wags. Visit www.Barkus.org for registration and other information. The Mystic Krewe of Barkus was envisioned and created in November 1992 at a meeting of the Margaret Orr (WDSU-TV Weather Anchor) Fan Club held at Good Friends Bar. Thomas Wood brought his dog Jo Jo McWood to the meeting, where people com-
inside
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 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. ©1982-2014, 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
plained about her neurotic ways. To get back at them all, Wood decided to make Jo Jo McWood queen of her own [continued on 6]
Giant Mardi Gras issue out Feb. 25 >DEADLINE: Fri., Feb. 14
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the "official" dish ...from 4 parade and captain-for-life. Thus, the Krewe of Barkus was born.
Barkus Parade Route
Gay Mardi Gras Season in Full Swing Two balls down and a flurry more scheduled in one of the most exciting seasons Gay Mardi Gras in New Orleans. From fabulous balls and parties, to spectacular events, it's here for all to enjoy. All of the balls are by invitation with balcony seats available for pur-
chase when available. (www.GayMardiGras.com) The remaining schedule includes: Friday, Feb. 14th ~8pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque XII, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, Chalmette Sunday, Feb. 16th ~8pm, Krewe of Queenateenas 21st King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation of Barbara Ella as “The Borghese Queen,” by invitation only, admit card required at entrance, Ambush Mansion, New Orleans Saturday, Feb. 22nd ~8pm, Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque LIII, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, Chalmette Friday, Feb. 28th ~9pm-12midnight, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XV, Audubon Tea Room, New Orleans ~9pm-2am, Lords of Leather presents Night of the Black Mask Beer Bust, Phoenix/Eagle, Elysian Fields @ N. Rampart, New Orleans Saturday, March 1st ~9pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLVI, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, Chalmette Sunday, March 2nd ~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXXI, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, Chalmette MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday), March 4th ~12noon, 50th Annual Bourbon Street Awards, Oz, Corner of St. Ann at 800 Bourbon St.
~2pm - 27th Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss led by King Cake Queen XXI of Gay Mardi Gras Barbara Ella, Ambush Headquarters Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.
Night of the Black Mask Feb. 28 Start your Mardi Gras weekend on Friday, Feb. 28th with the Lords of Leather at their annual “Night of the Black Mask” Party. This traditionally incognito (black mask strongly encouraged) event kicks off at 9pm at the Phoenix, 941 Elysian Fields Avenue. A $5 beer bust will be held until midnight on the patio, with black lights complementing white jockstraps and leather; the rest of the evening is as mysterious as you want it to be. So dig out that mask, disguise yourself and celebrate the big weekend with the Lords.
Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXXI March 2 Ball Captain XXXI Gary Vandeventer and the Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leather cordially invite you to join them at their spectacular edition of Bal Masque XXXI: “Tales and Adventures” to be held on Sunday, March 2nd. This Mardi Gras season’s final ball takes place at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette with doors opening and social hour begin-
ning at 7pm and the tableau starting at 8pm. Emcees for the evening will again be the entertaining duo of Bianca del Rio and Darwin S. Ball gowns/leather are requested for ladies, black tie/formal or leather attire for men. Full tables for ten are available for $500, individual table seats are $50 and balcony seats are $15. See www.lordsofleather.com to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets will also be available at the door.
NGLTF 21st Winter Party Festival March 510 in Miami Beach National Gay and Lesbian Task Force produces one of the world’s biggest and best-loved celebrations, Winter Party Festival, for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community in one of the world’s hottest destinations, Miami Beach, Florida, this year March 5th-10th. The 21st edition of Winter Party Festival will be fueled by the hottest DJs on the planet. Ranging from international sounds to local beats, this “spin-tacular” line-up will definitely be bringing the heat. One of the world’s largest and most anticipated events of the year, Winter Party Festival 2014 is expected to draw 10,000 revelers from
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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
“Boys on the Bar: The Corner Pocket” At one point in Diary of a Mad Playwright (1989), James Kirkwood writes about auditioning actors for the part of a male stripper: “I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, blush, shit, or go blind.” If we’re honest, who among us has not had at least one of those reactions upon, uh, ahem, “auditioning” a male stripper? Let’s talk about Go-Go Boys. And in New Orleans, that means The Corner Pocket. Lee Featherston, also known as Ms. Fly, opened The Corner Pocket in 1982 with partner Mike Mayo. Prior to that, the bar at the corner of Burgundy and St. Louis Streets in the French Quarter was called the Post Office and before that the Cruise Inn, both of which were gay show-bars. Featherston was born and raised in Panama and came to New Orleans in the late 1970s. The son of a ship captain and a teacher / nurse, Featherston was a true entertainer,
both confident and flamboyant. In addition to opening the Corner Pocket, Featherston, along with Miss Do (a former boxer / pre-operative transsexual), also opened The Wild Side (formerly Gregory’s) at the corner of Dauphine and St. Louis Streets, which eventually became The Double Play. Ms. Fly and Miss Do were quite the duo. Rich Magill, who used to live in the 900 block of St. Louis Street between the Double Play and The Corner Pocket, recalls seeing the pair on an almost
under the gaydar ...from 6
try. A significant portion of the proceeds also funds multiple organizations serving the LGBT community in South Florida through a grant made by the Task Force to the GLBT Community Projects Fund of The Miami Foundation. Tickets to Winter Party Festival 2014 are available individually or in multi-event passes. For more event information, to purchase tickets, or for travel information, visit www.winterparty.com. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force builds the power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community from the ground up. The Task Force is the country’s premier social justice organization fighting to improve the lives of LGBT people and working to create positive, lasting change and opportunity for all. For more information, visit: www.thetaskforce.org. Launched in 1994 as a one-time charity dance event on the sands of beautiful South Beach, Winter Party Festival has evolved into a week-long series of events. Since assuming responsibility for these events in 2005, the Task Force has donated nearly $1.65 million dollars to the LGBT Community Projects Fund of The Miami Foundation benefiting over 50 organizations.
all over the globe for many pulse-raising events. Spinning at Winter Party Festival 2014 will be: >Joe Gauthreaux (Los Angeles, CA) Ignite - Thursday, March 6 >Eddie Martinez (New York, NY) IGNITE - Thursday, March 6th >Wayne G (San Diego) Mercury Rising – Friday, March 7 >ROSABEL (Chicago, Illinois and Miami, Florida) Mercury Rising - Friday, March 7 >Seth Cooper (Chicago), Under One Sun Pool Party - Saturday, March 8Gustavo Scorpio (Rio de Janeiro) Under One Sun Pool Party - Saturday, March 8 >Ivan Gomez (Barcelona) Flare Saturday, March 8 >Paulo (Los Angeles, CA) Flare Saturday, March 8 >GRIND (San Francisco) Winter Party Beach Party - Sunday, March 9 >Danny Verde (Italy) Winter Party Beach Party – Sunday, March 9 >Sr. Edu (Spain) WE Party: Airlines – Boiling Point – Sunday, March 9 >Isaac Escalante (Mexico) WE Party: Airlines – Boiling Point – Sunday, March 9 >Alain Jackinsky (Montreal, Canada) ACTION! Afterglow - Monday, March 10 Proceeds from Winter Party Festival and the Miami Recognition Dinner support the important work of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to build power, take action and create positive, lasting change for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families throughout the coun-
Davell Crawford to Play FOC Concert Series at Old U.S. Mint After successful shows with Jon Cleary, John Boutte and Donald Harrison, New Orleans pianist Davell Crawford will be bringing his electrifying piano style and stage energy to the
daily basis laughing and stumbling down the street, usually around 9:00 in the morning, with three or four hustlers in tow. Featherston became a beloved figure in the LGBT+ community in New Orleans. Ms. Fly served as Southern Decadence Grand Marshal in 1993 and led the first Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshal’s Bead Toss during the SD Parade from the balcony of Ambush headquarters. Ms. Fly also served as Queen Petronius at the krewe’s 39th Carnival Ball. For a while, Ms. Fly also presented the Fly Fashion Awards as part of the Gay Appreciation Awards gala. Featherston’s unique brand of humor culminated each year with his “Fashion Victim Award.” Over the years, Featherston and his Double Play partner, Miss Do, were most generous with the LGBT+ community, having donated thousands and thousands of dollars to those organizations, charities and events which they cared most about. Featherston’s noted yearly “Yellow Party” raised funds for Pride Fest and the Krewe of Petronius. But it did not stop there. Many times, he and Miss Do helped countless individuals who were down and out, without anyone knowing. Sadly, Lee Featherston was murdered in November 2000 by a young man she had befriended after a verbal argument turned physical. Current Corner Pocket owner Michael Elias Old U.S. Mint, Friday, March 21st at 7pm. The fundraiser for the Friends of the Cabildo is the fourth of five concerts at the Old U.S. Mint. Grandson of the legendary James “Sugarboy” Crawford, pioneer of New Orleans R&B in the 1950s, Crawford started playing piano at age seven and first toured Europe in his early teens. In 1998 he won the Big Easy Music Award for Best Gospel Artist, which launched his career to new levels and gained him an even stronger following of fans. A true roots musician, Crawford’s live performances include a dusting of R&B, soul, gospel, funk and jazz tunes all performed with electrifying energy that can captivate any crowd. An exhilarating performance by Crawford will kick off the spring music series at the Mint. Finished in 2012, the 3rd Floor Performance Space at the Old U.S. Mint is a $4-million joint collaboration between the Louisiana State Museum and the National Park Service. The space includes a soundproof performance hall with video and audio recording capabilities as well as a full recording studio. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $20 for FOC/LMF member. Seats are limited to 150 people and can be purchased by calling the FOC office at 504.523.3939 or online at www.friendsofthecabildo.org. Tickets are not expected be available the night of the event.
summed up the feelings of many when he remembered Lee Featherston as “a good businessperson, funny, witty, and charismatic.” In 2001, Elias partnered with longtime founding bartender Jay Sewell to buy The Corner Pocket. Of all the changes Elias and Sewell made at the bar, the most significant was having dancers on the bar seven nights a week. And from 2002 to 2008, they brought in for Mardi Gras and Southern Decadence the Boys from Montreal, including international porn star Ralph Woods. In the early years, The Corner Pocket was an authentic neighborhood bar and featured a handful of dancers, usually five to six, only on the weekends. Originally, the boys danced to music played from a juke box. Also in those early years, Featherston instituted the weekly New Meat Night, which he hosted as Ms. Fly. The Friday night show is now hosted by longtime show director Lisa Beaumann and features both amateur and veteran dancers vying for a $100 cash prize. New Meat Night at The Corner Pocket is one of the longest running shows in gay New Orleans history. In addition to the long running New Meat show, the Corner Pocket has, over the years, hosted other productions, including three drag show runs. From 2002 to 2004 there was the Tits and Ass Dragon Variety Show featuring Lisa Beaumann, Klorocks Bleachman and the dancing boys, which was followed by Potluck Burlesque, hosted by Beaumann and Barry Bareass. After Katrina, there was the Chicken and Dumpster Review, which featured Electra Citty, Tittie Toulouse, Tami Tarmac, and Starr Daniels. There were also special shows such as a 2005 all Disney themed show called Lion King which was directed by Don Russell and starred Lisa Beaumann, Barry Bareass and the dancing boys. The shows often benefit local charities. For example, in 2002, the bar hosted a show / fundraiser for COPS 8, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the 8th District Police Officers in New Orleans. Elias points out that even though most people do not initially think of The Corner Pocket as a show bar, that is essentially what it is. Another misconception concerning the bar is that all the dancing boys are slender twinks. While there is certainly a fair share of lean chicken at the Pocket, the bar also features muscled beef and many types of boys in various shapes, sizes and colors. The Corner Pocket has been around for 32 years because it meets a need; specifically, it’s a place where older men can enjoy the company of younger men. In many gay bars, older men are reluctant to approach younger men because of the fear of rejection. This, of course, speaks to the issue of aging and ageism among gay men, but that’s a topic for another column.
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a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Valentine’s Day Dark chocolate or milk chocolate what is your favor? Cards, bows, dinners and love sonnets permeate the air. Maybe, “Love is in the air” is met with cocktail napkins tossed about as we sway to the music! Valentine’s Day
is the day of Cupid and Arrows to pierce the heart smitten with LOVE! Reds, pinks, and all manner of hearts adorn all manner of packaging and processing. Beyond the hoorah let’s take a look at what one Christian monk had to say about spiritual love: “Furthermore, a friend is called
the guardian of love, or, as some prefer, the guardian of the soul itself. Why? Because it is proper for my friend to be the guardian of mutual love or of my very soul, that he may in loyal silence protect all the secrets of my spirit and may bear and endure according to his ability anything wicked he sees in my soul. For the friend will rejoice with
my soul rejoicing, grieve with it grieving, and feel that everything that belongs to a friend belongs to himself.” Abbott Aelred of Rievaulx. I often think that Valentine’s Day should more properly be “Alered’s Day.” For this good Abbot saw beyond the glitz, glamour, and clamor of professed and sentimentalized love to the heart of faithful love and witness between humans. Yes, he even went beyond a Godiva Chocolate big box ingot of delicious delectables! For Aelred the heart of spiritual love is intimacy without restraint and trust without boundaries. This is the heart and substance of this celebrated holiday. I can no longer imagine Valentine’s Day without thinking of Alfred Doolittle. Alfred is Stuart Butler’s life partner and indeed beyond life into the spiritual ether. This holiday is Alfred’s favorite and I know that from where he sits he understand the sort and stuff of love that our Aelred wrote about. Now Stuart and Alfred is a pair. Odd ducks would be stating the outward signs of their personas generously. Stuart, I believe, enjoys the role of eccentric. He is a person to behold. He is passionately in love with Alfred though Alfred now precedes him to that next state of being that we call heaven. Alfred, our tradition teaches us, if being perfected in mind and personhood as we muddle along. Alfred has his issues and perhaps a bit more than most; Stuart, well I imagine that he has his as well. Yet, the two were one without a whole lot of anxiety at least later on. They were intimate, no more than that, they were unafraid to truth tell to each other. Was this perfect bliss? Hardly! It was hard work managing to stay together despite, not because, of the inclinations of the other. Alered teaches us that the true test of what he called, “Spiritual Friendship”, is in the ability to remain in this state no matter what comes. Not as a fool, but fully informed, and fully adorned with compassion and abundant forgiveness. This is Alfred and Stuart. There is a distinct difference between love and infatuation. From my own experience the first several “loves”, upon reflection, were a series of infatuations usually prompted by hormones, sex, and self interest. The one true love that I now enjoy goes far beyond that to another person who I cannot and do not want to hide things from, even my failures, I abundantly trust her. She in fact, knows me better than I know myself, and generally accepts the whole package. Such is not always easy as you can imagine. She is indeed my true Valentine, not shot with a moment of infatuation but strengthened with years of joy, hurt, sorrow, happiness, and life experiences that drew us together rather than apart. Spiritual intimacy at its best takes what is harmful and makes it a woven tapestry of experience that when beheld is love. The reflection that Aelred and Alfred might impart to us summons more than intimacy between friends but seeks a profound love that is rooted in the spirituality of Jesus. Yes, can you imagine the kind of love that forgives and invites while hanging on a cross. Jesus turns his head to the thief in his agony facing imminent death and says, “On this day you shall be with me in paradise.” Imagine if you can glean just a bit of the stuff of this kind of love how our own personal relationships might change. So, I will leave you with one more bit of wisdom from this blessed Saint: “It is no small consolation in this life to have someone you can unite with you in an intimate affection and the embrace of a holy love, someone in whom your spirit can rest, to whom you can pour out your soul, to whose pleasant exchanges, as to soothing songs, you can fly in sorrow, to the dear breast of whose friendship, amidst the many troubles of the world, you can safely retire. ... A man who can shed tears with you in your worries, be happy with you when things go well, search out with you the answers to your problems, whom with the ties of charity you can lead into the depths of your heart.
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place on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. Doors will open at 8pm and the tableau begins at 9pm. This event is strictly formal so get out your tuxes and ball gowns. There are still tickets available for the balcony. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.kreweofpetronius.org.
Barbara Ella Turns 21
under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Book of the Month I cannot say enough great things about my choice for book of the month for February. Spy The Lie was written by the former CIA agents (Philip Houston, Michael Floyd and Susan Carnicero) who considered among the world’s foremost authorities on interrogation and recognizing deception. This book is a quick, interesting read that gives you the basic foresight to spot the signs if a person is not being forthright with you. Through many examples and case studies, this novel explores the basics of why people lie and how a layperson can detect the falsehoods. It also analyzes transcripts from actual interviews of public figures and notorious celebrities such as Jerry Sandusky, Anthony Weiner, Herman Cain, Dick Cheney and O.J. Simpson. From spotting body signals or facial movements to a person’s language, this resource will show the average person how to the experts root out dishonesty. It also helps a person draw out the truth from an individual through their line of questioning. It gives helpful hints on how to talk to your staff, boss, children, co-workers and even spouse. This book is dead-on and a must read for those in business. Its insights will aid you in dealing better with clients and others in your work environment. Spy The Lie has textbook information presented in a informative yet entertaining way. But always remember to be careful what you ask, you may not be able to handle the truth (sorry I could not resist).
Are You Ready To Sin Greed, Gluttony, Pride, Envy, Sloth, which deadly sin best describes you? Well on Friday, Feb. 28 you will be able to reveal your favorite sin at The Friday Night Before Mardi Gras’ Extravaganza XV. This year’s theme is 7 Deadly Sins, and is sponsored by Kettle One and Glazer Distributors. The event will
be held at the Audubon Tea Room from 9pm to midnight. This costumed ball includes dancing with an amazing DJ, green screen photos so guests can have a memory of the night’s festivities, culinary delights and of course lots of libations. I have been over the years and have to say it is one of my favorite parties of the year. There is something very surreal to be in full masquerade while you groove to the top dance hits in this elegant venue. So get your tickets now, and keep in mind for those who do not want to drive and face the traffic, the FNBMG supplies busses leaving from the French Quarter and the Marigny for a nominal fee. For tickets or more information, go to www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com.
Fall in Love with Satyricon The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon invites guests to their 12th fabulous bal masque on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center. This year’s ball is appropriately entitled Bal d’ Amour seeing that it is Valentine’s Day and will be all about Love. The doors open at 7pm and the ball starts promptly at 8pm. Formal attire or costumes is requested for this fun filled evening. Single tickets and full tables are now available by going to either Facebook or visit MysticKreweOfSatyricon.com.
And the Balls Keep Rolling Along Welcome to Gay Ball season in New Orleans. Glamour, excitement and sequin are in the air as we celebrate the Krewe of Petronius’ Bal Masque LIII. The theme this year is for you decide as they present the Fill in the Blank ball. The event will take
I would be remiss if I failed to mention that my dear friend and glamorous entertainer Barbara Ella has been named King Cake Queen XXI. Her theme this year is Rome, Royalty & Intrigue as she takes her place alongside a long list of fabulousness as "The Borghese Queen." The Co-Captains of the Krewe of Queenateenas will celebrate her coronation on Sunday, Feb. 16th at the Ambush Mansion. Barbara Ella has been a great supporter of the gay community who is always lending a hand, or make-up bag for any fundraiser you may have. And, it is because of her, we won one of the top prizes for Best Costume two years running at Halloween New Orleans. Honey, no one deserves this honor more; congratulations on your reign. Now please make sure that your party does not end up like that dinner in Game of Thrones.
East Meets West At The Saenger Theatre Shen Yun 2014 comes to the Crescent City on Feb. 18-19 to the Saenger Theatre with an all-new show complete with a live orchestra. This amazing group is reviving 5,000 years of the Chinese civilization. Through the universal language of theatre and dance, Shen Yun weaves a storyline that takes you from battlefields to imperial palaces. These performers incorporate aerial masters, jumping, spinning, and tumbling to create this dramatic event that is not to be missed. Based in New York, Shen Yun is entirely non-profit whose artists come from around the globe to revitalize this glorious tradition. Both shows start at 7:30pm. For tickets or more information, go to www.shenyun.com or call 504.287.0351.
Party Down The Mardi Gras season is upon us and for those in the hospitality industry this means it is one of the busiest times of the year. This is also true for me; I had plenty of clients in town to keep me burning the midnight oil. Thursday was the first day I was able to attend anything not related completely to work when my friends and I went to the Forum for Equality’s Mardi Gras Masquerade at the beautiful Jefferson Avenue home of Craig Magleby. There is no other city in the world where people will wear a costume at the drop of a hat like New Orleans. For those who did
not don a festive outfit, an selection of Mardi Gras masks were supplied at the door for guests. Attendees mixed in Magleby’s gorgeous home and poolside. Although a bit chilly outside there was a fire pit to keep you warm and you enjoyed libations and an assortment of king cakes. People grooved to the funky musical stylings of DJ Honey B who kept the energy high. It was an uplifting and informative evening to find out all the new plans the group has in store for the coming year. Executive Director Stephanie Brady along with Mary Griggs and John Dennison laid out the groundwork for a course of action the organization will be undertaking that will help bring equality to the entire LGBT community. After the party, we tried the new restaurant in the French Quarter, Cane & Table. New Orleans has always been a city known for its cocktails, so much so that it is part of our culture. From classic cocktails like Sazerac (which was named The Official Cocktail of New Orleans in 2008) to more contemporary ones like the Hurricane and the Hand Grenade, the fantastic sips are part of our fabric, our being. So the current trend of craft cocktail bars around the country has taken root here is the city where the cocktail was created and in such phenomenal ways. The team behind two of those noteworthy establishments, Cure and Bellocq, has opened a new establishment last summer on Decatur Street called Cane & Table. The rustic environment of the venue is the perfect setting for this place, setting the mood of a tropical bar from a bygone era. They tout an extensive menu of rum libations (as well as many others) and the bar staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Being a gin fan and loving egg whites mixed in anything, I was drawn to the Two Palms which has Bombay Dry Gin, egg whites, coconut water and lime and nutmeg all mixed together to make a light, sipping concoction. But where Cane & Table surpasses other bar/restaurants is their cuisine which is a combination of small and large plates with a tropical flair. Hands down my favorite dish and the reason for going to the restaurant is the Crispy Rum Ribs, simply divine. The Fresh Puffed Prok Skins, Peas n Rice, and Cangrejitos are also worth a try. Under the sides, the Fried Corn on the Cob and Hoppin’ John are fantastic as stand alones are with one of their large plates. Continuing on with our epic night, we ended our night with a nightcap at Oz, which was quite busy for a Thursday night. On Friday, Octavia Gallery on Julia Street in the Warehouse District was the scene of a celebration to honor the 7 Deadly Sins. The Friday Night Before Mardi Gras hosted their VIP host party at this gorgeous space to give patrons a taste of the exciting
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Behind the Curtain Opening Party @ Lucky Pierre’s ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Tony Leggio
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Friday Night Before Mardi Gras VIP Party @ Octavia Gallery ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
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celebrazzi
Sweetheart Couples
Together 38 years, Opal Masters and Darwin Reed will wed on their 39th anniversary July 4th this year in New Mexico.
Together 47 years, Jack (father) and Tommy (Mother) married Feb. 5, 2014 in San Francisco, CA.
Rusty Downing and Don Dubay together 22 years, and Marty Curtin and Koo Gaffney (center) together 28 years were wed in a double ceremony on June 14, 2008 in Provincetown, MA.
Together 20 years, Gary Delaune & Tip Varnadore are engaged and will marry September 20, 2014 in New York City, NY.
Together 9 years, Coca Mesa and Jeff Palmquist will marry on their 10th Anniversary in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Together 5 years, Catherine Gathier and Misti Ates married in a religious ceremony May 9, 2009 in Metairie, LA.
Together 1 year, Ciera LaBiche and Nicole Bayard are engaged and will marry June 10, 2015.
Rip Naquin and Marty Greeson (aka Marsha Delain) married on their 40th Anniversary, Aug. 17, 2014 in New York City, NY.
Together 23 years, Deja Deja-Vue' and Jim May met in Seattle, WA.
Together 7 years, Jon Penton-Robicheaux and Derek Penton-Robicheaux married Sept. 23, 2012 in Paradise Valley, Iowa.
Together 1 year, Shannon Smith and Jason LaBiche are engaged.
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obituary Ed "Blanche" Norton Ed "Blanche" Norton, 60, passed away Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 in Enterprise, Alabama. In 1995 he reigned as Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXIII with his chosen theme "The Cocktail Tour" here in New Orleans. Many of us who visited him at the bars he worked-Lucille's, MRB, and Golden Lantern, were whipped into shape with his sharp tongue, wit, and one line zingers. It was often times funny to see if you were not the victim. You might love him one day, hate him the next, and then love him again. For you younger ones who did not get to experience Blanche, he would be considered the "Bianca Del Rio" of his day. He left New Orleans many years ago to care for his mother in Enterprise. Just two days after his death his final column, reVIEW, would appear in Ambush Mag. Blanche was a columnist on and off for many years with this publication. Amazingly this final column gives you an in-depth look into what his early gay life was about. It follows as a tribute to Blanche.
Mississippi Sissy The holidays are a good time to read and sometimes re-read a good book. I re-read Kevin Sessums’ autobiographical novel Mississippi Sissy, 2007 (St. Martin’s Press) over Christmas. Kevin is from Forest, Mississippi. He went to college in Jackson and then was off to New York City to pursue a journalism career. He was Executive Editor at Interview Magazine and then a contributing editor at Vanity Fair for 14
years. He is now Editor-In-Chief of 429 Magazine, a glossy, $12.97 magazine that focuses on the LGBT community. 429 is a bi-monthly coffee table magazine with an oversized format and amazing photography. Sessums was born in 1956. Mississippi Sissy covers his life before leaving for NYC. His father was a good
old macho boy who sometimes referred to Kevin as “girl” ...his mother encouraged his cross dressing. His dad was killed in a car crash when he was 7 ...his mom died the following year of cancer, making Kevin an orphan by age 10. Mississippi Sissy is about being a sissy in Mississippi during the 1960s. I can identify, being an Alabama sissy from the same era. My dad wanted me to hunt and fish but Santa left a doll under the Christmas tree for years. Mississippi Sissy is about a childhood of being different, small town race relations, grief and loss, and self discovery. Kevin makes his way to Jackson, works with a local theatre group, befriends local newspaper editor and theatre booster Frank Hains who introduces him to famed writer Eudora Welty. His life is full of twist and turns, like most peoples, and you want more, especially in his relationship with Welty. But he is a writer schooled in journalism. Mississippi Sissy ends with the gaybashing murder of Hains ...with Kevin finding the body. Mississippi Sissy may not be a fun read but it is very interesting ...about a very different time in the South. It is now out in paperback and available on Kindle. Friends will hold a celebration of life for Blanche later in New Orleans. (Photo by Larry Graham, www.GrahamStudioOne.com)
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Tim, Mark, Ryan & Charles welcome you to Bourbon Pub & Parade Card Party
Southern Barbituates’ Sheeya Mann, Monalot Fontaine, Gia GiaVanni & Coca Mesa @ Michael’s On The Park
Wood Enterprises’ Gary & Tim @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Bartender Mitch welcomes new bartender Daphiny to Le Roundup Forum for Equality Masquerade Fundraiser
Mother Moses celebrates his 82nd birthday with bartender Will & Randy @ Double Play
Leonard celebrates his birthday @ Michael’s On The Park
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House of Blues 20th Anniversary Party
Danny Stark & Tru Demille present Danny Calhoun as Best Housewife winner during Tupperware Party @ Michael’s On The Park
Sabrina behind the bar @ Voodoo
Hunter Holloway joins Divas “R” Us @ Golden Lantern
Andrea & Scott ready for you @ Bobby Blue salon Contemporary Arts Center’s Sweet Arts Patron Party in English Turn
Renowned DJ Tony Moran plays Oz joined by Persana Shoulders Ben & Gary welcome you to Lords of Leather Beer Bust @ the Phoenix
Celebrating after the Mwindo Ball @ the Phoenix
Bartender Kevin ready for Mardi Gras @ Cutter’s
The King of Palm Springs John Vignone joins Bourbon Street's Marsha & Rip @ Oz
Lord King Pat & Poncho snag one @ Lords of Leather Beer Bust
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La Vie du Parti “The Life of the Party” ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
Forum for Equality Masquerade Fundraiser
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Barclay, Jayme, Jason, Order of Osiris Emblem Flip Side bartender Corey & friend Happy birthday Jack @ Flip Side Bar
Parties, Shows, Birthdays ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John
B-Bob’s DJ Amanda with Toni Dee
Girls of B-Bob’s with Toni Dee
Jasmine Essex & Aubrey Synclaire perform @ B-Bob’s
Osiris Emblem with Miss Cie
Aubrey Synclaire from Bourbon Pub @ B-Bob’s Happy Birthday Jawakatema Davenport
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Mobile Diva Haley with Mobile Prince Cory Hello Matt...
Miss Cie
Osiris King Ben with subjects
Order of Osiris Crew
The beautiful & talented Rachel Meredith @ B-Bob’s
Hello Boys @ B-Bob’s
under the gaydar ...from 12 event to come. The evening was catered by Food For Friends, a division of the NO/AIDS Task Force, who is one of the recipients of the funds raised by the FNBMG’s event. Food For Friends has a brand new state-of-the-art kitchen in which makes meals for people living with HIV and AIDS. The cuisine was created by Executive Chef and Kitchen Manager Houcine Harrabi. There were lots of libations as guests danced to the DJ styling of Phil Parrino from Countdown Sound. Two artistic wigs keeping with the deadly sin theme were created by Fifi Mahoney’s and auctioned off to lucky bidders. There were drag performances by three-time Gay Appreciation Award Winner Elizabeth Bouvier, King Cake Queen Barbara Ella and Princesse Stephaney who was just named Queen of the Camel Toe Steppers this year. I was honored to be asked to emcee the evening’s festivities, and all monies raised go to the FNBMG’s big night – Extravaganza XV: Seven Deadly Sins. In addition to Food For Friends on behalf of Gay Easter Parade, other charities that have benefitted from past events were NO/AIDS Task Force, Belle Reve, Project Lazarus, New Orleans Pride, Forum for Equality, PFLAG and the New Orleans LGBT Community Center just to name a few. After working all day on Saturday, I was ready for a great Sunday Funday and it was a day devoted entirely to playing tourist in my city. My friends Beaux, Barrett and I started with brunch at the Court of Two Sisters. There is something about sitting in the beautiful courtyard of this historic eatery, sipping champagne and eating delicious New Orleans cuisine to appreciate life. Next we spent the day shopping at some of the places on Royal Street, then meeting up with some clients for
Gay? Fine by me. Cheers!
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pensacola
Jennifer Nettles CD Release Party @ Emerald City ~ Pensacola, Florida ~ Photos by Lauren Mitchell
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under the gaydar ...from 22 one of my specialty cocktail tours of the city. This is when I really played tourist, we went to Tropical Isle for a Hand Grenade (which was not as bad as I thought), Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop for a Purple Daiquiri, Pat O’ Brien’s for a hurricane and then ended up at Oz for drag bingo. Cocktails and Blache Debris are a perfect pairing to end the tour. We finalized the evening with a late night dinner at Yo Mama’s. Nothing says love more than there Peanut Butter Burgers. Again it was Thursday the following week when I ventured out by attending the Contemporary Arts Center’s SweetArts Honorees VIP party in English Turn. The party was at the home of Terrance Blanchard and Robin Burgess. The guests were treated by incredible tastes by Dickie Brennan’s Restaurants, open bar with specialty martinis and of course, incredible musical entertainment. I love it when a party unfolds in several stages, as the night progressed there were different acts starting with a classical quartet, followed by the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) jazz ensemble, an operatic performance, then ending with DJ Brice playing atop a covered pool. From the ambiance to the sounds, this was a truly memorable night. Friday, I was helping the NO/AIDS Task Force by emceeing the special Quiffers show at Mags 940. Every month Princesse Stephaney offers her performance to a fundraiser and this month it was NO/AIDS. The “ladies” made up of Cathy Fox, Athena Jewel and Princesse wowed audiences with their renditions of fun, upbeat sing-along tunes. You should definitely check out their monthly show. And for Sh**s and Giggles, look up Quiffer in the Urban dictionary, makes the night funnier. Afterwards, we crossed the street to check out the Lords of Leather’s Beer Bust at the Phoenix. On Saturday, there was a day for celebration as one of our most noteworthy musical venues celebrated 20 years in the city. The House of Blues hosted an anniversary party that wowed guests. I cannot believe the HOB has only been here 20 years; it seems so much an ingrained part of our landscape. But it was a night that was all about what made then famous the music and the people who work there. I got to see many past employees who have moved to other parts of the world but came back for this event. Reminiscing with them as we enjoyed the different musical acts was so unforgettable. This is what going to a party is all about, not the food, the drinking or even the music (but these factors do play an integral role); it is about people, connecting with old friends and meeting new ones. That was what this night was all about, and there were two events going on simultaneously, one on [continued on 26]
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under the gaydar ...from 24 the main music hall and another one in the Foundation Room with a different vibe, both equally exciting and alive. My big takeaway was the upstairs DJ who mixed like musical instruments in his performance so as he spun tunes, a sax player and violinist teamed up with him. Still in the partying mood after, my friends and I stopped in for cocktails at the Corner Pocket, Phoenix and Mags 940. After the hard drinking night before, I had an easy Sunday. Mostly on the couch, but I did venture out to see The Totalitarians at Mid-City Theatre. Southern Rep has a hit on their hands with The Totalitarians, making its National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere at Mid-City Theatre. The play is written by Peter Sinn Nachtrieb whose other credits include award winning shows BOOM, BOB, Hunter Gatherers and Colorado. This four person comedy is a fun romp through the political scene as we see campaign manager Francine Jefferson played by Jessica Podewell take a candidate from obscurity to the top position of the state of Nebraska. That candidate Penelope Easter is played brilliantly by New Yorker Judith Hawking. Hawking is hysterical, campy, over-the-top and commands a presence whenever she is on stage, stealing many of the scenes. Rounding out the cast is Leon Contavesprie as Francine’s doctor husband Jeffrey Jefferson whose marriage is jeopardized by his wife’s newfound success, and Ben Carbo as Ben, one of Jeffrey’s patients. There is lots of back biting, sexual dalliances, political intrigue and yes, murder. Kenneth Prestininzi does an excellent job bringing Nachtrieb’s satirical view on politics to life. The audience cannot help but notice many similarities between Penelope Easter and a real life famous female candidate Sarah Palin. The play moves quickly with great pacing and many truly funny scenes. The cast gives their all on stage having fun with the characters and providing patrons an entertaining theatrical experience. After the show, I enjoyed a quiet evening at my house with friends watching that dismal Super Bowl game where the Seahawks trounced the Broncos. Was it me, or did the entire event seem just a little subdued. I did though enjoy Bruno Mars performance, which was the highlight of the show in my opinion since that game was just horrible. And bless their hearts, I could have done without the Red Hot Chili Peppers reminding all of us we are getting old. And the commercials, each one was like let’s see if we can get people to cry in two minutes, but I have to say Microsoft’s one with Steve Gleason was just inspiring. That’s all folks for this issue; go out and enjoy Carnival, it will be Mardi Gras Day before you know it.
Ambush on the Road: Nashville When you think of music, only a few cities come to mind. New Orleans, New York, Los Angeles and most of all Nashville. Dubbed as “Music City,” Nashville has quickly become one of my favorite cities as a tourist destination. It is an exciting city with history, outstanding restaurants and incredible live music of all genres. I was also pleasantly surprised to see a large gay community in the city. When most people think of Nashville, they instantly think Country Music, but that is not the only music they are known for hence the nickname. Nashville is located in the north-central part of Tennessee along the Cumberland River and is the capital of the state, Now called “Music City,” Nashville earned its reputation due to being a focal point for the music industry. Nashville’s musical reputation started back in the 1920s with the radio broadcast of what would eventually become the Grand Ole Opry and continues today to be a hub for all types of music from country to rock to gospel. Nashville began to earn a reputation as a center for music publishing as early as the turn of the 20th century. In 1925, however, the future “Music City” truly started to unfold when WSM radio station started broadcasting. Among the first programs sent over the airwaves on radio WSM were broadcasts of the Grand Ole Opry. The nickname “Music City” was born during the 1920s and 1930s and has been associated with Nashville ever since. The Grand Ole Opry has also continued to be broadcast live from Nashville every week since its first broadcast. Aside from providing entertainment to thousands of listeners and in more recent years, viewers each week, the Grand Ole Opry was also the launching platform for some of country music’s biggest stars during the 20th century and into the 21st century. As a result, Nashville became known as a thriving center for everything to do with the music business from recording to publishing to performing. I was in Nashville for two back to back conferences both pertaining to the event industry. The first was the Leadership Conference for the National Association of Caterers and Events (NACE) and it segued into The Special Event (TSE) which is a convention and trade show geared to people who throw parties, weddings and events. Both conferences were incredible learning experiences and I not only got to network with people from all over the world in my same industry but also was able to connect with friends of mine from other cities. Both events were held at the Gaylord Opryland which is a magnificent property. The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is the flagship property of Gaylord Hotels. The nine-acre complex includes three
Inside the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville lush indoor gardens and atria one with a breathtaking cascading waterfall. There are numerous restaurants, shops, nighttime entertainment, lounges and meeting space to explore, so guests never have to leave the facility if they like. They also have a world class gym and spa which I visited several times while I was there. The workout facilities rivals some of the best gyms I have seen and it overlooks an indoor Olympic size pool and outdoor, heated and oversized Jacuzzi. While I was staying there I hit all the shops, which for a hotel were not that expensive as you may imagine. The facility is also next door to the Grand Ole Opry and an Opry Mills Outlet Shopping Mall. Music and shopping all within the same area is a vacation paradise to me. The restaurants in the hotel I tried was Wasabi Sushi Bar, Fuse Sports Bar, Paisano’s Pizzeria and Vino and Cascades American Café. All were great dining experiences, although my favorite was Cascades. But there were still many more I did not get a chance to try such as Old Hickory Steakhouse, Ravello (Italian) and Salario (Mexican). Also I had a few cocktails at the Falls Bar and Lounge located in the entrance atrium and surrounded by flowing waterfalls. The natural light or darkness depending on the time of day just added to the atmosphere to this property as you stroll through the catwalk maze throughout the foliage rich atria. I also suggest taking the little boat tour through their river they have flowing through one of the atria, which is ¼ mile long and is an informative and relaxing tour through the hotel. Whenever you travel to a convention, lots of the events are on property, but I was lucky enough to explore downtown several times while I was there. I tried two downtown restaurants, Merchants (which is one of my all-time favorite dining experiences) and Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant. Merchants is a culinary find for
foodies and has a very extensive craft cocktail selection. My favorite was the “Rise and Fall,” which lives up to its name. Merchant’s Restaurant opened in 1988 in the old Merchant’s Hotel, which was constructed in 1892. The original structure was a three-story building built circa 1870 which housed a pharmacy on the 1st floor, a hardware manufacturing company on the 2nd floor, and a wholesale drug company on the 3rd floor that was famous for producing the alcohol and opium based “Blood Medicine” which can still be seen advertised on the brick walls today. The Merchant’s Hotel in 1892 offered the European Plan which was 25 cents a day for lodging and another 25 cents for a meal. Each room had a bed and a fireplace, and privacy was not guaranteed. Many notable Nashville legends stayed at the old Merchant’s Hotel, including Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Porter Waggoner, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Roy Acuff to name a few. The original marble counters and tile are still maintained and every effort has been made to hold on to the unique history and architecture of this renowned Nashville establishment. The food was simply tantalizing especially their Duck Fat Tater Tots and Mac and Cheese. I enjoyed the place so much I went with one group of friends one night, then another on the next. It also helps that they have some of the hottest staff working. They were all friendly, professional and knowledgeable about their libations and menu. They even created some special drinks for our NOLA gang to sample. Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant is known for its comfort food and lively environment. It is a Tennessee chain with the motto Where the main ingredients are Real Food, Real People and Real Atmosphere. How can you go wrong? With locations in downtown Franklin, downtown Nashville and down-
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Packing Them In @ Neon Boots ~ Houston, Texas
Last Saturday brought nearly 1,300 people out to Neon Boots
Dance Lessons on Thursdays
Curtis Braly & Jeff Riley
Robert Harwood & Brett Barry DJ Lorenzo & Rick Wagner
Brian Lofin Band
Showing off @ dance class
Craig Sanford & Donnie PledgerManzano
Daryl, Chris, Ron, Brett & friends
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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
body rubs RT PA M RA
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
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
New Orleans, LA [504] Cum & Get A Rub Down-Good looking, middle age (but look younger), white guy, available for full body rub downs, servicing the FQ, DT hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, the Marigny & Bywater. Your place only, late night availability too, seniors welcome. Call Allen @ 504.250.8356. [is114]
book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is114]
circuit/events 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 Dec. 26, 2014-Jan. 1, 2015, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.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
for rent New Orleans, LA [504] Furnished 2 BR, 2 Bath, LR, Eat-In Kitchen, all utilities paid including Direct TV, $325 weekly, ideal for roommates. Call Joan 504.274.5591 [is314]
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
health New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Urgent Care, 201 Decatur St., 700 Magazine St., 552.2433, NewOrleansUrgentCare.com
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,
28 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 11-24, 2014 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM Mardi
PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890's double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests' parlor and "halfkitchen", courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0813] Chateau LeMoyne French Quarter 301 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70112, Phone: 504.581.1303, http:// www.hiclneworleanshotelsite.com/gay-hotelsnew-orleans. Enjoy a stay enriched with the culture and history of New Orleans at Chateau LeMoyne. Our historic building features all the best of old-time architecture and our prime location allows guests to stay just steps from the French Quarter, while still at enough distance to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. Versatile guest accommodations include charmingly appointed suites and cottages, while on-site amenities include drinks and dining, a scenic courtyard area and pool, and meeting and event space. When you’re ready to explore, top New Orleans attractions are only moments away. We look forward to welcoming you to the “Big Easy.” THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 877-681-5087 frenchquarterguesthouses.com. Email: info@stpeterhouse.com. Four meticulously restored boutique Inns located in the heart of the French Quarter’s most popular LGBT neighborhood. Each building’s individual character and charm provides an unforgettably authentic French Quarter experience! FRENCH QUARTER SUITES HOTEL, 1119 North Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone 504.524.7725, Toll Free: 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 [is2614]
media New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Parade Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Pride Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
museum/arts Baton Rouge, LA [225] LOUISIANA ARTS AND SCIENCE CENTER / RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, 100 S. River Road, 344.5272 LOUISIANA GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 1001 Capitol Access Rd., 342.5855 LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES, 3851 Essen Ln. LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, State Capitol Dr. LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY HILLTOP ARBORETUM, 11855 Highland Rd., 767.6916 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY RURAL LIFE MUSEUM, I-10 at Essen Lane, 765.2437 LSU MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE and MUSEUM OF GEOSCIENCE, LSU Campus, 388.2855 MAGNOLIA MOUND PLANTATION, 2161 Nicholson Dr., 343.4955 OLD ARSENAL MUSEUM, State Capitol Complex, 342.0401 OLD BOGAN FIRE STATION, 427 Laurel St., 344.8558 OLD GOVERNOR'S MANSION, 502 North Blvd., 344.5272 OLD PENTAGON BARRACKS, State Capitol Dr. at River Road, 342.1866 OLD STATE CAPITOL, 100 North Blvd. at River Road, 342.0500 or 342.4479 USS KIDD/NAUTICAL HISTORICAL CENTER, Government St. at River Rd., 342.1942 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257, Mon-Sat 10am-3pm CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm CAC [Contemporary Arts Center], 900 Camp St., 528.3805, cacno.org EDGAR DEGAS HISTORIC HOME, 2306 Esplanade Avenue, tours by appointment: 504.821.5009, the house tour lasts one hour, is led by a great-grand-niece of Degas, and includes the award-winning documentary video, Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn 1850 HOUSE, 523 St. Ann, Tues-Sun 10am5pm GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661, Mon-Fri 10am-3:30pm HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077, Daily 10am-5:30pm HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662, Tues-Sat 10am-4:45pm LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, Mon-Sat 10am4:30pm, Sun 1-5pm MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605, Daily 10am-5:30pm NATIONAL D-DAY MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm
ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1:30-5pm
music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666
organizations Mobile, AL ALABAMA PRIDE FEST, MobileAlabamaPride.COM GULF COAST BEARS & LEATHER ASSOCIATION, b-bobs.com/gcbla.htm THE SOUTHERN RENEGADES, a Levi/ Leather Club, southernrenegades.com Pensacola, FL [850] APPETITE FOR LIFE, INC., provides 2 nutritionally balanced meals a day-lunch & dinner, for some 60 men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS, 1842 West Cervantes St.; Mail: P.O. Box 308, 32592-0308; 470.9111, Fax: 470.0201, gaypensacola.com/appforlife GULF COAST TIDE, INC. w w w . G u l f C o a s t T I D E . o r g ; info@GulfCoastTIDE.org Alexandria, LA [318] CLASS [Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services], 103 Bolton Ave., 71301; 1.800.444.7993, 442. 1 0 1 0, FAX: 443.5216 Baton Rouge, LA [225] AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 4560 North Boulevard, Suite 118, 302.5968, AIDSLAW.org HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two), 4550 North Blvd., #250, 927.1269, Fax: 927.7367, haartinc.org, haartinc@aol.com GBLSU [Gays, Bisexuals, Lesbians & Supporters United], glsapres@unixl.sncc. Isu.edu, Kristy Price, President, 388.5160 KREWE OF APOLLO / BATON ROUGE, PO Box 3591, 70821; kreweapollobr.org KREWE OF DIVAS, kreweofdivas.com, 343.0380 LAMBDA GROUP, 2937 Greenwood Dr., PO Box 82775, 70884-2775, 907.3665, www.lambdabr.org, info@lambdabr.org METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BATON ROUGE, 7747 Tom Drive, 70806, Worship Sunday, 11am, Bible Study Wednesday, 7pm, 225.248.0404, mccbr.org PFLAG Baton Rouge, President Harold Truax, 225.218.8320 Lafayette, LA [337] ACADIANA CARES [Concern for AIDS Relief, Education, and Support], PO Box 386, Lafayette, LA 70502; 203 W. 3rd St., 70501; 233.2437, FAX: 235.4178; 800.354.2437 KREWE OF APOLLO / LAFAYETTE, PO Box 53251, 70505 PFLAG/LAFAYETTE, PO Box 31078, 70503 ROYAL ORDER OF UNICORN, PO Box 3985, 70502 Monroe, LA [318] GO CARE 2121 Justice, 71201, 325.1092 New Orleans, LA [504] ACLU and ACLU Foundation of Louisiana, P.O. Box 56157, New Orleans, LA 70156, 504.522.0628 x25, Fax: 888.537.0384, laaclu.org AIDS HOTLINE, 821.6050 in New Orleans, 1.800.99.AIDS[2437]-9 toll free statewide AIDSLaw of Louisiana, 3801 Canal St., Suite 331, 568.1631, AIDSLAW.org ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, 838.3399 BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 BROTHERHOOD, INC., To decrease the spread of AIDS and HIV among African Americans, 1661 Canal St., Suite 3230, 70112; 566.7955 COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK, a project of the NO/AIDS Task Force which works with the gay community to implement HIV prevention activities, 507 Frenchmen St., 945.4000, noaidstaskforce.com COPS 8 (Citizens' Organization for Police Support in the 8th District), 840 N. Rampart St., #51, 70116; 588.COPS (2677), cops8.org FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 944.6028 FORUM FOR EQUALITY, 336 Lafayette, Suite 200, 70130; 947.2981,
ForumForEquality.COM FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), PO Box 791376, New Orleans, LA 70179-1376; 733.3311, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com, fnbmg@cox.net GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY COUNSELING LINE, 833.1500 GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush HATE CRIMES NATIONAL HOTLINE, 206.350.HATE (4283), National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.SAFE (7233), Hate Crimes Hotline at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 800.552.6843 KREWE OF AMON-RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo.ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF PETRONIUS, 1701 Frenchmen St., New Orleans, LA. 70116 KreweOfPetronius.ORG, petronius1961@cox.net KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ KREWE OF URSUS, kreweofursus@aol.com LaCARP [Louisiana Community AIDS Research Program], 584.1971 LA-LIFT, Social Club for Lesbians, age 50+, who have fun together on weekends. E-mail: armyvet20@webtv.net LAMBDA CENTER, 831 Elysian Fields Ave., 70117 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF NEW ORLEANS, 234 Loyola, Suite 421, 70112; 581.9106 LORDS OF LEATHER, P.O. Box 770435, New Orleans, LA 70117-4035, LordsOfLeather.COM
Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans, 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
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under the gaydar ...from26 town Columbia, the Puckett’s roots go way back to the 1950s, and a little grocery store in the village of Leiper’s Fork, Tenn. Ever since then, they’ve been focused on providing friends new and old with great food and Southern hospitality. Founded by the Puckett family in the 1950s, Puckett’s has served as a country store to several communities in Williamson County for decades. In the mid-1990s, Andy Marshall’s love of food, music and community began to steer him in a different direction than the grocery stores he owned. His desire was to serve one small town with just one store, where he could also offer home-cooked family recipes to the community he was serving. So, in 1998, he decided to sell all of his stores and purchase a little gem in the heart of Leiper’s Fork. That gem was Puckett’s Grocery. The food quickly began to develop a reputation of its own. Marshall added his own flair to the Puckett’s staples, throwing in upscale dishes with down-home Southern cuisine. In 2002, [RAIN], 523.3755 RENEGADE BEARS OF LOUISIANA, PO Box 3083, New Orleans, LA 70177; renegadebearsoflouisiana@gmail.com SOFTBALL LEAGUE – Great fun for all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Visit nolasoftball.com for full details and find us on Facebook. SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org Until It Is OVER, Inc., Executive Director Don S. Evans, Sr., 5837 De Bore Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70126, Phone 504 722 1694, Fax 504 286 5784 VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com WILLIAM J. FANNING FOUNDATION [Buzzy’s Boys & Girls], 2301 Chartres, 70117; 943.8929 Shreveport, LA [318] PHILADELPHIA CENTER, PO Box 44454, 71134-4454; 222.6633 YWCAAIDS MINORITY COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 700 Pierre Ave., 71103; 226.8717
pets New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
pharmacy Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA DRUGS SPECIALIZED PHARMACY, free discrete delivery serving Louisiana, Mississippi & Texas. Certified pharmacists 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.
Marshall branched out to start a formal dinner and music program at the local hot spot. In 2010, Marshall decided to expand the Puckett’s brand to downtown Nashville. They also offer some of the best performances that Music City has to offer on the Nashville stage, six nights a week. There was a funky band the night I was there and it just added to the entire ambiance of the night. One of the main draws of this energetic city is its nightlife, which I got to enjoy. For live music, like New Orleans, you can go to just about any club to get your fix, but the strip (which is on Broadway is the happening scene.) A person can bar hop to their hearts content on this main strip. I went to several clubs, including the famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, where many recording stars stopped in for a few quick drinks slipping in the back door in while performing at the Ryman Theater when it housed the Grand Ole Opry. Another of my favorite spots was The Stage on Broadway which is a few doors down from Tootsie’s. This live music venue doesn’t charge a cover
and is a mixture of Texas with the edgier feel of Nashville. There were several bands performing that night and the music ranged from rock to country, but all of it was fast-paced danceable tunes. The staff make guests feel right at home which gives it their charm, no wonder why so many celebrities like Toby Keith and Rascal Flats are fond of the place. Another club on the strip worth checking out is Honky Tonk’s. While I was at the conventions, I attended four off-site events. The first was at the world famous Wildhorse Saloon. To capture the attention of Nashvillians and country music visitors for their opening on June 1, 1994, the Wildhorse Saloon had country superstar Reba McEntire herding a stampede of live cattle through the streets of Nashville. The cattle were herded down Second Avenue and past the front doors of the newly opened club. Since then, the Wildhorse has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The Wildhorse Saloon is a threelevel renovated historic warehouse transformed into a restaurant, bar, con-
photography
The Ruby Slipper, 2001 Burgundy, 525.9355, TheRubySlipperCafe.Net
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] 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
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
restaurants
spas
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
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
Tony Leggio @ Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville cert site, dance venue and TV studio. The place is huge with sculptures of horses galloping overhead on the ceiling. The food was down home cooking at its best; their fried pickles was yummy. Our group enjoyed their free line dance lessons as we listened to the hot duo Double Trouble perform. I think we got a taste of the next country stars on the horizon. The Reba ties into my next off-site party which was called “Moonshine and Moonpies” and was held at the brand new Omni Hotel. Across from the new Music City Center, this downtown Nashville hotel is a one-of-a-kind experience, fully integrated with an expansion of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on three levels. When we arrived, we were greeted in the lobby and had a private tour of the Museum before going to the party. We were able to view all the different exhibitions at our own place. This interesting museum takes you through the roots and humble beginnings of country music to today. I especially loved the Reba McEntire exhibit which displayed many of her dresses and gowns. It was drag queen heaven. After our tour, we went to the reception which had lots of good cuisine, but featured two famous Tennessee staples Moonpies and Moonshine. Who knew Moonpies came from Tennessee, no matter I thank them for the treat that is such a hit down here for Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day Parades. There was also moonshine tastings by Short Mountain Distillery which concocted some tasty (albeit potent) libations for us. Another evening, we went to the grandiose Tequila Cowboy Bar and Grill located on the Broadway strip and is actually several bars and restaurants in one entertainment facility. The party that night consisted of many layers, which you discovered as you turned another corner. This soiree was an amalgamation of the best of Nashville and a blast. There was an area with live country music, one with acoustic singers performing and a karaoke bar also (which is aptly entitled Wanna B’s). The food was catered by the various restaurants and caterers in the city, so we were able to sample many [continued on 31] St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM
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under the gaydar ...from 30 different local favorites. It was an outstanding evening. The last off-premise fete I went to was the Wedding Event back at the new Omni Royal. This party wasn’t just good, it was spectacular. From the moment you walked in the door, the guests were surprised at every turn. The reception area had two bands, one a string quartet playing pop music and the other was an electric guitarist and harpist performing an array of popular tunes. There was an entrance of thirty models dressed in couture bridal outfits that later were part of a fashion show. Then when it was time for the dinner, a girl was raised sixteen in the air from a hidden area behind some drapery so when she was in place, the entire structure looked like one large wedding dress. And she was showering us with confetti. At dinner, the tables were all dressed in different sizes and styles at varying heights, seating and florals; no two tables were the same. Put the crowning touch was when the cakes descended from the ceiling out of a fabric chandelier; talk about leaving people awestruck. But now I have talked about everything Nashville has to offer for tourists, let’s talk about what it has to offer the gay traveler. Really did you not think I would not go to the Country Music
Capital of the World and ride a cowboy. And oh yes there were plenty of those. I managed to visit several of the fine establishments. Church Street seems to be a main area with four bars within close proximity to each other. Blue Genes is a good natured neighborhood feeling bar that has personable bartenders. When I went it was karaoke and there was a decent crowd. Picture a gay version of Cheers in Nashville. The friendly atmosphere and playful bartenders made it a good time. Right next door is Canvas, which is a funky artistic bar with a cool vibe. My favorite piece of art is the JFK/Marilyn Monroe mixed media in the front entrance, where the president is copping a feel on the Blonde Bombshell. Just down the street, two of my favorite nightspots are located again right next to each other. Tribe is a video bar with different themed nights. When I went it was Showtune Sundays. They also have drag shows and affordable drink specials. Next door is Play and this place lives up to its name. I went on two evenings Sunday and Wednesday and both nights were crowded for their drag shows. The performers are called “Playmates” and they rock the house. The audience is mixed and they clamor to see these girls strut their stuff.
“Gay Liberation? I ain’t against it, it’s just that there’s nothing in it for me.” “I will not retire while I’ve still got my legs and my make-up box.” If you have an event, story or idea, you want covered, contact me at ledgemgp@gmail.com.
The last bar I visited when there was Trax which is a little bit off the beaten path. It is another neighborhood bar with sociable patrons. It reminded me a lot Billy’s in Slidell. Well that sums up my trip, I hope you have an opportunity to get to Nashville, it is well worth the trip. Ride Em’ Cowboy!
To Quote A Queen Although she is not gay, Bette Davis has been an icon to the community and one of my favorite actresses of all time. Her quick wit and sharp retorts have made her a very quotable person throughout her lifetime. She has always had an opinion on everything from acting to child rearing and was not afraid to share them. In fact it was difficult to choose just one quote, so I am sharing two of my favorites with you. Enjoy.
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Dancer Thomas welcomes you to Rainbow Room
Andrew cocktailing @ The Golden Lantern
Bartender Matt @ Rainbow Room
Michael & Marty @ Voodoo
Dancer Bradley @ Rainbow Room
Kevin @ Voodoo
Tony cocktailing @ Le Roundup
Guest Hunter Holloway in Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Monica Synclaire-Kennedy in the new Sisters show @ 4 Seasons in Metairie
Aubrey Synclaire in Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Lauren Brown emcees new Sisters show @ 4 Seasons Josh behind the bar @ the Parade
Rainbow Room dancer Lawless
New bartender John @ Le Roundup
”Stella” - no it’s Natasha Sinclair in Sisters @ 4 Seasons
Bartenders Ashlee & Bruce @ The Corner Pocket
DJ & bartender Aaron @ The Golden Lantern
Tony behind the bar @ Le Roundup
Miss Golden Lantern Imani Black in Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
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Lisa Beaumann & Michael Elias welcome you to Corner Pocket
Pouvez-Vous Croire “Can You Believe It” ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Chuck Hinkley, Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed
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Muscles & Leslie Jordan @ The Corner Pocket
DJ of the Year JRB @ Dance Club of the Year Oz
Super Bowl Sunday with Bartender of the Year Jeff "the bottom" @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Elizabeth makes friends with Posiedon @ Oz
Brad dancing on the bar @ The Corner Pocket
Mike & Chris on the bar @ Oz
DJ Jason & SDGM Venus Santiago @ The Golden Lantern
David behind the bar @ Bourbon Pub
Dancer Codi hanging with Scott @ Corner Pocket
Jeremy, Robert & Belinda B @ The Golden Lantern Eros & Posiden @ Oz Poncho, Bobby & Thiego take in Southern Barbituates @ Michael’s On The Park
Leslie Jordan & dancer Jonnathan @ The Corner Pocket Bartenders Wayne & Robert welcome you to Oz
Phillip, Bunny & Jeffrey @ The Golden Lantern Rawhide monthly employee bar crawl @ Le Roundup
Bartender Bruce trapped like a dog @ Corner Pocket
Grant & Josh cocktailing @ Oz
The cast of Divas “R” Us @ The Golden Lantern
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Rawhide employee bar crawl @ Rawhide 2010
Je Suis Prêt “I AmReady” ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Jeff Palmquist, Jeremy Weinberg & courtesy John Breaux
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36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Feb. 11-24, 2014 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.COM Mardi