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ing Southern Decadence 2014, The Corner Pocket, New Orleans Friday, August 22nd... 10pm, Frankie Fierce presents TOGA 2000 Dance Party, benefiting Southern Decadence 2014 with DJ of by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain the Year JRB plus Toga Costume ConEmail: marsha@ripandmarsha.com test, benefiting Southern Decadence 2014, Four Seasons & Patio Stage Over 150,000 Expected for 43rd Southern Bar, Metairie Saturday, August 23rd... Decadence Boasting Largest Number of Sponsors 10:30pm, A Night of Illusions hosted in its History Aug. 27-Sept. 1 by Mr. Phoenix Leather Matthew Wow! It's almost here! The 43rd Annual Southern Decadence celebration of Birkhoff featuring Southern Decadence gay life, music and culture is expected to bring in over 150,000 participants Labor Grand Marshal XL Aubrey Synclaire Day Weekend, August 27-September 1. Some 100 events will celebrate the with performances by Nicole Du'Bois, holiday in New Orleans from mega stars to international DJs, porn stars, hot Sarina Styles, SDGMs XXXIX Venus dancers, and so much more. Check out pages 26 and 27 for the hottest acts, and Santiago & Tami Tarmac, plus many all of the ads throughout are sure to feature one of your favorite choices for more, benefiting Southern Decadence entertainment, shopping, dining or services. 2014, Bourbon Pub & Parade, New Eighteen official sponsors are Orleans already joining the efforts of SouthSunday, August 24th... ern Decadence Grand Marshals 2pm, 2014 Grand Marshal Drag XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas Brunch with Southern Decadence and Aubrey Synclaire. Other sponGrand Marshals XL Aubrey Synclaire, sorships are in the works. This Reba Douglas & Chad Boutte, plus the year Southern Decadence is preDivas, food, booze, raffles & more, all sented by Official SD Guide Ambenefiting Southern Decadence 2014, bush Mag, Official Website Official Home of Southern Decadence: SouthernDecadence.com, Official The Golden Lantern, New Orleans Home of Southern Decadence The . Thursday, August 28th... Golden Lantern, Oz New Orleans, 7-10pm, Official Southern Decaand new sponsor House of Blues. SDGMs XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas dence 2014 Kick-off VIP Gala hosted & Aubrey Synclaire Platinum Sponsors include by Southern Decadence Grand Mar(Photo © Rip Naquin) The Four Seasons & Patio Stage shals XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Bar, Harrah's (who will host the annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Aubrey Synclaire with open vodka bar, Luncheon-by invitation only), and new sponsors Gay Appreciation Awards, and hors d'oeuvres, special performances Official Drink of Southern Decadence Tropical Isle's Hand Grenade. & live auction, benefiting the official Gold Sponsors include Official Beer Bud Light, Official Vodka Skyy Vodka, charity, PFLAG New Orleans, advance Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, Lucky Pierre's, and 3rd Base Bar & Grill. tickets $50: http://hoblu.es/8v, $65 at Silver Sponsors includes GrandPre's, and new sponsor AllWays Lounge. the door, House of Blues New Orleans Bronze Sponsors include Phoenix/Knights d'Orleans, and 700 Club. Second Lining to Harrah's Funds raised minus expenses benefits this year's charity, PFLAG-New 9:30pm-3am, Harrah's New OrOrleans. Make a difference, and become a sponsor at one of four levels leans presents Southern Decadence including: Kickoff Party featuring music by DJ $5,000 Presenting (Large logo on all advertising & at Lady Bunny with special guest perforwww.SouthernDecadence.COM with hyperlink) mance by Jujubee, with special ap$2,500 Platinum (Logo on all advertising in the Platinum box & hyperlink at pearances by Southern Decadence www.SouthernDecadence.COM) Grand Marshals XL Chad Boutte, Reba $1,000 Gold (Logo on all advertising in the Gold box & hyperlink at Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire. $5 admiswww.SouthernDecadence.COM) sion with all door proceeds benefiting $500 Silver (Text listing on all advertising in the Silver box & hyperlink at the official charity, PFLAG New Orwww.SouthernDecadence.COM) leans. Advance tickets may be pur$250 Bronze (Text listing on all advertising in the Bronze box & hyperlink at chased at http://www.wantickets.com/ www.SouthernDecadence.COM) E v e n t s / Sponsorship forms available at www.southerndecadence.com/2014/ ShowEvent.aspx?eventId=164465. SouthernDecadenceSponsors.pdf. VIP reservations are available by calling 504.533.6673, Masquerade @ Raise More $$$ to Help Southern Decadence Harrah's New Orleans
the "official" dish
THE OFFICIAL MAG
Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide© Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© Official Gay New Orleans Guide© Official Pride 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 Frank Joseph 504.444.8327 Paul Melancon 504.522.8049 THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Frank Joseph, Charles Jenkins, Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkey, Frank Perez, 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
Friday, August 29th... 10pm,Annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Drag Show with [continued on 8]
Benefiting PFLAG-New Orleans You don't want to miss the upcoming fundraisers, and Southern Decadence weekend events. All funds raised minus expenses benefits Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas and Aubrey Synclaire's official SD charity PFLAG-New Orleans. The fundraisers and events are as follows: Friday, August 15th... 11pm, Southern Decadence Benefit hosted by Gia Malone & Frankie Fierce featuring SDGMs XL Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire plus Amaya, Bambi, Starr, Angel, Blaine, Twiggy & many more, with raffles & auctions, benefiting Southern Decadence 2014, Main Street Lounge, Houma Saturday, August 16th... 1pm, Southern Decadence Satur-
day Sister Social: Brunch & Jukebox Drag Show saluting SDGMs XL Reba Douglas, Aubrey Synclaire & Chad Boutte, benefiting Reba Douglas’ Parade Entourage Costumes, $5 donation, The Friendly Bar, New Orleans Sunday, August 17th... 10pm-12midnight, Southern Decadence Fundraiser featuring The Famous Corner Pocket Boys with giveaways, auction & 50/50 raffle, benefit-
Giant Southern Decadence Guide out August 26 >DEADLINE: Fri., August 15
inside
celebrazzi 6 trodding the boards 14 halloween xxxi 16 ambush paparazzi/new orleans 18 43rd official southern decadence 20 moments in gay new orleans history 24 a community within communities 24 mega stars @ southern decadence 26 sd: the whole gay weekend 27 classifieds 28-29
ambush paparazzi/new orleans under the gaydar mobile paparazzi gaa winners paparazzi wear it out gaa gala paparazzi
AD INFO: Call 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
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celebrazzi Board of Directors Teryl-Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Rip Naquin and Marsha Delain present the 27th Lifetime Achievement Award to Tommy Elias (center) bringing the 27th annual Gay Appreciation Awards Gala to a close at Oz New Orleans. Elias' dedication to the area community for over 20 years led to his selection. One hundred per cent of the evening's proceeds totalling $2,622 was raised for Southern Decadence 2014 benefiting PFLAG New Orleans, earning the GAA a Southern Decadence Platinum Sponsorship. VIP Table sales raised $1,200, the door $1,215, and stage performance tips $207. Ambush Mag is the proud sponsor of the awards which thanks those in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. Additional awards in 21 categories, voted on by the readership of Ambush Mag, were also presented at the gala. Since 1997, the GAA Gala has raised a whopping $51,731 for charity. (www.AmbushMag.com/ GAA) (Photo by Darwin Reed)
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XL Aubrey Synclaire and Chad Boutte, representing Southern Decadence 2014, presented both the Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year award to the Krewe of Amon-Ra and Circuit Party/Event of the Year award to SD 2013 at the 27th annual Gay Appreciation Awards Gala hosted at Oz New Orleans. (Photo by Darwin Reed)
Helene Berot, Persana Shoulders, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XL Chad Boutte, Rikki Redd and Golden Lantern's James Garner helped raise $133 for Southern Decadence 2014 at Voodoo Bar in New Orleans benefiting PFLAG NOLA. (Photo by Steven Mora)
Special guests Kookie Baker, and Mona Del Rose join bar baron Tip Varnadore, aka Electra City, for Johnny Passion's La Familia hosted at Neighborhood Bar of the Year Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar in Metairie. (Photo by Kurt Hebert)
GM Eric Kuzminski and bartender Jacob Duplantis welcome the Red Carpet Celebrity Bar Crawl to Rainbow Room right on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. (Photo by Paul Melancon)
Lafayette's Santana Pilar Andrews won the Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant at Splash in Baton Rouge. (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys)
B-Bob's show director Miss Cie welcomes Colt Studio's superstar Seth Fornea to the 6th annual Bleather Weekend in Mobile, Alabama.
New Mr. Phoenix Leather Matthew Birkhoff of Bourbon Pub & Parade fame is congratulated by 2013 Mr. Phoenix Leather Danny Kilbourn following stiff competition at The Phoenix in New Orleans. (Photo by Paul Melancon)
New Orleans own Gia GiaVanni won the Miss Gay Mississippi America pageant, with M’shay Victoria Foster taking 1st Alternate, and Venus Monroe 2nd Alternate. (Photo by Lance Schlosser)
The Smatch Game hosted by Lesbian of the Year Misti Ates was a hilarious evening as celebrities portrayed other celebrities bringing in $802 for Southern Decadence 2014 benefiting PFLAG New Orleans at AllWays Lounge, earning AllWays a Southern Decadence Silver Sponsorship. (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys)
Renegade Bears of Louisiana welcome guests to Steak Night at GrandPre’s in New Orleans. (Photo by Paul Melancon)
Thousands hit Bourbon Street for the 20th annual Red Dress Run spreading across the French Quarter and beyond. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
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the "official" dish ...from 4 SDGMs XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire, Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern Sunday, August 31st... 2pm, 40th Southern Decadence Parade led by SDGMs XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire begins @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern 4ish pm, 21st Annual Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by SDGMs XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire, hosted by Rip & Marsha, sponsored Ambush Mag & www.SouthernDecadence.COM, Ambush Mansion Balcony, 828 Bourbon St. (www.Facebook.com/SouthernDecadenceNOLA)
service in the AIDS arena]: NO/AIDS Task Force • Bitch of the Year: Princesse Stephaney • Show Club of the Year: Oz • Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award [play, chorus or theatrical group/no individuals]: New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus • Restaurant/Deli/Coffee House of the Year: Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli • Dance Club of the Year: Oz • Bartender of the Year: Ashlee Logan/The Corner Pocket • DJ of the Year: Jonathan "JRB" Reed • Leather Bar of the Year: Phoenix • Cheridon Comedy Award: Persana Shoulders • Fly Fashion Glamour Award: Aubrey Synclaire
22nd Oh What A Drag @ Bourbon Pub & Parade Aug. 18
Ambush Mag Brings 22 Winners to the Stage for 27th GAA Gala @ Oz; $2,622 Raised for SD All roads led to the 27th Annual Gay Appreciation Awards (GAA) Gala hosted at Oz New Orleans August 2nd. Presented by Ambush Mag, the festive evening was emceed by GAA Boards Lisa Beaumann and Teryl-Lynn Foxx. (www.AmbushMag.com/GAA) One hundred per cent of the evening's proceeds totalling $2,622 was raised for Southern Decadence 2014 benefiting PFLAG-New Orleans, earning the GAA a Southern Decadence Platinum Sponsorship. Since 1997, the GAA Gala has raised a whopping $51,731 for charity. The whole evening was in honor of Tommy Elias who received the prestigious 27th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award. Presented by the GAA Board, his acceptance speech was a moving rendition of his over 20 years in New Orleans society with special thanks to his partner of 20 years Carl Geleno. The Top 5 Finalist were announced in each of 21 categories, voted on by the Gulf South readership of Ambush Mag, and then the winner in that category. It was exciting with many new winners, and some repeating winners. Award winners included: • Circuit Party/Event of the Year: Southern Decadence 2013, • Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year: Krewe of Amon-Ra • Hair Salon of the Year: Fee & Art's Revival Studio • Neighborhood Bar of the Year: Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar • Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award [organization/individual doing outstanding
stage performance tips $207, for a grand total of $2,622. Past Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Jimmie Callaway, the late Dan Fountain (Betty Buttons), the late Andy Boudreaux, the late William "Buzzy" Fanning, the late Dirty Dottie, the late Miss Fury, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, the late Dan Romero, the late Miss Do, the late Louise McFarland, the late Dixie Fasnacht, the late Alice Brady and the late John Dodt, Gene Adams, the late Charlene Schneider, the late Steve Mettner, Marty Curtin & Koo Gaffney, the late Donald "Donnie Jay" James, the late Kitty Blackwell, Michael "Fish" Hickerson, the late Marcy Marcell, Mary L. Lathouwers, Don Evans, Jean Redmann, Chuck Turner and Bill Miller, Regina Adams, and Mina Hernandez. The awards thanks those in the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community who are often not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the LGBT Community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today. The Board of Directors includes Lisa Beaumann, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, and Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain.
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Tommy Elias (Photo by Rip Naquin) • LGBT Business of the Year [no bars/restaurants/delis/hair salons]: Crescent City Tour Booking Agency • Leather Person of the Year: ADKus Supps • Transgender of the Year: Chi-Chi Rodriquez • Lesbian of the Year: Misti Ates • Gay Man of the Year: Tommy Elias • Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year: [female/male impersonator/drag star or entertainer]: Gia GiaVanni The production presentations by each of the Top 5 Show Club of the Year Finalist Bourbon Pub & Parade, Corner Pocket, Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Golden Lantern, and Oz were incredible. And last year's Entertainer of the Year Monique Michaels was a show stopper with her rendition of Whitney Houston. Special thanks to the VIP Table donors: Frank Perez and Paul Cassella, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, The Corner Pocket, Todd Blauvelt, Larry Anderson and Michael Boulas, and The Golden Lantern raising $1,200 for the gala. The door brought $1,215, and
The 22nd Annual Oh What A Drag turnabout show is set for Monday, August 18th, 9pm, at Bourbon Pub & Parade, 801 Bourbon Street. This year's theme is "Studio69-A Night at the Disco: A Night of Transformation" benefiting Food For Friends. Emceed by Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XL Aubrey Synclaire and Miss Gay Vieux Carre America Lady Danisha Andrews, you will see your fav employees, bartenders and performers on stage. There's also a live and silent auction, and 50/50 raffle.
Mr. Gay USA Damien Rodgers heads to Rome for 6th Mr. Gay World New York, NY - This year’s Mr. Gay USA winner Damien Rodgers is preparing to travel to the ‘eternal city’ of Europe, there to compete with delegates from 31 other countries in the sixth annual Mr. Gay World competition, August 24 - 31. Mr. Gay World is a global competition created to inspire and empower gay men to come together in a public performance that shows the world that being gay encompasses a broad spectrum. In addition to showcasing inward beauty, physical appearance, leadership, and confidence, Mr. Gay World helps to bring the experiences of these international young men into the public’s eyes, and reminds us all that - in many [continued on 10]
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the "official dish" ...from 8 regions of our world - being gay is still a challenge and a fight for basic human rights. By seeking the Mr. Gay World title, Rodgers wants to become a global ambassador for LGBT rights. Already an active voice for the LGBT community and HIV awareness here in the United States, the 2014 Mr. Gay USA winner hopes to join the previous world title holders from Ireland, South Africa, and New Zealand as role models for young gay men everywhere. “My ultimate goal is to add LGBT+ history and information into the educational system for the advancement and understanding of the community as a whole,” says Rodgers. “I want to match available resources with the needs in the global community, and make sure that my LGBT brothers and sisters don’t have
to hide in the shadows and fear for their lives just to be who they are.” This year the following countries are taking part: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Namibia, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Syria, United Kingdom, USA, and Venezuela. Some of the challenges the competing delegates will face are a written test, a photo session, a sports challenge, a swimwear competition, an online popular vote, an art challenge, a speech, and a strenuous ‘job interview,’ all in front of seven judges from around the world. This year’s Mr. Gay World events are being hosted in Rome, Italy by Gay Village, the city’s biggest and longestrunning LGBT culture and entertainment organization. “Our 13-year experience in entertaining people and smiling all the way through the fight for our rights will surprise the delegates in a positive way and make them proud,” Gaia Logan, Executive Producer of Mr. Gay World 2014 states. “We are sure their days with us will be the best time they can have in Rome and we will do our best to make this happen.” Damien Rodgers is currently seeking corporate sponsorship for his participation in the international competition and - if his bid to win is successful - for his year as Mr. Gay World. You can follow Rodgers’ journey
through the competition on Twitter and Instagram @damiendrodgers - and you can vote for him on the official Mr. Gay World website at www.mrgayworld.com/vote.
Decadent Ducks Raise Funds for HIV/ AIDS Organization Food For Friends Step right up, ladies and gentlemen! May I direct your attention to the center ring? The Decadent Ducks will return to the French Quarter over Southern Decadence weekend for their 17th year of revelry. The Ducks, led by “Ringmaster” Troy Richardson, comprise a LGBT travel and social network with over 3,000 members internationally - 450 of them coming to Decadence this year. Again this year, Decadent Ducks will hold a series of raffle drawings to benefit the Food For Friends Program of NO/AIDS Task Force. Food For Friends has been supplying groceries and home-delivered meals to HIV-infected and -affected individuals in the greater New Orleans area for over 16 years. Decadent Ducks donates 100% of the proceeds from these raffles to Food For Friends. It’s the Ducks’ way of thanking the people of New Orleans for its generous hospitality. Last year, the generosity of Ducks raised over $10,000, setting a new record for the group. Decadent Ducks have raised over $25,000 for the charity since starting fundraising in 2009. “The people of New Orleans have always welcomed us with open arms and treated us well,” Richardson explains. “I can’t stress enough how important that is, especially in this day and age, when the gay community seems to be under attack so often. That means a lot. We’re very grateful to this wonderful city, and very pleased for the opportunity to give something back.” Among the many prizes this year are two round-trip airfare tickets, courtesy of corporate sponsor Southwest Airlines, and free nights accommodations at many hotels and inns that have donated across the country such as The Grand Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale. Advance purchase raffle tickets are 10 for $20 and may be purchased on the Decadent Ducks website at www.DecadentDucksNewOrleans.com. More than just a travel group, the Decadent Ducks have evolved into a close network of friends from all over the world, and they credit New Orleans for fostering and inspiring their spirit of camaraderie and friendship. Returning members enjoy the occasion to reunite, and new members appreciate the efforts made to welcome them into [continued on 12]
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the "official" dish ...from 10 the group and forge new friendships. All Decadent Duck members enjoy exclusive access to events such as Segway tours, French wine tastings, rum distillery tours, New Orleans cooking demonstrations, 5-star dining and several cocktail and pool parties. All of these events and member benefits are delivered by Decadent Ducks’ team of professionals, with the goal of firstclass service in mind. No other organization does more for its guests in New Orleans during Southern Decadence. Last year surpassed all attendance records, thanks in no small part to the picture-perfect weather. “After several hurricane-plagued years, Southern Decadence is back and bigger than ever,” Richardson says, with a smile. “2013 proved to be one of the best event weekends ever. The anticipation has been building all year. We sold out of our hotel accommodations in February, shattering our own record. And Mother Nature appears to be cooperating once again this year. We can’t wait to get back!” To learn more about the Decadent Ducks or Food For Friends, visit the official website at www.decadentducksneworleans.com.
Mr. Louisiana Leather Aug. 30 Southern Decadence 2014 will bring this year’s Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest to Mags 940. Set for Saturday, August 30 at 10pm, you’ll want to come see the hottest Gulf Coast leathermen compete in the Lords of Leather annual event. Open to all males 21 years of age and older, this contest has been held since 1989. The title is nationally recognized and acknowledged by the leather community worldwide and the winner of this contest is eligible to compete in Mr. International Leather (IML) in Chicago in May 2015. Judging will be based on the following criteria: interview, street wear. jockstrap, and speech – a 90 second platform of leather ideals, goal and objectives. Medallions, a trophy and cash awards are presented to the winner and first runner-up. The winner receives a custom studded leather sash, an engraved medallion and cash toward expenses to compete at IML. The winner is encouraged to participate in Lords of Leather events in 2014/2015. The actual contest is part of a series of events to be held during Decadence this year. On Friday, August 29 a Leather Block Party will be held outside the Phoenix from 9pm until 2am with the contestants being introduced to the crowd at 10:30pm. Contestant interviews will be held during the day on Saturday, August 30. The krewe will also sponsor a “Decadent Behavior” Party Saturday at the
Phoenix from 6 – 9pm. The Block Party will again be held from 9pm until 2am with the Lords hosting $10 all-youcan-swallow Beer Busts each night. Then on Sunday, August 31 the Lords will host a Pre-Southern Decadence Parade Social at Mags 940 at noon before proceeding to Royal Street to view and/or walk in the parade. For an application or to get more information please contact Lord Pat Johnson at 985.687.7380 or Lord Jim Tideman at jamestideman.ids@gmail.com.
Jazz in the Park Returns Sept. 4-Oct. 30 Jazz in the Park returns for nine straight weeks this fall, running from September 4th to October 30th, with a stellar roster of New Orleans music that features Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, Los Hombres Caliente, Stephanie Jordan, Corey Henry and the Treme Funktett, Shamarr Allen and the Underdogs, Jon Cleary, and Nigel Hall and his Congregation, to name a few. The hours of Jazz in the Park are now 4pm to 8pm at Armstong Park adjacent to the French Quarter on N. Rampart Street. This season will probably be the best season ever, because it will incorporate high school marching bands into the weekly series at our Congo Kids Stage at Jazz in the Park and parade around the park during intermission breaks. Schools like Warren Easton, Landry Walker, Roots of Music and Sophie B. Wright to name a few will fit into the fun atmosphere that already exist at Jazz in the Park. Second lines are once again a welcome and integral part of the Jazz in the Park experience, and each week the Sudan Social Aid and Pleasure Club and One Sound Brass Band will strut their stuff. The second lines start at 4pm, this initiative is possible thanks to the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, who along with the People United for Armstrong Park, have a vested interest in the preservation and continued growth of New Orleans culture. In addition to the rich music on the main stage, marching bands on the Kids Stage and second line parades throughout the park, Jazz in the Park will also highlight New Orleans’ newest tradition by spotlighting a different “dance troupe” each week during the set changes between bands. Groups like “The Star Steppin Cosmnaughties” and the “Organ Grinders” will thrill our guests so there is never a dull moment. Besides the music there are seventeen food vendors that serve some of the city’s best food and eighteen art and craft vendors offering original, handcrafted items for sale. As in previous seasons, the Marketplace at Armstrong Park, in cooperation with the Institute of Community Development, opens at 3pm and is
available for food and grocery purchases until 8pm. A kids’ craft and play area is available to offer enrichment activities and fun while families attend the Jazz in the Park shows. There is a spacewalk, and a face-painting artist also will be on hand. "Jazz in the Park is New Orleans most significant weekly cultural program and it so much more than just a concert series. Jazz in the Park also serves as an economic engine to the Treme neighborhood, through direct mentorship, we have trained 20 at-risk individuals (formerly incarcerated, unemployed, current/former public housing clients) in event production through our Production Training program (EPT). Each season, these individuals are engaged for an average of 10 hours a week at $10/hour to shadow and train under our professional event staff. Each successive season we are able to retain 60-70% of our trainees as paid event staff. A deliberate effort has been made by PUfAP to involve members of the Iberville, Lafitte, Treme and 7th Ward communities surrounding Armstrong Park, though we are open to anyone who will work hard, is a team player and is willing to learn. To date, we have successfully partnered with the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO), Urban Strategies, and their affiliates who refer individuals to us who are willing, able, and in need of training and employment." Jazz in the Park got its start in the spring of 2012, with seven free concerts that featured the likes of Kermit Ruffins, James Andrews, Glen David Andrews, David and Russell Batiste, Allen Toussaint, Leo Nocentelli and The Meters Experience, Bo Dollis and The Wild Magnolias. The fall 2012 series continued this tradition of incredible music and entertainment in a familyfriendly, neighborhood-oriented setting with Big Sam’s Funky Nation, The Renard Poche Band, The Stooges Brass Band, Stephanie Jordan, The Treme Brass Band, Rockin’ Dopsie, Jr., Jamal Batiste, The Soul Rebels, MyNameisJohnMichael, John Boutte, Charmaine Neville, Russell Batiste & Jason Neville, and Corey Henry and Treme Funktet. Treme Funktet’s performance produced a spontaneous and explosive collaboration onstage with James Andrews and Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews that was one of the season’s highlights. Jazz in the Park is made possible by the support of the NOLA Brewing Company, which has been with the series from the very beginning. The series is proud to be sponsored by The American Music Research Foundation, the City of New Orleans, the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic, New Orleans Ice Cream, C&G Construction, Basin Street Foundation, and Positive Vibrations. The People United for Armstrong Park is a volunteer-based 501(c)3 non-
profit organization that led the community effort to re-open Armstrong Park. Its primary work focuses on coordinating and collaborating with individuals and institutions to catalyze Armstrong Park into a premier hub for the city’s cultural economy. It aims to connect individuals in the community to their culture and history by establishing the park as a nurturing, living environment for the arts, and provide opportunities to ensure their success and accomplishments in their chosen craft. Please visit www.armstrongpark.org for more information.
Hidden Treasures: Restaurants Edition Join Friends of the Cabildo as the Louisiana State Museum’s impressive collection of menus, cookbooks and restaurant artifacts are examined for an exclusive behind-thescenes viewing September 2nd and 4th in New Orleans. Sarah-Elizabeth Gundlach, Curator of Maps and Manuscripts, and Greg Lambousy, Director of Collections for the Louisiana State Museum, will guide guests through the collection from restaurants such as Galatoire’s, Antoine’s and Commanders Palace. The tours take place Tuesday and Thursday, September 2nd and 4th at 6pm and 7pm, nightly, at the Old U.S. Mint, located at 400 Esplanade Avenue. Cost is $20 per person, or $15 for Friends of the Cabildo/Louisiana Museum Foundation members. Reservations are required, and space is extremely limited. To reserve your space, please contact Kaydee Nenninger at 504.523.3939.
NOLA Leather to Geaux set for Oct. 17-19 “NOLA Leather to Geaux,” a leather weekend in New Orleans is set for October 17-19. Leather folk will have the unique experience of being out and about in this fun-loving and permissive city. There's drinking and mingling in the streets with “to go” cups in hand, as well as frolicking in the dark spaces in the bars, all the while dressed in leather and/or gear. The weekend’s host hotel is the Olde Town Inn at 2311 N. Rampart St., and it is only 1 block from one of the great leather bars in New Orleans: Leather Bar of the Year-The Phoenix Bar with the dimly lit Eagle upstairs. "We will have the whole hotel reserved for our leather family with a special room rate of $135/couple per night and $10 for each additional person. There are only 36 rooms available so they will sell out fast. To make your hotel reservation for the weekend, please call the Olde Town Inn at 1.800.209.9408 and make sure to mention that you’re part of the “NOLA Leather to Geaux” event. For more information, visit: http:// nolaleathertogeaux.wordpress.com/.
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
On the Road: Pittsburgh If you’re in the mood for a quick summer getaway, but don’t want to feel like you’ve left New Orleans entirely, you might want to head north to Pittsburgh. ”Pittsburgh? The Steel City?,” you ask. Well, that was then. Now it’s the “Tech City” or “Medical Research City” or “Corporate Headquarters City.” Despite a population smaller than New Orleans. Like NOLA, however, it’s a city that loves its sports teams, its food and its art. Once scruffy neighborhoods are being transformed, gentrified some might say, with amazing speed like our own Bywater. And it has the most bars per capita in the U.S. Who knew? With less must-see venues than NOLA, and despite a spread out—and HILLY— layout, Pittsburgh’s highlights can be enjoyed over a long weekend. A fairly good transportation system connects the city’s many neighborhoods and LOTS of bridges allow you to traverse the Three Rivers, especially the Allegheny, that give Pittsburgh one of its nicknames. Here are some things to check out: Museums I often judge a city by what can be seen at its major museums and my first impressions of the Carnegie Museum of Art (CMA) were none too good. Just off the entrance, I wandered into a large room of plaster casts of classical and European statues and structures. Industrialist and founder Andrew Carnegie, a frugal Scot, thought copies were better than nothing for poor art students. Perhaps, but it seemed a bit tacky. Heading upstairs, the first few galleries were a mishmosh of paintings, furniture, sculpture, decorative arts, armor, and religious art from 1150-1600. There was a nice Franz Hals portrait and some interesting pre-Raphaelite works, but overall, eh. Then I got to Gallery 6 and my eyes widened as I took in a dozen or so Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Turns out that ever-economical Carnegie passed over acquiring expensive Old Master works in favor of more reasonably priced ones by contemporaries of his. The Museum also wisely bought works that were displayed in the Carnegie International, the oldest North American exhibition of contemporary art, which began in 1896. So here you have one of the very last works that Van Gogh created. There you see a nearly 20-foot long Monet Water Lilies. A stunning Whistler portrait of noted violinist Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908) is enriched by recordings he made that play in the gallery. There are other outstanding works by Renoir, Munch and Signac. Moving across the Atlantic, Americans are well-represented with superb paintings by Sargent, Homer, O’Keefe, Hartley, and two by Edward Hopper, including the first painting he ever sold, Sailing from 1911. The collection continues with more modern works by Alex Katz, David Salle, Nam June Paik, and a fabulous portrait of Divine by David Hockney, before heading into challenging—and terrific—contempo-
rary art. My favorite? Diane Arbus A Printed Retrospective, 1960-1971, a large installation from 2008 by Pierre Leguillon which includes the original pages of all the magazines that featured Arbus’ images including an 8-month-old Anderson Cooper. The CMA is connected to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. By all means, check out the large dioramas of African and North American wildlife, as impressive as those in New York City’s Museum of Natural History without the mustiness. But pride of place goes to the Dinosaurs in Their Time exhibit in the Dinosaur Hall which presents actively posed original fossils of such marquee names as brontosaurus, stegosaurus and the fierce Tyrannosaurus rex among others. With excellent display signage, you really get a sense of what life was like when these critters roamed the earth. On the other side of the Allegheny River, is a museum dedicated to someone who, though he’s been gone for 27 years, still rules the planet. The Andy Warhol Museum celebrates Pittsburgh’s native son who was the world’s biggest seller at art auctions in 2012. The Warhol was actually the catalyst for my visit to Pittsburgh. The museum’s current special exhibit is Halston and Warhol: Silver and Suede (through August 24); my mother worked for Halston in the 1980s so seeing it was like a trip down memory lane. Halston and Warhol does a phenomenal job examining the interconnected lives and creative practices of these two American icons who had a profound impact on 20th century art and fashion. They were born around the same time and descended on NYC within eight years of each other as ambitious young men. The exhibition details how the two of them began by traveling in overlapping circles which developed into collaboration, friendship and great support for each other. I vividly recall seeing Warhol in Halston’s Olympic Tower offices when I would go visit my Mom during in-house fashion shows. This unique opportunity offers a generous selection of Halston gowns and dresses on display along with other memorabilia and videos. As for the rest of the Museum, well, suffice to say I’ve had my fill of Liz’s and Jackie’s and Elvis’s. Watching Debbie Harry in a clip from the Andy Warhol’s Fifteen Minutes TV show was fun and there’s lots of interesting stuff from Warhol’s early days through the wild 1960’s and ’70s, but what I found most appealing were his later works, such as the large-scale Eggs and Camouflage and his collaborations with JeanMichel Basquiat and Keith Haring, which I was unfamiliar with. Most moving of all were works from his Last Supper painting series, exhibited in a Milan gallery across the street from da Vinci’s mural shortly before Warhol’s death in 1987. In these, I detected a gravitas and emotional engagement absent in most of the rest of the canon. Or maybe that was
just Leonardo poking through. In any case, Warhol’s Silver Cloud balloons are always a kick to play with. There are other museums in Pittsburgh (The Frick Art and Historical Center, Heinz History Center, etc. ), but you might want to make the 90-minute drive to two museum-houses designed by that most famous of American architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. Fallingwater, with its cantilevered design, is the more famous one, but I preferred Kentuck Knob, a homey hexagonal structure I had never heard of before my trip. Department store owner Edgar Kaufmann Sr. and his wife had wanted a “rustic country cabin in the woods,” a simple weekend getaway where they could reconnect with nature. Commissioning Wright in 1935, they got more than they bargained for. Integrated into its natural setting, with a boulder that comes into the living room and the sound of Bear Run’s water everpresent, Fallingwater is indeed spectacular. Yet with half of its space used for terraces and only half of it used for interiors, frankly, I wouldn’t’ve minded a little more indoor space. And higher ceilings. By try arguing with Wright. Yeah, right. Tours leave regularly from the stylish Visitor Center with its informative displays. Different guides seem to give different stories. I had adorable Joshua, a college student, who knew his stuff inside-out. (Not sure who’s in charge of the official spiel but a mention of Edgar Kaufmann Jr., who donated the property to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, being gay would’ve been nice. After all, his longtime colleague and companion, Paul Mayen, designed the visitors’ pavilion.) Currently, the guest bedroom has been stripped down to the walls to assess the status of its structure; while this is done every winter, the decision was made to leave it like that for the 2014 tourist season. If you want to see what it looked like when Albert Einstein and Frida Kahlo stayed there, guess you’ll have to come back next year. I wouldn’t mind returning to Kentuck Knob, about seven miles from Fallingwater. Built into the hillside in the mid-1950s for the Hagans, friends of the Kaufmanns, it is one of Wright’s small, theoretically affordable Usonian homes featuring a hexagonal grid and triangles throughout the house’s design. Its spaciousness and utilitarian aspects (including its gorgeous modern kitchen) partly reflects changes in Wright’s approach from when Fallingwater was built and partly what Mrs. Hagan wanted. Made of sandstone and cypress and with fantastic views of the surrounding area, Kentuck Knob is now owned by British developer Lord Palumbo who bought it in 1986 for $600,000 (original cost— $96,000). It has been open to the public since 1996, though the Lord regularly visits, adding to the collection of small sculptures on his desk; you can also see photos of him with Queen Elizabeth II and Pres. Obama, Lady Diana and Margaret Thatcher. Hopefully, next time I visit Kentuck Knob, the sun will be out so I can stroll from the home back to the entrance via the 44piece-strong sculpture garden that Lord Palumbo has assembled. Or, better yet, maybe he’ll invite me to dinner. Other Sites in Pittsburgh Not far from the Carnegie Museums is the University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, the tallest educational building
in the Western hemisphere and the second tallest Gothic-styled building in the world. It has an awesome interior, great views from the 36th floor, and 29 Nationality Rooms, a series of working classrooms each designed to celebrate a different culture that has had an influence on Pittsburgh’s growth. Across the way, the beautiful Heinz Chapel was a gift of Henry John Heinz, founder of the H.J. Heinz Company, who wanted to pay tribute to his mother with a building at the University of Pittsburgh. Its stained glass windows honor a variety of people, religious and secular. If you can’t attend a service there, maybe you’ll be fortunate as I was and hear the organist practicing. A short walk takes you to the lovely Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Don’t tell anyone, but somebody left the doors unlocked allowing me and some pals to visit the wondrous Orchid Room and Butterfly Forest after hours. Downtown, all within walking distance, are the imposing, Romanesque Revivalstyled Allegheny County Courthouse; the ornate, Flemish-Gothic Union Trust Building; and Philip Johnson’s neo-gothic, ultra-modern PPG Place. Nearby, in Point State Park, you can see where the Allegheny joins the Monongahela to form the Ohio River. There’s also the Fort Pitt Block House, all that remains of a large British fort built in 1764. If you’re heading to the North Shore to visit the Warhol Museum or watch the Pirates play in PNC Park, you can walk over the Roberto Clemente (6th St.), the Andy Warhol (7th St.) or the Rachel Carson (9th St.) Bridge, each named to honor someone with strong ties to the city. Pittsburgh’s Gay Scene Pittsburgh doesn’t really have one central gay spot. There are about four bars in the downtown area but they seem to cater mostly, though not exclusively, to tourists. Ellsworth Avenue in the Shadyside neighborhood is another destination area. My friend took me a couple of times to 5801 (officially 5801 Video Lounge and Café at 5801 (duh) Ellsworth Ave.). It’s a fairly large space with two bars, a dance floor, pool table, and a deck which was packed on a Sunday afternoon. Food is served and, while I didn’t have any, it looked good; certainly the cast of a local production of Hairspray was wolfing it down post-show. The crowd is friendly and handsome bartender Brett in the front astounded me— having met me once on Thursday, he still remembered my name on Sunday. He’s the best! Near 5801 is SPIN Bartini & Ultra Lounge with its chic decor and hunky bartenders behind the bar. Harris Grill, a gay-friendly restaurant features a tasty, casual menu and has a very accommodating staff; I especially liked the sliders that had meat, a pierogi and some other goodies on each. And Richard Parsakian’s Eons (5850 Ellsworth Ave.) is the go-to shop for all your vintage clothing needs. But the Pittsburgh scene seems to be more about parties and I was fortunate to be invited to the Honcho Invades the Mansion 12-hour pool party which was held at this to-die-for three-story residence on a South Shore mountain with a view of the entire city—FABULOUS! Bro Club, a monthly themed dance party, followed at Brillobox, a dive bar that would fit in well in the Marigny. July’s motif was Baywatch complete with videos and drag performances. Three hours flew by. I’m already looking forward to my next invitation to Pittsburgh.
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Special guests Kookie Baker, Mona Del Rose & Monique Michaels join La Familia host Johnny Passion @ Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar in Metairie
The infamous pool party @ the Roget Estate in LaPlace Dillon on the bar @ The Corner Pocket
New dancer Colt direct from Rainbow Room on Bourbon Street
The Del Rose Variety Hour debut starring Mona Del Rose @ Tulane Avenue Bar
Four-handed Mac has you covered @ Cutter’s for the Saints games
Marsha, Darwin & Opal join good friend John Vignone @ GrandPre’s
Chiva & Peter @ Golden Lantern
Adrien, Denny, Jessie & manager Ben join Kafe Karaoke @ Lafitte’s
A butch Wilma Ballsdrop @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
”Under the Big Top” with SDGM XL Chad & the boys in the Freak’Em Friday Side Show @ Voodoo benefiting SD
Drunken Karaoke MC Darrius & bartender Frankie @ GrandPre’s
Celebrating @ Armeinius-Lords of Leather Den Party Mr. Phoenix Leather Contestants Kevin Troller, Matthew Birkhoff, Michael Byrd & Caleb Engen
Electra City portrays Reba Douglas in The Smatch Game benefiting SD @ AllWays
Brittney & Connie Hung @ Oz Wednesday Show Night
Cha Cha, Danny, Steven & Mark @ Rawhide Meat Night
Mike & JR @ Good Friends Bar
RePurposing NOLA Party during White Linen Night
Red Carpet Celebrity Bar Crawl working the pole @ Rainbow Room
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La Scène Sociale (The Social Scene) ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Kurt Hebert, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Hubert S Monkeys, Steven Mora
ambush
paparazzi
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T
he Members of the Board of the William J. Fanning Foundation wish to announce the dissolution of “Buzzy’s Boys and Girls.” After over twenty years, we consider the task we originally set ourselves accomplished and wish to pass the torch to other agencies, such as those to which we have donated our remaining funds. We were founded by Rodney Manko, Joyce Alberts, and Brian Eschette in 1992 to carry on the work of Buzzy Fanning after his death. At that time, an HIV diagnosis was almost always terminal, and we strove to render emergency assistance to those afflicted, especially those at Charity Hospital and then Project Lazarus, Belle Reve, NO/AIDS Task Force, and Children’s Hospital; we particularly wanted to help those whose expenses were not covered by other sources, to help those who “fell through the cracks.” We were an allvolunteer organization that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars with almost no overhead or expenses, and these were largely paid out of our own pockets. Thus, virtually every dime raised went to needy clients. The Board members have voted to distribute our remaining funds among the following agencies: Belle Reve, In This Together, and the F.A.C.E.S. program. With full hearts and many fond memories, we wish to thank all of our supporters, volunteers, and former board members, living and deceased. We apologize to those we may have overlooked. Here is a partial list of key supporters: Joyce Alberts Rolando Afre Rick Baxter Family Alice Brady Rip & Marsha/Ambush Big Daddy’s Billy Alexander Roger Chustz Clark Sonntag Double Play Paul Chiriaco/Mag’s Cafe Lafitte in Exile Cutter’s Bar Rusty Downing Regina Adams Don Dubay El Day New Orleans Bear and Bear Trappers Feelings Cafe Friday Night Before Mardi Gras
Pat Skelly Sylvia Frank Winifred Green Michael Hickerson Danny Jones Joe Johnson Jimmy Kilgour Krewe of Amon-Ra Krewe of Petronius Krewe of Satyricon Lords of Leather Melvin Knight Marcy Marcell Ursuline Burgundy Jamie and Jen Midgely Princesse Stephaney The Friendly Bar Frankie Fierce/Oz Joanne & Lisa/Kajun's Pub Pat Faucheux The Phoenix
Tony Fontenot Alan Lombard Dave Monroe John Otterson Chet Robin Richard Thomson TJX Foundation Dottie Martino Jim West Paul Poche Richard Traube Krewe of Armeinius Dave Monroe Kyle Roberts Four Seasons/Gary & Tip Chuck & Bill Debbie Rulh Mike Edwards Stephany Prunty Wilhemina Eddie Lovell/Walmart Ken Grandpre
With warmest thanks from the Board, Rodney Manko, Chair Steve Tregres, Treasurer Barbara Gaffney, Secretary Martha Curtin, ex-Treasurer Wayde Brantley
Sam Burgess Michael Desjardins Inge Fink Todd Scurto J. Kelley Terry
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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
“Book Review: Man of a Million Fragments The True Story of Clay Shaw” Man of a Million Fragments The True Story of Clay Shaw. Donald H. Carpenter. Self-published. 2014. 669 pages. Clay Shaw was one of the most fascinating and influential gay men in Twentieth Century New Orleans. Although he is remembered mostly now as having been the only man ever charged and brought to trial in the John F. Kennedy assassination, Shaw was also a successful businessman, a decorated war hero, an accomplished playwright and actor, and a French Quarter preservationist. Clay Shaw has long deserved a full length biography. Finally, Donald H. Carpenter has given us one. The first thing one notices about the book is its length—669 pages. The author has done an amazing job of researching Shaw’s life (there are 2,966 endnotes). While Shaw has been written about before, most of those treatments are found in the formidable body of conspiracy theory literature surrounding the Kennedy assassination. Unlike most JFK conspiracy theorists, Carpenter has adopted a solidly academic approach to his subject and has apparently exhausted every primary source document concerning Shaw’s life. Unfortunately, exhaustive research does not necessarily translate into accessible writing. As is, the book is burdened with entirely too much detail, including a tedious 236 pages detailing the day to day operations of the World Trade Mart (yawn), which Shaw managed. This is unfortunate because many readers may give up on the book in the middle of that morass. The book would have benefitted from a professional editor, who doubtlessly would have suggested the book be cut by a third and perhaps even half. Nevertheless, the first section of the book which deals with Shaw’s early life is fascinating and offers important insights into Shaw’s success as a playwright and his work with Le Petite Theatre, as well as his time in New York. The book also offers a glimpse into an often neglected aspect of Shaw’s life—his intriguing military career. JFK assassination buffs will devour the last part of the book which constitutes an incredibly detailed account of Jim Garrison’s investigation and prosecution of Shaw. Future researchers will find a goldmine of information in this book; however, they will also be maddeningly frustrated to discover the book contains no index. (The horror!)
Stylistically, the book is dry and consists of a long summary of chronological facts concerning Shaw’s life, career, and notoriety. And while there is a wealth of good information included, a compelling narrative of Shaw’s life never quite emerges. The man himself is smothered by an overabundance of minutiae. This is perhaps the book’s primary flaw—the reader never really gets beyond the surface of the man. Sure, there are interesting and juicy anecdotes about Shaw, but they merely illustrate what is already known about Shaw—that he was graceful and intelligent, that he was charming and successful, that he was gay and into sadomasochism. Larger questions, questions that cut to the core of who Shaw really was and what motivated him, are not dealt with. For example, Shaw was very chummy with long-time mayor Chep Morrison yet the book never addresses Shaw’s attitude toward Morrison’s wellknown homophobia. How did Shaw handle that? Did Shaw ever try to use his influence with the Mayor to curb the city’s aggressive persecution of gay folk? Why or why not? The same can be said about Jim Garrison. The author does make a few passing references to Garrison’s closeted homosexuality and briefly discusses the allegations that Garrison molested a boy at the New Orleans Athletic Club but these issues are never fully analyzed or evaluated. For those interested in gay history, the book does yield some interesting insights into Shaw’s private sexual life and a few of his lovers. It also details Gene Davis’ role in the Garrison investigation. Davis, a dubious figure who owned the notorious Wanda’s, would later figure prominently in the story of the Up Stairs Lounge fire. There is also a passing reference to a Turkish Bath House on Canal Street that was apparently frequented by gay men. Readers should be aware that in several places, the author seems to conflate Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop with Café Lafitte (and later Café Lafitte in Exile). The building that now houses the Blacksmith Shop was originally Café Lafitte (opened in 1933) until that bar moved to the next corner in 1953 and became Café Lafitte in Exile. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop did not open until 1958 (No, it’s not the oldest bar in America). The best way to approach this book is to think of it as three books: Shaw’s early life, his work with the
Trade Mart, and Jim Garrison’s persecution of him. Those interested in Shaw the man will enjoy the first part of the book. JFK assassination buffs will enjoy the last part of the book. Most readers, I suspect, will skim through or skip the middle of the book.
Donald H. Carpenter is from Baton Rouge and graduated from Kennesaw State University in Georgia. He worked for 25 years as a certified public accountant (CPA) in Atlanta and Nashville and has written a number of novels.
a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
“Yes Lynette there is a God” The following is a recent email from a parishioner who agreed to allow me to share her thoughts in a book I intend to write. But her dilemma, her challenges, her feelings are something that many share at any given time in their life. When bad things happen to good people what is going on? Instead of reading this and recalling the specifics recall her feelings and thoughts. To set the stage the person who wrote this is a Black woman from an extended family. She works very hard, attends church regularly, and is a surrogate mother for grandchildren. Her income is OK but not great. Mentioned below is “Johnny” who is early teens, shy, and very very gifted in his musical talents. In my response you will hear about “Lil” who is a drop dead knockout gorgeous young woman who has just hit 20 years old and has had struggle after struggle to get her life in order. She speaks with almost a whisper and wants so badly to be independent yet she is naive and fragile in so many ways. The parishioner we shall call Lynette. So, Lynette writes: My Daughter received notice yesterday that her whole department was being laid off effective 08/28/14. She was so depressed and neurotic that she comprehended nothing I was telling her. She tried to commit suicide by taking a bottle of Tylenols. After making her throw up and eating carbs to absorb the poisoning, she came around. She spoke with her therapist and went to sleep. She’s having a hard time paying her rent; I borrowed money from my 401k to get school supplies and uniforms, food for 2 houses. Johnny, my grandson, may have to go to public school, it would be cheaper if she moved back in w/me, but I don’t like my daughter. I love her dearly would kill for her but I don’t like her ways, and we always butt heads. I just don’t know any more. When things are looking up something always come to destroy the atmosphere. The older I get the harder it’s getting. Is there really a God, if so why so many complication. It appears people who don’t give a damn have such an easy life. Maybe it is just me and my family. MY RESPONSE: Yes, there is a God. Yes, it appears that people who don’t give a damn have such an easy life. Appears is the secret word, believe me. If you travel to Mandeville, LA, for instance, you see some of the nicest homes. Most of the people are well dressed, often designer wear; they eat out a lot in good restaurants. Virtually all of their children are college bound. Mothers that are not professionals working in offices tend to be in the gym working out, playing golf with a group of friends, or doing service work in the community.
The men folk drive nice cars; many of these households have three cars: one for Dad, one for Mom, and one for the eldest child. Basically it is a charmed life. Now pull back the veneer. Dad is having an affair and drinks too much, Mom is neurotic with feelings of profound depression and thoughts of suicide, the kids started doing drugs in Junior high and for fun steal stuff from local stores for the rush. St. Tammany has one of the highest Teen suicide rates in Louisiana. Appearances are what people want to show you not what really is. Take you for example. You are quiet and a bit shy in some ways. So people in the church see you and often Kathy and think everything is fine. Good church women who knows maybe partners. It does not go much further than that. Appearances...yea...they show only what we want people to see. And yes there is a living God. You and I both know the answer is yes but sometimes circumstances make us wonder. Why because it appears that God is not fixing “it” for us. That free will thing is a bitch. The prime relationship between God and God’s people is based almost solely on free will. That tosses us all right into the muck and mire of everyday living. Those that oppose our personal choices or needs do so with their free will; Lil as an example got fired from a job once because she was late to work. After talking for a while she said she really didn’t like the job so she didn’t care about it. I am sure that showed through in her work habits and her demeanor. Free Will her choices not God’s punishment brought her to being fired. The challenge is the offer and the hope of [continued on 34]
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Mega Stars in New Orleans for Southern Decadence!
Lauren Foster @ Oz
Sister Roma @ Oz Jujubee @ Masquarade/ Harrah's
DJ Lady Bunny @ Masquerade/Harrah's
DJ Hecto Fonseca @ Oz
DJ Joe Gauthreaux @ Oz
DJ Roland Belmares @ Oz
Persana Shoulders @ Oz
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XL Reba Douglas, Chad Boutte & Aubrey Synclaire kick off Southern Decadence @ both House of Blues, & Masquerade @ Harrah's (Photo © Steven Mora)
Porn Stars Lucky Daniels, Ryan Rose, Jessie Colter & Trent Ducati @ Oz
Billy Francesca @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
DJ/Producer Kidd Madonny from Miami in 1st New Orleans appearance @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Rhea Litre @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
26 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • Aug. 12-25 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om
Southern Decadence: THE WHOLE GAY WEEKEND!
Andrew Christian @ The Phoenix DJ Mike Bryant @ Bourbon Pub & Parade German Porn Star Hans Berlin @ Bourbon Pub & Parade (Photo © Mark Henderson)
Andrew Christian Model Brian Prince Roman @ The Phoenix
DJ Sean Michael @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Nicole DuBois @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Andrew Christian Model Pablo Hernandez @ The Phoenix
DJ Derek Monteiro @ Bourbon Pub & Parade Southern Decadence DEADLINE Friday, Aug. 15th 504.522.8049
Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XL Aubrey Synclaire @ Bourbon Pub & Parade (Photo © Dwight Dugas)
Southern Decadence: The Whole Gay Weekend
Only available at: www.SouthernDecadence.com Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Aug. 12-25, 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 27
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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
attorneys New Orleans, LA [504] Littlefield Law LLC, Attorney R. Kelp Littlefield, 639 Loyola Ave., Suite 1820, 504.525.1328 Tureau Legal, Troy A. Tureau , Attorney at Law, 8303 Pritchard Place, 70118, 504.602.9511, thelawprofessor@comcast.net
bars Mobile, AL [251] B-Bob's Downtown, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.COM GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850]
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
bathhouse
New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Urgent Care, 201 Decatur St., 700 Magazine St., 552.2433, NewOrleansUrgentCare.com
New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com
book stores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
chiropractic RT PA M RA
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
accounting
566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM GRANDPRE'S, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, Facebook.com/grandpres KAJUN'S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735, KajunPub.COM LE ROUNDUP, 819 St. Louis, 561.8340 LUCKY PIERRE'S, 735 Bourbon St., 586.1836, LuckyPierresNOLA.com NINTH CIRCLE, 700 N. Rampart, 252.4558 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, NewOrleansPhoenix.COM RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM RAINBOW ROOM, 632 Bourbon St., enter thru Fishbowl, 994.1036, Facebook.COM/ rainbowroomonbourbon TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM TULANE AVENUE BAR, 3813 Tulane Ave., 488.1400 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
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 Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] FOUR SEASONS & PATIO STAGE BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, FourSeasonsBar.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 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,
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1314]
circuit/events 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 Feb. 13-17, 2015, Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.COM Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015, 16th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.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
guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416
hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] BOBBY BLUE CONTEMPORARY BARBER & BEAUTY PARLOR, 906 Bourbon St., 527.5100 HEAD QUARTERS HAIR SALON, 900 Rue Dauphine, 522.2666 MICKEY NOLAN'S SALON, 815 Toulouse St., 587.7782
hardware New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465
health help wanted New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans is hiring cashiers & housekeepers. Apply @ 515 Toulouse St. (Drug testing required.) [is1414]
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. [0714 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. [0814] 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. MAISON DE MACARTY BED & BREAKFAST, 3820 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.267.1564, MaisonMacarty.com,
28 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • Aug. 12-25 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om
email: kurt@maisonmacarty.com. Luxury gay owned and operated bed and breakfast. 8 bedrooms with ensite baths, pool, sun deck and beautiful courtyard. Sleep, eat and play at Maison de Macarty,. Book it now! 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.
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 New Orleans, LA [504] BEAUREGARD-KEYES HOUSE, 1113 Chartres, 523.7257 CABILDO, 701 Chartres, Jackson Square, 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 GALLIER HOUSE, 1132 Royal, 523.6722 GERMAINE WELLS MARDI GRAS MUSEUM, 2nd Floor Arnaud's, 819 Bienville HERMANN-GRIMA HISTORIC HOUSE, 820 St. Louis, 525.5661 HISTORICAL PHARMACY MUSEUM, 514 Chartres, 524.9077 HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION, 533 Royal, 523.4662 LONGUE VUE HOUSE AND GARDENS, 7 Bamboo Rd, Metairie, 488.5488, MUSEE CONTI HISTORICAL WAX MUSEUM, 917 Conti, 525.2605 NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART, City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, 488.2631 OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART, 925 Camp St., 539.9600 OLD U.S. MINT, 400 Esplanade PRESBYTERE, 751 Chartres, Jackson Square ST. LOUIS CATHEDRAL, Jackson Square WORLD WAR 2 MUSEUM, 945 Magazine, 527.6012, http://nationalww2museum.org
music New Orleans [504] SKULLY'Z RECORDZ, 907 Bourbon St., 592.4666
organizations 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 BIG EASY STOMPERS, Country & Western line dancing. Weekly lessons and monthly Country & Western dance party, www.bigeasystompersneworleans.com, info@bigeasystompersneworleans.com BELLE REVE NEW ORLEANS, AIDS Residence for Families, PO Box 3305, 70177; 945.9455 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 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 NARCISSUS, PO Box 3832, New Orleans, LA 70177. Contact: 504.228.9441 KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 1102, Kenner, LA. 70063-1102, 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 LORDS OF LEATHER, 1631 Elysian Fields, #161, 70117, www.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 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, 504.298.0061, 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 PFLAG/NO [Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays/ New Orleans], PO Box 15515, 70175; 895.3936, 392.0001, pflagno.org, info@pflagno.org PRIDE CELEBRATION in New Orleans 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 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 VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.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 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET
pets
spas
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] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
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
New Orleans, LA [504] Club New Orleans, 515 Toulouse, 581.2402, www.the-clubs.com
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] 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, (LGBT Business of the Year) 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.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
AMBUSH
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restaurants Mandeville, LA [985] The Po-Boy Shack, 1703 N. Causeway Blvd., 626.1303 Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022 New Orleans, LA [504] 801 Royal, 801 Royal St., 581.0801, 801Royal.com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM
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ambush
Rodney & Michael with Hubert S Monkeys @ Oz
Michael behind the bar @ Good Friends Bar
SDGMs XL Reba & Aubrey join The Smatch Game @ AllWays
Guest bartender Andre is a trooper @ Cutter’s even with a broken ankle
New bartender Aletha with manager Chuck @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Long-time Le Roundup bartender Kelton
Knights d’Orleans Jimmy joins Phoenix Beer Bust
New bartender Shawn with bar baron Ken @ GrandPre’s
Chris, Mr. Phoenix Leather 2013 Danny & Danny @ Mr. Phoenix Leather contest
Will welcomes Robert & the Red Carpet Celebrity Bar Crawl to Double Play
Roger, Wood Enterprises’ Chris & Glenn join Wednesday Meat Night @ Rawhide
Lords of Leather’s Brock & Renegade Bears’ President Duaine do Steak Night @ GrandPre’s
Golden Lantern Bartender Jeff joins Renegade Bears Steak Night @ GrandPre’s
Scott welcomes you to Bobby Blue Salon
Grilling steaks for Renegade Bears Steak Night @ GrandPre’s
Red Carpet Celebrity Bar Crawl @ The Golden Lantern
Magic & Joanna @ Le Roundup
Bartender Josh @ Golden Lantern
Pizza Party @ Tulane Ave Bar
Bartender Dan & manager Richard @ Rawhide’s Meat Night
30 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • Aug. 12-25 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om
Dans les Rues (In the Streets) ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Hubert S Monkeys, Rip Naquin
paparazzi
Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Aug. 12-25, 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 31
under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Bartender of the Month
Sarong is So Right!
The bartender of the month for August comes from a tavern that lives up to its name, The Friendly Bar. This place is the ultimate neighborhood spot and Steve is just one of the great bartenders that keep people coming back. Steve has been a mainstay with The Friendly Bar for many years and is excellent at his job. Pleasant, humorous and fast makes him a favorite with the regulars who frequent the bar. And for a neighborhood establishment, your regulars can make or break it for you. Steve helps achieve a Cheers-like atmosphere creating a welcoming and inviting environment for all patrons. One of his strongest qualities is an understanding the area (Marigny/Bywater) and its denizens. Knowing your clientele is just as important as making an awesome drink.
Join the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon for a scorching summer pool party on Saturday, July 16th as they present their annual Sippin’ In Sarongs! This year’s fete will feature a beautiful pool on the banks of Bayou St. John, a tropical buffet, a So-Wrong/So-Right sarong contest, a challenging limbo competition and special performances throughout the evening. The event takes place from 5 10pm at 4314 Bancroft Drive, New Orleans. The tickets are $20. For more information or tickets call 504.723.8964 or go to www.mystickreweofsatyricon.com.
Reminder: Belle Reve Gala I just wanted to drop another quick reminder for the Belle Reve Breeze Gala on Saturday, August 23rd. The event is sponsored by Avita Drugs in the Big Room at Generations Hall. There will be lots of drinks, a silent auction, dancing and delicacies. Please come out and support this wonderful organization. The patron party begins at 7pm and the gala is from 8 – 11pm. Tickets are $60 or $300 for a table of four. The dress is summer cocktail attire. For tickets, go to www.breezegala.eventbrite.com.
Trashy Divas Unite! Bartender Steve Tregre The Friendly Bar Steve's mastery behind the bar and his talent at keeping customers happy is a perfect winning combination for a bartender. He is a seasoned professional who greets everyone warmly. So next time you are in the neighborhood, stop by and see Steve at The Friendly Bar. The Friendly Bar is located at 2301 Charters Street in the Faubourg Marigny.
Fire Up The Barbie! The Krewe of Armeinius is hosting one special event that is sure to attract all the “Babes in Toyland” as they present their Barbie-Q Party on Saturday, July 16th at GrandPre’s. This unique fundraiser will have lots of great food from the grill as well as a crazy show featuring all of your favorite Barbie entertainers. Tickets are only $10 and the event is from 4 – 8pm. For tickets or more information, go to Armeinius Barbie-Q Party on Facebook or online at www.armeinius.org.
The insanely fabulous Big Easy Sisters are hosting a White Trash Bash on Saturday, August 23rd from 7-10pm at Mags 940. These sacred lovelies will make sure you are well entertained. There will also be raffles, vittles (buffet), a White Trash Costume Contest and a silent auction. There is a $5 donation at the door. All the proceeds from this fundraiser go to The Big Easy Sister Sisters Grant Fund which benefits local New Orleans charities. For details, their mission, or how to join The Big Easy Sisters, visit them at http:// www.facebook.com/thebigeasysisters.
Next Holiday Halloween! It is never too early to begin your plans for the next holiday coming up after Southern Decadence – Halloween. And in true tradition, Halloween New Orleans is celebrating the holiday with another awesome party at Apres Lounge New Orleans. Kick off your Southern Decadence weekend with a bang by joining the HNO crew and getting the details on our Halloween weekend events, October 23rd - 26th. Friday, August 29th is all about an
evening of champagne and leather. There will be opportunities to pay your host dues and get more information on our cause. As always, all HNO profits benefit our incredible partner, Project Lazarus. Please remember that Host dues will go UP to $450 after Labor Day, so be sure to lock in last year’s rate. There will be a $5 cover for nonhosts for this event. The event is from 6 - 9pm. Apres is located at 608 Fulton Street. For more information, go to www.halloweenneworleans.com.
Party Down Summertime and the living is easy in New Orleans and the parties are just as hot as the temperature. My two weeks had some fun ups and some literal downs. On Thursday, I went to True Blue Bayou at the AllWays Lounge. True Blue Bayou: A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt was a very entertaining and fascinating cabaret takes the audience through Ronstadt’s humble beginnings growing up in Tucson, Arizona through today though song. Dorian Rush who serves as the writer, director and stars in the show is just simply amazing. Her vocal talents are superior as she volleys from the genres of rock, pop, country, folk, opera, and Cajun and Latin music as she sings all of Linda’s greatest hits. The show opens with “It’s So Easy To Fall In Love” and closes with her famous tune reminiscent of our great area “Blue Bayou.” On both Fridays I attended the Armeinius and Lords of Leather little evening gatherings at their new den on Broad Street. These are two actual social krewes that get together and do social things outside of their krewe fundraisers. And their new den is fabulous boasting an incredible deck out back for evening soirees. It is spacious, well laid out and perfectly designed for entertainment. On both days the parties began at dusk and went on into the nights. It was a relaxed environment for the krewe and supporters to mix and mingle with each other. Saturday was all about Southern Decadence as Misti Ates presented one of the most unique fundraisers so far to date for the Southern Decadence 2014. She was the driving force behind and the host of Smatch Game. I was lucky to be a guest panelist as Edina to Elizabeth Bouvier’s Patsy. Other famous celebs on hand were Carol Channing, Joan Crawford, Margarita Bergen and Reba Douglas. Contestants Arthur Sevario and Persana Shoulders kept things lively as the panel not only answered questions but performed some numbers. The event was a huge success and raised $802 for the cause. The next day was a Sunday Funday I am not sure to forget anytime soon. In fact I have a reminder that I will keep with me for the next six weeks, but I digress. Beaux, Barrett and I joined a
group of wonderful guys for a nice relaxing afternoon soiree at the Roget Estate in LaPlace. There was swimming, delicious food and copious amounts of cocktails. It was the most epic pool party of the summer. In fact it was so memorable I decided to make it even more unforgettable by tripping and breaking my wrist. I would love to say I was doing something really glamorous like a high dive, but unfortunately I just slipped. Anyhow, it is not a complete Sunday Funday until someone ends up in traction. On Wednesday of the following week, Halloween New Orleans hosted a media party at Deveney Communications offices new offices on Magazine Street. The hosts mixed and mingled with local and national media who were in town for a familiarization trip for the city put on by the new Orleans CVB. It is great the city is working to get national coverage for our LGBT events. Thursday, Renaissance Publishing held their monthly Hobknobbers event at the newly re-opened Pete’s Pub in the Hotel InterContinental. This monthly networking event is ideal for making business connections. They also show off some of the city’s best venues, like the almost completely remodeled Pete’s Pub. The entire hotel is going through major renovations and the lounge is the first completion. The new look is open and modern but still retains its quaint atmosphere. Saturday was an extremely busy day, which is hampered even more with a cast on one’s right arm. Ugh, but I persevered and attended a wedding reception, some cool parties and openings for White Linen Night and the Gay Appreciation Awards. First, in the afternoon, I traveled to the Elizabeth Bouvier Chalmansion for the wedding party for two of the Betties (a fabulous New Orleans social group). Lauren and Denny said their I Do’s in New York over 4th of July weekend and had the celebration for friends here. It was a fun, cocktail filled afternoon poolside with this great group of guys. Then I ran home and donned my white attire and off to White Linen Night. My friends and I went to two great shops that held events, Fraques and RePurposing NOLA. Fraques is an ultra-hip men’s clothing store on Baronne Street who was serving some refreshing cocktails. They were having great sales that night. RePurposing NOLA is an awesome store that takes scrap materials such as burlap and vinyl creating custom satchels, overnight bags, makeup bags, and purses. I have two of their bags I carry with me wherever I go. I love my “murse.” They also served a champagne cocktail mixed with honeysuckle vodka and had two almost nude models displaying their goods. The male one in the window sat with one of their overnight bags placed strategically over his private parts, sexy, [continued on 34]
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NEXT Ambush DEADLINE Wednesday, Feb. 13 504.522.8049 marsha@ripandmarsha.com Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Aug. 12-25, 2014 • Facebook.COM/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • 33
the Kingdom of God. If we are righteous before God as an individual that is great; as important, is being a part of a community that is righteous before God. Then things begin to change because, in community, we begin to have an effect on the lives of its members. We support each other, we nurture each other, we have impact on jobs, just laws, and survival in our urban jungles. It is the body of Christ that compels the world to a righteous place. You say you do not approve of some of your daughters choices: free will. Are they bad choices, does she keep her eye on the prize, does she adapt and overcome or is she self absorbed and inward looking? All of these things add up to a life that is predictable. If you live a life of chaos you will reap chaos as a life. Anyway, I will truly pray for your daughter, you, and Lil.
under the gaydar ...from 32 while the female model lay seductively in a bathtub covered only by white fabric and make-up bags. After those two stops, we went to Albert Carey’s house for his annual cocktail party. There were great noshes and martinis shaken as it was a nice reprieve to beat the heat indoors. Finally we ended up at the Gay Appreciation Awards at Oz. Rip and Marsha once again did an excellent job with this year’s ceremony. They had a huge turnout as the community came out in full force. Congratulations go out to all the winners and a very special one goes to Tommy Elias who bright home the Man of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Tommy is a major supporter of the gay community and much deserving of this honor. I want to send another shout out to Misti Ates, who is one of the hardest working lesbians on the stage today. Kudos to your Lesbian of the Year win. And Persana Shoulders, no one wears feathers or works a stage quite like you, you are a true entertainer. Until next time, may your cocktail never run out of ice.
OBSERVATIONS: A lovely hard working Grandmother was beside herself Sunday. Her granddaughter Lil had gotten a job was learning a new trade and all was well. In the mean time her daughter was looking at unemployment, children to feed and care for, and tried to commit suicide being so overwhelmed. Lynette found herself at St. Anna’s on Sunday with all of that. With her was Lil and her best friend Kathy. They decided to take Lil out for a cocktail. Both women straight both women dressing like they had come from church found themselves at Mag’s. It was dark cool and it seemed to be jumping with fun. Princesse Stephaney acknowledged them as being part of St. Anna’s. How so I do not know nor would I necessarily want to know. But the bottom line is the Mag’s group on that day offered Kathy, Lil, and Lynett a time to decompress, a time to laugh, and even afforded them a drink on the house. That, my friends, is the kind of “hospitality” that is taught in true faith. Note: no rejection, no nay saying, not an ounce of discord just good times and best wishes for the visitors from another world. That is GRACE in action. I am so happy that you guys got a break and enjoyed a Sunday afternoon. Sounds like you needed that. Where is God in the all of this? In the hospitality and acceptance and yes even in the gesture of “free drinks” at a Mag’s bar. That is where you saw the face of God. Strange how that works He gave you a break.
King Peter & Queen Michelle with Ben Dela Crème at B-Bob’s
Happy Birthday Bill Hincks
FlipSide Bartender Corey & Rick Mercedes Alexander & Company
Reverse Cow-Girl Judy
Toni Dee & fans @ Just Us in Biloxi
Jonathan & Company Amber Douglas & Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s Viva Las Vegas’ Derrick Barry as Britney Spears @ B-Bob’s
To Quote a Queen Okay, I am truly behind the gun so to speak in admitting that I just saw the Liberace biopic “Behind the Candelabra.” I know shame on me, so to make up for it; my next fabulous Queen Quote is from the outrageous Liberace. He was shameless, ostentatious and lived an overabundant lifestyle, so three quotes I think suit him perfectly. “You can have either the Resurrection or you can have Liberace. But you can’t have both.” “When the reviews are bad I tell my staff that they can join me as I cry all the way to the bank.” “You know that bank I used to cry all the way to? I bought it.”
Miss Venus & AJ @ B-Bob’s
mobile
paparazzi
King Stevie & Tony
RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Ben Dela Crème @ B-Bob’s
Lauren Mitchell & Nicole Dubois @ B-Bob’s
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Mega Stars & More ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John
communities ...from 24
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Crescent Tour Booking Agency's Frank Perez accepts LGBT Business of the Year
Persana Shoulders accepts Cheridon Comedy Award
Quartermaster’s Misael Rubio accepts Restaurant/ Deli of the Year
GAA Boards Rip & Teryl-Lynn present Neighborhood Bar of the Year to Four Seasons’ Tip & Gary aka Electra & Tittie
NO/AIDS Task Force’s Michael Weber & Rodney Thoulion accept Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award
Fee & Art’s Revival Studio’s Connie Hung & Monalot Fontaine accept Hair Salon of the Year
SDGM XL Aubrey Synclaire accepts Fly Fashion Glamour Award
Oz DJ Jonathan “JRB” Reed accepts DJ of the Year
Chi-Chi Rodriquez accepts Transgender of the Year
New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus’ Rusty Downing accepts Donnie Jay Performing Arts Award
Mr. Big Easy Leather ADKus Supps accepts Leather Person of the Year
Oz stars & DJ staff accepts Dance Club of the Year
Krewe of Amon-Ra’s Rhonda & Opal accept Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year from SDGMs XL Aubrey Synclaire & Chad Boutte
SDGMs XL Aubrey & Chad present Circuit Party/Event of the Year to Southern Decadence 2013 accepted by SDGM XXXIX Venus Santiago
Corner Pocket’s Ashlee Logan accepts Bartender of the Year
Misti Ates accepts Lesbian of the Year
Tommy Elias accepts Man of the Year
Oz accepts Show Club of the Year
GAA Boards Rip & Marsha present Marcy Marcell Entertainer of the Year to Gia GiaVanni
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27th Gay Appreciation Awards Gala Brings 21 Winners to the Stage Raising $2,622 for Southern Decadence 2014 @ Oz ~ Photos by Darwin Reed
Co-Emcees Teryl-Lynn Foxx & Lisa Beaumann present Princesse Stephaney Bitch of the Year
wear it out by Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Postulant Tazia Balls (Big Easy Sisters) E-mail: cuttingedgediva@yahoo.com
Sparkles, Shimmers, and Glitter In the infamous words of interviewer Elsa Clintch from her fabulous backstage fashion show interviews for the Fashion Channel, the Gay Appreciation Awards were full of “SPARKLES, SHIMMERS, and Glitter”. I attended the awards ceremony which celebrates the LGBT Community and it efforts and accomplishments throughout the year. I had a great time watching the awards and all of the wonderful performances from the show club of the year nominees. My favorite part of the entire awards ceremony was watching the enclave of queens, performers, and transsexual divas coming through the door and what they were wearing. As always I have a question to raise......................... (This question is a for the most part question, not a in general question) Why in the hell are the performing queens, transsexual divas, and drag queens the only ones dressing as if they are the only ones going to something important?.................... Aren’t the GAA something our community should feel a little more pride about. I mean come on guys. Is it to much to ask that you wear something nice. Pants and possibly a button up shirt? Possibly a blazer? I refuse to listen to the excuse of weather being the issue and how hot it is. Would you wear a tee shirt and wrinkled shorts to a summer wedding? If your answer is “yes” please change the channel because obviously you were raised by a pack of wolves. If you have answered “no” there is hope for you. Thank GOD! Fabric choice has a lot to do with what you wear during the hot humid summers in New Orleans. Cotton, rayon, and linen all good choices. A short sleeve button up and a skinny tie with a nice pair of denim would get the job done. A linen suit even if the pants were draw string and a nicely colored tee under the jacket, with maybe a fun print to show your personality. Even a pair of great shorts, short sleeve button up, and a casual blazer would work. Just a little something that shows that you put some effort into your look for the awards ceremony of the year, and didn't just walk to your closet or dresser and pull out the first thing you saw and said this will work. Please boys. I will be the first to testify that “It didn’t work!” Now on the other hand, once again the diva performers, transsexuals, and drag queens saved the day. They started pouring in about one hour before the event started. Yes people. They were wearing more sparkles, shimmers, and glitter than Tiffany’s during the Christmas shopping season, and shall I say colors to boot. From Marsha Delain in here bright red two piece outfit, which if I can say so myself looked amazing on her, to show host Teryl-Lynn Foxx in her absolutely stun-
ning white one shoulder, full length, fishtailed, trained, rhinestoned, fabulous, lusciouly styled gown. Let's not forget Lisa Beaumann and her three thousand changes of gown and costume. Bam to the BAM BAM! A majority of the nominees for the New Orleans Fashion Gala and Awards 2014 , Most Stylish Performance Queen 2014 award, were there dressed to the 9s also. Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, Monique Michaels, Chi-Chi Rodriquez, Dominique DeLorean, and Princesse Stephaney were all looking fabulous. Natasha Sinclair with her perfectly painted face looked like a Hollywood star. Coca Mesa wearing CED Clothing was working the room with hair that would have made Tami Tarmac ask “Who did that?” Oh and shall I dare not mention the next queen who normally only dresses for holidays, Shayla (Shane Scallan). This bitch came walking in dressed as a classy diva from Beverly Hills in wide legged pants, and a colorful top painted for the gods sporting the gorgeous jewelry that she herself makes. Oh lord I must say Gia GiaVanni in her acceptance cocktail dress fitting her as if it were haute couture from Paris. One hell of a luscious bam bam she was. So once again I have got to give props to the performance queens, transsexuals, and drag queens for teaching the rest of New Orleans how it is done and helping to keep us on the map for fashion. You all deserve an award and in time you will all be given the props you deserve for doing what you do and the efforts you put into your looks helping to keep this city in front of the fashion pack. I for one say THANK YOU! So I give two thumbs up to the GAA Gala 2014 and all of the fabulous performance queens, transsexuals, and drag queens for putting the time and effort that you do into the looks and product you put forth. Great job. I look forward to this next year of fabulous looks and next years awards. Until then thank you and good day. This has been a Public Service Read to those who need to learn how to dress to a awards ceremony and
Coca Mesa
Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, Natasha Sinclair & Lauren Brown
Shayla Scallan one hell of a push for the ladies who continually do us proud. BAM BAM!
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Top 5 Show Club of the Year Finalist Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar
Top 5 Show Club of the Year Finalist Corner Pocket
Entertainer of the Year 2013 Monique Michaels does Whitney
Honoree Tommy Elias with 20-year partner Carl Geleno & brother Michael Elias
VIP Table: Larry Anderson & Michael Boulas
VIP Table: Home of SD-The Golden Lantern, Top 5 Show Club of the Year & Neighborhood Bar of the Year Finalists
Philip Palumbo & Top 5 Transgender of the Year Finalist Adrian Claveria
VIP Table: Quartermaster
Top 5 Show Club of the Year Finalist Golden Lantern GAA’s Rip Naquin & Marsha Delain with Oz GM Greg Jones
Top 5 Show Club of the Year Finalist Oz
SDGM XL Aubrey Synclaire represents Top 5 Show Club of the Year Finalist Bourbon Pub & Parade
VIP Table: Frank Perez & Paul Cassella
VIP Table: The Corner Pocket
VIP Table: Easter Grand Marshal XV & Top 5 Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year Satyricon's Todd Blauvelt
Leather Bar of the Year WinnerPhoenix’s Clint with Top 5 Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year Finalist Petronius' C. Alice & Mr. Big Easy Leather ADKus
Jeffrey Wilkes, Coca Mesa & Ambush fashion columnist Johnny Joseph Delgadillo
Top 5 Dance Club of the Year Finalist The Corner Pocket
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27th Gay Appreciation Awards Gala Honors Tommy Elias with the Lifetime Achievement Award @ Oz ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys, Darwin Reed
Tommy Elias accepts 27th Lifetime Achievement Award
Top 5 Bartender of the Year Finalist Wayne Penton & Top 5 Gay Mardi Gras Ball of the Year Finalist Lords of Leather’s Jason Ashford
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40 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.COM • Aug. 12-25 2014 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om