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Lords of Leather presents New Year’s Eve Fetish Ball Dec. 31
the "official" dish
Ring in the New Year with the Lords of Leather as they host another of their fetish/ kink/bear/levi & leather parties at the Phoenix on New Year’s Eve, December 31. Warm yourself up as the hot action gets going early that evening upstairs in the Eagle bar from 7pm until 10:30pm. Unlimited well drinks and domestic beer are yours for just $20. Coat check will be available. Fetish attire is encouraged. Then starting at 9pm a $5 Beer Bust will be held on the bar’s patio until the stroke of midnight. Guest DJ Karbin will be providing the music and adult entertainer “John” will be performing on stage for your enjoyment. All bar patrons will receive a free shot of Jager at midnight to welcome in the New Year. The Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leather would like to thank all who attended events and supported the Krewe throughout the past year. We wish everyone a very “Happy New Year!” The krewe's Bal Masque XXXII is Sunday, February 15 at the Alario Center, Westwego. (www.LordsOfLeather.com)
by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Farewell to 2014, Welcome 2015 OMG, it's almost time! Out with the OLD, in with the NEW, as the traditional saying goes. The "old" really wasn't that bad, many great things occurred, and foremost in our minds is that same-sex marriage is legit in 35 states. Who would have ever imagined? Is Louisiana on the horizon? Maybe so as we all look toward January 9, 2015 when the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments from three same-sex marriage cases including Louisiana's Robicheaux v. Caldwell; while the U.S. Supreme Court will consider accepting the same case that same day. But we still have New Year's Eve, that day we ring in the New Year throughout the Gulf South. There are big name DJs, shows, karaoke, dining extravaganzas, prize balloon drops, party favors, champagne and more. This issue of your Ambush Magazine will not disappoint with only the hottest spots through these pages to celebrate the most festive Happy New Year 2015!
Kick Off Gay Mardi Gras with “Sparkle Glitz” Jan. 10 for a Worthy Cause The Friday Night Before Mardi Gras organization is hosting the "Sparkle Glitz" party on Saturday, January 10 as a Twelfth Night promo party leading up to their ball on Friday, February 13. Like all of the organization’s events, proceeds from the party will benefit NO/AIDS Task Force and those living with HIV/AIDS in our community. The party is a celebration of costuming and creativity. It brings together New York costumer and fashion designer Allan Herrera (designer to Scissor Sisters, Amanda LePore, Peaches Christ and many other LGBT celebrities) with international DJ and promoter Mark Louque. Allan will be on site to showcase his work, auction off design time and take fittings for anyone who wants the Mardi Gras costume of their dreams. Allan and Mark are bringing music and models to the beautiful private home of Kim Smith, recently completed at 2516 Chartres in the Marigny. The party will offer a showcase of fashion and costuming, plus the
Academic Scholarships Available for Louisiana LGBT Students & Straight Allies “Glitz Guys” models who will be onsite to welcome guests in the home’s steaming heated pool. There will also be a raffle of custom fashions, headdresses and jewelry by Megan C-W and ten hours of Allan’s design time for the creation of a personal costume. Ball tickets will also be available. A second line brass band will then lead guest to a “Disco Ball After Party” at The Friendly Bar, where a portion of every bar tab supports the organization. It’s the perfect kick-off to Mardi Gras … for a good cause! Join them on Saturday, January 10 from 3pm – 7pm at 2516 Chartres in the Marigny (after party to follow at The Friendly Bar, 2301 Chartres). Tickets are $30 at the door for an all-you-can-drink open bar or $20 at the door if you come in costume. Call John-Michael Alderson at 504.821.2601 ext. 218 with questions or to reserve your ticket in advance. For tickets to the Friday Might Before Mardi Gras Ball, visit www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com/ ball-tickets.
33rd Anniversary, Mardi Gras Classic issue out Jan. 13 DEADLINE: Tues., Jan. 6
inside
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The New Orleans Chapter of Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays is accepting applications for scholarships for the 2015-2016 school year. The scholarships recognize outstanding Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and encourage continuing education for self-identified LGBT students, and help these students foster a positive image of LGBT people in society. Most of the scholarships are $1,000, but some are for more, and there is one four-year scholarship for $10,000. To be eligible, the applicant must: a) self-identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender; b) be 17 years old or older as of April 15, 2015; c) be a resident of Louisiana; and d) be planning to attend (or attending) a post-secondary educational institution. The application must be submitted by February 1, 2015 and supporting documents must be mailed and post-marked by the same date. For the third year the organization is sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship referred to as “Straight for Equality.” Individuals who do not identify as LGBT but are advocates for and supportive of LGBT issues are eligible. Applications and detailed information about the scholarships can be found at www.pflagno.org, or by sending an e-mail to scholarship@plfagno.org. The PFLAG New Orleans Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $530,000 to more than 475 students since 1989. All applicants will be notified of results by April 15, 2015. Recipients must be present at the awards ceremony to accept the scholarship in person. The ceremony is Saturday evening, May 9, 2015, at the Homer Hitt Alumni Center of the University of New Orleans. Interested persons may make donations to the scholarship fund by sending a check payable to: PFLAG New Orleans
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Louisiana Excellence Award: Media & Internet/2014, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2014, 25th NO/AIDS Task Force Humanitas Award/2013, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2013, Krewe of Mwindo Media Honoree/2009, Krewe of Petronius Carnival Spirit of Gay Mardi Gras XLVIII Award/2009, Forum For Equality Acclaim Awards X Media Recipient/2008, NO/AIDS Task Force Prometheus “Torch of Truth” [media] Award/2001 OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: ripna@ambushmag.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, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin • 504.522.8049 Frank Joseph, Paul Melancon 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 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 INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation
Scholarship Committee, PO Box 15515, New Orleans, La. 70175. Additional information about making a donation can be obtained by sending an e-mail to scholarship@pflagno.org. PFLAG New Orleans was founded in 1982 and is affiliated with the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of LGBT persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights.
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moments in gay new orleans history by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
“The Struggle for Marriage Equality in Louisiana: A Timeline” 2014 has been a remarkable year in the struggle for marriage equality. Same-sex marriage is now legal in 35 states and several lawsuits challenging same-sex marriage bans in the remaining states are working their way through the court system. Legal observers predict the Supreme Court will ultimately take up the issue. The case that makes it to the Supreme Court may very well come from Louisiana. That case is Robicheaux V. George. Jon Robicheaux and Derek Penton were legally married in Iowa and are challenging Louisiana’s refusal to recognize their marriage. Another significant case is Costanza and Brewer V. Caldwell. Angela Marie Costanza and Chasity Shanelle Brewer were legally married in California and, in addition to asking Louisiana to recognize their marriage, are asking the state to permit the adoption of their son. Here is a time-line of the two cases: 1999. Louisiana Legislature passes a law outlawing same-sex marriage. September 18, 2004. Louisiana passes a constitutional amendment banning samesex marriage (77.78% of the electorate votes in favor of the ban). October 5, 2004. State District Judge William Morvant rules the amendment unconstitutional. January 19, 2005. Louisiana Supreme Court overturns Judge Morvant’s decision, reinstates the ban. September 23, 2012. Jon Robicheaux and Derek Penton are legally married in Iowa. January 22, 2014. Robert Welles and Garth Beauregard apply for a marriage license in Orleans Parish (the application is denied); couple files a federal suit (Eastern District of Louisiana) which is eventually joined to the Robicheaux suit. June 26, 2013. The U.S. Supreme Court overturns Section 3 of DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) (Windsor V. United States). July 12, 2013. Angela Marie Costanza and Chasity Shanelle Brewer (who were legally married in California on 8.8.08) file a petition for Intrafamily Adoption. July 16, 2013. Lawyers on behalf of Robicheaux and Penton file a lawsuit in Federal Court (5th Circuit) challenging Louisiana’s refusal to legally acknowledge their marriage (other plaintiffs include Courtney and Nadine Blanchard). July 26, 2013. State District Judge Edward Broussard dismisses Costanza and Brewer V. Caldwell. December 2, 2013. U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman dismisses Robicheaux V. Caldwell on a technicality (the plaintiffs had named only Louisiana Attorney General James Caldwell as a defendant). January 13, 2014. Robicheaux V. Caldwell is re-filed, naming officials with Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals and the Department of Revenue as defendants. February 5, 2014. State District Judge Rubin grants Costanza and Brewer’s application for adoption. February 12, 2014. The Forum for Equality Louisiana and four gay couples (Jackie and Lauren Brettner, Henry Lambert and Carey Bond, Dr. Nick Van Sickels and Andrew Bond, Havard Scott and Sergio March Prieto) file a separate lawsuit in Federal Court asking their marriages be
recognized by the State of Louisiana. March 18, 2014. Judge Feldman consolidates the Forum for Equality case with the Robicheaux case. June 11, 2014. Judge Rubin’s adoption ruling in the Costanza and Brewer V. Caldwell case is vacated. June 25, 2014. Judge Feldman hears oral arguments in the Robicheaux case. September 3, 2014. Judge Feldman rules Louisiana’s same-sex marriage ban is constitutional and that Louisiana does not have to recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other states. September 5, 2014. Plaintiffs in Robicheaux case appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit. September 22, 2014. Judge Edward Rubin of the 15th Louisiana District Court rules in Costanza and Brewer V. Caldwell in favor of the right to marry reasoning that Louisiana’s same-sex marriage ban violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. September 25, 2014. The State of Louisiana appeals Judge Rubin’s ruling. October 7, 2014. Lambda Legal joins the Robicheaux case. November 20, 2014 Petition for Writ of Certiorari filed with the U.S. Supreme Court (this petition essentially asks the Supreme Court to accept the case). January 9, 2015. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments from both sides in three same-sex marriage cases (from Louisiana, Robicheaux v. Caldwell; from Mississippi, Campaign for Southern Equality v. Bryant; and from Texas, DeLeon v. Perry). On the same day, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider accepting the Robicheaux case. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, there are 8,076 same-sex couples living in Louisiana.
BreakOUT! Has Banner Year by Frank Perez BreakOUT!, the New Orleans based transgender youth advocacy group, has had a very productive year. In 2014, the group can point to the following accomplishments: > Graduated 11 LGBTQ youth of color from the newly launched “Building Our Power Institute” and trained them on youth organizing, political education, racism and oppression, and LGBTQ history
> Released We Deserve Better: A Report on Policing in New Orleans by and For Queer and Trans Youth of Color, the result of over a year’s worth of participatory action research with help from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency > Shared the stories of 5 transgender young women from New Orleans to audiences in New York, NY and Philadelphia, PA through their performance “Say My Name, Say My Name” with Ping Chong + Company > Co-Launched GetYrRights, a national “know your rights” network for LGBTQ youth with Streetwise and Safe and over 30 network members > Hosted “Ending Violence, Ending Criminalization” regional training academy with the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs in New Orleans, LA and brought youth to present at over 5 conferences around the country from Detroit, MI to Dallas, TX > Held a youth-led forum with the new Police Chief along with ReThink, Vietnamese American Young Leaders Association, and other youth organizations from around the city > Were featured on MTV and Logo’s documentary, “The T Word,” with Laverne Cox The mission of BreakOUT! is to seek the end of the criminalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth and to build a safer and more just New Orleans. The group builds on the rich cultural tradition of resistance in the South to build the power of LGBTQ youth ages 13-25 and directly impacts the criminal justice system through youth organizing, healing justice, and leadership development programs.
Book Review by Frank Perez Coming Out to Play. Robbie Rogers with Eric Marcus. Penguin Books. 2014. ISBN: 978-0-14-312661-4. 222 pages. $17.00. Coming Out to Play is a memoir by Robbie Rogers, the professional soccer player who made history last year by being the first openly gay man to compete in a major North American professional sports league. The book details Rogers’ long struggle to hide his sexuality from his family and teammates and his decision to finally come out. In these out and proud times, the “Coming Out” story as a genre may seem passé, but Rogers effectively demonstrates that such stories are still important. The book reminds us that despite all the strides we have made as a community, homophobia is still very much alive and well and that there is still much more progress to be made. Rogers’ story is, of course, inspirational. The writing, however, is not so inspired. The book’s narrative style is not bad; it’s just not great. Written in a conversational style, the book is an easy read. My chief complaint with it is that Rogers often resorts to cliché: Rogers is “blessed” to have a loving family, “I have my whole life ahead of me,” etc. Okay, that’s wonderful, if not terribly engaging. Critics and commentators have called Rogers courageous—and he is. But courage does not always translate into provocative writing. Fans of memoir, readers who like coming out stories, and those who enjoy sports biographies will enjoy this book. Closeted
gay men would benefit from reading this book. Robbie Rogers has played for the Columbus Crew, the U.S. Olympic national team, and Leeds United in the U.K., and currently plays for the L.A. Galaxy. Rogers is also co-owner of Halsey, a menswear brand, and is a co-founder of and ambassador for the Beyond “it” campaign, a nonprofit organization fighting stereotypes. He lives in Los Angeles. Eric Marcus is the author and coauthor of several books, including Breaking the Surface, the #1 New York Times bestselling autobiography of Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis.
What does "Gay New Orleans" Mean to You? My Gay New Orleans is an exciting new book Jeff Palmquist and Frank Perez are editing and will consist of a collection of personal essays from various members of the New Orleans LGBT+ community. Each contributor will answer the same question: What does “gay New Orleans” mean to me? In other words, each contributor will describe his or her gay New Orleans. By sharing your own experience and unique perspective, your story will help illustrate the incredible diversity within New Orleans LGBT+ community. There are no wrong ways to write this essay. All you have to do is describe what gay New Orleans means to you. Do include a working title for your narrative and short bio (one paragraph) for the “About the Contributors” section that will appear at the end of the book. That being stated, here are some writing prompts. You need not answer or respond to all these questions and prompts; these are simply guidelines. > What brought you to New Orleans? Or if you are a frequent visitor, what keeps bringing you back to New Orleans? > What do you do for a living? > What aspects of the gay community are you involved in? Organizations, Carnival Krewes, clubs, sports leagues, etc. > How do you identify yourself with in the LGBT+ community? Lesbian, Bear, Transgendered? Bisexual? Drag King / Queen? Leather person? Etc. · Did New Orleans play a role in your coming out? If so, how? > What role has New Orleans played in your growth as a LGBT+ person? > How does your gay experience in New Orleans differ from other cities? > Any special memories or scandalous stories? > Think of (and write about) one specific event that captures your feelings about being gay in New Orleans Tone: Your choice. Humorous, serious, poignant, angry, a combination thereof—you decide Font: Times New Roman, size 12 Length: 1,000 to 6,000 words or 2 to 12- pages Deadline: February 28, 2015 Submissions should be formatted in Microsoft Word and sent as an attachment in an email to f.perez@sbcglobal.net by January 15, 2015. Please include “MGNO Submission” in the subject line. The main text of the email should include your name as you want it to appear in the book and your contact information.
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book review
under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Hot Happenings Below is a listing of a few of the noteworthy events coming up. Check out all the fun, festive and fabulous picks. There should be something here to start your new year off right.
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 Send out the new year with a bang, literally as you join the Lords of Leather for their New Year’s Eve Fetish Ball. Nothing says welcome 2015 like chains, whips, rubber suits or leashes. This event will be held from 7 - 10:30pm upstairs at the Phoenix. It is a $20 donation which gets you all the well drinks and domestic beer you can drink. Coat check will be available. Fetish, Leather gear encouraged but not required. If that is a little too much for you, they will also have a $5 beer bust from 9pm - midnight on the patio. The Phoenix is located at 941 Elysian Fields.
to travel all the way out to San Diego to get up close and personal to some of the top stars in the genre because Wizard World presents the New Orleans 2015 Comic Con. There are three days of events, exhibitions and some of the hottest stars in from television and the big screen. Some of the featured celebrities include Tom Felton from Harry Potter, Norman Reedus from
Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015 Moving quickly from one holiday to the next, it is time to start the Carnival season with the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon’s 12th Night Ball. Join this fun group of men and women at their premier fundraiser of the year for the introduction of King and Queen Satyricon XIII, a traditional holiday buffet, a very cool silent auction, the announcement of Satyricon’s bal masque theme, and the crowning of the King and Queen of 12th Night (chosen by a drawing from among the attendees). Black tie is preferred. The event will take place from 7 to 10pm at the home of Marshall Harris, 4314 Bancroft Street. Tickets are $20. For more information, check out their Facebook page or go to www.mystickreweofsatryricon.com.
Sunday, Jan. 4 Sisters are doing for themselves; that is the Big Easy Sisters. In honor of the Mardi Gras season kickoff and a pre 12th Night celebration, the Big Easy Sisters are holding their 2nd annual Sister Gras 2015 at GrandPre’s from 4 – 8pm. The proceeds for their event will benefit Belle Reve. The activities include raffles, auction, Jello shots, entertainment and king cakes. So come spend the afternoon at GrandPre’s (834 North Rampart) with the one-of-a-kind Big Easy Sisters.
Wednesdays, Jan. 7 - 21 Did you escape the horror of the holidays? Well, if you did not get your fix of murder and mayhem with your family this year, then come out for the viewing of each new episode of American Horror Story every Wednesday starting at 9pm at the Tulane Avenue Bar. This cool new bar is part of the renaissance of new businesses trying to bring back this great street so please support this place. There will be unexpected horror, complimentary food, and prizes and more. Tulane Avenue Bar is located at 3813 Tulane Avenue.
Friday – Sunday, Jan. 9 - 11 Lovers of sci-fi and horror do not have
Tom Felton the Walking Dead, Hotties Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley from the Vampire Diaries, Brett Dalton, Karl Urban and my alltime favorite Bruce Campbell. Also I am a Charmed TV show fanatic, so I was beside myself to find out Brian Krause, Holly MarieCombs and Ms. Shannon Doherty will be in attendance. For tickets and more information, go to www.wizardworld.com. And may the force be with you (sorry cold not help myself).
Saturday, January 10 Start the New Year sparkling with fashion, costuming, champagne and creativity. Join the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras in New Orleans 12th night promo party aptly titled Sparkle Glitz that brings together NYC costume designer Allán Herrera with jewelry artist Megan C-word W-word and DJ Mark Louque for a day of models, custom couture, frivolity and fun. Guest will get the chance to explore the beautiful modern home of Kim Smith and join the Glitz Guys and Gals in the heated pool, bid on custom fashions or get fitted for your own, enjoy good beats, fine food and flowing cocktails. The event takes place from 3 – 7pm then follows their Second Line brass band to an after party at The Friendly Bar, where a portion of your tab benefits the cause. It’s an open bar all day for just $30 at the door ($20 if you come in costume) to benefit HIV/AIDS services in our community. Call John Michael Alderson to reserve your tickets in advance at 504.821.2601 ext. 218. The event is located at 2516 Charters Street.
Tuesday – Sunday, Jan. 13 – 18 You can dance, you can jive, Having the time of your life, Ooh see that girl, watch that scene, Diggin’ the dancing queen! One of my favorite feel good musicals is coming to the Saenger in January. Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to New Orleans presented by the New Orleans Theatre Association
and East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans. Seen by over 54 million people around the world, MAMMA MIA!, is celebrating 5,000 performances on Broadway and is the 9th longest running show in Broadway history. The story is simple, it follows an independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island named Donna who is about to let go of Sophie, the spirited daughter she’s raised alone. For Sophie’s wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends— practical and no-nonsense Rosie and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya - from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos. But Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own. On a quest to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna’s past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. Over 24 chaotic, magical hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled on this lush island full of possibilities. Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs from “Dancing Queen” and “S.O.S.” to “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me,” MAMMA MIA! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found. The performance schedule for MAMMA MIA! at the Saenger Theatre (1111 Canal St., New Orleans, LA ) is Tuesday, January 13, at 7:30pm; Wednesday, January 14, at 7:30pm; Thursday, January 15, at 7:30pm; Friday, January 16, at 8pm; Saturday, January 17, at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday, January, 18, at 2pm and 7:30pm. Tickets for MAMMA MIA! start at $25, available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, and all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (800. 982.2787. Group sales are offered for groups of 10 or more and will be available by calling 504.287.0372. For information about MAMMA MIA! visit www.MammaMia.com.
Party Down Merry Christmas one and all, it is not the hallowed holiday yet, but by the time you read this, Santa will have come and gone. I hope everyone got everything their little heart desired, now onto the New Year, but before that let’s take a reminiscent stroll through my adventurous last two weeks. We begin on Monday with the opening party for the AC Hotel New Orleans Bourbon. This stylized event included a red carpet entrance with fabulous music, delicious bites and a sneak peek into one of the newest lodging offerings in the city. AC Hotel New Orleans Bourbon/French Quarter is the first of the brand to enter the United States, so we are very fortunate to have them here. The place is chic with modern features and boasts 220 hotel rooms over eight floors. It was a great way to kick off the week. The following day, I made it a Tulane Avenue sort of evening. I started with dinner at Treo, then cocktails afterwards at the Tulane Avenue Bar with my friend Nick. The revitalization on the once famous thoroughfare is taking hold with all the new dining establishments, condominiums and businesses getting ready for the opening of the new medical complex. Treo is one of those great new arrivals with craft cocktails and tasty bar food giving their sophisticated take on the old pub atmosphere. And the Tulane Avenue Bar is just a fun neighbor-
hood tavern with a friendly staff, nice décor and stiff drinks. It is a perfect night out with friends when you are looking for something to do outside of downtown. On Thursday, it was all about the house parties. I love old-fashioned holiday gatherings at people’s homes. They are always so warm and inviting. My evening started with a lovely holiday soiree at the home of Richard Perque for the Human Relations Commission. Richard opened up his gorgeous home Uptown strategically placed right next door to the brand new Martin’s Wine Cellar (great positioning). Richard was recently made Commissioner of this worthwhile organization that is a municipal agency which enforces the City’s Human Relations Rights laws. The Commission works to end discrimination and promote equal human rights. Next, I was back in my hood, the Marigny for Lawrence Gobble’s holiday themed party simply entitled Love. Everyone who attended was given the opportunity to give to the wonderful organization, Love is Louder. He also teamed up with Campaign of Love and had great gifts for the season available for sale. Half of everything they sold at the party went to Love is Louder. But the special part of the night was seeing friends and partaking in some great food and drink. Lawrence’s home is stunning and the perfect culmination to the festive evening. I began the weekend by going to several parties on Friday night beginning with Studio 3’s special night at their warehouse in Mid-City. Studio 3 makes three-dimensional figures for Mardi Gras as well as designs floats. They hosted an evening at their facility which can be rented out as an event space and they joined forces with a local performance group who specialize in circus arts. There were large walking heads dressed as Marilyn Monroe and Elvis, acrobats hanging from the center of the facility and lots of refreshments. There is something about going to a party at a place where you are surrounded by large 3D props. Afterwards, I went to ArtSpot Productions Naughty Holiday event at a grand home in the Bywater. There was lots of food and libations flowing, a cuddle room (you paid someone to cuddle with you on the bed), a massage room, a dirty poem room and a very risqué spinning board game. You can take pictures with a groping Santa or enjoy the fabulous burlesque show. There was plenty to see and do to keep your name off the nice list this holiday, but then again bad is the new good. The event was a fundraiser for the wonderful ArtSpot who produces noteworthy theatrical productions throughout the year. If you get the chance, see one of their amazing shows. Saturday was more laid back, some friends and I decided to stay close to the neighborhood and went to some of the art gallery openings in the Marigny/Bywater which the second Saturday of each month hosts these openings. Most of the galleries are located on St. Claude and have some unique art. We grabbed a bite at Sugar Park restaurant also located on the street, which in my humble opinion has some of the best pizza in the city. Sunday was quite the crazy day starting with participating in the Santa Paws event at downtown. Beaux, Barrett and I dressed our respective dogs Dove and Rose in holiday attire for the cute dog parade that went from Lafayette Square across from Gallier Hall to the Convention
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Ho, Ho, Ho! Holiday Shots ~ New Orleans, Slidell ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Charles Jenkins, Tony Leggio, Rip Naquin
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was in town briefly. We ended up celebrating together for the evening and after the Center for a celebration at Christmas in the fun at Oz went to the Pub and ended at the District. After the parade, we sped off and decadent Corner Pocket. Good lord, I have went to an intimate holiday fete for the not had 3am or later all-nighters in a while. Friday Night Before Mardi Gras board and Oh well, Tis the season. supporters at the home of Stace and Brian The cocktails kept rolling on Thursday on Bourbon Street. Their gracious home when I attended Tales of the Toddy at the was superbly decorated for the season and House of Blues. This holiday drinking the libations were flowing. It also was a event is sponsored by Tales of the Cocktail special treat to have it served by a naughty and has dozens of bartenders from around little half naked elf. No wonder Santa only the city creating their holiday craft cocktails leaves the North Pole once a year. We for guests, as well as restaurants serving concluded our night at the home of Frank some of their specialties. The night was the Pizzolato for his annual Christmas gather- perfect blend of music, food, cocktails and ing. There was great food made by Frank good times. There are many creative libahimself, lots of cocktails and good conver- tions you can make for the holidays to wow sations. This is always one of my favorite your friends and family. parties during the season. Also this was the Back to the weekend again, it seemed birthplace of a new regularly featured col- like the week flew past. Friday, my mother umn in Ambush called “In Bed with Am- and I celebrated her good friend Jill Dolese’s bush Magazine.” Basically Brian Sands, 70th birthday at Charley’s Steakhouse. She Frankie Wingerter (aka Fierce) and I will had brought together some of her best interview a person in Frank’s bed while we friends to commemorate this noteworthy get drunk. Think of the endless possibili- occasion. The food was spectacular and ties, or tragic consequences... could hon- so was the company. Jill looked radiant and estly go either way. is proof that age is a state of mind, and you are as fabulous as you want to be at any age. Leaving that event, I went to WWOZ’s 34th birthday party at Tipitina’s which is conveniently located right down the street from the restaurant. This party brought back old school with music by some of New Orleans’s hottest musicians Davell Crawford’s Tribute to James Booker, Ivan Neville’s Tribute to the Neville Brothers featuring Nick Daniels, Tony Hall and Raymond Weber and DJ Soul Sister. We danced the night away to New Column Feature “In Bed with Ambush some good Crescent City Magazine” available on Facebook... by Tony Leggio, Frankie Fierce & Brian Sands jams.
under the gaydar ...from 8
The next week was a blur of activity with something happening almost every night. On Tuesday, I started the night at the Hobknobber’s event at Broussard’s restaurant. This monthly social gathering hosted by New Orleans Magazine has increased in size and popularity. The restaurant pulled out all the stops for the holiday event with delectable culinary delights and craft cocktails. Their courtyard is stunning, one of the prettiest in the city. After, I went to see “Dirty Dancing” at the Saenger with my friend Jeff (aka Elizabeth Bouvier). The show was weak on acting but strong on dancing (and let’s face it so was the movie). If you have not been back to this beautifully restored theatre, get your tickets now to one of the upcoming shows. It is truly a grand theatrical experience. Wednesday was my day to be a Quarter Rat, starting with Opera on Tap at the Four Points Sheraton on Bourbon Street for their free opera concert; then going to the Double Play Christmas Party. Chuck put out quite a spread for guests, his food is always wonderful. After passing around some cheer with those patrons, I moved down the street to Oz for their fabulous holiday party. Everything was wonderfully done from the décor to the catering. They pulled out all the stops to create a memorable holiday extravaganza for guests. And their show that night was brilliantly over the top with the much heralded return of TerylLynn Foxx. Persana emceed the evening and kept the spirited energy moving all night. I even ran into a dear friend Clint who
to something fancier and went to Irvin Mayfield’s birthday party. New Orleans Jazz Market’s opening event on Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. The theme was thirties speakeasy with a password to get into the door, casino games, cigar rollers and flapper style showgirls. The venue is incredible for parties and concerts, with a large theatre space. Renowned local restaurants like Commander’s Palace and Luke’s did the food and the cigar girls in period outfits passed around specialty cocktails like Manhattans. Of course the music was exceptional as guests ended the evening dancing the night away. Since this is the holiday issue, let’s finish off the week through Christmas. On Monday of Christmas week, I went to dinner at Ralph’s By The Park with the other members of the board of director for the National Association of Caterers and Events. This was my last year as president of the organization and I am ecstatic about passing the torch to the next person, and I could not have thought of a better place to do that than this elegant restaurant. We started with drinks and appetizers on the balcony overlooking the lights in City Park, then settled into one of the private rooms for a four course seated dinner. Afterwards, I just had enough time to catch the tail end of Kajun Pub owner Joanne and her partner Lisa’s Christmas open house at their home in the Marigny. It was a gorgeous get together of good friend, drink and merriment. These two ladies home is truly a show place; it even has a sauna and hot tub. I spent my Christmas with family and friends opening presents, overindulging, laughing, joking and missing those who are
no longer here to celebrate with us. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the wonderful readers of Ambush, thank you for reading my column, have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
To Quote A Queen As we enter 2015, the promise of new technologies and advancements are exciting and boundless. I just purchased a new I Phone 6 Plus and it does things that when I was a child, I only thought was true in science fiction movies (and no I am not that old). But beyond all the latest and greatest, there is the hope for a kinder and gentler world. One where we treat each other with dignity and respect, appreciate our differences and rejoice in love. Enjoy some of the quotes celebrating the new year and have a prosperous and happy 2015. “Good resolutions are simply checks that men draw on a bank where they have no account.” Oscar Wilde “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” Oscar Wilde “Matt and I have set a date. Matt and I will tie the knot New Year’s Day in the town of Swampscott, Massachusetts. Reserve your hotel rooms now. I will be having a gay marriage.” Ben Affleck “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West “Lower your expectations of earth. This isn’t heaven, so don’t expect it to be.” Max Lucado “What the New Year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the New Year.” Vern McLellan
On Saturday, Rip and Marsha hosted a small group of us for a cup of holiday cheer and to celebrate Tony and Sheila who were in town for the holidays at the Ambush Mansion. Tony and Sheila were past neighbors of Rip and Marsha who now reside in New York. They were the ones who threw Rip and Marsha a pre-wedding party at their penthouse home in the city. Guests noshed on Oysters Mosca, caviar and quail eggs and other delicacies. Like with every other season, Rip and Marsha’s home is exquisitely decorated for the holidays. It was a warm and happy way to kick off the weekend. I finalized the night with a quick dinner at one of the hottest new pasta restaurants in the city Arabella (incredible home-made pasta and sauces) then went to catch Elizabeth Bouvier’s Foreplay show with Lauren Brown, Princesse Stephaney and Barbara Ella. As always these ladies did an outstanding job. This Sunday was another one of those marathons with multiple events, numerous costume changes and a flurry of fun. I began with Margarita Bergen’s holiday party at her Casell-Bergen Gallery on Decatur Street. Julio and Cesar performed as guests got in some last minute Christmas shopping. It was truly a Feliz Navidad there. Then I went to some friends pre-caroling party at their house. Jose and Rene hosted a group of us in their lovely condo in the Quarter. I just have to say that their bare branch Christmas tree is one of the most inspired and artistic creations I have ever seen. After both parties, I changed clothes
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celebrazzi Wood Enterprises' Gary Agee, Tim Wilson and Chris Ward hosted the festive Wood Enterprises' Employee Christmas Party in The Balcony Bar at Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans. It boasted the largest buffet at any holiday party with a special dish from each employee of Cafe Lafitte's, Clover Grill, Good Friends Bar, Mary's True Value Hardware, and Rawhide 2010.
Tip Varnadore (aka Electra City) and Gary Delaune (aka Tittie Toulouse) hosted their first Four Seasons Christmas Party in Metairie. As bar barons of the popular Neighborhood Bar of the Year, it was an evening of fun and holiday eats.
Proprietors Chuck Turner and Bill Miller join Mama Turner hosting the Double Play's annual Christmas Party with one of their famous culinary spreads. (Photo by Tony Leggio)
The annual Oz Christmas Party and special holiday show did not disappoint as several hundred revelers joined in the festivities of the world famous Dance Club and Show Club of the Year in New Orleans. The spectacular show culminated with a grand finale bringing to the stage Oz showgirls including (front) Sunday show coordinator Coca Mesa, host and emcee Persana Shoulders; (back) Gia GiaVanni, Anastacia Davenport, Monalot Fontaine, Chi-Chi Rodriguez, Wednesday show coordinator Lisa Beaumann, Dominique DeLorean, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, and Connie Hung. (Photo by Tony Leggio) And don't forget, Oz brings Bianca Del Rio back LIVE on January 15, 2015.
Host Barry Bareass, bar baron Michael Elias, hostess Lisa Beaumann, and bar baron Tommy Elias put on a great Corner Pocket Christmas Party and a somewhat naughty holiday show with the famous Corner Pocket Dancers in New Orleans.
New director of security James joins GM Bert McComas in welcoming guests to The Country Club, complete with heated pool and jacuzzi, and on cold nights even a fire pit, at the popular Bywater hot spot in New Orleans. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
Manager Andy, bar baron Drew and bartender Sparky host Drew's 1st Voodoo Lounge Christmas Party at the all new club on N. Rampart in New Orleans. (Photo by Paul Melancon) Bar Baron James Garner (photo above) joins Miss Golden Lantern 2014 Imani Black with new Mr. and Miss Golden Lantern 2015 Robby Robinson and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, and 1st alternate Klorocks Bleachman following competition for the Miss Golden Lantern pageant. It was hosted at the Home of Southern Decadence, The Golden Lantern, in New Orleans. (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys)
Happy New Year!
What a night as Randy GaGa, Lana Luscious (bar baron Ken GrandPre), Wilhemina, Daryonce and Wilma Ballsdrop hit the stage for GrandPre's 1st Family Christmas Party and Turn-about. The hilarious show raised $152 for the Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends in New Orleans. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
Ambush is in the process of launching its all new column feature “In Bed with Ambush Magazine” by Tony Leggio, Brian Sands and Frankie Fierce. Can you even imagine what the caption would be since Corner Pocket Bar Baron Michael Elias is caught in bed with Oz bartender Ray Conard, along with Ambush's "naughty three" at an undisclosed location? Have you got the winning caption? Find this pic at www.Facebook.com/ AmbushMag and try your luck under comments!
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Merry Xmas from Cafe Lafitte’s staff @ Wood Enterprises’ Employee Christmas Party
Cy Whitney & Oz’s Johnny Chisholm welcome you to Oz’s Christmas Party
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Holiday Wishes from Clover Grill’s staff @ Wood Enterprises’ Employee Christmas Party Oz’s Bobby Warner & host Persona Shoulders welcome you to Oz’s Christmas Party
Seasons Greetings from Good Friends’ staff @ Wood Enterprises’ Employee Christmas Party
Bartenders Philip & Trevor welcome you to Double Play’s Christmas Party
Cheers with Tommy @ Double Play’s Christmas Party
James & June @ Four Seasons’ Christmas Party in Metairie
Joining the Double Play Christmas Party Oz GM Greg Jones joins Bourbon Pride’s Josh Duffy @ Oz’s Christmas Party
Happy Holidays from Mary’s staff @ Wood Enterprises’ Employee Christmas Party
Bourbon St. meets N. Rampart on Causeway @ Four Seasons’ Christmas Party
Klorocks Bleachman & Corner Pocket’s Micheal Elias in for Double Play’s Christmas Party Country Club's Bert & John @ Oz’s Christmas Party
Naughty Wishes from Rawhide’s staff @ Wood Enterprises’ Employee Christmas Party
The Miller’s join Four Seasons’ Christmas Party in Metairie
Celebrating with Adrian, Helene & Aubrey @ Oz’s Christmas Party
Catherine, Philip & Misti join Four Seasons’ Christmas Party
Chuck & Will snag a celeb @ Double Play’s Christmas Party
Georgianna Belle & David @ Four Seasons Christmas Party
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Seasons Greetings! ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed
Special guest Klorocks Bleachman & GrandPre’s Ken @ Corner Pocket Christmas Party
Lana Luscious kicks off GrandPre’s 1st Christmas Turnabout raising $152 for the Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends
Barry Bareass kicks off Corner Pocket’s Christmas Show with holiday dancer Blake The gang’s all hear @ GrandPre’s 1st Family Christmas Party & Turn-about Show
Holiday boys Blake & Slater @ Corner Pocket Christmas Party
Lisa Beaumann in Corner Pocket’s Christmas Show
Voodoo’s manager Ethan joins Ken @ GrandPre’s 1st Family Christmas Party
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Tip, Gary, Darwin, Leonard & Mike @ GrandPre’s 1st Family Christmas Party
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Jim, Jerry & Kenny join Corner Pocket Christmas Party
GrandPre’s Ken & Ron served up some delish creations @ GrandPre’s 1st Family Christmas Party
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snap Feliz Navidad ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Frankie Fierce, Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Hubert S Monkeys, Rip Naquin
paparazzi
Contestants is Miss Golden Lantern pageant @ The Golden Lantern
Ryan, Marco, Drandon & Jared welcome you to the heated Country Club pool Bianca Del Rio "Rolodex of Hate Tour" @ House of Blues
New Mr. & Miss Golden Lantern 2015 Robby Robinson & Monica Synclaire-Kennedy with Lantern bar baron James Garner
Miss Golden Lantern 2014 Imani Black prepares to crown new queen @ The Golden Lantern
Danielle & Ambush's Frankie Fierce backstage with Bianca Del Rio @ House of Blues
Jena, Tony, Christian & Keylin know what’s cookin’ @ The Country Club
Aaron, Danielle, Jamie, Rhonda, David, and Todd backstage @ House of Blues with Bianca Del Rio
Jimmy, Mac & Dudley welcome you to Cutter’s
Frank Pizzolato welcomes guests to his annual Christmas Party
RP, Drew, Darren, Robbie, Derrick & John Marc @ Frank Pizzolato’s annual Christmas Party
Margarita Bergen’s Fiesta Navidad @ her Casell-Bergen Gallery
Athena, Miss GL 2015 Monica, James, Bengee, Rikki & Jason @ The Golden Lantern
Glenn, Bourbon Pub dancer Ethan & Shelly join Drew’s 1st Voodoo Lounge Christmas Party
Lisa celebrates Joann's b-day at home with a mayoral certificate @ Holiday Housewarming
Rawhide bartender Danny & manager Derek in for Drew’s 1st Voodoo Lounge Christmas Party
Bar Baron Pedro & Vanessa Carr @ Tulane Avenue Bar
Tales of The Toddy with Phoenix bartender Tom O’Brien (r) @ House of Blues
Trent, Jason & Shannon cocktailin’ @ The Phoenix
Naughty bartender Anthony in the holiday spirit @ the Phoenix
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Lawrence Gobble’s “Love is Louder” Holiday Party ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
Stace & Brian Host FNBMG Holiday Party, Santa Paws Parade, Tales of the Toddy @ House of Blues,
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Year in Review Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. After more than three years behind the American Can Company, Mid-City Theatre announced that due to increased rent, it would be shutting its doors there. Having seen how hard—and successfully—Fred Nuccio worked to transform that raw space into a welcoming home for musicals, comedies, dramas, cabaret and especially Southern Rep’s 6x6, 3x3 and Pat Bourgeois’ Debauchery, it’s sad to see it become a victim of the neighborhood revitalization that it helped bring about. Word has it that Nuccio and his box office/tech wunderkind Su Gonczy are looking for a new location and I hope 2015 will bring such happy news. Speaking of Southern Rep, it seemed like a deal for a permanent home in the Irish Channel was close at hand but it was not to be. Having trod the boards throughout the city in 2014, let’s hope this vital organization will finally find a lasting place to call their own in 2015. And Pandora Gastelum’s Mudlark Public Theatre suffered a devastating fire. Fortunately no one was hurt, funds have been raised to help Gastelum re-open, and I look forward to more of her wondrous
puppet performances there. The good news is that, while there’s a distressing shortage of performance venues in town, change seems to be at hand. New additions in the Bywater include Playhouse Nola and Tigermen Den as well as the newly-christened Ether Dome which Goat in the Road Productions has used twice so far. Over in Central City, an expanding corridor of theater-friendly spaces includes The Dryades Theater and the cute coffee shop next door which housed Claudia Baumgarten’s Dorothy Parker show. The Ashé Cultural Arts Center will be introducing a new theater next year and so, what with other construction happening nearby, Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard could become a destination spot in 2015. But who needs theaters when some of the top shows this year took place in unconventional spaces? Adventures in Wonderland, Pete McElligott’s brilliant adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s original Alice texts, led audiences along the pathways of NOMA’s Sculpture Garden to joyous effect. Director Andrew Larimer intertwined the narrative’s three
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trodding the boards ...from 25 strands with precise timing and brought out inspired acting from the entire large cast. Anyone who got to see this NOLA Project production once was lucky; taking two or all three of its journeys was an experience to treasure for a lifetime. In their 10th Anniversary season, The NOLA Project also scored with an enchanting production of Twelfth Night in the Museum’s Great Hall. Director A.J. Allegra used the Hall’s grandeur to enhance the Bard’s story and, with Kristin Witterschein, Cecile Monteyne and Keith Claverie heading a fine ensemble, treated audiences to the play’s comedy without overlooking its melancholic undertones. New Noise also found a perfect setting in City Park for Phil Cramer and Bear Hebert’s Oxblood, a delicate tale of estranged sisters reunited in rural Georgia after their centuries-old family home burned to the ground. Seen at the Grow Dat Youth Farm on a drizzly day, Kramer, Bonnie Gabel, and Kylie Arceneaux, along with three phenomenal singers, braved the rain to deliver this marvelous melding of dance, theater, music and movement. The appearance of a rainbow towards the end made memories of this production that much more special. Presented at the Hermann-Grima House, The Hotel Plays, part of The Tennessee Williams Festival, divided audiences into three groups each of which saw four short works of Williams in a different order. The only problem with this divine mash-up of history, literature, design, architecture, theater and the Quarter’s ineffable atmosphere was that its run was too short. It really should be brought back for tourists and locals to enjoy on an ongoing basis. There were some outstanding shows that actually were done in conventional theaters. Kris Shaw’s The Normal Heart at the Marigny Theater demonstrated that events from 30 years ago still make for potent
drama. Sam Dudley gave an exquisite performance, both refined and raw, as an urbane New York Times reporter felled by AIDS. A Lie of the Mind, Sam Shepard’s epic portrait of two dysfunctional families bound by marriage, came to howling life in The Elm Theatre’s exhilarating production at Mid-City. Joseph Furnari directed a uniformly excellent cast with Kate Kuen standing out as a tough but underloved daughter. The Broadway Season at the Saenger had mostly repeats or less than scintillating offerings (Dirty Dancing anyone?), though Memphis was better than I expected it to be. For the first time in memory, however, abundant star wattage could be found on smaller stages. At the CAC, Denis O’Hare starred in An Iliad, his and Lisa Peterson’s acclaimed reinterpretation of Homer’s classic. Holding the stage for 100 minutes, O’Hare ranged between the conversational and the blazingly oratorical as he related the push-and-pull between the Greeks and the Trojans. In his one-man show Unconstitutional, Colin Quinn, at the Joy Theater, delved into the history and ramifications of one of our nation’s canonical documents with copious wit and insight. Examining our Constitution from many angles, this former Saturday Night Live cast member boldly discoursed on ideas that are central to America, always leavening them with humor. A Christmassacre Story might have been silly holiday fluff (I much preferred Musical of the Living Dead which Christopher Bentivegna also directed at the Shadowbox Theatre) but how often do you get to see a Tony-winner on St. Claude Avenue? Michael Cerveris made a jolly, if menacing, Burl Ives and, as usual with See ‘Em On Stage’s productions, the splatter zone was packed. The Broadway@ Series featured the return of the delightful Sutton Foster, and Joanna Gleason & Cheyenne Jackson were equally appealing, but the season’s unquestionable highlight was Chita Rivera who performed at Le Petit. At 81, she still sounds and looks great, and when she launched into A Boy Like That from West Side Story which she originated over 55 years ago, it was absolutely thrilling. Over at Le Petit, a new Artistic Director will be taking the reins this Spring. Maxwell Williams, currently Associate Artistic Director at Hartford Stage, will hopefully build on the theater’s history and take full advantage of its space and the good will it has established over the years. He’ll be coming in at a propitious time. Le Petit started the year off with a compelling production of Golda’s Balcony directed by Carl Walker; a gripping Clare Moncrief starred as Golda Meir. If Chris Durang’s Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike wasn’t quite what it was on Broadway, you can’t blame Le Petit for not having Sigourney Weaver in the role that was tailor-made for her. Still, Sophie Amoss,
Martin Covert, Susan Shumate, Cassie Chorus Line (Tulane Summer Lyric TheSteck Worley, and Jake Wynne-Wilson all ater); Dennis Monn’s reimagining of The gave terrific performances in this wacky Rocky Horror Show at The AllWays play with Idella Johnson as a prophesying Lounge; and a bevy of cabaret offerings: housekeeper especially outstanding. Lisa Picone and Dorian Rush’s The Queens [I also heard great things about Peter of King—A Tribute to Carole King; True and the Starcatcher but due to an actor’s Blue Bayou: A tribute to Linda Ronstadt illness, the performance I was planning to also done by Rush; Mandy Zirkenbach, attend was cancelled; I hope, though, to Sean Patterson and Jefferson Turner’s catch up with it via video.] winning gambol through the seven deadlies, Another venue that’s had a most satis- A Midsummer Night’s Cabaret: An fying season is the WWII Museum’s Stage Evening of Sin & Song; and Running With Door Canteen. Under Victoria Reed’s ex- Scissors’ louche Bacharach and Bingo! pert stewardship, they’ve served up both a And at the risk of leaving somebody straightforward tribute to The Andrews Sis- out, here are, in addition to those already ters (America’s Wartime Sweethearts) mentioned, some other praiseworthy folks and a more tongue-in-cheek one (The who trod the boards in 2014: Alfred Aubry, Andrews Brothers), both highly enjoy- Damon Singleton (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, able. The annual Stage Door Canteen Idol Anthony Bean Community Theater); continues to be an audience favorite and Courtney Boe (The Andrews Brothers); the premiere of Ricky Graham & Sean Justin Alexander Brown, Roscoe Reddix, Patterson’s The Mysterious Wisterias, a Jr. (Say Amen); Randy Cheramie, James musical send-up of old drawing room mys- Yeargain (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The teries, added a zingy freshness to the NOLA Project); Dwight E. Clay (Two Trains Canteen’s line-up. Running); Bob Edes, Jr. (Bent and The Ricky Graham and Sean Patterson Night of the Iguana); Gwendolyne also popped up with Brooklyn Shaffer, Becky Foxworth (Reflections 2); Aimee Hayes Allen and the irrepressible Varla Jean (The Night of the Iguana); Dylan Hunter Merman in loving recreations of Golden (Macbeth); Liam Kraus (A Midsummer Girls and Designing Women episodes. Night’s Dream); Hope Leigh (Perfect Sure there was some campiness, but by Wedding); Bill Mader (Reefer Madness: mostly playing these classic scripts The Musical); Kali Russell (Musical of the “straight,” they got maximum laughs. Can’t Living Dead and Zanna, Don’t!); Kyle wait to see what they do with Gone With Daigrepont, Jonathan Mares, Nick The Breaking Wind, a distillation of Mar- Shackleford (The Normal Heart); Kelli garet Mitchell’s novel into two 45-minute Simpkins (Spill); Mac Taylor (The Rocky acts! Horror Show); David Williams (Orphans). While Bianca Del Rio might once have Stand-outs behind the scenes inappeared with them as Mammy, since she cluded: Costume Design: Christopher S. won RuPaul’s Drag Race, she now be- Arthur (Cabaret); Cecile Covert/Chris Arthur longs to the world. It was fabulous having (Adventures in Wonderland); Granite (The her back here for two sold-out shows at the Rocky Horror Show); Christian Tarzetti House of Blues as part of her Rolodex of (Musical of the Living Dead); Julie Winn Hate tour. Ever caustic with a wit that can (Twelfth Night). slice steel, Bianca nonetheless revealed a more introspective side as s/he spoke about growing up gay on the West Bank. And having s e e n — a n d LOVED—one of Joan Rivers’ last performances at the IP Casino in Biloxi, it was fascinating to hear Bianca describe what it was like being the penultimate guest on In Bed With Molly Ruben Long and Ross Britz Joan (“After me in Adventures Wonderland was LeAnn Rimes. That’s what killed her.”), “She was the kindest, Lighting Design: Diane Baas (Bensweetest, gentlest lady I’ve ever met. I grew gal Tiger in the Baghdad Zoo); Joan Long up loving her. [When I was in bed with her] (Numb); Martin Sachs (A Midsummer the little fag in me was going ‘I am making Night’s Dream); Evan Spigelman Joan Rivers laugh’—surreal!” (Macbeth). There certainly were some surreal Set Design: Simonette Berry/ entries at The New Orleans Fringe Fes- Frederick Mead (Orphans); Shannon de tival but the stand-out was Les Vergnette (Musical of the Living Dead); Kurkendaal’s Nightmare in Bakersfield, Frank Oliva (Shiner); David Raphel (The a simple story of a black guy going to his Night of the Iguana). white boyfriend’s 20th high school reunion Choreography: Ford Haeuser (The in a fairly conservative town. Complications Andrews Brothers); Angelle Hebert ensued but the ending was surprisingly (Macbeth and Oxblood); Diane Lala heartwarming. Alas, this was the last Fringe (Cabaret); Lindsey Romig (Musical of the as it will be evolving into a three week chain Living Dead and Zanna, Don’t!). of events next year. Applause, Applause and Bravo’s to all! Among the musical highlights were A On to 2015!!
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bars Mobile, AL [251] B-Bob's Downtown, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.COM GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is2114]
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, 717 Toulouse St., 587.7782
hardware
circuit/events
New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465
1800
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 Sept. 2-7, 2015, 44th 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. 29-Nov. 1, 2015, Halloween 32, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.COM Dec. 26, 2015-Jan. 1, 2016, Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.COM
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America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; marsha@ripandmarsha.com International GayBars.COM, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, marsha@ripandmarsha.com
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Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271 Houston, TX [713]
ORLEANS
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Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921
guides
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, 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 LUCKY PIERRE'S, 735 Bourbon St., 586.1836, LuckyPierresNOLA.com OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM
costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633
employment Baton Rouge, LA Immediate PT opening for a bi-lingual, Latino Prevention Specialist to coordinate social network testing program for Hispanics and conduct community outreach. Duties include identification of at-risk individuals; training of recruiters in HIV counseling/testing; tracking social networks; liaison between agency and other CBO’s, hospitals, and partner organizations. High school graduate/ GED required; bilingual English-Spanish; knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Latino community a must; HIV counselor certification preferred. Flexible hours may include evenings & weekends. Resume, references and salary requirements to mbeaman@haartinc.org. PV0004
florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381 Marrero, LA [504] I BLOOM FLOWERS & GIFTS, 1604 Barataria Blvd., 504.341.0248
New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Urgent Care, 201 Decatur St., 700 Magazine St., 552.2433, NewOrleansUrgentCare.com
lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, E-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queensize beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [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] CHATEAU LEMOYNE FRENCH QUARTER, 301 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA 70112, Phone: 504.581.1303, http:// www.hiclneworleanshotelsite.com/gayhotelsnew-orleans. Enjoy a stay enriched with the culture and history of New Orleans at Chateau LeMoyne. Our historic building features all the best of old-time architecture and our prime location allows guests to stay just steps from the French Quarter, while still at enough distance to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest. Versatile guest accommodations include charmingly appointed suites and cottages, while on-site amenities include drinks and dining, a scenic courtyard area and pool, and meeting and event space. When you’re ready to explore, top New Orleans attractions are only moments away. We look forward to welcoming you to the “Big Easy.” ELYSIAN GUEST HOUSE, 1008 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117, Phone: 1.504.324.4311, info@elysianguesthouse.com. The Elysian Guest House is within walking distance to all the fun spots. Five to steps to a few blocks to all the action. We have a Jacuzzi too. Call and lets talk. THE FRENCH QUARTER GUEST
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HOUSES, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 1.800.367.5858, FrenchQuarterGuestHouses.com, email: Info@frenchquarterguesthouses.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 unforgettable 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, 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
pets New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
pharmacy Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA PHARMACY, offers personalized, convenient care to those affected by chronic illnesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assistance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7. Every prescription filled today helps Avita give back to the community tomorrow. www.avitapharmacy.com New Orleans, LA [504] AVITA PHARMACY, offers personalized, convenient care to those affected by chronic illnesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assistance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7. Every prescription filled today helps Avita give back to the community tomorrow. www.avitapharmacy.com 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
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
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, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] 801 Royal, 801 Royal St., 581.0801, 801Royal.com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, 371.5074 Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields, 943.3861 Horn's, 1940 Dauphine St., 459.4676 Lil Vic’s Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, 304.1238 Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, OrleansGrapevine.com Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET Retrouvailles Bistro & Balcony Dining, 700 Bourbon St., 523.1485 The Ruby Slipper, 2001 Burgundy St., 525.9355
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 MR. BINKY'S BOUTIQUE, 107 Chartres St., 302.2095, MrBinkys.com PANDA BEAR, 415 Bourbon St., 529.8064 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 RAB DAB CLOTHING AND GIFTS, 918 Royal St., 525.6662
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM MID-CITY THEATRE, 3240 Toulouse, 488.1460, MidCityTheatre.COM NEW ORLEANS FRINGE FESTIVAL, NOFringe.ORG
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
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a community within communities
9pm, closed Sunday.
New Orleans Restaurant Guide by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
The New Year and New Possibilities Resolutions! Promises! and Possibilities. TIME is a funny thing. It slips by with each tic. Now its history. Yet, it also flows like a river with future possibilities. Let the history be the history, and let the present be the present, and with some good judgment let’s look to the future. 2015 may be a great year for our [continued on 33] community. It will depend on us. Here is
chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
2014 Dining into 2015 As 2014 comes to an end, eat your way through New Year's Eve into 2015 at some of the incredible culinary dining establishments we have to offer. They're all over the place from the French Quarter, to the Marigny and Bywater, and out in Metairie. Ambush recommends fourteen great eateries where many serve up cocktails, a must have in The Big Easy.
Metairie Restaurant Guide Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com, is a quaint eatery serving five different gumbos, New Orleans
favorites, house specials, specialty sandwiches, daily specials, appetizers and desserts all prepared by award winning Chef Ron Iafrate. Open Mon-Sat. 11am-
801 Royal: NOLA Food & Spirits, 801 Royal St., 581.0801, 801Royal.com, located between Jackson Square and Bourbon Street on the corner of famous Royal Street and St. Ann, 801 Royal serves authentic New Orleans cuisine and cocktails 7 days a week in the heart of the French Quarter! With 2 big screen TVs, a full bar and kitchen, the eatery has whatever you are looking for, whether it’s “drinks to go” or you prefer to dine in! Restaurant hours: Mon.-Fri. 11am-12midnight, Sat. & Sun. 9am-12midnight; bar hours: Mon.-Fri. 11am til, Sat. & Sun. 9am til. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days. and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. The chef has paid attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am3pm.
Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM. Featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” Deanie’s signature BBQ Shrimp served the New Orleans way--jumbo head-on Louisiana Shrimp served in our unique blend of seasonings with a crusty baguette. For 50 years Deanie's has been serving huge portions of the best boiled, broiled and fried seafood in New Orleans. Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, 504.371.5074, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, is truly a fresh new restaurant with a 23-year history of serving New Orleans and guests from all over the world. Think of Fatoush as a combination coffee house, herbal teahouse, natural juice bar, and organic restaurant offering a unique selection of the richest and healthiest foods from around the world. Handcrafted dishes that contain only the finest natural ingredients and a variety of cuisines and innovative taste offer thrills that are appealing, exciting, and best of all, healthy. Open 7am-10pm daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields, 943.3861, is famous for its New Orleans style sandwiches chockful of ingredients.
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chop chop ...from 30 Horn’s, 1940 Dauphine St., 459.4676, is keeping with the tradition of a neighborhood restaurant with a mixture of classic New Orleans dishes and comfort food to pass the time away in this 160 year old corner cottage with an awning to watch the day and night parades of people passing by with a cocktail or a delicious cup of coffee. Serving dinner Thurs.-Mon., breakfast & lunch Thurs.-Tues., closed Wed. Lil Vic's Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, 304.1238, is a great stop in the Quarter for homemade gelato, pastries, espresso, Sicilian style small plates, and pizza focaccia. It's the new late night spot open til 2am Fridays and Saturdays. Open Sun. - Thurs. 7am-11pm, Fri. & Sat. 7am - 2am. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri.-Sun. 11am-10pm. Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery. Retrouvailles Bistro & Balcony Dining, 700 Bourbon St., 523.1485, is a 2 story historic building on the
corner of Bourbon and St. Peter, offering the largest balcony dining on Bourbon with all kinds of entrees from steaks, seafood, pasta, duck and much more. Bar hours Mon.-Sun. 11am-11pm, dinner Mon.-Sun. 5-11pm, lunch Fri.-Sun. 11am-3pm. The Ruby Slipper Cafe, 2001 Burgundy, TheRubySlipperCafe.Net, 525.9355, is a delightful eatery serving breakfast, lunch and brunch. It has an unusual array of breakfast specialties including Eggs Blackstone, Croque Madame, Bananas
Foster Pain Perdu; signature sandwiches, and entree salads. The restaurant is rated “Very Good to Excellent” in the Zagat guide as well as Favorite Place to Eat Breakfast or Lunch in New Orleans Magazine Tops of the Town 2012 Awards. Open weekdays 7am–2pm, Saturdays 8am–2pm and Sundays 8am– 3pm, closed Wednesday.
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32 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Dec . 30, 2014-J an. 12, 2015 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide© sinc e 1982 • GayMar diGras.c om Offic
wear it out by Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Johnny Love E-mail: cuttingedgediva@yahoo.com
Serious Fashion for Serious Men, Trends for 2015
Holiday Cheer ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie & John
Holiday Cheer with Mark & Stephen
Miss B-Bob’s Peachus Van Cartier with Miss Venus
Smitty & Miss Cie loves Mr. Corey!
mobile
paparazzi
As we see the year 2014 coming to a close we also see the newly emerging fashion trends for men in 2015. Fashion forecasters from all parts of the world are predicting trends from large bold patterns, multiple ways to wear denim, and bright colors to vintage style shoes and vintage inspired suits with pegged legs reminiscent of the 60s rock era. Oh can I also mention the modern day Star Trek look coming down the runways. It almost makes me think that we are on our way to a national uniform. SCARY!!!!!!!!!!! With all of these trends coming down the runways I ask the men of the world one question. HMMMMMM? Why the hell are you still wearing all the boring, safe, unimaginative clothing many of you do? I mean really. Come on now. Get it together and “GIVE ME LIFE!” I live for fashion. Fashion is one of the major ways we express ourselves and show the world who we are. Now in a city like New Orleans you can not tell me that what a majority of you are wearing is really saying anything about who you are. If it is, then I
really want to scream!!!!! Boring. I mean really. We live in the city that has more emerging young fashion designers than any city in the South, and that has the best and most dollars sold in independent fashion boutiques in the U.S... We live in the city that is being watched by the entire fashion industry in the U.S. to see what we will do next. The Hollywood of the South. Really! We need to step our game up. I get it. It is hot. Y’all like to drink a lot
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community ...from 30
Miss Louisiana Continental Aubrey Synclaire @ B-Bob’s
Merry Christmas with Miss Cie & Ray
B-Bob’s Light Tech Melvin & Timothy
what I hope for: > I hope that the State of Louisiana will allow people in love to marry one another regardless of sexual identity. But brothers and sisters we have to work and lobby and care about this … it won’t just happen. > I hope that more of the LGBT community will engage in faith. Yes, I hope that some degree of trust is building, and that at least some churches and synagogues will offer not only hospitality, but apology and a forum for exceptional spiritual expression. But we will have to stop hiding and stop being so afraid to enter these places. It will take a leap of faith to be who God created you to be and to be present in the prayers and hopes of faith. > I hope that our community will continue to rally around the cause of The Dodwell House Community Center and its work to break down barriers between our communities. That will take monetary ef-
Weston, Reba Douglas & Cory @ B-Bob’s
Miss USofA Gulf Coast Amy DeMilo performing at B-Bob’s
B-Bob’s Christmas Cheer with Matthew
Hello Will & Jeremy
Miss Josi Cotton @ B-Bob’s
Amber Douglas performing @ B-Bob’s
fort, volunteer effort, and intentionality on the part of community players. Did you know that LGBT bars and pubs contributed over 200 Christmas presents for the children of Treme? What a gift! > I hope that certain of the children in Anna’s Community Ministries will not fall victims to crime, drugs, and abuse but rather will continue to enjoy mentoring, love, and safety in St. Anna’s programs and other programs that our community offers. But we will need your buy-in and support. > I hope that you will buy a ticket to the Dodwell Extravaganza and enjoy the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence along with Elizabeth Bouvier and Tony Leggio as your hosts. This is how we help the most vulnerable of our children. > I hope that despair and depression are vanquished once and for all and that joy and gayety supplant it. That will take you and I reaching out to one another and to that quiet person in the corner and to show our support, faith, and love for one another. There are so many more hopes for 2015 that you and I have. The thing about hopes is that they stay hopes or dreams if we don’t act on them. So, let 2015 be a season of action, of engagement, of triumph over fear, prejudice, injustice and bigotry. Put into action all of those platitudes that we keep echoing. A platitude is only a platitude if a thought is born and no action taken. The early church lapsed into a sense of fatalism. It simply sat on its collective duff and waited for Jesus. The response by some of the leadership exhorted action. St. James was the most outspoken when he said, “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” So work and work hard to make our community a part of the larger community. Create in each space, tavern, dinner party, and conversation space for engagement of the “other” communities and surround you/ us. By our outward and visible work we will, and can collectively be a living testimony to a higher road and one less travelled the road to grace and love.
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wear it out ...from 33 and be comfortable while you do it. Does this mean you can’t look good while being a little TIPSY? Hell no. You should always put your best foot forward while walking out the front or back door of your home. Color is a huge trend coming forward and we have been seeing it for a while now building into the explosion it is now. Men in pinks, yellows, oranges, reds, colorful plaids,
stripes, multiple shades of denim. Trends that men have never seen or have not seen in years revamped and edited for today. Cuts that fit the body that compliment shapes as apposed to hanging like a bad sack. Men we finally have options. We finally have fashion trends that we can call true fashion. It is exciting. It’s new. We should embrace it and use our imagination when shopping now. Leave the box and have fun with style. Let our inner selves out.
I challenge you to express yourself through fashion. I challenge you to leave the boring box and check the exciting box. Brighten your day up with fashion. I’ll be watching. PEACE LOVE AND HAPPINESS.
34 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Dec . 30, 2014-J an. 12, 2015 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide© sinc e 1982 • GayMar diGras.c om Offic
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36 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Dec . 30, 2014-J an. 12, 2015 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide© sinc e 1982 • GayMar diGras.c om Offic