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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
32nd French Quarter Fest April 9-12 The 32nd Annual French Quarter Festival is April 9th-12th in New Orleans. Enjoy 275 hours of entertainment featuring more than 250 musical performances on twenty-three stages throughout the French Quarter over four days. What started as a neighborhood festival and ‘locals’ event’ has grown into the largest showcase of Louisiana music and food in the world, with an economic impact of over $251 million. Last year, Huffington Post named French Quarter Festival the ‘one thing to do in Louisiana.’ In 2015, organizers will welcome eight new restaurants to ‘The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch’; employ over 1,700 world class, local musicians; launch two new stages; offer an expanded Children’s Headquarters and Film Fest; and immerse festival-goers into a unique cultural experience that cannot be replicated anywhere. In a city famous for its wealth of delicious and unique traditional food, French Quarter Festival gives attendees a taste of the best of the best at the “The World’s Largest Jazz Brunch’. Over 60 vendors feature classic New Orleans dishes as well as cuisine from the finest restaurants in the region. For the complete schedule, visit www.fqfi.org.
2015 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Announcement Party April 30 @ Oz Just who will reign as Southern Decadence Grand Marshals 41? The excitement and anticipation begins as all roads lead to Oz on Thursday, April 30th for the 2015 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Announcement Party. Brought to you by SDGMs 40 Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas and Aubrey Synclaire, the announcement will bring to a climax the evening’s star studded show. Guests will enjoy hors d'oeurvres courtesy of Quartermaster, 801 Royal, Little Vic's, Pelican Bay Restaurant, and Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop. Door donation is $10 which will benefit the Official Charity of Southern Decadence 2015. The 44th Southern Decadence celebration is already off to a great start with the Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern already raising over $3,000 towards its Presenting $5,000 sponsorship, and a Gold $1,000 sponsorship from Todd Blauvelt. Join Chad, Reba and Aubrey 7-10pm as they make it “official” at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street, on April 30th. Visit www.SouthernDecadence.com (Official Website) or www.Facebook.com/SouthernDecadenceNOLA for the whole gay holiday.
13th Spring Fever & 16th Purple Party Brings in $8,356 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends Two great nights of entertainment culminated with a whopping $8,356 benefiting the Gay Easter Parade and Food For Friends. The 13th Annual Spring Fever Extravaganza hosted by GEP Board's Electra City and Tittie Toulouse raised $3,241 at Four Seasons in Metairie. A week later $5,115 was raised at The Double Play for the 16th Annual Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception. Spring Fever brought to the stage the talents of City and Toulouse as both emcees and entertainers, along with Easter Grand Marshals XVI Johnny Passion and Deja DejaVue', Big Momma LaVouge, Princess Stephaney, Taze Ya Balls, Countess C Alice, Natasha Sinclair, and special guest Pussy Hertz from LA. The event brought in 490.00 from the door, 460.00 from Stage Performance Tips, 156.00 from Egg Raffles, 77.50 from 50/50 Raffle, 77.50 from 50/50 Raffle Winner Dwain Hertz donation, and 140.00 from Marshmallow Shots. Auctions raised 50.00 for Martin Wine Cellar Basket from June Pennick, 56.00 for WDSU Mask from Gene Theriot, 60.00 for Pinnacle Liquor Basket from Ellen Miller, 316.00 for Basket of Love, 200.00 for Jayce Frew Pride Torso, 60.00 for Pinnacle Liquor Basket from Angela, 110.00 for Trick Basket from Ellen Miller, 320.00 for Big Pink Bunny Basket from Gene Theriot, 200.00 for Cologne Basket from RJ, 175.00 for Royal Salamander Egg from Jason & Troy, 45.00 for Easter Centerpiece from Gene Theriot, 90.00 for Big Blue Bunny Basket from Chris Ward, 60.00
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Jazz Fest/Cinco de Mayo issue out April 21 DEADLINE: Tues., April 14
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for Afghan from Gene Theriot, 98.00 for Cowboy Stripoff, for an event total of 3,241.00. An additional 271.25 was presented by The Glitter Girls for a Silver Sponsorship. The Purple Party was emceed by GEP Board's Tony Leggio and Opal Masters, showcasing Easter Grand Marshals XVI Johnny Passion and Deja Deja-Vue', special guest Tony D from the Gulf Coast, Princess Stephaney, Klorocks Bleachman and Coca Mesa. It also celebrated the 44th anniversary of Chuck Turner and Bill Miller who own the Double Play, and have hosted the Purple Party for the past 15 years. Easter Grand Marshal XV Stuart Nettles presented Johnny Passion and Deja DejaVue' with their "official" Easter Grand Marshals XVI pins. Easter Grand Marshal II and head of the city's Human Relations Commission Larry Bagneris presented mayoral certificates declaring April 5, 2015 as Johnny Passion and Deja Deja-Vue' Day in the City of New Orleans. Following this presentation, Bagneris also presented King and Queen Amon-Ra L Darwin Reed and Opal Masters a mayoral certificate celebrating the reign as Amon-Ra Royalty. Big Momma LaVouge presented a check for 1,118.00 raised at the Pink Party at Billy's in Slidell to EGMs XVI Johnny Passion and Deja DejaVue' for the Purple Party The event raised 1,099.00 from the door, 267.00 from Prize Raffles, 267.00 from Egg Raffles/Jello Shots, 1,118.00 from Pink Party at Billy's, and 344.00 from Stage Performance Tips. The auctions brought in 140.00 for Basket #1 from Chris, 150.00 for Basket #2 from John-Michael Alderson, 110.00 for Basket #3 from Craig Miller, 160.00 for Basket #4 from Philip, 100.00 for Basket #5 from Tommy, 150.00 for Bud Neon Sign from Gary Vandeventer, 90.00 for Rolling Rock Sign & Product from Tone, 40.00 for Bud Select Sign & Beer from Allen Miller, 250.00 for Larry Graham Mardi Gras Poster from Gary Vandeventer, 100.00 for Basket #10 from Dwain Hertz, 50.00 for Basket #12 from Tommy for Tone, 210.00 for Springtime Easter Egg from Chuck & Bill, 140.00 for Paul Davis Wig from Tittie Toulouse, 50.00 for SuziiFrank Bowtie Teddy Bear Basket from Tony Leggio, 80.00 for Phantom of the Opera Chest from Tone, and 200.00 for Big Purple Easter Basket from Ellen Miller for a total of 5,115.00. Additionally, a Bronze Sponsorship in the amount of $100 came in from Jo-Jo Holding LLC. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends. The complete coverage of Easter weekend including the 16th Gay Easter Parade will appear in the next issue of Ambush along with the financial report with total donation to Food For Friends.
Frank Perez to Teach History of the French Quarter at Delgado Community College Ambush columnist and local author Frank Perez will teach a new course at Delgado Community College on the History of the French Quarter. The class focuses on the history of the French Quarter as both the original city of New Orleans and its shifting role as the city’s flagship neighborhood. While the French, Spanish, and early American periods are covered, the emphasis of the course is on 20th century history. Topics include, but are not limited to: architecture, histori-
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Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Hall of Fame/2015, 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 Paul Melancon THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, 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. ©1982-2015 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
cal preservation, colorful characters, the rise of tourism, literature and arts, drinking culture, crime and vice, and LGBT+ history. The course begins on April 22 and will meet once a week on Wednesday evenings until June 3. The class is non-credit and tuition is $250. Registration is now open.
Jazz Fest DEADLINE: April 14
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Countess C Alice, Big Momma LaVouge, hosts Electra City and Tittie Toulouse, along with Princess Stephaney, (front) Puzzy Hertz and Taze Ya Balls helped raise $3,241 at Gay Easter Parade's 13th Spring Fever Extravaganza. Held at Four Seasons in Metairie, the evening was chock full of entertainment, auctions, and raffles, all benefiting Food For Friends. (www.GayEasterParade.com)
Easter Grand Marshals XVI Johnny Passion and Deja Deja-Vue' are honored by Mayor Mitch Landrieu, proclaiming Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015 as Johnny Passion and Deja Deja-Vue' Day in the City of New Orleans. The certificates were presented by Easter Grand Marshal II and New Orleans Human Relations Commission's Larry Bagneris during the 16th Annual Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception. Hosted at The Double Play in New Orleans, the event raised $5,115 for Gay Easter Parade's reason for the Easter Season, Food For Friends. It was an evening of entertainment, raffles, auctions, and a fab buffet courtesy of The Double Play. (www.GayEasterParade.com)
Silver Sponsor Dwain Hertz was the top bidder for for the Big Pink Bunny Basket at $320, the largest auction total, at the 13th Annual Spring Fever Extravaganza at Four Seasons in Metairie, benefiting Food For Friends. He is joined by Easter Grand Marshal XVI Deja Deja-Vue' and GEP Board's Electra City.
Ambush Magazine publishers Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain were honored at the 2015 Saints and Sinners Literary Festival in ceremonies at the Monteleone Hotel in New Orleans. The couple was inducted into the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival Hall of Fame. Visit www.sasfest.org for more on the festival.
Jason, Chris, Ray, Jonathan and Patrick celebrate the all new Wig Wednesdays Happy Hour at Oz in New Orleans. Wear your wig and join the fun. What a great way to get in the spirit of Southern Decadence with Jasonette, Christina, Raycine, Jonanna and Patricia!
Easter Grand Marshal XI Chuck Turner and Bill Miller celebrated their 44th anniversary during the 16th Annual Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception. The men are the proprietors of The Double Play in New Orleans, and Billy's in Slidell, and former proprietors of Four Seasons in Metairie. The Double Play has hosted the Gay Easter Parade's Purple Party for the past 15 years raising thousands of dollars for Food For Friends.
celebrazzi
Easter Grand Marshals XVI Deja Deja-Vue' and Johnny Passion accept a $1,118 check from Billy's in Slidell's own Big Momma LaVouge at the 16th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception at The Double Play. The funds were raised at Billy's for the club's annual Pink Party benefiting Gay Easter Parade's official charity, Food For Friends. (www.GayEasterParade.com)
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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 Louisiana Equality Foundation” In August of 2014, Derek and Jon Penton-Robicheaux founded the Louisiana Equality Foundation. The Foundation is an all-volunteer organization formed in order to educate, organize community action, to support activities, programs, and services that increase visibility and public awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (“LGBT”) issues. Further, we are committed to providing essential resources that benefit the health and well-being of the LGBT community in Louisiana. I recently interviewed Derek to learn more about the Foundation. FP: Tell me about the Louisiana Equality Foundation. How did it come about? DPR: The Louisiana Equality Foundation came about when we saw the need was present in our community for a variety of areas, such as those of the social and domestic nature. We were already in the fight for marriage equality and we wanted to do more. We wanted to do something that actually touches the need of the community in the form of awareness and charity, so we decided this is the best way possible to do that. FP: The Foundation’s website states it is not a political action organization but rather concerned with health and wellness issues. Why did the Foundation adopt this focus? DPR: In the battle for marriage equality we have met many great people from both local and national organizations that fight legally on the behalf of LGBT families and couples for marriage and other legal rights. That area is solid, there isn’t anything we could add to that fight that isn’t already being done. There are great organizations that already exist out there, that are doing a wonderful job and we wanted to leave that to them. What we could do is better our community. We wanted to spend our time and resources helping the community with social and domestic issues that the community actually face on a daily basis; suicide prevention, bullying, LGBT homelessness, drug addiction, domestic violence, HIV health prevention and awareness, elderly care and the infirmed just to name a few. So we started the foundation in hopes that we can make a difference in the lives of our fellow LGBT individuals in our own local community. FP: Does the Foundation collaborate with other LGBT support organizations? DPR: The foundation does collaborate with other LGBT organizations. Just last Thanksgiving we did a food drive that spanned across the entire state. We teamed up with not only our local Food for Friends and used them as a drop-off point, we also teamed up with several food banks across the state, for example Monroe, Shreveport, Baton Rouge, Houma, Lafayette, and Lake Charles. We also had local businesses collecting baskets to be delivered for the holiday. We were able to feed a lot of the elderly and infirm shut-ins that wouldn’t normally get to have a decent holiday meal. Back in March we were asked to participate in the LOVE IS LOVE Prom with New Orleans Pride, Mr. Friendly NOLA, and Crescent Care. We are always talking with local and statewide organizations to further collaborate - We love partnering with other organizations, and believe it is crucial for the continued success of our community.
Not only will be attending Pride Festivities here locally in New Orleans, but also in Baton Rouge, and in Lafayette to further relations with those communities and other communities across the state. We are after all a state wide organization that is just based here in New Orleans. FP: Does the organization have chapters in other parts of the state? DPR: We don’t have chapters per se, two of our board members live in Baton Rouge and are furthering our cause in that arena, attending events and spreading our message up there. We do have volunteers across the state, some of whom helped us reach people for the food drive that we could not have reached without their help. As far as the future, we plan with time and effort to have a presence in every corner of this state near and far. But again that takes time and we are still in our infancy stage. FP: Tell me about the Suicide Prevention Campaign. DPR: “Together, We’re Holding On To Hope!” – is our 2015 suicide prevention campaign. This is our inaugural campaign where we focus on one main portion within our mission. We held a community survey back in December through January and asked what would the community like to see us focus on in the upcoming year. We had overwhelming responses to suicide prevention. We voted and talked it over at our January board meeting and decided this was the one we would hit first. We are looking to partner with regional and local advocacy groups in order to provide education and resources for not only the high at risk youth, but for the thousands out there in our community that have nowhere to turn in this difficult time. Our kickoff party “Come Out For Life” where we roll out the suicide prevention campaign, is being help at the New Orleans Healing Center on Friday, April 10th from 7pm-9pm. City Council Member Jason Williams will be there to give an opening welcome to everyone attending, we also have a special guest attending to talk about suicide and it’s impacts in our community as a whole. We hope everyone will plan on attending and see how to get involved this year. FP: What other events do you have planned? DPR: When we decided on suicide prevention as our big campaign focus this year, we certainly didn’t cast our mission aside, we actually came up with a way to tackle the rest of our mission throughout the entire year. The way we will do this is to hold “Community Speak Outs.” They will take place the first Saturday in every month with the exception of May (Jazz Fest) and July (July 4th), in those months we have moved them to the second Saturday of the month. What these speak outs will do is allow the
community to come and hear an expert speak on one topic picked for that month from our mission i.e.: elderly care, HIV health, substance abuse, etc. FP: Is the Foundation a 501c3? DPR: The foundation IS a 501(c) (3) organization, so any donations that are made, are tax deductible to the extent of the law. While we are talking about donations and 501 status, I’d like to add that unlike a lot of the big national organizations, we are an all-volunteer board. 100% of every donation goes right back into the community in the form of events, awareness, education, operating expense materials, and so on. What we do, we do out of passion for the community! FP: How can the LGBT community support the Foundation? DPR: People have the capability of supporting in many ways. Our kickoff event is open to the public free of charge and we hope that people will come out and support us on April 10th. Our “Community Speak Outs” will also be free and open to the public, and is a great way to come and absorb some good information on various topics from the experts in our community. These events are always free to attend, however we are on hand to accept donations when available, as they help us to continue to be able to fund these events. You can also visit our website and Facebook page to donate using a secure donation form. If you would like to donate via check please contact us at info@louisianaequalityfoundation.org for the mailing address. We also accept donations in the form of items to raffle off at our events, donated space to host our events, and volunteering for events. We turn no help down, and no amount is too small, we appreciate all the help we get. You can visit us at www.louisianaequalityfoundation.org to find out more info or to make your tax deductible donation. We are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ laequalityfoundation. FP: Is there anything else you would like to add? DPR: We can’t do this alone, this is for and about all of our well-being as a community; it’s time we stand up and make a difference in this community. If you or someone you know is in need, please do not hesitate to contact us, we are here for you, the community. If we can’t provide the service or resource for you, your friend or loved one needs, we will leave no stone unturned in finding someone or something that can help. FP: On an unrelated note, with regard to the struggle for marriage equality, how does it feel to be a part of legal and gay history? DPR: When we set out on the road for the fight for marriage equality, it was for every LGBT Louisiana couple and their families. We were in search of nothing but the rights and respect we deserve. We filed our case very early on immediately after the Windsor decision was handed down, in July of 2013, well before all of the favorable rulings came down. We at this time didn’t know what to expect and we certainly didn’t see the sweeping amount of support we have seen happen over the last 21 months, but we certainly appreciate it. We still maintain that we are only doing what is necessary for our family and countless others. We were shunned at first for filing the lawsuit by many, as they saw the atmosphere was not right here in the south for such a lawsuit, but as I always say, I don’t
do anything at the mercy of popular opinion. I do it at the mercy of what is right! It was right then, and it continues to be right now. As we anticipate a favorable ruling from the Fifth Circuit in not only our case, but Texas and Mississippi as well, we have made plans to attend the Supreme Court oral arguments for the cases being heard in April. We also will be attending an invite only reception for all same-sex marriage plaintiffs from across the country being held the night before the hearing in Washington, D.C. This is something we look forward to attending, as most all of us plaintiffs from across the United States will be together for the first time since this battle started back in the early 2000’s. We are honored to be among all these brave people and look forward to it so much. History will be History, and even though it’s something we sought out, we embrace it with humility, this is for us ALL.
History and the Smoking Ban by Frank Perez Bar owners and smoking patrons have resigned themselves to the fact the smoking ban will go into effect soon. The vast majority of these people don’t like it and arguments against the ban range from the ideological (“Government should not be able to tell me how to run my business”) to the pragmatic (“The ban will adversely affect my bottom line”). But of all the cases made against the ban, hardly anyone has raised the most compelling, and disturbing, argument: a smoking ban in New Orleans represents a significant and troubling victory for American mores and values, which have always struggled to maintain a foothold here in New Orleans. According to legend, in 1803 when Louisiana was being transferred from France to the United States, the Creole population wept as the French flag was lowered in the Place d’ Armes, but they snickered as the American flag was hoisted because it got hung up and stuck as it was being raised. Whether or not the story is true, it is indeed an apt metaphor for the legendary Creole-American conflict that informs much the city’s history. It’s important to remember that New Orleans existed 58 years before the United States did and 85 years before we were sold to the Americans. And nobody consulted the local Creole population regarding the Louisiana Purchase. Whereas the American experiment with democracy resulted from a mistrust of monarchy, the Louisiana experience did not. That fact plus fealty to the Pope, to say nothing of involuntary immigrants from Africa, which had their own kings, demonstrates that the Creoles of 18th Century were ill-equipped to be annexed and assimilated into America. When the Americans began pouring into the city, the Creoles looked upon them with suspicion. The Americans were mostly protestant, which was strange because French / Spanish Louisiana had ben staunchly Roman Catholic. Also, the American were still closely associated with the hated British. Plus, the Americans didn’t know how to cook, their food tasted awful, and they had no culture. To the Creoles, the Americans were uncivilized barbarians. Anglo-Saxon puritanical morality—the suppression of vice and the Protestant work ethic, for example—have never taken root in New Orleans.
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a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
WORKING TOGETHER Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” The scene is this: Jesus is talking to his Disciples and they all know that he’s in big trouble with the authorities and his very life is in jeopardy. Imagine the anxiety of his friends. This is something that many somewhat older gay folk can recall. Being gay until the last decade was high risk business. Stories of gaybashing abound. That same sense of foreboding took hold of the disciples. Even Jesus, the outcast and trouble maker felt anxiety. Yet his call was “do not be afraid” and also “I leave you this commandment: love one another.” Yea, I know, this article sounds preachy – right? Yet, there is so much in common with Jesus, his followers, and LGBT community. Truly there is. So, bear with me while I draw some parallels. Jesus was a rabble rouser, outcast, marginalized by his own personhood and claims, and finally a figure that would transcend the culture and thoughts of the day. Harvey Milk, Stewart Butler, Gertrude Stein, Bayard Ruston, Oscar Wilde, Tennessee Williams, and Virginia Wolf all, in some way, parallel those earliest followers and so there is at least a symbolic solidarity between the founders of my faith and the earliest trail blazers of the LGBT Commu-
nity. Yes, the claim I am making is that the very institution that so horribly abused and marginalized Gay community is rooted historically in the same sense of anxiety, fear, and risk. The dramatic way in which the U.S. culture has shifted in the past five years or so is startling. Likely no less startling than when Christianity after several hundred years of hiding, fearing, and being spat upon came out of the closet and was fully brought into the life of the Roman Empire. No longer objects of scorn but rather engines of purpose within the state. It is now time that LGBT community become an engine of purpose within the framework of the state. We are seeing it now within the context of law suits seeking marriage equality: Because really, any civil inequality is an inequality for everyone. If you buy into that then you must know that you are a community within communities. For five years now the LGBT community has supported many efforts centered on generosity in the public arena. Various food collections, various gifts of money and time to needy populations are not only common place in The Community but expected, often cherished, and delightfully hidden behind a mask of sarcasm and bravado. As a community and often by social necessity the LGBT has had to become givers to one another because of the marginalization. Somewhere and somehow that
history and the smoking band ... from 8
This raises the issue of spaces and crowding. The narrow streets and sidewalks of the Quarter are already heavily congested with slow moving mule drawn carriages and hordes of ghost tour groups that often block passageways. Now add to the mix, hundreds of people congregating to smoke. All at once. In a small area. Nonsmokers may enjoy the smoke free space inside a bar, but they’re going to have to walk through clouds and plumes of smoke to get inside and to exit. But despite all the logistical nightmares the ban is going to cause, its real problem is what it represents: an attempt to make New Orleans like other cities. What’s next? A ban on go-cups? That will never happen, you say. Well, I said the same thing about the smoking ban. And what about fried chicken? That’s unhealthy; is the City Council going to outlaw Popeye’s? Second-lines? We might as well get rid of those too. I also find it curious that many proponents of the smoking ban are transplants. These are the same people who complain about “noise,” which is to say music. These people claim to love New Orleans but what they really want to do is change New Orleans. New Orleans was settled by thieves and whores and named after a cross-dresser and has an almost 300 year history of not only tolerating but embracing, nay, celebrating vice. Drinking, gambling, prostitution have always thrived here. Smoking is an integral part of New Orleans’ culture of vice and let’s face it—smoking goes very well with drinking and most other vices. If any our City Council members had an historical appreciation for our city’s culture of vice, they would have never passed this draconian measure. Or at the very least
Which is why the passage of the smoking ban took everyone by surprise. In their surprise, no one noticed the implications of the fact that the ban was passed unanimously by the City Council. I have to assume (and it’s a safe assumption) that the casino people and / or bar owners and / or tobacco interests attempted to bribe the city council. That means no person on the council accepted the bribe. I, for one, find this incredible. It’s a sad state of affairs indeed when no member of the New Orleans City Council can be bought. I have lost all faith in the corruptibility of my elected officials. Another victory for the moralists. Some folks in favor of the ban point to other cities that have adopted smoking bans with no adverse effects on the bar business and argue bars in New Orleans will not be affected either. Such a claim rests on a false assumption and a faulty comparison. New Orleans is not like Boise, Des Moines, or Sacramento—and we shouldn’t want to be. According to a recent study, 20% of New Orleans residents smoke. The percentage of smokers in New Orleans rises when you consider we host ten to twelve-million visitors each year. And they all spend much of their time in the French Quarter. Many of these tourists love the fact that they are, or were, allowed to smoke in bars. The Quarter is truly unique and unlike bar markets in other cities. There are over 100 bars in the Quarter, a concentrated area less than a square mile. In addition, you can walk the streets here with a drink. A person in Peoria who steps out of a bar for a smoke has to return inside to resume drinking. Not so here.
giving culture began to translate into giving in the larger community – again, often discreet, or hidden, or masked by what LGBT community does so well: the fabulous event. Here is my pitch! The Dodwell House represents in bricks and mortar a chance to congregate LGBT Community and the other Communities that we live with or close to. It can make tangible the reality of the generosity and good hearts of a community that deeply deeply cares in such loving ways about each other and beyond. One of my favorite quips, a movie title even, that symbolizes what we are all about with Dodwell House is “Love Free or Die.” But we want you to be involved. We don’t want a bunch of nice, straight, white folks offering THEIR idea of justice to communities of LGBT persons, African American persons, and marginalized persons. I hope that you will take to heart this invitation: You are cordially invited to attend the Fifth Annual Dodwell House Extravaganza called “A Night of Indulgence for a Good Cause.” The festivities will begin at 7pm on Saturday, April 18th at Generations Hall in the Warehouse District. The cost is $70/person but this includes wonderful food, great beverages, and yes, Topsey Chapman, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Miss Elizabeth Bouvier and Tony Leggio as MCs and Auctioneers and finally the Treme Community Choir. There will be glitter and glasses of wine, there will be auction items that entice! BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY it will make a statement that we are a community with a purpose that shows that we have come out of the other side of darkness (closets) and into the light. We claim our place as full members of community and that community is supremely built upon the virtues of love, humor, dignity, and radical equality. For tickets or more information go to: www.dodwellhouse.org. Yet his call was “do not be afraid” and also
they could have exempted the Quarter and all the other neighborhoods on the Creole side of Canal Street and imposed the ban just on the American side of Canal. New Orleans is the most un-American of all American cities and this is a distinction we should fight to preserve.
Book Review Imogene in New Orleans. Hunter Murphy. Rolltop Publishing. 2014. ISBN: 978-0-9909792-0-3. 298 pages. $15.00. Imogene in New Orleans is Alabama native Hunter Murphy’s very promising debut novel and a perfectly entertaining murder mystery set in New Orleans. The title character, Imogene, her son Billy and his partner Jackson, and their English bulldog Goose make a road trip from Alabama to New Orleans to visit their friend Glenway and attend the annual Satchmo Fest. But upon arriving in the French Quarter, they discover Glenway has been murdered. Then the sleuthing begins. As the mystery unfolds, readers are treated to a host of characters that could easily be real life Quarterites. There’s an incompetent police officer, a praline lady, a gay couple, a hustler, a rude hotelier, and a few other eccentric characters. There is a touch of genius in the character of Imogene, an elderly, salty, down-to-earth woman—think Wife of Bath meets Miss Marple, but with an Alabama accent. The book is infused with a good deal of humor and clever plot twists. Readers adept at solving murder mysteries before their resolution will find this one challenging. The writing is crisp and Murphy manages to strike a light-hearted yet compelling tone that makes the reader want to keep turning pages. This book is simply a de-
“I leave you this commandment: love one another.”
spotlight Ambush at the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival The annual LGBT themed Saints and Sinners Literary Festival was held in New Orleans on March 27-29. Ambush publishers Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain were inducted to the Festival’s Hall of Fame. This award honors people who have made a significant contribution to the world of gay letters and the LGBT community in general. Ambush columnist Frank Perez was also honored at the Festival’s book launch party. Each year the Festival hosts a short fiction contest and publishes the top entries in an annual anthology. Perez’ story, “Hustler Court” was selected as a runner-up by contest judge Andrew Holleran and will be included in the 2015 anthology, published by Bold Strokes Books. Perez also performed a reading of the story at the book launch party. “It’s basically Judge Judy but with hustlers and set at the Double-Play. It’s a pretty funny story.” Perez said. Perez also conducted two walking tours of the French Quarter for festival participants that focused on New Orleans’ enchanting past with an emphasis on the neighborhood’s queer history and its rich literary heritage. Perez has developed a walking tour on New Orleans gay history which is offered through his small business, the Crescent City Tour Booking Agency. Call 504.568.0717 for more information on the tour. Frank Perez is a columnist for Ambush Magazine and has authored two books, In Exile (with Jeffrey Palmquist) and Treasures of the Vieux Carre. He also serves as President of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. In addition, he also teaches courses on Queer New Orleans History at Delgado Community College and Professional Tour-Guiding. He lives in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The Saints and Sinners Literary Festival was founded in 2003 as a new initiative designed as an innovative way to reach the community with information about HIV/AIDS, particularly disseminating prevention messages via the writers, thinkers and spokespeople of the LGBT community. It was also formed to bring the LGBT literary community together to celebrate the literary arts. The Festival has grown into an internationally-recognized event that brings together a who’s who of LGBT publishers, writers and readers from throughout the United States and beyond. The Festival, held over 4 days each Spring, feature panel discussions and master classes around literary topics that provide a forum for authors, editors and publishers to talk about their work for the benefit of emerging writers and the enjoyment of fans of LGBT literature.
lightful read, perfect for a rainy afternoon or a quiet evening. Hunter Murphy is a writer from Alabama. He likes to sit on his back porch with his English bulldog and discuss books. He took his first trip to New Orleans in 1987 when he was in fifth grade, when he first experienced Mardi Gras. He has been returning to the mysterious Crescent City ever since. Imogene in New Orleans is the first book in a mystery series featuring Imogene, the boys, and Goose.
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Easter Grand Marshal XVI Johnny Passion live
EGM V Princess Stephaney as Mama Cass
EGMs Deja & Johnny accept $271.25 Silver sponsorship from The Glitter Girls presented by Countess C. Alice
Special guest Pussy Hertz
Ellen Miller wins Pinnacle Liquor Basket with $60 bid Ambush Fashion columnist Taze Ya Balls
EGM XI & Four Seasons own Tittie Toulouse
EGM IV & Four Seasons own Electra City raises $316 for Basket of Love Easter Grand Marshal XVI Deja Deja-Vue’
Winner of the Jayce Frew “Pride Torso” painting with $200 bid
RJ wins Cologne Basket with $200 bid
snap paparazzi
Angela wins Pinnacle Liquor Basket with $60 bid
Billy’s in Slidell’s own Big Momma LaVouge Natasha Sinclair
June Pennick wins Martin Wine Cellar Basket with $50 bid
NO/AIDS Task Force Food For Friends
Jason & Troy win Royal Salamander Egg with $175 bid
Ellen Miller wins Trick Basket with $110 bid with Taze & Electra
Dwain Hertz wins 50/50 raffle & donates it back for a total of $155
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13th Spring Fever Extravaganza raises $3,241 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ Four Seasons ~ Metairie ~ Photos by Darwin Reed
MCs & Hosts GEP Boards Tittie Toulouse & Electra City
Gene Theriot wins Andy Cunningham WDSU Mask with $55 bid with Big Momma & Tittie
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Chris takes home Basket #1 with $140 bid w/Clay & MC Tony
John-Michael takes home Basket #2 with $150 bid
Ellen Miller takes home Basket #3 with $110 bid from Tone
Bartender Philip takes home Basket #4 with $160 bid from Tone
King & Queen Amon-Ra L Darwin & Opal receive special mayoral certificate from EGM II Larry Bagneris
EGM XII Gary Vandeventer wins Larry Graham Mardi Gras poster with $250 bid
Tommy wins Basket #5 with $100 bid with Tone & MC Tony
Dwain Hertz wins Basket #10 with $100 bid from Tone
Tommy wins Basket #12 with $50 bid for Tone EGM XII Gary wins Budweiser sign with $150 bid from Tone
Tone wins Rolling Rock package with $90 bid
Allen Miller wins Bud Select package with $40 bid from Philip
EGM XI Chuck Turner wins Springtime Easter Egg with $210 bid from Tone
EGM XI Tittie Toulouse wins the Paul Davis wig with $140 bid from SDGM Reba Douglas
EGM X Tony wins SuziiFrank Bowtie Teddy Bear Basket with $50 bid from EGM XIII Rhonda
Tone wins Phantom of the Opera Chest from EGM XVI Deja
Allen & Craig Miller win Big Purple Easter Basket with $200 bid from Tone
Special guest Tony D as Barbra Streisand
EGMs XIII Darwin, XIV Tommy, VII/MC Opal & VIII Michael
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16th Purple Party raises $5,115 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ The Double Play ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed
EGM XV Stuart presents EGMs XVI Johnny & Deja their “official” Easter Grand Marshal pins
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Bartender of the Month My choice for the month of April epitomizes not only the characteristics of a great bartender but also a model employee in general. Josh Rivero who works at the Bourbon Pub is a powerhouse behind the bar. I recently ran into him again tending bar at Tony Marino’s fabulous St. Joseph’s Day soiree and he is still his gregarious and charming self just as much off-site as when he is at his home bar.
to keep some spring in your step.
Friday April 10, 2015 Come Out For Life! Join the Louisiana Equality Foundation at their 2015 Coming Out Party from 7 – 9pm at the New Orleans Healing Center and learn more about their “Together, We’re Holding On To Hope” Suicide Prevention campaign. There will be a presentation about local suicide prevention resources and how you can help save lives in the LGBT community. Council Member Jason Williams will be there to give a welcoming greeting. The Coming Out Party is a FREE event, open to the public. The New Orleans Healing Center is located at 2372 St. Claude Avenue. Please R.S.V.P. at this link - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ come-out-for-life-tickets-15770317444.
Friday April 10, 2015
Bartender of the Month Josh Rivero, Bourbon Pub Josh is a true professional which is the reason why he is so sought after to work people’s private events. Like a true pro he never breaks form behind the bar, having fun the entire time he is serving customers their cocktails expediently. His jovial attitude makes him a favorite at the Pub. I believe his love nature gives him the positive light that melds perfectly with working with the public and specifically behind a bar. Being first-rate bartender commands patience with all kinds of people in all states of sobriety. Josh handles people with a disarming ease that makes the patron feel right at home. Another fun fact about Josh is that he will be moving soon to Mississippi with his partner to become gentlemen farmers. Yes, I had to look up exactly what this was, so here is Wikipedia’s summary of this growing phenomenon. A gentleman’s farm is a small farm acreage wise that is not used to produce large amounts of food, grain, or livestock for major markets. Basically a gentleman farmer has an independent source of income (the Pub) and farms for pleasure rather than for money. But do not fret; Josh will still be at the Pub Fridays through Sundays making people’s weekends cocktailed and bright. I would like to wish him luck in the purchase of his grandmother’s house and land to start his organic farm. Can you imagine, he can grow some fabulous ingredients to make all those craft cocktails. So stop by the Pub over the weekend and have Josh show you Southern hospitality at its best. The Pub is located at 801 Bourbon Street.
Hot Happenings Easter has gone down that rabbit hole, now we are in Festival Season. Here are just a few of the fun things the city has going
Task Force. Through HIV awareness and testing events such as Open Mic Night, Bounce Out HIV, and Parties and Workshops, CHAT educates and supports our youth ages 13-19 and offers them a safe space to discuss safe sex and risk reduction. Let’s help The CHAT Project help NOLA’s youth. As always, 100% of the $5 minimum at-door donation goes directly to our beneficiary. The Queen and Crescent Hotel is located at 344 Camp Street.
It’s is time to hit the dance floor again when A FORCE MAJEURE serves up /// CLUB MAGS\\\ at Mags 940. The first installment of Club Mags during Mardi Gras was a mega-dark and sexy success, so here is a second helping. From the creative minds of Bouffant Bouffant and Mark Louque, this amazing event is not to be missed. There will be plenty of dancing bodies to get your libido stirring. The event begins at 10pm. Mags 940 is located at 940 Elysian Fields Avenue.
Saturday April 11, 2015 We now have our Grand Marshals for Gay Pride this year, now it is time for the 2015 New Orleans Pride Pageant to be held at Oz from 5 – 8pm. Contestants eligible to compete should live in the New Orleans or Southeast Louisiana/ Southwest Mississippi area. There will be four divisions: 1. Miss New Orleans Pride: Male or transgender (MTF) competitors presenting as female 2. Sir New Orleans Pride: Female or transgender (FTM) competitors presenting as male 3. Ms. New Orleans Pride: Female or transgender (MTF) competitors presenting as female 4. Mr. New Orleans Pride: Male or transgender (FTM) competitors presenting as male All contestants must be 18 years and older. The theme this year is “An Enchanted Evening” and Pride Grand Marshals Persana Shoulders and Adikus Sulpizi will be emcees. Oz is located at 801 Bourbon Street.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Have a cocktail and support a good cause when you join Jeff Bater and Tim Irving, our guest hosts, for the Big Easy Cocktail Club event at the Queen and Crescent Hotel from 5:30 – 7:30pm celebrating The CHAT (Curbing HIV/AIDS Transmission) Project. The CHAT Project is an artbased, peer-led HIV/AIDS prevention project in New Orleans, based at the NO/AIDS
Tuesday April 14 – Sunday, April 19, 2015 The New Orleans Theatre Association presents the new national tour of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, April 14 – 19 at the Saenger Theatre in New Orleans as part of the East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans 2014 – 2015 Season. Tickets for JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT start at $25. Tickets will be available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, and all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (800) 982-2787. Broadway and television star Diana DeGarmo (Narrator) and Broadway star Ace Young (Joseph) head up the cast, which also features Paul Castree as Simeon, William Thomas Evans as Jacob/Potiphar, Brian Golub as Reuben, Max Kumangai as Judah and Ryan Williams as Pharaoh. Husband-and-wife team Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo first met when they shared the Broadway stage in the 2009 revival of HAIR. One of the most enduring shows of all time, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. The first collaboration of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Cats) and lyricist Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King), JOSEPH blends pop, country and rock into an uplifting, technicolored story of biblical proportions. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door.
Saturday, April 18, 2015 Are you ready to come out for one of the best fundraisers in the city in support of St. Anna’s Church? You are cordially invited to the Fifth Annual Dodwell House Extravaganza from 7 to 10pm at Generations Hall located at 310 Andrew Higgins Boulevard. Help be a part of the restoration of the Dodwell House and the creation of a community center. The entertainment that evening features Topsy Chapman, The Treme Choir, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Tony Leggio and Miss Elizabeth Bouvier as your hosts. There will be both a live and silent auctions, local cuisine with wines and champagne. Tickets are $70 each ($80 at the door). Proceeds for the night benefit the Dodwell House and its Mission, Anna’s Place NOLA, A Ministry of St. Anna’s Episcopal Church. For more information, call 504.947.2121.
Saturday, April 18, 2015 Calling ALL Queens . . . and Kings, Emperors and Empresses, Tsars and
Tsarinas. Princesses and Princes, Dukes, Duchesses, Barons and Baronesses. Basically anyone with an Imperial or Ruling Title, or the offspring of an Imperial, Royal or Noble is invited to the glittery Cocktails & Crowns? Honestly this fabulous event is open to anyone with a crown or tiara. So dust off your headdresses, shine those rhinestones and crown yourself again for a night of Sparkle and Dazzle. This is the Krewe of Petronius’ first event of the year celebrating 55 years of Gay Carnival. Cocktails & Crowns will be held at Carl Mack Presents located 318 North Rampart from 7 to 10pm. Dress for the event is festive attire (wear your crown and rhinestones!), business casual or dressy casual. Tickets are $35 and include complimentary champagne and cocktail food. The event will include a silent and live auction to benefit the staging of the Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque 55. For tickets or more information, go to info@kreweofpetronius.net or your favorite krewe members. The Krewe of Petronius is a 501(c) organization and donations to the Krewe are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Saturday, April 25, 2015 New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) is hosting their monthly Coffee Talk Discussion dealing with the Art of Intimacy: Finding Happiness in Your Relationship from 10 – 11:30am at the New Orleans Healing Center. For more information, go to www.noagenola.org. The New Orleans Healing Center is located at 2372 St. Claude Avenue.
Thursday, April 30, 2015 It’s time! Join Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas, and Aubrey Synclaire at Oz for a star studded show, as they announce their Grand Marshal 2015 selections. Come see who will be honored this year as the event takes place from 7 – 10pm, with a $10 cover benefiting the Official Charity of SD 44. Oz is located at 800 Bourbon Street.
Party Down As I am writing this the countdown to Easter has begun with an incredible array of shows, events and parties. Let’s begin on Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day when I went to see Once at the Saenger Theatre. It was kismet that I went on this night to see this play because it is basically an Irish love story. The music and energy was great and I loved that before the show and during intermission, you could go up on stage to hang out on their bar set. You could even buy a cocktail up there. Not to be outdone by St. Patty’s Day, I attended an incredibly elegant party on Thursday, St. Joseph’s Day at the home of Tony Marino. This enchanted evening celebrating the feast of St. Joseph included an over-the-top block party with an Italian buffet feast, opera singers, open bar and one of the most beautiful St. Joseph Day altars I have ever seen. From the Italian seed cookies to the lamb cake, this event brought back fond memories of when my grandmother was alive and her and my aunts use to have an altar for the neighborhood. A large thank you goes out to Tony for keeping this New Orleans tradition alive. On Friday I was off to the races with Jeff Mallon (aka Elizabeth Bouvier) for last Starlight Races of the season at the Fair-
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons 2015 at The Civic Theater RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons rolled back into town again and if last year’s edition was fabulous, this year’s was even better. The 2015 Condragulations Tour packed The Civic Theater wall-to-wall, but even from a seat in the balcony, a great view of the show could be had. And what a show it was. Alaska Thunderf*ck 5000 started things off in a towering blonde wig and a wispy basso voice that sounded like a 33rpm record played at 16rpm. Her Your Makeup Is Terrible commanded the stage, equal parts singspiel and performance art. Next up was Ivy Winters who not only juggled glow-inthe-dark pins impressively, but who, to My Strongest Suit from Elton John’s Aida, magically went through about eight instantaneous dress transformations to receive the most well-deserved standing ovation I’ve seen in ages. Sharon Needles’ Halloween-themed set, as much fun in March as in October, featured her single Dead Girls Never Jinkx Monsoon Say No. Any song that includes the line “I’ll be your Rosemary’s greeting fans baby tonight” is a treat.
under the gaydar ...from 18 grounds. We were in a private box enjoying these majestic horses running. There was live music on one level and a DJ with go-go female jockey dancers on the other. If you missed these fun events this year, put them on your calendar for next, this is a great scene. And even though almost every horse I bet on lost, I still had a blast. Saturday was a busy day of floating from event to event starting with the opening reception at the Presbytere for the exhibit From The Big Apple to the Big Easy: Two Carnival Artists Helen Clark Warren and John C. Scheffler. Curator of Costumes and Textiles for the Louisiana State Museum Wayne Phillips welcomed guests to this ribbon cutting. He also was able to gather over one dozen of the city’s top Mardi Gras costumers to the event for a one of a kind evening. It was a lovely event and the exhibit is worth seeing. These two artists’ designs are just awe-inspiring. Next, I was off to the Armeinius Captain’s reception at their den. Their outdoor deck is an ideal location for evening cocktail parties. The krewe mingled with each other and special guests as they mapped out their plans for the next Mardi Gras season. We were off next to The Four Seasons in Metairie for the Gay Easter Parade’s 13th Spring Fever Extravaganza which featured the talents of GEP Board’s Electra City and Tittie Toulouse, EGMs XVI Johnny Passion & Deja Deja-Vue’, Pussy Hertz from Los Angeles/Las Vegas, Natasha Sinclair, Taze Ya Balls, Big Momma, Princess Stephaney and Countess C Alice. There was great raffles and lots of frivolity as the excitement mounts as we approach Easter. The highlight of the night was Tittie Toulouse’s energetic rendition of RuPaul’s Peanut Butter. I ended the marathon evening with a stop at the Tulane Avenue Bar for Kitty D’ Litter’s Litter Box Review with special guests star Miss Hot Mess herself Puddin’ Tain. Kitty’s shows are so lively and fun, they are worth venturing out of downtown to catch. The next day turned from Sunday Funday, to Sunday Drunkday early and fast. It started with brunch with my friends
Beaux and Barrett at one of the hottest new brunch places in Mid-City called Biscuits and Buns. This comfort food eatery is a quaint spot that allows you to bring in your own champagne. The food was delicious and after polishing off a few bottles we were ready to face the rest of the day, which consisted of floating around the French Quarter to the corner of St. Ann and Bourbon for some more libations, before moseying to the Marigny Opera House for the Halloween New Orleans thank you reception. Hosts and supporters had cocktails and nibbles while they were able to tour Lazarus House which is located adjacent to the venue. The new theme, the Fall of the Pharaohs, was premiered as hosts were able to see where the monies the organization raises goes. It was a wonderful uplifting way to end the day. After that we took our extremely cocktailed selves back home to call it a night. The following week on Wednesday, I attended two hospitality events. The first was at Apres Lounge located on Fulton Street in the Warehouse District. This upscale champagne bar is an exceptional place to hang out for cocktails for happy hour, special occasions or just in general. And since champagne is my favorite alcohol of choice, it is one of my favorite new spots. One cool feature is when you order a bottle of champagne; it comes to your table with a sparkler atop it. Next, I went to the March Hobknobbers Networking event at the Degas House. This complex was once the home where Edgar Degas resided when he was in the Crescent City. Now a bed and breakfast, venue space and museum, this treasure is interesting for both locals and tourists alike. The next night I went to Le Petit Theatre to see the wonderful Dinner With Friends. This dramedy is impressively staged with a fine cast of actors including my friend and co-worker Chelle Duke who was fabulous if I must say so myself. The play based on the lives of two couples who are friends, one going through a horrible divorce and the other questioning their relationship. It was a fascinating premise that kept your interest piqued the entire
For us musical theater queens, Jinkx Monsoon gave us an entertaining medley as the Witch from Into the Woods. Sondheim was also well-represented by Jinkx, Alaska and Mistress of Ceremonies Michelle Visage’s straightforward version of You Gotta Have A Gimmick. I wondered what Stephen would think. As always, Bianca Del Rio took no prisoners, sprinkling her brilliant routine with cracks about such local favorites as Becky Allen, Persona Shoulders and Lisa Beaumann. With lines like “All the tops in Wisconsin f*ck Swiss cheese cause its holes are tighter than all the bottoms there,”
she had the crowd laughing and cheering so loudly they sometimes covered up her next bit. Detox provided a witty take on Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now from Mannequin, and if Adore Delano’s rock’n’roll numbers were not quite to my taste, she was clearly an audience favorite. In addition to the individual numbers, Visage hosted a mini-challenge in which three young guys received a fashion makeover; the results were hysterical, with Detox and her cutie deservedly winning.
show becoming drawn in the characters’ lives. I highly recommend this thought provoking play that puts a microscope on the reasons why people get married and stay together. The second Saturday once again turned out to be another marathon starting with the Hotel Plays during the Tennessee Williams Festival. This interesting theatrical concept kept the people moving as we were split up into groups and saw four staged productions of Tennessee Williams short stories in different rooms and the garden of the historic Herman Grima House. It was an intriguing way to see theatre and you never got too set because you moved from room to room getting a history tour of the home as you went along. After the show, I ran home to do a quick change then I was off to the Friday Night Before Mardi Gras’ host and supporter thank you event at GrandPre’s. This year’s event was quite successful and the organization was able to give money to four noteworthy organizations that are deal with LGBT issues. Over twelve thousand dollars was handed out to the NO/AIDS Task Force, the Gay Easter Parade, NOAGE NOLA, Breakout! and the Louisiana Equality Foundation. It turned out to be a lovely evening on the patio of GrandPre’s. Then my night turned purple at the Gay Easter Parade’s 16th Purple Party held at the Double Play. Owners Chuck and Bill rolled put out quite a spread for guests who were decked out in the color of the season. There was amazing auctions as I got to emcee the show with the gorgeous Miss Opal Masters. Food, drag, booze and Easter eggs, my night was complete. And because I still think I am in my twenties, afterwards I went with some friends and danced at Oz till the wee hours of the morning; hence me laying on my sofa all day on Sunday. God, hate getting old. That ends my two weeks as I get ready for a weekend of festivities, Bunnies in the Big Easy, the Marigny Bunny Hop, my fabulous Easter Day brunch and the Gay Easter Parade. I wonder what people in other cities do to celebrate. Hope you had a fabulous Easter.
October, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA features an incredible orchestra, jaw dropping transformations and all the moments you love — the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball — plus some surprising new twists! The season continues with DISNEY’S NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney and the eye-popping spectacle, DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST presented by NETworks, featuring unforgettable characters and dazzling production numbers, in December. January gets an exhilarating start with MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. February welcomes KINKY BOOTS, a musical that will lift your spirits to new high-heeled heights. Winner of 6 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, it also features a joyous, Tony®-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, direction and Tonywinning choreography by Jerry Mitchell and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. After a record breaking run in New Orleans in 2013, THE BOOK OF MORMON will return to the Saenger Theatre for a limited engagement in March. Direct from Broadway, the acclaimed masterpiece CABARET will play at the Saenger Theatre in April. As part of their 50th Anniversary Season, Roundabout Theatre Company is proud to present SAM MENDES (Skyfall, American Beauty) and ROB MARSHALL’S (Nine and Chicago, the films) Tony Award®winning production. The season will conclude with a four-week engagement of New Orleans’ most popular musical WICKED (season special) in May. Based on the bestselling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED, winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. The dates for the shows of the 2015 – 2016 East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans are: Theatre Under The Stars’ production of Disney’s, THE LITTLE MERMAID, September 15 – 20, 2015; Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA, October 27 – November 1, 2015; DISNEY’S NEWSIES, December 1 – 6, 2015; MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, January 19 – 24, 2016; KINKY BOOTS, February 16 – 21, 2016; THE BOOK OF MORMON, March 8 – 13, 2016; CABARET, April 5 – 10, 2016. The following productions are not included as part of the six-show Season Subscription Package: NETworks presents Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, December 29 – January 3, 2016 and WICKED, May 25 – June 19, 2016.
In Other Gay News Sound the fire alarm; East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans announced the lineup for their 2015 - 2016 Season. And it is scorching with some of Broadway’s biggest hits to be shown at the historic Saenger Theatre. If you haven’t got season tickets, this is the year to get them. The sensational season opens in September with the market debut of DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID. The beloved animated classic comes to life on stage with memorable songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part Of Your World.” In
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Jeffrey & Sidney Cuevas with Miss Gay USofA Classic Amy Demilo @ B-Bob’s, Mobile Amy DeMilo Pageantry fundraiser @ Just Us, Biloxi
The gorgeous Melody Winters with Greg @ Just Us, Biloxi
The Gulf Coast ~ Mobile, Alabama; Biloxi, Mississippi ~ Photos by Miss Cie
m obile paparazzi
Just Us-Biloxi owner Lynne with Toni Dee & Amy DeMilo
Hello Bobby @ B-Bob’s, Mobile Happy Birthday to B-Bob’s very own Leon with B-Bob's Jerry
feisty wit. Singing 15 of her hits in a 90minute program that showcased other family members as well, Lynn offered a master lesson in the art of story-telling through song. As she went through Fist City, The Pill, One’s on the Way, The Promise, Blue Kentucky Girl, and, of course, Coal Miner’s Daughter, the only thing that could’ve made it better was if she had included some numbers from her Grammy Award-winner Van Lear Rose. Twin daughters Peggy and Patsy, collectively known as “The Lynns,” sang their best known number, 1998’s Woman to Woman, and son Ernie, while effectively partnering with Mom for Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man, displayed his usual antediluvian “wit” (though it was uniquely amusing, after he commented that one of the back-up singers could use some “manscaping,” to hear Loretta’s innocent reply, “I don’t know what that means.”). But if true talent skipped one generation, it seems to be emerging in the next. Loretta’s granddaughter Amy Rose, daughter of Patsy, sang an original song, Memaw’s Guitar, that deftly wove some of Loretta’s titles into the lyrics for a tribute that was charming and truly touching. While the First Lady of Country Music shows no signs of slowing down (she has bookings through October), it’s nice to know there’s a viable torchbearer to continue the Lynn legacy. In addition to many other musical offerings, comedy will be soon be back on the boards at the IP Casino’s Studio A with appearances by Wanda Sykes (May 29) and Bianca Del Rio’s spiritual father, Don Rickles (June 27).
Ana Gasteyer/ Broadway@NOCCA Miss Cie & Amy DeMilo with Marty & Koo @ Flip Side Bar, Mobile
Donnie & Thad @ Amy DeMilo fundraiser, Biloxi
Former Miss California Continental Whitney Carlyle @ Just Us, Biloxi
trodding the boards ...from 20 Hello Lee & Patrick! We Love you!
Hello Weston & Colton
Visage, looking classy with just a touch of trashiness thrown in, also was in charge of a mini-version of Snatch Game with panelists Bette Davis (Jinkx), Joan Rivers (Alaska), Judge Judy (Bianca, of course) and Laganja Estranja (Detox). Jokes about Robin Williams, Bobby Jindal and Visage herself (“She’s so old, her vagina has separate entrances for blacks and whites.”) tumbled forth, nothing was off-limits, and it was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. Boasting higher production values than 2014’s tour and an even stronger cast, this nearly 2½ hour RPDRBotS flew by like a dream (or a nightmare if you’re a conservative Republican). Can’t wait to see how 2016’s tour will top this one.
Loretta Lynn at IP Casino Resort in Biloxi Miss Jawakatema Davenport & Nicole Dubois @ B-Bob’s, Mobile
Klorocks Bleachman, Marty & Koo @ B-Bob’s, Mobile
At nearly 83, Loretta Lynn still sounds stellar, looks wonderful, and displays a
I’ll confess I was only slightly familiar with Ana Gasteyer, mostly from her run on Saturday Night Live, prior to her appearance in Seth Rudetsky’s ongoing Broadway@NOCCA series. Now, after seeing her terrific show, I think a petition should be started to get this funny songstress the lead in a brand new Broadway musical. Coming from a somewhat eccentric family that had a loom in their living room (“If that’s not Quaker bona fides, I don’t know what is,” she cracked), Gasteyer has a natural comic energy that she put forth to outstanding effect in such songs as I’m Hip and A Proper Cup of Coffee. Having met Rudetsky in NBC’s gym when they both worked there in the ’90s, they share a deep rapport that allows for casual give’n’take and a willingness on Gasteyer’s part to open up about opera singing relatives from Transylvania and hilarious backstage craziness involving mechanical and wardrobe malfunctions. She also has a bodacious set of pipes which she showed off with effortless excellence with songs from Wicked and Funny Girl, both shows in which she’s had the lead. Supremely versatile, cute, and game for anything, this audaciously talented performer delivered one of the best B@N evenings since the series started. Let’s hope NOLA hasn’t seen the last of her. Although Christine Ebersole was to have been the final B@N outing this season, a new Broadway role understandably caused her to postpone. Though disappointed by that, I’m already looking forward to next season’s line-up.
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945.9264, NewOrleansPhoenix.COM RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM TULANE AVENUE BAR, 3813 Tulane Ave., 488.1400 VOODOO LOUNGE, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0953
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New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Urgent Care, 201 Decatur St., 700 Magazine St., 552.2433, NewOrleansUrgentCare.com
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attorneys New Orleans, LA [504] Troy A. Tureau, Attorney at Law, Compass & Tureau, LLC, 3801 Canal St., Suite 301,l 504.308.1608, thelawprofessor@comcast.net, www.compasstureau.com
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
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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 TWO GUYS CUTTING HAIR, 2372 St. Claude Ave., Suite 125, appointments: Adikus 215.519.5030, Trent 504.239.2397
New Orleans, LA [504] MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465
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Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271 Houston, TX [713]
hair salons
NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON, 11410 Hempstead Hwy., 677.0828, www.neonbootsclub.com
ORLEANS
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Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921
DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416
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 PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields,
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is2514]
circuit/events 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 Feb. 5-9, 2016, 67th Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.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 Marrero, LA [504] I BLOOM FLOWERS & GIFTS, 1604 Barataria Blvd., 504.341.0248
galleries New Orleans, LA [504] CASSELL-BERGEN GALLERY, 1305 Decatur St., cassellbergengallery.com, 504.524.0671
guides America Damron Travel Guide, 800.462.6654, www.damron.com Gulf South/United States AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; marsha@ripandmarsha.com
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE
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 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
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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 [is2515]
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 HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance Region Two, Inc.), 4550 North Blvd. Ste. 250, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, 225.927.1269, www.haartinc.org, offers a complete continuum of care to people living with HIV/AIDS including housing, primary care, medications, case management, and an array of supportive services. In addition HAART provides HIV prevention education and FREE testing to the Baton Rouge area. HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush 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, www.kreweofpetroius.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
LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, 1308 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.475.7911, www.lgbtarchivesla.org LORDS OF LEATHER, 1631 Elysian Fields, #161, 70117, www.lordsofleather.org 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.
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Loewenthal, your local Realtor. Buy/Sell/Lease. List your home from NO to BR. LGBT FQ Resident. Free Appraisal. 504.388.6150 / 225.205.8552 Cell, 504.891.6400 Off, Micahsells@gmail.com, 1820 St Charles Ave. 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
New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] GARDNER REALTORS,
Micah
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wear it out by Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Johnny Love Email: cuttingedgediva@yahoo.com
Fashion Week New Orleans Fashion Week New Orleans is in its fourth year fifth season and is proving to get better and better. Tracee Dundas, the founder, has created an event that brings fashion boutiques and fashion designers together to show their creative sides with beautiful outfits styled and presented on the city's largest runway. The fashion presentations started on last Wednesday evening with the Top Designer Competition and what a competition that was. Ten designers got to show their mini collections on the runway battling it out for the Top Designer prize. Also to be handed out was the audiences pick for the top designer called the Audience Choice Award. Well as things would have it, the same tion even seeing models I have worked with designer won both awards. The magic in walking the runways. That always makes that is that the designer who won was me happy. One more thing I enjoyed about turned down years back by my event Alegria the evening was the queens. Yes when she auditioned in front of a panel of hunteeeeeeeeezzzzzz. The young queens. judges to compete there in the same type of They were out in full force. One of the competition. Sometimes timing is every- photographers was six foot plus in a red thing, right? The winner Kristine Pichon Joan Collins look with a black satin neckline won a $500 check from the World Trade beat for days. His friend who was short and Center of New Orleans and a wonderful thin was also beat for days in a long vintage sewing machine along with a 90 day spot in gown. WHAT WHAT? The queens are out the boutique Hemline for her winning col- to play and serve they did. Also in the front lection. What a wonderful prize. row another queen with teal hair in a sumI asked Kristine what her collections mer dress. I was dying inside thinking fiinspiration was and she told me she based nally. Finally we are seeing the young genit on the colors of the Autumn sunsets in eration letting the World of fashion have it New Orleans and its romanticism. She also thinking if it will only carry on. Will we see incorporated some tribal patterns giving it a more of a fashion diva presence from the bit of the ethnic flair that represents her. Gay seen at these events. I have always I enjoyed watching the entire competi- thought it was the perfect time and place to
trodding the boards ...from 23
Metropolitan Opera HD Encore/La Donna del Lago It only took 196 years for Rossini’s La Donna del Lago to make it to the Metropolitan Opera but it was worth the wait. Inspired by a Walter Scott novel, Paul Curran’s production may not have entirely untangled the crazy plot of warring Scottish factions but that was hardly the point when there was glorious music and singing to be had. The sublime Joyce DiDonato made the most difficult arias seem effortless, approaching her entire role of Elena, beloved by two men yet in love with another, with sensitivity, delicacy, and strength when called for. As the King who loves Elena (but he’s in disguise so she doesn’t know he’s her father’s enemy!), handsome Juan Diego Flórez’s awesome tenor voice thrilled with ringing high notes as he conveyed an understated nobility. In duet, DiDonato and Flórez created peerless vocal beauty. If the first act of La Donna was fantastic, the second was even better as exposition gave way to a steady stream of musical magic, and drab battle costumes were replaced by sumptuously regal court outfits. In addition to DiDonato and Flórez, John Osborn, Oren Gradus and Daniela Barcellona all provided vocal pyrotechnics with expert control of dynamics and phrasing. Barcellona, in the trouser role of Malcolm, combined with DiDonato for an ineffably divine, and unusual, mezzo duet as they sang of their love. If Barcellona may
not be the most expressive of singing actors, she improved as she went along; after all, as she commented “it’s difficult to be a man on stage with a kilt.” As the broadcast’s hostess, Patricia Racette elicited that observation and others with particularly intelligent interviewing technique, adding the cheeky comment that this was the rare opera where “the mezzo-soprano gets the mezzo-soprano in the end.” Racette will appear in the season’s final broadcasts on April 25 and 29 as the tragic Nedda in Pagliacci, the second half of opera’s most enduring double bill with Cavalleria Rusticana opening the show.
Broadway in New Orleans/Once at The Saenger Theatre returning April 14-19 I arrived at the Saenger to find a band playing Irish music, and a crowd on stage, drinking. After all, it was St. Patrick’s Day and a festive time it was. I hoped this wouldn’t turn out to be the best part of the evening. Leaving after the show, I overheard someone commenting, “I liked it but...” My sentiments exactly. Based on the Oscar-winning movie that was kinda based on real life, Once is a “Czech girl meets Irish boy, boy almost gets girl, boy goes back to old girlfriend” tale. Or “Guy” and “Girl” as they’re called here. That Once rejects a “and they lived happily ever after” ending is refreshing and it’s not without its charms. But cliches and truisms prop up this thinnest of stories
let have. I am even thinking that I will serve next season. I will be showing my collection once again on the runway and filming an episode of my show Big Easy Glam which you can see on Youtube. So I feel the need to serve it next season. BAM BAM! Now back to Fashion Week New Orleans...... I also liked the fashion boutique that was set up outside in the courtyard of the venue as you entered. Everything from handcrafted jewelry, to cosTop Designer Award Winner Kritine Pichon metics, ties, custom denim, @ Fashion Week New Orleans socks, hair care. Pretty much anything having to do with fashion and style becoming relevant in New Orleans. I have was represented in the Style Lounge. Not always thought of New Orleans as a place to mention some hot ass vendors. Yes that fashion should be relevant. I know we people. Those menzes were hot. Of course have a long way to go. I am thinking a you can see me interview them on Big Easy fashion market place. Wholesale district. Glam episode 5-6. Also see footage of the Manufacturing is a thing to come. With all of fashion competition in those episodes of these vacant buildings still standing empty Big Easy Glam. after Katrina. I see them as a place where With all of the fashion season events 100s of industrial sewing machines could over I am happy to say I see good things be making fashions to be shipped all over happening here in New Orleans. It makes [continued on 27] me happy to see the scene growing and
making it easy to like but hard to love. Having started in a small off-Broadway theater, Once might have lost something in the vastness of the Saenger. Despite its pleasantness, about halfway through the first act, the audience seemed somewhat restless as though they weren’t getting the razzle-dazzle they had expected. On its own terms, Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’s score includes some nice songs and the first act finale, Gold, is a potent one, but all the Irish-themed tunes tend to blur together; for me, the stand-out was the one number that offered Czechstyle music. The talented cast did what they were asked to do, broad characterizations and all; Natasha Katz’s beautiful lighting heightened the romantic atmosphere; and I enjoyed the opportunity to go up on the Saenger’s stage and see the auditorium from the actors’ perspective. Still, the Tony Award for Best Musical? Only cause it wasn’t a very competitive year. Next up at the Saenger is the first of the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice collaborations, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
New Orleans Ballet Association through May 9 I’m a sucker for all things tango so I was excited that NOBA was bringing Unión Tanguera, a French Argentinean contemporary tango ensemble company, to NOCCA’s Lupin Hall. And when Nuit Blanche, or Sleepless Night, stuck to tango, the superbly done moves were deeply satisfying. But the rest of this one-act exploration of relationships among a group of seven dancers was unfocused with superficial contemporary choreography, including way too much rolling around on the floor, by CoArtistic Directors Claudia Codega and Esteban Moreno. Though well-played by a piano/violin/ bandoneón/double bass quartet, Composer
Pedro Onetto’s score lacked the depth and incisiveness of great tango music like Ástor Piazzolla’s, and recorded sound, some of it electronic, could’ve been omitted entirely. Now in its second century, there is surely still room for tango to grow; I saw a remarkable program in Buenos Aires that had dancers partnering with a soccer ball and a construction set. When the rest of Unión Tanguera’s efforts equals the talents it already displays in tango, it will be an exciting troupe indeed. NOBA concludes its season with the legendary Limón Dance Company at the Mahalia Jackson Theater.
Contemporary Arts Center’s Performing Arts Season through May 29/The Grand Parade (of the 20th century) Double Edge Theatre’s The Grand Parade (of the 20th century) was just that—an overview of last century’s political, social and cultural highlights. So we got Harry Thaw murdering Stanford White, World War I, the Roaring ’20’s, women’s suffrage, the Depression, Jesse Owens, Hitler, World War II, Einstein, ’50’s music, Martin Luther King, the moon landing, hippies, liberation (women’s, black, gay) movements, disco, AIDS, Ronald Reagan, the Berlin Wall and a whole lot more in less than an hour. And like a parade’s floats that pass by without stopping, all we were given was the most cursory examination of all these momentous events; the brief section dealing with AIDS was the evening’s sole affecting moment. Though gorgeous to look at, I wondered why so much time, effort and, presumably, money was spent on something so inconsequential. The CAC’s season finishes up with drag icon Joey Arias singing the songs of Billie Holiday (Apr. 17) and the Birdfoot Festival of chamber music (May 26 & 29).
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wear it out ...from 26 the world bringing billions of dollars into the city every year. What a great idea one would think? We will see? I can only hope and pray that something happens soon because Jeffrey’s house is beginning to look like a war zone with all of my sewing. LOL! Time for a work shop, and employees? HMMMMM? That would be nice. Next on the fashion event horizon is Couture for a Cause. This will be the event's second year and it is going to be in June at
the Metro/Generations Hall and yes I am designing a collection for that show also. BAM BAM! I will update you all with the info for the event as we get closer but it is going to rock this year. Stay tuned. Peace love and happiness to all. Oh yes. Check out my show Big Easy Glam on Youtube. Episodes 1-4 are up for your viewing. 5-6 are coming this week.
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SDGM XL Aubrey Synclaire host Jubilee @ The Golden Lantern
NYC’s Dwayne with CP’s Michael @ The Pocket for Zingo Ambush’s Tony with GrandPre-s bartender Jimmy
In for Zingo @ The Corner Pocket
Welcome Home Party for Jessica & Josh @ GrandPre’s
Miss Golden Lantern Monica Synclaire-Kennedy in Jubilee
Country Club’s John & Crack Whore Queen 16 Josh
Miss Gay Louisiana USofA Classic Kayla Krawford in Jubilee Your Corner Pocket hosts Lisa Beaumann & Barry Bareass GrandPre’s bartender Wilhemina Crack Whore Ball ready Bartender Tony ready to serve you @ the Phoenix
Zingo with Matt, Brandon, Michael, Joey & host Opal Masters Troy, Ian, Oz’s Kyle & Ambush’s Paul
Maybelline Maskara snagging MC Bradley during Jubilee Rudy & Kyle all smiles @ Phoenix
Zingo @ The Corner Pocket
Poncho celebrates his 25th birthday once again with Bob @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Rawhide bartenders relax for after weekend cocktails @ Phoenix
Francisco & Frank in for Trash Disco @ Lafitte's
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The Club Scene ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed
16th Crack Whore Ball
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The Social Scene ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
The Celebs... 16th Purple Party @ The Double Play benefiting GEP/Food For Friends ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed
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