2 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • April 21-May 4, 2015 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om
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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
All-Star Line-up set for 2015 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Announcement Party April 30 Just who will reign as Southern Decadence Grand Marshals 41? All roads lead to Oz on Thursday, April 30th as the excitement builds for the 2015 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Announcement Party. Brought to you by SDGMs XL (40) Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas and Aubrey Synclaire, the announcement will bring to a climax the evening’s star studded show. The all-star line-up includes the reigning grand marshals along with SDGMs XXXIII Regina Adams and Lisa Beaumann, XXXIV Electra City, XXXV Paloma and Tittie Toulouse, XXXVII Tiffany Alexander, XXXVIII Pat McArdle, XXXIX Tami Tarmac and Venus Santiago, Queen Amon-Ra L Opal Masters, Easter Grand Marshal XVI Misti Ates/ Johnny Passion, Ms. NOLA Pride Solitaire, Karli LaCorre, Coca Mesa, Rikki Redd, and ChiChi Rodriquez. 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 $3,700 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. Immediately following the announcement party, The Golden Lantern presents "Relevent" at 10:30pm starring SDGMs XL Aubrey Synclaire and Reba Douglas at 1239 Royal Street. Visit www.SouthernDecadence.com (Official Website) or www.Facebook.com/ SouthernDecadenceNOLA for the whole gay holiday.
Jazz Fest April 24-26 & April 30-May 3 with Tony Bennet and Lady Gaga, Elton John & Pitbull The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, a/k/a Jazz Fest, is a 10-day cultural feast in which thousands of musicians, cooks and craftspeople welcome 400,000 visitors each year. The Louisiana Heritage Fair showcases unforgettable music on multiple stages, delicious Louisiana cuisine in two large food areas, and crafts artisans from the region and around the world demonstrating and selling their work. Three of the hottest tickets will be Tony Bennet and Lady Gaga on the Gentilly Stage Sunday, April 26 from 5:15-7pm; Elton John on the Acura Stage on Saturday, May 2 from 4:50-7pm; and Pitbull on the Congo Square Stage Sunday, April 26 from 5:30-7pm. The Louisiana Heritage Fair is held at the Fair Grounds Race Coursec entrally located at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard, 10 minutes from the French Quarter over the course of 2 weekends. They are April 24, 25, 26 & April 30, May 1, 2 & 3 2015. Hours are 11am to 7pm. For the complete schedule, visit www.nojazzfest.com.
Gay Easter Parade Raises $29,260 for Food For Friends; 40,000 Line the French Quarter Route; $231,674 Total Raised for Charity The 16th Annual Gay Easter Parade rolled through the streets of the French Quarter on Easter Sunday, April 5 with some 40,000 on the parade route. This year's parade minus expenses brought in $29,260.05 for Food For Friends, bringing the total raised to a whopping $231,674.73 for charity the past 14 years. Congratulations to Easter Grand Marshals XVI Johnny Passion (Misti Ates) and Deja Deja-Vue', the many sponsors, and all who made this a reality. (www.GayEasterParade.com) The parade boasted some 49 units this year including 3rd Line Brass Band, Easter Grand Marshal Johnny Passion, Easter Grand Marshal Deja Deja-Vue, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, Darwin Reed & Opal Masters, Tittie Toulouse & Electra City, Tony Leggio,
Mother's Day, Pre-Memorial Day Wknd. issue out May 5 DEADLINE: Tues., April 28
inside
celebrazzi the legal corner wear it out moments in gay new orleans history matters of health gay easter parade thank you gay easter parade paparazzi gay krewe of krewes gay easter parade paparazzi under the gaydar 2015 sdgm announcement party
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bunnies in the big easy paparazzi 22 mobile paparazzi 25 classifieds 26-27 trodding the boards 28 marigny bunny hop paparazzi 32 chop chop/the country club 33 big easy paparazzi/nola, metairie 34
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Gulf South LGBT Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
Dr. George Williams, Misti Ates & Catherine Gaither Children, Elizabeth Bouvier, GrandPre's, Krewe of Satyricon, Amon-Ra Playboy Bunny Reject, Robert Cook & John Zeringue, Orlando Aloe, The Double Play, The Golden Lantern, The Golden Lantern, LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Craig Bushey/ Coleman Institute of Drag Studies, Krewe of Armeinius, Pair-A-Dice Tumblers, Big Easy Sisters, The Corner Pocket, Maison de Macarty, Stacy Bundrick, John Featherly, Bradley Cantrell Jr., Troy Lynn Lawrence/ Sister Supporting HIV/AIDS, Aletha Bryant, Krewe of Petronius, Krewe of Petronius, Food For Friends, First Unitarian Universalist Church, New Orleans Radical Faeries, New Orleans Radical Faeries, Astarte Revelators, Paul Doolan/Gayfly w/ st8 Supporters, Justin Donnaud, Paul Steiner/In Memoriam of Shannon Watters, Lords of Leather, Lords of Leather, Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans, BreakOUT, Krewe of Mwindo, Krewe of Mwindo, New Covenant NOLA, New Covenant NOLA, Darrin Duplissey. The complete 2015 Gay Easter Parade financial report appears below. Revenue: 14,821.25 Sponsorships, 250.00 4th Sponsorship Party, 2,619.00 7th Eggstravaganza, 3,894.00 14th Drag Extravaganza, 3,241.00 13th Spring Fever, 5,115.00 16th Purple Party, 6,344.00 5th Bunnies in the Big Easy, 1,420.25, Parade Entry Fees, 285.00 13th Marigny Bunny Hop 50/50 Raffle, 200.00 Parade Day Donation/Mark Santelli, 40.00 Birthday Bar Crawl Donation/Todd Blauvelt = 38,229.50 Revenue Sub-Total Expenses: 357.00 Sponsorship Pins, 407.00 Sponsor Party Bar Tab, 59.80 Wristbands, 500.00 Post Parade Cleanup, 730.00 Easter Grand Marshal Carriages, 67.00 Easter Grand Marshals Pins, 50.25 Parade Permit, 1,923.40 Parade Insurance, 2,400.00 Parade Police Detail, 1,925.00 two Parade Bands, 200.00 Bunnies in the Big Easy Cleanup, 350.00 Bunnies in the Big Easy DJ = 8,969.45 Expenses SubTotal 29,260.05 Donation to Food For Friends 231,674.73 Total Donations to charity for past 14 years. Sponsors included Presenting ($2,500) Ambush Magazine; Platinum ($1,000) EGM XV Todd Blauvelt, James B. May & EGM XVI Deja Deja-Vue’, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras; Gold ($500) Noel Twilbeck & Glen Kahrman, EGM XII Gary Vandeventer, Christian Rogers & Jonathan Reazin, Ken GrandPre’/GrandPre’s, EGM XII Elizabeth Bouvier, EGMs VIII Michael Elias & XIV Tommy Elias/The Corner Pocket, Wedon Brown/Something Different NOLA Mid Century Modern Furniture & Design, Ron Iafrate/ Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop & Pub, Krewe of Amon-Ra; Silver ($250) EGM XIII Darwin Reed & EGM VII Opal Masters, Scott Vincent & Scott McRae, Sharlene Macesa/A-MED Ambulance Inc., EGM IX Safonda Peters & EGM XV Stuart Nettles, Dwain Hertz & Eugene Theriot, EGM XIII Rhonda Roget & David Roget, EGM IV Electra City & EGM XI Tittie Toulouse/The Four Seasons, Tanzanika Ruffin/Pelican Bay Restaurant, Rachel Bufkin & Sharon Barreca, Jeff Palmquist & Coca Mesa, Bobby Vallecillo, Wood Enterprises, Holly Bryson & Debbie Reynolds, Patrick Zabatta/In Commemoration of the NYC Wedding of Tittie & Electra Toulouse, Avita Pharmacy, The Glitter Girls,
THE OFFICIAL MAG
Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide© Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© Official Gay New Orleans Guide© Official Pride Guide© Official Southern Decadence Guide© AWARD WINNING:
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, Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkeys, Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry-New Orleans MIss Cie, Leon Weekley-Mobile, 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
Misael Rubio/Quartermaster Deli, Karen & Gene Riggleman; Bronze ($100) Paul Melancon, EGM XIV Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt, Nick Olivares & Roy Smith, Errol C. Rizzuto, Freddie Guess, Tulane Ave Bar, EGM V Princess Stephaney, EGM X Tony Leggio, NACE/National Association For Caterers & Events, Robert W. Cook & John Zeringue, Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2008 Solitaire, King Cake Queen XXI Barbara Ella, Jeremy Weinburg, Pastor Shelly Planellas/New
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celebrazzi
Easter Grand Marshals XVI Johnny Passion and Deja Deja-Vue' led the 16th Annual Gay Easter Parade through the streets of the historic French Quarter lined with some 40,000 on the route. The parade boasted some 49 units including 30 carriages, wagons and trolleys, 9 trucks/cars, 6 walking groups, and 4 bands. The parade minus expenses raised $29,260.05 for Food For Friends bringing total charity donations to $231,674.73 for the past 14 years. (Photo by Rip Naquin) (www.GayEasterParade.com)
Bar Baron Jerry Ehlen joins Mobile’s newly crowned Miss Gay Pride Zamareyah Dawn at B-Bob's in downtown Mobile, Alabama. (www.b-bobs.com)
the "official' dish ...from 4
Gay Easter Parade Board's Opal Masters and Darwin Reed join GrandPre's Ken GrandPre for the 16th Gay Easter Parade Post Parade Party & Buffet hosted at GrandPre's in New Orleans. (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys)
Bunny Boys Josh and Jose join host Tony Leggio for 6th Bunnies in the Big Easy at the Marigny home of Kim Smith raising $6,344 for Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends in New Orleans.
RuPaul's Drag Race Season 7 star Violet Chachki joins bar baron Jerry Ehlen after her sold out performance at B-Bob’s in downtown Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Miss Cie) (www.b-bobs.com)
Marty Curtin is presented the prestigious Myer-Routh-Murrell Spirit Award at the Phoenix by Jeff Mallon, host of the 13th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop in New Orleans. (Photo by Rip Naquin)
Louisiana Equality Foundation Director Jon Penton-Robicheaux and Executive Director Derek Penton-Robicheaux join New Orleans Council Member Jason Williams, Louisiana Equality Foundation Financial Director Monica Ingram and Legal Affairs Director Megan Terrell for the foundation's "Come Out For Life" 2015 Suicide Prevention Campaign at the Healing Center in New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush Magazine. (Photo by Tony Leggio)
Ricki Gee and DJ Ping pose with the winners of the annual Easter Bonnet Contest hosted on Easter Sunday at Good Friends Bar in New Orleans. (Photo by Chris Ward)
Covenant Church NOLA, Peter & Frank Abbruscato, Big Easy Sisters, EGM II Larry G. Bagneris, EGM IX Orlando Aloe, LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Michael Durocher, Bourbon Pride, Helene Berot, Suzii Gaitan & Frank J. Wingerter IV/ SuziiFrank Bowties, Mina Hernandez & Nan Owings, Jeffrey L. Laws, Jo-Jo Holdings LLC, Michael Sullivan, Larry Jones, Marty Curtin & Koo Gaffney; In Kind/Venue Cutter’s, GrandPre’s, Oz New Orleans, Double Play, Four Seasons, Larry Grahamwww.GrahamStudioOne.com. Information available at www.GayEasterParade.com.
Louisiana Plaintiffs to attend U.S. Supreme Court Hearings Set for the morning of April 28th, the historical landmark hearings for Marriage Equality will take place in Washington DC. Louisiana lead plaintiffs, Jon Robicheaux and Derek Penton, will depart on April 26 from New Orleans International Airport. The couple, will be accompanying multiple Marriage Equality plaintiffs also en-route to DC to participate in this historic event. Proud of their part in this historic push for equal rights and proud to represent Louisiana in a positive light, on the national stage, the couple will be gathering with hundreds of other nationwide State and Federal Marriage Equality petitioners and their respective legal case teams for a historic gathering prior to the Supreme Court hearings.
6th Bunnies in the Big Easy raises $6,344 for GEP/Food For Friends The 6th Annual Bunnies In The Big Easy, hosted at the beautiful Marigny home
Bunny Marshal XIII John-Michael Alderson led the 13th Annual Marigny Bunny Hop bar crawl with over a hundred bonnetclad revelers in tow raising $285 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends. Bonnet awards were presented at each stop on the route. (Photo by Darwin Reed) of Kim Smith, raised $6,344 for the Gay Easter Parade benefiting Food For Friends. This fun event, held on Good Friday, was under the direction of GEP Board's Tony Leggio and catered by Food For Friends. With $550 in expenses, the event raised $5,794. The event brought in 2,765.00 from 79 Tickets/Online, 1,165.00 from 33 Tickets + donations/Door, 144.00 Bonnet Sales, 300.00 Duck Raffles, 70.00 Performance Tips/Deja Deja-Vue', 90.00 Tips/Massage Therapist; Auctions: 100.00 Oz VIP Package from Bradley Latham, 80.00 Sweetheart Basket from Radrel, 70.00 Tales of the Cocktail from Romme, 30.00Marilyn Monroe Poster from John Peifer,100.00 Elizabeth Taylor White Diamond Basket from Kim Smith,150.00 Broussard's Restaurant Basket from Kim Smith, 40.00 Audrey Hepburn Poster from Michael Elias, 150.00 Italian Easter Basket from Scott Spivey, 200.00 Quoizel Tiffany Inspired Lamp from Fisher Gambino-Royal St. from Carl, 150.00 Man In Bloom by Madison from Albert Carey, 125.00 Larry Anderson Easter Basket from Zain Tewalthomas, 60.00, John Frenchman 1957 Poster from Amanda Milano, 95.00 Fashion Basket & Print from Christian Rogers, 200.00 Seashell Easter Basket from Craig Bushey, 100.00 Elizabeth Bouvier Easter Bonnet from John-Michael Alderson, 160.00 Barrett DeLong Print from Albert Carey 6,344.00 Sub-Total Expenses: 200.00 Cleanup, 350.00 DJ 5,794.00 Total
7th Wood Enterprises Chili Cook-Off April 25 The 7th Annual Wood Enterprises Chili Cook-Off will be held Saturday, April 25th at Cafe Lafitte’s, Good Friends Bar, Rawhide, and Oz. Contestants will cook their chili from 1pm until 4pm. They will be supplied
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the legal corner by Attorney Troy A. Tureau Email: thelawprofessor@comcast.net
“Heterosexuals Only:” Jindal Pushes Louisiana Toward A License to Discriminate! Well, of course Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is lobbying for passage of the “Marriage and Conscience Act,” Louisiana’s very own version of a “religious freedom” bill. He could not care less about the effects upon our state; his only concern is to appeal to the religious right, whom he assumes will propel him to the White House. Sadly for Jindal, he’s forgotten that a candidate for the White House must be able to point to at least a few accomplishments. People actually laugh out loud when his name is mentioned as a presidential candidate due to the fact he is leaving the state in shambles. Just a few weeks ago, I watched the press conference of the then-embattled Indiana Governor Mike Pence as he tried defending his state’s recent passage of the “Religious Restoration Act.” It was entertaining to watch the governor speak from both sides of his mouth. One minute he was
slamming the media who he claimed had “mischaracterized the law” and said that the state was dealing with a “perception problem.” He emphasized that the law was about religious liberty, not about discrimination. (All of this while the cable news network that I was watching kept showing
wear it out by Johnny Joseph Delgadillo, Johnny Love Email: cuttingedgediva@yahoo.com
The Second Annual Couture for a Cause (A Fashion Affair For The Heart) Couture for a Cause took off last year with a bang. Founders Tiffany McGee and Shirah Ray, who both had fathers who died of heart disease, started the event to help the local Louisiana Chapter of the American Heart Association raise money for their research of heart disease. Last years event was held at Eiffel on St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District. With costs of the event running high, the event barely broke even, yet the house was packed and everybody had a great time. After much needed discussions on what to do to fix this issue, this years event coordinators decided moving the event to a larger space that was more cost effective would be the solution. I also suggested to them that if they put on the best event they could the first year and the right people were in attendance that the second year people would be knocking on their door wanting to help out. Well, well, well. With the suggestion I had of moving the event to the Metropolitan Night Club where the space is much larger and having the right people in attendance last year, this has proven to be a solid gold answer. This year Shirah Ray will stay on as the event founder bringing on a new partner Anicka Jones Marshall from HGTV’s hit home improvement show Flipping The Block. Anicka Jones Marshall owns her own design firm named AJM Design & Build. Shirah Ray herself is the owner of David Lee’s Boutique in Laplace which is growing and becoming a well known fixture in the fashion world here in the New Orleans area. This year we will have a total of 6 designers showing including my collection from CED Clothing and the current collections found in David Lee’s Boutiques. As far as the opening act this year... well it will be hard to
him when he signed the law, surrounded by some of the state’s greatest opponents of marriage equality.) The next minute he was requesting a piece of legislation amending the law that would make it clear that the law did not give the right to discriminate in their state. In the end, although Pence refused calls to repeal the law or to make sexual orientation a protected class, he did get the clarification that the law did not allow service providers a defense against discrimination of any type – sexual orientation included. Governor Pence and supporters of the state’s Religious Restoration Act kept pointing to the federal government and the 19 other states which have their own version of such a law. The federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, enacted by President Bill Clinton in 1993, prohibits federal government policies from infringing upon religious rights. The other 19 states laws were enacted before gay marriage became legal in most of the country. The Indiana law was enacted just after gay marriage became legal in that state and was much broader than the laws of these other states. Before top what happened last year when the opening act consisted of four acts. Barbarella Blue - live singer, Cherry Brown - burlesque dancer, Actress Shannah Forrestall as the ring Leader, and a live upside down painting done on stage in 1 minute of a model walking in a couture gown through a heart which was amazing. How does one top this opening number? Well BLAM! We will have to see won’t we. Wheels are spinning. What can one come up with this year? This year for the show we have also decided to open the model call in two locations needing male and female models. Yes, we are opening the doors for male models this year. The first model call will be held at David Lee’s Boutique in Laplace Louisiana on April 25th at 2pm. David Lee’s Boutique is located at 1145 W Airline Hwy Laplace, Louisiana. Female models are asked to wear fitted tank tops and tights or fitted jeans. Also have a comfortable pair of heels on to walk in and any head shots you may have to leave with us. Male models are asked to wear tee shirts and jeans. There will be a second model audition in the New Orleans area but the date, time and location have not yet been chosen. This years event will be held on June 13th at the stylish NOLA night club The Metropolitan from 7-10pm, and promises to be one of the years main social events. Yet the focus of this event remains the cause, heart disease and raising money for the local chapter of the American Heart Association. The press will be out, and yes, I will be filming a episode of my new T.V. Show Big Easy Glam while I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off coordinating the show. BAM BAM! This years host will be none other than Andi Nicken’s the founder of Southern Design Week which is also another huge fashion week event in New Orleans. Presale tickets are available right now on www.Eventbrite.com under Couture for a Cause. General tickets are $25 and VIP tickets
the bill’s clarification was passed, it would have essentially allowed businesses, such as florists, bakers, and photographers to legally discriminate against the LGBT community and refuse them service. While all of the likely Republican candidates voiced varying degrees of support for the Indiana law before the clarification, none matched Jindal’s forceful endorsement. Many other states, which were considering similar laws when all hell broke loose over the Indiana law, were wise to take notice. The leaders of both Georgia and Arkansas shelved their proposals. Even former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer was wise enough to veto a similar law early last year, saying “I sincerely believe that [this law] has the potential to create more problems than it purports to solve.” The recent actions taken by many state legislatures to pass “religious freedom” bills should come as no surprise. Indiana’s law was a direct response to the United States Supreme Court’s refusal to stop gay marriage in Indiana, which became legal in October of 2014. Conservatives were not about to give up the fight so easily; they simply changed their tactics. What they didn’t count on was a country that has been transformed. Don’t get me wrong, despite many individuals and businesses who remain adamantly opposed to marriage equality, recent polls demonstrate that they are not in the majority. The tides have turned, and most constitutional scholars agree that it is very likely that the United States Supreme Court will legalize marriage equality in all fifty states this summer. It warms my heart to see state governors, other government officials, major corporations, small businesses, universities, sports organizations, celebrities and individuals alike threatening to boycott states due to these laws, which are merely wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. Just as in the final Selma march on March 21, 1965, where people of different races, faiths and backgrounds locked arms to march against racial injustice, they have sent a clear message: Discrimination against one is discrimination against all. It will not stand. Jindal refuses to heed the numerous demands by the city of New Orleans, mayors throughout the state, businesses and even many of our state’s Republican legislators to kill the proposed religious restoration act. He continues to assert his intention to fight for passage of the legislation which has been labeled worse than Indiana’s. “[H]ere in Louisiana, as long as I’m your governor,” he said, “we will protect religious liberty and not apologize for it.” It is time to let your voice be heard! As always, I invite your comments and questions. (These are the personal views of Troy A. Tureau, and nothing here is intended to be legal advice of any kind.) Troy A. Tureau, J.D., L.LM., Attorney at Law, Compass & Tureau, LLC, 3801 Canal St., Suite 301, New Orleans, LA 70119, thelawprofessor@comcast.net 504.308.1608. are going for $100 which includes food buffet and VIP seating. They are selling fast so get your tickets now. I hope to start seeing more of my LGBT family and friends at these events. They are fun and usually in support of a great cause. With this being said your support does mean a lot to me. Peace Love and happiness to all.
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matters of health ...from 10 tion, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, “mandates individualized assessment and care for gender dysphoria” in all trans prisoners.
Depression & Identity Change A University of Chicago at Illinois study found that adults who became more samesex-oriented experienced more symptoms of depression than those whose orientation remained stable or changed in the opposite direction. The study, authored by UIC Professor Bethany Everett, looked at data from two waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health The results of the study entitled “Sexual Orientation Identity Change and and Depressive Symptoms,” found that about 12% of those surveyed showed a change of sexual orientation during the seven year span and 70% of those experienced more of a same gender attraction. Those with higher levels of same-sex attraction showed higher levels of depression than those whose sexual orientations remained stable or changed in the opposite direction. Individuals considered to have a high propensity to change their sexual orientation or who identified as “mostly heterosexual” did not experience this increase. Individuals who had consistently identified as “mostly gay or lesbian” experienced a decrease in depressive symptoms. Everett said that any kind of movement means recalibrating yourself, such as social networks and support. But this is especially true for those who increase same gender attraction be-
cause they encounter new stigmas and rejection by friends and families.
Bisexual Coming Out Coming out is often a difficult process for anyone but in a study published in March issue of the Journal of Marriage and Family, researchers Emily Kazyak, Kristin Scherrer, and Rachel Schmitz found that cultural perceptions and stereotypes have more impact on bisexuals’ coming-out experiences than those of gays and lesbians. According to the authors, stereotypes of bisexuality are pervasive and often negative or over-sexualized, and most research ignores bisexual identity or lumps it together with gay and lesbian sexual identity. The study consisted of interviews with 45 people who identified as bisexual and found that perceptions of how family members viewed bisexuality caused the interviewees to react in one of three ways: to not come out at all; to come out as gay or lesbian; or to come out as bisexual. Perceptions of bisexuality also affected to whom the person decided to come out, and how those family members responded. “We really have this sense that sexual orientation is something that is black and white and that you’re either attracted to people of the opposite sex or you’re attracted to people of the same sex,” Kazyak said.
Homophobia and Teenage Boys A study commissioned by the Australian group beyond blue found that the mental health of young gay people is affected by high levels of homophobia among teenage
boys making them vulnerable to suicidal tendencies. Beyond blue is a national initiative to create a community response to depression. The study found that about a third of boys aged 14 to 17 are not happy to have a gay friend in their group and about one in five of them find it very difficult to treat them in a right way. Forty percent of the teenage boys in the study felt very uncomfortable around gay friends and that made them very anxious. About a quarter of them used derogatory terms such as “homo”,”dyke” and “not really that bad” for people who are attracted to same sex. Jeff Kennett commenting on the results, said “over half of those we surveyed have witnessed first-hand people being bullied for their sexuality. And just under half said that they’d seen people bullied for the same reason on social media.
Gay & Bisexual Men Twice as Likely to Get Skin Cancer A study presented at the recent American Academy of Dermatology, gay and bisexual men in the U.S. are twice as likely as straight men to get skin cancer. A major reason is that gay and bisexual men are three times more likely to use indoor tanning. Sarah Arron, one of the researchers, commented that many people who use indoor tanning is the cultural association of tanning with a healthy look and overall attractiveness. Arron and her co-authors looked looked at data from government health surveys conducted in California between 2001 and 2009. Those surveys found elevated rates of melanoma and non-mela-
noma skin cancers among gay and bisexual men but not gay and bisexual women. They also found gay and bisexual men in that state were much more likely to engage in indoor tanning than straight men. They found that 6.6 percent of gay and bi men had a history of skin cancer, compared with 3.3 percent for heterosexual men. The study found that only 1.7 percent of straight men said they used indoor tanning services within the past year, as opposed to 5 percent of gay and bi men. Lesbians and bi women, on the other hand, were less likely than straight women to use these services.
End of Life Planning Researchers, Brian de Vries and Gloria Gutman recently released initial findings of a study of LGBT Canadians 60 years and older. The study, Fostering End-of-Life Conversations, Community and Care among LGBT Older Adults, identified three major themes. One was concern over “Who will be my voice?”; concern over friend and family contact; and failing health and finances. Gay men and transgender people both spoke of the need for education on the part of service care providers; lesbians and transgender people spoke of the heteronormativity of the healthcare system; and gay men and lesbians shared concerns over LGBT community organizing and the need to step up. Jack Carrel, MPH is Director of Prevention for the HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two, Inc. and the Caring Clinic of Louisiana and works with the Baton Rouge Wellness Center serving gay and bisexual men and transgender individuals.
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16th Gay Easter Parade led by Easter Grand Marshals XVI Johnny Passion & Deja Deja-Vue’ ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys, Lea Lousteau Telthorst
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16th Gay Easter Parade greets 40,000 along French Quarter Route ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys, Lea Lousteau Telthorst
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Book of the Month
Hot Happenings
I have not been this excited about a new author in a long time. My choice for the month of April is Station Eleven, the newest novel from Emily St. John Mandel. Mandel was born in British Columbia, Canada and this latest offering was a finalist for a 2014 National Book Award and a New York Times best-seller. Her previous novels were Last Night in Montreal, The Singer’s Gun, and The Lola Quartet. She is a staff writer for The Millions, and her work has appeared in numerous anthologies, including The Best American Mystery Stories 2013 and Venice Noir. This rich and vivid novel is set in a postapocalyptic society after the collapse of civilization due to the devastating Georgia Flu virus that has wiped out most of the Earth’s population. Station Eleven tells the spellbinding story of a Hollywood star, his would-be savior, and a nomadic group of actors roaming the scattered outposts of the Great Lakes region, risking everything for art and humanity. Mandel has crafted an excellent story with incredible characters whose lives are all interweaved. The novel begins with Arthur Leander, a famous actor, having a heart attack onstage during a production of King Lear. Jeevan Chaudhary, a paparazzoturned-EMT, is in the audience and leaps to his aid. A child actress named Kirsten Raymonde watches in horror as Jeevan performs CPR, pumping Arthur’s chest as the curtain drops, but Arthur is dead. That same night, as Jeevan walks home from the theater, a terrible flu begins to spread. Hospitals are flooded and Jeevan and his brother barricade them inside an apartment, watching out the window as cars clog the highways, gunshots ring out, and life disintegrates around them. Fifteen years later, Kirsten is an actress with the Traveling Symphony. Together, this small troupe moves between the settlements of an altered world, performing Shakespeare and music for scattered communities of survivors. Her motto which is written on their caravan and tattooed on Kirsten’s arm is a line from Star Trek: “Because survival is insufficient.” But when they arrive in St. Deborah by the Water, they encounter a violent prophet who digs graves for anyone who dares to leave. Moving back and forth in time, the story unfolds depicting life before and after the pandemic. This novel is a quick read blending the genres of science fiction and suspense with a human drama that connects you with each of the characters. Station Eleven is a beautiful novel that tells the story of a group of people going through some of the most terrifying circumstance and their strange twists of fate that connect them. I highly recommend this novel that takes the reader beyond a science fiction realm and tells the story about the relationships that sustain us. I loved this book so much I have ordered all Mandel’s previous novels. For more information, go to www.emilymandel.com.
The weather is getting hotter outside and so are the parties. So here is a partial list of some parties and events that will raise your temperature. Have fun.
Thursday, April 23, 2015 We start our events right off the bat with a steamy evening at Kitty D’Litter’s X-Rated Cabaret at the Tulane Avenue. Come out for a night of truly sensual performances and erotic movements. Join a tantalizing cast of burlesque, sideshow, and drag for a night of adult entertainment. The cast includes: Honey Tangerine, Eros Sea, Lydia Treats, Kayla Starr, May Hemmer and our hostess Kitty. Cocktails will be crafted by Felicia Faraday. The show begins at 9pm. Tickets are $10 and $25 for a reserved table. There will be absolutely no photography or videography allowed. Tulane Avenue Bar is located at 3813 Tulane Avenue.
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.
Saturday, April 25, 2015 LETS DRAG! Glitter Tits is presenting Vockah Redu!: A Fundraiser for the Drag Workshop at Siberia located at 2227 St. Claude Avenue. I have been steadily impressed with how our beloved city is opening its arms to all forms of drag (and I personally would like to say, that I love all drag, good bad and ugly)! So here is your chance to send the New Orleans Drag Workshop to the International Drag Festival in Austin. Be prepared for starting the evening with a classy but sassy sit down drag and burlesque show, featuring beautiful men and women and everything in between. Drag Workshop graduates who are traveling with us to Austin will be performing, as well as local burlesque dancers in support of their favorite queens. After the show they have an insanely special guestVOCKAH REDU! He’s back and amazing! If you haven’t seen his hip hop poetic artistry you haven’t lived. We will also have a raffle with fabulous prizes from our sponsor Fifi Mahony’s. Following Vockah’s performance GLITTER TITS (love the name) will commence in traditional fashion: with RUSTY LAZER and DJJJ throwing down sexy beats. Get wild with and dance all night, dress HOWEVER YOU WANT- just please come weird, accepting, confident, and “STANKIN HOT.” Performances will be by Vinsantos & The New Orleans Drag Workshop with Burlesque by Bella Blue and Lady Lucerne. Tickets are $10 in advance http:// www.siberianola.com/event/201697 and $12 at the door. Doors open at 7pm with the show starting at 8pm.
Thursday, April 30, 2015 Who is it going to be this year! Oh the drama of it all. 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. Oz is located at 800 Bourbon Street.
Friday, May 1, 2015 It’s a jungle out there and we are celebrating it to the hilt as the 2015 Whitney Zoo–To–Do returns to the Audubon Zoo Grounds. Whitney Zoo-To–Do will feature live entertainment, local and international cuisine from over 70 New Orleans restaurants, a luxury car raffle, premium cocktails, and a silent auction. Enjoy music from this year’s headlining band, Downtown Fever, along with many other live musicians. All proceeds support Audubon Zoo. Tickets are available for purchase at www.auduboninstitute.org/ztd or call 504.861.6160. Enter the raffle to drive away in a brand new 2015 Lexus NX200t from Lexus of New Orleans at www.auduboninstitute.org/ztd/signatureevents/raffle. Only 1000 raffle tickets are being sold. Silent Auction is form 7 -10pm with the Sponsor/Patron Party from 7pm to midnight and the gala from 8pm to midnight. The Audubon Zoo is located at 6500 Magazine Street.
Friday, May 1, 2015 It is all about the men as Accessible Comedy and The Society of Sin present “Bring on the Men!” - An ALL MALE Burlesque Revue at Mag's 940. They are giving the ladies a rest and now it’s time for the men of the troupe to give them a show. Accessible Comedy provides quality comedic entertainment in New Orleans and will be sending one of the best and brightest comedians to bring the laughs. Come on out to see sexy boylesque and great comedy—the best part is, 50% of our proceeds go to the NO/AIDS Task Force, so you can see an amazing show and do some charity work all in one. Performers include LEG LUTHOR, LEO BRIXTON, PAPA RAZZI, AMEN FIVE, CLAY MANZIG, STEVIE POUNDCAKE with host by MELODY THICK and special musical number by QUEENIE O’HEART and the comedic styling of JADE PATTON. Tickets are $8 online and $10 at the door. The event begins at 8pm.
Friday, May 8, 2015 Cocktails are all the fashion at “Sippin’ in Seersucker,” an evening of Southern art, crafted libations, live music, delicious cuisine, fashion and shopping. A benefit for the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Sippin’ is in its eleventh year of collaboration between the Museum and the Shops at Canal Place. Attendees are encouraged to don seersucker and celebrate the start of the summer social season in style. An evening of light bites, Southern cocktails, shopping specials, entertainment from some of the city’s best performers, and deluxe raffles, will culminate in a seersucker sartorial contest judged by L. Kasimu Harris and Veronica Cho. The emcee for the evening will be WDSU newscaster Charles D. Divins. The party is form 6 to 9pm at The Shops at Canal Place (333 Canal Street). There will be entertainment from the New Orleans Swamp Donkeys, an outfit contest for Best seer-
sucker ensembles, raffle, food, libations, shopping and free parking. Tickets are $30 for members and $50 for non-members in advance and $40 members and $60 nonmembers at the door. For more information and to order tickets, go to www.ogdenmuseum.org/events/sippin or call 504.539.9650.
Saturday, May 9, 2015 The members of the Krewe of Armeinius are hosting the fabulous soiree Glitter and Be Gay once again at their den located on 433 North Broad Street. And it’s back with more glitter and gayer than ever. Now in its fourth year, it will now be hosted at the fabulous Armeinius Den. Break out your sequins and put on your pink attire and come enjoy the krewe’s greatest cocktail event while enjoying an incredible silent auction featuring some great art pieces all while you try all the delicious hors d’oeuvres. Your ticket includes an open bar, yummy bites, and a fantastic silent auction. The event is from 7 – 11pm and tickets are $25. For more information, go to www.armeinius.org.
Party Down I cannot believe Easter is over and we are already in April. Wow, time flies when you are having fun. Let’s jump right into my two weeks of mischief, mayhem and merriment with Monday when I attended the Gambit Big Easy Theatre Awards at Harrah’s Casino. I am privileged to be on the theatre committee enabling to see all of the fabulous theatrical offerings the various production companies show throughout the year. So it is so much fun to attend this event, think of it as the Tony’s of New Orleans. It also does not hurt that it is filled with lots of hot actors. It was a wonderful evening of local stars and talented performances. And I would like to send a special congratulation out to Chris Arthur (aka Barbara Ella) for winning for Best Costume Design. You are so very talented. Then I blinked and it was the long Easter weekend. On Thursday, my friends Larry and David came into town from New York to enjoy the festivities so I took them to the ribbon cutting at the New Orleans Jazz Market. This amazing new concert and event venue is revitalizing the Oretha Castle Haley neighborhood and this evening they had a special treat for guests. Dee Dee Bridgewater, a three-time Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter, as well as a Tony Award - winning stage actress and host of National Public Radio’s syndicated radio show JazzSet with Dee Dee Bridgewater performed a show-stopping number. I have never quite heard St. James Infirmary sung so eloquently. It was such an honor just to hear this amazing woman sing. Before I knew it Good Friday was here and I was a flurry of activity all day getting ready for the Gay Easter Parade’s 6th Bunnies in the Big Easy party at the stunning home of Kim Smith in the Marigny. This event was spectacular as guests were greeted at the door by board members form the Gay Easter Parade (thank you Opal and Darwin) as well as Kitty D’Litter dressed as one of the sexiest Playboy Bunnies around and the scorching hot 2015 Bunny Boys. There was an adult petting zoo, a live auction and a boy in the pool pulling out rubber ducky chances for people. People danced, drank and enjoyed the fabulous
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~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Darwin Reed
6th Bunnies In The Big Easy raises $6,344 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ Kim Smith’s Marigny Home
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under the gaydar ...from 20
m obile paparazzi
Dijah @ Flip Side
In The Spotlight ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
Newly crowned 2015 Miss Mobile Gay Pride Zamareyah Dawn
Weston & Richard
Jeremy & The Boys @ B-Bob’s
Violet & Skylar @ B-Bob’s Hello Jason & Boys...
cuisine from the Food For Friends Catering Kitchen. If you are ever having a party might I recommend you use this great catering organization, the food is wonderful and you are helping a great cause. I have to say that this was one of the best Bunnies I have thrown thanks to the constant help of John Michael Alderson with the NO/AIDS Task Force who made my life extremely easier this year. After the event we sauntered down to the Friendly Bar for a disco dance party. After shaking my groove thing I took it home since I had a huge rest of the weekend. Saturday was the Marigny Bunny Hop bar crawl going to several local watering holes beginning at the Friendly Bar and ending at the Phoenix. There was record numbers of bonnets this year as we strolled through the neighborhood going to Big Daddy’s, Cutter's, Mimi's, Who Dat Café Mag's, and Kajun’s Pub. After drinking quite a lot, my friends and I went to the art opening of Bryce Landry who is a talented artist who does bizarre and unique works involving bunnies. I collect this man’s art and could not pass up this evening and picking four new pieces for my house. The event was held in the Bywater at Castillo Blanco, the home of the Secret Moonbase Productions, LLC. and The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus. It was an awesome place for a function with all the Mardi Gras figures as décor. We ended the night with a late night dinner in the Bywater at one of my favorite pizza places, Sugar Park. Easter Sunday was such a joyously beautiful day, it is hard to describe how much fun I had with my friends, family and colleagues starting with my Easter brunch I hold at my house. My little casa was filled to the brim with people pre-gaming before the parade. I had the studly Bradly and Josh bartending in a jock and bunny ears. Tis’ the season. Then we were whisked away by motor coach to the parade site, where my friends and I boarded our trolley carriage after partaking in a little libations at the pre-event at GrandPre’s. The ride this year was outstanding with bigger than ever crowds. If you have never ridden before in this parade get your carriage now, it is such a phenomenal experience. After debarking from the carriage at GrandPre’s I hung out
Randy, Timothy & Michael @ B-Bob’s
Adrian, Zachery & Kavin with Miss Cie
Violet & Cory @ B-Bob’s
Peter Rivers & Cory @ Flip Side
Violet Chachki, Shawn & Kevin @ B-Bob’s
Delta & Jeremy with Miss Cie @ Flip Side Bar
for a while at the after party before flittering to the gay bars throughout the Quarter on my way home. The 700 Club, Good Friends, Oz, the Pub and Lafitte’s were packed but I finally settled on the Golden Lantern for my nightcap before closing the night on another successful Easter season. The following week I rested until Thursday when I attended the soft opening for the new St. Roch Market. This brilliant concept has taken an abandoned historical location and turned it into a dining mecca in the Marigny. Think of a swanky food court with music, upscale restaurant choices and great craft cocktails and wine and you have the St. Roch Market. It was so fabulous I even had brunch there on Sunday with my mom. Make it a point to check it out. I highly recommend everything at Koreole, the kale salad at JuiceNola (and the very sexy guy behind the counter), the crepes at Dirty Dishes and the ramen noodle and brisket dish at PDR NOLA. On Friday, I attended the fundraiser for the Louisiana Equality Foundation at their Come Out For Life Celebration at the New Orleans Healing Center. There was a good crowd as the group unveiled their Suicide Prevention Campaign. French Quarter Festival was my destination all day on Saturday checking out the various stages and numerous food tents. I must have walked the Quarter ten times over hopping around, as well as visiting a few gay establishments (700 Club and Oz). I even took in an art opening at the Orange Gallery on Royal Street of Carlos Lopez’s newest works. This talented young man is a New Orleans treasure and has an eye for creative works on canvas. No one makes an oyster sexier than he does. So that pretty much sums up my two weeks, I am looking forward to all the exciting things coming up like Zoo To Do and Jazz Fest. See you by the stage.
In Other Gay News Lovers of everything cultural get ready to dance in the streets literally, because the Crescent City is starting something that is taking off in a major way. Faux/Real is an all-new arts festival in the city of New Orleans that celebrates creative artists in the fields of Theatre, Literature, Food, and Drink. Their mission is to curate three weeks of top-tier performances, readings, tastings, and parties in one of the most thrilling and unique cities. Faux/Real will provide creative artists with promotion, venue placement, curation, press, visibility, and an enthusiastic, hungry audience of locals and visitors. The inaugural fest will run from November 4-22, and the theme will be “Something New.” Faux/Real’s aim is to provide one-of-a-kind experiences for a wide, diverse, and adventurous audience as well as to provide a wonderful resource for theatre artists, writers, chefs, and mixologists to show off their stuff on a national stage. St. Claude Avenue between Elysian Fields Avenue and Franklin Avenue will serve as a festival hub with food, a street performance pitch, central box office and information center, and several venues. Secondary centers will be established in Central City, Mid-City, and other neighborhoods throughout New Orleans. I love another festival that draws people to other areas of the city. Under the direction of Executive Pro-
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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
CANAL STREET
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DAUPHINE
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book stores
health
900
New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Urgent Care, 201 Decatur St., 700 Magazine St., 552.2433, NewOrleansUrgentCare.com
1000 1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS
1200 BARRACKS
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classifieds
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French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
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
hardware
800
ST. ANN
URSULINES
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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
ST. PHILIP
M
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
DUMAINE
FR
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.
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
repairs Metairie, New Orleans, LA Mr. Fixer L.L.C., appliance & home repairs, "Reliable, Quality Work & Pricing!" 504.202.1024, www.NewOrleansApplianceRepairs.com
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
photography
tours
New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
New Orleans, LA [504] Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, (LGBT Business of the Year) 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] GARDNER REALTORS,
Micah
GayMardiGras.c om • GayEast erParade.c om • April 21-May 4, 2015 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 27
trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Lady with All the Answers at Christ Episcopal School Theatre, Covington through April 26 Back before there was an Internet you could turn to with questions about anything and everything, there were two women, who millions of people looked to for advice, with different and incredibly WASPy last names. Newspaper columnists Abigail (“Dear Abby”) Van Buren and Ann Landers, however, were actually Midwest-born, twin sisters of Jewish background. In David Rambo’s The Lady with All She’s also sorting readers’ letters for a the Answers, which JPAS is presenting on forthcoming book and is only too happy to the North Shore, Landers relates her life share some of them with us in Rambo’s story, providing an illuminating two hours or fourth-wall-breaking approach. So whether so for a now easily overlooked, but once it’s lovelorn teens or confused couples, pivotal person in American society to be in nude housekeeping or sex in a motorcycle the spotlight again. helmet, or just the proper way to hang toilet We meet Eppie (short for “Esther paper, Landers offers the letter, her rePauline”) Lederer (Janet Shea) in her Chi- sponse, and then the response to her recago apartment late on a June night in sponse which sometimes, as in the case of 1975. Toying with her electric typewriter, what the “proper” way to hang toilet paper she is preparing to write the “most impor- is, dumbfounded her in its size and vehetant column of my career,” although pro- mence. crastinating would be more like it (Gee, and Socially conservative (she was a “virI thought I was the only procrastinator col- gin on [her] wedding night”) but politically umnist.). liberal, Landers acquired friends in high places through her involvement with Democratic politics and her husband who founded under the gaydar ...from 25 Budget Rent-a-Car. In one of the most ducer B.E. Mintz, Faux/Real has assembled moving parts of the show, Landers dea team that will represent the community scribes her experiences visiting soldiers in and the talent within. New members will be Viet Nam and then, after returning stateannounced in the coming weeks. Already side, calling the families or friends of every on board as Co-Producers are Michael one of them to let them know how their loved Cerveris (TONY Award winning Broadway one was doing. In Taylor Marrs’ convincing helmet of a and Television Actor), A.J. Allegra (Artistic wig, Shea is a charming hostess for the Director of the NOLA Project,) Richard Mayer (Owner, The Old Marquer), and evening, and she and Director “Uncle” Bremner Duthie (multi-award winning per- Wayne Daigrepont give The Lady a smooth former.) Lisa Pasold will serve as Literary and fluid, if somewhat leisurely, pace; I Coordinator. Kirk Estopinal (Bellocq) Nick wouldn’t have minded if the parts about Dietrich (Cane & Table), and Avery Glasser Landers’ affinity for chocolate and the afore(Bittermen’s Bitters, Vendetta) will work in mentioned toilet paper had been a bit quickan advisory role on the food and beverage ened. As it is, they seem like filler. Daigrepont avoids the static nature end of things. Performance companies both local and that sometimes accrues to one-person nation-wide are encouraged to apply and shows by deploying Shea all over Kyle register. The Festival will provide market- Hanson’s set; having her do calisthenics at ing and promotion, support, and a central one point also adds visual diversity. (What box office facility. Individual groups will still adds visual diversity but which I could’ve manage their own venue and on-site box done without were projections that popped office with 100 percent of ticket sales going up in the apartment’s window of things or people that Landers was referencing. They back to the artists. Registration begins May 15 and ends unnecessarily hammered home the obviSeptember 15. Several groups are already ous.) Rambo’s script is not without its share curating their own satellite festivals under of blatant exposition and his words flow the Faux/Real banner including Razor’s Edge (solo performance plays) Shooting much more naturally from Shea when she Stars (college and high school companies) gets to the more dramatic moments. But Mic Stand (standup comedy) and a three she is never less than engaging whether day installation of burlesque, drag, and recounting a TV show appearance with sideshow. These events will fall under the Linda (Deep Throat) Lovelace or her riFaux/Real umbrella, but will be indepen- valry with her sister. And when a filing dently curated and produced. Elements of cabinet drawer holding a vital prop refused the culinary component will include food to open, Shea handled the set malfunction trucks, two cocktail competitions, a sau- gracefully and with wise ad libs. The Lady with All the Answers resage competition, bar takeovers, tap takeovers, Cajun spice tasting, a hamburger veals much to admire in Landers, a woman throw-down, pop-up pub crawls, dinner who in many ways, such as her views on clubs, and themed meals blending food and homosexuality and push for cancer research dollars, was ahead of her times. And performance. The literary element will focus on po- if it’s a portrait more pleasant than deep, etry during week one, prose during week how fitting for a lady who would “rather two, and publishing during the final week. have my column taped to a million refrigeraFor more information, go to http:// tor doors than win a Pulitzer Prize.” fauxrealneworleans.com.
The Tennessee Williams Festival It is meant as no disrespect to say that 2015’s Tennessee Williams Literary Festival was like every other year’s—a wonderful overstuffed buffet of offerings both popular and academic, covering a tremendously wide range of topics, and featuring so many courses that it would be impossible for one person to indulge in all. If, as is often the case, the fare tilted more literary than theatrical for a Fest celebrating one of America’s greatest dramatists, a sprinkling of celebrity more than made up for it. One of the most delicious of those sprinklings was auteur and author John Waters who not only appeared on a number of panels but headlined his own one-man show, This Filthy World: Filthier and Dirtier, at the Joy Theater, a co-presentation by the Fest with nightlife impresario Daniel Nardicio. Using no notes, Waters regaled the packed house for over 80 minutes of standup comedy mixed with personal philosophy and tales of how he was thrown out of every school he went to and how he lived in New Orleans in 1973 while waiting for Pink Flamingos to come out. Speaking of which, where the infamous trailer was located is now an “Indian burial ground of filth.” In his polished stream of consciousness, Waters drolly mused, “Every child molester neglected me; I don’t know how to feel about that.” A self-described 60ish nerd with a mischievous streak (duh), he wonders “How can I be bad at 70?” With nary a dull stretch, as Waters’ trenchant monolog ranged over a host of topics from Marcel Duchamp to Madalyn Murray O’Hair, Ingmar Bergman to Paul Bowles, I got the feeling that some of these references might have gone over the head of the youngish crowd. Oh well, their loss. But as he waggishly differentiated the terms “blossom” (for gays) and “rosebud” (for straights) and invited the audience to have sex on his grave, even the gent at the light board was shaking with laughter. Just the kind of glorious evening you’d expect from Mr. Waters.
claimed 1974 Broadway revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof while Dillon not only received a Tony nomination for the original Crimes of the Heart but appeared in Our Town alongside Paul Newman. Prompted by Hirsch, Dullea and Dillon, who seem like the nicest of people, generously shared stories of Newman and Liz Taylor and Geraldine Page and Liz Ashley and Lana Turner and Sal Mineo, whom Dullea was the last known person he spoke to before his murder. Dullea recalled his battles with Otto Preminger on the set of Bunny Lake is Missing and how Laurence Olivier came to his defense, saying “Otto, dear boy, I wish you wouldn’t scream at the children.” But in addition to such chatty recollections, the audience also received a fascinating exploration of Cat and the gay men in it, not only Brick’s friend Skipper, but the former owners of the plantation that Big Daddy inherited. Dullea and Dillon, however, didn’t just talk. On successive evenings they performed scenes from two Williams plays, Cat, with Dillon as Big Mama and Dullea moving from his earlier Brick to Big Daddy, and Night of the Iguana with Dullea taking on Rev. Shannon to Dillon’s Hannah Jelkes. Both performances were splendid; having already appeared in Cat at Provincetown’s Tennessee Williams Festival, one hopes they will have the opportunity to do a full production of Iguana. Held under a tent at the Old Ursuline Convent, a beautiful setting, in addition to the Iguana scene, Blue Devils and Better Angels: A Tennessee Williams Tribute also featured author/columnist “Ask” Amy Dickinson, British thriller writer Rebecca Chance and actress Cristine McMurdoWallis—each marvelous—reading Williams’ diary, letters and other such reminiscences, all of which offered the playwright’s blazing honesty to moving effect. John Patrick (Doubt) Shanley also read a scene from a new autobiographical play, Prodigal Son, which will debut on Broadway next year. Before the previous day’s Williams Birthday Bash culminated with the scene from Cat (and some scrumptious birthday cake), scenes from Glass Menagerie,
Ambush Theatre/Performing Arts Critic Brian Sands & John Waters A somewhat more refined atmosphere prevailed when Keir Dullea and his wife Mia Dillon were interviewed by Foster Hirsch. Dullea may be best known for 2001: A Space Odyssey but he starred in an ac-
Sweet Bird of Youth and Vieux Carre, as well as Christopher Durang’s funny Williams parody For Whom the Southern
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trodding the boards ...from 28 Belle Tolls, were presented by a talented krewe including Joel Vig, Janet Daley Ducal, Lucy Faust, Michael Aaron Santos and Aimée Hayes. At the Suddenly Last Summer Play & Film Discussion, Brenda Currin, who was a ferocious Violet Venable in Southern Rep’s recent production of that play; John Lahr, winner of the 2014 National Book Critics Circle Award for his Williams biography; and scholar Robert Bray discussed how Summer was a narrative of Williams’ heart, its grotesque style, and how Hollywood handled (or mishandled) this allegorical tale. Currin also delineated how she approached playing Violet, all making for a fascinating panel. (Next up at Southern Rep is Boudin, an original production that celebrates the music, art, magic, and history of New Orleans; it plays at Ashé Power House Theater through May 17.) It’s a shame that Joel Vig’s Truman Talks Tennessee had only one performance. I wasn’t sure what to expect from it and was afraid it could turn into mere camp. But Vig has done his homework to provide a manifesto of Capote’s opinions and observations in a witty and well-detailed reading. Vig looks and sounds like Truman but switched effortlessly to conjure up Tennessee’s raspy voice for a terrific dual portrait. An exploration of these two literary giants, each who had distant, alcoholic fathers and overbearing mothers (Williams once said that “Friends are God’s way of apologizing to us for our family.”), TTT expertly limned how Truman and Tennessee went from being acquaintances to friends to enemies and back to friends again tossing out great anecdotes along the way like the time their mutual friend Yukio Mishima gave a party with 1,000 drag geishas. Wish I coulda been there. One of the Fest’s other theatrical offerings was a reprise The Hotel Plays at the Hermann-Grima House. It had been one of last year’s highlights and I was looking forward to the experience again of watching four short plays in different sections of this historic house. Not inappropriately for Williams, my expectations were somewhat dashed. Director David Kaplan switched out two of last year’s one-acts for two others, ostensibly so that all four would be from the 1940s and
to provide more of a thematic consistency. That may be all well and good but by replacing 1970’s Green Eyes and 1981’s The Traveling Companion with Last of My Solid Gold Watches and Lord Byron’s Love Letter, both from 1946, Kaplan sacrificed two complete works of power and passion for two that seemed more like sketches, interesting but not as potent as the others. This new configuration also permitted an introduction to the Hermann-Grima House before two of the playlets and, while worthy enough, it went on too long and disrupted the carefully calibrated mood of the Williams pieces. Ironically, the changed line-up caused Lady of Larkspur Lotion and Mister Paradise, which had been solid last year, to become the strongest of them now, their exploration of faded hopes and dreams more resonant than Gold Watches’s death of a Southern salesman motif and Lord Byron’s’ desperate hustlers. Regardless, the cast could hardly be better. George Sanchez as Watches’ bigoted salesman past his prime and Joel Derby as a young buck were excellent. As the Tutweilers, tourists from Milwaukee hoping to see Lord Byron’s love letter, Jackson Townsend and especially Francine Segal were phenomenal, as though they just wandered over from Bourbon Street. As Mr. Paradise and Larkspur Lady’s defender, Robert Mitchell was more energetic and less brittle than 2014’s David Landon, nicely differentiating the two characters. The returning Francesca McKenzie, Kathryn Talbot, and Desiree Ledet were even stronger this year with Talbot adding more shadings to her manipulative hooker, Ledet fiercer as the put-upon landlady, and McKenzie even more genuine and achingly sincere. Like Townsend, who did a lot with a little, Ledet conveys as much with her expressive reactions as with her lines. I do hope The Hotel Plays will return next year though preferably with the original, or another different, line-up. In the meantime, for all those going through Williams withdrawal, The Anthony Bean Community Theater is presenting The Glass Menagerie through April 26 with an African-American cast led by that superb actress Gwendolyne Foxworth. It’s about time.
Pre-Memorial Day DEADLINE:
April 28 504.522.8049
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ambush
Sissiest Bonnet @ Kajun’s Pub
Promoter Jeff & Bunny Marshal XIII John-Michael Alderson
Best Group @ Mag’s
Best Couple @ The Friendly Bar Butchest Bonnet @ the Phoenix
Widest Bonnet @ Big Daddy’s
Best of the Best by Ambush Magazine @ the Phoenix
Most Glamorous @ Cutter’s
Tallest Bonnet @ Mimi’s
32 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • April 21-May 4, 2015 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om
13th Marigny Bunny Hop Led by Bunny Marshal XIII John-Michael Alderson ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Brunch at The Country Club: Chef Maryjane Rosas still has the Magic Chef Maryjane Rosas continues to set the standard with her mastery of flavor combinations which meld into the perfect culinary creations at The Country Club. On our recent brunch experience, her magic in the kitchen brings forth even more selections pleasing to the palate. After being greeted by GM Bert McComas, and hostess Wende, we were seated. Cocktails are always the order of the day at brunch. And since it was Saturday we chose two from the "Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar"available on Saturday only. You receive your vodka on the rocks, and you complete the cocktail at the Bloody Mary Bar. You can choose housemade bloody mary mix, or tomato juice and all the ingredients to make your own. There were various seasoned salts, Cajun seasoning, fresh horseradish, lemon, lime, and the like. What makes this so interesting is some eight house made pickles for garnish. The asparagus, dill celery, and cucumbers were all excellent, but the roasted pickled spicy "bread and butter style" bok choy was over the top! Our friends chose the $10 bottomless Mimosas, always a bargain in our group. Two apps chosen by the staff arrived next from our server Rachel including Kale & Fried Brussel Sprout Salad (12.00), and Duck Trap Smoked Salmon (12.00). The crisp fried kale was accompanied by some exceptionally crisp sliced brussel sprouts Kale & Fried Brussel Sprout Salad that were browned to perfection, with a watermelon turnip kraut and sherry viniagrette topped with loads if grated parmesan which melted onto the salad. The turnips appeared to have been thin sliced on a mandoline, then pickled and were still crisp which gave the pop to this sensation. A sunny side up egg made an excellent accompaniment. The generous portion of the Duck Trap Smoked Salmon sprinkled with crabmeat sat on a thick potato gallette with a crisp exterior and creamy grated potato interior. It needed no enhancement as this was the best potato gallette we have ever had, but the horseradish cream proved to be the finishing touch to excellence. It's hard to believe it could get any better, but yes, it did! This was our first time to sample the Paneed Rabbit & Eggs with Sauce Girodine (18.00). Don't know where in Duck Trap Smoked Salmon over Potato the world they got this rabbit, Gallette with Horseradish Cream but it was huge. The slab of boneless meat was paneed to perfection in what appeared to be panko giving you the taste and texture of your favorite pork or veal chop but instead, over the top rabbit, placed on the Sauce Girodine (hollandaise with Dijon mustard, or here locally sometimes with Creole mustard). Top this with two poached eggs, dressed microgreens and cherry tomatoes,
Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar on Saturdays
Pork Debris & Stone Ground Grits with Red Eye Gravy
Paneed Rabbit & Eggs with Sauce Girodine it was sheer perfection. However, we would have liked the Sauce Girodine on top of the eggs with perhaps a bit more - so wonderful. Another new one for us was Pork Debris & Stone Ground Grits with Red Eye Gravy (15.00). The succulent slow cooked pork sat atop a healthy portion of stone ground grits finished with smoked gouda cheese, then covered in Red Eye Gravy (thin Southern gravy made with the drippings of ham, sausage or pork, and sometimes a hint of black coffee). Top that off with flash fried green onions, and OMG, delish! Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits (18.00) is always a favorite, but this time it had a new twist. The smoked gouda stoneground grits were topped with sauteed Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and grilled red onion with giant seasoned shrimp and andouille sausage. It was "slap 'yo mama" good! Not only will you have an excellent dining experience at The Country Club, the attention to detail by the kitchen, wait and bar staff is always superior. Chef Maryjane has just released The Country Club's new lunch, dinner and brunch menus. Additionally, the club will now be serving Brunch For Lunch Monday-Friday 10am4pm in addition to the lunch menu. And don't forget the always fun Drag Brunch every 1st and 3rd Saturdays where you can enjoy some of New Orleans legendary divas. Hours include: Sun. – Thurs. 10am-9pm, Fri. & Sat. 10am-10pm; Brunch For Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 10am-4pm, Brunch Sat. & Sun. 10am-3pm. Late Night Menu is available every day. Visit to view the regular menus plus the new Brunch For Lunch, and Late Night menus at www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com. Located at 634 Louisa St., call 504.945.0742 for reservations.
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Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits with Mushrooms, Cherry Tomatoes & Grilled Red Onion
Wait Staff: (front) Katie & Ashly; (back) Jared, Rachel, Hostess Wende & Cameron
Bartenders: Nate, Drew, Errol & Clint
GayMardiGras.c om • GayEast erParade.c om • April 21-May 4, 2015 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 33
big easy
Easter @ Good Friends Bar
Faye & bartender Trevor @ The Double Play
Cocktails @ Good Friends Bar Newly crowned Ms. NOLA Pride Solitaire joins Angela @ Oz
Bunnies @ Clover Grill
Bartenders Hank & Bradley welcome you to 2 for 1 Wednesdays @ Rawhide Chris Arthur wins for Best Costume Design @ Big Easy Theatre Awards @ Harrah's Taze-ya Ballz & Kookie Baker in Red Velvet Review @ Four Seasons in Metairie
Bunnies cocktailing @ Rawhide
Easter Bonnets @ Good Friends
Esplanade Avenue live @ The Golden Lantern Four Seasons Red Velvet Review in Metairie
Easter @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
All smiles @ Queen’s Head Pub
Bartenders Rene & Richard welcome you to Good Friends
Matt, Opal, Troy, Caleb & Joey do Dingo Sundays @ The Corner Pocket
SDGMs Aubrey & Reba with Bay St. Louis’ Chris & Raymond La Fontaine @ the Lantern’s Jubilee
It was a wild “cheesy” time with this gang @ Jubilee hosted by The Golden Lantern
ChiChi Rodriguez in the Ladies of Oz show @ Oz New Orleans
The Ladies of Oz on stage Wednesdays @ Oz New Orleans
34 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • April 21-May 4, 2015 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om
The Social Scene ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Hubert S Monkeys, Rip Naquin, Chris Ward
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GayMardiGras.c om • GayEast erParade.c om • April 21-May 4, 2015 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 35
36 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • April 21-May 4, 2015 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide© sinc e 1982 • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om