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Delain, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce sponsored by Ambush Mag & www.SouthernDecadence.COM @ Ambush Mansion Balcony, 828 Bourbon St. Keep abreast of everything Southern Decadence at www.SouthernDecadence.com, or follow w w w . F a c e b o o k . c o m / SouthernDecadenceNOLA.
the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
44th Southern Decadence Gears up for more than 160,000 Revelers; 41st Southern Decadence Grand Marshals raise over $30,000 for Charity The invasion begins for the giant Labor Day weekend celebration of Southern Decadence XLIV. The annual holiday is expected to bring in more than 160,000 revelers including visitors and locals alike. The celebration of gay life, music and culture is the 5th largest event in New Orleans following Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and French Quarter Fest. It is estimated last year generated some $192 million for the local economy.
41st Official Southern Decadence Parade Route on Sunday, Sept. 6
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce hosted numerous fundraisers leading up to the holiday raising over $30,000 for charity. Funds raised minus expenses benefits three charities this year including LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana to preserve the past, Louisiana Equality Foundation to preserve the present, and PFLAG New Orleans (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Scholarship Fund to preserve the future. This is the largest amount raised for charity in the history of Southern Decadence. A complete financial
report will be issued following Southern Decadence. Kick off the weekend with Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI on Friday at the Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern. Get in on all the festivities celebrating the official theme: “Swimmin' with the Gods and Goddesses;” colors: lavender, lime green & silver lame; and song: “Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars, DJ of the Year JRB’s Southern Decadence Pumped Remix. Some 100 events will celebrate the end of summer bash bringing in mega stars, international DJs, adult film stars, dancers, and more. See the center page spread for featured celebrities. Three events you won't want to miss include: Friday, Sept. 4th... 10pm, Annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Drag Show with SDGMs XLI Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern Sunday, Sept. 6th... 2pm, 41st Southern Decadence Parade led by SDGMs XLI Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce begins @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern. The parade route starts at 1239 Royal to St. Louis, right on St. Louis to N. Rampart, right on N. Rampart to Toulouse, right on Toulouse to Burgundy, left on Burgundy to St. Peter, left on St. Peter to N. Rampart, right on Rampart to 834 N. Rampart then back to St. Ann, down St. Ann to Bourbon, left on Bourbon to 901 Bourbon ending at Dumaine. It includes stops at Golden Lantern, Double Play, The Corner Pocket, Society Page, 700 Club, GrandPre’s, Rawhide, Good Friends, Bourbon Pub, Napoleon’s Itch, Oz & Cafe Lafitte in Exile. 4ish pm, 22nd Annual Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by SDGMs XLI Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha
NO/AIDS Walk, Southern Decadence Highlights out Sept. 15 DEADLINE: Tues., Sept. 8
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celebrazzi/sd fundraisers/events 14 celebrazzi/sdgms luncheon 16 44th southern decadence 17 spotlight features/sd offerings 18 moments in gay new orleans history 20 magnolia cotillion paparazzi 26 ambush paparazzi/new orleans 28 sd: big stars of the weekend 30-31 the real cheese 32 under the gaydar 32 spotlight features/final sd fundraisers 34
ambush paparazzi/new orleans spotlight features mobile paparazzi book review big easy paparazz/new orleans chop chop/restaurant guide obituary/derwin “kirby” thibeau a community within communities classifieds trodding the boards halloween new orleans
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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
Ambush Mag’s 60 Page Decadence Edition Ambush Mag celebrates the 44th Anniversary of Southern Decadence this Labor Day Weekend Wednesday, Sept. 2 through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. Available at over 80 locations, readers will find over 41 pages in ads featuring some 100 events for Southern Decadence. Some 164 photos will bring gay life, music and culture to life, as well as some 32 pages of color. You will not know what you will want to see and do without checking out the various ads for events, venues, bars, restaurants, galleries, shops, spas, hair salons, tours, real estate agents, costumes, services, and the classifieds. Your “Official Southern Guide” has it all!
SD 2015 Boasts Largest Number of Sponsors in its History For the first time in the history of Southern Decadence, this 44th celebration boasts a whopping 82 official sponsors joining the efforts of Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce. Funds raised minus expenses benefits three charities this year: LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Louisiana Equality Foundation, and PFLAG New Orleans Scholarship Fund. A complete financial report will be released by New Orleans Southern Decadence Inc. following the holiday. This year Southern Decadence is presented by Official Southern Decadence Guide Ambush Mag, Official Website SouthernDecadence.com, Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern (the largest sponsor raising some $7,500 in donations), The Chicory, Official Vodka of Southern Decadence SKYY, Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard, OffBeat Magazine, Oz New Orleans; Platinum - Official Beer of Southern Decadence: Bud Light, Bourbon Pride, Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Gay Appreciation Awards, Official Drink of Southern Decadence: Tropical Isle's Hand Grenade, Jeffrey Palmquist & Coca Mesa, Bourbon Pub & Parade, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain; Gold - Todd Blauvelt, Sir Speedy New Orleans, Pelican Bay, GrandPre's, Amzie Adams, Steve Tregre, La Familia, Little Vic's, Hotel Storyville, 3rd Base Bar & Grill, Double Play, Curtis Knapp Photography; Silver - Larry Graham/Graham Studio One, Law Offices of Warren A. Forstall, Jr., Eugene Theriot & Dwain Hertz/Gene's PoBoys, NOLA Fleur de Lis, Krewe of Petronius, Phoenix, Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Tulane Ave Bar, QT Pie; Bronze - Larry Anderson & Michael Boulas, Safonda Peters & Stuart Nettles, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, A-MED Ambulance, Glinda's Jewelry by Design, Cutter's, Quartermaster Deli, Marshall Harris, Kajun's Pub, Helene Berot, Buffa's Bar & Restaurant, Mariners Inn; and
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 Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkeys, Felicia Phillips, 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
Pearl - Wicked Orleans, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Cary P. Oswald, SDGM 27 Errol C. Rizzuto, Mac McAll/ Cutter's Bar, Jon & Derek PentonRobicheaux, June Pennick, Glenn Paul Melancon, Gary Glitter, Fabulous Flowers, Michael Bingham, Donald Ellis, Addiction Coffeehouse/Kinky & Straight Hair Salon, Treme' Coffeehouse, Jamie Hayes Gallery, GrrlSpot, Vinsantos, Michael Sullivan, Persana Shoulders, Stephen Alderdice, Wedon Brown, Larry Bagneris, Jr., www.ChristopherRyan.com, Jerry Scavo & Kenny Walker Please consider supporting the sponsors who make Southern Decadence possible.
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celebrazzi Magnolia Cotillion 2015 celebrated the 42nd anniversary of Louisiana's first registered domestic partners Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, and honored fellow Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Steven Mora, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce Wingerter. Hosted at the Ambush Mansion on world famous Bourbon Street in New Orleans, the event raised $1,750 for Southern Decadence 2015 and its charities. The evening boasted culinary delights from the Seven Seas, open bar, and anniversary/wedding cake by Swiss Confectionery. It was the first time the couple opened their home for a public event. Usually the affairs here are by invitation only. (Photo by Darwin Reed: SDGMs 35 Tittie Toulouse, 34 Electra City, 41 Frankie Fierce Wingerter, 41 Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, 41 Steven Mora, 41 Misti Ates, 40 Chad Boutte & Aubrey Synclaire)
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals 15 Olive, 34 Electra City, 35 Tittie Toulouse, 41 Lily Masters-Delain (aka Frankie Fierce), 41 Mist Ates, 41 Steven Mora, and 40 Reba Douglas joined the Southern Decadence XLIV Benefit hosted by Third Base Bar & Grill in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The fun filled afternoon raised $1,611 for Southern Decadence 2015 and its charities. (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys)
Southern Decadence Gong Karaoke brought together Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Frankie Fierce, Marsha Delain and Rip Naquin, and Karaoke hostess Kim Linger, with SDGMs XLI Misti Ates and Steven Mora at Kajun's Pub in New Orleans. A benefit for Southern Decadence 2015, the event raised $247.
The Southern Decadence Sally-Fly Cookout raised $640 for SD 2015 at Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans. (Photo by Chad Boutte: Marsha Delain, Jeff Palmquist, Monica Synclaire-Kennedy, Aubrey Synclaire, Rip Naquin & Solitaire)
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain and Frankie Fierce Wingerter accept a $2,500 Platinum Sponsorship from Tropical Isle's Earl Bernhardt and Pam Fortner. The group is toasting to the occasion with the world famous Hand Grenade, returning again this year as the Official Drink of Southern Decadence. It is available at all Tropical Isle Bourbon Street locations and the Funky Pirate in New Orleans. (Photo by Jeffrey Palmquist)
The Southern Decadence Costume Gala: "Y'all Come as Your Favorite Southern Decadent" raised $1,937 at Hotel Storyville in New Orleans. The festive evening brought to the stage Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Steven Mora and Persana Shoulders as emcees along with the talents of the Dapper Dandies Jazz Band, Sydney McMath, the Jailhouse Rockers, Bella Blue, Sarah the Bobcat, and others. (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys)
Bar Baron's Pedro Antunes and Bertrand Washington join Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLI Frankie Fierce for their Street Carnival raising $677 for Southern Decadence 2015 and its charities at Tulane Ave Bar in New Orleans. (Photos by Hubert S Monkeys)
Vic Caracci hosted Sunset Social with Sicilian Sweets & Southern Spirits celebrating Southern Decadence 2015 at Little Vic’s in New Orleans. (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys)
Bar Baron's Bill Miller and Chuck Turner are joined by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Marsha Delain, Rip Naquin, Steven Mora and Misti Ates for SDS: Sunday Decadence Social hosted by The Double Play in New Orleans. In addition to one of their famous buffets, the afternoon featured spotlight performances by the Queen of Comedy Clorox Bleachman, along with auctions, and raffles raising $1,036 for Southern Decadence 2015 and its charities: LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Louisiana Equality Foundation, and PFLAG New Orleans Scholarship Fund. Special thanks to bartender Trevor Cook for decorating, and as DJ! (Photo by Chad Boutte)
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\ Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Frankie Fierce Wingerter, Steven Mora and Misti Ates hosted the 2015 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Luncheon brining 27 grand marshals together on August 29 at the historic Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard, founded in 1920. As a Presenting Sponsor, Broussard's produced an excellent afternoon with delicious food selections including New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp and Grits, with unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys. After cocktails and dining, the reigning grand marshals recognized all of the past grand marshals and gave gift bags to those grand marshals in attendance. (Photo by Darwin Reed: front row-Mother of Southern Decadence Maureen Block, SDGMs 41 Rip Naquin & Marsha Delain, 35 Paloma, 41 Frankie Fierce Wingerter, Steven Mora & Misti Ates; 2nd row-SDGMs 8 Tom Tippin, 30 Irish Mike, 33 Regina Adams, 39 Venus Santiago, 34 Marcus Martinez, 33 Lisa Beaumann, 40 Aubrey Synclaire, 36 Julien Artressia, 40 Reba Douglas, 37 Tiffany Alexander & Misael Rubio, 36 Toby Lefort, 14 Kathleen Conlon, 4 Robert Laurent, 25 Miss Love; back row-SDGMs 35 Tittie Toulouse, 39 Tami Tarmac, 40 Chad Boutte, 34 Electra City, 37 Errol Rizzuto)
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Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Luncheon @ Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys, Darwin Reed
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spotlight feature Walking Tour Highlights New Orleans LGBT History The Gay New Orleans Walking Tour explores New Orleans rich LGBT history, including the origins of Southern Decadence and Gay Carnival as well as the tragic mass murder at the Upstairs Lounge. Other highlights include legendary gay bars such as Cafe Lafitte in Exile, the homes and watering holes of Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote, and the gay connection to the JFK assassination. The tour is offered by the Crescent bust in line with the block party on Friday City Tour Booking Agency from September and Saturday nights, and the Renegade 2 through September 7, twice daily at 10am Bears of Louisiana will host the final night’s and 4pm. There will be no tours on Sunday, beer bust on Sunday. Patrons can enjoy allSeptember 6, because of the Southern you-can-drink beer for $10, starting at 9pm. Decadence Parade. Cost is $30. Call “We are always happy to team up with 504.568.0717 to make reservations or visit the Lords of Leather and the Renegade the agency’s office at 638 St. Ann (near Bears,” Taylor said. “They’ve always been Royal St.). The tour is offered throughout such enthusiastic supporters of the Phoethe rest of the year by appointment only. nix, and we love to support them in return. The Crescent City Tour Booking We hope folks come out to show their Agency is a gay owned business and was support to these important, local, gay organamed the 2014 LGBT Business of the nizations.” Year by the GAA. In addition to the Gay New More details of the block party and all Orleans Walking Tour, the agency also of the Phoenix’s Southern Decadence books other tours including City, Swamp, events are listed on its website, Airboat, Plantation, River Cruises, Cem- www.phoenixbarnola.com, and by searchetery, Ghost, Garden District, and French ing the hashtag #PhoenixDecadence on Quarter Tours. social media. The Gay New Orleans Walking Tour was developed and is conducted by local NYC’s Furball Debuts historian and author Frank Perez. Perez is the co-author of In Exile: The History and for Southern Decadence Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay CulHeadlined by ture and Its Oldest Gay Bar and the author of Treasures of the Vieux Carre: Ten Self- Thunderpuss DJ BARRY Guided Walking Tours of the French Quarter. He is also a founding member and HARRIS from Toronto On Saturday, Sept 5 (Southern Decacurrent President of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. In addition, Perez dence / Labor Day weekend), beloved bear writes a column on local gay history for party promoter Joe Fiore comes to New Ambush Magazine and teaches at Delgado Orleans to host the debut Furball dance party at One Eyed Jacks. Community College. The wildly popular NYC party regularly draws over 800 bears, daddies and Phoenix Expands its their admirers to its New York City and nationwide parties. Expect great music, hot World-Famous Block guys, gogo bears (like porn star John Party, Adds Third Night Rothschild), and cheap booze in a great Long established as the epicenter for locale one block off of Bourbon! Sponsored bear and leather enthusiasts, the Phoenix by Decadent Ducks Events and BearSkn. remains the place to be for Southern Deca- This will be the Decadent party not to miss! dence. Toronto-based headline DJ Barry HarOne of the Phoenix’s most popular ris of Thunderpuss fame will be jetting in to events during Southern Decadence is its make his Furball debut and drop a signaannual block party, which has taken place ture sexy, sweat-bomb, bass-kickin’ house on Friday and Saturday nights during the set. (Check out his FURBALL NEW ORholiday weekend. Because of the event’s LEANS teaser mixes on Mixcloud.) A popugrowing popularity, the bar has added a lar international DJ (his Soundcloud page third night, Sunday night, for its loyal and boasts over 4.5K followers), Barry co-creappreciated customers. ated Thunderpuss in the 90s most well “The block party has become this in- known for his mix of Whitney Houston’s It’s ternational sensation over the years,” said Not Right, But It’s OK. Barry has spun at Phoenix owner Clint Taylor. “The bear and many of the hottest clubs in Tel Aviv, Miami, leather communities know that the block San Francisco, Montreal, Sydney, Sao party is the best place to find like-minded Paulo, Mexico City, Los Angeles, NYC, folk, and of course, to have an absolute Chicago, Atlanta and Seattle just to name a buffet of eye candy.” few. He’s also mixed everyone The block of North Rampart outside including Britney Spears, Madonna, Celine the bar is closed during the party, which Dion, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, starts at 9pm and goes until 2am each night. Chrisina Aguilera, Cher, Enrique Iglesias & “We are so appreciative to the City of Mary J Blige New Orleans for issuing the necessary Recent collaborations include permits and for keeping the street closed remixes by Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, for the party to spill out of the bar and into Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding, Sia, Jessie J, the street. We are so excited for this, and Alesso, Tov Lo, Jennifer Lopez & Iggy know our customers are as well.” Azalea. Barry is currently an in-demand “We know our customers are going to remixer and producer with his hit Top 10 have a blast whether they are inside or Billboard Dance Chart this year with his outside the bar.” solo summer scorcher “What Makes Your The Lords of Leather will host a beer Heartbeat Faster”.
Lords of Leather sets Decadence Events As always, the Lords of Leather are planning a full set of events for you and your guests to enjoy during Southern Decadence, September 4-5. The weather and the sights will be hot so get yourself ready for some action. On Friday night, September 4 the Lords will host a “Meat” and Greet event during the Phoenix Block Party and Beer Bust outside the bar. Contestants in the Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest will be introduced to the crowd. Beer Bust costs just $10 and goes from 9pm until 2am. Then on Saturday, September 5 the Lords and the Phoenix present the always popular “Decadent Behavior “ Party from 6pm until 9pm upstairs. Come get “down and dirty” with us and meet some hot, sexy men . A special appearance by porn star Ethan Ayers is something you will not want to miss! There will be an open bar upstairs for domestic beer and well drinks as well as a coat check. Tickets are $25 in advance (see www.lordsofleather.org) or $30 at the door. Buy early as space is limited. Also on Saturday night, the Mr. Louisiana Leather 2016 Contest will be held at the Hi Ho Lounge at 2239 St. Claude Avenue, just two blocks from the Phoenix. Come out to see the hottest leathermen in the Gulf South compete to win the title. Contestants will strut their stuff in jockstrap and formal leather competition. The winner represents our state in the International Mr. Leather Contest held next May in Chicago. Contest tickets are just $15 and include the Beer Bust held later that night at the Phoenix Block Party from 9pm until 2am. For more information about Lords of Leather events, please visit our new website www.lordsofleather.org.
“Queen of the Bears” Candy Samples Returns to Southern Decadence for Sunday Services New York’s Finest, the singing/ songwriting drag phenomenon Candy Samples returns to New Orleans for Sunday Services, a free show on Sunday, September 6, 2015 at One Eyed Jacks (615 Toulouse Street) at 11am. Produced by Decadent Duck Events, Sunday Services celebrates its 7th year in the Big Easy. As one NYC reviewer calls it, ‘one-part self-worth and one-part Southern cooking’, Candy sings the stories of her life – through the ups and downs, all while keeping her audience in stitches. Always using her “Powers for Good”, Sunday Services will benefit NO/AIDS Task Force’s Food For Friends Program. Decadent Ducks will be passing the collection plate throughout the show and raffling off fabulous prizes which include a round-trip ticket on Southwest Airlines. Over the past 7 years, Candy and Decadent Ducks have helped raise over $50,000 for Food For Friends, with last year alone raising over $20,000. “I’ve been coming to Southern Decadence for 12 years now” says Candy. “New Orleans is THE city for a fun party and I’ve had my share of fun. Now I like to party for a purpose and give back to the city that’s given me so much joy!” The darling of the New York cabaret
community is no stranger to community service, having lent her time and talents to Marriage Equality New York/USA, Housing Works’ Braking AIDS Ride, Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth, The NYC Anti-Violence Project and AIDS Walk New York. Her efforts organizing the CandyWrappers Team in NYC raised over $25,000 this year for GMHC and landed her featured articles in Bear World Magazine. Candy’s videos can be seen in video bars throughout the Quarter and all music releases, “Sample This!”, “Sample That!”, “Sweet Scandal”, “Bear Season” and “Queen of the Bears” can be found on iTunes and Amazon.com. For more information go to samplemycandy.com.
With Intl. Adult Film Star Rocco Steele, Phoenix Proud to Declare ‘Daddy’s Home’ for Southern Decadence International adult film star Rocco Steele, the sexiest and biggest daddy in the business, will return to the Phoenix for four big, action-packed nights of Southern Decadence. Starting with the Barcode Berlin Underwear Party on Thursday, Sept. 3, Rocco will get in on the fun starting on stage at 11pm that night. The party will start at 9pm that night. Patrons are encouraged to wear their favorite pair of Barcode Berlin underwear, jocks, or shorts. A clothes check will be available. The Renegade Bears of Louisiana will have a beer bust that evening on the patio for $10. On Friday and Saturday nights, Rocco Steele will start on stage at midnight. But the main event of Rocco’s visit is definitely XXL: The Party, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 9pm inside the Phoenix. “We started planning this months ago,” Phoenix owner Clint Taylor said. “I wanted to have a Decadence event that showcased Rocco and gave his fans some great access. We figured that XXL: The Party was the perfect way to do that.” Only 200 total tickets are available for the private party, which includes an open bar and entertainment from Rocco and special guest Boomer Banks. “The event is selling out fast,” Taylor said. “The last few remaining tickets will be sold at the store (COK, located inside the bar), so if you want to go, you better get your ticket now before it’s too late,” Taylor warned. Rocco first was a guest at the Phoenix over Father’s Day weekend, hosting the Lords of Leather’s fun-filled “Who’s Your Daddy?” contest, and giving the Phoenix audience a little preview of what it’s like to hang out with Rocco. “That was an incredible weekend, and that was just a small preview of how extra big Decadence is going to be with Rocco,” Taylor said. “I think folks will walk away saying, “On a scale from to one to 10, that’s a perfect 10,” he said with a wink. While some establishments might inflate their prices to take advantage of the 160,000 people expected to be in New Orleans for Southern Decadence, the Phoenix keeps its same pricing throughout the holiday weekend, and as a special, is actually lowering its price on all Abita beers to $3 for all of Southern Decadence weekend. The event page for XXL: The Party is found on the Phoenix’s website, www.phoenixbarnola.com/xxl.
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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
An Interview with the Southern Decadence Grand Marshals This year’s Southern Decadence features five Grand Marshals: Misti Ates, Frankie Fierce, Steven Mora, and Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain. Here are their thoughts on Southern Decadence 2015. FP: SDGM is a coveted title but not everyone realizes how much work is involved. Tell us about that, the less glamorous aspects of being SDGM. RMND: Being Southern Decadence Grand Marshals is an exciting challenge, one that we knew would involve a lot of hard work. As a unit, all of the grand marshals had to come to a consensus on how we would produce the 44th Southern Decadence celebration of gay life, music and culture. Once that was put in place, we had to figure inventive ways to raise money to cover expenses with the balance going to charity. These fundraisers included seeking sponsors, venues, auction items, and loads of volunteers to make it all happen. Then we had to actually get down and do the work from collecting money at the door, doing both live and silent auctions, and putting ourselves out there for whatever task there was left to do. For us once the event was over, our work was not yet done. Since we’re on the Board of Directors of New Orleans Southern Decadence Inc., we had to produce the financial reports for each event, and deposit all funds to the non-profit’s bank account. MA: Having the title SDGM is a lot more to it than what is perceived. There are countless fundraisers, public appearances, etc. that fill so much of not just your weekends, but also some of the days during the week. But there is also a lot of pressure to raise money for the designated charity (s) and for permits to be able to have the parade. You are literally raising money for a huge party for at least around 200,000 people to attend. There are a lot of critics, as with anyone who is in the public eye, but there are more of those who are supporters. Being SDGM is not just about who can party the most anymore, it’s about representing the LGBT community in a positive light. SM: The title is quite coveted as I found out along the way. As a matter of fact, the night I was announced as one of the Grand Marshals, I literally had people holding onto my arm, before I could even grasp the magnitude of my new role, asking if I could select them of next year as a Grand Marshal. I also had people asking if they could be one of my Lieutenants or even the Parade Captain. It was quite amusing, not to mention social media blowing up with friend requests. The glamorous aspect involves having our “15 minutes of fame” which includes being in photos pretty much everywhere we go, as we are celebrated for our titles and HARD WORK by the community and tourists as well. Also, the sashes and pins, the outfits we wear to identify our celebrity status in the community are pretty glamorous, especially this year- perhaps I am just being biased (smile, wink). Of course, the big hurrah is the Grand Marshal Parade to
celebrate the LGBT community and our huge accomplishments of fundraising for charity organizations throughout our reign. We get to have so much fun with our amazing costumes and spirit. This year will be the largest Southern Decadence Parade in its history, I know that because I am the organizer for this year as well as last year. We have some big surprises for y’all! FF: I guess I would say that the side that many people don’t see the (less glamorous side) would be that once you are announced as SDGM your whole life changes in 24 hrs. You eat, sleep, and breathe Southern Decadence till the day of the parade. I’m on my phone every day from when my eyes open to when they close. All I’m doing is answering emails, text messages and phone calls regarding SD. All you do all summer is find ways to create different events from the year before to be as creative as possible to raise more money than the year before. You always try to outdo the year before. The public never sees the amount of work it takes to put on SD. That’s the secret of being SDGM is that the only people that have an idea or understand is only former SDGM before you and your Lieutenants and Entourage that help you get every event together. It can be very exhausting to work your normal jobs and still give your attention to SD every day. You don’t sleep all summer. You give up your weekends because every weekend you’re fundraising until the day of the parade. But in the end its worth it cause everything you doing is for a good cause and to help others. FP: The official charities this year are the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, the Louisiana Equality Foundation, and PFLAG. What prompted you to select these charities? RMND: We wanted to select a charity to preserve the past, one to preserve the present, and one to preserve the future. As members of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, we saw such a huge opportunity to preserve the history of Southern Decadence thus preserving the past. Fellow SDGM Steven Mora recommended the Louisiana Equality Foundation which he’s involved with to preserve the present. And both fellow SDGM’s Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce recommended the PFLAG-New Orleans Scholarship Fund to preserve the future. We all believe these were excellent organizations in which Southern Decadence 2015 could possibly make a big difference. MA: We have three charities this year that reflect our Past, Present and Future. Our past is the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. Present is the Louisiana Equality Foundation and Future is the PFLAG scholarship fund. SM: We selected the three charities because we all know we are hard-working individuals in the community. This year we
have 5 Grand Marshals and we had the luxury of spreading the love amongst the charity work, we wanted to help organizations that would represent the past, present and the future. Those organizations were perfect choices as the Louisiana LGBT+ Archives Project preserves the amazing history of the LGBT New Orleans, the good and the painfully ugly, all through periodicals, video, magazines, etc. I wish I had more time to talk about how this all helps our community and history. The Louisiana Equality Foundation has resources for the LGBT community to help in so many ways, we cannot list them here in this interview; we could talk for hours. They have suicide prevention, Transgender assistance, Aging LGBT resources and much, much more. The PFLAG Scholarship program helps our youth get educated and stay on track, representing our sector in a positive light. How could we not choose these organizations to help with our fundraising efforts? FF: We picked 3 charities because we called it past, present, future. I like all 3 charities we picked this year. We picked the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana as our past so we can help preserve the history of Gay New Orleans so the future generations after us can see all about the gay history of NOLA before them. To show them how much fun we had and how much fun we didn’t. The good times and the bad times. We picked the Louisiana Equality Foundation as our present to help raise awareness and support equality. They also help with Suicide Prevention. Homelessness, Bullying, Substance Abuse, Workplace Discrimination, Public Health issues and the infirm. Very good organization. We picked the PFLAG Scholarship fund as our future because that’s exactly what it does. They protect the future LGBTQ youth by giving them scholarships to help them go to college. I’m all for bettering the education of our future LGBTQ youth. FP: What have you learned about the LGBT+ community in New Orleans through this experience? RMND: The LGBT+ community of New Orleans has to be one of the most giving, concerned communities in the world. By trying many different fundraiser themes this year, we managed to involve so many segments of our community, making all of us feel that we were only one community. MA: I have enjoyed my reign as a SDGM XLI. It is an honor that I never thought in a million years that I would ever receive (thank you from the bottom of my heart, Reba Douglas). Throughout this time, I’ve learned some things such as you get back what you give, you give to our community in a positive way, you in return will receive positivity, but if you give or conduct yourself in a negative way, you will definitely receive negativity back to you. As I always say, to whom much is given, much is required.. SM: I have learned that there are some amazing people out here in this LGBT community who are willing to help in any way to support our sector and the entire community as well. Our Lieutenants and volunteers, our food and gift donors, venue supporters and many, many more are just a few to mention. One of the most amazing things about this community here in New Orleans is that we are heavily supported by
the City of New Orleans itself. Organizing everything with the City has been virtually painless. The connections we have made to make this a better community as a whole are absolutely incredible. On the other side of it all, I had already experienced some of the most divided LGBT pieces along the way, not only in New Orleans, but around the world. As I say to many people, we are asking for equality by the mainstream community, yet our foundation is somewhat weak in many areas within our own sector. The internal bullying and negativity, mostly experienced within the LGBT bar communities is astonishing. This is one of the main reasons I accepted the title of Grand Marshal, so I could use the attention I have on me as a celebrated community member, to use it as a huge platform to promote and create UNITY within our own sector in New Orleans. As I mentioned earlier, it is not only an issue in New Orleans, but throughout the country and world. I don’t understand it, because we are all in this together. We do not have to like each other, but we certainly do not need to bully or create harm in someone’s way. People commit suicide because of these types of issues and others do not know how to reach out when they do not feel welcomed by the LGBT community. The youth cannot “come out” effectively if this is a clique-ish, or harsh environment, making it harder for everyone overall. CommUNITY (TM) is where it is at altogether! Some friends and I are working on a platform to unify people in New Orleans so we can be one of the first in the country to TRY to make it work with a more unified LGBT community. FF: I have learned how supportive, giving, & genuine the NOLA community can be and how successful they can be when they join together for a great cause. I love the positive aspects this community holds when everyone becomes one. I have unfortunately also learned how negative, hateful, mean, petty, jealous, hurtful and disrespectful the NOLA LGBTQ community can be towards the SDGM’s as well. I never saw this side this bad. It’s like when you become SDGM you always become the most hated person around town without even doing anything wrong. It’s just because you got chosen. And no one ever approves every year who picks so it’s never ending negativity and hatred. I got a hate call on July 4th to be told that I’m ruining SD and that I need to go kill myself. I also had tables and chairs thrown at me. People cursing me out giving me attitude. I felt like I was in a dinosaur cage getting ripped apart to pieces just because I accepted the coveted honor to become SDGM. There should never be a negative aspect of becoming SDGM. It should always be an honor and a privilege. Every bar owner and business establishment should want to be a part of SD, they ALL should be proud to hang your poster on their wall for the summer, they ALL should be proud that the SDGM likes to eat or drink at their establishments. They ALL make money from SD in the end. But the truth is that they ALL don’t embrace the SDGM and they ALL really don’t care about SD but they sure do open early or 24 hours that week to make ALL the money that we help to bring to the WHOLE CITY OF NOLA NOT JUST THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY. So I blame everyone for negative aspects of SD because it’s the LGBTQ community that creates it and feeds
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history ...from 20 off of it. You also learn who your real friends are and you also learn that there is DOUBLE the positive support always in the commUNITY than there is negative around you at all times as SDGM. FP: Some people have wondered why there are five Grand Marshals. Please comment on this and what are the pros and cons of having five Grand Marshals? RMND: There were five grand marshals this year because that is how many were chosen by our predecessors, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XL Aubrey Synclaire, Chad Boutte and Reba Douglas. The pros are we were able to unite as one with five different opinions shaping the destiny of Southern Decadence XLIV. Since this was the first year with five grand marshals, there seemed to be a lot out there who were not happy with this decision, thus provoking many nasty comments. But as the weeks progressed into months, we believe that some of the naysayers are seeing that so much good is coming out of this decision. MA: When five Grand Marshals were named this year, it definitely caused a buzz in the community. Until this point, the most at one time were three Grand Marshals. I think the days of just one Grand Marshal are a thing of the past, but I’m not sure we will see as many as five again. I am thankful for my co-Grand Marshals and can’t imagine having to raise all the money that is required or to attend all the fundraisers that need to be planned and executed with only one or two Grand Marshals. Each SDGM is responsible for creating and leaving their own legacy; it has been my goal to leave with you a legacy of unity, positivity and honor. SM: When we were selected this year as 5 Grand Marshals by the previous ones, we were immediately attacked by the naysayers, stating, “This is ridiculous, 5, really????” and “Southern Decadence is ruined forever!” We were not given a fair chance by some and were told that some people would get in our way to stop what was happening and return this to its origins. We thought hard and long about how to handle this, as we did not select ourselves anyway for these titles. We decided to proceed in an organized fashion and plow through the negativity, leading to the “proof in the pudding” theory. We quietly tracked along and raised over 30 thousand dollars for our charities, the most in Southern Decadence history- all done in the background, trying hard to ignore the painful criticism and bad press. Catch that! FF: This is a big question everyone wants to know. What is the reason we have 5 SDGM’S. From my understanding only three picks were made. Rip & Marsha are one, Frankie & Misti are one & Steven is one. 5 SDGM’S but only three picks were made. At first of course it goes through everyone’s mind wow this shit is crazy. WTH, WHY? I am very excited that’s its five of us. Every year SD gets bigger, bigger, & bigger. Its hard work for anybody to put on fundraisers every Friday, Saturday, and, Sunday every weekend from May 30 when you’re announced to this year Sept. 6th. Then when that’s full you start throwing out week days every so often. Everyone also continues their day job at the same time just juggling trying to keep it all balanced. I haven’t had circles under my eyes in years.
lol. I would definitely question myself this year if there were not four other co-SDGMs. I love my four co-GMs. It couldn’t work out any better. It wouldn’t have worked the way it has if it wasn’t us five together. It helps that we were already friends before we got picked. I wouldn’t change anything. I came up with a name calling us the Fantastic Five. I feel that’s really who we are when we are together. #FANTASTICFIVE
economic impact for the city of New Orleans and other surrounding metro areas as well. SD gives peoples jobs that maybe don’t have a job at the time. I always helped my friends when I could when I bartended at Cafe Lafitte and Oz. It can be a blast to work during SD. The summer for the service industry is very slow so what SD does is it pumps up the industry for a secFP: What can ond coming off of a people expect to see in work drought. That’s SDGMs XLI Misti Ates, Steven Mora, Marsha Delain, Rip Naquin & the parade? why SD is significant Frankie Fierce (Photo by Larry Graham) RMND: Our parade to me and why it will be a spectacle of color and creativity, of this year’s GM. It only helps guide the amazes me because SD does all this. It’s and as always the LGBT+ community will person in front of you to do better and naturally New Orleans. deliver a fun filled afternoon as thousands bigger. That’s how I would like to see the join us. Since we are “Swimmin’ with the future grow. Be more accepting and be FP: Is there anything else you would Gods and Goddesses,” we expect to see friends. Love and enjoy the sisterhood you like to add? anything and everything... Gods, God- get to become a part of. Be grateful and RMND: We are proud to be the first desses, Seahorses, Fish, Synchronized thankful it’s an honor. Learn the history and legally married couple to reign as Southern Swimmers, Dancers... you get the picture! who everyone was before you. There should Decadence Grand Marshals. And it’s been SM: We have plenty of surprises be helpful tips and guidelines given out lol. a pleasure to join fellow SDGMs XLI Steven which include a 25 foot section of the HAVE FUN FUTURE SDGM’S THAT ARE Mora, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce. Rainbow Flag that hung at the Supreme CHOSEN AFTER ME!!! MA: Special shout out to my wife, Court building when we fought for equality Catherine Gaither and our family for giving in marriage this year, ending in a huge WIN! FP: What do you think are the biggest me the support and blessing to serve as People from all over the country who fought misconceptions about Southern Deca- SDGM XLI. I love you all. as lead plaintiffs, suing their states for dence? So, I hope to see everyone Sept. 6 for marriage equality will be holding this flag in RMND: For many years, the greater the SD XLIV parade, which will be the our parade. community seemed to see Southern Deca- largest parade in our history. So make your We have some traditional marchers, dence as a dirty little holiday in the city. My plans now by car, plane, boat or train to the PUSSYFOOTERS, THE ORGAN how times have changed... our huge ex- come see this incredible feat of partying, GRINDERS, THE RICHARD SIMMONS, penditure of $$$ has certainly changed costumes and shenanigans as we strut our THE JEFF UNDERWOOD BAND and many what is now hailed as one of the top 10 stuff here in New Orleans celebrating our more. New groups to look for include: THE festivals in New Orleans. asses off!! GAY MEN'S CHORUS, AUX COLOR SM: That it has moved in a “negative SM: I would like to make a special GUARD, ROLLING ELVI AND JAILHOUSE direction and Grand Marshals are self- mention of the performers in drag shows ROCKERS, THE STORYVILLE serving.” and all others who graciously donated their BABYDOLLS and many more! FF: I think the biggest misconceptions hard earned tips for this fundraising seathat people have about SD is that it’s only son. I know how hard it is to make and save FP: What do you see for the future of for single guys. I beg to differ. I believe money and these are some incredible Southern Decadence? anyone can enjoy SD. You make it what you people who are generous enough in their RMND: The future of Southern Deca- want your SD to be like. You don’t have to hearts to donate what they made each dence is bright. We never dreamed we be single or even a guy to enjoy SD in my evening they worked. Lots of love to them would be grand marshals. After 22 years as opinion. Now SD is also not a place for for sure!!! Southern Decadence Susan Luccis, any- anyone to show up at if they are gonna BE PROUD, BE UNIFIED, BE LOVE! thing is possible. And the possibilities for make a mockery of it. If you want to come FF: In closing. I couldn’t be happier SD are incredible. Can you imagine in visit SD then you should. I think SD should right now in my life. I’m having so much fun maybe 5 or 10 years, the celebration could be on the “everyone-should-experience-it- with all my friends new & old. To me it’s such raise over $100,000 for charity? Wow, that once” list. I have been following SD person- an honor to be asked or even thought of as would just be the icing on the cake. ally at events since Lisa Beauman & Regina a choice. I’m so very grateful, thankful and SM: I see Southern Decadence full of Adams. It’s always been a positive experi- appreciative for being chosen by Reba EXCELLENCE as well as bringing the en- ence for me and lots of fun looking in from Douglas. THANK YOU REBA!! I’m so tire community together, unified and with a the outside lol. happy to be a part of the present and then hope to drop the title LGBT community history of SD. Thank you to all the estabaltogether and call it simply, commUNITY! FP: Why is Southern Decadence lishments and commUNITY support that FF: I would hope to see it back like it significant? was received. Thank you thank you thank was when it was more appreciated I feel by RMND: According to the Official you to my lieutenants, friends & family for the local community. Definitely less nega- website, www.SouthernDecadence.com, being there for me through this process. tivity and more commUNITY. “Since 1996 the celebration has had a 1 Well it’s almost about to be Sept. 2-7. I can’t Everyone stop worrying about the poli- billion, 489 million dollar economic impact wait I’m so freaking excited. Cannot wait to tics and just have fun and enjoy it for what on the New Orleans economy with esti- walk with my co-SDGMs on Sunday, Sept it is. It started with a few people throwing a mated crowds now totaling over 1 million, 6th, leading the Sunday walking parade. going away party with a couple of drinks I 577 thousand.” That is significant! Biggest bar hop I’ve been a part of :) you hear. It’s to have fun and be fun for the SM: It is a 44 year old tradition and (the reader) are probably reading this in the summer and walk down the street in your growing in hope, excellence, size and it Decadence issue of Ambush Magazine, costume. Every year have every SDGM boosts our cities economy in a massive way So I want to tell you to go enjoy yourself greet and congratulate the new ones. Have during the summer months when tourism is during SD and check out all the festivities a conversation welcoming them into this at its lowest. SD has to offer. A big thanks for visiting Nola sisterhood that only a few people can be a FF: I feel SD is significant in a lot of during SD!!! The locals always say if you part of always stay positive and smile. Tell different ways. I like it because it was a party see a rainbow flag then that means you are the new SDGM your time you got to be GM. with a few friends saying good luck on your welcome there. xoxo #onelove I learned a lot from the former SDGMs that adventure and just became a local & inter- #commUNITY. did reach out to me and accept me for one national phenomenon, creating a MAJOR
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Magnolia Cotillion celebrating Rip & Marsha’s 42nd Anniversary raises $1,750 for Southern Decadence @ Ambush Mansion ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Darwin Reed
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Southern Decadence Sally-FLY Cookout raises $630 for Southern Decadence @ Lafitte’s ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Misti Ates, Solitaire
Southern Decadence XLIV Benefit raises $1,791 for Southern Decadence @ Third Base Bar & Grill ~ Bay St. Louis, MS ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys
paparazzi
ambush
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SOUTHERN DECADENCE:
Rocco Steele @ Phoenix, Photo by Falcon Studios & Channel 1 Releasing
DJ Hector Fonseca @ Oz
@ Cafe Lafitte's & Rawhide
DJ Ben Baker @ Oz
Coca J. Mesa @ Good Friends, Cafe Lafitte's & Rawhide
Boomer Banks @ Phoenix, Photo by Falcon Studios
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Mist Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, M the Annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Official Southern Decadence Parade at 1239 Ro at Ambush Mansion Ba
Get "The W www.Sou www.Facebook.c Of f i c i a l
Ethan Ayers @ Phoenix O'Halley Brothers @ Oz
Of f i c i a
Of f i c i a l
Persana Shoulders @ Oz & Four Seasons/Metairie
@ Cafe Lafitte's & Rawhide
Candy Samples @ One Eyed Jacks
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o f So u De c a d
: The WHOLE Gay Weekend!
DJ Barry Harris @ Furball
Kasha Davis @ Four Seasons/ Metairie
i Ates, Steven Mora, Marsha Delain, Rip Naquin and Frankie Fierce will lead the 44th usic & Culture. Three of their featured events include Friday night, September 4th for s Drag Show at The Golden Lantern @ 10pm, and Sunday, September 6th for the 41st oyal St. @ 2pm, followed for the 22nd Annual Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss alcony, 828 Bourbon St. at 4ish pm. (Photo by Larry Graham)
John Rothschild @ Furball
WHOLE Gay Weekend" @ uthernDecadence.com or com/SouthernDecadenceNOLA! Jon Shield @ Cafe Lafitte's
Vo d k a
al Beer
l Dr i n k
ut hern denc e
Tyler Rush @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
Hans @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
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the real cheese by Felicia Phillips Email: fphillips1011@gmail.com Photo by Hubert S Monkeys
On the Inside of Southern Decadence So as I sit here, down to the deadline, actually extended deadline for this special edition of Ambush, which will feature all that there is about this years Southern Decadence, I feared I would come up empty minded having no clue what to write about, when it hit me to just write about all that’s transpired during my time these last couple of months being a part of the entourage for Southern Decadence. Now being truthful as I really strive to be in all aspects of my life, I can say that just mentioning I’m a part of the entourage will draw a few boo-hisses from some and to that I say , oh well. Having come to Decadence for years I knew bits and pieces of the rich history of it only because I was from Texas and frequented here at other times of the year and got into random conversations with people. But in general I like the majority of others just thought it was one big drinking S&F fest. Upon moving here I quickly learned the rich history of it. And know after having been involved, not just brought in as an outsider but welcomed in I also learned about the bitch fest side of the tradition. So that being said I can proclaim thru my own words and opinion, no one elses, and not because I write this little cheesy column for Ambush, but because it’s the truth. Not everyone every year is going to agree with who has been chosen as SDGMs or how many are chosen, (five this year for those who have been on a sabbatical in Tibet) what the theme, colors and official song are, how many fundraisers and what kind of fundraisers are done, or even whether or not it should be a fundraising event at all. It’s your opinion to have, I think 5 is too many, with my muffin top, I always hope for the color to be black, and I’m sure if I thought about it, many things I could have a differing opinion on, but none of these things are my decision to make, nor any others who aren’t named GMs that year. I will remind formers, of which I have the up most respect for, that there were people who found things to bitch about in your years no matter how good your year was, and future GMs there will be plenty that will bitch, complain, and accuse you of wrong doing. To which that I again say so what! Think about it, the whole thing is done during the hottest months of the year, so instead of chalking it up to pettiness or jealousy or any other human flaws we have, lets just all agree it must be the heat! Now on a good side I’m happy to report as of today no one involved has bitch slapped anyone else involved, the costumes for the parade are coming together
and beaucoup funds have been raised, now we still have a few days to go so I’m sure there will be plenty more drama and things for people to stir the shit pot with. I’m not going to leave this year with any of those memories, I’m going to remember the more than wild , crazy circus side show announcement party at Oz, complete with toilet paper throws, multi satirical posters, bedazzled plungers and cheese slices masterfully put together by last years GMs. I will remember the packed house at GrandPre’s for the press party, and the after show at Four Seasons celebrating former SDGM’s Electra Citty and Tiffany Alexander’s birthdays. The more than fabulous LGBT Wedding expo so well put together by Tony Leggio and Laura Tennyson, it was phenomenal. The brunch at GrandPre's where all of us that cooked shared our recipes with each other, the pudding shots and Friendly Bar, where Stephen Tregre worked his birthday helping raise more funds and Rusty Downing’s fabulous Natalie Cole rendition for Juke Box Drag. The Sisters in all their painted glory for the Bingo afternoon at The Phoenix, and the blushing face of SDGM Marsha Delain when Boomer Banks let it all hang out! All the glitz and glam of the GAAs, the intimate gathering for the pool soiree at Jeff and Coca’s where I think I even blushed at the site of some of the handsome ‘pool’ boys! The bitter sweet memory of having to miss Smash Game. And of course the bus trip to Third Base in Bay St. Louis where SDGM Misti Ates lead us all in a rousing version of Bitch betta have ma money! Not to be out done by former GM Tittie Toulouse on her Peanut Butter Tour! Electra’s having to get inside a the commercial fridge to beat the heat all while her drinks kept disappearing and she got a birds eyes view of other entertainers meaty tucks, coming untucked. The Spectacular show at the Pub where GM Frankie Fierce had to deal with his own meaty tuck while still looking fab, and former GM’s Paloma and Errol Rizzuto, showed what makes them special and giving us all who weren’t here during their year a taste
of what we missed. The Magnolia Cotillion which was more than a fundraiser, it was a celebration of the love and commitment of two, and a time that some of our local now legally married or engaged couples like Derek and Jon Penton-Robicheaux and current and former GM’s Steven Mora and Chad Boutte could share their thoughts, struggles and joys of our quickly changing times. What I’m trying to convey thru all my rambles is rather than dwell on what any of us would do different and what Southern Decadence is or isn’t suppose to be, I for one will focus on what fun and joys I have experienced while working so hard, knowing that the money is going to good causes, and whether anyone of the thousands of tourists give a rats ass about a parade, (that sentiment I don’t agree with after seeing the thousands gathered along the parade route
years pasts), it’s a day that all of us that worked together, fought and bickered with each other, laughed and cried with each other, got shit faced drunk with each other, will put any negativety aside and sweat like whores in the front row of church together, go into the future ready to tell the tales of our year, and to be ready to bitch and complain, but also applaud future GM’s and their entourages. Traditions evolve but the human spirit remains intact. The fact that I who came from out of state and was not deemed as an outsider, but welcomed in proves to me the good in the people of the magical, but crazy soap opera like existence we all share in New Orleans! I salute all the SDGMs current, past, and future. And that my dahlins is the Real Cheese! Till next time I’m Felicia Phillips, the Cheese Queen of New Orleans!
under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Book of the Month I have two reviews included this month from one of my favorite authors. You may have been noticing lots of filming going on in the city for this television series called Zoo. The show is based upon the novel by James Patterson which is absolutely wonderful. Zoo is in line with other movies and books of global disasters where nature turns on man in the form of our furry friends such as The Birds and Day of the Animals. The novel centers around Jackson Oz who is an outcast among other professionals in his field. He has tried for years to get these scientists to listen to the data he has been collecting on the increasing numbers of mammal attacks on humans. So much so he has become obsessed with this, quitting graduate school and devoting himself to arguing his case. He is then almost killed in Botswana when a large band of male lions attack. He saves the life of ecologist Chloe Tousignant, and together they seek to warn the world that something has caused mammals of all types to band together in what seems to be an orchestrated effort to eliminate humans. The book is a page-turning riveting end of the Earth thrill ride as people around the globe fall victim to the animals. Straying away from his crime thriller fare, Patterson provides the reader with a great apocalyptic view of what might happen if we keep on the path we are currently on. The characters, including the animals, are vividly portrayed keeping the intensity high all the way to the
ending. It did end slightly too quick for me, but still provided an enjoyable experience. Since, Patterson’s novels are such quick reads; I was also able to finish another one of his non-series stand-alone novels, Truth or Die. Written with Howard Roughan, the book is about attorney Trevor Mann whose life is finally looking up after a very public professional setback. He’s found happiness with his girlfriend Claire Parker, a beautiful, ambitious journalist always on the hunt for a scoop. But when Claire’s newest story leads to a violent confrontation, Trevor’s newly peaceful life is shattered and he finds himself in mortal danger. Chasing Claire’s leads, Trevor unearths evidence of a shocking secret every government and terrorist organization around the world would do anything to possess. Suddenly it’s up to Trevor who is joined by a teenage genius to make sure that secret doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. But Trevor is about to discover that good and evil can look a lot alike, and nothing is ever black and white: not even the truth. Truth or Die is filled with plenty of action and plot twists but is not as satisfying a read as some of Patterson’s other thrillers. Even though I recommend it, the characters were a little bland. When you protagonist is mediocre, the rest of the characters need to pull them up and that was lacking in this one. That is just one of the minor flaws with
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Final 7 Fundraisers Raise a Whopping $8,068 for Southern Decadence 2015 & It's Charities Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce Wingerter are excited to close out their fundraising efforts with $8,068 benefiting Southern Decadence 2015. Funds raised minus expenses benefits three charities this year: LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Louisiana Equality Foundation, and PFLAG New Orleans Scholarship Fund. A complete financial report will be released by New Orleans Southern Decadence Inc. following the holiday. The first event was the Southern Decadence XLIV Benefit hosted at Third Base Bar & Grill in Bay St. Louis raising $1,791 on August 8. The door brought in $230, stage tips $516, 50/50 raffle $125, 50/50 raffle $125 donated back by Steve Tregre, auctions $620, additional money $175, for a sub-total of $1,791, minus shuttle expense of $180, leaving a grand total $1,611. The second event was the Southern Decadence Sally-Fly Cookout hosted by Cafe Lafitte in Exile raising $630 on August 12. Burger plates brought in $465; and auctions including Good Friends Basket $55 from Pete Abbruscato, Rawhide Basket $50 from Frank Abbruscato, and Skyy Basket $60 from Head Sally-FLY Jeffrey Palmquist for a grand total of $630. The third event was the Southern Decadence Gong Karaoke hosted by Kajun's Pub raising $247 on August 14. Gong fees raised $177, and the Skyy Basket auction $70 for a grand total of $247. The fourth event was Magnolia Cotillion 2015 celebrating the 42nd Anniversary of Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain hosted at Ambush Mansion raising $1,750 on Au-
gust 15. Door donations brought in $810; and auctions including Madison Faile Painting $150 from Tony Leggio, Skyy Basket $60 from Jeffrey Palmquist, Wild Turkey Basket $50 from Frankie Fierce, and Stanley Gift Certificate $30 from Dwain Hertz; plus Pearl Sponsors including, Wedon Brown $200, Larry Bagneris, Jr. $100, Helene Berot $100, www.ChristopherRyan.com $100, and Jerry Scavo & Kenny Walker $100, for a grand total of $1,750. The expenses of $900 was donated by the Naquin-Delain's. The fifth event was the Southern Decadence Street Carnival hosted at Tulane Ave Bar raising $677 on August 21. The carnival brought in $185, drag show $362, 20% of bar liquor sales donation $130, for a subtotal of $677, minus $87 in expenses, for a grand total of $590. The sixth event was the Southern Decadence Costume Gala: "Y'all Come as Your Favorite Southern Decadent hosted at Hotel Storyville raising $1,937 on August 22. The door brought in $275, auctions $947, 50/50 raffle $59, 50/50 raffle $59 donated back by Holly, bartender Drew Kingswell donation $82, SDGM XL T-shirt
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals SDGM I Frederick Wright 1974 [deceased] SDGM II Jerome Williams 1975 [deceased] SDGM III Preston Hemmings 1976 SDGM IV Robert Laurent 1977 SDGM V Robert King [deceased] and SDGM VI Kathleen Kavanaugh 1978 SDGM VII Bruce Harris 1979 SDGM VIII Tom Tippin 1980 SDGM IX Tommy Stephan 1981 SDGM X Don Ezell 1982 [deceased] SDGM XI Danny Wilson 1983 [deceased] SDGM XII Mumbo 1984 SDGM XIII Michael “Fish” Hickerson 1985 SDGM XIV Kathleen Conlon 1986 SDGM XV Olive 1987 SDGM XVI Jerome Lebo 1988 [deceased] SDGM XVII George Goode 1989 [deceased] SDGM XVIII Ruby 1990 [deceased] SDGM XIX Jamie Temple 1991 SDGM XX Rhee 1992 [deceased] SDGM XXI Ms. Fly 1993 [deceased] SDGM XXII Alain 1994 [deceased] SDGM XXIII Blanche 1995 [deceased] SDGM XXIV Wayne White 1996 SDGM XXV Miss Love 1997 SDGM XXVI Robin Malta 1998 [deceased] SDGM XXVII Errol Rizzuto 1999 SDGMs XXVIII Tony Langlinais & Thom “Smurf” Murphy [deceased] 2000 SDGMs XXIX Bianca Del Rio, Pat “Estelle” Ritter [deceased] & Rick Thomas, 2001 SDGM XXX “Irish” Mike Sheehan, 2002 SDGM XXXI Rusty LaRoux, 2003 SDGM XXXII Donald “Donnie ‘Jager’ Jay” James, 2004 [deceased] SDGM XXXIII Lisa Beaumann & Regina Adams, 2005-2006 SDGMs XXXIV: Guadalupe (Mark Thomas III), Marcus Martinez & Electra City, 2007 SDGMs XXXV: Tittie Toulouse & Paloma, 2008-2009 SDGMs XXXVI: Julien Artressia & Toby Lefort, 2010 SDGMs XXXVII: Misael Rubio & Tiffany Alexander, 2011 SDGM XXXVIII: Pat McArdle, 2012 SDGMs XXXIX: Tami Tarmac & Venus Santiago, 2013 SDGMs XL: Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire, 2014 SDGMs XLI: Steven Mora, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, Misti Ates & Frankie, 2015
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Sunset Social with Sicilian Sweets & Southern Spirits celebrates Southern Decadence @ Little Vic’s ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys
spotlight feature
donation $10, guest donation $5; and Bronze Sponsorships including Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant $250, and Mariners Inn $250, for a sub-total of $1,937, minus band expense $500, event expense $214.80, leaving a grand total of $1,222.20. The seventh and final fundraiser was SDS: Sunday Decadence Social hosted by Double Play raising $1,036 on August 23. The door brought in $415, 50/50 raffle $155, 50/50 raffle donation $55 from Aubry, Clorox Bleachman stage tips $104, jello shots $52, beads $10; and auctions: Double Play Basket $85 from Stephen Emling, SKYY Basket $60 from Kevin Hemenger, Corner Pocket Basket $100 from bartender Phillip, for a grand total of $1,036.
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Southern Decadence Street Carnival @ Tulane Ave Bar raises $677 for Southern Decadence ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys
Southern Decadence Gong Karaoke @ Kajun’s Pub raises $247 for Southern Decadence ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Solitaire
paparazzi
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under the gaydar ...from 32 this novel. Otherwise, Truth or Die has all the ingredients in Patterson’s trademark storylines that will keep you enthralled till the end.
Hot Happenings It is Southern Decadence finally! Have you enjoyed the multitude of fundraisers for the parade? I for one am excited to see what they have in store for us this year. To celebrate the holiday, here are just some of my top picks of things to do for Southern Decadence. Wednesday, September 2, 2015 Everyone let’s get wet at the Corner Pocket’s Wet Jockey Shorts Contest starting at 10pm. There will be dancers wetted (is that even a real word) down and dancing on the bar. Join in the antics and you can win $150 in cash and prizes. The Corner Pocket is located at 940 St. Louis Street. Thursday, September 3, 2015 There is always time for a drink when Kasha Davis is involved. Kickoff Southern Decadence at the Four Season Bar with Ru Paul’s Drag Race standout Mrs. Kasha Davis in a special one night only show with a star studded cast hosted by Persana Shoulders beginning at 9pm. Admission is $10 with a VIP Meet and Greet for $20 (Includes photo and admission). The Four Seasons is located at 3229 North Causeway Boulevard in Metairie. Friday, September 4, 2015 Be careful when entering the water at Bearracuda during Southern Decadence at One Eyed Jacks (615 Toulouse Street). Doors open at 10pm. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Ryan Jones from Los Angeles. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door, and can be purchased at Bearracuda.com. Bearracuda welcomes hundreds of furry guys to dance the night away in the middle of the French Quarter. Bearracuda is the largest attended bear dance party and most prolific gay dance event in the U.S. They have events in 46 cities across the world, including parties in San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, NYC, London, Austin, Atlanta & Sydney. Saturday, September 5, 2015 Well fiddle dee dee this Decadence at the Magnolia Trail Bar Stroll through the Marigny and Lower Quarter. The Queen of the Magnolia Trail Stroll (Princesse Stephaney) will lead the participants to each of the designated bars. There will be a hoop dress contest that will be judged as Best and Worst, by the bar owners or managers. There is requested a $5 donation to the Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence charity fund. The event begins at 3:30pm at Mags 940 located at 940 Elysian Fields Avenue. Saturday, September 6, 2015 Get Happy with A House of Blues Foundation Room Decadent Happy Hour with Nicole Lynn Foxx and two of her posse - Madonnathan and Vinsantos. There is no cover with happy hour starting at 6:30pm and a show at 7pm. The House of Blues Foundation Room is located at 225 Decatur Street. Saturday, September 6, 2015 Come to Decadence and Flirt your heart out. GrrlSpot Presents: Fleurt: The Premier Event of Dykeadence at the Eiffel Society starting at 9pm. DJ Jenna Jordan opens the night, getting you all warmed up with all your favorite top 40 dance hits then
the main event: Bella Blue’s Decadent Revue. Bella has all kinds of treats and surprises with special guests, Kitten N’ Lou all the way from Seattle and a surprise celebrity emcee. After the spectacular show, DJ Gage takes over late night, spinning the hottest hip-hop set in the Big Easy, and keeping you dancing all night long. And, when you’re not dancing, watch artist Mellissa create a beautiful art piece, live and in person. Admission is $10. VIP tickets available - send us a message or go to www.grrlspot.com/contact. VIP IS LIMITED, so act fast before they sell out. The Eiffel Society is located at 2040 St. Charles Avenue. Saturday, September 6, 2015 Become a radical at The New Orleans Radical Faeries at their annual Southern Decadence Prince of Perversion Ball, BABYLON BORDELLO at the Allways Lounge. MPOP Xll Rebecca Rae requests the honor of your presence as she presides over all the decadent festivities. Colors are blooms and gemstones. Also featured for your entertainment is “The Ball Pit”, a St Andrews cross, a secure clothes check and DJ Prism of The Phoenix. Doors at 9pm with the Collarnation at midnight. Tickets are $10. The POP Ball is a Fundraiser for the Brigid Ball. The Allways Lounge is located at 2240 St. Claude Avenue. Sunday, September 7, 2015 Want some candy little boy? Join legendary singer / songwriter and drag sensation Candy Samples as she once again kicks off our high holy day of Southern Decadence with some song, some drink and maybe a prayer or two that you make it through the day and meet the Bear of your dreams at One Eyed Jacks (615 Toulouse Street) for her Sunday Services with Candy Samples. It is free admission with a cash bar and special fundraising opportunities for Food For Friends. Sunday, September 7, 2015 Enjoy the greatest free event of Southern Decadence with the 41st Annual Official Southern Decadence Parade led by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce celebrating Southern Decadence 44. The parade begins at the Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. There is no fee or registration form to enter the parade. All walkers are welcome. Just join the parade following the grand marshals. The tentative Parade Route: starting 1239 Royal to St. Louis, right on St. Louis to N. Rampart, right on N. Rampart to Toulouse, right on Toulouse to Burgundy, left on Burgundy to St. Peter, left on St. Peter to N. Rampart, right on Rampart to 834 N. Rampart then back to St. Ann, down St. Ann to Bourbon, left on Bourbon to 901 Bourbon ending at Dumaine. It includes stops at Golden Lantern, Double Play, The Corner Pocket, Society Page, 700 Club, GrandPre’s, Rawhide, Good Friends, Bourbon Pub, Napoleon’s Itch, Oz, & Cafe Lafitte in Exile. Sunday, September 7, 2015 I like cream in my coffee and now I can have a double dose of it during decadence. Come top off an already decadent weekend with a hefty spoonful of CREAM!: a rare night of rich and delicious burlesque, drag, and cabaret. Presented by New Orleans’ own beloved burlesque powerhouse Bella Blue, along with Burlesque Hall of Fame’s “Most Comedic” power couple, Kitten N’ Lou (NYC/Seattle), this brand new, neverbefore-seen-in-Nola spectacle features a
star-studded cast of national superstars and local treasures, including RuPaul’s Drag Race’s own Miss Congeniality BenDeLaCreme, and boylesque/naughty film sensation Chris Harder. Prepare to be fully satiated by this must-see cavalcade of sizzling striptease, jaw-dropping drag, and queer fabulosity, for one night only! The event is hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6 Star BenDeLaCreme and stars Kitten N’ Lou (Seattle/NYC), Bella Blue, Chris Harder (NYC), Vinsantos, Eros Sea, Lady Satine and surprise guests. There are two shows at 8pm and 10:30pm. Tickets are $20-$30. TICKET LINK: http:// tinyurl.com/creamnola, VIP TABLE SEATING AVAILABLE (includes a gift for table and meet and greet with Ben DeLaCreme and cast).
Party Down What an incredible two weeks I had which included red dresses, sushi, leather, incestuous shenanigans, parties, cocktails, and even a Southern Cotillion. Now this is what I call a full two weeks. So I kicked everything off on Thursday with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Business After Hours at Latrobe’s in the French Quarter. Latrobe’s is an elegant venue perfect for hosting this networking hospitality event. Rich in history, Latrobe’s on Royal is one of New Orleans’ most architecturally significant buildings Completed in 1822 as the Louisiana State Bank, Latrobe’s is named after its Architect: Benjamin Henry Latrobe. Also known as the “Father of American Architecture, his contributions include: the US Capital, the Porticos of the White House, and the Baltimore Basilica, as well as the development of the Waterworks System of the United States in an effort to combat Yellow Fever. Signature elements such as the whisper dome, the Bank Vault and original stonework now provide a rich backdrop for some of the most glamorous events in the city. On Friday, I took in the first offering from the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company, Kingdom of Earth. The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans is a year-round theatre company committed to producing captivating, exciting, and moving plays with a major focus on the works of America’s greatest playwright, Tennessee Williams in the city which Williams called home and from which he drew abundant inspiration. The show was absolutely mesmerizing and the actors gave powerful performances, especially Sean Richmond who was just riveting as Chicken. And on a more superficial note, he was hot as hell! Now that is someone I can be trapped on a roof with during a raging flood. Saturday was the infamous Red Dress Run. This was a marathon drinking day which turned into amateur drunk night. See the day started so innocently, when a group of us went to Michael Shlenker and Don Schwinn’s annual Red Dress party at the Omni Royal Orleans. He has a suite with a great balcony and serves vodka cocktails, champagne and Bloody Mary’s. Well after doing that for several hours, we maneuvered our way into the madness of the Quarter stopping at every gay bar we obviously could. Now see this is where things get a little fuzzy and the hours seem to blaze by. In no certain order (mostly because I truly cannot remember every detail) I seemed to have stopped at six bars, changed clothes, hosted a birthday celebration for my friend Albert at Broussard’s,
attended a pool party (thank god I did not drown), went to dirty linen night, bought art, met a boy, lost a boy, made out with several boys and then ended up at home at the end of the night in my courtyard watching the rain trying to piece together which place I left my dignity. Now that is how you paint the town red! The next week I spent recuperating, obviously painting the town red has a price tag. I did however recover enough on Thursday to attend the world premiere of Flowers in the Attic, the V.C. Andrews international bestseller (and one of my favorite novels of all time) at the Old Marquer Theatre. See ‘Em On Stage: A Production Company produced the show written by the internationally best-selling author Andrew Neiderman. Christopher Bentivegna directed the play working in direct conjunction with Neiderman. “Flowers in the Attic” is based on the controversial and popular gothic horror novel written by V.C. Andrews in 1979. The captivating story of greed, betrayal, and forbidden love has sold over 40 million copies worldwide and has been developed into two movies. The recent movie adaptation produced by Lifetime was the highest-rated original cable TV movie of 2014. For over 28 years Andrew Neiderman has been ghostwriting the V.C. Andrews novels, having sold over 106 million copies worldwide in 98 countries. Under both names, he has published over 115 novels and has had eight films adapted from his works. Mr. Neiderman is working directly with this production of “Flowers in the Attic” as it develops and is readied for its world premiere. I grew up with these novels, the storyline centers at the top of the stairs in one of the grandest, most magnificent mansions in Virginia where there are four hidden secrets; blond, beautiful, innocent, and struggling to stay alive. The Dollangangers were the ideal family; perfect and carefree, until a devastating tragedy shattered their lives. Now, in order for their mother to receive an inheritance that will ensure their future, the children must be hidden away out of sight as if they don’t exist. Locked away in an attic in their grandmother’s vast mansion, their loving mother assures them it will be just for a little while. But as brutal days swell into agonizingly long months, Cathy, Christopher, and the twins Cory and Carrie, realize their survival is at the mercy of their tyrannical and superstitious grandmother and this cramped and horrifying existence may be the only one they ever know. Kali Russell and Levi Hood electrify the stage as Christopher and Cathy Dollanganger; and Mary Pauley devours her role as the wicked grandmother Olivia Foxworth. But I especially liked Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth chilling performance as Corrine Dollanganger. This is must see theatre, so make sure you check it out. On Friday, it was an easy night with comfort food and great beer. Some friends and I tried out the Big Cheezy which is a fabulous gourmet grilled cheese sandwich restaurant. They have something to tantalize anyone’s tastebuds. My recommendation is the Spicy Pie with a tomato basil soup dipper. Amazing! Then we went to Bayou Beer Garden for a few craft brews under the beautiful night sky, the weather even cooperated and it was not so stifling. This city has so much to offer by the way of restaurants and bars, and these are just two of them.
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under the gaydar ...from 40 On Saturday it was a leather and lace sort of evening, beginning with the Magnolia Cotillion benefiting Southern Decadence at the Ambush Mansion. It was quite the southern soiree with delectable food, a great gathering of friends in celebration of Rip and Marsha’s 42nd anniversary and a
wonderful white wedding cake with sugar magnolias on top. After rubbing elbows at the mansion, we sauntered down to the Rawhide for the tail end (no pun intended) of the Mr. Rawhide Leather contest, congrats to Mark Xavier for the win. Next we traipsed to the Friendly Bar in the Marigny to say hello to the winner of the Lords of Leather Miss Louisiana Leatherette contest Vanessa Carr. We finally ended the night at Cutter’s for the Unleashed show headed by Jack Inman. It was a very unique and diverse group of entertainers, but very festive. My two weeks ended on Sunday at Sushi Fest, which my company
helped manage at the Lakefront Arena. Over twenty restaurants served both sushi and Japanese inspired dishes to the sold out crowd that peaked at 2,500. My favorite dish came from Rock N Sake who also won the People’s Choice Award. Many of my friends came out and had some sushi, sake and Sapporo for a festive day at yet another successful festival. Until next issue, have an amazingly exciting Southern Decadence.
spotlight features NOLA Leather to Geaux Oct. 16 -18 Whether you’re into leather, rubber, kink or something else, you’ll want to attend this year’s New Orleans leather run: NOLA Leather To Geaux. Scheduled for October 16 – 18, this run weekend offers many opportunities for the indulgences of your desires. You will have the unique experience of wearing your leather or fetish wear while drinking in the streets with a “go cup” in hand. Check out the playful dark spaces in our bars while celebrating leather and kink in a way possible ONLY in New Orleans. Purchasers of the weekend package will enjoy a welcome party/cocktail reception at the host hotel on Friday evening and a “meat” and greet late night social at Rawhide afterwards. Happy hour drink prices will be in effect with your NLTG participant wristband. A Saturday mid-day walking tour (led by tour guide extraordinaire Chad Boutte) of the historic French Quarter will be followed by a Cookout/Beer Bust and play party at the Phoenix Bar just outside the Quarter. Then it’s on to Bourbon Street for the leather/fetish dress code-enforced NOLA Leather To Geaux Dance Party/Sash Bash at Oz beginning at 10pm. Special guest DJ will be Robbie Leslie, who has worked in NYC, Florida, and The Coast from the 1970s through the 1990s. He began his career at Fire Island’s disco The Sandpiper, then onto NYC at Studio
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book review Mr. New Orleans: The Life of a Big Easy Underworld Legend
Hello Boys @ B-Bob’s in Mobile
Trevor & Friends @ Flip Side Patio Bar in Mobile
Sweet Home Alabama ~ Mobile & Foley, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
Miss Cie with head bartender Byron @ The Tavern in Foley
m obile paparazzi Nadya Symone, Zach, Queen Michelle, & Delta @ The Tavern in Foley
New Orleans’ Reba Douglas & Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s in Mobile
Drew, Stephen & Jaron @ B-Bob’s in Mobile
Gavin & Roman with Miss Cie Trevor & Miss Cie with Tavern Show Director Robert Sparkulz McCoy
Drew visiting Mobile with Jerry & Ricky
Judson, Amber Douglas & Skylar @ Flip Side Bar & Patio in Mobile
Miss Venus @ The Tavern in Foley Hello Jeremy with Miss Cie
Pensacola’s Miss Penny Holiday @ B-Bob’s in Mobile
Eric & Parker @ B-Bob’s in Mobile
Hello Boys @ Flip Side Bar & Patio in Mobile
Frenchy Brouillette and Matthew Randazzo V. Self-Published. 2014. ISBN: 978-0692237-489. 397 pages. by Frank Perez I met Frenchy Brouillette for the first time in 2010. A mutual friend introduced us and as we sat in his Burgundy Street apartment, Frenchy regaled us with tales of his adventures as the longest operating pimp in the French Quarter. As he talked about whores and gangsters and how the Quarter has changed over the decades, I kept thinking, this guy should really write a book. And now, with the help of Matthew Randazzo, he has. Mr. New Orleans: The Life of a Big Easy Underworld Legend is the incredible and fascinating story of how a simple country boy from Marksville, Louisiana, moved to New Orleans and quickly rose through the ranks of the underworld to become a mafia associate and bona fide Quarter character. In many ways, Frenchy is a despicable character—he constantly brags about how good-looking he was, he unapologetically describes himself as alcoholic and lazy, and he proudly boasts about thieving and cheating—yet, reading this true crime memoir, one can’t help but kind of like Frenchy. The book is disturbing in some places, unbelievable in others, but always entertaining—especially for anyone interested in the history of New Orleans. But it would be inaccurate to call this a history book, a fact Randazzo readily admits in the introduction. Rather, it’s best to approach this book as if you had stumbled into a dive bar in the Quarter and just happened to sit next to an aging character who transfixed you with one amazing story after another. You instinctively know there is some embellishment in the telling but it doesn’t matter. The pure serendipity of it all transcends that. Sam “Silver Dollar” Carolla, Carlos Marcello, Norma Wallace, Edwin Edwards, Jim Garrison, Clay Shaw, Lee Harvey Oswald, David Ferrie, Dean Martin, even Liberace, are all here, along with a motley crew of prostitutes, Johns, gamblers, hit men and G-men. Drawing on a memory filled with thousands of crimes and whores, as well as his 1,600 page FBI file, Frenchy tells all. Frenchy Brouillette has been the reigning “Mr. New Orleans” for over fifty years. With a record that includes over three dozen felony arrests, multiple gunshot wounds, and a 1,600 page FBI file, Frenchy is the most notorious Cajun gangster in the history of Louisiana and certainly one of the most colorful figures in the history of the Mob. He has been called “the Keith Richards of the American Mafia.” Matthew Randazzo V was born and raised in New Orleans. He is an investigative journalist and popular historian who seeks to discover extraordinary untold stories from America’s underworld. He is also the author of four books, has written for the New York Daily News, and has appeared as an authority on the American underworld on E! Entertainment Television and over 100 radio programs around the world.
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Y’all Come Southern Decadence Costume Gala @ Hotel Storyville raises $1,937 for Southern Decadence ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys
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SDS: Sunday Decadence Social @ Double Play raises $1,036 for Southern Decadence ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
big easy
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Hot Appetizer Platter @ Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130
Dining in The Big Easy for Southern Decadence There are so many wonderful festivities to partake in this 44th Annual Southern Decadence in New Orleans. But don't forget the incredible culinary array available to you not only in the French Quarter, but the Marigny and Bywater, and out in Metairie, as well. Ambush recommends these great eateries to curb any hunger desires you may have, and of course, many serve up cocktails, a must have in The Big Easy.
Metairie Restaurant Guide
New Orleans Muffuletta @ Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.
Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com, is a quaint eatery serving five different gumbos, New Orleans favorites, house specials, specialty sandwiches, daily specials, appetizers and desserts all prepared by award winning Chef Ron Iafrate. Open Mon-Sat. 11am-9pm, closed Sunday.
New Orleans Restaurant Guide Addiction Coffee House, 909 Iberville St., 475.5900, www.addictioncoffeehouse.com, Proudly serving beans and teas sourced by New Orleans-based small batch roaster French Truck Coffee and hand-crafted pastries by Master Pastry Chef Ziggy Cichowski of New Orleans’ Maple Street Patisserie. The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, w w w. b o m b a y c l u b n e w o r l e a n s . c o m , 577.2237. The Bombay Club is host to an eclectic menu of British-Cajun fare, quality craft cocktails & unique martinis. Enjoy live
Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
music showcasing the most talented jazz musicians in New Orleans. Dining hours 410pm Sun.-Thur., 4-11pm Fri.-Sat. Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, 819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http:// broussards.com. A favorite fixture in New Orleans for nearly 100 years, Broussard’s is located in the heart of the French Quarter, featuring classic French and Creole food, old architecture, and tradition. Dining hours 5:30-9pm Tues.-Thurs. & Sun., 5:30-10pm Fri.-Sat., 10:30am-2:30pm Sunday Brunch. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days, 24 hours. and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 945.0742, TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. The chef has paid attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm.
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Bayou Scampi (shrimp sauteed in wine, garlic & fresh tomatoes with jazzmen rice) @ Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie
Smoked Corn Panna Cotta with LA Lump Crab, Shaved Asparagus, Pickled Radish & Cajun Caviar @ Feelings Cafe, 2600 Chartres
Arancini (fried rice balls coated with breadcrumbs& filled with ragù-meat sauce, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and peas) @ Lil Vic's Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse
Boudin Scotch Eggs - soft cooked egg wrapped with Cajun boudin, served on a nest of braised collard greens @ The Bombay Club, 830 Conti St. World Famous Hamburger @ Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St. Filet Mignon Broussard - jumbo lump crab meat stuffed Portobello mushroom cap, grilled asparagus, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes with mustard cream glaze @ Broussard's, 819 Rue Conti
Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Special with Mac & Cheese, Potato Salad, Peas & Texas Toast @ Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave.
Sloppy Roast Beef Po-Boy @ Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave.
Oysters Earl (fresh Gulf oysters baked with aged asiago cheese & applewood smoked bacon) @ Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans
BBQ Shrimp @ Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie
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chop chop ...from 46 Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; Deanies.COM. Featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food,” Deanie’s signature BBQ Shrimp served the New Orleans way--jumbo head-on Louisiana Shrimp served in our unique blend of seasonings with a crusty baguette. For 50 years Deanie's has been serving huge portions of the best boiled, broiled and fried seafood in New Orleans. Fatoush Mediterranean Grill, Coffee House & Juice Bar, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #130, 504.371.5074, FatoushRestaurantNOLA.COM, is truly a fresh new restaurant with a 23-year history of serving New Orleans and guests from all over the world. Think of Fatoush as a combination coffee house, herbal teahouse, natural juice bar, and organic restaurant offering a unique selection of the richest and healthiest foods from around the world. Handcrafted dishes that contain only the finest natural ingredients and a variety of cuisines and innovative taste offer thrills that are appealing, exciting, and best of all, healthy. Open 7am-10pm daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Feelings Cafe, 2600 Chartres, 945.2222, www.FeelingsCafe.com. In the summer of 1979, a café named FEELINGS opened on Royal Street. Because of its success, one year later it moved to its present location, a location filled with history. The location is part of the first plantation land granted for private ownership by the first New Orleans settlers. In 1795, Nicholas D’Aunoy purchased the plantation and the land was incorporated into the Faubourg of Bernard Marigny, creating the present historical neighborhood of Faubourg Marigny. Under new ownership in 2015 we strive to maintain the historical
and romantic nature of the restaurant while redesigning our menu to reflect a contemporary take on New Orleans cuisine. Brunch Sat. & Sun. 11am-3pm, dinner Tues.-Sat. 5-10pm, live music Fri. & Sat. until 11pm. Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris,1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861, www.genespoboys.com, is famous for its New Orleans style po-boy sandwiches chockful of ingredients. Open 24 hours. Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro, offers home cooking and friendly service, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring plates, poboys, and daily specials. Breakfast Mon.-Sat. 6am-11am & Sun. 11am-1pm; lunch and dinner 11am-close. Little Vic's Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, 304.1238, www.littlevics.com, is a great stop in the Quarter for homemade gelato, pastries, espresso, Sicilian style small plates, and pizza focaccia. It's the new late night spot open til 2am Fridays and Saturdays. Open Sun. - Thurs. 7am-11pm, Fri. & Sat. 7am - 2am. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri.-Sun. 11am-10pm. Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.Sat. 5-11pm. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery.
nola leather to geaux ...from 40 54, Palladium, Underground, The Red Parrot, The Saint and 12 West. He was the prototype of the modern “circuit party DJ”, travelling internationally to spin at onenight party extravaganzas, events and fund raisers. He continued as a circuit regular until 2002. He was the last of 10 renowned disc jockeys performing at the marathon 40hour closing party of New York’s private club, The Saint, from April 30 through May 2, 1988. He continues to perform in clubs around the country and internationally. He produces a weekly show on Sirius/XM Studio 54 (“Robbie Leslie Presents”) where he shares his classic recordings, current international shows, and legendary DJ showcases. There will be a NLTG VIP Room upstairs with happy hour cocktail prices (except for call brands) for those with NLTG wristbands. Dress code will be enforced in the VIP Room, each person must be wearing at least two (2) pieces of leather/fetish gear for entry. You won’t want to miss this special night at Oz! Sunday features a late lunch leading up to a French Quarter bar crawl which will end at Lafitte’s where love and napkins have been tossed in the air for 26 years on Sunday nights. All members of the community are invited to join us for the bar crawl which will begin at 4pm at GrandPre’s on Rampart. Each run package includes a run pin, a t-shirt, a souvenir plastic “geaux cup” and a “swag” bag. Register now for just $75 until September 19; it will be $100 after that. Go to www.nolaleathertogeaux2015.doattend.com and sign up today. Don’t miss out on a great weekend. Hotel St. Pierre at 911 Burgundy in the Quarter is this year’s host hotel. Call
504.542.4401 and mention NOLA Leather to Geaux to get the special rate. For more information visit www.nolaleathertogeaux.wordpress.com and like us on Facebook (NOLA Leather to Geaux.)
Frank Perez to Teach French Quarter History & Advanced TourGuiding at Delgado Community College Ambush columnist and local author Frank Perez will teach two courses at Delgado Community College this fall— French Quarter History and Professional Tour Guiding 2: Research & Storytelling. French Quarter History 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, historical preservation, colorful characters, the rise of tourism, literature and arts, drinking culture, crime and vice, and LGBT+ history. The last class meeting is a tour of the French Quarter. The class meets Thursday evenings from September 17—October 29. Tuition is $250 Professional Tour Guiding 2: Research and Storytelling is designed for students who have completed the Professional Tour Guiding 1 course, or a similar program. The class sessions will consist of lectures, workshops, and guest speaker presentations, all used to assist tour guides in researching subjects of interest, and using the findings in building stories for tours. Previous guest
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Obituary Derwin “Kirby” Thibeau With a very heavy heart we said goodbye to a lifelong friend. Kirby left us on Friday, August 7th in Daytona Beach, Florida. Born and raised in Louisiana, he was a proudly self proclaimed Coon-Ass. He is survived by two sisters, two brothers, a daughter and a couple of grandkids. Kirby arrived in the French Quarter as a twink many years ago and Katrina chased him out. Being a bartender in New Orleans, he knew many people. Kirby’s gentle smile, infectious laugh, and “How you like me now!” will always be remembered. Who else could sell donuts in a French Maid outfit while bartending?! Or have a Maternity Party for his birthday?! His favorite time of the year was Southern Decadence, so that is when we will be scattering his ashes. So raise a glass, have a shot, say a prayer and enjoy life...... We know that he did. --Love always, Christopher and Bob Shaw
frank perez to teach ...from 48 speakers have included representatives from The Historic New Orleans Collection, Louisiana Research Collection, New Orleans Public Library, Louisiana State Museum, Newcomb College, and Amistad Research Center. Each student will be expected to investigate one or more subjects of their choosing. Students will give weekly reports in class regarding progress, and approaches will be developed on how to best tell the story. Research facilities in the area will be described, and storytelling techniques will be discussed. The class meets Tuesday evenings from September 15—November 3. Tuition is $195 Both courses are non-credit. Registration is now open at the Delgado Community College website.
COK: Clothing or Kink Adds Vew Items for Decadence Rush New Orleans is a city of excess in so many ways, but sometimes it is hard to find some fashion labels that might be more accessible in larger cities. That is, of course, until COK: Clothing or Kink, the store inside the Phoenix. COK carries several lines of hardtoget designer underwear that are not only the hottest trends, but cutting edge in men’s fashion. COK has been a long, proud carrier of Barcode Berlin, Nasty Pig, Cellblock 13, Colt, Timoteo, Justin Case, and Andrew Christian. Customers have been able to find designer underwear and swimwear that simply isn’t available anywhere but inside COK. “We also have so much in the store for our patrons to enjoy. The wide selection of underwear and especially jockstraps is a huge hit,” said owner Clint Taylor. New items from Nasty Pig’s fall line will
a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Decadence Already!! “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Gospel of Matthew. When I was a child I would lie in grass and look at clouds. On occasion, somewhat later, I would look up at clouds. Today I glance at clouds with a weather eye and not for the simple joy of finding animals or shapes of faces, clowns, cats, witches and such in clouds coursing by. Innocence lost of business gone awry? One of the clouds that fascinated me the most was “con-trails”, those streams of cloud vapor that follow jets. They follow the plane just so and then with time and distance they drift and after even greater time begin to breakup and slowly fade away. Time, like con-trails, slip and move and lay an imprint in heaven. Time is precious and to be cherished. We cannot covet time because it is not ours to own. If we do covet time we may wallow in the past, never be satisfied with an un-written future, or simply wait for “something” to happen. That is what coveting time looks like. There once was a French priest who advised a nun through letters. His name was Jean Pierre de Caussade, S.J. He fashioned a body of work and ideas that called upon his postulant, the nun, to remain focused on the present moment as a moment of grace. be available at COK before any other store in the United States.
Surprise Party Stuns Stewart Butler as He Turns 85 by Frank Perez Long-time LGBT+ activist Stewart Butler was stunned and honored with a surprise birthday party on Wednesday, August 19, at Mag’s 940. The 85 year old Butler had no idea what awaited him when he arrived at the bar for his weekly meeting with a few friends. He had previously told them not to make a fuss over his birthday and that a party was not necessary. They ignored him. Anthony De Jacimo, whom Butler and his late partner Alfred Doolittle took in as their own when De Jacimo found himself rejected by his parents after coming out as a teenager, organized and hosted the event which was attended by roughly 200 people, including family and friends of Butler from around the world. In addition to performances by Savana Summers (De Jacimo) and Princess Stephanie, a representative from the Mayor’s office and City Councilwoman Nadine Ramsey presented Butler with official proclamations honoring his long dedication to LGBT+ rights. The most emotional part of the evening came when a handful of people spoke briefly about their relationships with Butler. Speakers included Judge Miriam Waltzer, Courtney Sharp, Julie Thompson, and Councilman Johnny Jackson. Before Butler arrived, guests were treated to a slide show created by Larry Graham and Tim Angle of photographs that chronicled Butler’s life. After the program ended the Pair-A-Dice-Tumblers offered live music as the crowd mingled. In lieu of gifts, attendees were asked to donate money to two of Stewart’s favorite charities, the PFLAG Scholarship Fund and the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.
That even in washing the dishes or mopping the floors her creator was present. This idea of living such a life is delightfully called “The sacrament of the present moment.” The idea of living in the present moment and cherishing that moment is not new or unique to Christianity. Phrases like carpe diem, “seize the moment” come to mind. “Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment” Buddha. “Kavana - present-moment focused consciousness” from the Hebrew and therefore Jewish contemplative tradition; so, what is the point of these musings? The point is this, that time; the present moment is a gift. We live in it and are always ahead of it or behind it. We anticipate almost every breath and therefore in some way are always just a bit ahead of ourselves. Surrendering to that moment is precious because the truth is that we cannot know what lies ahead. We do not know when our life or the life of another may perish in this world. So life is a gift. What will you and I do with our lives? What are we doing in this present moment? You, of course, are reading AMBUSH! I hope that you are taking in the depth and breadth of this paper even beyond the “hot” bods but rather enjoying the breadth of a community. The broad sweeps found in photos recounting gathering after gathering as social events. From Texas to Florida, in some way, this very paper is telling a larger story. I know that you may be chuckling a bit at this point saying something like, “Girl does it ever!” That is a good thing. The lesson to be learned in all of this is that we humans are precious, our lives are precious, and therefore our time is precious. Not because we are busy people and can’t spend the time waiting four hours for our doctor visit but because the person next to you; yes, look, down the bar from you; yes, look, next to you; yes look in bed with you. They are precious as well. I am not saying that there are not “good” or “bad” people. I am saying that even in light of “good” or “bad” they are precious. The question is what are we doing with ourselves and those around us? If we approach each new day as a gift; if we approach every moment, good and bad, as time given as a gift; if we understand everyone as at least having the possibility of human dignity and godly purpose then perhaps time, like that con-trail might follow us as we soar! We, at least in our little church, worship with thanksgiving for all that has been given to us and the promise of what may come.
We fortify ourselves for just one hour to become one body, one collective that follows the ways of the Rabbi Yeshua (Jesus). We allow in that present moment for the possibility of transformation, of beginning anew. Yes, it’s time for Decadence again! This bacchanal has become a benchmark for me. It is like Christmas, Easter, and other notable dates. As I get older I find myself saying more often, “it’s already __________!” Time is precious and should be treated as a sacrament and what then shall we do with the time on our hands? How shall we experience and see others with this time on our hands? Stop and take a look around; see through the eyes of one who sees great created beings around them. Not perfect in every way but certainly with potential. Even in our damaged states – potential; even in our ups and downs – potential. Even the most abject human has potential. Take care on this special Labor Day weekend. Absorb the moment. Treat others as if they have only had this moment to be near you. Rejoice in the RIGHT TO LOVE under the law. Take good care of your partners and be proud of who and what you are because God made you. Be good to yourselves not with selfishness but rather with selflessness. In so doing and being you cherish what is around you and when you do you will see the face of God and God’s creative work playing out not tomorrow or next week or even yesterday but here now yes even in this dark bar or bright bistro. For we live in “the sacrament of the present moment.”
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attorneys New Orleans, LA [504] Troy A. Tureau, J.D., L.LM., Attorney at Law, Tureau Legal, 4631 S. Carrolton Ave., New Orleans, LA 70119, 504.308.1608 thelawprofessor@comcast.net
bars Mobile, AL [251] B-Bob's Downtown, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.COM GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] 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 Metairie, LA [504] FOUR SEASONS & PATIO STAGE BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659,
New Orleans, LA [504] "HEAD TO ME" Good looking WM servicing the FQ, DT hotels, B&B's, Uptown, Bywater, etc. OR, you can CUM to me! (near the 2000 block of Canal St.) Private and discreet. Shower avail. Rates starting at $45. Call, text, Allan @ (504) 250-8356 or email bd1200207@yahoo.com. [is1615]
New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
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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 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271 Houston, TX [713] NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON, 11410 Hempstead Hwy., 677.0828, www.neonbootsclub.com
FourSeasonsBar.com New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 THE BLACK PENNY, 700 N. Rampart 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, 945.9264, NewOrleansPhoenix.COM RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1515]
circuit/events 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 Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, 17th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.com
costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633
florists Baton Rouge, LA [225] FOUR SEASONS FLOWERS & GIFTS, 3482 Drusilla Ln., Drusilla Shopping Center, 924.1386, 1.800.237.5381
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
hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] Head Quarters Hair Salon, 906 Bourbon St., 522.2666 Kinky Straight, 907 Iberville, 475.5901 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
lodging/accommodations New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, www.ingramhaus.com/xqey, e-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queen-size 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. [0715] 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. [0815] 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.” [0915] 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. [1115] 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 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.
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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 BreakOUT! builds the power of youth ages 13-25 in New Orleans to end the criminalization of LGBTQ youth of color, 504.252.9025, 1001 S. Broad St. #119, NOLA 70125, @youthbreakout, www.youthbreakout.org, 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 Louisiana Equality Foundation, serving the Louisiana LGBT Community through education, activism, and awareness.
www. l o u i s i a n a e q u a l i t y f o u n d a t i o n . o r g , info@louisianaequalityfoundation.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, NOLAPride.ORG PROJECT LAZARUS, A Residence for PWAs, PO Box 3906, 70177-3906; 949.3609 REGIONALAIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK [RAIN], 523.3755 RENEGADE BEARS OF LOUISIANA, PO Box 3083, New Orleans, LA 70177; renegadebearsoflouisiana@gmail.com SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM ST. ANNA'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 947.2121, stannanola.org VOLLEYBALL NEW ORLEANS, PO Box 13306, 70185-3306; volleyballneworleans.com, postmaster@volleyballneworleans.com
pets New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
pharmacy Baton Rouge, LA [225] AVITA PHARMACY, offers personalized, convenient care to those affected by chronic illnesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assistance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7. Every prescription filled today helps Avita give back to the community tomorrow. www.avitapharmacy.com New Orleans, LA [504] AVITA PHARMACY, offers personalized, convenient care to those affected by chronic illnesses. Avita offers free delivery, co-pay assistance, benefit coordination, and refill reminder calls as well as access to a pharmacist 24/7. Every prescription filled today helps Avita give back to the community tomorrow. www.avitapharmacy.com MUMFREY'S PHARMACY, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312, www.MumfreysPharmacy.COM. Supporting & serving the LGBT Community for over 20 years. Local pharmacy offering personalized family-like service, automatic refills & free metro wide confidential pickup & delivery. Also offering shipping for out-side our delivery area. When you call us you speak to a person, not a machine. See our ad.
photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
plastic surgery New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, Parker A. Velargo, M.D., Dr. Russell Hendrick, Jr., M.D., 2633 Napoleon Ave., Ste. 920, www.plasticsurgerynola.com, 504.533.8848
restaurants Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] Addiction Coffee House, 909 Iberville St., 475.5900, www.addictioncoffeehouse.com The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, 577.2237, www.bombayclubneworleans.com Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, 819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http://broussards.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 Feelings Cafe, 2600 Chartres, 945.2222, www.FeelingsCafe.com Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861,
www.genespoboys.com Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro Little Vic’s Rosticceria, 719 Toulouse, 304.1238, www.littlevics.com Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, www.OrleansGrapevine.com Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Relocation, Realtors — gayowned boutique real estate agency for locals and newcomers. 504.273.0088 www.NOLArelo.com
retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 CUIR, 708 Toulouse St., 249.5603 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
services New Orleans, LA [504] ABC Title Services, www.abctitle.com
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.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 Royal Tours New Orleans, 507.8333, 888.537.4750, www.RoyalToursNewOrleans.com
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Flowers in the Attic at the Old Marquer Theatre Fans of Flowers in the Attic knew what was coming in Andrew Neiderman’s stage adaptation of V.C. Andrews’ wildly popular young adult novel. But for a FitA virgin like me, it was a shock.
Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth and Mary Pauley in Flowers in the Attic No, I’m not talking about the (spoiler alert) sibling incest which has caused the novel to be banned in certain areas. What surprised me was that their mother, Corrine, after weeks and months of reassuring her randy-in-spite-of-themselves teenagers and her younger set of twins that she’s doing her best to get them out of the attic where they’ve been hidden away (more on that later), turns out to be a monstrous firstcousin to Medea. Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth’s extraordinary performance gives no hint, until the very end, that underneath a patina of maternal caring lies a desperate, greedy woman. She doesn’t wink at the audience or let on in any way, but rather, like the best of grifters, lures you into believing her scam by acting it with the fiercest of convictions, letting no one see into her warped mind. Only towards the play’s final scenes
do we grasp the enormity of her evil and, with the stakes raised by this, Flowers in the Attic achieves the edge-of-your-seat frisson that had escaped it so far. For those of you who somehow missed Flowers (hey, it sold over 40 million copies worldwide), it tells the story of what happens when the father of the Dollanganger clan is killed in an accident. Turns out Dad mismanaged the family’s money and the once securely middle class Dollangangers must move to the Virginia mansion where Corrine grew up. Which is fine except for those four kids who could stand in the way of Corrine getting her inheritance from her wealthy and sickly Father. And so up to the attic they go. There are games there to keep them occupied and they’re well-fed by severe Grandma Olivia...except when they don’t follow her rules. Yet, as it turns out, she’s
the least of their worries. Producer/Director Christopher Bentivegna’s See ‘Em On Stage Company is to be commended for bringing the world premiere of the theatrical Flowers to New Orleans. If it’s not quite ready to bloom fully, it’s not his fault. Neiderman, a successful novelist best known for The Devil’s Advocate, has not yet mastered the demands of live drama. In transposing Flowers from page to stage, he uses the lazy device of a narrator, an adult version of Cathy, Corrine’s daughter who is 16 when the play’s action occurs. There’s nothing wrong with Jen Pagan’s wisely restrained performance but it’s unnecessary, her character giving us nothing but gobs of exposition that should have been folded into the play directly. In addition, her platform overlooking Matthew Collier’s suitably detailed attic lets some of the set’s vitally claustrophobic atmosphere seep out. Neiderman’s dialog, including long, wordy monologs, betrays his literary past (“The days dragged like cobwebs easily torn to shreds.” Huh?). His teenagers don’t sound like teenagers; Olivia see-saws between grandmotherly concern and, more often, the rantings of a religious harridan; and not only would you expect the young twins to say more than they’re given here, but some well-chosen lines could better define their characters. And while Flowers is clearly and appropriately situated in the pre-cell phone/ internet era, it’s vague as to when exactly it takes place. A few choice references would let us know if we’re in the postWatergate ’70s, Reagan’s go-go ’80s or, the Clintonian scandals of the ’90s. By placing his story in a more specific context, Neiderman would enhance the tale’s larger resonance. This is a script that needs to be pulled apart, reworked with no narrator or intermission, and made into the taut 90 minute thriller it has the potential to be. It may not be an easy task but the result could run in the West End for years. In the meantime, if Bentivegna can’t overcome some of the inherent Gothic silliness (and occasionally adds to it with melodramatic flourishes of music more appropriate for the screen), he goes beyond his previously successful splatter musicals (there’s merely an ounce of blood shed here) with a well-staged production that ultimately turns gripping. Kali Russell as Cathy and Levi Hood as her older brother and paramour each gave strong, emotionally potent portrayals. Though I would’ve been interested to see actual teenagers in the roles, these very talented 20somethings distinctly captured adolescent tentativeness and impetuousness. Sporting steel gray hair and eyebrows that made her resemble Joan Crawford in her later years, Mary Pauley grounded the loony grandmother in some discernible reality while living up to her “out of a horror movie” description. Incapable of giving a bad performance, if Pauley occasionally goes overboard, it’s in keeping with her character. Still, if Olivia were given a little more nuance, softening her more extreme convictions and anchoring them in a more ambiguous morality, it would bring a complexity to the part enabling Pauley to make it even more memorable. As the twins Carrie and the doomed Cory, Daisey Mackey and Edward Boudreaux IV were both very good, always
fully invested in the drama. If I detected a slight, unconscious longing in their eyes for greater involvement in the action, it was completely understandable. Outfitted in ever more opulent dresses and gowns, Hollingsworth is the alluring but lethal Venus flytrap in the attic. With her pillowy lips and beautiful light touch, she can convince you that she’s an angel of mercy as she brings her children copious gifts. In retrospect, we wonder when did she metamorphose from angel to devil; the scariest thing is we may never know. If Corrine’s assurances that her father will soon embrace her fully (or die) become repetitious—she’s told that she’s “beginning to sound like an echo”—Hollingsworth finds endless ways to deliver the lines and keep them sounding fresh. I hope Flowers in the Attic gets the weeding and landscaping it deserves. If it does, it could blossom worldwide.
On the Road: San Francisco—Dore Alley and More Welcome to Southern Decadence! And an especial welcome to those folks from San Francisco who know how to throw a party of their own. One which almost— almost—makes Decadence look tame. I had heard about Folsom Street Fair but after a friend returned from last years’s “Up Your Alley,” aka “Dore Alley,” and raved about how much fun he had, I thought I’d check it out myself. Happy I did. First of all, though held in late July, weather-wise San Francisco feels like fall then. It can make for a challenge when packing but what a nice contrast to NOLA’s heat’n’humidity. Second, billed as “Folsom Street Fair’s Dirty Little Brother,” Dore Alley isn’t that big, just two blocks long and branching out onto two side streets. But size isn’t everything. And third, according to a number of guys I spoke to, with Folsom Street Fair overrun by straights and tourists, Up Your Alley still pretty much attracts just the local community. Which is fine with me. As its website describes it, Dore Alley is “not for the faint of heart.” I can’t disagree. If the sight of a guy wearing a sign that says “Kick my [exposed] balls” who then encourages you to do so or a black woman being flogged by a white guy, disturbs you, this ain’t your scene. But as everything is entirely consensual, I just kept my eyes open and enjoyed a most interesting experience. I can’t say I entirely understand the gents who dress up as puppies and then follow their master’s instructions, but I did envy one of the li’l doggies who seemed to be taking a nap underneath the shade of a tent at the K-9 Unit. On the other hand it didn’t take much to understand a game of Twister that, by the end, left most of the participants without much on. Granted those players were models and porn stars employed by Steamworks, the Berkeley bathhouse that sponsored the stage, but each round also featured a few volunteers from the crowd. The festivities go from 11am to 6:30pm on a Sunday but that’s not all that goes on. I didn’t make it to any of the afterparties but went with friends on Friday night to Beatbox for Bearracuda, an underwear bear dance party that actually had a fairly diverse crowd including cubs, otters, and other wildlife.
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trodding the boards ...from 54 The music was excellent and the three hours I was there (I think—I lost count) went by very fast. And Bay of Pigs, Saturday night’s Official Dance Event at Factory, was more like two extravaganzas in one. In the main room was a splendid circuit party, geared toward the leather crowd but all-inclusive, with fabulous DJs and hunky go-go dancers. In another “No alcohol allowed” room, let’s just say it could’ve been entitled “Western Decadence”. If you’re interested in finding out details, plan to go in 2016. Of course, there are things to do in San Francisco that aren’t decadent. I partook of some the city’s oldest and newest offerings. I had last been to the de Young Museum in 1991. Since then, its home in Golden Gate Park has been rebuilt, reopening in 2005 with a new, state-of-the-art facility that integrates art, architecture and
the natural landscape. The Museum features eminently respectable collections of American, African, and Oceanic art with its stated principle of “juxtaposition of old and new to foster a dialog between past and present” intelligently done. Highlights include works by John Singleton Copley, Thomas Cole, Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, and William Harnett’s iconic trompe-l’œil After the Hunt as well as some fine examples of our own Newcomb pottery. But my main reason for visiting the de Young was J. M. W. Turner: Painting Set Free, the first major exhibition devoted to the great British painter’s achievements during his final period of productivity. Bringing together more than sixty oil paintings and watercolors created between 1835 and 1850, this magnificent show allows you to appreciate an artist who was so far ahead of his time. As he built up the paint with swirls of color for luminous effect, Turner prefigured Impressionism and even, perhaps, Expressionism as can be seen in one of his masterpieces, Burning of the
Houses of Parliament 1834 which conveys a you-are-there immediacy. As you go through the show’s nine rooms, water’s uncontrollable power comes through in his sea images while his mythological scenes could pass for pastorals with gods integrated into the landscape rather than merely standing and posing. Take a close-up look at the works, then move further back and notice how Turner’s brush strokes coalesce to provide a different sense of the canvas. This singular artist who influenced Whistler and Monet, and of whom a London critic wrote “Venice was surely built to be painted by Canaletto and Turner,” is deservedly in the spotlight again with the release of last year’s Mike Leigh film Mr. Turner. If you have the chance to visit the de Young, the last of the exhibit’s three stops, before September 20th do not miss this dazzling show. Even if you don’t make it to the Bay Area until November 29, you can still catch some Turners at the Legion of Honor, another part of the Fine Arts Museums of
San Francisco. Luminous Worlds: British Works on Paper 1760–1900 includes Turner’s watercolor Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy in which the monastery/prison appears almost as a mirage. Other highlights of this exhibit include works by William Blake, Henry Fuseli, George Romney and Aubrey Beardsley. Housed in a 1924 building overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Lincoln Park, the Legion of Honor has an eclectic, some may say hodgepodge, collection featuring everything from a Mudejar ceiling from Toledo, Spain to a Guarneri violin used by Jascha Heifetz (press a button and you can hear a recording of the great violinist). There’s also beautiful ancient glassworks, a pietre dure panel from Florence, Impressionist gems by Monet and Caillebotte, and an outstanding array of sculptures by Rodin whose The Thinker sits outside the entrance. Best of all was one of the Museum’s guards who graciously gave valuable insights into a number of 19th century paintings. He had gleaned the information from various docent tours and selflessly passed it on. A Legion of Honor medal should be pinned on him. If the de Young is San Francisco’s oldest museum, The Tenderloin Museum is its newest, having just opened on July 17. Located at the corner of Eddy and Leavenworth Streets, The Tenderloin Museum, smartly laid out in one good-sized room, recounts in photos, videos and other memorabilia the history of this distinct, still rough-around-the-edges neighborhood. Beginning with fascinating views of the city before the 1906 earthquake, you see how upscale hotels with lavish interiors gave way to SRO hotels, home in the early 1900s to many independent single women. Brothels flourished but were then shut down. A proliferation of speakeasies during Prohibition led to the Tenderloin being described as a “vice ridden district controlled by corrupt policemen.” On a more upbeat note, to get a feel for the culture that the Tenderloin engendered, you can listen to jazz from Thelonius Monk and Miles Davis recorded in the 1950s at the Blackhawk Jazz Club, and West Coast rock from the Grateful Dead and War captured at the Wally Herder Studio. Long before the Castro was the center of glbt life, the Tenderloin was home to gay bars during World War II, and three years before Stonewall, the country’s first gay protest broke out at Compton’s Cafeteria; illuminating clips from the documentary Screaming Queens: The Riot At Compton’s Cafeteria take you back to that era. More recently, Southeast Asian refugees have brought a new spirit to the ‘loin and the adjacent Little Saigon area. Accompanying the many photos on display in this superbly designed space are wall texts which provide just the right amount of information without being overwhelming. Though certain zoning regulations may prevent the utter gentrification of the Tenderloin which has transformed other neighborhoods in San Francisco, a recent New York Times article described how tech companies have been invading and changing this storied area. Before an even greater shift necessitates an update of the Tenderloin Museum’s exhibition, plan a visit to this new member of the ‘hood. And while you’re there, take one of the walking tours that the Museum offers so you’ll be able to say “I saw it when...”
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