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THE OFFICIAL MAG
the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
New Years & More... The staff of Ambush Magazine would like to wish all of its readers and advertisers the happiest of holidays in the Gulf South. As we close out 2015, everyone is gearing up to ring in the New Year in style. In this issue you will find anything and everything available to you at your fingertips or online at www.AmbushMag.com. Happy New Year!!!
Southern Decadence Charities to Receive over $35,000 Dec. 26 @ Golden Lantern Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Misti Ates and Frank Wingerter will be presenting over $35,000 to 2015 charities LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Louisiana Equality Foundation, and PFLAG New Orleans on Saturday, Dec. 26th at 9pm. The event will be hosted at the Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal Street. This will be the largest charity contribution in the history of Southern Decadence. The complete financial report will be released by New Orleans Southern Decadence Inc. in the next issue of Ambush Magazine. The grand marshals would like to thank everyone who made this quest a reality shining a light on the largest LGBT+ event in the South. And especially to all of the sponsors including: Presenting - Ambush Mag, SouthernDecadence.com Official Website, The Golden Lantern, The Chicory, SKYY Vodka, Broussard's Restaurant & Courtyard, OffBeat Magazine, Oz New Orleans; Platinum - Bud Light, Bourbon Pride, Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Gay Appreciation Awards, Tropical Isle: Home of the 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 Po-Boys, 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, Cafe Fleur De Lis; Pearl - Wicked Orleans, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Cary P. Oswald, SDGM 27 Errol C. Rizzuto, Mac McAll/Cutter's Bar, Jon & Derek Penton-Robicheaux, June Pennick, Glenn Paul Melancon, Gary Glitter, Fabulous Flowers, Michael Bingham, Donald Ellis, 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, Gene & Karen Riggleman. The 44th Annual Southern Decadence celebration of LGBT+ Life, Music and Culture broke all records bringing in over 180,000 participants Labor Day weekend. With an economic impact of a whopping $216 million, this is one for the history books. The end of summer circuit weekend is the 5th largest in the city following Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and French Quarter Fest. Totals from this 44th Annual Southern Decadence celebration have been added to the records kept by the official website, www.SouthernDecadence.com. Since 1996, the celebration has had a 1 billion, 705 million dollar economic impact on the New Orleans economy, with estimated crowds now totaling over 1 million, 757 thousand.
Pool Tournament & Beer Bust Launched Fridays @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile The oldest gay bar/club in North America has launched something new Fridays in The Balcony Bar upstairs at Cafe Lafitte in Exile. Located at 901 Bourbon Street, manager Ace
34th Anniversary/Mardi Gras Classic/MLK issue out Jan. 5 DEADLINE: Tues., Dec. 29
inside
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Lafitte's Bartender Michael Kleinpeter & Manager Ace Lott Lott and bartender Michael Kleinpeter welcome you to the bar's Pool Tournament & Beer Bust! The tournament kicks off at 7pm, and the winner takes home a $50 bar tab to The Balcony Bar good on Thursdays. There is a $5 entry fee for the tournament. And from 7-10pm, you can enjoy a $10 Bud Light Draft Beer Bust. Cafe Lafitte in Exile is open 24 hours 7 days a week. The Balcony bar is open 1pm until Thursday-Sunday. For more information, visit www.Lafittes.com.
Louisiana All Star: New Orleans Leads the Way in LGBT Equality WASHINGTON - At a time when many states continue to drag their feet on fullyinclusive LGBT laws and policies, cities are stepping up to ensure that all citizens are treated equally, according to a report to be issued on Thursday, December 17, by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization. The HRC Foundation’s 2015 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) shows that in every state in the nation, cities are fueling momentum for LGBT equality — and often in states that still don’t have fully inclusive non-discrimination laws. This stellar Louisiana city earned a high, 91-point score, helping to set a standard of LGBT inclusiveness with exemplary policies ranging from explicit nondiscrimination laws and equal employee benefits, to cutting edge city services. Last year, New Orleans raised its score from an 83 in 2014. Shining like a beacon of hope, New Orleans also earned one of HRC’s 31 MEI “All Star” designations. MEI All Stars are cities nationwide that excelled on matters of LGBT equality without relying on state law. The average score for cities in Louisiana is 38 out of 100 points, which falls below the national average of 56. Municipalities in that were scored include: Baton Rouge 32, Lafayette 12, Lake Charles 6, Metairie 26, New Orleans 91, and Shreveport 64. Key findings contained in the MEI, issued in partnership with Forum for Equality for the state of Louisiana, provide a revealing snapshot of LGBT equality in a record 408 municipalities of varying sizes, and from every state in the nation. The cities researched for the MEI include the 50 state capitals, the 200 most populous cities in the country, the five largest cities in every state, the cities home to each state’s two largest public universities, and an equal mix of 75 of the nation’s large, mid-size and small municipalities with the highest proportion of same-sex couples. “From Mississippi to Idaho, mid-size cities and small towns have become the single greatest engine of progress for LGBT equality—changing countless lives for the
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. ©1982-2016 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
better,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “In just four years, the number of municipalities earning top marks for their treatment of LGBT citizens has more than quadrupled. Simply put, in this country there is an ongoing race to the top to treat all people, including LGBT people, fairly under the law, and it’s time our state and federal laws caught up.” Forty-seven cities earned perfect 100point scores, up from 38 in 2014, 25 in 2013 and 11 in 2012, the first year of the MEI. The MEI rates cities based on 41 criteria falling under five broad categories: > Non-discrimination laws > Municipality’s employment policies,
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celebrazzi
Proprietor Jay Janis, CEO Sarah Nay and GM Bert McComas hosted the annual holiday extravaganza for The Country Club in New Orleans complete with a live orchestra, fabulous food and cocktails in New Orleans. For over 35 years, this historic Italianate raised center hall cottage in the Bywater neighborhood has offered an escape from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. (www.TheCountryClubNew Orleans.com)
Loads of guests were welcomed to the annual Oz Christmas Party & Toy Drive by (front) new proprietress Madeline Schwartz; bookkeeper Susan Payne, (rear) manager Glenn Fonte; Director of Entertainment, Publicity & Promotions Persana Shoulders; new proprietress Cindy Lou Simpson; and GM Greg Jones. In addition to holiday fare, the Dance Club and Show Club of the Year all-star cast did a festive Christmas Show for all to enjoy. (www.OzNewOrleans.com)
\ Bartender Wayne joins Fr. Bill Terry for the 6th annual toy drive hosted at the Phoenix in New Orleans bringing in a truck load of toys for the children of St. Anna's Episcopal Church. (www.PhoenixBarNOLA.com)
Kurt, Jeremy and Ron join Mr. Louisiana Leather Tim Goodman for his Peanut Butter Drive at The Phoenix in New Orleans. Benefiting Second Harvest, the event brought in 61 jars. (www.LordsOfLeather.org)
Wood Enterprises' CFO Gary Agee, CEO Tim Wilson, Office Manager Katherine Stretch and Director of Marketing & Events Chris Ward welcomed the employees of all six businesses comprising the conglomerate and their guests to the annual Wood Enterprises' Employee Christmas Party hosted upstairs in The Balcony Bar above Cafe Lafitte in Exile in New Orleans. (www.WoodEnterprises.com)
NO/AIDS Task Force's Fund Development Rodney Thoulion, CEO Noel Twilbeck and Food For Friends' Bobby Vallecillo accept $4,000 from Bourbon Pub proprietress Sandy Sachs and manager's Richie Hardy and Toby Lefort during the club's annual Holiday Extravaganza & Toy Drive in New Orleans. The funds were raised during the Oh What A Drag turnabout show. Party goers enjoyed holiday fare and a great show by the Ladies of Lipstixx. (www.BourbonPub.com)
The managers of the Wood Enterprises' conglomerate including Giterdone C-Store's Beverley Harrington, Clover Grill's Errol Rizzuto, Good Friends Bar's Tony Plum, Cafe Lafitte in Exile's Ace Lott, Mary's Ace Hardware's David Blazak and Rawhide 2010's Derek Wasawho celebrate with their staff and guests at the annual Wood Enterprises' Employee Christmas Party hosted in The Balcony Bar above Cafe Lafitte in Exile. All of the employees brought a dish for the extravagant choice of holiday delights. (www.CloverGrill.com, www.GoodFriendsBar.com, www.Lafittes.com, www.Rawhide2010.com)
Quartermaster's Misael Rubio raised $1,100 for Star Daigrepont's Louisiana Hope for the Holidays Foundation during a benefit show at Oz New Orleans. (www.QuartermasterDeli.net)
Bar Baron Ken GrandPre hosted GrandPre's 2nd Annual Christmas Party with a mega buffet featuring Glenn Vesh's contribution of Cheese Wiz in New Orleans. (www.GrandPres.com)
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the "official" dish ...from 4 including transgender-inclusive insurance coverage, contracting non-discrimination requirements, and other policies > Inclusiveness of city services > Law enforcement > Municipal leadership on matters of equality The full report, including detailed scorecards for every city, as well as a searchable database, will be available online at www.hrc.org/mei.
Academic Scholarships Available for Louisiana LGBT Students & Straight Allies The New Orleans Chapter of PFLAG is accepting applications for scholarships for the 2016-2017 school year. The scholarships recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender students and encourages their continuing education while helping these students foster a positive image of LGBT people in society. Most of the scholarships are $1,000, but some are for more, and there is one four-year scholarship for $10,000. To be eligible, the applicant must: a) self-identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender; b) be 17 years old or older as of April 15, 2016; c) be a resident of Louisiana; and d) be planning to attend (or attending) a post-secondary educational institution. For the fourth year the organization is sponsoring a $1,000 scholarship referred
to as “Straight for Equality.” Individuals who do not identify as LGBT but are advocates for and supportive of LGBT issues are eligible. Applications and detailed information about the scholarships can be found at www.pflagno.org, or by sending an e-mail to scholarship@plfagno.org.. The application must be submitted by February 1, 2016 and supporting documents must be mailed and post-marked by the same date. All applicants will be notified of results by April 15, 2016. Recipients must be present at the awards ceremony to accept the scholarship in person. The ceremony is Saturday evening, May 7, 2016, at the Homer Hitt Alumni Center of the University of New Orleans.
A Visitors’ Guide to 450 Years of Pensacola Black History PENSACOLA, FL — This winter vacation hotspot might be best known for its sugar-white beaches and turquoise water, but its postcard beauty belies a rich and diverse history. In the last 450 years, Pensacola has come under the sway of five different flags — Spanish, French, British, Confederate and American. Each wave of occupation brought new immigrants to Pensacola’s shores — all of whom contributed to the city’s cultural and ethnic milieu. Among the waves of settlers, soldiers and immigrants were many of African descent, who persisted through the horrors of slavery and the Jim Crow era to help define modern-day Pensacola. Dido Elizabeth Belle: The woman known as one of Britain’s earliest biracial aristocrats, Dido Elizabeth Belle, became a household name last year. Her life — and its influence on England’s abolitionist movement
—formed the basis for the feature film “Belle.” Belle had long been a source of interest for scholars — thanks to an 18th century portrait that depicted her and her white cousin on equal terms, something that was unusual for the time. The painting — and the film — highlight the intersecting narratives of imperialism, slavery and abolition and the politics of race and gender in 18th century America. It’s a story that leads directly to Pensacola. Belle was the daughter of a British navy captain named John Lindsay, who commanded the British naval forces in Pensacola from 1764 to 1765, and an enslaved African woman named Maria Belle. Upon returning to London in 1765, Lindsay entrusted his daughter’s care to family. He then freed Maria Belle and eventually bought a home for her in Pensacola, where she lived until the city was overrun by the Spanish in the 1781 Battle of Pensacola. Jonathon Walker: Jonathon Walker, a carpenter and shipwright, lived five years in Pensacola, beginning in 1836. A staunch opponent of slavery, he returned to the city in 1844 on business. While here, he agreed to ferry seven escaped slaves to freedom in the Bahamas. The voyage was unsuccessful. Walker was captured, imprisoned and sentenced to be fined and branded on the palm with an “SS,” for “slave stealer.” Walker would go down in history as the only American known to have received such a punishment. He later became a well-known and influential voice in the American abolitionist movement. Visitors can still see the site of the old Spanish jail where Walker was once imprisoned, at the southwest corner of Alcaniz and Intendencia streets, in Downtown Pensacola. A portrait of Walker is also on display in the Dorr House, located just a few blocks away, on Adams Street. Railroad Bill: Morris Slater, better known as “Railroad Bill”, was a black turpentine worker in Bluff Springs, Alabama, just north of Pensacola, who achieved infamy during the Reconstruction era for robbing
trains and distributing his loot to the poor. Slater was killed in Atmore, Alabama, in March 1896, and his body was displayed in segregated rail stations throughout the region — as an example to others who would seek to overturn the existing power structure. Despite attempts to suppress it, the legend of Railroad Bill lived on. Slater became a popular character in African American folklore and was immortalized in the popular blues ballad “Railroad Bill,” which has been recorded by countless artists through the years. Visitors can see Slater’s grave at St. John’s Cemetery, one of Pensacola’s most historic cemeteries still in use today. Daniel “Chappie” James: Daniel “Chappie” James was born in Pensacola in 1920, during the height of the Jim Crow era. His mother, Lillie James, ran a private school for black children out of her home in Pensacola’s Eastside neighborhood. From an early age, James knew the value of hard work and education — values that would serve him well later in life. James went on to become one of the famed “Tuskegee Airmen” during World War II, and later, the nation’s first black four-star general. Today, a memorial plaza stands on the site of James’ childhood home — along with the original concrete stoop, emblazoned with the words, “Chappie’s first steps.” Pvt. Rosamund Johnson, Jr.: Another famous Pensacolian who served his country despite the injustice of Segregation was Pvt. Rosamond Johnson, Jr., who enlisted in the U.S. Army when he was only 15 years old. He never saw his 18th birthday. Instead, he was killed in combat on July 26, 1950 — during the Korean Conflict. Having carried two wounded men to safety under enemy fire, he was killed going back to save a third. He was the first African-American from the Pensacola Bay Area to die during the war. Today, his memory is kept alive at Johnson
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moments in gay new orleans history
a community within communities
by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
2015: The Year in Review
Year in Review
2015 was a stellar year for the LGBT+ movement nationwide. Kate Brown became the first openly lesbian Governor (in Oregon), Wellesley College and the U.S. Air Force began accepting transwomen, Bruce Jenner became Caitlin Jenner, A New Jersey court ruled “Conversion Therapy” was a fraud, the Boy Scouts lifted its ban on gay leaders, and, of course, the Supreme Court legalized marriage equality. Here is a look back at LGBT+ New manities March 27—29—12th Saints and SinOrleans in 2015: January 6—Jeff Palmquist crowned ners Literary Festival April 5—16th Gay Easter Parade Grand Reveler I of the Krewe du Rue th April 28—Plaintiffs argue for marriage Royale Revelers 12 Night Party January 13—Narcissus’ Inaugural Ball equality before the U.S. Supreme Court with a delegation from New Orleans in January 17—Mwindo Ball January 18—King Cake Queen Coro- attendance April 30—Five Southern Decadence nation Grand Marshals are announced January 24—Amon Ra Ball April—Governor Jindal endorses reliJanuary 30—Satyricon Ball Feb.10—Penny Proud murdered on gious freedom bill June—Big Freedia releases her memN. Claiborne; becomes the 5th transwoman killed nationwide (the total climbed to 22 by oir, God Save the Queen Diva June 24—World Premiere of Upstairs the end of the year) Inferno at the Prytania Theatre February 14—Armeinius Ball June 20—Pride Parade February 15—Lords of Leather Ball July 18—28th Gay Appreciation Awards February 16—66th Fat Monday LunSeptember 6—42nd Southern Decacheon st February 17—51 Mardi Gras / Bour- dence Parade September 26—NO/AIDS Walk bon Street Awards / 28th Official Gay Mardi October 10—Big Easy Sisters RecogGras Bead Toss March—The Up Stairs Lounge Arson nized at Exequatur October 16-18—NOLA Leather to by Delery-Edwards is named book of year Geaux by the Louisiana Endowment for the Hu-
The “Year in Pictures”, Time’s Man of the Year, retrospectives they will all come tumbling down as various sources try to remind us all of what a year this has been. I haven’t done a Year in Review before but I am taking a shot this year because by any measure it has been a remarkable year indeed. With abundantly sad heart let us bow our heads and take a moment to remember the major mass shootings of 2015: San Bernardino (14), Colorado Springs (3),
Roseburg, Ore. (9), Chattanooga (5), and Charleston (9). While lacking in fatalities I also want to mention the shootings at Bunny Friend Playground in New Orleans. What prompts such despair and disregard for human life? How, as a society, do we set the stage for these events? Surely somehow our national culture must prompt a serious look at the values and nature of our society to attempt to understand the “why” of it all.
the "official" dish ...from 8
regation. Now, it serves as a palpable reminder of the injustice of that era, of the sacrifices AfricanAmericans have made in the name of freedom and of the strength and perseverance of Pensacola’s black community — even in the face of overwhelming odds. To learn more about black history in Pensacola, go to www.visitpensacola.com. Visit Pensacola leads the effort of economic development through tourism in Escambia County. Comprised of over 150 member businesses, Visit Pensacola’s mission is to position the Pensacola Bay Area as a premier year-round travel destination through tourism marketing, communications, meetings and conventions, reunions and group tour initiatives. For more information about Visit Pensacola, call 1.800.874.1234 (tollfree) or go to www.VisitPensacola.com.
Beach, in Perdido Key. The beach — which today is part of Gulf Island’s National Seashore — was one of the few stretches of coastline that remained open to African-Americans during Seg-
October 29—Lazarus Ball / Halloween New Orleans Presents Fall of The Pharaohs as its 32nd Anniversary November 14—The LGBT+ Archives Project presents inaugural Oracle Gala November 21—23rd Red Party at Lafitte’s December 4—29th Art Against AIDS And also in 2015, Ambush Magazine entered its 33rd year of publication.
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communities ...from 10 It is not nearly enough to restrict guns, nor is it enough to prop up mental health access. Why, in the U.S.A, do we seem to be such a worldwide anomaly when it comes to mass shootings? I cannot recall such happening with regularity in most of Europe. The cases of that are generally attributed to terrorists such as the Parish shootings. Pray for peace, spread peace, be peace makers not haters. If a little hate shows forth it infringes on the world. As our Lord said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” Daesh (aka ISIL or ISIS) is a phenomenon that many should have seen coming. The culmination of marginalization within the Middle East results in this self proclaimed Caliphate. Perhaps the colonialism of the past century is to blame. Perhaps the U.S. sowed seeds of discord in her diplomatic agenda. I do know that several fine people are afraid of Muslims now when a decade ago we/they were not. The behavior of Daesh and others of like mind is a scandal in the human condition. Such seems to find its footing in the Middle East and in parts of Africa. It is dark and unseemly and not the will of any God that I can reasonably think of. No God needs to use abuse, hatred, or force to win the hearts and spirits of her people. This is the work of fanatics. The clarion call should be “ Assalamu alaykum” and peace be upon you. Locally, we are arguing about statues and racism. We need to talk more about racism, sexism, cronyism, and homophobia. There certainly is a lot of work to be done still in all of those areas. I honestly don’t know if the statue of General Lee
coming down will do much for racism in the city. I really can’t see a black man as King of Rex can you? We need some honest work without the burdens of politically correct epithets; they are a burden to clear communication. Simple civility would do I expect. Our city is a strange of mix of sublime and absurd. Take it for what it is a conundrum. Murders seem to be a bit down but not violent behaviors continue and are increasing in strange ways. Income seems to be up except for those already in the lower tiers of income – in short income inequality is growing. If we don’t gentrify some neighborhoods we rot and decay; yet, if we gentrify some neighborhoods we lose our soul that which has made us so strange and different. Hot topics in 2015 all of them and the beat go on. Dickens so rightly said then as now, “It was the best of times it was the worst of times.” In June I was proud to stand in Jackson Square with hundreds of Gay or gay friendly folks to celebrate the Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality. I was bursting with joy looking out at expectant faces most carrying American Flags it was a day of patriotic zeal restoring some faith in our Higher Courts and Constitutional equity. Why just recently I had the joy of Celebrating the Marriage of the First Same Sex couple as a legal and religiously authorized event at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church. How long has it been since we have even begun to dream of such possibilities? Perhaps never, and yet, here it is marriage equality. Several of the ‘main line’ denominations are now approving of such. Now to be sure in the world of religion the American Church at least in this denomination, and a few others, is in the minority opinion but I
believe that such opinion will quickly change. Not as a cultural push on traditional religion but because traditional religion will have to make a soul searching inventory of what is true and consistent of the being that we worship. The only result can be inclusion not rejection. But we are a stubborn and stiff necked lot and perhaps it will take yet more time. But at least for now this “Community within Communities” has a safe and dignified place that says all are welcomed and if truth be told there are several such houses of worship in the Crescent City…check them out ! You are no longer alone or on the side lines you are part of a greater purpose. The world is spinning on its axis and the Gulf continues to encroach on once walk-able land. Engineers are diverting fresh water in an effort to rebuild what we humans destroyed. Who knows what the outcome will be. But I do know that I love to soak in the breeze off the river of a spring day. I love the smell of roasting coffee in the Marigny on Monday mornings. I enjoy the seafood that seems to be getting closer to our levied city. There is simply nothing finer than a cold winter clear southern sky. My oh my that blue is so rich and deep. Perhaps we can all take just a moment to enjoy the little things that surround us and become less preoccupied with “who did what or did not do what to whom?!” Perhaps a coffee in City Park, a cocktail on the sidewalk outside of The Friendly or enjoying the density of the evening air walking to a show at Mag’s or Phoenix. Maybe even, in our life time, a street car ride down Rampart or St. Claude. Who knows what marvels lay ahead for our community! Along with the ambiance of New Orleans I also bear witness to the generosity
of her people and in particular the people who help others that have been hurt by others. Two local pubs have done toy drives for poor children. The magnificence of that gesture and the need of patrons to say why they bought such things well it is more than Hallmark or Disney can ever capture or imagine on the sappy tear scale of love. Endearing, touching, poignant, the litany of adverbs and adjectives goes on and still cannot do justice to the generous spirits of those that have participated in giving to children, to the hungry, and to those simply in need. The LGBT community and its several social clubs are some of the most caring, giving and gracious members of the greater community than I have ever been so blessed to bear witness to. Nuf said. So, as Christmas is upon us and we welcome Emmanuel (God is with us) into our midst let us try to be a bit more Christ like. “I leave you with a new commandment, Love one another.” As we enter a new year let us try to understand those different and understand the walk that they have walked. Maybe we’ll be a bit more tolerant of those of different colors, creeds, or national origins. As the New Year is upon us, lets simply not be afraid. Fear is the first cause of hate and prejudice. Recognize the fear in others and overcome it with dignity and perhaps a bit of witty comment. Recognize the fear in ourselves and push it out, it does no good, because there is nothing to really fear if we have hope and faith. Most of all cherish the life that you have been given, life is a precious and a wonderful thing that is nothing more than the hours of possibilities. Be blessed each and everyone I am blessed by you.
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Holiday Party @ The Country Club ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
Cafe Lafitte in Exile Staff
Giterdone Staff
Good Friends Bar Staff
Mary’s Ace Hardware Staff
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14 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Dec . 22, 2015-J an. 4, 2016 • Of fic ial Mar di Gras Guide© • GayMar diGras.c om
Wood Enterprises' Annual Employee Christmas Party @ The Balcony Bar ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
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Annual Holiday Extravaganza & Toy Drive @ Bourbon Pub & Parade ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Bradley Latham, Paul Melancon
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2nd Annual Christmas Party @ GrandPre's ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed
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6th Annual Toy Drive for St. Anna's with host Wayne @ The Phoenix ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
Oz's Annual Christmas Party & Toy Drive ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Darwin Reed
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Book of the Month My last book of the month for December is from one of my favorite authors Janet Evanovich. This comedic writer is the genius behind the Stephanie Plum series. One of her latest novels in the series "Takedown Twenty" is as you can imagine the 20th in this series about the misadventures of lingerie salesperson turned bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. In this outing, our heroine stumbles upon another mysterious murderer killing old ladies and disposing of their bodies in dumpsters. With a cast of colorful characters by her side like Lula, who is the Ethel Mertz to Stephanie’s Lucy Ricardo, and there's Grandma Mazur who gives her the inside scoop on the cutthroat world of bingo. While trying to flush out a killer, she is also tasked with bringing in Salvadore Sunucchi, a very powerful mobster with ties to her onagain off-again boyfriend Trenton cop Joe Morelli. This also puts her at odds with his family including his spooky Grandmother Bella who threatens to curse her for eternity. With all this chaos she is trying to fight her feelings for fellow bounty hunter Ranger. "Takedown Twenty" is a fun filled joyride with old friends as you watch them figure out another crime. Meanwhile my favorite part is a giraffe named Kevin showing up at odd times. Evanovich brings all these characters to life and makes the readers feel like they are visiting old friends with each new novel. For more information on Janet Evanovich and her books, go to www.evanovich.com.
Hot Happenings Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. As we gear up to ring in New Year, let’s finish off 2015 strong with some great events. And as I like to say; in 2016 let the good times roll! Tuesday, December 29, 2015 – Sunday, January 3, 2016 Are you ready for a “Tale as old as time.” NETworks presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the Saenger Theatre (1111 Canal Street). The play is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Based on the 1991 Academy Award®-winning animated feature film and celebrating 21 years since its Broadway premiere in 1994, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the ninth longest running musical in Broadway history that has become an international sensation seen by over 35 million people worldwide in 22 countries, and translated into 9 different languages. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast features the Academy Award®-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics
by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs composed by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton. The original creators of the Broadway production have reunited for this new touring production. The play is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, with Costume Design by Ann Hould-Ward (Tony Award® winner for her work on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), Lighting Design by Natasha Katz (five-time Tony Award® winner), Scenic Design by Stanley A. Meyer, Sound Design by John Petrafesa Jr. and Music Supervision by Michael Kosarin. For more information or tickets, go to www.saengernola.com. Thursday, December 31, 2015 Get foxy at The Four Seasons this New Year’s Eve with Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 6 Contestant, Joslyn Fox. Show time is at 10pm. Following the show, stick around as they have their Second Annual Derriere Drop at Midnight featuring bartender Jake using his “best asset” to herald in 2016. Champagne and favors will be given out to ring in the New Year. The Four Seasons is located 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.). Friday, January 1, 2016 The New Year does not have to be a drag. The cast of Exotique has decided to kick 2016 off with the very first “Miss Exotique Pageant 2016” at the Four Seasons (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) starting at 9pm. This new pageant is sure to be entertaining. The theme for this very first Miss Exotique Pageant is “Exotic wonders of the world. Categories and guidelines include Presentation: (Costume yourself as exotic as possible and have a 30 second introduction prepared letting us know who you are, what exotic creature or thing you are, and why you should be chosen Miss Exotique 2016.) Talent: (one number up to 5 minutes long. You may sing live or lip sync. You may not have any other people with you on stage during your talent. You may not leave the stage. You may not accept tips.) Evening Wear: Gowns must be at least to your ankles. Your gown can have slits. You may have a train. The Miss Exotique winner will receive a brand new tiara, sash, $100 cash, and a permanent spot in the Exotique show cast, a beautiful floral bouquet, and more prizes to be announced. (1st runner up: $50 cash prize and a floral bouquet). If you are interested in being a contestant in the Miss Exotique Pageant 2016 contact me via messenger at John Joseph Delgadillo or email me at cuttingedgediva@yahoo.com. Wednesday, January 6, 2016 The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon presents their 12th Night Ball featuring the New Leviathan Oriental Fox-Trot Orchestra Cafe Istanbul (2372 St. Claude Avenue)
from 7 – 10pm. Kick off the Carnival season with this very special 12th Night spectacular. You’ll be introduced to King and Queen Satyricon XIV, and dance the night away to a performance by the New Leviathan Oriental Fox-Trot Orchestra. They will also have a king cake and crudités, a stellar silent auction, the official announcement of Satyricon’s bal masque theme, and the crowning of the King and Queen of 12th Night (chosen by a drawing from among the attendees)! Black tie or costume preferred. Tickets are $20. There will be a cash bar. Friday, January 8, 2016 This is not your last dance. Join the disco fun for an unforgettable night of soul, dance, and musicianship. Last Dance: A Tribute to Donna Summer featuring Anais St. John is unlike any other tribute show you’ve seen before. This high energy dance show will take you back to the days when Disco reigned supreme and Donna Summer was the Queen. The event takes place at the Joy Theatre (1200 Canal Street) starting at 8pm. Special guest DJ Soul Sister will start the night off with an equally noteworthy vinyl set starting at 8pm. This night is all about honoring the late, great Ms. Summers, so make sure to come dressed to impress in your best disco, groovy attire. Tickets are available at http:/ /bit.ly/DONNASUMMER. Saturday, January 9, 2016 New Orleans Pride presents their 6th Annual Masquerade: The Black & White Ball on from 7 -11pm at Canal Place Mall’s 3rd Floor (333 Canal Street). There will be food, cash bar, live entertainment and huge silent auction. The event will be hosted by IML 37 Patrick Smith. Dress Code: Black tie and masks requested. You must be 18yrs or older to attend. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door. VIP Tables of 8 are $210. Tickets will be available at: www.NewOrleansPrideFestival.com. If you have any questions, you can email festival@prideneworleans.com.
Party Down Even though 2016 is coming to a close, the holidays were strung this year with lots of events. My two weeks consisted of tree lightings, bonfires, fundraisers and cowboys. We have a lot to cover so let’s get started. On Monday and Tuesday, I attended three tree lighting ceremonies at some of the most gorgeous hotels in New Orleans: The Windsor Court, The Royal Sonesta and The Roosevelt. Each hotel hosted a lovely soiree for clients and people in the hospitality community to join them in the festivities. If you have not has an opportunity to enjoy their gorgeous light displays in the lobbies, make it a point to visit them one evening during this holiday season. The following day was the National Association for Caterers and Events holiday party at Fulton Alley. It was a fun holiday networking party for members of the organization in this great unique setting. Fulton Alley boasts gourmet food, craft cocktails and of course bowling fun in an upscale atmosphere. I have forgotten how enjoyable bowling is and great exercise. Next time you want to hold an unforgettable event, check out this place. On Thursday, New Orleans Homes and Lifestyles Magazine hosted a little holiday party at Doerr Furniture on Elysian Fields. Who would have thought about
having a party in a furniture store, but it was awesome. There was food, drinks and DJ spinning holiday tunes. You got to try all the couches and recliners and meet the entire Doerr Furniture family. I find that unique venues like this make parties more memorable. Friday was Art Against AIDS at Club 44 located adjacent to the Superdome. Now in its 29th year, the NO/AIDS Task Force had food, cocktails, a silent auction and one of America’s top female impersonators and headliner at the Crystal Room Cabaret at Key West’s Le Te Da Randy Roberts who was recently featured on America’s Got Talent. On Saturday, my friends and I trekked down to Vacherie to the bonfire lighting ceremony at Laura Plantation. I love this party every year because you get to experience a true Louisiana tradition. The bonfire was amazing and guests were able to take tours of the house and grounds decorated for the holidays as well as enjoy some down home cuisine and drinks. The next day I was up before dawn and jetting off to Nashville for our company’s annual meeting. I arrived in Music City early in the morning, checked into my hotel, The Sheraton Music City, then hopped in a cab with some friends and headed downtown for brunch. Downtown Nashville is a party scene that was even more exhilarating that day because the Tennessee Titans were playing at the Nissan Stadium so there were lots of people out and about. We went to lunch at The Southern. Located at 150 3rd Avenue South in the heart of downtown Nashville’s burgeoning SoBro district, The Southern Steak & Oyster is a unique and animated eatery that offers an authentically southern adventure with a twist. They had great food, nice Bloody Mary’s, live music (everywhere in Nashville has live music) and hot servers and bartenders. God, I love the men in Nashville. They take sexy to a new level. After brunch we walked the main strip Broadway and settled on a honkytonk with a great musician Lefty Ferguson and his band called Legends Corner. Country music record covers plaster the walls, but the real attraction is the bar’s live music: Some of the city’s finest contemporary acts make their mark onstage. I had a great time hanging out with my co-workers from our Washington Dc and Chicago offices. Afterwards, I met up with my friends Dave and Dan who I had met on the Tami Tarmac cruise I took earlier in the year. They live in Nashville and we were able to catch up and go have cocktails and nibbles at one of my favorite places in the city Merchants Restaurant. Merchant’s Restaurant opened in 1988 in the old Merchant’s Hotel, which was constructed in 1892. The original structure was a three-story building built circa 1870 which housed a pharmacy on the 1st floor, a hardware manufacturing company on the 2nd floor, and a wholesale drug company on the 3rd floor that was famous for producing the alcohol and opium based “Blood Medicine” which can still be seen advertised on the brick walls today. The Merchant’s Hotel in 1892 offered the European Plan which was 25 cents a day for lodging and another 25 cents for a meal. Each room had a bed and a fireplace, and privacy was not guaranteed. Many notable Nashville legends stayed at the old Merchant’s Hotel, including Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton,
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Deja joins the wedding couple Opal & Darwin with Missy May, David, California socialite John Vignone & Rhonda @ GrandPre’s
New Mr. & Miss Golden Lantern Bradley Latham & Reba Douglas
King Cake Queen Aubrey Synclaire, Michael Norris & Terilyn Moore join Jubilee @ The Lantern
Groom to be Darwin with Poncho & bride to be Opal @ Lafitte’s with bartender Jeff’s gift, a bag of condoms
Bride to be Opal shares her condoms with Patti, Nicole & Aubrey @ Lafitte’s
New bartender Eric welcomes you to The Golden Lantern
Brad, groom to be Darwin, Sally & Leonard @ Lafitte’s Miss Golden Lantern 1st Runnerup Karli LaCorre with MC Bradley Latham
Marsha & Rip join Opal & Darwin sporting Opal & Darwin’s special wedding beads courtesy of Marty & Koo
Judges of Miss Golden Lantern Pageant
24 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Dec . 22, 2015-J an. 4, 2016 • Of fic ial Mar di Gras Guide© • GayMar diGras.c om
Pageants, Weddings & More ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys, Rip Naquin
Misael Rubio & Quartermaster raise $1,100 for Louisiana Hope for the Holidays Foundation @ Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
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under the gaydar ...from 22 Porter Waggoner, Little Jimmy Dickens, and Roy Acuff to name a few. This place has the best food and atmosphere in the city. I returned back to the hotel to begin my meetings and events with the company for the next three days. That night we had our opening reception at the hotel in their attractive courtyard. The hotel was festively decorated for the holidays which also helped keep the mood high. The following day was all day meetings, but that night was an off premise dinner and reception at Ocean Way Nashville Recording Studio. Ocean Way Nashville Recording Studios, founded in 1996, are located in the heart of Nashville’s famous Music Row. Among the world’s finest recording facilities, its client roster reads like a who’s who of the music world spanning a range of styles from pop/rock to country to classical. Housed in a 100-yearold Gothic revival grey stone church, Ocean Way Nashville provides an exceptional acoustical space tuned specifically for music recording in the rich visual beauty of a church sanctuary. Clients include George Strait, Matchbox Twenty, Harry Connick Jr., Faith Hill, The Mavericks, Willie Nelson, Train, Gretchen Wilson, Kenny Chesney, Three Doors Down, Sheryl Crow, Steve Martin, and Paul Simon. That night we were treated with many surprises. On the way there our bus picked up a “hitchhiker” who just happened to be a musician. She serenaded us with many songs on the way there. Once inside this gorgeous and historic structure we got to explore the entire place. They had Bourbon and Beer tastings set up for us as well as a free flowing full bar. We were seated for dinner and enjoyed a private concert by singer/songwriter Tim Nichols who is credited with writing Tim McGraw’s famous hit “Live Like You Were Dying.” It was a memorable and magical evening and I felt very lucky to have been able to experience this. The following day was a half day of meetings, and then we were off to a special tour of the city. We made three stops on our custom tour of the city. The first place was shopping at Marathon Village. The shuttered Marathon Automobile Factory was languishing in weeds and neglect when urban visionary Barry Lyle Walker recognized its potential and bought it in 1986. The project started with one building then other buildings were purchased that had been built at different periods of time throughout the car company’s existence. The
oldest, as well as the only two-story building was built circa 1881. Most of the other buildings were built between 1881 and 1912. Because of the different types of architecture involved, the 1988 renovation of the buildings created spaces that are truly unique. Marathon Village is now a 4 block complex of artists’ and photographers’ studios, offices, radio station and a fitness center — even Corsair Artisan distillery and Grinder’s Switch Winery. There were some great shops like Bang Candy, but my favorite was doing both wine and beer flights. Drinking and shopping, they go hand in hand. Next we went to a great bar on Music Row called Two Bits. This clever bar/ restaurant boasts culinary delights from Executive Chef Will Zuchman, who has worked alongside such chefs as Mario Batali, Masaharu Morimoto (of Iron Chef fame), Marc Vetri and Andrea Forcella. To accompany their fresh take on a bar menu, Two Bits taps 24 draught beers nightly, half of which are local brews. Their cocktail menu offers both classic and signature Two Bits libations with fresh ingredients from behind the bar. The interior of Two Bits has exposed brick walls, tufted leather U-shaped booths and custom tables made from the original hardwood floors at Hatch Show Prints’ longtime Broadway location. But what is so unique and cool about the place is the games. Two Bits has all kinds of games - all free-play - for guests. From a shuffleboard table, lots of different board games, classic arcade games to game systems that connect to flat screen TVs – all at comfy booths. We had a blast playing life size Jenga, all those fun board games you had when you were a kid, like Connect Four and Hungry Hungry Hippo. Our last stop on the tour was Jeni’s, a very famous ice cream shop in the east Nashville section of town. Their ice creams have a smooth texture and buttercream body, with bright flavor and clean finish (they do not use synthetic flavorings, dyes, or off-the-shelf mixes). They had some pretty over the top flavors like Sweet Corn Spoon Bread, Salty Caramel, Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks, Whiskey and Pecans and my favorite Torrone. But the cherry on top so to speak was the dreamiest guy we had waiting on us that was a cross between Channing Tatum and Zac Efron. Swoon. I got back to the hotel did a quick change and readied myself for the evening’s final party. We were brought downtown to a private party on the rooftop of the Hard Rock Cafe overlooking the city and the
River. There was a live music karaoke band there which is something I have never seen before. They play the music while the guests karaoke. I was even convinced to do a number with one of my cohorts from Chicago. I have to admit I did not totally butcher Neil Diamond’s song Sweet Caroline. You may be even able to see my karaoke debut on my Facebook page but I advise you to turn the sound down very low. Some of our group got to meet the band and their extremely sexy lead singer and he invited us to see him afterwards at one of the bars on the strip called Whiskey Bent Saloon. The band was Michael Scott and he did an incredible job at filling the place up and keeping people on the dance floor. We even had a star sighting while we were there. John Corbett from Sex and the City and My Big Fat Greek Wedding was there hanging out at the bar. He is so tall and handsome in person. After partying to the wee hours of the morning, I went back to the hotel and crashed. On Wednesday I returned back to NOLA and immediately jumped right into the party scene. I dropped my bags at home and attended the PoliticoPopUp art show in the Bywater. This event was conceived specifically for artists who create political art without an outlet to have their work seen by the public, because of political or social content. And the fabulous Arthur Sevario (aka Reba Douglas) had some pieces in the show. Arthur’s photography was wonderfully displayed showing a sexy side to gay life in the Crescent City. It was a great show, congrats Arthur. Next, I went to the floral designer Kim Starr Wise’s holiday gathering at her studio Uptown. It was a festive little soiree with a food truck, decadent desserts, libations and of course gorgeous florals. On Thursday, I attended the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau’s joint holiday party with the Hotel and Motel Association and the Louisiana Restaurant Association. It was held at Messina’s at the Terminal by the Lakefront Airport. The New Orleans Lakefront Airport, originally the Shushan Airport, opened in 1934 and was to be “The Air Hub of the Americas.” It was drafted by the same architectural firm that then governor, Huey P. Long, used to construct the Louisiana State Capitol Building. In its prime, the airport boasted a full surgical suite, Department of Agriculture and Commerce, luxury suites for VIPs, and even a post office. The building featured murals by artist Xavier Gonzalez, most of which survived Katrina in 2005, and detailed stone walls and floors. The Shushan airport wasn’t built just for people to come and go, it was built for people to do business and have a good time. In the 1960s, the entire airport was encased in concrete walls in case of the event of nuclear fallout and in 2005; the airport took on more damage from
Hurricane Katrina: four feet of water inside. Some thought the airport would be doomed and never be able to make a comeback. However, after undergoing years of renovation, the New Orleans Lakefront Airport is finally open to the public again. The place was very cool, guests were able to dine and dance while airplanes landed in the background. Now this is an interesting event venue. After the hospitality event, I went to Joann (owner of Kajun’s Pub) and her wife Lisa’s holiday party at their stately and fully renovated home in the Marigny. There was a nice crowd and very laid back which was a welcome change to the networking event I had just attended. I got the tour of the ladies home which should be on a home tour. I especially enjoyed seeing Joann’s gun collection. I definitely would not want to mess with her. In fact, when the Zombie Apocalypse happens, I know where I am going. Friday, I attended the premier of the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company’s production of Small Craft Warnings. This quirky play had all the Tennessee details that made him so successful. A funny strong female lead, a smoldering hot man confused about his sexuality and not so very underlying gay overtones. The team did an excellent job with the play and all the actors were standouts. On Saturday, it was a day of love and rejoicing. I went to the MCC Church’s Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree event. It was a holiday get together for their members and friends. There was a wonderful concert as well as a full buffet. They had a nice turnout with lots of good feelings and camaraderie among their group. That evening I got to witness the first gay marriage performed at Saint Anna’s Episcopal Church as well as the first in the state. Quite an honor for Opal and Darwin who tied the knot after many decades together living in sin (I kid). It was very heartwarming to watch a gay marriage in a church for two of my very good friends. The warmth and good tidings exuded everywhere in the church as we were treated to a full Mass. Father Bill did an excellent job and the Treme Choir was just spectacular. After, we were off to the reception at theAmbush Mansion where we dined on Barbecue Shrimp and Pheasant/Duck Gumbo. But the best part was when they cut the three level cake with two grooms adorning the top. It was one of the moistest red velvet cakes I have ever had. Opal and Darwin, I wish you all the best on your nuptials. You rocked it. I ended my parties on Sunday with the New Orleans Magazine Top Restaurant Awards at Muriels. It was a nice and breezy night to enjoy a party on the balcony overlooking Jackson Square. Not to mention enjoying an open bar and delicious food. Well this concludes my two weeks; I hope your holiday is filled with just as much excitement. Until next time have a sparkly holiday and happy New Year!
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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
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1515]
circuit/events 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 Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 2016, 45th Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 180,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.com Oct. 27-Oct. 30, 2016 Halloween 33, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.com
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French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
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bookstores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
ST. PHILIP
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Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271
Metairie, LA [504] FOUR SEASONS & PATIO STAGE BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, FourSeasonsBar.com New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, BIG DADDY'S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 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 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, NewOrleansPhoenix.COM
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 New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416
hair salons New Orleans, LA [504] Head Quarters Hair Salon, 906 Bourbon
St., 522.2666 Mickey Nolan's Salon, 717 Toulouse St., 587.7782 Two Guys Cutting Hair, 2372 St. Claude Ave., Suite 125, appointments: Adikus 215.519.5030, Trent 504.239.2397
hardware 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] BLUES60 GUEST HOUSE, 1008 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117, Phone: 1.504.324.4311, www.blues60guesthouse.com, info@blues60guesthouse.com. The Blue60 Guest House with 5 suites provides a peaceful retreat in the center of the Faubourg Marigny, just blocks from the French Quarter and Frenchman St. [1115] 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, www.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] 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. 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 Or-
28 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Dec . 22, 2015-J an. 4, 2016 • Of fic ial Mar di Gras Guide© • GayMar diGras.c om
leans 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
819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http://broussards.com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, www.CloverGrill.com Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com, 945.0742 Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831.1316; www.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 Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.com 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
pets
Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com
New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MIKE'S ANIMAL HOUSE, 1120 N. Rampart, 523.4455
real estate
pharmacy
New Orleans, LA [504] New Orleans Relocation, Realtors — gayowned boutique real estate agency for locals and newcomers. 504.273.0088 www.NOLArelo.com
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
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
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
Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, 577.2237, www.bombayclubneworleans.com Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard,
Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Dec . 22, 2015-J an. 4, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 29
trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Year in Review Sometimes it seems as though the theater scene in New Orleans is one extended production of Glengarry Glen Ross with the emphasis more on real estate than on drama...at least, of the onstage sort. The good news is that after many years of fits and starts Jefferson Performing Arts Society finally has a brand new home. The Jefferson Performing Arts Center on Airline Drive is a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility. Having enjoyed My Fair Lady there, I look forward to many more trips out to Metairie. Similarly, Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center’s handsomely designed Power House Theater is another valuable addition to the local scene. Since opening early in the year, it’s hosted the remount of Harold Clark’s award-winning play Fishers of Men, Breakout’s Say My Name, Say My Name: Stories of LGBTQ Youth from New Orleans, and a number of Southern Rep productions. Unlike JPAS, Southern Rep, alas, has yet to find a permanent home, but it is at least now in residence at the UNO Performing Arts Center’s spacious Robert E. Nims Theatre for the rest of its season (Orpheus Descending and Colossal). Southern Rep and the entire community were dealt a blow when the beloved Mid-City Theatre shut its doors during the summer. Fortunately, SRep’s ongoing ten-minute play slam 6x6 and Debauchery, Pat Bourgeois’ long-running monthly soap opera, were able to relocate to the rechristened Theater at St. Claude, which, since the beginning of June, has been under the capable direction of Jim and Ryan Fitzmorris. Other venues that have emerged this year include United Bakery Gallery on St. Bernard Avenue; The Fortress of Lushington just off Elysian Fields on Burgundy where Captains Coat Productions presented a worthy King Lear; and the Marsalis Jazz Studio at NOCCA where the Second Star Performance Collective has debuted several evenings of new works including Bridget Erin’s Sonata for 4 Hands, a co-production with the playwright-driven Generate INK. But, really, who needs theaters? NOLA’s producing organizations have proven that all the world truly is a stage by repurposing all sorts of establishments into playhouses— —Churches (Southern Rep’s Song of a Man Coming Through, The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans’ Kingdom on Earth) —Bars (NOLA Project’s Clown Bar, Tennessee Williams Theatre Company’s Small Craft Warnings, See’em On Stage’s A New Brain) —A market/deli (Cripple Creek Theater Company’s Revolt of the Beavers) —The New Orleans Museum ofArt, inside (The Winter’s Tale) and out (Robin Hood: Thief, Brigand in the Sculpture Garden) both by The NOLA Project —The Old Iron Works’ outdoor space (Promethean Theatre Co’s The Tempest) Word has it that there may even be a Jesus Christ Superstar in a funeral home next year. But, regardless of where they’re done, “the play’s the thing” and Play by Samuel Beckett was, for me, the most memorable presentation of 2015. Though only given two performances as part of Loyola’s Senior One-
Act Play Festival, Alexandra Kennon’s production captured every facet of this knotty script that interweaves the three individual stories of a love triangle Kali Russell, Logan Faust (both of whom I’m acquainted with) and freshmen Samantha Eroche were literally unrecognizable in Jade Coates’ sepulchral make-up, blending into the large urns in which they sat. Flawlessly spitting out Beckett’s words, they each negotiated his craggy emotional terrain with complete precision, enhanced by Haleigh Kling’s exact lighting. Play made evident how vital our college theater programs can be, not only as training grounds, but as producers of works of the highest caliber. Of equally outstanding caliber were two actresses in distinct roles. In the Anthony Bean Community Theater’s Glass Menagerie reset in the 1950s, Gwendolyne Foxworth was already giving an extraordinary performance as Amanda Wingfield, finding just the right rhythms in Williams’ dialog, when she got to the line “Betty? Who’s Betty?” in response to the Gentleman Caller’s brief mention of his fiancée. For just those three words, Foxworth dropped the genteel cadences of the former belle and replaced them with an urban snappishness that perfectly conveyed Amanda’s instantaneous suspicion that Jim would be no suitor for her crippled daughter, layered with a pained indignation. By her next line, Foxworth’s Amanda had regained her composure but for a brief moment we saw behind the mask she had affixed so tightly to her face. Seen also as the wife in ABCT’s Fences, where she balanced warmth and quiet dignity with hurt and outrage, Foxworth had a banner year. As the Stage Manager in Our Town at Le Petit, Carol Sutton found just the right proportions of conversational warmth and knowing wisdom, leavening the play’s flinty New Englandness with Southern charm without ever becoming sentimental. She effortlessly exuded a contemporary yet timeless presence, never at odds with the play’s early twentieth century setting, and acknowledged in small but pointed ways that she was the opposite of the WASPy male for whom the role was originally written. If such color- and gender-blind casting is less eyebrow-raising these days, particularly in Shakespeare and other classics, these two actresses demonstrated that, in modern plays as well, directors should be more open to nontraditional casting. A black Fiddler on the Roof anyone? Director Andrew Vaught certainly needs no prompting in this regard. His stirring The Cradle Will Rock at the Marigny Opera House for Cripple Creek featured a marvelously tough and scrappy Monica H. Harris as Larry Foreman;AmyAlvarez, Rahim Glaspy, Clint Johnson and Sherri Marina were other stand-outs in the large exuberant cast. You can hardly blame The Color Purple for not having a diverse cast. Anthony Bean gave this musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel a satisfying production with Asia Nelson touching as Celie; Tomeka Williams making a voluptuous Shug; Damien Moses as a cruel and intimidating Mister; DC Paul providing comic relief as Harpo (also a sensitive Gentleman Caller in ABCT’s Menagerie); and, best of all,
Jade Hillery, a powerhouse as Sofia. At the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen, Songs that Won the War might have benefitted from more diverse casting but, under Victoria Reed’s assured direction, was otherwise a fascinating and highly entertaining romp through tunes, familiar and obscure, from that era. Director Dennis Monn closed out the year at the AllWays Lounge with a dynamic Happy End, the Brecht/Weill follow-up to Threepenny Opera. If the book wasn’t quite in the same league as that classic, the score as performed under the brilliant musical direction of Harry Mayronne was sublime. Pandora Gastelum, whose heavenly voice is a perfect match for Weill’s music, headed a cast that was in absolute sync with Brecht’s candy-coated satire. More traditional but just as much fun was Ricky Graham’s Once Upon a Mattress for the Summer Lyric Theater at Tulane. Leslie Claverie made an irresistible Princess Winifred with pipes of steel while Ashley Smetherman Lemmler brought forth every bit of Queen Aggravain’s delectable nastiness. Among non-musicals, Southern Rep scored with the devastatingly sad but uplifting original prison drama Song of a Man Coming Through by Joe & Andrew Doss, and the regional premiere of Lisa D’Amour’s haunting Detroit, its excellent ensemble (Laura Friedmann, Mike Harkins, David W. Hoover, Jessica Podewell, Joshua Mark Sienkiewicz) finding desperation and camaraderie under Aimee Hayes’ direction. The NOLA Project started the year off deliciously with Jeff Roberson’s ridiculously divine version of Camille serving up every last laugh and teardrop in Charles Ludlam’s script; surrounded by a bevy of comic pros, A.J. Allegra made a ravishing Marguerite. It ended 2015 with a Winter’s Tale that, though labeled a “comedy,” was gripping in its dramatic scenes, less so in its comic passages; Sean Glazebrook’s King Leontes was a harrowing portrait of a mind consumed by jealousy. In between, the highlight was Clown Bar, a comic-noir filled with danger and pratfalls; under James Yeargain’s cunning direction, all the clowns were top-notch with Kali Russell’s sexy femme fatale (a complete turnaround from Play) and Keith Claverie’s singing sad sack first among equals. (Claverie also delighted in Robin Hood and Mattress.) Other notable shows included the gentrification-themed family drama Brothers from the Bottom featuring Wendell Pierce and a hysterical Kevin Mambo, and Goat in the Road’s Uncle Vanya: Quarter Life Crisis which beautifully showed the timelessness of Chekhov’s work; in an admirable cast, Brian Fabry Dorsam and particularly Leslie Boles Kraus found the Chekhovian sweet spot between laughing and crying. I laughed till I cried at Gone with the Breaking Wind, Ricky Graham & Jeffery Roberson’s send-up of you-know-what. As a splendiferously bawdy Harlot O’Hairnet, Roberson’s alter ego Varla Jean Merman led a troupe of inspired zanies (Brian Johnston, Sean Patterson, Brooklyn Shaffer, Jefferson Turner and Graham). Costumes by the unfailingly inventive Cecile Casey Covert (she also did the opulent frocks for Camille) made this a visual treat as well, with her dress-to-impress ensemble almost eclipsing Carol Burnett’s famed curtain rod number. Miss Merman also furnished extravagant hilarity in her tribute to astronomy, Varla Jean Merman’s Big Black Hole, and as the featured (a word this star could barely get out of her mouth) guest for A Well-Strung Christmas, the sexy singing string quartet’s first-ever holiday show; with their glorious renditions of Xmas tunes, pop songs, and classical selections, I hope it won’t be their last. Whether producing under its own banner,
Lux et Umbra, or hosting other companies, the Old Marquer Theatre consistently offered some of the most provocative theater in town: Antigone, smartly directed by Joanna Russo with a commanding Andrea Watson; Jon Greene’s exhilarating Faustus; Meghan Shea directing Ashton Ackridge and John Neisler in the disturbingly powerful Blackbird (all three Lux et Umbra presentations); Elm Theatre’s stylized and surreal Alpha-male boxing match Never Swim Alone, also directed by Russo; and two world premieres from See’Em On Stage—Breanna Bietz & Chris Larson’s kicky Terminator: The Musical, and Andrew Neiderman’s stage adaptation of Flowers in the Attic in which Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth was magnificently evil. On the North Shore, Playmakers Theater in Covington scored a bull’s-eye with Anysia M. Genre’s production of Joe Orton’s subversive farce Loot; Tom Hassinger and, especially, Gina Pauratore were masterful purveyors of this scrumptious tomfoolery. Other forms of scrumptious tomfoolery were provided at the IP Casino Resort in Biloxi by Kathy Griffin and Don Rickles while Liza Minnelli and Loretta Lynn gave ample evidence as to why they’re still superstars. Closer to home, Broadway@NOCCA continued its splendid evenings with the outrageously fun Ana Gasteyer and the phenomenally talented and charming Michael Cerveris. Unfortunately, the series will be taking a break for a while as host Seth Rudetsky readies his new musical Disaster! for Broadway. John Waters and Sandra Bernhard were just some of the people Daniel Nardicio brought to the Big Easy; Dina Martina’s debut was such a success she’s coming back February 27. Janet Shea’s cabaret debut Chez Shea Cabaret was such a success I hope she’ll do a Chez Shea 2. No need to worry about the inimitable Becky Allen returning; this local legend seems to be always somewhere, most recently cutting up with Jim Walpole and Marshall Harris in Livin’ New Orleans...Hot, Wet & Naughty. ”Hot, Wet & Naughty” might have made a good alternate title for Jim Fitzmorris’ one-man whirlwind tour of our city’s mythology but, either way, Be A New Orleanian: A Swearing In Ceremony offered sharp observations and knowing riffs on a variety of topics we hold dear to us. I’ll hold dear the memory of Mudlark Public Theatre’s imaginative interpretation of Hansel & Gretel which used gorgeous puppets; the art installation/performance piece How to Build a Forest and Joey Arias Sings Billie Holiday, both mesmerizing and both at the CAC; and the fabulous RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons at The Civic Theater with our own Bianca Del Rio headlining with her fierce comic gusto. And at the risk of leaving somebody out, here are, in addition to those already mentioned, some other praiseworthy folks who trod the boards in 2015: Beth Bartley, Brenda Currin (Suddenly Last Summer, Southern Rep); Troi Bechet, Tom Hook, Lloyd Meekins (On the Air, Stage Door Canteen); Micah Richerand Desonier, Jimmy Murphy (My Fair Lady); Harold X. Evans (Fences); Levi Hood (Flowers in the Attic); Katie Howe (Hello, Dolly!, Summer Lyric Theater at Tulane); Emily Hynes (9 to 5, Playmakers Theater); Liz Launey, Eddie Simon (Dinner with Friends, Le Petit); Elyse Manning (Happy End); Sean Patterson, Maggie Windler (Once Upon a Mattress); Shelley J. Rucker (King Lear); Emma St. Cyr (Mary Poppins, Slidell Little Theatre); Nick Shackleford (Jesus Christ Superstar, Le Petit); Evan Spigelman, Matt Standley (Faustus); Kristin Witterschein (Camille). Looking forward to the curtain going up on 2016!
30 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Dec . 22, 2015-J an. 4, 2016 • Of fic ial Mar di Gras Guide© • GayMar diGras.c om
Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Dec . 22, 2015-J an. 4, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 31
Happy Holidays from Avita Drugs
big easy
Special Guest Randy Roberts @ 29th Art Against AIDS
paparazzi
Roasted Pecan Chris & Frank @ The Double Play The Men @ 29th Art Against AIDS
Arthur Severio’s photography showing @ PoliticoPopUp
Louis behind the desk @ Crescent Care - NO/AIDS Task Force
Ambush's Paul, Mr. Bobby & manager Will @ The Double Play Lord Consort & King Tommy Stubblefield & Troy Powell @ 29th Art Against AIDS
Robert welcomes you to QT Pie Bill & Guadalupe join Holiday Bonfire Lighting Party @ Laura Plantation in Vacherie
Monday stylist Stephen @ Head Quarters
Appletini Review celebrates 10th Anniversary @ Four Seasons in Metairie
Joann & Lisa’s holiday party @ their Marigny home
Bar Barons Gary & Tip welcome you to Four Seasons in Metairie
Corner Pocket’s newest bartender Tommy
Felicia Phillips pulling Opal’s balls during Zingo @ Corner Pocket
Food For Friends Bobby Vallecillo & Glen Kahrman stocking the pantry for the holidays
Scott welcomes you to Skully’z Recordz
32 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Dec . 22, 2015-J an. 4, 2016 • Of fic ial Mar di Gras Guide© • GayMar diGras.c om
’Tis the Season ~ New Orleans, Metairie, Vacherie ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt in for Appletini’s 10th Anniversary @ Four Seasons in Metairie
Nick, Eric & Thomas @ The Corner Pocket
Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Dec . 22, 2015-J an. 4, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 33
Happy Holiday with Mike & Jody
m obile paparazzi Merry Christmas Jeff
Merry Christmas with Phillip & Jerry
Merry Christmas Matthew
The wonderful Toni Dee @ B-Bob’s
The beautiful Brown-Rivers Family @ Flip Side Patio Bar
Hello Boys..
The Amazing Jason Dottley performing @ B-Bob’s
Hello Mark & Jayme
Christmas with Marty & Flossie
Hello Smitty
Hello Justin, Skylar & Delta Kickin’ Cancer’s Butt with Delta & Adam
Merry Christmas from Flip Side Patio Bar
“Toys for Tots” Host Ray & Scott
34 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Dec . 22, 2015-J an. 4, 2016 • Of fic ial Mar di Gras Guide© • GayMar diGras.c om
Kickin’, Merry Christmas, Amazing ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
The lovely Melissa Brazil @ B-Bob’s
Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Dec . 22, 2015-J an. 4, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 35
36 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Dec . 22, 2015-J an. 4, 2016 • Of fic ial Mar di Gras Guide© • GayMar diGras.c om