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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Your Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide Welcome to Gay Mardi Gras celebrating its 67th anniversary in 2016. This issue is chockful of some of the best events, international stars and DJs, club action, dining, shopping, services and all our local DJs and show girls, plus hot dancers throughout the city. Join the thrill of Carnival, not only in New Orleans and Metairie, but in Mobile as well. Ambush Magazine, celebrating its 34th year, is proud to bring it all to you. Many ask what is the symbolism of Carnival colors? Purple represents justice, green stands for faith, and gold signifies power. (www.GayMardiGras.com) Historical Gay Mardi Gras Events: 1st all-lesbian club debuts 1949, Fat Monday Luncheon debuts 1982-3, Edd Smith hosts Bourbon & at Brennan’s Restaurant/New Orleans St. Ann St. Awards/New Orleans, no Bour1958, Krewe of Yuga/New Orleans, bon Street Awards held 1st gay Carnival club debuts 1983, the Krewe of Polyphemus/New 1962, Krewe of Petronius/New Or- Orleans debuts leans debuts 1984, Mystic Krewe of The Lords of 1962, Yuga/New Orleans ball raided Leather/New Orleans, 1st leather Carnival 1963, Bourbon Street Awards/New club debuts Orleans debuts presented by Arthur Jacobs, 1984, 11 gay Carnival krewes present Bourbon at Dumaine Streets balls, a record/New Orleans 1966, Krewe of Amon-Ra/New Orleans 1984, no Edd Smith or Bourbon Street debuts Awards/New Orleans 1968, Krewe of Armeinius/New Or1986, Bourbon Street Awards/New leans debuts Orleans returns & moves to St. Ann & 1969, Amon-Ra/New Orleans presents Burgundy 1st Miss America Pageant 1987, Krewe of Queenateenas/New 1970, Mystick Krewe of Apollo/New Orleans debuts presenting 1st Official Gay Orleans debuts at Monteleone, 1st gay ball Mardi Gras Bead Toss, 828 Bourbon St. presented in a hotel 1991, AGGIs/New Orleans end 1971, Krewe of Olympus/New Orleans 1992, Petronius, Amon-Ra, Armeinius debuts, 1st gay ball presented at St. Ber- & Lords of Leather present only gay balls/ nard Civic Auditorium New Orleans 1972, Mystick Krewe of Apollo/New 1993, Krewe of Barkus/New Orleans Orleans, 1st gay ball to debuts at Municipal parade hits the streets of the French QuarAuditorium, ter 1976, Mystick Krewe of Apollo de 1994, Krewe of Queenateenas/New Lafayette debuts Orleans crown 1st King Cake Queen of 1977, Mystick Krewe of Apollo/Birming- Gay Mardi Gras ham debuts 1999, 1st new gay Carnival Club since 1977, Mystic Krewe of Celestial 1984, Krewe of Mwindo/New Orleans deKnights/New Orleans debuts buts 1977, Academy of the Golden God1999, Fat Monday Luncheon/New dess, Inc. (AGGI)/New Orleans debuts pre- Orleans, celebrates 50th anniversary senting annual awards show celebrating 2000, le Vendredi de Nuit Mardi Gras gay Carnival clubs Avant (Friday Night Before Mardi Gras)/ 1978, Mystick Krewe of Apollo/Shreve- New Orleans debuts benefiting AIDS serport debuts vice organizations 1979, police strike cancels parades/ 2001, Petronius/New Orleans celNew Orleans; Charlene’s & the Golden ebrates 40th anniversary Lantern group takes to the street as the 2001, People of Substance’s Krewe of Krewe of Cancellation Anubis/New Orleans debuts 1980, Police cancel Krewe of Cancel2002, Bourbon Street Awards/New lation parade/New Orleans, no parade Orleans returns to Bourbon & St. Ann Streets permit presented by Oz 1981, Mystick Krewe of Apollo/Baton 2003, Krewe of Satyricon/New OrRouge debuts leans debuts 1981, Krewe of Ishtar/New Orleans, 2003, Krewe of Queenateenas/New
inside celebrazzi/new orleans a community within communities 10 tips & tricks for gay mardi gras the real cheese moments in gay new orleans history 14th satyricon ball paparazzi/nola snap paparazzi/new orleans 52nd bourbon street awards 29th gay mardi gras bead toss ambush paparazzi/new orleans
Orleans celebrates 10th King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation 2004, 40th Bourbon Street Awards presented 2005, Amon-Ra/New Orleans celebrates 40th anniversary 2006, Petroniusa/New Orleans celebrates 40th anniversary 2007, Krewe of Queenateenas/New Orleans celebrate 20th Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss 2008, Armeinius/New Orleans celebrates 40th anniversary 2008, Lords of Leather/New Orleans celebrates 25th anniversary 2008, Krewe of Queenateenas/New Orleans celebrates 15th King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation 2009, Bourbon Street Awards/New Orleans returns to Bourbon Street (800 block) presented by Oz 2010, Amon-Ra/New Orleans celebrates 45th anniversary 2012, Krewe of Queenateenas/New Orleans celebrate 25th Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss 2012, Petronius/New Orleans celebrates 50th anniversary 2013, Krewe of Queenateenas/New Orleans celebrates 20th King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation 2014, 50th Bourbon Street Awards presented by Oz and Ambush Mag 2015, Amon-Ra/New Orleans celebrates 50th anniversary 2015, Mistick Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers is founded, crowns 1st 12th Night Grand Reveler 2015, Krewe of Narcissus debuts
52nd Annual Bourbon Street Awards Stars Bianca Del Rio, Amanda Shaw & the Ladies of Oz Feb. 9 The 52nd Annual Bourbon Street Awards show, the ultimate costume contest, is set for Mardi Gras day, February 9, 2016 at 12noon. Oz New Orleans presents this fantastic contest sponsored by Ambush Magazine right in front Oz on Bourbon Street. This year, world famous Bianca Del Rio (www.thebiancadelrio.com) returns to host the contest with Blanche Debris. Louisiana's famous singer Amanda Shaw (www.amandashaw.com) joins the entertainment lineup along with the award winning Ladies of Oz.
Mardi Gras Highlghts due out Feb. 16 DEADLINE: Tues., Feb. 10 6 8 8 10 12 16 18 20 21 22
chop chop/restaurant guide trodding the boards classifieds under the gaydar book review ambush paparazzi/new orleans mobile paparazzi
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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
Singer Amanda Shaw Contest award prizes are worth a total of $3,000! Categories include: Best Drag, Best Leather, Best Group and Best of Show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category. First place in each category wins $500 cash. The Best Overall Costume, the grandest award of all, garners a whopping
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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. ©1982-2016 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
$1,000 cash prize. The 52nd Annual Bourbon Street Awards will be “The Best Free Show of Mardi Gras.” Oz, located at 800 Bourbon Street, has won both Dance Club and Show Club of the Year by popular vote of Ambush Magazine readers for many years. For additional information, visit www.GayMardiGras.com, and www.OzNewOrleans.com.
Cupid's Undie Run Feb. 20 On Saturday, Feb. 20th, hundreds of New Orleanians will brave the cold in a one
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King Cake Queen XXII Aubrey Synclaire Welcomes All to Gay Mardi Gras with Official Proclamation "Her Imperial Majesty sends greetings and announces with pleasure her invitation for all to gather from near and far and join in the many celebrations under the Rainbow Banner of the 67th Gay Mardi Gras leading up to the 29th Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss February 9, 2pm, at the Ambush Palace, 828 Bourbon Street." - by Queen of the Opera: Act II Aubrey Synclaire Celebrating the 67th Gay Mardi Gras, the 29th Annual Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss takes place from the world famous balcony at Ambush Mansion located between Oz and Bourbon Pub Parade, and Cafe Lafitte in Exile and Clover Grill. The official photographer of the King Cake Queens, Larry Graham, has produced three portraits this year reflecting the true meaning of Mardi Gras: PURPLE representing Justice, GREEN Faith, and GOLD Power. The 22nd King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras is the first in history to continue her reign into a second year returning as Queen of the Opera: Act II. Co-Captains of the Krewe of Queenateenas added this interesting twist to this short Carnival season due to private family obligations which require the co-captains to remain out of town for much of the season. Only 50 guests are invited to the Bead Toss each year, 10 from the reigning queen, and 40 from the co-captains. The King Cake Queen is chosen from those revelers participating. The individual exhibiting the most enthusiasm and expertise in bead toss techniques is chosen to reign as King Cake Queen the following year. The King Cake Queen Royalty Club KCQ XIII: The Diamond Queen, Raven includes: Kennedy/2006, KCQ II & KCQ Emeritus: Jewel of the KCQ XIV: The Fantasy Queen, Nile, Jay A. Loomis/1995, Princesse Stephaney/2007, KCQ III: The Rainbow Queen, the late KCQ XV: The Fleur de Lis Queen, Smurf Murphy/1996, Marsha Naquin-Delain/2008, KCQ IV: Pearl of the Sea, Reba DouKCQ XVI: The Grandee Queen, Tami glas/1997, Tarmac/2009, KCQ V: The She Devil, Elizabeth KCQ XVII: The Parisian Queen, Opal Simms/1998, Masters/2010, KCQ VI: The Czarina, the late ChrisKCQ XVIII: The Chrysthemum Queen tine Cheridon/1999, Rona Conners/2011, KCQ VII: Sex Goddess, Stephanie KCQ XIX: The Samba Queen, Nicole Williams/2000, DuBois/2012, KCQ VIII: The Peacock Queen, Phyllis KCQ XX: The Platinum Queen, Dusty Denmark/2001, Debris/2013, KCQ IX: The Freedom Queen, Lisa KCQ XXI: The Borghese Queen, BarBeaumann/2002, bara Ella/2014, and KCQ X: The Voodoo Queen, TerylKCQ XXII: Queen of the Opera, Aubrey Lynn Foxx/2003, Synclaire/2015. KCQ XII: The Amazon Queen, SaFor additional information, visit vanna DeLorean/2005, www.GayMardiGras.com/KCQ.
celebrazzi
Mystic Krewe of Satyricon's 14th Bal Masque The introduction of Queen and King Satyricon XIV Carl Mack and Darric Cavalier brought to a climax the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon’s 14th Bal Masque "Le Bal des Beaux Arts: A Night at the Museum," The queen portrayed Erte's Symphony in Black. Hosted by mega star Varla Jean Merman, the ball was held at Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. For additional information, visit www.mystickreweofsatyricon.com. (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys)
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Mega star Varla Jean Merman host Mystic Krewe of Satyricon's 14th Bal Masque. (Photo by Tony Leggio)
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a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Mardi Gras then Lent What can possibly be said about Mardi Gras that hasn’t been said by so many others for so long? It’s unique, enchanting, dirty, festive, drunken, family friendly, girl friendly, gay friendly, dangerous, “the greatest free show on earth” and a dozen other observations and slogans. Briefly, this is what I like about these balls. Yes, like everyone else I Mardi Gras. I like to enter the Quarter am critiquing the costumes and remain from Esplanade Avenue. Fewer crazies amazed at the creativity and beauty of and much more fun when I hit Bourbon it all. Gay balls are the best ever as far and St. Ann. I like people watching on as I am concerned. I would far rather the fringes much more than the stan- go to Amon-Ra than Bacchus or other dard parades. I was raised here and hit of the big show krewes. I suppose that puberty here so the parades lack some- is why I like Krewe du Vieux for my thing for me now; heh I’m almost 65. parade going pleasure. Nothing like What I also enjoy but don’t see much hanging out at the Friendly with friends are the wonderful marching clubs that and watching the bawdy spectacle unwander about with no destination in fold. mind. When we lived in the Bywater It is a wonderful day to enjoy so there was also a marching group that many things…or even just to relax with would wander by just making wonder- a good book or maybe a movie. Then ful music and having a blast. I like the my life takes a dramatic change. I hope little stuff. that yours will as well. I like being asked to do the InvocaOnce the party is over and once tion at Gay Balls. There is just some- you’ve had your Tylenol or Aspirin the thing about me, a traditionalist by some next day it is time to think about what measure, a main line denomination of- has past and what is present. In New fering prayer just before the tableau Orleans that means ‘getting my ashes.’ begins that is fun and really an honor. I The season of Lent begins with these love the running commentaries during words, “From dust ye came to dust ye
spotlight features Top 10 Tips & Tricks for Gay Mardi Gras If you’ve never been to Mardi Gras, you have a lot to learn! What follows is some advice gathered from locals that will help you get the most out of your carnival experience. 1 - The Weather: Weather in New The main streets like Bourbon are Orleans is unpredictable. Bring clothes usually shoulder to shoulder. For quick for every possibility. escapes and in order to move about the 2 - Walking The Streets Of New French Quarter during Carnival use Orleans: During Mardi Gras, cars are side streets. However, always walk not allowed on the streets of the French where it is well lit and there are a lot of Quarter. So, plan on doing a lot of people. walking. Comfortable shoes are a must [continued on 10] for the serious Mardi Gras reveler.
the "official" dish ...from 4 mile-ish fun run in just their undies to raise awareness and fund the research of neurofibromatosis (NF) through Children’s Tumor Foundation. This year, Cupid’s Undie Run, the world’s largest organized undie run sponsored by Sock It To Me, will take place in 36 cities across the United States. To-date, this must-do Valentine’s Day event has raised nearly $8 million for CTF. The hundreds of volunteers behind this 501(c)3 non-profit are further committed to the fight against NF after the recent passing of Drew Leathers – the younger brother of Chad Leather, co-founder of Cupid’s Undie Run, and inspiration behind the event. Cupid’s is a party + 1 mile fun run at your own pace + more party. "We encour-
age undies, but we get that it’s not for everyone – so just come out and have fun and raise some money for NF research!" You can start a team for your friends, join a team, or run solo. For each friend you sign up, we give you $25 towards incentives and they’ll get 25% off their registration fee. It all begins at Masquerade Night Club (inside Harrah’s New Orleans) with: Noon, Feb. 20 – Doors open & the party starts! 1pm – Awards ceremony 2pm – UNDIE RUN 3:30pm – Earned open bar closes 4pm – Bag check closes, Cupid’s officially ends For run registration forms and information, visit http://www.cupidsundierun.com/ city/new-orleans/. For information on Children's Tumor Foundation, visit www.ctf.org.
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shall return.” The ashes are smeared on the forehead as a sign and symbol of what we believe. Of course it’s New Orleans and such is almost a cultural custom as much or more so than a religious ritual. A couple of years ago we processed through the tough parts of the 7th Ward…just a few of us and a cross…in vestments. I remember being chased down by a couple of “working girls”, “Hey Pastor can I get me some ashes?” Of course they can. We did a Eucharist with ashes under the I10 over pass on N. Claiborne. A huddle mass we were of maybe ten folks, “gotta get me some ashes.” I suppose for some those ashes are like a talisman warding off some unseen danger. Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent. Lent is a period of 40 days and 40 nights (excluding Sundays) in preparation for Easter. It is generally recognized in both Western and Eastern Christianity and dates back to the very earliest days of Christian history. But what is it all about? How can it possibly do any good at all? How might you access this season to make it something meaningful? First, consider the opening words to Lent, “From dust ye came to dust ye shall return.” In a more 21st century way we might say that this simple sentence says that: a. We are all a part of nature. Our very being is made up of star dust, our person is part of the cosmic enterprise. We are composed of elements and our DNA is an imprint of nature itself, “From dust ye came…” b. So, when our course is run, likewise, we are “recycled” it is our natural pattern to return in forms of elements to that which created our substance. c. The overall essence is this, you only have one life to live, you only have so much time. Time, believe me, is sacred. It is that measure of our span and what we will do with it. So, Lent is set aside for us to regroup, consider who and what we are, and perhaps more what we want to be and how we will cherish this sacred gift that we have. If things are all screwed up it is a time to un-screw them. If you think life is just not a joyful experience, maybe you are right, but maybe you can find some light to hang your hat on. Do we really take time to just take a fearless spiritual inventory of ourselves? Some don’t most should. If you have a life that is basically pretty satisfactory do you cherish it and not take it for granted. Lent is a time to give thanks. So, if you “get your ashes” just be mindful that when the words are spoken it is not a condemnation nor is it a threat. The words and symbol are a reminder of how connected we are to one another and all creation and that we have a gift and that is the sacrament of time. How will you use it? Nothing more and certainly nothing less.
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the real cheese by Felicia Phillips Email: fphillips1011@gmail.com Photo by Hubert S Monkeys
Carnival Time Since catching up with pre Christmas goings on in my last column, I can assure you all there have been a multitude of events I attended that have been more than noteworthy with a little crazy and maybe even a few scandals thrown in. Among them the first annual SallyFly Cheesy Early New Year's Eve Bash at GrandPre’s. This was done for those well aged and seasoned members of our community (senagers - senior teenagers), complete with party favors, a plethora of cheese and cheesy dishes, and of course, a champagne toast at the 6pm countdown! Not only were we gay New Orleanians able to toast at the same time as our brothers and sisters in gay Paris, (it was midnight there!) but we were able to be at home, bengayed up and in bed by 10pm, our time! I have no doubt this will become a tradition for generations to come! I must mention though that some of the most aged and well seasoned of us all, including myself some how still man-
aged to bring in the New Year into the wee hours at The Corner Pocket, enjoying the Ballet they have there, and investing into the younger generations futures! There was also the evening at The Golden Lantern that saw all 5 (yes, Mary there were 5, get over it) SDGMs 2015, present their record breaking donation to all their chosen charities. Nearly 40k after expenses! I am happy to report there were no food nor fist fights, no shoes, sashes, pins nor crowns thrown. Just a great night had by all, making all the trials and tribulations of being involved in all it takes to now pull off a Southern Decadence celebration well worth it. There have been other nights that will forever be in my memories, but I must say out of them all leading up to Carnival, that we are now eyeballs deep into, was my fellow columnist Frank Perez’s much anticipated sec-
10 tips & tricks ...from 8
Gras, carefully follow this advice: 1) Parade Route Parking Parking along a parade route is prohibited 2 hours before and 2 hours after a parade. EXAMPLE: If a parade is scheduled to roll at 6pm, parking anywhere along the route is prohibited at 4pm. 2) Neutral ground Parking The “neutral ground” is what New Orleanians call a median. You know, that strip of grass in the middle of a road. It is always illegal to park on the neutral ground. During Mardi Gras, you’ll see a lot of people doing it. It seems legal. It’s not. Believe me, they’ll tow as many of those cars as they can as quickly as they can. The tow companies make a lot of money during Carnival. 3) Temporary Signs Never believe the street signs during Carnival. Be on the lookout for cardboard signs posted inconspicuously throughout the city. Hunt for and read all the signs in any area you park. If in doubt, don’t risk it. 4) The French Quarter On-Street parking within the French Quarter and vehicle access is restricted in the areas bounded by Iberville, Decatur, Dumaine, and Rampart. Towing is strictly enforced. If you are staying in a hotel in the French Quarter, ask the hotel for a “PASS.” Usually, you can get a pass that will allow you back and forth to the hotel garage.
New Orleans is a city of neighborhoods. Like all large cities, the Big Easy does have some trouble spots. Always walk with others, never alone if possible. Don’t wander about the city. In New Orleans the neighborhoods change, literally, when you cross a street. Always use a map on your cell phone. The French Quarter can be confusing. Safe streets are Decatur, Royal, Bourbon up to the 800 block on any day. Use good judgement. Generally, stay on streets that are well travelled. If a street looks deserted, its probably not safe to walk. Stay with the crowd. If you’re drinking, don’t go stumbling about the French Quarter. Locals know that the people who encounter trouble are usually the ones who have been drinking. Unfortunately, Mardi Gras does attract some people who are out for more than a good time. When you walk the streets, don’t bring your wallet. Take the cash you need and some sort of identification and put them in a pocket that no-one can slip their hand into. Don’t wear expensive jewelry. Basically, don’t take anything with you that you would have a hard time replacing if it gets lost. 3 - Parking: Parking is difficult and expensive during Mardi Gras. If you can manage without a car, you’ll be better off. If you bring your car to Mardi
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If your car is impounded it will cost you about $200 bucks plus whatever else the city decides to tack on. Your car can be retrieved from the City Auto Pound, located in a dangerous area of the city, 400 N. Claiborne Avenue. This will spoil a good time. 4 - Cabs or Uber: Cabs will be difficult to get during Carnival. In addition, many Cab companies enforce a “special event rate.” This means that you’ll be paying a premium for a taxi and, sadly, many cabbies take advantage of people during Carnival. The best bet is Uber for quick and efficient service, and you know exactly what you will pay before you're off to your destination. 5 - Liquor Laws: People are allowed to drink on the streets in New Orleans. However, you must use a “geaux cup.” (A “go cup” is a plastic cup.) Glass and cans are not allowed on the streets for safety reasons. Mardi Gras is a long holiday and bars in New Orleans are open 24 hours a day. Pace yourself. If you are going to drink during Mardi Gras, take it easy and slow. Most important, it’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement and forget to eat. If you want to make it through Mardi Gras, solid food is a necessity. Of course, New Orleans is world famous for its food and is part of a complete New Orleans experience. 6 - Toilets: Clean bathrooms are a difficult thing to find during Mardi Gras. Every business closes their facilities to everyone but paying customers. If your hotel is far from the action, take care of the more important business before you hit the streets. If you need to, plan on buying lunch or dinner and using the restaurant’s bathroom before you pay the check! There are “port a lets” scattered throughout the city. However, they have long lines and can be quite an experience. No matter how “bad” you have to go, do not urinate in the streets. This is a fine way to end up in central lock up and people who are arrested during carnival sit in jail until the courts re-open after Fat Tuesday. Besides, it’s not polite. Listen to your body. Get in line before you really have to go. By the time you're crossing your legs, you might be at the front of the line. 7 - Catching The Parades: Parades roll all over the state of Louisiana. On Mardi Gras day parades roll from early in the morning until late in the evening. There is so much going on during Carnival that it can be a difficult deciding what to do and see. What most people do is spend the Sunday before Mardi Gras at the parades. Several parades roll in New Orleans on Sunday and most people camp out and make a day of it. Throw Me Something Mister...! Unlike parades in other cities, Mardi Gras parades require people to become participants. In fact, the crowd during Mardi Gras is as much a part of the action as the floats and bands.
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Maskers on floats toss people in the crowd “throws.” Throws are bead necklaces, doubloons, plastic cups, panties and lots of other stuff that are thrown to the crowd. People do all kinds of things to catch things. Some people create elaborate nets with targets on a pole, other people show body parts. It’s all very entertaining. Anything goes when it comes to catching stuff. One very important word of caution, NEVER pick up a throw off the street with your hands! If you do, your hand is going to get stomped on. If a throw ends up on the street, quickly put your foot over it and when the crowd settles down, pick it up. Barricades (temporary fences) are there for your protection. It can be tempting to run out to catch throws from a passing float. Floats weigh a whole lot and people have been seriously hurt because they just had to have that plastic charm. Stay behind the barricades. Often, two or more people will catch the same throw. This is a give and take situation and requires a little carnival etiquette. Basically, the first person to “catch” a throw should be allowed to keep it. However, you’ll find some rude people out there and its best to let something go than make an issue out of it. Besides, there’s plenty for everyone. 8 - What You Can Get Away With: During Mardi Gras you’re bound to get an eye full. Public nudity and public sex is not allowed and the obscenity laws are still on the books. You need to use your better judgement on this stuff. It is possible to get into trouble by showing too much when you “bargain” for beads, and again, people who are arrested, sit in jail until the courts re-open after Mardi Gras, which will cost you much more than $200. 9 - “I Can Tell Youse Where You Got Dem Shoes!!!” Beggers, panhandlers and con artists of all persuasion will be looking to scam the unwary and especially drunk visitor. If some con walks up to you and says “I can tell you where you got dem shoes,” you reply “YEAH ! On my feet on Bourbon Street!” before he can con you out of a fiver or more. “If you play ya gotta pay.” If you want to have your boots polished, do it yourself. Never Take out your money (Remember- you left your wallet and other valuables in the room.) to pay for anything on the street. Of course, the PHOENIX bar has a really hot guy that will really put a shine on those boots. And, there might be a few people there that will do it for free. 10 - Play Safe: Mardi Gras is a big party. People drink and are having a good time. It’s easy to forget that there is a real world during Carnival. Many of the bars offer free condoms and there is no excuse. Don’t allow the party to overwhelm your better judgement. We want you to come again. Visit www.GayMardiGras.com for more information.
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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 Gay Carnival Historian Howard Smith” One of the most fascinating aspects of Carnival history in New Orleans is the gay krewes. Like everything else gay in the 1950s and 1960s, the gay carnival krewes were secretive and mysterious. The threat of police
the real cheese ...from 10 ond annual 12th Night party at his 3rd floor French Quarter Villa. I had been trying to put myself together for this grand event for days, finding, the right dress, jewelry, etc. All the things we queens think we must do. I must have started painting my face before even waking up that morning, as it was an all day event for me. Except for my good wig (I only have the one!), everything else was new, thanks to some generous patrons during the holiday season. Well that, and the 75% off sale at H&M. For a change I was feeling quite confidant I would pull off a decent look for my appearance. Plans were laid that I would be picked up and make my entrance with bestie and one of the reigning SDGMs, Misti Ates. But upon turning onto Decatur after the Joan of Arc parade was lining up, bumper to bumper traffic meant on to plan B. A cab was called, as I still don’t quite understand this Uber thing, but I’m going to take a class on it or something soon. Well after twenty minutes of waiting it was onto plan C, my scooter. I check the wind, not too bad, I respray my good wig a few times, secure my evening bag on the handlebars, put on a fur coat, hiked up my full length gown, and off I went! I figured if the wig ended up a little wind blown, it would look more natural anyway, and I could always say I borrowed one of Princesse Stephaney’s. Upon arriving I hoped I would get compliments of either looking like Marilyn Monroe, had she made it to forty something, or maybe Madonna had she had better work done, but no what do I get, once again, Joan Rivers! Well, after seeing some of my pics I now welcome that comparison, as depending on the lighting, with one wrong angle I looked more like Rose Marie! For those too young to know who that is, Google it! To say the party was packed would be an understatement, there were so many gays there, you would’ve thought Cher and Tina Turner were both doing another farewell concert at the same venue. People were dressed in everything from formals to wild creative cos-
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harassment and arrest was very real and for this reason, much of Gay Carnival history has been lost to time and the closet. But that will soon [continued on 14] tumes. There were young, old, gay, straight, in betweens, rich, poor, and even Miss Love. Before I could mix with the crowd, I had to seek out my escort Misti to help with emergency body adjusting in the powder room. Seems going without a girdle or gaffe while riding a scooter wasn’t a great idea, as the layers of pantie hose were rolled into a not so flattering position, not to mention that I was no longer hiding my candy that well. I will say that after asking her to get up under my dress and pull for dear life we are now bonded for eternity! The Krewe of Queenateenas added a bit of royalty with their receiving line, complete with the kissing of The Pope of Bourbon’s ring, I did attempt to kiss it, now I will address my alleged ass kissing in future columns. Still reigning King Cake Queen Aubrey Synclaire looked stunning in her fishy subdued makeup, while she provided milk for white Russians from her own buxom breasts that were lactating profusely. I went for the punch that I had no idea was a bit spiked, until days later when I asked a another fellow columnists, Tony Leggio if I had seen him at the event, to which he replied, "Yes Queen, you were drunk!!! Don’t ever drink and drag again!" As the crowds thinned, somehow I found myself on the host’s bed with former SDGM Chad Boutte, dressed in bunny attire, ears nose and all, posing for pics and eating sliced ham and cheese, while listening to one of the youthful underwear models hired for the night plea to get him unbanned from one of my favorite places that feature the all male ballet I often refer to. Even in my now liquored up state, I somehow instinctively knew to leave him on his own. This turned out to be the wise choice, as he was to see to it that the party would later end on a most memorable note, involving bouncers from Las Vegas, a human tornado of sorts, EMS, firemen, state troopers, and possibly the FBI and INS. Needless to say it was a glorious start to the Mardi Gras season! And that my dahlins is The Real Cheese! Til next time, I’m Felicia Phillips, The Cheese Queen of New Orleans!
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under the gaydar ...from 12 change. Howard Smith, of the University of Southern California, has been researching this intriguing history for several years and is currently writing a book on the subject. Unveiling the Muse: Gay Carnival in New Orleans will be published later this year. FP: How did you get interested in Gay Carnival? HS: I used to live in New Orleans during the 1970s and 1980s. I attended gay balls periodically, but it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that I became caught up in the whirlwind. My close friend at the time was Garrett Stearns, who was involved with the AGGI Awards, which was sort of like the gay Oscars. He and I pledged that we would attend all the gay balls in 1985 by hook or crook. There were over a dozen gay krewes and it was very difficult to obtain invitations. Now you can buy tickets to some balls, but back then you had to know someone in each krewe. Garrett and I attended not only all the balls, but the after parties and King Cake parties and various krewe celebrations. I think for two months I lived in my car and a tuxedo! After I left New Orleans I came back every year to visit family and friends and wanted to know more about the balls. Nothing had ever been published, so I thought I would begin to contact people I knew who might help. FP: You’ve written an article on Gay Carnival for Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide for a number of years now. How did that come to be? HS: Wayne Phillips, Carnival curator at the Louisiana State Museum, was one of my principal contacts in my research on gay Carnival over the years. He had been working closely with Arthur Hardy and when Arthur mentioned that he wanted a piece for the Mardi Gras Guide on the Krewe of Petronius for their 50th anniversary, Wayne turned to me. I had all the information after years of research, including interviews with Mickey Gil and George Patterson, so I agreed. Arthur has been very interested in representing gay Carnival, and I’ve written pieces almost every year since then for him, all based on my extensive research. FP: Tell us about your upcoming book. What motivated you to write it? How long have you been working on it? What is its scope? HS: I must admit that my original project was not a history per se. My original plan was to write a fictional work. No one had attempted to capture the gay scene unique to New Orleans and I wanted to show how we had created our own world in New Orleans before the onslaught of AIDS with gay Carnival as a backdrop. This first book, entitled The Cult of the Mask: The Strange and Delectable History of Life Among the Sybarites (unpublished), ended in 1985 on the brink of this precipice. Needless to say, publishers
were not so keen on anything like that when I started over 16 years ago. Times have changed and when I decided to gather together all the articles I had written for the Mardi Gras Guide and New Orleans Magazine, I put together a new proposal and sent it out to publishers as a genuine history of gay Carnival from its inception to present day. I was encouraged to keep working on this project and it has evolved into the first serious look at this history. Unveiling the Muse: Gay Carnival in New Orleans should be out by the end of the year. FP: I understand you have conducted an extraordinary amount of primary research. Tell us about the research process. HS: I should write a book just on the subject of historical research. Even though I have a degree in history and have studied various methodologies for research over the years, I don’t think I was prepared for quite such a demanding and difficult task. Once I had located many of the invitations and documents concerning gay krewes, I began to piece together a time-line for gay Carnival. Next came a list of the krewes and the people involved. This was extremely difficult as names were seldom ever printed in ball programs for many decades, fearing police harassment or reprisals. Also many participants had died during the AIDS crisis or moved away from New Orleans permanently after Hurricane Katrina. For example, many of the programs for the Mystic Krewe of Apollo had beautiful artworks signed with the name “Joseph Talluto.” I looked on-line and saw three possible names and addresses for Talluto in New Orleans. I wrote to all three and luckily after a couple of weeks I received a phone call. It was Joseph Talluto’s brother Russell and I interviewed him the next time I was in New Orleans. I also used to stay in the New Orleans Guest House formerly run by Alvin Payne and Ray Cronk, who just happened to be former royalty from the Krewe of Petronius. They were able to fill in many of the early gaps in this history, and they knew Elmo Avet, a key figure in organizing the first krewes. I also try and substantiate any historical information with at least two reliable sources. This is not always possible, but it is imperative to have factual information when compiling a history such as this, and not rely on hearsay. Interviews with krewe members were of critical importance for this type of research, as you would imagine, but memory is not always perfect. I’ve found many times that I had to go back and correct dates and names when I’ve come across documents to verify the facts. FP: What is the most surprising thing you have discovered in your research? HS: My most surprising revelation was perhaps how interconnected gay
Carnival krewes were during the Golden Age of the 1980s. Even before this, many members were part of several krewes over the years. Of course, factions broke off and formed their own krewes, but gay Carnival was a thriving gay environment. In fact, they all got together and formed the Uniboard group, where representatives from all the krewes would meet annually and schedule all their fundraising events and, more importantly, the tableau balls, so there was no overlap. This year sees two gay balls falling on the same night. This would not have happened in the past because of the expert planning by the Uniboard FP: How has Gay Carnival changed over the decades? HS: Gay Carnival has certainly changed over the years. Originally, the balls were spoofs and focused mainly on drag and camp. But during the Golden Age, krewes produced professional quality tableaux beyond expectation. There was amazing choreography, masterful set design, and elaborate costumes that took almost an entire year to execute, with professional sketches and detailed scripts written for each ball. Music and artifice came together for a particular theme, like the “blues” for example, and they were spectacular presentations. The Mystic Krewe of Celestial Knights’ 1983 ball “Symphony in Blue” was a stunning masterpiece. Large memberships encouraged everyone to participate and even those who could not afford grandiose costumes could appear on stage as pages or attendants, which contributed to a more cohesive and top-notch presentation. FP: I think most people associate the gay krewes with gay, white males, but there have been / are lesbian and African-American krewes. Can you tell us a little bit about those? HS: Gay krewes and their original memberships mirrored the trends in society during the 1950s and 1960s. Although it was difficult, African Americans became part of the gay krewes as gay bars and social groups in general became more accepting. By the 1980s, African Americans were participating in older krewes, such as Amon-Ra, and in newer krewes, such as Polyphemus, which had two African Americans as their first king and queen. The Krewe of Somnus in 1981 was the first attempt at an all-black krewe, but the krewe fell apart early on. The Krewe of Mwindo was formed in 1999 and is still going strong. Based on an ancient African legend, Mwindo celebrates black gay pride with its mixed membership of both men and women. The only lesbian krewe was the Krewe of Ishtar also in 1981. New Orleans, as a gay haven in the mostly conservative South, was a magnet for lesbians and during the 1970s and 1980s there were many exclusively lesbian bars in the city, and even out in Metairie. This broad sup-
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port from thriving lesbian bars enabled the founding of the first lesbian krewe. The Krewe of Ishtar was an important krewe during the 1980s but was also impacted by infighting and AIDS, as their attention turned to care giving and fundraising for victims. By the late 1980s, Ishtar was gone and sadly the lesbian bars have disappeared as well. Today, I would applaud the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon, founded by Mickey Gil in the early 2000s, as an all-inclusive krewe, which no longer even has a captain to plan its balls, but rather a ball committee elected by members. This new type of krewe could be the future of gay Carnival, especially since they have prospered and presented sensational balls over the years and continue to maintain a diverse membership. FP: What do see in the future of Gay Carnival? HS: Gay Carnival in New Orleans has reached a crisis. Many people tell me that gay Carnival has lost its creative edge and that secret organizations such as this have outlived their importance, especially in light of the social advances enjoyed by the LGBTQ community today and, like it or not, social media. Lackluster balls are only part of the problem for the survival of gay Carnival. There needs to be a recommitment to continuing this tradition with a focus on what makes gay Carnival unique. Presenting balls that rehash local clichés may not be the way to ensure longevity. Great balls of the past channeled the fantastic and grandiose, such as references to Hollywood movies, French history, literature, cocktails, of all things, and children’s stories. Albert Carrey in the Krewe of Armeinius once presented a ball with the survivors of the lost city of Atlantis, not as people, but fantastic creatures. Perhaps we should channel the fantastic and dig deeper into our gay past and explore more difficult themes. The Radical Faeries for me continue to be a great source of inspiration. They are homo-centric and antiassimilation and proud of it. For the most part, I remain optimistic about gay Carnival. I think people now realize how important gay Carnival is to the vibrant history of New Orleans, not as something hidden and peripheral but as an integral and unique facet of this grand tradition. One thing that makes me sure that gay Carnival will survive in the long run is that younger gays are beginning to become involved with gay Carnival. Jacob Aaron Thomas, for example, has been a strong force in the Krewe of Petronius and has injected vitality into the group with his unstoppable energy. This new blood will definitely have an impact and I want to see more of this exciting spirit in all the krewes, shaking things up a bit, but at the same time honoring those who made such sacrifices to begin with and making a real contribution to this fascinating history.
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Mystic Krewe of Satyricon’s 14th Bal Masque "Le Bal des Beaux Arts: A Night at the Museum" @ Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center ~ Chalmette
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~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkeys
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Lulu Blackwell's Surprise Birthday Party in The Balcony Bar upstairs @ Lafitte's ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin
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Bartender Eric Dean Johnson's 50th Birthday Bash @ Phoenix ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
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Smiles at Bourbon Pub Parade’s Lipstixx
Host Persana Shoulders with Dominique DeLorean @ Show Club of the Year Oz
The Men of Mardi Gras Classic on stage @ Oz New Orleans
Emoni on stage with Lipstixx @ The Parade
Girls just wanna have fun @ Oz New Orleans
Miss Louisiana Leatherette Vanessa Carr live @ The Golden Lantern
Work it baby, work it @ Oz New Orleans Paris Manchester works the crowd during Lipstixx @ The Parade
Krewe of Nyxx Queen joins Jubilee @ The Golden Lantern
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Divas R Us under the direction of Monica Synclaire-Kennedy @ The Golden Lantern
The Dazzle of the Show Girls ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, PicsArt
Mr. Louisiana Leather Tim Goodman & Mr. Rawhide Mark Xavier present Flogging 101 Demonstration with Lord King Troy Powell as Instructor @ Rawhide 2010 ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: marsha@ripandmarsha.com
Chargrilled Oysters: Plump Louisiana oysters topped with Parmesan butter cheese filling & grilled to perfection @ Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St.
Dining in The Big Easy for Mardi Gras This 67th Gay Carnival brings the world to your feet 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 Besh Steak at Harrah’s New Orleans, 228 Poydras St., w w w. H a r r a h s N e w O r l e a n s . c o m , 504.533.6111, combines Chef John Besh’s devotion to local Louisiana ingredients and techniques to provide an unexpected twist on traditional steakhouse menu items. Open Sun.-Thurs. 5pm -10pm, and Fri. and Sat. 5pm-11pm. 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
Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
Boudin Scotch Eggs - soft cooked egg wrapped with Cajun boudin, served on a nest of braised collard greens @ The Bombay Club, 830 Conti St.
eclectic menu of British-Cajun fare, quality craft cocktails & unique martinis. Enjoy live 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. Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., www.TheCheezyCajun.com, 265.0045, is NOLA's newest full restaurant and deli serving a variety of Cajun foods including Boudin and Cracklins’ mixed with a variety of Wisconsin Cheeses, plus fab party trays. Open Lunch & Dinner 11am - 8pm Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri., closed on Wed., Brunch & Lunch 10am - 4pm Sat. & Sun. 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. Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville, 581.4141; Bucktown: 1713
Bayou Scampi (shrimp sauteed in wine, garlic & fresh tomatoes with jazzmen rice) @ Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie
House made Cracklin's, Boudin Balls & Pickles Party Tray @ Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude
BBQ Shrimp & Waffles: Toasted garlic, poblano pepper jelly, and hopitoulas cream @ Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres
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World Famous Hamburger @ Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St. Oysters Earl (fresh Gulf oysters baked with aged asiago cheese & applewood smoked bacon) @ Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans
Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies optional) @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
14oz Chappapeela Farms Duroc pork chop with corn & jumbo lump crab orzo “risotto” @ Besh Steak at Harrah’s New Orleans (Photo by Graham Blackall)
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
BBQ Shrimp @ Deanie's Seafood, French Quarter: 841 Iberville; Bucktown: 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Sleeping Beauty at Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré through Feb. 14
chop chop ...from 25 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. 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. Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.com,"brings cus-
Sloppy Roast Beef Po-Boy @ Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Special with Mac & Cheese, Potato Salad, Peas & Texas Toast @ Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave. tomers back to the Huey P. Long era with vintage-inspired cocktails & unique Creole and Southern dishes. Join us for dinner, or meet up with friends to relax at our cocktail bar.” Welcoming sports fans and food lovers alike, Manning’s Restaurant, 519 Fulton St., 504.593.8118, www.manningsneworleans.com, offers a menu featuring shareable favorites, hand held classics and other craveable game day inspired items. Open Sun.-Thurs. 11am10pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and
I’ve never seen a panto, that traditional program of tomfoolery beloved by the British that turns up each Christmas season throughout England and usually retells a classic fairy tale with song, buffoonery, slapstick, in-jokes, audience participation, and winking innuendo. But I worked on a musical, Poppy, by Monty Norman and the esteemed British playwright Peter Nichols that used the form of the panto to relate the story of the BritishChinese Opium Wars. It won the West End’s Olivier Award for Best Musical in 1984, but, perhaps understandably, never made it over to this side of the Atlantic. So I was quite intrigued when Le Petit announced that it would be doing Sleeping Beauty, an “original American Panto” written by Jon Greene whose production of Faustus last year had greatly impressed me. It’s just the kind of adventuresome programming that the dowager lady of St. Peter Street needs. As with any panto, Greene has taken the basic Sleeping Beauty story and reconstituted it to allow for local jokes, current events references, puns, and an older female character, or “pantomime dame”, played by a man in drag; signs cue the audience to call out various catchphrases at appropriate times. All well & good, and quite a bit of fun. I just wish the production was funnier, tighter or both. Greene gets in some good lines but he doesn’t sustain them the way Varla Jean Merman or Bianca Del Rio do in their shows. This Beauty takes a while to get going and a certain talkiness substiThe Classic Archie Burger with tutes for dramatic tension to move the plot
crispy fried bacon and cheddar cheese @ Manning’s Restaurant, 519 Fulton St.
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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. Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com, is a casual classic, offering fresh-shucked oysters and fresh local seafood in a setting that follows the best traditions of dining in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter.
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RAWHIDE 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM VOODOO LOUNGE, 718 N. Rampart, 265.0953
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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 [is1915]
circuit/events 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 Dec. 26, 2015-Jan. 1, 2017 Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.com
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Houston, TX [713] NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON, 11410 Hempstead Hwy., 677.0828, www.neonbootsclub.com
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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, www.phoenixbarnola.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
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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] 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 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
restaurants Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] Besh Steak at Harrah’s New Orleans, 228 Poydras St., www.HarrahsNewOrleans.com, 504.533.6111 The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, 577.2237, www.bombayclubneworleans.com Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, 819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http://broussards.com Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., 265.0045, www.TheCheezyCajun.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 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 Manning’s Restaurant, 519 Fulton St., 504.593.8118, www.manningsneworleans.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
Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com
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
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
Advertising Info 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Bartender of the Month What I love about writing this article are the amazing people I meet. Personally I believe bartenders are some of the most fascinating people to interview. They are personable, always have great stories to share and just are downright fun to be around. My bartender of the month for February is truly one of those gems. I am talking about Dakota Hunter from the Four Seasons Bar located at 3229 North Causeway in Metairie. Dakota Hunter or his sister Miss Dakota Spring has been a Gulf Coast Queen since the age of 17 in Jacksonville, Florida. Miss Spring has performed all over the Gulf South but the past 10 years has been in Biloxi, Shreveport and now proudly calling New Orleans my home. Dakota was prompted to trek to New Orleans at the urging of a good friend who he considers a brother. His friend was left stranded in NOLA during Hurricane Katrina and Dakota made a promise to him just before they lost cell phone service and I quote, “I don’t care if I have to walk, boat or swim... I’m coming to find you once the worst of the storm has passed and you better still be f*cking breathing!” He held true to the promise and found him safe and sound, and then he decided to make a go of it here in New Orleans. As a bartender (and performer) Dakota is a true professional in every sense of the word. His signature and most wellknown shot is the SoCo Sweet Tart. But his favorite shot to drink while bartending is Cactus Juice. Dakota has performed and bartended all over the Fruit Loop; from Cafe Lafitte, Oz, The Corner Pocket, Cowpokes, The Bourbon Pub and last but not least my home bar (after Katrina) Starlight by The Park. I was Madam Adam Hawkins partner in crime along with Sandy Phillips and Rikki Redd. Those are some great blasts from the past. I always like to ask bartenders what is their favorite drink and Dakota’s is a Madres with lime. When he is not working you will find him at Kajun’s Pub for Karaoke, Phoenix for Billiards, The Four Seasons (of course) and The Korner Lounge as well as Central Station both located in Shreveport, LA. He is also very active with the Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans. He is their Community Outreach Coordinator in addition to singing in the choir. What I find so refreshing with Dakota is that he has a humble personality. Picture a sassy Southern Belle with mad mixology skills all wrapped up in a very hot package. So come belly up to his bar and let him create a special shot or drink for you in a drama free environment. He credits bar barons Gary and Tip from the Four Seasons and another one of my favorite bartenders there Jake Morris for giving him the encouragement and confidence to get back behind the bar and keep his passion for bartending and this community alive. To be honest he says, “The MCC and The Four Seasons has saved my life in ways they don’t even know.” Now this is a guy I want taking care of me when I feel like drinking.
Bartender of the Month, Dakota Hunter, Four Seasons, Metairie
Hot Happenings Carnival is here! And was it a quick season this year, so many balls, parades and parties all packed into a little over one month. But as we count down to the big day, here are just a few of the hot happenings. Friday, February 5, 2016 Wave your magic wand! The 2016 Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Ball is almost here. With the theme “Once Upon A Twisted Time,” this year’s event is bringing you a wild and wicked world of fairy tales, fiends and fantasies. The event is from 9pm – midnight at The Cannery (3803 Toulouse St). Wear your best take on a “twisted” fairy tale character for the costume contest ... Be dazzled by a magical evening of music, dancing, great food and a fabulous open bar ... Bid on fantastic items in their outstanding auction ... And experience special pampering for VIP guests! Shuttle service from the French Quarter is available, plus plenty of secure parking onsite. This event benefits LGBTQ causes and HIV services right here in New Orleans. For tickets and more information, go to www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com. Saturday, February 6, 2016 Come enjoy DRAG BRUNCH at the Country Club (634 Louisa St.) from 10am to 3pm. Call to reserve a table at 504.945.0742. Experience a new kind of brunch this Mardi Gras season with delicious food, $15 Bottomless Mimosas, BuildYour-Own Bloody Mary Bar and fabulous performances by The Southern Barbitchuates. Saturday, February 6, 2016 Come see the fabulous Krewe of Armeinius put on the 2016 Armeinius Bal Masque XLVIII - "Beauty and the Beast" at the Frederick Sigur Center (8245 W. Judge Perez) in Chalmette. Come see New Orleans’ largest gay krewe put on the greatest spectacle of the year. An Armeinius Bal Masque is the stuff of dreams are made of and this year see the beastly side to Mardi Gras. Shuttles from the French Quarter and Marigny will be available to the ball. Get your tickets early to this incredible once in a lifetime event. Come see celebrity per-
sonalities such as Varla Jean Mermen, Michael Sullivan, and the RuPaul Drag Race and hilarious singing sensation Willam Belli. Doors open at 7pm and the ball starts at 8pm. For more information or tickets, go to www.armeinius.org. Sunday, February 7, 2016 Join the Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leather as they cruise their way through exotic ports of call in celebration of 33 years of “Leather, Love and Laughter” at Bal Masque XXXIII: "There’s No Cure Like Travel" on Sunday, February 7. Rupaul’s Drag Race Season Six winner Bianca Del Rio and Mobile, AL television personality Darwin Singleton will serve as your tour guides for an evening sure to be remembered. Doors open at 7pm and the tableaux begins promptly at 8pm. This year’s festivities will be at the John A. Alario, Sr. Event Center, 2000 Bayou Segnette Blvd in Westwego, LA. Dress code: formal leather attire, black tie, floor length gowns or Bal Masque costume. Ticket sales are now open at www.lordsofleather.org. Tuesday, February 9, 2016 The 52nd Annual Bourbon Street Awards show, the ultimate costume contest, takes place at noon. Oz New Orleans presents this fantastic contest sponsored by Ambush Magazine right in front Oz on Bourbon Street. Award category prizes are worth a total of $3,000 and include: Best Drag, Best Leather, Best Group and Best of Show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category. First place in each category wins $500 cash. The Best Overall Costume, the grandest award of all, garners a whopping $1,000 cash prize. Celebrity emcees will feature the talents of world famous, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner Bianca Del Rio and New Orleans’ Blanche Debris. Oz, located at 800 Bourbon Street, has won both Dance Club and Show Club of the Year by popular vote of Ambush Magazine readers for many years. Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Celebrating the 67th Gay Mardi Gras, Aubrey Synclaire will lead the 29th Annual Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss beginning at 2pm. It all takes place from the worldfamous balcony at Ambush Mansion, 828 Bourbon Street, between Oz and Bourbon Pub Parade, and Cafe Lafitte in Exile and Clover Grill. The 22nd King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras is the first in history to continue her reign into a second year returning as Queen of the Opera: Act II. CoCaptains of the Krewe of Queenateenas added this interesting twist to this short Carnival season. Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Mardi Gras has officially ended so where do you go. You head over to the OFFICIAL Mardi Gras RECOVERY DAY BRUNCH from 10am to 3pm at The Country Club (634 Louisa St.). Come grab a daiquiri and a float in the pool and get ready for spring. Tuesday – Sunday, February 16 – 21, 2016 Let’s get kinky at The Saenger Theatre (1111 Canal Street). KINKY BOOTS is the exhilarating Broadway musical that will lift your spirits to new high-heeled heights. Winner of 6 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, this inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to
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turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. Inspired by a true story, KINKY BOOTS features a joyous, Tony®-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, direction and Tonywinning choreography by Jerry Mitchell and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. This new musical is the winner of 6 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and Best Original Score and has the biggest heart on Broadway. Showtimes are Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm. For tickets and more information, go to www.saengernola.com. Thursday, February 18, 2016 Mardi Gras may be over but the sordid times do not end. Come out and see DEL SHORES SINgularly SORDID at the Allways Lounge (2240 St Claude Ave). Del Shores, the creator of Sordid Lives the hit comedy film from 2000, is back with all new hysterical, sordid stories. Del discusses the unexpected comedy of returning to the world of dating after divorce in your 50s. Tinder, Grindr, Scruff, OkCupid—oh, sh*t, sometimes it’s just too damn much! He shares a litany of bad dates and the trials and tribulations of being on the prowl again when you are a “minor gay celebrity”. The censors will be absent, F bombs will fly and if you are easily offended—stay home. For more information, go to www.DELSHORES.TIX.COM. Saturday, February 20, 2016 The cast of Exotique presents 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 contact me via messenger at John Joseph Delgadillo or email me at cuttingedgediva@yahoo.com.
Party Down Mardi Gras has finally arrived in all its glory and revelry. It was a very quick season this year; if you blinked you missed it. Now we move onto the rest of the year and guess what more parties. My last two
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under the gaydar ...from 30 weeks was filled with royalty, theatre (lots if it) and parades so here we go. My first week was all work; my parties began on Saturday with the Armeinius Royalty Party at Charles Tuberville’s lovely home in Algiers Point. Charles gorgeous manse was the perfect setting to celebrate the incoming king and queen of the ball Scott Spivey and John Pfeifer. Royalty abounded as they unveiled the new poster for the ball entitled "Beauty and the Beast." It was a splendid night to stand on the wraparound balcony with a panoramic view of the city illuminated and toast the new royals. There was King Cake aplenty and lots of well-wishes. With all this excitement I cannot wait to see the ball this year. Afterwards some friends and I went to Mid-City to catch the tail end of the Litter Box Review, hosted by the always sassy Kitty D’Litter. Her and her cast brought the fierceness with every song. Whether she is doing a show tune or a rock ballad, Kitty delivers a riveting performance. And Tulane Avenue Bar is in the process of undergoing major renovations transforming it into a cabaret style club. They have already opened their kitchen and are servings some great bar grub. On Sunday, I attended my first theatrical production "Ditzyland" starring Ricky Graham, Sean Patterson and the wonderful Varla Jean Merman. The theatre offerings so far this year have been very exceptional and this has to be one of the best shows I have seen. It is quick-witted, bawdy and downright hysterical. The ensemble cast has struck gold with this show that turns Disney on its head. Varla is the ideal off-color Princess for this parody that had me laughing in the aisles along with the others in the packed show at Café Istanbul. From the original score that has songs that are peppy and dirty at the same time to the quick change array of costumes, "Ditzyland" delivers on all fronts. Stay tuned because it was so successful they are bring it back to Rivertown in late February. I kept the theatre train rolling on Monday of the next week when I attended "Late: A Cowboy Song" at the Old Marquer Theatre in the Marigny. This play done by Sarah Ruhl was a quirky comedy that had some clever lines and good actors. The following night, I attended a powerfully wonderful musical that had the audiences signing along and dancing in the aisles at the end. "Motown" was at the Saenger Theatre and it is a definite must see on musical lovers’ lists. I was lucky to be invited by the Hotel Monteleone to join them
for a pre-show reception at the hotel followed by the play. The musical is about the rise of Berry Gordy and Motown records from its inception to the 25th anniversary celebration. It was all about the music that we all loved growing up, but also dealt with the amazing story of a man who beat all the odds to create a music empire amid all the racial tensions of the time. On Thursday, I was back in the theatre again, this time to see "Sleeping Beauty" at Le Petit Theatre. This uniquely twisted fairy tale was fun for all ages (albeit a little too long). And it is a joy anytime I get to see the delightful Mr. Bob Eades in drag. Friday was the start of my ball season with the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon’s 14th Bal Masque entitled "Le Bal des Beaux Arts: A Night at the Museum" at the Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. All the balls are so different in their own way and have so much to offer attendees. I was lucky enough to have a table at the ball which I won in the krewe’s silent auction they held on 12th Night. What is so much fun about Satyricon is the guests are also allowed to costume and some of the audience members looks just as good as those on the stage. My table had a blast joking and enjoying the raucousness. Every ball has a show stopping costume for me and this year it was Carl Mack’s Erte complete with the glittered dog. Congrats to Queen Carl and King Darric on their reign. Saturday was all about the parades, Krewe du Vieux and Krewe of Delusion. The Marigny was abuzz with activity as people had open houses to celebrate these first few parades of the season. My first stop of the night was Adikus Sulpizi and his husband David’s home. Adikus is part owner of Two Guys Cutting Hair which is a fabulous barber in the Marigny; he was also Grand Marshal of Gay Pride and a host of other titles as well as being the voice of Mr. Friendly. Mr. Friendly is an international, grassroots movement to reduce stigma of HIV, encourage testing for HIV, and improve quality of life for those living with HIV. Mr. Friendly encourages everyone to have open, honest and educated conversation about HIV with uplifting messages and zero scare tactics. There was a nice crowd of hot men folk gathered to celebrate the parade, as well as enjoy libations and great food from the fabulous new place in the Bywater, The Cheezy Cajun (their cracklins are like candy). Afterwards, I went to my friend Laura Tennyson’s home before the parade and for her After Vieux party which has turned into a throw down dance house party. You have to love those nights. Because of the festivities I channeled my favorite singer Adele and dressed accordingly. Needless to say with all the excitement and revelry, my Sunday was spent on the couch recuperating. Sometimes you need those days. Until next time, stay safe, have fun and get you Mardi Gras on!
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book review Lords of Misrule: Mardi Gras and the Politics of Race in New Orleans James Gill. 1997. University Press of Mississippi. ISBN: 0-87805-915-6. 303 pages. by Frank Perez Although this book was first published almost twenty years ago, it remains a classic and is worth a re-read. Personally, I read it every January in preparation of Shrove Tuesday. The impetus for the book was New Orleans City Councilwoman Dorothy Mae Taylor’s controversial 1991 proposal to deny parade permits to krewes whose memberships were segregated on the basis of race. The proposed ordinance touched off a firestorm of controversy and exposed a white-hot tangle of racial nerves not seen in New Orleans since Union forces occupied the city after the Civil War. Although the proposed ordinance would affect all of the city’s krewes, it was specifically geared at the oldest, most exclusive ones—Comus, Rex, Momus, and Proteus. These organizations were (and still are) comprised city’s wealthiest, white male elite. And while Rex was more liberal than the others (which is not saying much), Comus, Momus, and Proteus refused membership to non-whites, Jews, anyone of Italian heritage, and even the descendants of those whose forbears voted Republican during Reconstruction. When the nondiscrimination ordinance passed, Rex agreed to lighten up and continued to roll on Mardi Gras but the other three refused. Proteus eventually resumed its parade but Momus and Comus have not. Gill uses the contentious City Council hearings as a springboard to explore the origins of modern Mardi Gras—the old krewes and their attendant luncheon clubs and the advent of float parades. With thorough research and great detail, Gill shows how these krewes were and are “The Old South on Parade.” But Mardi Gras was celebrated in New Orleans long before the Confederacy existed. Most histories of Carnival date the modern celebration to founding of Comus in 1857; Gill, however, correctly and necessarily discusses Carnival in New Orleans in the French and Spanish Colonial periods and as well as in the early American period prior to the Civil War. Lords of Misrule is an excellent book on the history of Carnival in New Orleans as well as a fascinating study in the city’s complex social structure, especially with regard to race. It is especially timely now in light of the City Council’s recent decision to remove four Confederate monuments. One of those monuments, the one erected by the White League to commemorate the Battle of Liberty Place, is the subject of one of the book’s most intriguing chapters. James Gill is a writer and columnist who worked for the Times-Picayune before joining the staff of the Advocate. In addition to writing Lords of Misrule, he is also the author of Racecourses of Great Britain.
Next Deadline Wed., Feb. 10th - 504.522.8049
trodding the boards ...from 26 along. If Greene scores with delectable puns like “the Prince formerly known as an artist” and pedicabs that magically appear, he also throws in references to One Hundred Years of Solitude and Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini that don’t have any real comic payoff. Greene co-directed Beauty with Le Petit Artistic Director Maxwell Williams and neither seem to have the requisite deft touch when it comes to humor. A sequence involving “I know where you got your shoes” goes on too long and the first act finale, a Mack Sennett-esque chase, requires a much sharper focus to maximize its effect. I realize comedy can be challenging. And I admire Le Petit for even attempting something like this without, so far as I know, any workshops to get the kinks out. Had they done so, they might have discovered that using “W.C.” (or “water closet”, the British equivalent of “bathroom”) prevents a joke from landing as most people here aren’t familiar with the term. Still, the audience call’n’response energizes things and kids’ spontaneous exclamations add charm. Though Greene and Williams are relatively new to the city, they’ve done their homework tossing in jokes not only about Sazeracs and the nextdoor restaurant Tableau, but the trains that can hold up traffic at Press Street. That Greene seems to want to give his script some gravitas with a princess who has a feminist streak and the prince’s quest to find his true self (shades of Pippin) is all well and good, but much better is the Frog who arrives in the second act, marvelously played by Andrew Vaught, who adds an anarchic streak that this Beauty could use more of. In addition to Vaught, the entire cast gets every laugh they can out of the script. Bob Edes takes on the “pantomime dame” role as the down-on-her-luck Widow Chockablock and anyone who has seen him in La Cage aux Folles, The Producers, or any of his Running With Scissors drag roles will not be surprised that he’s perfect, finding every little nuance of wounded pride and ridiculous vanity that Greene gives to the character. West End producers should consider engaging him for next December’s panto season. Seriously. Jessica Lozano makes a terrific narcoleptic Princess Calliope reminding me a bit of Olive Oyl but with a tougher, more determined style. In a variety of roles, including Dudley J. Storyteller and a Disney representative ever protective of their copyright, Keith Claverie ranges from droll to sternly officious, always utilizing his expert comic talents to fullest effect. Traditionally, the “principal boy” part, typically the prince or leading male role, is played by a dashing woman, requiring a very specific type; think Juliet Prowse or Julie Andrews in Victor Victoria. It’s not an easy role to cast; for Poppy we auditioned many well-known, award-winning actresses and couldn’t find quite the right one. Greene wisely thus omitted this part and instead, he and Williams did something almost as subversive as gender-bending by casting Rahim Glaspy, an African American actor, in the juvenile lead role as the goofy but driven Prince Stewart. Of course it shouldn’t be subversive, but such colorblind casting hasn’t always been the case
here. Glaspy, who’s been seen at Dillard University and more recently in a fine turn in last year’s The Cradle Will Rock, comes into his own here, playing straight man to Edes’ Widow and Claverie’s tricksters, balancing seriousness and mock-seriousness as the Prince seeks his purpose, and recalibrating that purpose as he discovers that Calliope wants a friend rather than a swashbuckling knight. Throughout Beauty, Glaspy nails the panto style, giving a winning performance both silly and sophisticated. As the evil Queen Malifica and her lackey, Mary Pauley and Alex Smith do well but have the weakest material to work with, their nefarious plotting more labored than the cunning fun it should be. Kathleen Van Horn’s costumes, however, add the proper flair to all the characters; in the second act, after Chockablock has come into some money, Edes’ blue and pink gown looks like a magnificent explosion in a cotton candy factory. Theodore Fogleman’s sound design contributes sly humor throughout the show particularly when a certain doorbell is pushed. Le Petit is to be commended for presenting a new American play and there’s enough good stuff in Sleeping Beauty that it warrants the possibility of return visits. With some additional work, it could live happily ever after.
Metropolitan Opera HD Encore/Lulu at AMC Elmwood Palace 20 through May 4 In William Kentridge’s wildly imaginative production of Lulu, there is so much going on that The Metropolitan Opera’s HD camera couldn’t capture all of it. That is said as an observation, not a criticism. For if that is the price we had to pay to experience the full three acts of Alban Berg’s modern masterpiece here (only the two-act version has been seen locally, nearly 50 years ago), so be it. Sexual tension and jealousy permeate Lulu, and its title character, first created for the stage by playwright Franz Wedekind, is one of the great femme fatales, a victim and victimizer in a dog-eat-dog amoral world. Kentridge’s German Expressionisminspired images appropriately place this Lulu in the 1920s Weimar Republic. You get the feeling that Cabaret will be taking place down the block in about ten years. I would just question Kentridge’s multimedia approach in the final desperate scene; by then Lulu’s fortunes have plummeted and a different visual style might have been more fitting. As always, the Met’s HD broadcast, which I caught on its Wednesday night Encore airing a few days after the live showing, provided not only the opera itself, up-close and personal, but fascinating interviews during intermissions. Acclaimed soprano Deborah Voigt hosted and spoke to Marlis Petersen, the evening’s Lulu, who said, among other insights, that Kentridge is “a visual man, who sees many more things than others do.” Peter Gelb, the Met’s General Manager, then shared a conversation he had with Kentridge who commented that “Lulu can’t be pinned down to one thing, the character evolves in an ongoing process throughout the opera.” Lulu is a work that
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deals with obsessive desire, and the explosive ink that Kentridge uses in his projections he described as “a metaphor for the blood of the characters.” The opera’s two intermissions allowed Voigt to speak to conductor Lothar Koenigs, who gave a commanding account of the 12tone score, and all the featured singers, including Lake Charles’ Paul Groves, each of whom sang the gripping, astringent music superbly. It was nice to see Susan Graham, after coming offstage as the giving yet needy lesbian Countess Geschwitz whom Lulu toys with, chatting and palling around with her good friend Voigt. Although Petersen could still toss off the score’s many high notes with ease, the camera’s close-ups unfortunately took away the illusion of youthfulness that is an essential part of Lulu’s allure. The 47-year-old soprano wisely retired this role from her repertoire after the Met’s run while still at the top of her game. A very attractive woman, from some angles Petersen looked a bit like Julie Andrews in Victor Victoria; hmmm, perhaps future parts for her include the “principal boy” in pantos? Metropolitan Opera HD has three Puccini operas coming up—Turandot (Feb. 3), Manon Lescaut whose final act is set near New Orleans (Mar. 5 and 9) and Madama Butterfly (Apr. 2 and 6). But I’m especially looking forward to Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux (Apr. 16 and 20) starring Sondra Radvanovsky as Queen Elizabeth I, along with Matthew Polenzani as Devereux, Elina Garanca and Mariusz Kwiecien. It’s never been done at the Met before and if it’s as wonderful as Anna Bolena, the opener in Donizetti’s Tudor trilogy, was four years ago, and I expect it will be, it should be thrilling.
Broadway in New Orleans/Motown: The Musical at The Saenger Theatre thru June 19 I expected to enjoy the music at Motown: The Musical—after all, SO many classics came out of that hit factory—and I did. What surprised me was that (1) the arrangements were close but not slavish recreations of the originals which allowed one’s ears to be engaged and prevented the show from being a mere jukebox musical, and (2) the book by Berry Gordy, adapted from his autobiography, while hardly great dramatic literature, was still solid enough to provide an engrossing framework for the songs as it included some, if not all, of his shortcomings; unless you’re a complete Motown devotee, you’re likely to wonder “What happened next?” as fortunes and relationships rise and fall over 30+ years. The entire cast, quickly changing in and out of a fabulous array of periodinspired costumes (by Esosa) and wigs (Charles G. LaPointe), was uniformly excellent. The show is coming back to Broadway in July. If you missed it here, it’s well worth checking out for an entertaining night in the Big Apple. The sparkly Kinky Boots strides in just as we should be fully recovered from Mardi Gras for a February 16-21 run. This Cyndi Lauper/Harvey Fierstein musical depicts how a spunky drag queen saves a down-on-its-luck shoe factory. Should provide the perfect dose of fabulousness to cure post-Carnival blues.
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Mitch Landrieu portrayed in Krewe du Vieux Parade
The faces behind the Southern Barbitchuates on the prowl
Nick with The Cheese Queen of New Orleans Felicia Phillips doing Zingo @ The Corner Pocket
Joseph, Tony, Mike & Krischen welcome you to Good Friends Bar Matt & Grand Reveler II Will @ The Double Play
The first ladies of the Four Seasons Gary & Tip join James for Golden Lantern’s Jubilee
ambush
Bartender’s Drew & Wilhemina with barback Richard @ The Golden Lantern
paparazzi
Aaron joins Barry Bareass Dance Contest @ Corner Pocket Charlie Bear joins Lafitte’s world famous bartender Jeffrey Palmquist
Playing Trash Disco favorites @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Bartender’s Rob & Anthony with Corner Pocket bar baron Michael
Armeinius Royalty Party on the West Bank
Butch, Bradley & Cindy join the Lipstixx show @ Parade
Cocktailing @ the Bourbon Pub Parade
Nicole DuBois in Jubilee @ The Golden Lantern All smiles @ Oz New Orleans
Gerry cooking up specials @ Quartermaster
Dancers William & Allen @ The Corner Pocket
Sunday Funday shopping @ LGBT Business of the Year Bourbon Pride
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King Cake Queen Aubrey & Paris incognito with Dustin @ The Golden Lantern
The Social Scene ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Jeremy Weinberg
Jeff, aka Varla Jean, with friends for Sunday Funday @ Oz
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Happy Mardi Gras with Lee & Stevie
It’s Carnival Time ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
Miss Vanessa Vogue @ B-Bob’s
Jason & Travis @ Order of Osiris (OOO) Ball
m obile paparazzi
Miss Order of Zeus 2016 Jawakatema Davenport
The one and only.. Jayme @ OOO Ball
Michael with World Famous Candi Stratton as Cher @ B-Bob’s Hello Shey & Tyler
B-Bob’s Mr. Jerry celebrating Mardi Gras
DJ Amanda & Judson @ Flip Side Patio Bar
Miss Cie & Company @ OOO Ball
Girls @ Order of Osiris Ball
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