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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
6th Sponsorship Party Raises Whopping $10,370 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends Easter Grand Marshals XVII Ken GrandPre and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy kicked off the festivities for the 17th Gay Easter Parade raising a whopping $10,370! The 6th annual Sponsorship Party hosted at The Corner Pocket was an afternoon celebrating the reason for the season, Food for Friends. Sponsors enjoyed complimentary cocktails, a seafood buffet catered by Houcine Harrabi courtesy of the Foods for Friends kitchen, and a jeweled bunny pin donated by Easter Grand Marshal XVI Deja Deja-Vue’. A special salute to our generous sponsors including: PRESENTING: Ambush Magazine; PLATINUM $1,000: James Garner & EGM XVII Monica SynclaireKennedy/The Golden Lantern; GOLD $500: In Honor of EGM XIII Darwin Reed and EGM VII Opal Masters Wedding, EGM XII Gary Vandeventer, Wedon Brown & Troy Quint/Something Different NOLA, Noel Twilbeck & Glen Kahrman, EGM VIII Michael Elias & EGM XIV Tommy Elias/ The Corner Pocket, EGM XVII Ken GrandPre/GrandPre's, Joann & Lisa Guidos/Kajun's Pub, Scott Vincent & Scott McRae; SILVER $250: Krewe of Amon-Ra, Dwain Hertz & Eugene Theriot/Gene's Po-Boys, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon, EGM XV Todd Blauvelt, EGM XV Stuart Nettles & EGM IX Safonda Peters, Bradley Latham, Daniel Morvant & Jon Taylor, Jeff Bater & Tim Irving, EGM XIII Rhonda Roget & David Roget; BRONZE $100: GrandPre's Saints Games Fundraiser, Four Seasons Turnabout Show, Paul Melancon, Michael Bingham, Bryon Anderson & Jimmy Mondoro, Butch & Cindy Peno, Robert Cook & John Zeringue, EGM II Larry Bagneris, Jr, EGM X Tony Leggio, In Memory of EGM X Marcy Marcel, EGM XIV Starr Daniels & Justin Moffatt, EGM XVI Misti Ates/Johnny Passion, Sam Stewart, June Pennick, Charles Click, Peter & Frank Abbruscato, Philip A. Palumbo/Felicia Phillips, Jeremy Weinberg, Lee Worrells, Anonymous, Helene Berot; and VENUE/In-Kind: Corner Pocket, Double Play, EGM XVI Deja Deja-Vue’, Four Seasons, GrandPre's, House of Blues/Voodoo Garden, Oz New Orleans, Larry Graham-GrahamStudioOne.com. Sponsorships are still available. Get your form at www.GayEasterParade.com. Sponsorships raised $9,649 with 1,000.00 Platinum, 4,025.00 Gold, 2,250.00 Silver, and 2,374.00 Bronze. It also raised 721.00 with 390.00 from 50/50 Raffle, 150.00 Easter Basket Auction from Hubert S Monkeys, 105.00 from buffet/ donations, and 76.00 from EGM XVII Monica Synclaire-Kennedy's performance. Expenses included: 620.00 sponsor cocktails, 195.00 50/50 Raffle winner, and 49.15 Wrist Bands. Total raised was 10,370.00 minus 864.15 expenses leaving a balanced
inside
BIG St. Patrick's Day/Easter issue due out March 15 DEADLINE: Tues., March 8
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raised of 9,505.85. Parade revenues minus expenses benefits Food for Friends. The Food For Friends (FFF) Program of NO/ AIDS Task Force has been supplying groceries, household/personal care products, and home delivered meals to clients and their families in the greater New Orleans area for over two decades. FFF is one of the 38 programs that NO/AIDS Task Force offers to the HIV and AIDS infected and affected community. NO/AIDS has been serving the community for over 30 years.
Join Gay Easter Parade's Last 5 Fundraisers on Mar. 5 Don't miss out on the last 5 official fundraising events hosted by the 17th Gay Easter Parade. Funds raised minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, a vital agency of the NO/AIDS Task Force. A whopping $231,674.73 has been raised for charity the past 14 years. Ken GrandPre and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy will lead the parade as Easter Grand Marshals XVII on Sunday, March 27th through the streets of the French Quarter. Fundraising events include: > Saturday, March 5th, 8-10pm @ Oz, 800 Bourbon St., 15th Super StarStudded Drag Extravaganza starring Easter Grand Marshals, Carnival Royalty & Celeb Queens hosted by GEP Board's Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, $10 door donation. VIP tables for 4 $100 (call Rip @ 504.522.8049 for table reservations. It's all on one stage one night only! You can't miss the “Man I Feel Like A Woman” put Grand Reveler II Will Antil in Drag auction. King Cake Queen XXII Aubrey Synclaire will be our special drag technician. Then there is the giant Easter Basket auction with $1,000 in prizes and even more auctions. Join celebrity emcee's Tony Leggio (Easter Grand Marshal X) and Ken GrandPre (Easter Grand Marshal XVII). You will see incredible performances by Marsha Naquin-Delain (Easter Grand Marshal I, King Cake Queen XV), Aubrey Synclaire (King Cake Queen XXII, SDGM XL), Barbara Ella (King Amon-Ra LI, King Cake Queen XXI), Adrienne Andrews (Queen Armeinius XLVIII), Kitty D’Litter (Queen Petronius LV), Marshall Harris & Becky Allen (King & Queen Satyricon XIII), Teryl-Lynn Foxx (Easter Grand Marshal III, King Cake Queen X), Princesse Stephaney (Easter Grand Marshal V, King Cake Queen XIV), Deja Deja-Vue’ (Easter Grand Marshal XVI), and Misti Ates (Easter Grand Marshal XVI). Kyle Robin (Lord Consort XXXIII) will be guest auctioneer. > Friday, March 11th, 8-10pm @ Four Seasons, 3229 N. Causeway, Metairie, 14th Spring Fever Extravaganza, with Fab Auctions, Basket of
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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
Love, city’s top entertainment and door prizes, hosted by GEP Board's Electra City & Tittie Toulouse, $10 door donation; > Saturday, March 12th, 8-10pm @ GrandPre’s, 834 N. Rampart, 8th Eggstravaganza with Fab Auctions, Bunny Boys, Drown A Drag Queen, and The Stars hosted by GEP Board's Darwin Reed & Opal Masters, $10 door donation. The incredible auctions include an Easter Basket worth over $800 in li-
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the "official" dish ...from 4 quor and prizes, plus a 50/50 Raffle, and Jello Shots. And who can forget the outrageous Drown a Drag Queen Auction featuring “Lana Luscious” aka EGM XVII Ken GrandPre! Yes, in the shower she goes... get your bids ready! The stars include Easter Grand Marshals XVII Monica SynclaireKennedy, EGM XVI Deja Deja-Vue’, Felicia Phillips, Bootsie Deville, Clorox Bleachman and the Playboy Bunny Boys. > Saturday, March 19th, 8-10pm @ Double Play, 439 Dauphine St., 17th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception hosted by GEP Board of Directors; and > Friday, March 25th, 7-9:30pm @ House of Blues: Voodoo Garden, 7th Bunnies in The Big Easy, $35 Ticket includes Food, Vodka Drinks, Wine, Beer, DJ & the fabulous Bunny Boys; hosted by GEP Board's Tony Leggio & Steve Patrick. For more information, visit www.GayEasterParade.com.
Krewe of Narcissus Rush Party March 6 @ GrandPre's New Orleans' newest Gay Mardi Gras Krewe, Narcissus will host its Rush Party on Sunday, March 6th from
2-6pm at GrandPre's, 834 N. Rampart in New Orleans. It promises to be an afternoon "wet with excitement" for this meet and greet along with food and freebies. You can also see photos of the krewe's Ball One: "Reflections."
Lords of Leather 34th Rush Party March 6 @ Phoenix Bar If you attended the Lords of Leather’s Bal Masque XXXIII and liked what you saw, you may want to consider joining this creative and fun-loving group. They are beginning their 34th year of “Leather, Love and Laughter” as a leather-oriented Mardi Gras krewe and are hosting their 2016 Rush Party on Sunday, March 6th from 3-5pm at the Phoenix Bar at 941 Elysian Fields Avenue. Food will be provided. Come socialize with the krewe and check out the opportunities to participate in an organization which builds community throughout the year and appreciates the talents and skills of its members. Three levels of membership are available: full lord, viscount and baron. "We hope to see you there." For applications and more information about the krewe please visit our website www.lordsofleather.org or contact a current member.
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Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque LV: Gay, Glitz & Glamour @ Carter Theater ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Barrett DeLong-Church
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6th Sponsorship Party Raises $10,370 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friend @ The Corner Pockets~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Darwin Reed
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Crescent Care's Noel Twilbeck joins Easter Grand Marshals XVII Monica Synclaire-Kennedy and Ken GrandPre, along with Food For Friends' Glen Kahrman, and Corner Pocket's Michael Elias raising a whopping $10,370 at Gay Easter Parade's 6th Sponsorship Party. The annual Sponsorship Party hosted at The Corner Pocket was an afternoon celebrating the reason for the season, Food for Friends. Funds raised minus expenses benefits this vital agency of the NO/ AIDS Task Force. A whopping $231,674.73 has been raised for charity the past 14 years. Sponsors enjoyed complimentary cocktails, a seafood buffet catered by Houcine Harrabi, courtesy of the Foods for Friends kitchen, and a jeweled bunny pin donated by Easter Grand Marshal XVI Deja Deja-Vue’. (www.GayEasterParade.com) (Photo by Darwin Reed)
Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque LV: Gay, Glitz & Glamour culminated with the presentation of King and Queen Petronius LV Nick Olivares and Kitty D'Litter at the historic Carter Theater in New Orleans. (Photo by Barrett DeLong-Church)
Belle Reve Executive Director Vickie Weeks joins Wood Enterprises GM Tim Wilson for Good Friends Bar's 23rd Annual Turn-A-bout Show: My Funny Valentine raising $2,838 for Belle Reve in New Orleans. Good Friends manager Tony Plum and his staff put on a hilarious evening of entertainment. (www.GoodFriendsBar.com) (Photo by Paul Melancon)
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Wedding of Jerry Stowe & Blake Aucoin @ Spring Fiesta House ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
celebrazzi
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Miss Venus @ B-Bob’s
Bartender of the Month
Eric Roberts @ The Golden Lantern One of Eric’s favorite drinks to make is a hurricane, which is perfect since both locals and tourist love the drink. Although when he is out having a drink, he prefers Turkey and Coke, simple and manly sexy. He is a wonderful addition to the excellent and professional staff at the Lantern and is a favorite with the regulars. Family was one of the reasons he moved to the city, but he has fallen in love with the culture. He seems right at home behind the bar and says it is like second nature to him. He is comfortable and has fun with his customers and it shows tremendously. He is also known for his candy Red Hot shot. So go to The Golden Lantern (1239 Royal Street) to get a cool libation from the hot and strapping Eric and enjoy the deliciousness.
Hot Happenings We are already finished with February and Spring is in the air. The flowers are blooming, the weather beautiful and there are so many hot happenings in the city, it makes your head spin. To celebrate the change of the seasons, here are just some of my top picks of things to do. Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Take some time out of your hectic schedule and come mingle with Lambda Legal at their New Orleans Mix and Mingle held at Rebellion Bar and Urban Kitchen (748 Camp Street) from 6 – 8pm. Enjoy discounted drink specials and complimentary appetizers while hearing about the challenges that they continue to face as well as their efforts to secure equality for the
Hello Queen Michelle-Rivers Family
LGBT community. Please invite your friends to join you. All are welcomed. Wednesday, March 2, 2016 Come and join CommUNITY Speak Out as they present Sy’ria Jackson discussing Bridging the Gap in the LGBT Community starting at 7pm. There new location is 741 Bourbon Street. This month’s topic is bridging the gap in the LGBT community with a talk from activist Sy’ria Jackson. Sy’ria Jackson is one of Louisiana’s own Transgender Women of Color, whom has been in the Prevention, Education and Policy field for now 15 years. She started as a Peer Educator with POCC (People of Color in Crisis) in Brooklyn, New York under the Leadership of Michael Roberson; she then became certified by the CDC and New York’s Dept. of Health and Hospitals for HIV Counseling and Testing. Ms. Jackson furthered her knowledge in prevention education and begins working with GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis); The House of Latex Program, then landed a Prevention Specialist position with Harlem United Inc., with the Transgender Community as her Target Population under the leadership of Ron Perryman. As a service provider and as a member of this community, she feels the need to empower, enlighten, educate, and assist all those that are willing to seek the help that is provided by all agencies and the resources they provide. If you are able to attend the event please RSVP at the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/communityspeak-out-syria-jackson-bridging-the-gapin-our-community-tickets-21786064706. Friday, March 4, 2016 Fashion Group International (FGI) is proud to announce their first annual Spotlight Gala at The House of Broel (2220 St. Charles Ave.) from 7:30-10pm. The gala is being held to honor the inaugural group of FGI members who have been recognized (“spotlighted”) as industry leaders in their respective fields. The first five Spotlight award recipients are Suzanne Perron (gown designer), Steven Forster (photographer), Lucille McDonnell (philanthropist and retail buyer), Bonnie Broel (designer and curator of House of Broel), and Mignon Faget (jewelry designer). Guests can expect to enjoy entertainment by renowned host and Master of Ceremonies, Irvin Mayfield, living legend in the music industry. Patrons will also be catered to with food and drink courtesy of House of Broel and FGI. For more information on FGI, how to become a member, and other exciting upcoming events please contact fashiongroupneworleans@gmail.com, or visit their website at neworleansprovisional.fgi.org.
From RPDR, Kennedy Davenport with Jerry Ehlen
Hello Dijah
Happy Birthday Miss Order of Zeus Jawakatema Davenport Hello Gavin
Hello King Stevie
m obile paparazzi Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s
Happy Birthday Matthew
Saturday, March 5, 2016 It’s an old-fashioned dance party literally! Come celebrate the dance, music, and fashion of the 1920’s and 30’s at Charleston Fest. Some of the proceeds
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Miss Amber Douglas @ B-Bob’s
Hello Delta & friends
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Hello... ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
My bartender for the month of March is one hulk of a man. He has it all - height, looks, a great body, brooding eyes and a bad boy smirk that makes you swoon. And he also makes one hell of a great cocktail. I am talking about Eric Roberts at The Golden Lantern. He started working at the bar in November and hails from San Francisco. Talk about the ultimate San Francisco treat, lucky us!
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Women at The Gretna Community Center for the Arts through March 6 After much bad news about the loss of various theater spaces, we’ve finally had some applause-worthy announcements including new homes for Southern Rep and the Anthony Bean Community Theater. Add to that the opening of The Gretna Community Center for the Arts, formerly the Old Post Office, at Huey P. Long and 4th Street on the West Bank. The renovation has given it a simple but nice redesign with a handsome foyer and a large, shoebox-shaped theater area that appears adaptable to various seating configurations. For the Center’s initial offering, Sandi Roads Productions is presenting Clare Boothe Luce’s 1936 hit play The Women. Directors Dane Rhodes and Sandy Bravender have made this a real community event by eschewing any doubling of characters and casting 40 actresses—some stage veterans, others who are making their theatrical debut—to fill out all the roles. Seen on opening night, the multiple scene changes proved a bit of a challenge causing a three-hour-long running time. I was told, however, that that would be worked
on and one can expect a more compact evening by the time you’re reading this. Other than that, Luce’s play still delights with its insightful portrait of Park Avenue-type frenemies and the damage that the gossip that ricochets among them can do. There are sharp observations about the sexual economics of marriage, and if some of the views of women may seem oldfashioned, well, so do those in Restoration comedies that we still enjoy 300 years after their premieres.
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and Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. For tickets or more information, go to www.saengernola.com.
help fundraise for Friday Night Before Mardi Gras, a non-profit that supports the LGBTQ community in New Orleans. This year’s event is going to be at the wonderful Spitfire Bar (1135 Decatur Street). There will be bands, raffles, specially priced cocktails and dance and costume contests with very corrupt judges (all bribes go to FNBMG). There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door. For more information, visit Charlestonfestnola.com. Sunday, March 6, 2016 If you enjoyed the Carnival season as much as I did, then I suggest you become a part of this historic gay community celebration. Check out the rush party for one of the best gay krewe’s in this city! The Krewe of Armeinius is looking for new members this year and if you’re interested in joining, then bring yourself to the 700 Club (700 Burgundy) from 1 – 3pm. Listen to our members tell their stories of fun, laughter and good times. They will also be showing the video from their Bal Masque 2015. Tuesday – Sunday, March 8 – 13, 2016 The Mormons are back and they’re badder than ever! The Book of Mormon returns to the Saenger Theatre (1111 Canal Street). Hailed by The New York Times as “The best musical of this century” and the winner of nine Tony Awards®, The Book of Mormon is the blockbuster Broadway smash from South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and the Oscar®winning composer of Disney’s Frozen and Avenue Q, Bobby Lopez. This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the good word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, The Book of Mormon has truly become an international sensation. The times are Tuesday – Thursday
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Friday, March 11, 2016 Experience the thrill of live racing with a twist! Join The New Orleans Fairgrounds Race Course and Slots (1751 Gentilly Blvd.) for a full night of action. Dance to live music in the Clubhouse from 7-11pm Experience an exciting club scene with DJs spinning in the Miller Time Beer Garden from 6-10pm. The entertainment for this evening will be The Topcats and DJ Crush. Tickets are $5 General Admission and $10 Admission to the Clubhouse and Miller Time Beer Garden. For Clubhouse reservations, please call 504-943-2200. Visit www.fgno.com/tickets to purchase. Must be 21 to enter the Miller Time Beer Garden. Sunday, March 12, 2016 L’Extravagance, is an unrestrained evening of food, fun, live entertainment and giving in support of Lycée Français. Hosted at Generations Hall (310 Andrew Higgins Drive) by the incredible FOX 8 anchor and reporter Kim Holden WVUE. It will feature culinary delights from renowned New Orleans restaurants including: an oyster bar from New Orleans Fish House for the Patron party, along with Tartine, Restaurant Patois, Arabella Casa Di Pasta, Bistro Daisy, Angeline, Taceaux Loceaux, Shank Charcuterie, Nacho Mama’s Elmwood, Chiba, Purloo, and Toups’ Meatery, Mulate’s Cajun Restaurant, Dat Iceroll New Orleans and more. Enjoy the French Jazz stylings of the Pascal Valcasara Quartet at their Patron Party, and exciting performances from Lost Bayou Ramblers, Galactic, and a special appearance from Ani DiFranco during the main event, great entertainment by Les ReBelles NOLA and The Merry Antoinettes, a live canvas painting by the talented Alex Harvie, an incredible silent auction and the celebration of Lycée’s 5th
birthday. The money we raise during this single night allow us to offer amazing opportunities like our “Thinking Outside the Classroom” program where our students participate in multi-week experiences at the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, the French Quarter and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art; and enable us to prepare for the ambitious expansions we have planned in the years to come. Tickets are Cash Bar: $75; Open Bar: $100; Patron Party: $150. Patron party admission begins at 5 p.m. featuring exclusive entertainment, signature cocktails, limited edition gift and more. The main event begins at 6pm. Please visit www.501auctions.com/LFNO for tickets, sponsorship & donation opportunities, along with the most up-to-date information. Friday, March 18, 2016 The 39th Annual Julia Jump will take place at The Cannery (3803 Toulouse Street) with the patron party beginning at 7 p.m. and the main event from 8 – 11 p.m. The details are Patron Party - Music by The Necessary Gentlemen and features cuisine by Arnaud’s & the French 75 Bar and an exclusive first look at fabulous auction items in-person. The Jump! - Music by Honey Island Swamp Band, Enjoy New Orleans’ finest food and cocktails, vie for marvelous auction items, and dance the night away! For tickets and more information, go to www.prcno.org.
Party Down Can you believe we are already into the Easter season; time does fly when you are having fun and I have to say, my past two weeks have been a blast. First was an evening in the Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods. We started off with a book signing at CJ Nero’s new venue on Spain Street for Andy Reynold’s new novel: The Axeboy Blues. There was a great crowd and his wonderful reading prompted me to purchase a copy. Keep on the lookout for the review in an upcoming issue. Next we went to a few art openings. Every second Saturday of each month, the St. Claude galleries open their doors for a free art opening. It is a great (an inexpensive) way to spend and evening out. My friends and I ended at my favorite pizza place in the city Sugar Park before calling it a night. The next week, I started all my fun times on Tuesday with a hospitality crawfish boil at Deanie’s Seafood in the French Quarter. We were in their fabulous courtyard and they boiled some of the best mudbugs I have had so far this season. I think people forget that they do not have to travel to Bucktown to enjoy one of the best seafood restaurants in the city. Right after a friend and I went to see Kinky Boots at the Saenger Theatre. And I have one thing to say – The Sex is in the Heel. Kinky Boots was one of the best Broadway productions I have seen all season at the Saenger. I had seen it on Broadway a few years ago and even though this production was not as powerful, it was still an amazing show. The actors were incredible and to see it in the historic Saenger was a true treat. On Thursday, I attended New Orleans Magazine’s Hobknobber ’s event at Tchoupitoulas Beer Garden. This was the first time I had been to this venue and it was pretty cool. They have a great selection of beers and the food was exceptional. They have a great atmosphere whether for a
private party or a hangout spot with some friends. I highly recommend checking the place out. Friday was just a night of drunken merriment with my friends Beaux and Barrett in the French Quarter. I always love when your night starts out one way then does a sharp left turn and ends another. We began our evening at the 700 Club for a quick bite and cocktails; then continued down to Good Friends for some more libations. Realizing the time we decided to catch the Retro Review at the Golden Lantern which was packed with a bachelorette party from hell. Twenty drunken women who did not tip standing in the way of everyone else are always good times. It is days like this when I miss Lucky Pierre’s, they filled that niche market catering to that type of clientele. But after a few songs they got bored and filtered out still leaving a fabulous crowd and we could actually tip the girls. This is where my night took the turn, the boys went home and our new Easter Grand Marshal Monica Synclaire-Kennedy and I continued on a new adventure. We stopped at Double Play, which by the way if you have not ever been there on a Friday night, go, it is hysterically fun. Then we thought we would visit the boys at the Corner Pocket for a hot minute. Well that turned into a scorching hour or two before we headed to the Marigny for a quick nightcap at the Phoenix before calling it quits for the night (early morning). After a respite for most of the morning on Saturday, I pulled myself together to attend the lovely wedding of Jerry Stowe and Blake Aucoin at the Spring Fiesta House on St. Ann Street. Jeff Mallon (aka Elizabeth Bouvier) was my partner in crime for the day. The afternoon was perfect to celebrate the nuptials of this special couple. This historic home also set the ideal setting with its intimate courtyard. Love was truly in the air as family and friends came together to wish them happiness on their nuptials. And their groom and groom cakes from Swiss was delectable. Congratulations to the happy couple. Afterwards Jeff and I thought we would have a final cocktail (or six) at Lafitte’s in Exile which is a great spot to people watch. But alas the previous night’s shenanigans caught up with me which caused me to head home early. I ended my two weeks of fun with a few parties in Sunday. Some friends and I started with brunch at the fabulous Cheezy Cajun located in the Bywater on St. Claude Avenue. If you have not been to this gay owned restaurant then make it a must. Their bloody mary’s are awesomely delicious and comes with a boudin ball. Also they have the best cracklins in the city, hands down! After that I headed into the French Quarter for the Gay Easter Parade Sponsorship Party at the Corner Pocket. So many friends and supporters came out to celebrate the kick-off of the season and the announcement of our 17th annual Easter Grand Marshals Ken GrandPre and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy. There was a raffle, a basket auction and plenty dancing boys. Afterwards, I jetted off to Mid-City for the Petronius Rush Party at the Tulane Avenue Bar. There was quite a crowd along as new members mixed and mingled with the current members. I ended my night by returning to the Corner Pocket to catch the tail end of Zingo with Ms. Opal Masters. The crowd was still lively and she has some very hot ball boys. So that is it for this issue, until next time keep the party going.
18 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Mar c h 1-14, 2016 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.c om
trodding the boards ...from 18 The Women may get off to a slow-ish start as Luce’s traditional dramaturgy parcels out the exposition, but once the cascade of witty lines starts flowing, it’s clear why this is such an enduring script. And if the way that some of these ladies treat their servants would justify murder, that’s something that has, sadly, endured too. This production is fortunate to have three estimable actresses as its leads. Andrea Watson, often seen in “tough cookie” roles, here radiates warmth and sincerity as Mary Haines who will learn the costs of listening to her friends’ “advice.” Without ever veering into sentimentality, Watson captures the period style from selfeffacing wife to determined player to a painfully honest explanation of divorce to her young daughter. It’s a wonderfully selfcontained performance that only occasionally erupts in frustration and anger. As Sylvia (Rosalind Russell in the 1939 movie), Denise S. Ponce is to the bitchy manner born, someone who claims to be doing a friend a favor but relishes her power when she achieves the opposite effect. Refusing to make Sylvia a mere caricature, Ponce leaves open the possibility that, like some fairy tale evil monarch, Sylvia’s youthful aspirations were thwarted by Queen Bee-types and now she’s getting her revenge on whomever’s near. Ashton Akridge’s Crystal Allen (Joan Crawford in the movie) may not be sophisticated but she’s neither vulgar nor stupid; having an affair with Mary’s husband, she knows what she’s worth and how to get
what she wants. When Akridge and Watson go at it, Luce’s words came alive with visceral intensity and it’s crackling theater. Other notable performances come from Margeaux Fanning as an oft-pregnant, seeming naif (Georgia Engel came to mind) who turns out to be a ridiculously spoiled dimwit; Shelly Lauman as an acerbic novelist; Jovanna Perryman as Mary’s loyal assistant; Trenise Gray Bickham as a sassy Jamaican manicurist with loose lips; Kathryn Talbot in a funny cameo as a demanding exercise instructress; and Crystal Meyers’ much-married Countess who has some awareness that she’s no longer a spring chickie, but doesn’t let that stop her, with the help of an ex-husband’s money, from having fun. This Countess may be overthe-top but she’s still a marvelous comic creation. Rhodes and Bravender alternate the comedic and more serious moments very well, and add nice touches, such as simple hand gestures or knowing glances among the women, throughout the play. I just wish that they had employed additional playing areas to cut down on transition times; this might have also made it easier for the audience to catch all the juicy lines as some tended to get lost in the acoustics of the open space. Overall, though, despite these few shortcomings, The Women provides Gretna’s new arts center with a very satisfying evening of theater. Adding to the Center’s most auspicious debut was the pre-curtain buffet catered by local restaurant The Red Maple. It included a mixed green salad with three homemade dressings; Spinach Madeleine; jambalaya; shrimp & tasso pasta; pork ten-
derloin; garlic mashed potatoes; peas; and bread pudding with rum sauce. Clare Boothe Luce’s women disagree about lots of things but the only disagreement here would be whether the food was “Excellent” or “Divine” or “Simply Delish!”
The Amorous Ambassador at Teatro Wego! through March 6 Don’t expect a whole lot of logic from The Amorous Ambassador at Jefferson Performing Arts Society’s Teatro Wego! What you can expect from “Uncle” Wayne Daigrepont’s production of Michael Parker’s farce, however, is a good deal of fun. I could try to convey the plot in my own words but the press release nicely sums up its profound psychosexual complexities: “When Harry Douglas, the new American Ambassador to Great Britain, tells his family
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Joe Seibert, Elyse McDaniel & Jeffrey Martorell in The Amorous Ambassador
GayMardiGras.c om • Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Marc h 1-14, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 19
a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Good Friday “Really friends, the party is not over, in Lent it has just begun.” This was my closing in our last chat with each other. As we near Easter the poignant story that makes room for Easter weighs upon us Jesus believers. It was a coolish morning after a night of being captured. The excruciating events would unfold as the once loved and now hated object of scorn would be brutally beaten. By some accounts the trauma to his head was so severe that his face was covered in blood to where only his tears showed his skin color. It is likely that his brain stem had been traumatized. Surely he could not carry anything heavy. We all must carry heavy burdens from time to time in our lives: some heavier than others. The perpetrators hated who and what he was. They were afraid of who and what he was. That fear was deep inside of them and resulted in anger and rebellion against all that we know to be true and just. His body lay wracked with torture from pummeling and resulted in multiple lacerations. He was a broken innocent man. Yet the scorn for him was verbal and abusive; have we not endured verbal and mental abuse in some form somehow somewhere? The haters hated even unto murder. The torture likely lasted hours a long and decidedly sad time for this world. The day warmed up the sun rose. There he was left alone hanging. Hanging he was abandoned betrayed by those who said they were like him but were not. The haters hated. For decades perhaps for much of modern history LGBT community has suffered. Perhaps for some, maybe older men and women, stories similar to this one can be told. Perhaps even for younger men and women the stories of rancor and abuse can be told. Runaways come to mind and what causes a child, not an adult, to make the decision to turn to the streets rather than a home – what kind of “home” can this be? To turn to the streets and turn tricks and sell drugs and do almost anything indeed do anything simply to get by to live one more day in a tortured and sad, very sad world. Gay runaways and homeless children make up almost 40% of all homeless children and are Gay or transgender. They understand and know what our young man felt and experienced but in ways that are too sad for us to reflect upon much. 40% of all LGBTQ youth have attempted suicide. Might they know what this humiliation is like? So, he hung there for all to see but few really saw. He hung there for hours upon hours waiting simply to die. He was estranged and abandoned because of who and what he was. He hung there and the world darkened and became a shameful place at that time on that day perpetrated by haters. And so the haters hated and acted. He hung there to die: Good Friday the day of Jesus torment. But it was not Good Friday by any calendar. No, it was October 6th 1998 and the low temperature that day was 40 and the high was 60. It was near Fort Collins Colorado hanging on a barbed wire fence;
Matthew Shepherd hung and was left for dead. And the haters hated and the fear rose up and in that fear violence and young Matthew, a gay man, a boy really, was abandoned by two who said they were alike. They lied and hated and hurt. It was a Good Friday for the world and it was a dark day. It took 18 hours for Matthew to be found. When he was in hospital awaiting his death supported by machines the world gathered. Candles were lit prayers said and tears shed. It was a day of mourning: such a loss such a tragic loss for such a beautiful young man. Such a tragic loss for such a beautiful man and Jesus hung. Yes, this young rabbi, my Lord and my savior took upon himself all of this. He wept of that I am sure. He took Matthew into his very soul and Jesus cried out for the pain of the world! All of the Matthew Shepherds all of the pain and suffering all of the indigent runaways he takes their pain into himself. Jesus on the cross is the 40% that consider suicide “the way out.” Jesus is the homeless child living in the streets turned to dark manners of survival. Jesus, we believe takes all of that into himself. It is more than atonement it is abiding with his creation in its – no – our suffering. That is the cross that you may wear around your neck or have on a wall in the house. No not a decoration but a symbol and that symbol for all time speak to Matthew and to hundreds, no thousands of LGBTQ humans that roam this world created by God despised by the haters. And the haters will hate. But Jesus will know and understand and hang with dignity on the cross. What was intended to defile and degrade was turned upon itself in a singular act of humility. HE was intended to be humiliated but instead, humility and dignity. So many Christians would rather not think upon these truths because they humiliate us. For us Christians it is the jeering crowds that spit upon him that we are. It is the engines of empire that beat him before crucifixion that we are. It is fear of change and acceptance that make a mockery out of religious and then civil trials that result in HIS death that we are. Yes, our faith understands cruelty and disenfranchisement in an acute way – or it should. Many of us claim that Jesus’ death on the cross and his suffering is more than symbolic. It is factual and it has effect. He takes the sin of the world for all time and in all places and brings it into his very being in a supernatural way that is immeasurable but we believe it true. The “Christians” that despise anyone for who they are cannot understand this central core truth of our faith. Those “Christians” that hate remain in the crowds that laugh and taunt and serve up bitter things to the innocent of innocents that hangs upon the cross. They are stuck and HE becomes free. Yes, I said free! Matthew’s death was not in vain. From it laws came into effect. From it the nation began to shift and to listen and no longer take for granted that because someone was gay somehow they were subhuman or
“disturbed.” The darkness begins to lift oh so slowly. If Jesus simply died and nothing else he would still be a good man. But he became free. He offered to us believers a chance to redeem ourselves because in his death our permissive will was given a chance. The story does not end with the crucifixion but it is the door the portal to resurrection. In that singular act of reanimation or new life Jesus defeats the final answer in death and offers hope to all of us believers and perhaps to those that do not yet believe. At least we know this faith truly worked out believes in the cross and its power. In this quirky faith in this bizarre turn of the passion of Christ we find even in sadness in sin HOPE. Such hope compels or should compel
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trodding the boards ...from 19 he is going to Scotland to play golf, his wife and daughter announce weekend plans of their own. Their newly hired butler, Perkins, watches stoically as each leaves the family’s country retreat and then secretly returns for a romantic rendezvous in the empty house. When Harry’s secretary and a Marine Corps Embassy Security detail arrive in the wake of a bomb threat, the home is sealed off, and even the imperturbable Perkins is drawn into the shenanigans.” Shakespeare it ain’t. Parker, the author of last year’s Sex Please, We’re Sixty!, doesn’t go for subtlety let alone much character development, but that might be beside the point as he does provide the requisite door-slamming and other such silliness (man gets super-sticky glue on hand; hand winds up on rear end of skirt-wearing woman) that propels the comedy’s mechanics along. Daigrepont wisely keeps the pace going full steam ahead even when the script turns preposterous. Perhaps he could’ve reined in some of the excesses or tamped down on the occasional, and unneeded, telegraphing, but on Curtis Fliegel’s apt multi-door set, he delivers the most important thing—laughter. Farces like The Amorous Ambassador require a uniformly strong cast or they can turn into the mangled play within Noises Off (as it was, a container of caviar reminded me of Noises Off’s misplaced sardines). Daigrepont is fortunate to have such actors, of whom three (Elyse McDaniel, Joe Seibert and Leon Contavesprie) are bringing their considerable talents to JPAS for the first time. Along with David Jacobs, Jeffrey Martorell, Stacy Taliancich Randall, Mary Lee Gibbons and Claire Conti, all are skilled farceurs, knowingly making as real as possible the loony world of the play. If Gibbons is first among equals, it’s because she’s gone out on a limb to make her character, the Ambassador’s air-headed secretary, hopelessly loopy while grounding her in a recognizable humanity like one of Carol Burnett’s creations. At the start, Conti had a tendency to play, unnecessarily, to the audience, but in the second act when her anger is released at her philandering husband, so primal were her emotions that wise directors might well cast this valuable comic actress against type in some Greek tragedy. Apparently, Ambassador Harry Douglas, aka “Hormone Harry”, has appeared in a previous Parker farce, The Sensuous Senator. What’s next from Parker, The
Perverted President? In this crazy campaign season, that could well be a documentary!
Broadway in New Orleans/Kinky Boots at The Saenger Theatre through June 19 I can’t say I was looking forward to seeing Kinky Boots at the Saenger. After all, after I saw it on Broadway three years ago, not long after its debut, I wrote “I believe I and my companion are the only two people who haven’t enjoyed it.” Well, things change and the biggest change is the role of Lola, the drag queen who helps resuscitate an old shoe factory in Northern England that’s about to go out of business. In New York, I saw 43-year-old Billy Porter who would go on to win a Tony Award for his performance. J. Harrison Ghee, who’s 26 and has the dimensions of Tommy Tune, recently took over the role on the road. The difference in their ages may have something to do with the new effect, but not entirely. Porter’s performance teetered on melodrama and flirted with “bitchy, tired drag queen” cliches making it somewhat difficult to care about his Lola. Ghee offers a softer version of Lola in which, despite the hard knocks she (and Simon, her out-of-drag alter ego) has had to deal with, a certain innate sweetness comes through that evokes greater empathy and investment in her story. It’s a realer, more multi-dimensional portrayal. Ghee is aided by his co-star Adam Kaplan as Charlie Price who’s taken over the running of the factory after his father has passed away. Despite the underwritten characterization in Harvey Fierstein’s book, Kaplan is more believable as a callow “fool” than Stark Sands (no relation) was on Broadway where his star wattage almost made him seem too smart and savvy for the role. Yes, Fierstein’s script is still wildly improbable (how does a club in a seedy part of London afford six backup drag dancers for Lola?). And yes, there’s not one memorable song in Cyndi Lauper’s score (much to my disappointment). And yes, Director Jerry Mitchell could often use more restraint; Charlie’s big Act Two number, Soul of a Man, would be much more effective if done simply, à la Time After Time, rather than the American Idol finale treatment it gets here. BUT Mitchell’s direction did seem cleaner this time around allowing more of Fierstein’s snappy lines to come through; the choice second act moment featuring a repentant homophobe (Aaron Walpole) packed an even greater emotional wallop than on Broadway; and Lauper’s rather nice duet for Lola and Charlie, Not My Father’s Son, could be better appreciated at the Saenger. Add in a solid supporting cast, fabulous costumes (Gregg Barnes), a substantial set that fluidly transforms from detailed factory to fashion runway (David Rockwell), and the musical’s overarching elan, and it made for a surprisingly enjoyable evening. Next up at the Saenger is The Book of Mormon (Mar. 8-13) followed by Cabaret featuring Randy (Queer as Folk) Harrison as the Emcee (Apr. 5-10), Blue Man Group (May 13-15), and the return of Wicked (May 25-June 19).
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22 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Mar c h 1-14, 2016 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.c om
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
304.1238, www.littlevics.com Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, www.OrleansGrapevine.com Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net
Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] Latter & Blum, Steven Vaughn Realtor, Cell 504.810.4646, Office 504.948.3011, St e v e n Va u g h a n P r o p e r t i e s . c o m , Svaughan@latterblum.com 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
Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] Angeli on Decatur, 1141 Decatur St., 566.0077 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 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,
Advertising Info 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
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paparazzi
24 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Mar c h 1-14, 2016 • Of fic ial Gay East er Parade Guide • GayEast erParade.c om
Good Friends 23rd Annual Turn-A-bout Show: My Funny Valentine raises $2,838 for Belle Reve ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
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Catching the show @ Oz Brad Arsenaux & Imani Nye Black crowned Mr. & Miss Appletini @ Four Seasons in Metairie
Bartender Paul gives a beautiful 70’s pose @ Rawhide
Ron & bartender Tony @ The Phoenix
Petronius celebrates @ it’s annual Rush Party Desiree & Eva have a moment @ The Golden Lantern
Appletini’s Stephanie Lee & Chica LaRouge on stage during Appletini Pageant @ The Four
Cocktailing @ The Golden Lantern
Kyle, Justin, Todd, Kerry, Brad & Paul cocktailing @ Double Play
Johnny Passion’s La Familia headlines @ Four Seasons in Metairie
Persana Shoulders always entertaining the boys @ Oz
Lafitte's Cullen & Lantern's Drew @ The Golden Lantern
DJ Dom presents a bouquet to his Valentine @ Four Seasons in Metairie
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Lord King & Consort Kelley Terry & Kyle Robin join Miss Louisiana Leatherette Vanessa Carr's Lords of Leather Fish Fry
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DJ Tim Pflueger in the Wizard’s Playground @ Dance Club of the Year Oz Hot, Hot, Hot @ Oz
All smiles with Good Friends Richard @ Double Play
The Legends of Oz!
Bunny celebrating Frankie’s 57th B-Day @ Golden Lantern
Glitter Girls welcome Miss Gay America Asia Ohara to the Four Seasons stage in Metairie
The Big Easy Sisters pop in for Miss Louisiana Leatherette Vanessa Carr's Lords of Leather Fish Fry
Pretty boy Jake shares a Valentine hug with June Pennick
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The Social Scene ~ Metairie, New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon Hubert S Monkeys
Mike, bartender Peter & Two Guys Cutting’s Trent @ Phoenix
obituary Vickie Vynes A beloved partner, parent, and entertainer, Vickie Vynes, also known as Andrew Tobias, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, February 20, 2016. He is survived by his partner of thirty-one years, Tim Pflueger; their two beloved godchildren, Sasha and Jeremiah; and the mother of their godchildren Angela E. Vickie Vynes hailed from Dallas, TX where he met Tim in 1983. The couple moved to New Orleans in 1994, and immediately their love affair with the city began. The two quickly became rising stars amongst the New Orleans gay community, especially Vickie who was best known for his portrayals of Bette Midler, LeAnn Rimes, and other country music stars. Vickie was an employee of Oz New Orleans in the late 90s to early 2000s where he graced the stage as a Lady of Oz and
communities ...from 20 even the most skeptical of humans to start anew and to stand over and against the haters. Haters will hate but believers will love. These holy days in our tradition matter because they remind us why and how we can love and do works of mercy and justice and that IS THE TRUTH OF CHRIST JESUS and the truth of what Christianity and our organizations called denominations should be. And some of us lovers will love and these histories and realities are not in vain.
brought the gift of joy and laughter to audiences coming from near and far. Aside from Oz, Vickie’s talents were displayed in venues all across the city. Despite diminishing health in his later years, Vickie was constantly surrounded by those who loved him and who will continue to love and cherish him in his passing. From a flicker of light that has graced the stage to the hearts of many across the Crescent City and beyond, Vickie Vynes was a talent whose light went out before her legend ever will.
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