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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
"Fantastic 4" - Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips, Jeffrey Palmquist & Derek Penton-Robicheaux to Reign as 42nd Southern Decadence Grand Marshals The excitement begins for the 45th Annual Southern Decadence celebration of LGBT+ Life, Music and Culture with the announcement of the 42nd Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips, Jeffrey Palmquist and Derek Penton-Robicheaux. Your Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain, Misti Ates and Frankie Fierce made it official April 28th at Four Seasons in Metairie. The 42nd Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Announcement Party brought Frankie Fierce up first introducing his selection Tony Leggio, Misti Ates introducing Felicia Phillips (Philip Anthony), Steven Mora introducing Derek Penton-Robicheaux, and Rip & Marsha NaquinDelain introducing Jeffrey Palmquist. “The Fantastic 4” will set the tone for the celebration culminating with the 42nd Annual Southern Decadence Parade on Sunday, September 4th at 2pm sharp, the largest LGBT+ parade in Louisiana. “The Fantastic 4” will announce the official theme, colors, song, charities and unveil the official 2016 poster at the upcoming Southern Decadence Press Party, date and time to be announced. Keep abreast of the latest information available in Ambush Magazine, your Official Southern Decadence Guide, www.SouthernDecadence.com, your Official Southern Decadence Website, or visit www.Facebook.com/ SouthernDecadenceNOLA.
And the Decadence Events Begin May 13th Fundraising for the 45th Southern Decadence is already under way with events already scheduled. Dates are filling up fast so if your club, bar or organization would like to host an event, please contact one of the SDGMs Tony Leggio: ledgemgp@gmail.com, Felicia Philips: fphillips1011@gmail.com, Jeffrey Palmquist: j.palm@cox.net or Derek Penton-Robicheaux: dpenton77@me.com. Events scheduled include: FRIDAY, May 13th... 5pm, A Day to Celebrate: Crawfish Boil Meet & Greet with Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips, Jeffrey Palmquist & Derek Penton-Robicheaux celebrating Manager Ace’s Birthday, and Bob & David’s Marriage Celebration, $20 a plate benefiting Southern Decadence 2016 @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile; FRIDAY, June 10th... 7pm, Southern Decadence Dinner & A Show with dinner at 7pm & show at 9pm benefiting Southern Decadence 2016, $10 donation @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern; MONDAY, July 4th... 3pm, 3rd Annual Potato Salad Contest, $10 to Taste & Judge includes Hot Dogs & Baked Beans, winner receives trophy & 1/2 proceeds, 1/2 proceeds benefits Southern Decadence 2016, (register to enter contest @ GrandPre’s, contestants bring 5 lbs. of their potato salad by 2pm) @ GrandPre’s; SATURDAY, July 9th... 10pm, 3rd Annual Johnny Passion’s Snatch Game with local entertainers impersonating celebrities benefiting Southern Decadence 2016 with auctions, $60 VIP Table’s for 4, $10 door donation @ Allways Lounge; and
Memorial Day issue due out May 24 DEADLINE: Tues., May 17
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SATURDAY, July 23rd... 7pm, Ambush Magazine presents 29th Annual Gay Appreciation Awards Gala with “Walking the Red Carpet” with Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips, Jeffrey Palmquist & Derek PentonRobicheaux 7-7:45pm, followed by the Gala 8-10pm announcing the Winners, benefiting Southern Decadence 2016, $200 VIP Table’s for 4, $10 door donation @ Oz New Orleans.
Become a Sponsor of SD 2016 Today Things are off to a good start. Ambush Magazine and SouthernDecadence.com have signed on as Presenting Sponsors again this year. Friends of The Golden Lantern donated $1,500 towards the sponsorship of The Home of Southern Decadence. The Grand Marshals Announcement Party raised $765 with $540 at the door, and $225 in performance tips. You to can become a sponsor of the largest LGBT celebration in Louisiana today! All funds raised minus expenses will benefit the official 2016 Southern Decadence Charities to be announced by the grand marshals. A complete financial report will be issued following this year's celebration. There are several levels of sponsorship available including $5,000 Presenting, $2,500 Platinum, $1,000 Gold, $500 Silver, $250 Bronze, and $100 Pearl. Sponsorship forms are available at www.southerndecadence.com/2016/ NOSouthernDecadenceSponsors.pdf.
Meet Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Ambush Magazine is happy to introduce you to the Southern Decadence Grand Marshals of 2016. It is exciting to see what all of this talent will bring to the celebration!
Anthony "Tony" Leggio Anthony "Tony" Leggio has an extensive career in the hospitality community pertaining to event production as well as promoting New Orleans around the globe. Currently Anthony works for Hosts New Orleans, the premier destination management and event planning company in New Orleans. Tony has been in the hospitality industry for over over fifteen year previously working for Mardi Gras Productions and in the Public Affairs Department of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau. Anthony has produced over 5,000 events locally and nationally during his tenure in the industry. He is an active member of the following organizations: Meeting Planners International (MPI), Louisiana Society of Association Executives (LSAE), National Association of Caterers and Events (NACE),
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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 Misti Ates, 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
New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB), and International Society of Event Specialists (ISES). He was past president of NACE and the Hospitality Education & Networking Association (HENA). In 2002, Anthony received awards for Best Event Production and Rising Star in the Hospitality Community from the New Orleans Chapter of NACE. In 2004, he has won Rising Star of the Year and in 2005 won Supplier of the Year for MPI. He also won Best Event [continued on 8]
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celebrazzi
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Misti Ates, Steven Mora, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain and Frankie "Fierce" Wingerter presented their successors Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Felicia Phillips, Derek PentonRobicheaux, Jeffrey Palmquist and Tony Leggio at Four Seasons in Metairie. "The Fantastic 4" will lead the 45th Southern Decadence celebration of LGBT+ Life, Music and Culture culminating with the 42nd Annual Southern Decadence Parade on Sunday, September 4th, the largest LGBT+ parade in Louisiana. Photo by Mac Reynolds. (www.SouthernDecadence.com) B-Bob's Downtown Turn-a-bout Show brought a bevy of beauties to the stage including Tripp Gustin, Leon Weekley, Sandro Philips, Jerry Ehlen, Patrick Darby, Matthew Norwood, Chris Musgrove and Jerry Grady at Mobile's hottest dance club raising almost $500 for Mobile Alabama Pride.
craft cocktails
The Dark Lady Skyy Vodka, Hint of Dry Vermouth, Real Olive Juice
The 42nd Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Announcement Party drew a large group of former Southern Decadence Grand Marshals to welcome the new ones at Four Seasons in Metairie. Photo by Mac Reynolds: front-SDGMs XL Aubrey Synclaire; XLIIs Felicia Phillips, Derek Penton-Robicheaux, Jeffrey Palmquist & Tony Leggio; and XXVII Errol Rizzuto; middle-XXXIX Tami Tarmac; XLIs Misti Ates, Rip Naquin, Marsha Delain & Frankie Fierce, and XIV Kathleen Conlon; back-XLI Steven Mora, XXXIV Electra City, XL Chad Boutte, XXXIII Regina Adams, and XXXVs Tittie Toulouse & Paloma.
Garnished with Blue Cheese Hand-stuffed Olives by Clover Grill's Errol Rizzuto Willie and Bobby Mackie, and their staff welcome guests to the 3rd Anniversary Party celebrating Willie and Bobby's 14th Anniversary at The Page in New Orleans complete with a lavish buffet, drinks and live DJ. Photo by Paul Melancon.
served on Martini Mondays only 4-6pm by Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLII Jeff Palmquist 901 Bourbon Street, New Orleans
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lez talk by Misti Ates Email: Mistimichelleates@gmail.com
Marty Curtin and Barbara “Koo” Gaffney One of the greatest mysteries of life is how do some couples manage to overcome the trials and tribulations that life throws their way, but can still accomplish to succeed and have one of life’s most cherished gifts, a long, lasting and loving relationship, while other couples seem to fall prey and break up after a period of time? Is there some “secret to success” that they know? When a couple has been together for thirty (30) years, I can’t help but wonder, what is the “glue” that holds them together? So, I decided the best way to find out the answer to my question would be to sit down and talk with Marty Curtin and Barbara “Koo” Gaffney. The missus, Catherine and I, met with Marty and Koo at their favorite local neighborhood bar, The Friendly Bar. It was a wonderful conversation filled with stories of when they met, their involvement in the beginning of different organizations, tales from Miss Dixie’s Bar of Music and their plans for the future. Marty first caught Koo’s eye when she would go in to pay her electric bill at NOPSI before it became Entergy. It wasn’t until running into each other at Wolfendale’s (now known as Grandpre’s) that the sparks of attraction began, and as they say, the rest is history. Marty later retired from the
electric company and after that, tended bar for fourteen years at The Friendly Bar. Koo was an English professor at UNO for twenty five years with four degrees including a PhD. In 2008, along with John Dubay and Rusty Dowling, they became legally married in Provincetown, MA. They now make their home in Bay St. Louis, where they still enjoy traveling and watching sunsets together. Even though they are retired, they often return to New Orleans to support several charities and events. You can catch them most Sundays at The Golden Lantern for Reba Douglas’s Jubilee or at The Friendly Bar where Koo may even
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Captain of the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon carnival organization for three years as well as King of the organization once. He has also been a past Grand Marshal for the Gay Easter Parade in 2009 and New Orleans Pride in 2011.
Production award in 2011 for ISES. In 2015, his team at Hosts New Orleans won two awards from ADMEI for the Excellence in Event Production and Best Innovative Event $50,000 and Under categories. Traveling to trade shows around the country, Anthony works diligently to promote not only his company but New Orleans as a premier destination for convention groups. Besides his professional career, Anthony has played an active role in the community. He has served as Event Chair of Art Against AIDS for the NO/ AIDS Task Force and was honored as Humanitarian of the Year in 2010 by the organization. He has worked to help produce events for other noteworthy organizations such as the Cancer Crusaders, Julia Jump, NO/AIDS Task Force, National D-Day Museum, ZooTo Do, Gambit Weekly, the Louisiana Philharmonic, The New Orleans Ballet Association, Southern Decadence, New Orleans Museum of Art and Children’s Hospital. He sits on the Board of the Gay Easter Parade and produces the successful Bunnies in the Big Easy event annually. He is also a freelance writer who has written for USA Today, several local publications, as well as contributing writer for Ambush Magazine. Tony has a blog NOLAOnReview and is part of Gambit’s Big Easy Theatre Committee. He participates in Mardi Gras extensively and has been
Felicia Phillips Hailing from Beaumont, Texas, Felicia Phillips is the drag persona created by Philip Palumbo, more than a few years ago. Felicia’s career in Texas includes being named Miss Gay Golden Triangle and Miss Gay Beaumont as well as several bar titles. This led to being a pageant promotor and to date the longest running show director and emcee in the city. He was actively involved in organizing many fundraisers during the beginning of the AIDS crisis and continuing through 2005. His male career was that of a costume and theatrical makeup shop owner of over 20 years. Later becoming a general manager of the oldest gay bar in southeast Texas. After relocating to New Orleans in 2010, he worked first as manager of Krazy Katz on Bourbon, which became Bourbon Pride, then a hotel manager until joining the staff of GrandPre’s. After a 12 year absence from the stage Felicia returned to help as a lieutenant for Reba Douglas during Southern Decadence 2014, and has continued on with fundraising, perform-
Marty Curtin, Catherine Gaither, Koo Gaffney & Misti Ates perform her rendition of Kate Smith’s God Bless America, complete by being draped with the American Flag, to help raise funds for Southern Decadence. Marty and Koo, along with Rodney Manko, were among the founding board members of the William J. Fanning Foundation. The Friendly Bar was considered their first office where people would come and get their checks, receive faxes and mail. The foundation was formed during the infancy of the AIDS epidemic. It was a time of uncertainty and fear, where unfortunately the doctors and nurses would sometimes shy away from getting close or even touch their patients who were infected. Marty recalled how they would bring milkshakes and stuffed animals to the AIDS patients at Charity Hospital, just so that person would know someone cared and they were not alone. Sometimes the disease would hit close to home with close friends sometimes dying on the same day. It’s a stark contrast compared to our time now, when it seems some times our biggest concerns are how many Grand Marshals will be named for Southern Decadence. We give money and our time, but how many of us actually have a “hands on” approach when it comes ing, as well as gaining notoriety as The Cheese Queen, writing The Real Cheese column in Ambush Magazine.
Jeffrey Palmquist Jeffrey Palmquist grew up in South Dakota and has been a resident of New Orleans for many years. Jeff is the co-author of two books detailing gay history and lore in the French Quarter including "In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding America's Oldest Gay Bar", and "My Gay New Orleans". He has served as chairman of the Cafe Lafitte In Exile Red Party annual staff charity turn-a-bout since 2009, and in 2014 was named Grand Reveler 1 by the Krewe Du Rue Royal Revelers. Jeff was Head Sally-FLY (lieutenant) for Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLI Rip & Marsha Naquin-
to helping members of our own community who are in need? We all have been guilty of thinking we have done out part by clicking like on Facebook when someone is having a bad day. How many of us can say that we have taken that extra step and gave just a little more of our time and attention? Think of all the lives that Marty and Koo have touched over the years by stopping what they were doing and reaching out to help. It may sound like a cliché, but it’s true that by giving just a little bit more of ourselves, we can make a difference in someone else’s lives. Through perseverance and hard work, Marty and Koo have made an undeniable mark in the history of the New Orleans LGBT community. Not only were they instrumental and the driving force that started the William J. Fanning Foundation, they were also there at the Mardi Gras party in 1985 hosted by Dr. David Wood and Dr. Ivan Sherman which blossomed into what we now know as The Friday Night Before Mardi Gras. In 2003, Marty and Koo received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing their years of service. They were also both named Grand Marshals of the 25th Pride Fest in New Orleans in 2004. Marty has also been the recipient of The Gay Appreciation Award’s Lesbian of the Year several times. It was a great afternoon with Catherine and I getting to spend time with two legends, Marty and Koo, laughing and talking, even spilling a little vodka, but more importantly listening to their advice and pointers on how to maintain a successful relationship. The search for my answer as to what is the “glue” that holds everything together may now be over. I found out that the “glue” is, it takes lots of love, common interests, working together as a team to make our community a better place, a little vodka and scotch, and never missing watching a sunset together. Delain and hosted his successful Southern Decadence Courtyard Soiree raising $2,650 for Southern Decadence 2015. He has also hosted various cookouts at Cafe Lafitte in Exile benefiting several charities and causes including Southern Decadence 2015. Jeff has been a bartender at Cafe Lafitte in Exile for the past 15 years, and was voted Bartender of the Year in 2009, 2010, and 2013 by Ambush Magazine’s Annual Gay Appreciation Awards. He and his partner of 11 years Joshua “Coca” Mesa live in the French Quarter.
Derek Penton-Robicheaux Derek Penton-Robicheaux, is a native of Mississippi and a longtime resident of New Orleans. He is a na[continued on 10]
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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
“Miss Fly, Ms. Do, and the Double Play” The Wild Side bar at the corner of Dauphine and St. Louis Streets in the French Quarter for years catered to a rough crowd. One evening a patron began to make trouble when the bartender / manager—a former prize-fighting boxer and pre-operative transsexual—nonchalantly punched the troublemaker in the face. After the man hit the floor, Ms. Do calmly ordered, “Get him outta here.” Ms. Do and her lover GiGi arrived in New Orleans in 1972. Gigi had secured a job as a dancer at the Silver Frolics Night Club at 427 Bourbon Street. Ms. Do, whose legal name was Jerry Moreland, applied to be a dancer as well to be told no but that she could be a bouncer. After six months or so, Regina Adams, who started her career as a performer at the legendary Gunga Din in 1967 and who headlined at Silver Frolics, convinced the manager to make Ms. Do a bartender. Thus began the bartending career of one of the most colorful characters in recent French Quarter history. Lee Featherston, also known as Miss Fly, opened the Corner Pocket in 1982. Prior to that, the bar at the corner of Burgundy and St. Louis Streets in the French Quarter was called the Post Office and before that the Cruise Inn, both of which were gay show-bars. Featherston was born and raised in Panama and came to New Orleans in the late 1970s. The son of a ship captain and a teacher / nurse, Featherston was a true entertainer, both confident and flamboyant. In addition to opening the Corner Pocket, Featherston also opened The Wild Side (formerly Gregory’s and The Playhouse), which later became The Double Play, at the corner of Dauphine and St. Louis Streets. Ms. Do managed The Wild Side for Miss Fly and many people assumed Ms. Do owned the bar.
the "official" dish from 8 tional LGBT and local community activist, as well as a freelance contributor to multiple publications. He is a Founder and Executive Director of the Louisiana Equality Foundation. Derek and his husband, Jon Penton-Robicheaux, were legally married in Iowa on Sept. 23, 2012, and led the successful challenge to Louisiana’s same sex marriage ban as lead plaintiffs in the Federal Lawsuit, Robicheaux et al. v Caldwell et al., securing Marriage Equality here in Louisiana.
Amon-Ra's CrawDADDY Crawfish Boil May 15 @ Double Play The Krewe of Amon-Ra ask "Who's your Craw-DADDY?" Join the krewe as they present a fantastic Crawfish Boil & All The Fixins on Sunday, May 15th from 1-4pm at the Double Play, 439 Dauphine Street. Donation is $20 raising funds for the krewe's 52nd Mardi Gras Ball on February 4, 2017.
Grand Reveler Cookout to Benefit the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana May 19 Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers Grand Reveler II, Will Antill, will host a benefit buffet at the Double Play bar on Thursday, May 19, from 5pm to 7pm. The buffet will cost $10 and all proceeds will benefit the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, a local non-profit
organization that promotes the preservation of LGBT+ history. In addition to an amazing spread of food, the event will also feature an exhibit on the history of the Double Play bar (formerly The Wild Side and Gregory’s).
“All the World’s a Stage: Shakespeare on the Stages and Streets of New Orleans” May 18 On Wednesday, May 18, at The Historic New Orleans Collection' s Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St., Xavier University Assistant Professor of English Oliver Hennessey will discuss Shakespeare’s influence on New Orleans art and culture. The program is free. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 504.523.4662 or emailing wrc@hnoc.org. Shakespeare emerged as a cultural rallying point within the developing Anglo-American community in early 19th-century New Orleans. In his lecture, Hennessey will highlight early performances at English-speaking theaters, including “Othello,” which was the first of Shakespeare’s works to grace a New Orleans stage, and “Antony and Cleopatra” and “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” both of which had their first known North American productions in the Crescent City. While actors strutted upon the stage at the Anglocentric St. Charles Theatre, Carnival krewes brought the Bard’s work to life in elaborate floats, costumes, and theatrical processions down
Miss Fly and Ms. Do were quite the duo. Rich Magill, who used to live in the 900 block of St. Louis Street between the Double Play and the Corner Pocket, recalls seeing the pair on an almost daily basis laughing and stumbling down the street, usually around 9:00 in the morning, with three or four hustlers in tow. Rip Naquin recalls that one morning he and Marsha were walking to St. Jude Church to light candles and say prayers when they passed Footloose, a bar that had once been Alice Brady’s and later the 9th Circle. Ms. Do and Miss Fly saw them walking by and summoned them in the bar to do shots. The candles went unlit that morning. Featherston became a beloved figure in the lgbt+ community in New Orleans. Miss Fly served as a Southern Decadence Grand Marshal in 1993 and led the first Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshal’s Bead Toss during the SD Parade from the balcony of Ambush headquarters. Miss Fly also served as Queen Petronius at the krewe’s 39th Carnival Ball. For a while, Miss Fly also presented the Fly Fashion Awards as part of the Gay Appreciation Awards gala. Featherston’s unique brand of humor culminated each year with his “Fashion Victim Award.” Over the years, Featherston and Ms. Do were most generous with the lgbt+ community, having donated thousands and thousands of dollars to those organizations, charities and events which they cared most about. Featherston’s noted yearly “Yellow Party” raised funds for Pride Fest and the Krewe of Petronius. But it did not stop there. Many times, he and Miss Do helped countless individuals who were down and out, without anyone knowing. Ms. Do had been named Easter
Parade Grand Marshal in 2001, but she died before the parade. Sadly, Miss Fly was murdered in 2000 at the age of 39. George Schaefer III, 24, had been Miss Fly’s lover and in the heat of an argument shot her twice in the chest and once in the head. After her death, Miss Fly’s mother was going to give Miss Do half of the Double Play and sell the other half to D.B. and Caroline Carnes. When Do died, Carnes didn’t want the bar and offered it to Miss Fly’s accountant, Robert Byrd. Byrd didn’t want the bar either and she offered it to Chuck Turner and Bill Miller, who bought the Double Play in 2001. Michael Elias, Miss Fly’s attorney, bought the Corner Pocket. Turner and Miller were no strangers to the bar business. They had opened their first bars, The Four Seasons in Metairie and Billy’s in Slidell in 1990. Angles, in Metairie, opened in 1992 and in 1994 they opened Chances in Hammond. Today, Turner and Miller own Billy’s and the Double Play. When she sold the bar, Miss Fly’s mother said she didn’t want the character of the Double Play to change and Turner and Miller have made every effort to honor that request. They kept Doc on hand as manager during the transition and hung a portrait of Miss Do in the bar. Miller recalls, “Drag Queens would treat that portrait like a shrine. They would leave flowers and cry.”
St. Charles Avenue. Hennessey will use THNOC’s extensive Mardi Gras holdings to explore the influence of Shakespeare’s works on Carnival celebrations. These ephemera, along with playbills and images from Shakespeare productions and organizations in New Orleans arts, will be on display in “Merry as the Day Is Long,” THNOC’s smallscale companion exhibition on Shakespearean elements in 19th- and 20th-century New Orleans, on view Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30am –4:30pm, May 3–June 4, at THNOC’s Williams Research Center. Admission is free. Both the lecture and the exhibition at THNOC are part of a series of events surrounding the nationally traveling exhibition “The First Folio! The Book That Gave Us Shakespeare,” on view at the Newcomb Art Museum of Tulane May 9–31. Published in 1623, the famed First Folio features 36 works by Shakespeare. Considered one of the most valuable books in the world, the volume will be traveling to all 50 states and Washington, DC, in 2016, to mark the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s
death. The exhibition at Tulane will be the tour’s only stop in Louisiana. THNOC is honored to join Tulane University and the New Orleans Public Library in welcoming the folio to the city. Visit firstfolio.tulane.edu for more information about the exhibition and events hosted by Tulane and www.hnoc.org for details on related programming at THNOC. Founded in 1966, The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South.
Today the Double Play is still going strong and attracts a diverse and interesting crowd. It still has a symbiotic relationship with the Corner Pocket, primarily because of their proximity, and bar manager Will Antill, has come to be unofficially known as the Mayor of the Financial District.
The Dolphin Book Signing May 14 The Faubourg Marigny Arts and Bookstore will host a book signing on Saturday the 14th from 6 to 8pm. Craig Hallenstein will sign copies of his debut novel, The Dolphin. The novel is a suspense-thriller set in New Orleans. Faubourg Marigny Arts and Books is located at 600 Frenchmen Street.
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paparazzi
SDGMs XLI Steven Mora, Misti Ates, Frankie Fierce, Marsha Delain & Rip Naquin
SDGMs XLII Felicia Phillips, Derek Penton-Robicheaux, Jeffrey Palmquist & Tony Leggio
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42nd Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Announcement Party @ Four Seasons ~ Metairie, LA ~ Photos by Mac Reynolds
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The Page 3rd Anniversary + Willie & Bobby Mackie's 14th Anniversary Party ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
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4714 Bonita Dr., New Orleans $115,000 (single-family). Latter & Blum, Steven Vaughan Realtor®, 5 0 4 . 8 1 0 . 4 6 4 6 , svaughan@latterblum.com, www.Latter-Blum.com
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Book of the Month I am so excited about my book of the month for May because it is the debut novel of novelist J.L. Brown and it is an awesome political thrill ride with a great premise. Some of the story even takes place in our state capital, Baton Rouge. Basically, someone is killing conservative talk show hosts and rising FBI agent Jade Harrington is tapped to lead the investigation. Ambitious Agent Harrington is investigating the murder of a conservative radio personality only to discover that he may be the victim of a serial killer. Dubbed the TSK, Talk Show Killer, this ruthless criminal is sending threatening messages that the murders will continue unless the Federal Communications Commission brings back the Fairness Doctrine or news networks take it upon themselves to fairly present both sides of every issue. I love the way this novel delves into all the characters, you feel sympathy or at least an understanding of everyone even the hard-nosed conservatives. The case brings the agent in contact with a Hilary Clinton-esque Democratic senator from Missouri campaigning in a cutthroat race for president of the United States. While Cole Brennan, the most popular conservative talk-show host in the nation, battles nightly to save his country and help the incumbent Republican president maintain his ‘inner conservative’ to win reelection. All three of these lives (as well as a host of secondary characters) all wind up on a collision course that will not only impact their lives but the lives of all Americans. This novel has it all – romance, mystery and a taut political thriller. Ripped from today’s headlines, this novel is a must read. Once I started I could not put it down. For more information, go to www.jlbrownauthor.com.
Hot Happenings May is here and the saying is true, April showers do bring May flowers because the entire city is blooming right now. So stop and smell the roses and enjoy all the fabulous events we have coming up. Here are just a few fun things to do. Friday, May 13 – Sunday, May 15. 2016 Broadway In New Orleans presents the awesome Blue Man Group at the Saenger Theatre (1111 Canal Street) for five shows only! Blue Man Group is comedy, theater, rock concert and dance party all rolled into one. This
wildly popular phenomenon delivers an unforgettable multi-sensory experience. It’s an outrageous evening of entertainment you’ll never forget. Don’t miss the show that has captivated 35 million people worldwide. Blue Man Group - enemy of monotony, remedy for boredom, promoter of overjoy and elation. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 7:30pm. They also have a Saturday and Sunday matinee at 2:30pm. For tickets or more information, go to www.saengernola.com. Saturday, May 14, 2016 Calling all Queens and Kings, Emperors and Empresses, Tsars and Tsarinas, Grand Marshals, Title Holders and Everyone in between, your presence has been requested to shine those rhinestones and crown yourself once more for a night of sparkle and delight as the Krewe of Petronius is celebrating 56 years of Gay Carnival with their famous Cocktails & Crowns event at 811 Marigny St New Orleans starting at 7pm. Attire is event festive (wear your crown and rhinestones)! Tickets are $35 for an open bar, fabulous buffet, door prizes and silent auction to benefit the staging of the Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque LVI. This also will be where the new king and queen are announced as well as the ball theme so make it a point to be there. Please contact the Krewe at info@kreweofpetronius.net or your favorite krewe members for additional information and tickets. They accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit cards, checks and cash. Saturday, May 14, 2016 The 2016 Red Umbrella March (RUM) has been scheduled at the Treme Center (900 N. Villere St.) starting at 11am. This year’s March will feature The Lady Buckjumpers, Dumaine Street Gang, Rebirth Brass Band, Free Agents Brass Band and you! Come out to help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in the New Orleans African American Community. The statistics are troubling about HIV/ AIDS cases in New Orleans and Louisiana. HIV is everyone’s problem, but it is undeniable that HIV/AIDS is having a disproportionate impact on the African American community. According to recent Louisiana statistics 72% of new HIV cases are African American and 75% of new AIDS cases are African American. Among men, 70% of all new HIV diagnoses are among
African Americans and among women, 86% of all new HIV diagnoses are among African Americans. Visit https:/ / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / e v e n ts / 1702405556706562/ for more info. Sunday, May 15, 2016 In recognition of May’s National Foster Care Month, Boys Town Louisiana is hosting Bowl-A-Palooza, a charitable fundraiser dedicated to recognizing the role we each can play in enhancing the lives of children in foster care. The event takes place at Rock N Bowl (3016 Carrolton Ave) from 1 – 4pm. The afternoon event will feature delicious food; amazing musical entertainment by Tank and the Bangas, plus DJ Raj Smoove and MC Wild Wayne; a silent auction, door prizes and the chance to interact with the Boys Town children and their families. The public is invited to share in this fun-filled, charitable fundraising event by securing a lane time or by becoming a Bowl-APalooza event sponsor. Individual tickets are $25. For tickets or more information, go to www.boystown.org. Sunday, May 15, 2016 Please join Tim Goodman, Mr. Louisiana Leather for his travel fundraiser, to Chicago IL, to compete in the International Mr. Leather contest. IML is held over Memorial Day weekend with contestants from around the world. He will be representing New Orleans there. Vanessa Carr-Kennedy is the emcee, with a host of performers including former Mr. Louisiana Leathers and Miss Leatherettes. Food consists of a BBQ, hamburger & hot dogs, with potato salad and chips, suggested donation $10. The event will take place at GrandPre’s (834 N. Rampart St.) from 2 – 5pm. There will also be a silent auction, 50/50 Raffle, Jell-O Shots, Leather themed cookies for sale, and much more! Wednesday, May 25, 2016 Please join Project Lazarus for the Annual Guardian Angel Award Gala at Messina’s at the Terminal, Lakefront Airport (6001 Stars and Stripes Boulevard) starting at 6:30pm. They will honor David Cortez with the Guardian Angel Award in celebration of his years of support and dedication to this mission as well as present their founder’s award, the Pawell-Desrosiers Award, to Anne Milling in celebration of her passionate commitment to Project Lazarus throughout our agency’s entire history. The elegant evening features a high-end live and silent auction, cocktail hour, seated dinner, award ceremony and live music. Please contact Lily Hannigan with any questions or sponsorship inquiries: lhannigan@projectlazarus.net or 504.949.3609 x503 or got to www.projectlazarus.net. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jessica Kinnison at
jkinnison@projectlazarus.net. The attire is black tie optional and tickets are $150. Wednesday, May 25 – Sunday, June 19, 2016 Let’s get Wicked! Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED, winner of over 100 international awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards is coming to the Saenger Theatre. Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald-green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Pippin, Godspell, Academy Award®-winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman (“My So Called Life,” “Once And Again” and “thirtysomething”), WICKED is directed by two-time Tony® Award winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues) and features musical staging by Tony® Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who’s Tommy, How To Succeed…). For tickets or more information, go to or call 800.218.7469 or online at www.BroadwayInNewOrleans.com. Friday, May 27, 2016 Get your military on this Memorial Day with the Krewe of Armeinius with their special event Permission To Shoot at Tulane Avenue Bar (3813 Tulane Avenue) from 7 – 10 p.m. There will be a naughty drag show performed by the Queens of Armeinius! Wear your favorite camo and brings your dollars! Sunday, May 29, 2016 The Krewe of Armeinius is holding a costume design workshop at their den (435 N. Broad Street) starting at 3pm. This class is open to non-members for the first time and is only $10 dollars. For more info and to book your spot please contact our Ball Captain Chad at rqstv@yahoo.com
Party Down My last two weeks were not as filled as they have normally been because of work, but the few events I did attend were memorable and very meaningful. My first week honestly did not start with events until I went to Jazz Fest on Saturday. The weather was perfect the first weekend and the music was awesome. I was lucky to have entry into the WWOZ, Miller Beer and Saints tents to get a reprieve from the crowds. Pearl Jam rocked the Fair[continued on 20]
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Miss Cie, Miss Delta & the Boys
Gavin, Roman & Company @ B-Bob’s
Tommy, Mandy & friends @ Flip Side Patio Bar
From Drag Race... Bob the Drag Queen with Miss Cie @ B-Bob’s
m obile paparazzi Our Dear Chadwick, with Delta Deen @ B-Bob’s
under the gaydar ...from 18 grounds; they were magical. Every time I go and make a discovery of a new band I had never heard before, this year it was a South African band that played on the Congo Square Stage called Alpha Blondy and the Solar System. They were the best surprise of the day. The following week was more work up until Thursday when my life changed. I am honored to say I was named Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLII along with Jeff Palmquist, Felicia Phillips and Derek Penton-Robicheaux. The evening was just incredible. We were whisked by limo bus from the French Quarter to the Four Seasons where the announcement was held to a packed crowd. I have to admit, I rarely get nervous but my heart was a pounding. This was one of those dreams that I never believed I would achieve. First and foremost, I would like to thank Frankie Wingerter who chose me, I definitely owe you everything. I was called out on stage first and the night flew by at breakneck speed from there. We were all brought out, and we each had a chance to speak. We were given sashes (now I know what Miss America feels like and I like it) and whistles. We
then walked around and greeted the full house of people talking with everyone. It was such an honor to be chosen and we promise to give everyone one hell of a ride this year. Afterward we did an impromptu bar crawl hitting most of the gay bars blowing our whistles and making quite a spectacle of ourselves. So this is Day 1. On Saturday, I went back to Jazz Fest although this time scuba gear should have been packed. We got drenched but my friends and I enjoyed every wet moment of the music, food and fun. Big Freedia was the highlight of the day especially the gay boy who jumped up in his underwear and started twerking everywhere. He definitely put Miley Cyrus to shame. After the deluge we went to a crawfish boil near the tracks at John Ramsey and Dewey Donihou’s majestic home on Esplanade Avenue. A lot of rain cannot dampen a fabulous gay party. We ate mudbugs, met some great friends and drank lots of libations. It was the perfect end to a wet day.
PaPa Jerry Performing for Mobile Gay Pride Fundraiser @ B-Bob’s Hello Jeremy @ Flip Side
Henry, Miss Cie & Zach @ B-Bob’s
Princess Mattie joins the Pride Fundraiser Gavin & Matt with Miss Cie
That concludes my two weeks of excitement, I can assure you that there will be more in store as Southern Decadence gets closer. Get ready because Something Decadent this way comes!
SouthernDecadence.com
Creative Artist Lyndon @ B-Bob’s
DJ Leroey & Melvin @ B-Bob’s
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Pride & More ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
Happy Birthday Michael!!
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945.9264, www.phoenixbarnola.com 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
CANAL STREET
100 IBERVILLE
200 BIENVILLE
300
Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921
500 TOULOUSE
600
RAMPART
ST. LOUIS
BURGUNDY
400
DAUPHINE
ROYAL
CHARTES
DECATUR
CONTI
BOURBON
ST. PETER ORLEANS
bookstores
900
New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
1000
chiropractic
ST. PHILIP
URSULINES
1100 GOVERNOR NICHOLLS
1200 BARRACKS
1300
classifieds
ESPLANADE
1800
M
A
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IG
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Y
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FR 2 AN 500 KL L 26 00 IN YA O R E LO IN UI PH SA U DA
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EN 200 0 C EL H YS 210 ME 0 N IA N FI 22 EL 00 D S RT PA M RA
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 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 Feb. 24-28, 2017, 68th Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.com Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, 18th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.com
costumes
French Quarter/Faubourg Marigny/Bywater
attorneys
Houston, TX [713] NEON BOOTS DANCEHALL & SALOON, 11410 Hempstead Hwy., 677.0828, www.neonbootsclub.com
800
ST. ANN
DUMAINE
FR
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 THE PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 875.4976 PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields,
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 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] 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!
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
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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
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.
Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net
photography
retail/shopping
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] 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, 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
Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com Stanley, 547 St. Ann St., 587.0093, www.StanleyRestaurant.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
New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 LEATHER VOODOO, 708 Toulouse St., 249.5603 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 Formal Connection, 299 Belle Terre Blvd. LaPlace, LA, 985.652.1195 Milavo, www.milavospray.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
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.
NEXT Ambush DEADLINE Tuesday, May 17th 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
Offic ial Pride Guide • NOLAPride.org • May 10-23, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 25
the real cheese by Felicia Phillips Email: fphillips1011@gmail.com Photo by Hubert S Monkeys
No Pain No Gain I’ve been pretty quiet since the announcement of this year’s Southern Decadence Grand Marshals, not because I’m not excited, nor that I’m ungrateful. But simply because it’s so surreal that for probably the first time in my life I’ve been rendered speechless! I had to take time to reflect on how I got to where I am, here in New Orleans, the place, that since my youth I felt I should be. And now with being named one of the gm’s for what has become the largest gay festival in the country, I had a lot of emotions to process. I can honestly say now this is one of the highest points of my life, but it didn’t come without prices being paid. Like everyone I have had many ups and downs in life. Highly honored Thespian in high school, I got hit with the drag itch my first year of college, causing me to abandon what could have been a successful acting or teaching career, it wasn’t until the newness of being out and an upcoming entertainer in the Texas drag circuit did I realize that I could have made a mistake, but having early on established a family business, that truly was a dream business, costume rental and theatrical makeup dealer, I let the pain of what could have been go and went on to see that shop last a total of 20 plus years. Not alone but with the help of my mother, and later business partner Thomas. It was not 20 years of easy going, in fact sold the original shop back in 1989 and came very close to moving here then to start anew, but foolishly chose chasing after other things that only saw to it that I went through all the money. Starting over from scratch wasn’t easy, but it happened and the new shop grew, many people helped this happen, some of which I am still indebted to till this very day. My drag career also became my mainstay, providing me an outlet to keep my original dream of being on stage alive. But it also brought me pains, any queen knows the odds of a long lasting relationship is a rarity and I was not to be one of the rare ones. It also threw me in the forefront of the AIDS crisis both by losing so many dear friends and by having to use that stage persona to raise money so desperately needed to help. Often my abilities were put to the test by having to entertain and make people smile all while just wanting to shut myself away and cry. I took many last curtain calls over the years, but through several unforeseen circumstances, I always seemed to make a one night only appearance turn into a comeback! Each time looking back and thinking of past pains, but seeing all the gains. 2004 was the year I would close the shop for good, not wanting to have to deal with the new internet competition and chain party shops that were popping up. Plan was to store everything in the property I
inherited from my parents and sell it all piece by piece on Ebay, while at the same time managing and bartending at the oldest gay bar in my hometown. Another high point, as I was no longer performing, but was still show director and highly involved with the community. Again thinking about the profit I would make on selling off the shops inventory and saving money while still working, I set my sites back on the dream of moving to the Big Easy. 2005 had other plans, seeing Southeast Texas hit by Hurricane Rita was nearly as devastating as what Katrina did here, the bar saw its roof ripped off causing such damage that it eventually collapsed and had to be torn down, while we were waiting for funding to try and repair and reopen. Although I did not lose everything that was stored from the shop, the thieves and vandals started to make a dent in it. While working to regroup and rebuild, Hurricane Ike hit and what the first storm didn’t take, Ike did, only salvaging a few storage bins of costumes. My apartment was undamaged and I still had all of my things as well as things inherited from my parents, and a decent job at a print shop, so I survived, but did not feel alive. It was while watching the news months later, on a day that had seen horrific tornadoes in the Midwest, seeing people who had lost everything, and were happy just to find a picture that was saved, I realized how blessed I was, and it was up to me as to whether I would feel alive again. So I had a living estate sale, sold everything, and me and my Chica Marie headed to NOLA. Ups and downs were still here, starting up a shop with a dear friend quickly found me making new friends that almost instantly became a part of my heart, but not having the finances needed to see it grow, caused pains to me and others, and affected dear friendships, I had to let go, but it saw to it that under others care that business would succeed and prosper. Even without the shop, I felt so much a part of this magical city and the characters I quickly grew to love, I knew it was yet another pain that would lead to a gain. Meeting
people that would end up seeing my drag persona once again make a comeback through a fundraiser a couple of years back for none other than Southern Decadence! Last Thursday night when I was so honored by being chosen and announced by Misti Ates, and to share the honor with Tony, Derek and Jeff was surreal enough, but when I walked unto that stage at Four Seasons, I heard the applause and I saw the smiles on so many faces, I knew New Orleans was not a place that old queens went to die, but one where they could revive and
thrive! And I also knew that the pains I would now feel would be from tucking to tight, wearing to many tights or too high of heels, and of course from the heat and humidity we are likely to face on parade day, but I will enjoy every last pain given, and relish in the fact that I have never felt so alive and so much love, love that I share with every one of you! And that my dahlins is The Real Cheese! Till next time I’m Felicia Phillips, The Cheese Queen of New Orleans and co-SDGM XLII...
trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Metropolitan Opera HD Encore/Roberto Devereux at AMC Elmwood Palace 20 For its penultimate broadcast this season, the Metropolitan Opera’s HD Series offered the company’s premiere production of Roberto Devereux, the final installment of Donizetti’s Tudor Queen trilogy. With it, soprano Sondra Radvanovsky completed the extraordinary challenge of singing all three queens, including the title roles in Anna Bolena and Maria Stuarda, in the course of a single season, a rare feat not attempted in New York City since Beverly Sills’ triumph in the mid-1970s. Manifesting superb singing and fine acting, Radvanovsky scored a equally impressive achievement, particularly in Roberto Devereux with her wrenching portrayal of the aging Queen Elizabeth I enduring an unrequited love at the very end of her life.
Elina Garanca and Mariusz Kwiecien in Roberto Devereux As Hostess Deborah Voigt explained during the evening’s introduction, Roberto Devereux relates two “intersecting love triangles.” These involve Elizabeth (Radvanovsky), her former boy toy Devereux (tenor Matthew Polenzani) and Sarah, his secret love (mezzosoprano Elina Garanca). And who’s Sarah married to? Devereux’s best friend, the Duke of Nottingham (baritone Mariusz Kwiecien). Suffice to say, things don’t end well for Roberto. Based on history, the libretto with its multiple references to “tears and blood” may seem like the basis for a
Jerry Springer show but it’s a solid framework on which to hang Donizetti’s sumptuous bel canto music. All four lead singers displayed glorious voices, spinning out pure tones over beautifully formed phrases. Moritz Junge’s elaborate costumes were gorgeous, and David MacVicar’s single set and simple direction were a better fit for the broadcast than, say, the more frenetic Lulu, seen earlier this season. Broadcast Director Gary Halvorson’s close-ups allowed viewers to see design details on the queen’s [continued on 29]
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Lords of Leather Crawfish Boil @ The Phoenix ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
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Drag Dinner Celebrates Coca J. Mesa's Birthday @ The Country Club ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
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matters of health Mental Health Issues Higher Among Young Gay & Bisexual Men A recent study published in The Journal of Public Health found that even though gay and bisexual men are at higher risk of mental health issues compared to straight men, young gay and bisexual men are at even higher risk. According to Ford Hickson, the lead author, the study was conducted on line with almost 6,000 gay and bisexual men. Of those surveyed, about 21 percent were depressed, 17 percent had anxiety, about 7 percent had harmed themselves in the past year and 3 percent had attempted suicide. Among younger gay and bisexual men, about 29 percent were depressed, 24 percent reported anxiety, about 14 had percent harmed themselves in the past year and about 6 percent had tried to kill themselves. On the positive side, Hickson and his colleagues found that high levels of education, income and living with a man were factors that seem to protect gay and bisexual men in all age groups from depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.
Moving to the Big City is Not all Rosy Throughout LGBTQ history, young people have moved from homophobic cities or left families and fled to large cities to feel safe and be in a friendly community. But a recent study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine indicates that we might need programs in place to help make the transition. John Pachankis and his colleagues at the Yale School of Public Health surveyed young gay men who moved to New York City. What they found was the opposite of what you would think. The young gay men experienced mental health issues, increased substance abuse and increased risky behavior making them more susceptible to HIV infection. Pachankis felt that this might be due to the men attempting to make
trodding the boards ...from 26 ring on Roberto’s finger and the sweat on Polenzani’s brow. And during the WWE-worthy fight between Sarah and the Duke, the up-close camerawork made it clear that one misstep by Garanca or Kwiecien could have resulted in serious injury. With her jawbreaker of a name I was expecting Radvanovsky to have a Slavic accent but she’s actually from Illinois. Interviewed by Voigt, she commented “Elizabeth is my favorite [of the Queens]—there’s not one note that shouldn’t be there. Because we know so much about her, one has to do justice to the real person.” Radvanovsky added, “Because she’s at the end of her life and desperate, she’s so intense. I’m angry 90% of the evening, with really high and really low notes. It makes Tosca seem easy.” Polenzani described Roberto as having “a little problem, trying to juggle Elizabeth, Sarah and the Duke.” Voigt had her own little problem juggling him and the precise broadcast schedule as he snuck in shout-outs to his parents and his son’s 3rd grade teacher. Voigt did not look amused.
connections or support and as a result put themselves at higher risk to make those connections. One way to address this might be providing opportunities for young gay men to receive support and make connections in safe healthy environments. Several cities in Louisiana have gay men’s wellness centers which can connect you with safe environments for support and connections, check them out at http:// www.bayouboys.org/
Can Going Door-to-Door Change Transphobia? According to a recent study published in the journal Science, the answer is yes. David Broockman from Stanford University and Joshua Kalla [continued on 31] Later, Voigt commented on the “amazing chemistry” among the four leads. The absolutely adorable Kwiecien replied that they are “all around the same age and have sung together before and respect each other.” When he then claimed that the Duke is “abused by his friend [Devereux] and his wife”, Garanca, standing beside him, gave a withering “Oh really?” What the live audience at the Met didn’t realize was that this interchange went on literally seconds before Garanca went on for the dramatic Act Two. The only blooper of the evening was a backstage mike that seemed to have been left on resulting in some faint chatter overlapping a tender love scene. Well, that and a glitch that prevented the Theatres at Canal Place from having the encore screening. I was planning to compare the experience at that venue with the one at the spacious AMC Elmwood Palace 20, but I guess that’ll have to wait till next season. Speaking of next season, along with such standard repertory works as La Traviata, Don Giovanni, Der Rosenkavalier with Renée Fleming,
and Eugene Onegin with Anna Netrebko, highlights include Kaija Saariaho’s L’Amour de Loin, which will be only the second opera by a woman the Met has ever done, and Nabucco starring the great Plácido Domingo, who’ll be starring in the opera at age 74. Tickets for these and the other broadcasts will go on sale in July.
Coming Soon With Jazzfest now behind us and no major distractions till the summertime muggies, there’ll be lots of opportunities to go to the theater in the next six weeks or so. If past history is any indication, get your tickets now, if you haven’t already done so for The NOLA Project’s production of Don Quixote in the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Sculpture Garden. Now in their sixth year, these outdoor entertainments draw big crowds and deservedly so—A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2011) and Adventures in Wonderland (2014) are two of my all-time favorite productions. Playing through May 22, Quixote has been adapted from Cervantes’ classic by Pete McElligott who also did the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Adventures. Jessica Podewell directs with Ian Hoch and Mike Spara taking in the roles of the Don and his sidekick Sancho Panza. Next up for the Projectors, will be Jecko Says “Hyde”, an interactive theatre experience set in and around the CBD which will be directed by Andrew Larimer who helmed both Midsummer and Adventures. Details are scant so far about the show other than its dates (June 15-30), but I suspect you may want to brush up on a certain Robert Louis Stevenson novel. Up at UNO’s Robert E. Nims Theatre, Southern Rep gives us Colossal starting previews on June 1. Andrew Hinderaker’s National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere combines football, a live drumline, and modern dance as it shows what happens when a star player suffers a catastrophic injury on the football field. Makes me think “Ouch” and “Wowza!”Aimée Hayes coaches the Colossal team whose season goes through June 19, perfect for all of you who can’t wait for the Saints to hit the field again. ”Colossal” is a word that could well-describe Wicked which will be returning to the Saenger Theatre, May 25-June 19. I last saw this Stephen Schwartz musicalization of Gregory Maguire’s novel about the witches of Oz twelve years ago and I’ll be eager to see how it’s aged. In the meantime, those paint-splattering, toilet paperunrolling guys known as Blue Man Group will be hunkering down for a brief four-performance run May 13-15. A colossal hit that takes place near the Colosseum, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
concludes Le Petit’s season. Ricky Graham directs a bunch of Olympian thespians including Sean Patterson, Keith Claverie, John Michael Haas, Bob Edes, Tracey E. Collins, and Kevin T. Murphy in this Tony-winning musical farce (May 20-June 5). The World War II Museum’s Stage Door Canteen has two very different shows coming up. The Accidental Hero relates the true story of a WWII officer who liberated the same Czech villages where his grandparents had lived. A series of coincidences brought Matt Konop from Wisconsin to his family’s hometown in Czechoslovakia. Told with never-before-seen color movie clips from WWII, vintage music, and photos, The Accidental Hero was developed by Patrick Dewane, Konop’s grandson, from material derived from Konop’s memoir, which was discovered more than 20 years after his death. It plays May 27 and 28. I’m not sure if the title characters in Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes are accidental or not, but Jason Petty has had a long career playing Hank Williams in, among other places, Nashville and New York where he starred off-Broadway in Lost Highway. If you don’t want to be so lonesome you could cry, head over to the WWII Museum June 3–26. For those of you with fond memories of the 1988 cult film Heathers— and who doesn’t like watching a bunch of nasty teenagers get their comeuppance—check out NOCCA Stage Company’s Heathers: The Musical by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy. Directed by the estimable Blake Coheley, Heathers runs at NOCCA’s Nims Black Box Theatre June 9-19. Over in the bustling St. Claude corridor, The Theatre at St. Claude promises all sorts of goodies in the coming weeks. First up is Sideshow and Tell which offers an immersive glimpse at the life and adventures that blossom when a professional roustabout from Coney Island meets a showgirl from the Hollywood days of old. There’ll be sword swallowing, fire eating, whip cracking, chainsaw juggling, a death defying climb up a ladder of machetes, plus classic burlesque and live musical accompaniment (May 13-15). Freelance journalist and sometime comedian, Paul (An Englishman in New Orleans) Oswell debuts his latest one-man show, Would Jesus Thank God It’s Friday, May 27-29. And husband’n’wife Bradley and Steph Warshauer will take audiences to the shadowy tip of nowhere with a double feature of original plays (Barker’s Edge of Town by Bradley Warshauer and The New Wave by Stephanie Garrison Warshauer) set in worlds unlike our own but strangely familiar (June 1019). Wonder if there’s a presidential election as strange as ours brewing in any of these worlds?
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Miss Eloy's Going Away Party @ GrandPre's ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Darwin Reed
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The Club Scene ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Jeremy Weinberg
paparazzi
a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Jazz Fest and A Reasonable Parting The torrents came gushing down and the party goers ran for shelter. As was characteristic for that gathering the mud laden in-field was once again a reminder that the city lives in a swamp. Some tried oh so hard to make a go of it gathering in this tent or that tent to hear the sounds. But alas the rain came down and it seemed to never stop. Yet, not so far away on that beaten path to the Fair Grounds and jazz heaven a smaller group gathered. They came in the rain and like the folks down the street they were determined to make a go of it. The skies were clouded and with soliloquy of rain. Once all had gathered roiling movements of grey and black the heavens poured down upon the clouds. A fine Naval Officer in dress gathered umbrellas and the officer upon white uniform presented himself along his knee said, “On behalf of a grateful with a small honor guard. It was early nation….” the day was dark and then yet and the rest of the well-wishers had the minister said, “Let us pray..” the not yet all arrived. The rain was not in ashes poured out upon the sweet earth full force and it seemed to stutter a bit. as the rain muted the words, “earth to On again and off again and the skies earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. continued with dramatic shifts of na- The Lord bless him and keep him…” tures stormy prospects. All of this having been accomplished In tents down the street the Gospel the band struck with joyous sound, “I’ll Choir sang and in our little place a few fly away” as the small group gathered ladies from St. Augustine church joined in the Parish Hall seeking a dry spot. us for our gathering; just a few women The band played with joy and filled the with big voices and deep hearts. Not room and people applauded and too different from the crowd in the laughed and felt the rising of that lad to Gospel tents down the street. In our a new place of dignity and hope and tent a Jazz Band showed up, The healing. No, he’s not ashes he’s Storyville Stompers, and I suppose the “Mickey.” same was true in other tents down the Shortly thereafter indeed the rains street. The rain defying people showed did cease and the troop of well wishers up with pictures and flowers and memo- processed in Second Line fashion with ries. Our tent began to fill, though only a sky resplendent with the brooding slightly. colors and a thunderstorm but with The priest began to chant and there hints of yellow light peeking through. followed a cadence of words that The streets shinned and shimmered tumbled and echoed off the walls of the and that yellow shotgun house glowed high ceilinged church our tent on this against the blue black horizon and the day: brass cross shined brightly as the famFor none of us has life in himself, ily, friends, and musicians walked their And none becomes his own master way to food and storytelling in the when he dies. Tremé. It was a fine day to be laid to For if we have life, we are alive in rest and a fine day to laugh, to cry, to the Lord, mourn, to rejoice and to remember. It And if we die, we die in the Lord. wasn’t a show it was real and honest So, then, whether we live or die, and transparent. It was by all stanWe are the Lord’s possession. dards a good funeral. Now Mickey only on occasion atThe urn of ashes for he who is no tended St. Anna’s Church, our tent for more on this earth stood just before the that day. He lived with a fine man who altar and the dark skies afforded a attended St. Augustine’s. Mickey was glow as of evening in the warm wood well known in some circles: sometimes clad church, our tent. And the voice of fondly and sometimes not so much. He the aging soprano rang out supported was a “troubled” lad who died way too by her small group of voices in sweet early. He drank a bit too much. He had harmonies. The tent down the street a penchant for taking what he wanted should know such truth in song as these and ownership was not a concept well women sang. understood by him in those days. He The skies halted their torrents for a was a veteran and denizen of the Treme. moment and it was time for the band to He was a young man who happened to play a dirge as only in Louisiana can we be gay. Perhaps his state of being as do to the garden next to the church. gay troubled him too much perhaps not That band with dignity and truth in at all. But this man of dubious character music followed that urn of ashes with had a great funeral. He was sent off to ministers and the young Naval Officer be healed in his spirit and his body and his fellow sailors were ready. But recycled in the earth. Even the least of the skies were only preparing for a these deserves nothing less.
The full ritual actions of the church give a dignity beyond a “celebration of life” because it speaks of what is possible beyond the horizon of this mortal life. The rituals and prayers are set and ancient and well crafted to reach out to all even the least of the believers. There is substance and merit to the words that are said, the hearts that are soothed and the souls that are healed. One word: DIGNITY. A friend once told me about a Roman church funeral for a gay man who died of AIDS. He attended that ethnic church, not in New Orleans, as a boy. He served at the altar as a boy. His mother prayed the rosary there making mass each weekday morning. Yet, the priest said, “This is God’s punishment” during the eulogy or sermon or better said hate speech. I was hurt by this story because it surely was not a church that Jesus knows. (I know that Priest will languish in a dark place void of love and acceptance when his time comes). Honestly, I find it hard to be ecumenical precisely because of such her-
esies as that statement. I understand fully that the monolithic mechanisms of the grand churches takes years, decades, or even centuries to get it right. But, some churches seem to resist for the sake of resistance. In the face of the truth they remain stuck. Such denominations or individuals spend time on issues about bathrooms, condoms, and the curia. You who are reading this know this to be true.
matters of health ...from 29
who are HIV positive or have fallen out of HIV care, into care, 3) get those in care on medication and achieve a undetectable viral load, and 4) increase access to prevention methods including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). It’s our job to make it happen. If you want to be part of making it happen, contact the Louisiana AIDS Advocacy Network at www.laanorg.com, or on Facebook: Louisiana AIDS Advocacy Network LAAN.
from the University of California Berkley conducted a door-to-door canvassing intervention in Miami, Florida. For the intervention, 56 canvassers went door to door encouraging active perspective-taking with 501 voters at voters’ doorsteps. A randomized trial found that these conversations substantially reduced transphobia, with decreases greater than Americans’ average decrease in homophobia from 1998 to 2012. These effects persisted for 3 months, and both transgender and nontransgender canvassers were effective. The intervention also increased support for a nondiscrimination law, even after exposing voters to counterarguments. Want to find out what’s happening in Louisiana with transgender rights? Check out Louisiana Trans Advocates at http:// www.latransadvocates.org/ and Youth Break Out at http:// www.youthbreakout.org/
Half of Gay Black Men Will Get HIV The Centers for Disease Control recently released information that indicates one in six men who have sex with men (MSM) will be infected with HIV in their lifetime, but half of black MSM are likely to be infected. In addition, Southerners also have a higher risk with the highest risk in Washington, DC (1 in 13), Maryland (1 in 49), Georgia (1 in 51), Florida (1 in 54), and Louisiana (1 in 56). One in 214 straight women and one in 473 straight men were likely to be infected. Sounds overwhelming? Yes, but the good news is we KNOW how to reverse this: 1) make people aware of their HIV status, 2) get those
There are places where the ritual and dignity of humanity are carried out without rancor, ignorant prejudice, or wielding of self-fulfilling authority. Please, if you are stuck in such an institution don’t allow yourself to be hurt any longer. There is a place for you. Please if you have lost any hope of a true faith that proclaims resurrection and healing – there is a place for you. Please know that “Mickey” found grace and dignity and that such a place is open to both the living and the dead. Find that place and be still and know that you are loved and deservedly so.
Want to Reduce Binge Drinking at Colleges? A recent study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that students at colleges that have programs and policies that support LGBTQ students have lower rates of binge drinking among BOTH straight and LGBTQ students. Robert Coulter from the University of Pittsburgh and the lead author said it might be related to that type of environment being less stressful and fostering health emotional resilience for all students. Living in areas with more affirmative LGBTQ school climates was associated with significantly fewer binge drinking days for gay/lesbian and heterosexual students, compared with living in jurisdictions with less LGBTQ-affirmative school climates. Living in areas with more affirmative LGBTQ school climates also was significantly associated with fewer drinking days at school for adolescents unsure of their sexual orientation. Jack Carrel, MPH has worked in HIV, STD, and LGBTQ health for over 30 years. Currently he is a doctoral student at Walden University, a consultant in grant writing. He can be reached at jackcarrel@gmail.com.
Offic ial Pride Guide • NOLAPride.org • May 10-23, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 31
32 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • May 10-23, 2016 • Of fic ial Sout her n Dec adenc e Guide • Sout her nDec adenc e.c om