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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
Oz Hosts Largest Fundraiser in the History of Southern Decadence Bringing a Whopping $6,602 Just off their most recent wins as both Dance Club and Show Club of the Year at the 29th Gay Appreciation Awards, Oz New Orleans raised a whopping $6,602 at it's annual Turnabout Show and Buy A Boy Auction. It is the largest grossing fundraiser in the history of Southern Decadence! Since the event raised over $5,000, Oz New Orleans has earned the rank of Presenting Sponsor of the 45th celebration of LGBT+ life, music and culture in New Orleans. All funds raised minus expenses will benefit this years official SD charities: New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) and Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). Special thanks to proprietors Cindy Lou Simpson and Madeline Schwartz, as well as managers Greg Jones and Glenn Fonte, host Persana Shoulders, and the entire staff of Oz. Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist, Derek Penton-Robicheaux and Felicia Phillips joined the festivities, while Quistadors' Coca J. Mesa assisted with the financial report. The evening, hosted by Cheridon Comedy Award winner and Bitch of the Year Persana Shoulders, brought a bevy of beauties to the stage as the staff switched roles in most cases, much to the appreciation of an enthusiastic audience. And if that wasn't enough, the Buy A Boy Auction sent the evening through the roof raising $4,300 on this auction alone! Each boy was paired with a dining package including 200.00 from David Sanford for Chris Brassette, 300.00 from Stephen Valiente for Coby Daigle, 350.00 from Cody Chauvin for Eli Cole, 250.00 from Michael Norris for Jay Chavez, 250.00 from Tony Leggio for Justin Graci, 500.00 from Tony Leggio for Liam Watkins, 300.00 from Roger Isly for Marcus Gandy, 250.00 from Solitaire (Bonita Folse) for Roman Harrington, 250.00 from Buddy Rozas for Stephen Valiente, 250.00 from Misael Rubio for Luke Paul, 700.00 from Jacobe Villere for Zach Jefferson, and 700.00 from Joseph Kuhn also for Zack Jefferson Additional funds raised included 1,320.00 from the door, 412.00 turnabout performance tips, 300.00 Persana Shoulders donation, 150.00 Helene Berot donation, and 120.00 for the 50/50 Raffle, for a grand total of 6,602.00.
Seven Events Bring in $12,360 for Southern Decadence 2016 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist Derek-Penton Robicheaux and Felicia Philips cannot thank everyone enough for their continued support of the fundraising efforts for Southern Decadence 2016. Seven more fundraisers have brought in $12,360.00, and after expenses of 157.00 a total of $12,360.00 was raised for the 2016 celebration benefiting NOAGE and ARNO. An Evening with Vinsantos hosted by Harlequeen and SDGM XLII Felicia Phillips at Allways Lounge raised 700.00 total. Mystic & Mystery: An Evening of Decadence hosted by Quistadors Lulu Blackwell and Colby Danna at Good Friends Bar raised 340.00 from the
inside
buffet, 329.00 in raffles, 220.00 in tarot card readings for an 889.00 sub-total, plus a 1,000.00 Bourbon Pride Gold sponsorship, for an 1,889.00 total. Sippin' with the Sisters 2nd Annual Deviled Egg Contest was hosted by Mac McAll and Kevin Limberg at Cutter's raising 400.00 in buffet/donations, minus 42.00 for winners plaques, for a
Giant Southern Decadence issue due out August 30 DEADLINE: Fri., Aug. 19
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$358.00 total. Burgers & Dogs for Southern Decadence hosted by Quistadors' and Krewe of Rue Royale Revelers Grand Reveler II Will Antil and Lord of Misrule Frank Perez at The Double Play raised 263.00 in raffles, 65.00 from the silent auction, and 890.00from buffet/donations, for a 1,218.00 total. The Oz Turnabout & Buy A Boy Auction hosted by Persana Shoulders at Oz raised 4,300.00 for Buy A Boy Auction, 1,320.00 from the door, 412.00 from Persana Shoulders donation, 150.00 from Helene Berot donation, and 120.00 from 50/50 raffle, for a 6,602.00 total. Hooray for Hollywood hosted by SDGM XLII Felicia Phillips and her "Bitches" at GrandPre's raised 260.00 from the door, 325.00 auction, 37.00 50/50 Raffle, 249.00 in stage tips/ raffles, 50.00 Raynette Baca donation for a 921.00, sub-total, minuis expenses: 50.00 DJ, and 65.00 decorations/food service for a 115.00 expenses sub-total, leaving an 806.00 total. Southern Decadence Rummage/ Tag Sale hosted by Quistadors' Coca J Mesa and Frank Perez at Rawhide/ 2016 raised a 500.00 total. And The French Quarter: A History of Decadence Tour by Crescent City Tour Booking Agency hosted by Quistadors' Frank Perez raised a 130.00 total.
Southern Decadence Sponsorships Continue to Grow Businesses continue to join the efforts of Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist Derek-Penton Robicheaux and Felicia Philips by becoming sponsors of the 45th Annual Southern Decadence. Official Southern Decadence Sponsors to date include Presenting - Official Southern Guide - Ambush Magazine, Official Website of Southern D e c a d e n c e www.SouthernDecadence.com, Official Vodka of Southern Decadence SKYY Vodka, Oz New Orleans and Broussard's Restaurant; Platinum - Official Drink of Southern - Tropical Isle's Hand Grenade, Official Beer of Southern Decadence Bud Light, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Gay Appreciation Awards, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Official Home of Southern Decadence - The Golden Lantern, Elizabeth Bouvier & Gary Vandeventer, SDGM XLII Jeffrey Palmquist & Coca J. Mesa, Just Us Lounge/Biloxi; Gold-Bourbon Pub & Parade, GrandPre's, The Double Play, Bourbon Pride, Misti Ates Gaither (Johnny Passion) & Catherine Gaither, Irish Channel Funding, LLC, The Cheezy Cajun, Good Friends, Phoenix; Silver-Four Seasons & Patio Stage
THE OFFICIAL MAG
Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide© Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© Official Gay New Orleans Guide© Official Pride Guide© Official Southern Decadence Guide© AWARD WINNING:
Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Hall of Fame/2015, Louisiana Excellence Award: Media & Internet/2014, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2014, 25th NO/AIDS Task Force Humanitas Award/2013, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2013, Krewe of Mwindo Media Honoree/2009, Krewe of Petronius Carnival Spirit of Gay Mardi Gras XLVIII Award/2009, Forum For Equality Acclaim Awards X Media Recipient/2008, NO/AIDS Task Force Prometheus “Torch of Truth” [media] Award/2001 OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: ripna@ambushmag.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line CIRCULATION: Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi Texas - Houston
STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin • 504.522.8049 Paul Melancon THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS 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
Bar, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp., Rolling Elvi Inc./Jailhouse Rockers, Dr. Mac (Robert McWhirter), The Page, Harlequeen, Rawhide 2010; Bronze-Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, A*Med Ambulance Service, Cutter's; and Pearl-Dawn Leggio, SDGM XXVII Errol Rizzuto, June Pennick, Alexis Grace, Cam Zimmerman, Bonita Folse/ Solitaire, Fabulous Flowers LLC, Jay Crockett. You to can also become a sponsor [continued on 8]
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celebrazzi Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Jeffrey Palmquist, Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips and Derek Penton-Robicheaux join Oz host Persana Shoulders (center) as they raise $6,602 for Southern Decadence 2016 at the Oz Turnabout Show and Buy A Boy Auction in New Orleans. This was the largest grossing fundraiser in the history of Southern Decadence! Since the event raised over $5,000, Oz New Orleans has earned the rank of Presenting Sponsor of the 45th celebration of LGBT+ life, music and culture in New Orleans. All funds raised minus expenses will benefit this years official SD charities: New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) and Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). They join Presenting Sponsors Ambush Magazine, www.SouthernDecadence.com, SKYY Vodka and Broussard's Restaurant. (Photo by Paul Melancon)
SDGM XLII Jeffrey Palmquist, Estelle Suarez, Toni Dee, Just Us proprietor Lynn Koval, Coca J. Mesa, Nicole DuBois, Parris Foxx, Bill Hincks, SDGMs XLII Tony Leggio and Derek Penton-Robicheaux helped raise $2,514 for Coming Home: Decadence Takes Biloxi, hosted at Just Us Lounge in Biloxi, Mississippi for Southern Decadence 2016 and its charities. (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys)
Circuit great DJ Roland Belmares joins Oz greats DJs JRB and Kyle David for the fab White Party hosted by Oz during White Linen Night in New Orleans. (Photo by Adrian Claveria)
Quistadors' Colby Danna, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLII Tony Leggio, and Quistadors' Lulu Blackwell accept a $1,000 Gold sponsorship from Bourbon Pride representative Billy Pennington, along with SDGMs XLII Jeffrey Palmquist and Derek Penton-Robicheaux at Good Friends Bar in New Orleans during Mystic & Mystery: An Evening of Decadence which raised a total of $1,889 for Southern Decadence 2016.
Quistadors' Frank Perez, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLII Jeff Palmquist, Quistadors' Will Antil, Double Play proprietor Chuck Turner, and SDGMs XLII Felicia Phillips, Tony Leggio and Derek Penton Robicheaux help raise $1,218 for SD 2016 for Burgers & Dogs hosted at The Double Play in New Orleans.
An Evening with Vinsantos presented by Harlequeen raised $700 for Southern Decadence 2016 at Allways Lounge in New Orleans. (Photo by Tony Leggio)
The French Quarter: A History of Decadence Tour by Crescent City Tour Booking Agency raised $130 for Southern Decadence 2016 in New Orleans.
SDGM XLII Tony Leggio presents the 2nd Deviled Egg Contest winner Paul Chiriaco with his plaque along with Cutter's Kevin Limberg and SDGM XLII Derek Penton-Robicheaux. The event raised $400 for Southern Decadence 2016 at Cutter's. (Photo by Lea Lousteau Telthorst)
SDGM XLII Felicia Phillips hosted Hooray for Hollywood Hereafter raising $921 for Southern Decadence at GrandPre's in New Orleans.
Right-Quistadors' Coca J. Mesa and Frank Perez join Rawhide manager Derek Wasawho raising $500 for Southern Decadence during the SD Rummage/Tag Sale at Rawhide 2010.
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the "official" dish ...from 4 of the largest LGBT celebration in Louisiana today! All funds raised minus expenses will benefit the official 2016 Southern Decadence Charities: New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) and Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). 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.
Upcoming Southern Decadence Events FRIDAY, August 19th... 8-10pm, Four Play, join the original cast and support Southern Decadence featuring Elizabeth Bouvier, Lauren Brown, Barbara Ella, Cathy Fox, Monica Synclaire Kennedy & Tami Tarmac @ Mag’s 940 MONDAY, August 22nd... 9pm, Southern Decadence Charity Fundraiser Disco Party & Show honoring Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Tony Leggio, Felicia Phillips, Jeffrey Palmquist & Derek PentonRobicheaux; starring your favorite drag artists & the famous Corner Pocket Boys performing famous Disco hits with door prizes, drink specials & 50/50
raffle, $10 door donation @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket SUNDAY, August 28th 3-5pm, Annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Luncheon hosted by SDGMs XLII Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist, Derek PentonRobicheaux & Felicia Phillips, by invitation only (former SDGMs please R.S.V.P. by 8/21/16 to ledgemgp@gmail.com - RSVP is mandatory for admittance)
Who Will Win Miss Louisiana Leatherette Aug. 20? Who will be Vanessa Carr Kennedy’s successor as Miss Louisiana Leatherette? Find out on Saturday, August 20 at 8 pm at Oz, 800 Bourbon Street. The Lords of Leather’s 15th Annual camp drag contest will feature some of the area’s most outrageous entertainers making a run at gay leather pageantry. The contest is open to anyone: gay, straight, transgendered, male, female, bisexual and those in transition. Contestants will be judged on four categories: Parish costume – a creative interpretation representing a Louisiana parish of the contestant’s choosing. Talent – a maximum four minute stage performance. Fetish Wear – a fetish wear pre-
sentation aka “swimsuit” segment. Formal – evening wear in the spirit of the contest, suitable for the awards ceremony. The winner will be awarded a $100 cash prize, crown, sash and trophy. Applicants must complete an application with the non-refundable $25 entry fee by 7 pm August 20. Applications can be downloaded from the Lords of Leather website: www.lordsofleather.org under “Events”. For more information please contact Gary Vandeventer at IntMrDrummer2001@aol.com. A $10 donation will be asked at the door the night of the contest. For more information on all Lords events please see www.lordsofleather.org.
Lords Decadent Behavior Party Sept. 3 In keeping with the Phoenix Bar’s 2016 theme for Southern Decadence – “Go Pig or Go Home!” – the Lords will host the most Decadent Behavior party of the weekend. This very popular annual event will be held in the Eagle (upstairs) at the Phoenix Bar, 941 Elysian Fields Avenue on Saturday, September 3 from 5 – 8 pm. Admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door (if available.) This includes an open bar (well drinks and domestic beer) and all the deviance and debauchery of a Southern Decadence weekend in New Orleans. Tickets are available for purchase on the Krewe’s website www.lordsofleather.org.
Leather Contest. The title is nationally recognized and acknowledged by the leather community worldwide. Details about the contest and application forms may be found by visiting www.lordsofleather.org. For more information please contact Lord Troy Powell at 504.329.8381.
Using Her ‘Powers for Good’ for Decadence While most people come down to NOLA to party for Southern Decadence, NYC drag singer/songwriter Candy Samples brings her Sunday Services to The Big Easy for a grand fundraiser for NO/AIDS Task Force’s Food for Friends. Sunday, September 4 at 11:30 am, mistress of the microphone Candy Samples will be back at One Eyed Jacks (615 Toulouse Street) for her 90minute show and encouraging her audiences to use their ‘Powers for Good’. This year marks Candy’s 21st year performing in drag. With humble beginnings in Atlanta, GA, Candy made her debut for a benefit pageant for Project
Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest set for Sept. 3 A new Mr. Louisiana Leather will be sashed on Saturday, September 3 during Southern Decadence. Come to the Hi-Ho Lounge at 2239 St. Claude Avenue at 8 pm to see the contest sponsored by the Lords of Leather. Any male, 21 or older may enter. A $15 donation will be asked at the door. Your admission will include the Lords’ Beer Bust being held at the Phoenix Bar Block Party that evening from 9 pm until 2 am. Contestants will be judged in four categories: 1. interview, 2. street wear representing his leather lifestyle/fetish, 3. jockstrap, and 4. a 90 second speech on a subject of his own choosing. Medallions, trophies and cash awards will be presented to the winner and first runner-up. The winner will receive a custom leather sash, a trophy, an engraved medallion and a cash award toward his expenses to compete in International Mr. Leather in Chicago Memorial Day 2017. In 1989, the Lords sponsored a contest for Mr. New Orleans Leather. In 1993 the contest grew to encompass the geographic area of the state by evolving into the Mr. Louisiana
NYC's Candy Samples Open Hand, won the crown and took off from there. Making NYC her home in 2000, Candy has become a staple in the cabaret world with her show “Candy on the Keys” at The Duplex Cabaret Theatre as well as joining the cast of “Church with a Two-Drink Minimum” at Sidewalk Cafe in NYC’s East Village. A fierce advocate for HIV/AIDS, Candy’s NYC AIDS Walk Team raised over $47,000 alone for GMHC. She’s taking her act to NOLA once more and hopes folks will take to her message. “New Orleans has been so good to me. The people are wonderful and treat me like family. It has always seemed like my second home,” says the red haired chanteuse. “HIV/AIDS issues are very important to me and the fundraising I help in is just as important as my music.” Sunday Services, produced by Decadent Duck Events is open to the [continued on 10]
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the "official" dish ...from 8 public with no cover. Candy will be passing around the collection plate for Food for Friends. Last year’s event helped to raised $22,000. “This year, I think we can break that record,” says Samples.
2016 Louisiana Seafood Festival Sept. 2-4 The 2016 Louisiana Seafood Festival is a signature fundraising event for the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation, who also produces the event. The three-day annual festival, scheduled for September 2-4, 2016 at City Park Festival Grounds in New Orleans, is a celebration of all the fresh and flavorful seafood that makes Louisiana great. The festival features over two dozen of the best restaurants and caterers in Louisiana, live national and local music acts, over a dozen celebrity cooking demonstrations from some of the region’s highest acclaimed chefs, an art market with handmade and original crafts, and children’s activities. The 2016 festival will feature the following food vendors preparing a wide array of Louisiana seafood delicacies: Acme Oyster House, Ajun Cajun, Blue Crab Restaurant, Café Giovanni, Dat Dog, Dirty Dishes, Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Ernst Café, Galatoire’s Restaurant, Goodfellas Seafood and PoBoys, JacquesImo’s, Katie’s Restaurant, LaDelyo’s Creole Catering, Lüke, Miss Linda The Ya-KaMein Lady, Mr. Mudbug Catering, Quintin’s Ice Cream, Red Fish Grill, Royal House Oyster Bar, Saltwater Grill, Seither’s Sea-
food, Superior Seafood, TJ Gourmet, Voleo’s Seafood, Woody’s Fish Tacos The festival will present three days of live music on the Bud Light Music Stage. The 2016 lineup includes: Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice, Village People, The Romantics, Zebra, The Producers, Flow Tribe, Bonerama with Special Guest George Porter Jr., Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Benjy Davis, Johnny Sketch & the Dirty Notes, Paul Varisco & the Milestones featuring Luther Kent, Hot 8 Brass Band, Tank and the Bangas, Darcy Malone and the Tangle, Dave Jordan and the NIA, Big Easy Playboys The festival will implement ticketed admission this year, which will help to provide a continued high quality experience for all guests and raise funds for the Foundation’s mission. Tickets will go on sale Friday, July 15, 2016 via Gambit Tickets at http://louisianaseafoodfestival.com/. Advance tickets will be $8 per day, advance weekend ticket packages will be $22, and children 55 inches and under will be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Ticket prices will increase beginning Friday, September 2, 2016 to $10 per day and $25 weekend ticket package. The festival is rain or shine; all ticket sales are final. “We are thrilled to share our 2016 festival plans. Our food vendors and music lineup are top-notch and sure to create a fun-filled weekend for New Orleans locals and visitors,” said Tony Abadie, festival cochair and 2nd vice president of the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. “We were all blown away with the record-breaking attendance of over 56,000 people last year for our first time scheduling
the festival on Labor Day weekend. We look forward to welcoming people back for another great festival and to raise funds for our Foundation’s mission and community impact,” said Glen Armantrout, festival cochair and 1st vice president of the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. For information visit www.LouisianaSeafoodFestival.com, www.facebook.com/LASeafoodFestival, and twitter.com/LASeafoodFest. The smartphone app is also available for Android and iPhone at http:// louisianaseafoodfestival.com/apps/. Founded in 2006, the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation facilitates the efforts of the hospitality industry to improve Louisiana in a variety of ways and to provide support for the education, health and social welfare of children in the community.
Frank Perez to Teach French Quarter History at Delgado Community College Local historian and author Frank Perez will teach a course on French Quarter History at the City Park Campus of DCC beginning October 11. Perez, a writer and tour-guide who lives in the French Quarter, developed the course in 2013. The class focuses on the history of the French Quarter as both the original city of New Orleans and its shifting role as the city’s flagship neighborhood. While the French, Spanish, and early American periods are covered, the emphasis of the course is on 20th century history. Topics include, but are not limited to: architecture, histori-
cal preservation, colorful characters, the rise of tourism, literature and arts, drinking culture, crime and vice, and LGBT+ history. The last class meeting is a tour of the French Quarter. Lulu Blackwell, who completed the course last year, said, “It was an amazing class! And Professor Perez kept it fun and interesting. I highly recommend it.” Perez is the president of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, a non-profit organization that promotes the preservation of material that chronicles local LGBT+ history. He is also a writer who has authored two books: In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay Culture and Its Oldest Gay Bar (with Jeffrey Palmquist) and Treasures of the Vieux Carre: Ten Self-Guided Walking Tours of the French Quarter. He and Palmquist are also the editors of My Gay New Orleans: 28 Personal Reminiscences on LGBT+ Life in New Orleans. He also writes a column on gay New Orleans history for Ambush Magazine. His publications also include a number of scholarly articles in academic journals as well as a number of poems and short stories in various literary journals. In addition to writing, Perez is the owner of the Crescent City Tour Booking Agency and is a licensed tour guide. He earned his B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1991 and an M.A. in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1997. Perez is a former Associate Professor of English. The course will meet on Tuesday evenings for eight weeks. The cost is $249. The course is offered through the Department of Workforce Development / Continuing Education. Registration is now open.
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Ragtime at the Marigny Opera House through August 21 I generally avoid reviewing shows that don’t charge admission; after all, if this serves as a kind of adviso on how best to spend your money, a free entry obviates a need for a recommendation (or a warning). Yet Cripple Creek’s production of playing area, occasionally when someRagtime does demand your time, not one faces away from you, the MOH’s only for its nearly 3 hour length, but acoustics can make it a challenge to also, since all its online reservations understand them fully. have been snatched up, in terms of But, and I hate that there is a “but”, getting to the Marigny Opera House while this production is 100% worth early enough to snag one of its still seeing, the musical itself, um, not so. available “first-come, first-serve” seats. Terrence McNally’s adaptation of So is your time worth it? E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel is long on Yes, to see one of the most visually exposition, necessary perhaps to introstunning and overall impressive pro- duce all the characters, but emotionally ductions around. uninvolving especially the long slog of Following last year’s marvelous the first act. Stephen Flaherty and Lynn The Cradle Will Rock, Cripple Creek Ahrens’ score offers no truly memoonce again uses a bare bones ap- rable numbers; worse, too many of proach at the Marigny Opera House. them baldly state “big themes” with Director Emilie Whelan forsakes an ballad-y earnestness. Only Atlantic City, elaborate set (the MOH supplies its a number featuring the characters own sense of history), dispatches her Evelyn Nesbit and Harry Houdini about cast throughout the auditorium—includ- the vicissitudes of fame, has a lighting the organ balcony—and, working ness and wit that the other songs lack. with Set and Lighting Designers Adam Certainly, Ragtime, which traces Tourek and Marcus Stanley, respec- the fortunes of three families in the tively, places them on wooden boxes early 1900s, is an important work. It’s on the risers holding the audience and been ranked among the 100 best Enthen illuminates them from below to glish-language novels of the 20th censtriking effect. tury; its view of injustice and economic Whelan has scaled down the cast inequalities still holds true; and one size from the original 49 to 17, yet scene in particular seems prescient in ingeniously keeps it clear as to who’s its depiction of police violence against who by using green rags and distinctive unarmed African-Americans. sunglasses to signify when an actor is But in translating Ragtime to the playing his or her main role and when s/ stage, McNally has failed to find a he is being used in an auxiliary one. The compelling theatrical equivalent of its mob is hardly missed. cinematic scope, and a dutiful feeling to Nor is the orchestra. Musical Di- keep things true to the book predomirector Jefferson Turner at a piano (that nates rather than the revivifying fizz of doubles as a Model T) is all that’s organic creativity. One also wonders, needed to give us the full flavor of the as I have the two previous times I’ve ragtime music that permeates the seen this show, what a score by, say, score. Turner’s work, both onstage Rodgers and Hammerstein or Sondheim and in his flawless guidance of the cast, would have sounded like. Still, a friend is splendid as always. who saw the same performance at the In addition to those illuminating MOH as I did and whose opinion I boxes, Stanley’s lighting purposefully respect said that she “loves the music.” focuses our attention and minimizes So, should you go see Cripple the vastness of the theater while bath- Creek’s Ragtime? The price is assuring the playing space in a powerful edly right, and Cripple Creek’s producblood-red glow when violence erupts. tion demands attention, but don’t say Whelan also provides some small, you haven’t been warned. telling moments as when the stage becomes flooded with green papers Curtain Up on End of signifying burdensome bureaucratic Summer Shows regulations that one of the characters As we head towards Southern Decamust wade through for justice to predence, not all the theater is in the streets. vail. Here are some opportunities to get your The entire cast is topnotch and culture indoors. how nice it is to hear actual voices The Promethean Theatre Comwithout their being filtered through mipany presents the New Orleans premier crophones. That said, with the audiof Annie Baker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning ence arrayed on both sides of the play, The Flick at Rivertown Theaters’
Lagniappe Stage. Its story is a simple one of three young people who work in a movie theater in a small Massachusetts town not far from a university. Yet, as I wrote last year after seeing the original New York production, “Baker makes her New England tale a profound meditation on the human condition. “In a series of short scenes, Baker’s sympathetic vision charts the loves, petty failures, and moral conundrums faced by her three 20something, prickly characters, people subsisting on a lower rung of the socio-economic ladder. Hyperrealistic but offering a slightly skewed perspective, with sly humor The Flick can pivot from small talk to revelatory conversations of personality-defining substance. “Much has been made of The Flick’s just over three hour length. Pay no attention to that. Though it starts off leisurely, drawing you into its world, eventually I didn’t want it to end, so involved had I become with its wholly individualistic characters. Daring in its silent scenes and fiercely intelligent throughout, it pays to come to The Flick energized, so have some java first. Just don’t miss it.” Stephen M. Eckert, who knows a thing or two about cinemas from having worked at the Prytania Theater for several years, directs Stephen Foley, Khiry Armstead, and Susan Lannigan in Baker’s long overdue NOLA debut. It runs through August 28. Making a theatrical debut of a different sort is the New Orleans Arts Center (3330 St. Claude Ave.) when See ‘Em On Stage: A Production Company transforms it into an immersive environment for the musical Lizzie about America’s most famous axe murderer. In this rock-show retelling of the Lizzie Borden legend, four women front a band and bring to life what happened in 1892 when a well-to-do elderly man and his wife were brutally murdered in a small New England town. Lizzie, their youngest daughter and the primary suspect, was arrested and tried, but, with no witnesses to the crime, she was acquitted and her story became part of American folklore. According to SEOS Artistic Director Christopher Bentivegna, “Lizzie is a new American musical with a sound owing less to Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber than to Nirvana, the Runaways, and Heart.” Bentivegna guides four esteemed local actresses (Leslie Claverie, Idella Johnson, Kali Russell, and Abbey P. Murrell) in the execution of this regional premiere of Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer, Tim Maner, and Alan Stevens Hewitt’s musical. Judging from a brief preview seen earlier this year, it should be a knock-out. In conjunction with the show, the NO Arts Center is hosting “Transcendence,” an exhibition inspired by the production which features paintings, photography, and sculpture by over 15 local artists. Both continue until August 28. Unlike Lizzie, the only violent thing about Breaking Up is Hard To Do is the first word in its title. Featuring the music of Neil Sedaka and based on a true episode from his life, Breaking Up tells the sweetly comic story of Lois and Marge,
two friends from Brooklyn in search of good times and romance over one wild Labor Day weekend. Set at a Catskills resort in 1960, the score showcases 18 Neil Sedaka classics, including Where the Boys Are, Love Will Keep Us Together, and of course, the title song. Directed by Butch Caire, Breaking Up plays at JPAS’ Teatro Wego! from September 9 to 18. Ms. Borden might feel more at home in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest which Playmakers Theater in Covington presents September 2-18. Based on Ken Kesey’s novel which also inspired the Oscar-winning film, Cuckoo’s Nest depicts a battle of wills between the freespirited Randle Patrick McMurphy and the martinet Nurse Ratched and, by extension, a showdown between individualism and authoritarianism universally. If Deborah Marcelle’s production is as good as Playmakers’ recent Chicago, it’ll be well worth a trip to the North Shore to see it. For lighter fare in St. Tammany Parish, head to Slidell Little Theater August 26-September 18 for Shrek the Musical, based on the Oscar-winning film and with songs from Tony-winner Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home) and a book by Pulitzer Prizewinner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole). In this fairy tale adventure, an Ogre, a wisecracking Donkey, and a feisty Princess find themselves on a life-changing journey alongside a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude, and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits. John Giraud and Melanie St. Cyr star as Shrek and Princess Fiona with St. Cyr’s real life daughters Emma, who was a stand-out in Mary Poppins, and Audrie as Teen Fiona and Young Fiona. Ambie Award nominee and Father Josh St. Cyr completes the family appearance as the Captain of the Guard. A fairy tale of a different sort can be seen at the Joy Theater on August 27. Shi-Queeta-Lee, who’s been on America’s Got Talent and Ugly Betty, says it’s “a dream come true” to perform there. In her 90-minute Drag Salute To The Divas, this D.C.-based performer will create the illusion of Tina Turner, Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Liza Minnelli, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, and more. Sounds like a perfect lead-up to Decadence. And for those of you who want to keep the party going after Labor Day, the German electronic music band, Kraftwerk, will bring their multimedia 3D concert to The Orpheum Theater on September 9. Honored with a 2014 Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, Kraftwerk promises a combination of music and performance art that I’ve been told is “amazing.” With the 3-D experience allowing numbers to fly directly into audience members’ personal space and a spaceship landing inside the theater, it sounds pretty phenomenal indeed. It better be. Cause Southern Decadence is a tough act to follow.
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Mystic & Mystery: An Evening of Decadence raises $1,889 @ Good Friends Bar for Southern Decadence ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
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Coming Home: Decadence Takes Biloxi raises $2,514 for Southern Decadence ~ Biloxi, Mississippi ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys
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~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
Oz Turnabout Show & Buy A Boy Auction raises a whopping $6,602 for Southern Decadence 2016
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Oz White Party by Adian Claveria
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Burgers & Dogs raises $1,218 for Southern Decadence @ The Double Play ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
2nd Deviled Egg Contest raises $400 for Southern Decadence @ Cutter's ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon
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moments in gay new orleans history by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Gay Politics and the Most Homophobic Party Platform in History In 1969, politicians were just beginning to recognize the LGBT+ voting block. Courting the gay vote at that time was risky for politicians. Homosexuality was still considered a mental disorder by the medical establishment and was grounds for arrest. Being gay could also result in being evicted or fired. Despite a few brave souls, usually on the coasts, gayness was not something people were inclined to “advertise.” Being out was not the norm. In New Orleans, which has always been “behind the curve,” the aforementioned climate was heightened. And so it took great courage in 1969 for an aspiring candidate running for District Attorney to seek out and meet with members of the gay community. The first political candidate in New Orleans to court the gay vote, Harry Connick, Sr. met with a group of gay men in a bar and fielded questions. He pledged to end the longstanding practice of police raids of gay bars. After making this promise, a notoriously outspoken drag queen named Jo Jo Landry dared to ask the question on everyone’s mind, “Let’s cut the crap. What we really want to know is if we are going to go to jail if we get caught sucking d--- in the bars.” Noting diplomatically that public sex acts, regardless of who committed them, was still illegal, Connick answered “Yes.” That answer notwithstanding, the crowd seemed satisfied with Connick. (Connick lost that election but won in 1973).
southern decadence wknd. events WEDNESDAY, August 31st... 10am & 4pm, Gay New Orleans Walking Tour by appointment @ Crescent City Tour Booking Agency (reservations 504.568.0717), 638 St. Ann 3pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin’ on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 9pm-12midnight - Decadence Takes The World with Kafe Karaoke, upstairs Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 10pm til, Southern Decadence Wet Jockey Shorts Contests followed by Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin’ on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket
THURSDAY, September 1st... 10am-1am, Southern Decadence Pool Party with $15 admission to pool area @ The Country Club 3pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin’ on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 4pm until, New Orleans Bears present Southern Decadence Welcome Party with beer bust, hamburgers & hot dogs @ Rawhide 2010 5-9pm, Kick Off Southern Decadence 2016 right with Phoenix’s official sponsor Nasty Pig with all draft beer $1 @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 9pm, Infamous Southern Decadence Blackout Party with crowning of 10th King of Decadence @ Rawhide 2010 9pm-2am, Renegade Bears of Louisiana Southern Decadence Welcome Party Beer Bust @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 10pm, Official Nasty Pig Underwear Party: meet owners David Lauterstein & Frederick Kearney with Rocco Steele on stage at 11pm @ Leather Bar of the Year
The Phoenix 11pm, Kick Off Southern Decadence with USDA Prime Aged Beef Contest with $100 cash prize @ Good Friends Bar 11:30pm - Decadence Takes The World with D*#k of Decadence Contest, upstairs Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 12midnight, Strip Off D*#k In A Cup Contest with Persona Shoulders plus Resident DJs Tim Pflueger & JRB, and VJ Kyle D. with lights by Johnny Eubanks @ Dance Club of the Year Oz New Orleans 12midnight, Welcome Party & Big D*#k Contest hosted by Billy Francesca & Ivy Drip with DJ Sean Michael @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
FRIDAY, September 2nd... 10am & 4pm, Gay New Orleans Walking Tour by appointment @ Crescent City Tour Booking Agency (reservations 504.568.0717), 638 St. Ann 10am-1am, Southern Decadence Pool Party with $20 admission to pool area @ The Country Club 2-6pm, NOLA Bears Pool Party, Renegade Bears of Louisiana bartend the event with open bar, beer, food, tickets: $50 @ 708 France Street 3pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin’ on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 3-9pm, Louisiana Seafood Festival featuring vendors from famous restaurants @ City Park Festival Grounds 7:30pm, Knights of Decadence Parade with some 10 floats, parade lineup on Elysian Fields next to Washington Square Park, heading to Decatur St., right on Decatur to Canal, right on Canal to Bourbon, right on Bourbon ending at Ursuline
A few years later, in 1971, Barbara Scott became the city’s (and probably Louisiana’s) first openly-gay political candidate. Scott owned a popular eatery in the French Quarter called the Fatted Calf and won an award from the Vieux Carre Commission for restoring the Creole Cottage at 719 Toulouse Street. In her run for the state legislature, Scott’s platform contained two planks: legalize marijuana and decriminalize homosexuality. Scott carried the French Quarter but lost the election. She and her partner ultimately moved to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. In 1981, Mayor Ernest “Dutch” Morial established a Public Education Task Force to look into problems in the gay and lesbian community (at the time, LGBT was still essentially G and L). Morial was the first mayor to demonstrate any support for the gay community and he was the first mayor to meet with the community. Attorney Jack Sullivan recalls the meeting, “Dutch gave a very supportive speech and the one line I’ll always remember is him saying, ‘As long as I’m mayor, no one will ever be discriminated against because of his sexual affectation’.” Yet another straight ally in the 1980s and early 1990s was City Councilman Johnny Jackson, who led the Louisiana delegation in the historic 1987 March on Washington. Jackson went on to play a key role in passing the 1991 nondiscrimination ordinance. Jackson worked closely on that effort with LAGPAC (a political action group founded in 1980 by Roberts Batson, Alan Robinson, among others) and the Forum for Equality (which was founded
in 1989). Attorney Randy Evans, co-founder of the local chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans, ran unsuccessfully for the state legislature in 1995, 1999 and 2003. Evans was active in efforts to pass Louisiana’s Hate Crimes Act of 1997. Evans was also active in the Forum for Equality. Current Executive Director of the City of New Orleans Human Relations Commission, Larry Bagneris, Jr., ran unsuccessfully for the city council in 1990 and the state House of Representatives in 1991. Bagneris got his start in political activism as a teenager when he was arrested for picketing businesses that discriminated against African-Americans. And in 2004, Christopher Daigle, who had led LAGPAC for ten years at the time, ran unsuccessfully for the state House of Representatives. This is certainly not an exhaustive list of gay and straight allied politicians, but these people and their political careers illustrate a very important truth—the strides we as a community have made, both legally and socially, were hard fought and, given the right circumstances and leaders, they can be reversed. Such a truth is especially important to remember in an election year.
8pm-2am, Decadence Takes The World with Cocky Boys dancing upstairs in The Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 8pm-2am, Decadence Takes The World with Cocky Boys own Boomer Banks live @ Rawhide 2010 9pm-2am, Phoenix Block Party with Lords of Leather Beer Bust 9pm-2am (Meet the 2017 Mr. Louisiana Leather Contestants), featuring Rocco Steele on stage at 11pm @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 9pm, Southern Decadence with internationally famous circuit DJ/Producer Joe Gauthreaux & Resident DJs Tim Pflueger & JRB, and VJ Kyle D. with lights by Johnny Eubanks, plus hot Men of Oz Dancers @ Dance Club of the Year Oz New Orleans 10pm, Annual Official Southern Decadence Grand Marshals’ Drag Show featuring SDGMs XLII with former SDGMs & many others @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern 11pm, Boys on Parade Amateur Strip Contest hosted by Billy Francesca with DJ Mike Bryant @ Bourbon Pub & Parade 11pm, Taste of The Rainbow Queer Variety Show presented by Dykeadence @ Cafe Istanbul
Party with $20 admission to pool area @ The Country Club 11am-9pm, Louisiana Seafood Festival featuring vendors from famous restaurants @ City Park Festival Grounds 3pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin’ on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 5-8pm, Lords of Leather Decadent Behavior Party with $25 tickets @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 6-9pm, Renegade Bears of Louisiana Steak Dinner with $12 cost @ Kajun’s Pub 7-10pm, Bourbon Street Extravaganza, free concert at Bourbon & St. Ann Streets featuring Well Strung, Zoe Badwi, Jeanie Tracy & Rowetta, with 13x DJ of the Year Tim Pflueger (of Oz) & VJ Brendan (of Bourbon Pub), with best views from Oz New Orleans & Bourbon Pub & Parade 8pm-2am, Decadence Takes The World with Cocky Boys dancing upstairs in The Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 8-10pm, Lords of Leather Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest @ Hi Ho Lounge 9pm-2am, Phoenix Block Party with Lords of Leather Beer Bust 9pm-2am featuring Rocco Steele on stage at 11pm @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 9pm, Southern Decadence with New York circuit DJ Ben Baker & Resident DJs Tim Pflueger & JRB, and VJ Kyle D. with lights by Johnny Eubanks, plus hot Men of
SATURDAY, September 3rd... 10am & 4pm, Gay New Orleans Walking Tour by appointment @ Crescent City Tour Booking Agency (reservations 504.568.0717), 638 St. Ann 10am-1am, Southern Decadence Pool
With that in mind, I’ll close with a quote from Gregory Angelo, National President of the Log Cabin Republicans. Speaking of the 2016 Republican Party platform, Angelo observes, “It’s the most anti-LGBT platform in history.”
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Hooray for Hollywood Hereafter raises $921 for Southern Decadence @ GrandPre's ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
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An Evening with Vinsantos raises $700 for Southern Decadence @ Allways Lounge ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio
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southern decadence weekend ...from 22 Oz Dancers @ Dance Club of the Year Oz New Orleans 10pm, Decadence Divas “R” Us Show @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern 10pm, Furball New Orleans featuring DJ Corey Craig of NYC, one of the hottest Bear Circuit parties to hit New Orleans sponsored by Decadent Ducks, @ One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse 11pm, DJ Kidd Madonny plus Porn Stars Dolph Dietrich & Hugh Hunter @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
SUNDAY, September 4th... 10am-2pm, Renegade Bears of Louisiana Bear Breakfast with contests & prizes @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 10am-1am, Southern Decadence Pool Party with $20 admission to pool area @ The Country Club 11am-3pm, Free Southern Decadence Parade Drag Show hosted by Miss Golden Lantern Monica Synclaire-Kennedy @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern 11am-9pm, Louisiana Seafood Festival featuring vendors from famous restaurants @ City Park Festival Grounds 11:30am-1:30pm, Decadent Ducks presents Candy Samples Sunday Services, a benefit for NO/AIDS Task Force Food For Friends Program, One Eyed Jacks, 615 Toulouse 2pm sharp, 42nd Annual Official Southern Decadence Parade led by SDGMs XLII Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist, Felicia Phillips & Derek Penton-Robicheaux, celebrating Southern Decadence 45, NEW
PARADE ROUTE: begins @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St. to St. Louis, right on St. Louis to N. Rampart, right on N. Rampart to Toulouse, right on Toulouse to Burgundy, left on Burgundy to Orleans, left on Orleans to N. Rampart, right on Rampart to St. Philip, right on St. Philip to Dauphine, right on Dauphine to St. Ann, left on St. Ann to Bourbon, left on Bourbon to 901 Bourbon ending at Dumaine. It includes stops at Golden Lantern, Double Play, The Corner Pocket, The Page, 700 Club, GrandPre’s, Good Friends, Bourbon Pub, Oz, & Cafe Lafitte in Exile) (There is no fee or registration form to enter the parade. All walkers are welcome. Just join the parade following the grand marshals.) 3pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin’ on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 4-10pm, Decadence Takes The World with Trash Disco @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 4ish pm, 23rd Annual Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by SDGMs XLII Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist, Felicia Phillips & Derek Penton-Robicheaux, sponsored by Ambush Mag & SouthernDecadence.COM @ AMBUSH Mansion Balcony, 828 Bourbon St. 5pm, Decadence Takes The World with Annual Miss High Hair Contest, winner takes home the coveted Bronze Barbie @ Good Friends Bar 5-8pm, XXL: The Party with Rocco Steele, the most exclusive party of Southern Decadence with only 100 tickets available, share space in the Eagle with Rocco and enjoy an open bar for well cocktails & domestic beers with coat check available, tickets $60 (after Aug. 28, tickets $75 while
supplies last) @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 8pm-2am, Decadence Takes The World with Cocky Boys dancing upstairs in The Balcony Bar @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile 9pm-2am, Phoenix Block Party with Renegade Bears of New Orleans Beer Bust 9pm-2am & featuring Rocco Steele on stage at 11pm @ Leather Bar of the Year The Phoenix 9pm, Southern Decadence with renowned Mexican circuit DJ and Producer Isaac Escalante & Resident DJs Tim Pflueger & JRB, and VJ Kyle D. with lights by Johnny Eubanks, plus hot Men of Oz Dancers @ Dance Club of the Year Oz New Orleans 10pm, DJ Ivan @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
LABOR DAY MONDAY, September 5th... 10am & 4pm, Gay New Orleans Walking Tour by appointment @ Crescent City Tour Booking Agency (reservations 504.568.0717), 638 St. Ann 10am-1am, Southern Decadence Pool Party with $20 admission to pool area @ The Country Club 2pm, Bear Pool Party on the Patio @ GrandPre’s 3pm til, Boys from Around The World join the famous Corner Pocket Boys Dancin’ on the Bar @ Neighborhood Bar of the Year The Corner Pocket 3pm, Labor Day BBQ @ The Page 4pm, Annual Southern Decadence BBQ @ GrandPre’s 5pm, Close out Decadence with the Last Picnic of the Summer @ The Double Play 8pm, Ladies of Lipstixx @ Bourbon Pub & Parade
book review Drag Teen. Jeffery Self. Push. ISBN: 978-0-54582993-9. 261 pages. by Frank Perez Drag Teen is an easy, breezy read and while it probably will not win any literary awards, it is a good, entertaining tale. And a familiar one as well, I suspect, for many readers. The protagonist, JT, is in high school and longs to escape the small town in which he feels trapped. The problem is he cannot afford college. The solution? Drag. If JT can win a drag contest, he will win a scholarship to college. But JT, who is broke, must find his way to New York for the contest. Along the way, JT makes predictable self-discoveries. The strength of the novel is its subject matter. Drag is rarely, if ever, discussed or featured in Young Adult novels. Also, JT is not plagued by self-loathing or homophobic parents. The book’s primary flaws are its various attempts at seriousness. The tone of the read is light-hearted and funny and its more serious moments come off as staid and morose, as well as forced. Young adults should enjoy this book, even if they are not particularly into drag. Older readers who want to conjure memories of high school and their own adolescent journey of self-discovery will also like the novel. Conversely, those readers who wish to forget high school will not enjoy this book. Jeffery Self is an actor and writer. He has appeared in many television shows as a recurring, featured, or guest actor, including Desperate Housewives, 90210, and 30 Rock. He is the author of Fifty Shades of Gay and Straight People: A Spotters Guide and hosts a weekly podcast called This is Really Important on iTunes.
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bookstores New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
chiropractic New Orleans, LA [504] DR. MICHAEL LECHLEITER, D.C., 1526 Magazine, 566.1833 [is1516
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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
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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.co
galleries New Orleans, LA [504] CASSELL-BERGEN GALLERY, 1305 Decatur St., cassellbergengallery.com, 504.524.0671
bars Mobile, AL [251] B-Bob's Downtown, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio.COM GABRIEL'S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 THE MIDTOWN PUB, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] EMERALD CITY, 408 E. Wright St., 433.9491, EmeraldCityPensacola.COM THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE'S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL'S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] FOUR SEASONS & PATIO STAGE BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, 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
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]
costumes
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, 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
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!
organizations
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
FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 504.821.2601 ext. 254 FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), 504.319.8261, www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com 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
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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 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 NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 504.821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM PRIDE, NOLAPride.ORG 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
restaurants Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] Angeline, 1032 Chartres St., 504.308.3106, www.angelinenola.com/ 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 Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861,
www.genespoboys.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
Avita Pharmacy, offers personalized 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 pharmacy 24/7. www.avitapharmacy.com. Locations: Baton Rouge, LA, 5551 Corporate Blvd, Suite 102, Tel: 225.924.9130 or 888.792.8482, 70808; New Orleans, LA , Tulane Tower, 2601 Tulans Ave., Suite 445, Tel: 504.822.0131 or 877.424.2930, 70119; New Orleans, LA, Marine Building, 3308 Tulane Ave., Suite 102, 70119, Tel: 504.309.2557 or 844.309.2557. 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.
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 Gay Real Estate, www.GayRealEstate.com, 888.420.6683
New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
Gi a n t So u t h e r n De c a d e n c e DEA DL I N E Fri., Aug. 19 504.522.8049
1224 Piety Street, New Orleans Bywater Historic District, $149,000. Great starter home on deep lot! - Mark Boline, Broker/Realtor,New Orleans Relocation, LLC, 505.655.2233, www.NOLArelo.com.
Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.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
pharmacy
photography
REAL ESTATE
526 Burgundy St., New Orleans Beautiful historic charm,totally renovated French Quarter Single with separate guest quarters. Main house features 2 bedrooms with walkin closets, 2.5 baths, living room, dining room, kitchen and laundry room. Guest house with separate entrance features 1 bedroom, 1 bath plus living room. Total living area 1927sq. ft., includes the 390 sq. ft. guest house. Nice brick courtyard for outdoor entertaining. $899,500. Latter & Blum, Steven Vaughan Real-
t o r ® , 5 0 4 . 8 1 0 . 4 6 4 6 , svaughan@latterblum.com,www.LatterBlum.com.
retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 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
ripna@ambushmag.com GayNew Orleans.c om • NOLAPride.org • August 16-29, 2016 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 27
under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Bartender of the Month For my bartender for the month of August, we are traveling just a quick hop away from NOLA to the Just Us Lounge in Biloxi. I met Christopher Davidson when we had our Southern Decadence fundraiser at this very cool bar located in the downtown area. Born in Louisiana but resides in Ocean Springs, Christopher has been at the bar for 14 years and is an absolute doll. Just Us is a neighborhood bar with a great feel and an even better local clientele. Christopher just adds to this family atmosphere with his wit and jovial nature. This bar is the only 24hour one downtown and has a great mix of locals and tourists alike. They have drag shows, live music and karaoke which Christopher hosts (and sings at also).
Heidi Wood who sees a young girl on a train platform holding a little baby. They appear to be homeless and in need. After miscarrying years ago and desperately yearning for a child, she brings the stranger and her child into her home much to the chagrin of her husband and daughter. The story bounces back and forth from Heidi, her husband Chris who is disillusioned with his wife and his life in general and the girl Willow. Reveling little snippets of their past with each chapter the book unfolds to its climax. I enjoyed the novel although I felt it took too long to get to where it needed to be, but ultimately felt it was an intriguing drama. For more information on the author, go to www.marykubica.com.
Hot Happenings Southern Decadence is right around the corner and the excitement is building. But before the fun and debauchery, we still have plenty of events before the end of the summer. So enjoy!
Bartender of the Month Christopher Davidson @ Just Us He explained to me that he loves being behind the bar and it shows. His professionalism tempered with his playful side makes him a natural and a favorite. He has incredible people skills and is able to handle large crowds quickly. So next time you are in Biloxi, stop by Just Us and say hi to Christopher; you will have a blast. Just Us is located at 906 Division Street in Biloxi.
Book of the Month With the huge success of the thriller Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, it seems the market has been inundated with similar reads where each chapter is written from a different characters perspective. My book for August Pretty Baby written by Mary Kubica follows this pattern. Although this novel is not a thriller in the traditional sense, but more of a psychological drama of the breakdown of a family. The story revolves around
Tuesday, August 16, 2016 Join the New Orleans Magazine and New Orleans Hotel Collection for the ONLY Sake Pub Crawl in town! Visit five French Quarter bars and enjoy free sake tastings served by celebrity bartenders. Sip Asian-inspired drinks specials featuring Big O Ginger Liqueur and if you visit all five bars, you’ll be entered to win great prizes including hotel stays. Start at any of the featured bars to pick up your Sake Hop Passport. Tickets are $10. For more information or tickets, go to www.myneworleans.com. Friday, August 19, 2016 Are you ready for some FourPlay! The hugely successful drag show starring Elizabeth Bouvier is back for one night only at Mag's 940 (940 Elysian Fields) starting at 8 pm. Elizabeth is reuniting the old gang to bring back the fun and excitement to raise money for Southern Decadence and their charities ARNO and NOAGE. There is a $10 donation at the door. Friday, August 19, 2016 Celebrate with the Krewe of Armeinius by attending this fab drag show themed after hurricanes. Hurricanes Betsy, Camille, Andrew, Bonnie, Katrina and Humberto will all be there! Bring out your blue tarps, flash lights and rain jackets as this will be one hell of a storm of entertainment at the Tulane Avenue Bar (3813 Tulane Av-
enue) starting at 7 pm. The cover is $5. Friday, August 19, 2016 Johnny Passion is presents August’s La Familia Show at the Four Seasons Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) starting at 10:30 pm. The co-stars for this month are Gia Malone, Armani Cassadine, Vanessa Carr Kennedy, Jarred Madison Frey and Roman Wilde. There is no cover. Friday, August 19, 2016 Come out to a benefit show at The Four Seasons Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) to help send Poseidon S. Davenport to Mr. Continental Nationals September 2nd and 3rd in Chicago Illinois. There will be great entertainment from 8 pm until 10 pm. Saturday, August 20, 2016 Get ready for the Lords of Leather’s Miss Louisiana Leatherette Contest starting at 8 pm at Oz (800 Bourbon St.). This is their 15th anniversary of the contest and one of the krewe’s top fundraisers. Tickets are $10. For an overview of the event, go to www.lordsofleather.org. Saturday, August 20, 2016 Come out and support Belle Reve at their Beach Bash Gala at Generations Hall (310 Andrew Higgins Drive) from 8 – 11 pm. This party helps raise much needed funds for Belle Reve NOLA which provides housing and so much more to people living with HIV/ AIDS. Saturday, August 27, 2016 The Krewe of Amon-Ra will be presenting the party of the season, their Who’s Who bash at the Four Seasons Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.). Guess who will be portraying your favorite character! There will be a contest for the best person in character. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, shots, drink specials and auction prizes. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 7 pm and the show starts at 8 pm. Saturday, August 27, 2016 The Joy Theater (1200 Canal Street) presents A Drag Salute To The Divas with VanHook Productions, LLC. Enter the magical world of illusion as your favorite divas dazzle right before
your eyes. Tina Turner, Beyonce, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton, Chaka Khan, Liza Minelli, Jill Scott, Marvin Gaye, and Whitney Houston replicated by DC’s top illusionist so well you will swear they are the real thing. Hosted by VanHook Productions, LLC this show takes on a Las Vegas/Atlantic City feel, and marks a milestone in history female impersonation show at the venue, and a dream come true for its creator, director, and cast member Shi-QueetaLee as seen on NBC’s America’s Got Talent season 4, ABC’s Ugly Betty, reality shows DCTV’s Drag City:DC and TvOne’s R&B Divas. The glitz, glamour, and spectacular carefully duplicated performances will leave you amazed, intrigued, and completely blown away. Doors open at 7pm. For tickets, go to www.ticketfly.com. Wednesday, August 31, 2016 The Three Keys at the Ace Hotel (600 Carondelet St.) presents this Queer Hip Hop party featuring RICA SHAY from NYC and DELISH from New Orleans live on stage. On decks is everybody’s local fave Rusty Lazer. Dress Cute and do your stretches. This is a FREE event sponsored by the Ace Hotel!!!! Kick off your DECADENCE weekend right from 9 pm – 1 am. Thursday – Monday, September 1 – 3, 2016 Get ready for The Phoenix’s (941 Elysian Fields Ave.) biggest and best Decadence yet. Party with Nasty Pig and Rocco Steele all weekend long. Start your weekend with the Official Nasty Pig Underwear Party! The Block Party returns for three action-packed nights. "We have the cheapest drinks in town with NO COVER. No need for VIP passes. No need to stand in line. This is where the action is. The hottest men. The coldest drinks. Play more for less." See their full Decadence lineup at phoenixbarnola.com/decadence and stay tuned as they continue to add events! Thursday, September 1, 2016 The Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) is delighted to announce their Southern Decadence 2016 Kick Off show will star RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Darienne Lake. [continued on 30]
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a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
That Safe Place by Fr. Bill Terry & Mike McDonald WOW! I never thought that as long as I lived I would ever be able to marry the love of my life. DOMA struck down and we celebrated in Jackson Square. That night just a few blocks away, just off of Bourbon and Bienville a young kid was ‘tricking.’ It is in one of those darker corners of the Quarter. Just a few weeks before he came out to his parents who smacked him around and sent him packing. “We aren’t going to have a fag living in this house!” the father said. Mom with tears in her eyes said, “It’s against God’s law maybe you can pray with the Pastor.” It wasn’t too bad at first, living on the streets, maybe a little hungry but some nice people gave him food to eat. But he started to feel unclean he hadn’t bathed in a a few weeks and his cloths were awful. He was always such a clean young man. The hunger grew and the darkness became his hiding place. Finally, a guy offered him some food and joint just to take the edge off and yea it was sex but it wasn’t anything he had not done before. He had to stay away from the straight section of the city. He’d been beaten up a couple of times by now. He tried to get into a shelter up north but they kicked him out when they found out he was gay. His friend, a transgender person had also been kicked out and even more from the “gay friendly” shelters. So, there he was on the streets. It started off as a onetime deal for food and a shower but now it was ‘the life.’ He was, at age 16, a professional prostitute turning tricks as much as he could. He shut down from any feeling – feel good drugs helped. But not really. Here are the sobering facts. In 2014 there were 400,000 homeless LGBT youth in America making up just over 20% of the homeless youth population. That year alone in Louisiana 590 homeless LGBT youth committed suicide. Now in 2016 there are 680,000 homeless LGBT youth in America, in some cities making up to 40% of the homeless youth population; while only 10% of young people in this country are LGBT. Facing few options and with little hope for a future 68% of homeless LGBT youth attempt suicide (as opposed to 29% of straight homeless youth); making suicide the third leading cause of death among all LGBT youth 15-21 years old. 58.7% of all LGBT homeless youth are sexually victimized (raped). 60 % are approached by older men for sex within 24 hours of becom-
ing homeless. Between 60 and 70% engage in survival sex to obtain a safe place to sleep, food or clothing. Recently, a shelter for LGBTQ youth was started in Baton Rouge. That is good news but New Orleans is like a magnate for the homeless. In general, therefore, the ‘market place’ is more competitive. The city is conducive to gutter punks, we see them around, and homeless men and women, and then add to the environment the LGBTQ kids and it is a violent environment to try to exist in. Our LGBTQ kids, children really, need a safe place; ‘That Safe Place.’ Mike McDonald who is spear-heading an exploration of a local facility said: The situation is dire, the need is great and the fight will be long and difficult; but we have made a beginning. I asked and was given permission by the Board of Directors for the Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans to form an exploratory committee, operating under the church’s nonprofit status, to begin assessing the needs of LGBT homeless youth in our city with the goal of forming Community Based Committee to Address LGBT Youth Homeless in New Orleans. Members of the church stepped forward to join the committee and we were immediately joined by St. Anna’s Episcopal Church and have received assistance and support from St. Andrew’s Episcopal as well. Recently we conducted our first public presentation to community organizations in New Orleans with the goal of soliciting support and membership on the permanent Community Based Committee. The presentation was enthusiastically received and our efforts to build the new committee continue with renewed energy. The Magnolia Stroll In recent ‘bar talk’ Princesse Stephaney announced that Mr. Luigi Mandile is going to be the KING of the Stroll. Vicki and I have attended this event for the past two years and it is wonderful. Each year the King selects [continued on 34] under the gaydar ...from 28 Lana O’Day will be hosting this event with an all-star lineup for all of your entertainment needs. Tickets are Meet & Greet (With Happy Hour Prices) $20 and General Admission - $10. Doors Open 8 pm and Meet & Greet is 9 – 10 pm with the show starting at 10 pm.
Party Down Decadence is not just a weekend, it is a season and my two weeks have been filled with fundraisers, literally almost every day. You may wonder why so many fundraisers, well it is because each bar wants to hold something and the grand marshals entourages all want to host events so these all add up. And it is not cheap to throw a free parade! We thank those who have been coming out and supporting us, come to the ones you can (or want to) whether it is one or twenty one, we appreciate everyone. And to all our sponsors, I know I speak for my cogrand marshals when I say thank you so much. We truly appreciate you. Now let’s get this show started. So my first of many Southern Decadence fundraisers began on Tuesday at The Cheezy Cajun for S'ingo hosted by Coca Mesa. Mama Leggio joined me and my entourage of Gary, Elizabeth, Princesse and the Rogets. It was great fun starting off with a fabulous dinner (best cracklins in the city) then onto several rounds of bingo, I mean s'ingo. Personally I would love to see a monthly s'ingo event there, it was so much fun, dinner and a show. Then there was another fundraiser on Thursday, but this time not for Southern Decadence, but the NO/AIDS Task Force with their Dining Out for Life. I went with my co-grand marshal Jeff Palmquist and Dr. Mac to Mona Lisa, where they had the wonderful Princesse Stephaney acting as hostess. She was dressed as none other than the Mona Lisa and had her own special photo opp for guests to pose in and take selfies. I love it when a restaurant gets into the spirit and does something extra special for those coming out to support this great cause. Friday was an extra special evening of entertainment at the Southern Decadence fundraiser hosted by Vinsantos at the Allways Lounge. This intimate evening consisted of music, comedy, staged readings and surprises. Vinsantos’ special guests were Felicia Philips, Nicole Lynn Foxx and Angie Z. The music was beautiful; Angie Z. was not only gorgeous but a true chanteuse. Who knew Nicole Lynn Foxx could sing and she did so eloquently. As always Vinsantos brings his own unique form of entertainment that is meshes music and comedy together in a nice package. And Felicia’s staged readings of her "Real Cheese" columns was hysterical. Vinsantos, thank you so much for your support, you are an amazing talent in our city. No rest for me on Saturday when I attended the Southern Decadence fundraiser at Good Friends entitled Mystics and Mysteries. Quistadors' Colby and Lulu threw this lovely afternoon soiree with great auction prizes, a delicious spread of food and psychic readers doing tarot and numerology. This event was a festive success and
very unique. Who doesn’t want to know their future? After the event, I met up with my friend Albert Carey and attended the spectacular and powerful performance of "The Rose Tattoo" at Dillard University put on by the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company. One of the very few comedies written by Tennessee, "The Rose Tattoo" had a brilliantly talented cast (two especially sexy hot men) and a set that brought the action right to the audience. This fledgling theatre company is quickly making a name for themselves with their shows. Congrats to founders Nick and Augustin on their success. You keep making these delightful plays and you will keep having sold out houses. Rounding out the weekend was the 2nd Annual Deviled Egg Contest at Cutter's to benefit Southern Decadence. This was great fun and very filling especially for those who love deviled eggs which I do. From fried eggs to ones filled with salmon or bacon, there was a ten entries for guests to sample. The winner was Hotch and Paul (1st runner up and winner respectively), both from Mag's 940. My next week started on Wednesday at the Double Play’s Southern Decadence Fundraiser which was a Burgers and Dogs cookout. William Antil and Frank Perez did a fine job grilling their delectable meats and the sides were also mouth-watering. On Thursday we had the Oz Turnabout and Boy A Boy Auction. Thanks so much to the incomparable Persana Shoulders for hosting the biggest fundraiser in the history of Southern Decadence. The Oz employees strutted their stuff from Joe’s Like A Virgin to Tim Pflueger’s Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy. There were cheerleaders, Sarah Palin and various other characters. And the boys up on the auction block were stunning. I personally bought two of them, Justin and Liam, along with their dinner “packages.” The entire night was raucous fun and everyone had a good time. Best reason I stayed up past my bedtime on a school night in a long time. Then after, my friend Laura Tennyson and I had a late night bite at Clover Grill and a nightcap at Lafitte’s in Exile before calling it an evening. And the last fundraiser of this two week period for Southern Decadence was Hollywood Hereafter on Friday at GrandPre’s. Bunny NOLA did a commendable job in putting on an entertaining and wickedly satirical party. I was able to emcee along with Felicia Philips. There was some special performance like Nicole Lynn Foxx as Whitney Houston and Monique Michaels as Joan Crawford. But I thought it was quite hysterical with past grand marshal Kathleen Conlon’s rendition of Amy Winehouse. From the food to the joyous crowd, another successful event is under our belt. So until next time, stay decadent!
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Mona Lisa's Dining Out For Life
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The Rose Tattoo @ Dillard Uniersity
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la Scène Sociale ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Tony Leggio, Paul Melancon, Jeremy Weinberg
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communities ...from 30 a charity for the proceeds. This year’s proceeds will be directed to the proposed LGBTQ Youth Center. Mike McDonald said, and rightfully, this is something ‘The Community’ needs to get behind and to promote. We need to embrace this cause and to spread the word. If any social organizations are interested in supporting this or other groups or individuals please call or contact Mike at: Mike McDonald, Co-Chair Exploratory Committee for LGBT Youth Homeless New Orleans. Contact us at : lgbthomelessneworleans@gmail.com Mike and I ask you to please see “Any Given Tuesday” a short film dramatizing LGBT youth homelessness on YouTube; made for LGBT homeless youth LA.
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Bleather Weekend, Foam Party, B-Bob's, Flip Side, Gabriel's ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
Southern Decadence Rummage/Tag Sale raises $500 @ Rawhide 2010 ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
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