Ambush magazine volume 34 issue 20

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THE OFFICIAL MAG

the "official" dish

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:

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com

Second Oracle Gala to Honor Krewe of Amon-Ra's Opal Masters Oct. 1 @ the Presbytère Museum The Second Annual Oracle Gala (www.facebook.com/events/ 1020301148080045/) will debut it's 2016 Costume Ball Saturday, Oct. 1 at the historic Presbytère Museum, (751 Chartres Street) in Jackson Square at 7pm.

Opal Masters reigning as Queen This gala is the flagship annual fundraiser for the LGBT+ Archives Project of Amon-Ra L for the krewe's 50th Louisiana. Each year at the Oracle Gala, the organization honors a member of consecutive Mardi Gras Ball in 2015 the community who has contributed substantially to permanently preserving LGBT-related archival materials. go to http://www.stannanola.org/doThis year’s honoree is Mike Moreau (aka Opal Masters), who is donating his nate/ and scroll down to Online Donaextensive Krewe of Amon-Ra collection to the Louisiana State Museum. Amon- tions - Special Fundraisers, type in Ra, is one of the oldest gay Mardi Gras krewes in New Orleans, and has held Roof Repairs, click and select payment a ball every year since its formation in 1965 (more consecutive years than any option-credit card or PayPal. You may other gay krewe). Since those early days, gay krewes have spoofed the also make a direct donation to St. conventions of New Orleans’ traditional Mardi Gras at annual masquerade balls Anna’s Church, 1313 Esplanade Ave., of unparalleled pageantry and camp. In the meantime, they have developed their NOLA 70116 and specify roof repairs. own unique traditions.

Thank you Mag’s 940, Big Easy “Much of our collective history remains in the closet” says Frank Perez, Board Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and President of the Archives Project. “That is why the work of the archives project chefs at Saint Anna’s! is so important. One of the aspects that makes New Orleans LGBT+ history According to Fr. Bill Terry of St. unique is gay carnival. And that is why this year’s Oracle Gala is so exciting.”

Anna’s, “You may remember just beMoreau, an Amon-Ra member since 1965, has been the krewe’s King, fore the great floods of Louisiana a Queen, and Captain at various times. He has collected many costumes, photos, brief mini tornado in the Treme. Along videos, invitations, and sketches that document the history of the krewe. Wayne with that bluster was lightening. Well Phillips of the Louisiana State Museum will be curating these and other items at the roof took the lightening, a tree was the event. knocked down, some memorial plaques Fox 8 (WVUE) Chief Meteorologist David Bernard will be emcee, and there knocked off and in general a bit of a will be live music by the Paulin Brothers. Attendees are encouraged to mask/ mess....oh did I mention that stained costume, but it is not required. Tickets are $50.00 ($40.00 for Members). To glass was damaged. Well, as insurpurchase tickets, call 504.941.1633, or visit http://oracle2016.eventzilla.net. ance goes we may or may not recover Tickets are also available at the Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann a dime and our deductible is a bit high.

Street.

We don’t have a fund to cover such For more information about the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, visit losses because we put all of our funds www.lgbtarchivesla.org. into mission and outreach. So, come on by, have some pasta and who knows Dining for Roof Repairs Oct. 2 @ Mag's 940 what else, but it is sure to be a good time for a good cause...cause the roof benefits St. Anna's Episcopal Church leaks.”

Join “Dining for Repairs @ St. Anna’s!” (www.facebook.com/events/ 1239239296118606/) on Sunday, Oct. 2nd from 12noon until 2pm at Mag’s 940, 940 Elysian Fields Avenue. The Italian Luncheon benefits repairs to Saint Anna’s Jimmy James Live @ Episcopal Church’s roof which was recently damaged in a mini toronado in New Oz New Orleans Oct. 3 Orleans.

The $10 suggested donation includes spaghetti with your choice of sauces: vegetarian or meatballs prepared by the famous Big Easy Sisters’ Saint Princesse Stephaney, an Italian Caesar Salad prepared by Ambush’s Rip and Marsha, garlic bread, and an assortment of desserts including Paul Chiriaco's Apple Cobbler and Princesse Stephaney's Rice Krispies Treats.

“To go” plates are available in case you just can’t stay. Of course, you can give a donation and not eat.

If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation online please

inside

Pre-Halloween issue due out Oct. 11 DEADLINE: Oct. 4

moments in gay new orleans history 10 spotlight feature/stewart butler 10 book review 12 lez talk 12 celebrazzi 14 amon-ra "girls gone broadway" pics 17 snap paparazzi/new orleans 23 halloween new orleans 24 under the gaydar 25 classifieds 26-27

real estate trodding the boards a community within communities mobile paparazzi ambush paparazzi/metairie, nola ambush paparazzi/new orleans

AD INFO: Call 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com

Gulf South LGBT+ Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com

27 28 30 32 32 34

The legendary Jimmy James is returning to the Crescent City for his Hearing Is Believing Tour !

This time the singer-songwriter, recording and tribute artist (of

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.

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"FASHIONISTA" fame), and dance music diva brings his talents to the Oz stage for one night only on Monday, October 3 at 8pm for a spectacular show!

VIP tables for 2 are $40 with $10 general admission. Oz is located at 800 Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/ozneworleans/ photos/gm.1648448175469965/ 1448427901850542/?type=3&theater. [continued on 8]

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Ambush Columnist Frank Perez to Teach French Quarter History at Delgado Community College Local historian and author Frank Perez will be teaching French Quarter History at Delgado Community College this Fall.

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, historical preservation, colorful characters, the mafia, the rise of tourism, literature and arts, drinking culture, crime and vice, and LGBT+ history. The last class meeting is a walking tour of the French Quarter led by Perez.

The class begins October 11 and meets once a week on Tuesday nights for seven weeks. The class is a noncredit course and costs $249. Registration is now open.

CoCo Montrese to Appear @ B-Bob's Oct. 7 & Four Seasons Oct. 8 You’ve seen her on Logo TV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 2, and in Frank Marino’s "Divas Las Vegas"... now you can see her at both B-Bob's in Mobile, Alabama and The Four Seasons in Metairie, Louisiana.

Noted as “the” world famous Janet Jackson impersonator, CoCo will appear live at B-Bob's in downtown Mobile, Alabama on Friday, Oct. 7 at 12 midnight. The club is located at 213 Conti Street. For additional information, visit www.facebook.com/events/ 1082970701792203/.

Then on Saturday, Oct. 8, The Four Seasons is excited to have the lip sync diva herself performing on the club's Patio Stage Bar. Hosted by Lana O’Day, the show will also feature Tiffany Alexander, Miss Louisiana Leatherette Gia GiaVanni, and special guests. Doors open at 8pm, with VIP Meet & Greet at 9pm, and showtime at

10pm. It is $20 for the VIP Meet & Greet which includes the show. General admission is $10. Four Seasons is located at 2329 N. Causeway Blvd.For additional information, visit www.facebook.com/events / 599952293511776/.

5th Winter Wonderland set for Nov. 27 benefits Food For Friends & St. Anna's Food Pantry Johnny Passion presents Winter Wonderland 5 on Sunday, November 27 at Cafe Istanbul, 2372 St. Claude Ave., New Orleans kicking off at 5:30pm.

According to Johnny Passion, "This year, Catherine and I are celebrating hosting and producing our 5th Annual Winter Wonderland (https:// www.facebook.com/events / 673176396168726/). We will be donating all proceeds after expenses to be split between Food For Friends and St. Anna’s Food Pantry. ***TOP SECRET*** We will be presenting this year’s ICON Tribute Award to someone who helps raise funds and awareness to several organizations throughout the LGBT community.. This year’s recipient will be ..

Princesse Stephaney! Let’s take this opportunity to show her how much we love and appreciate her. **Remember, it’s a Surprise**" Local artist Cheryl Anne Grace will have a special series of 9 paintings featuring Princesse Stephaney. Cheryl has generously donated one of her beautiful paintings of Princesse to be auctioned off during Winter Wonderland. A portion of each painting that sells at the event will be donated to our two named charities.

VIP guests will enjoy a delicious

catered sit down dinner while being entertained by local musicians. The venue will be decorated with beautiful winter holiday decorations. There will also be a red carpet entrance complete with photographers and a step and repeat background..

After dinner, there will be a variety show filled with local celebrities and entertainers..

VIP Tickets are on sale now at four levels: Bronze Sponsorship - 4 seat table $160.00 (includes admission for 4, delicious catered dinner, door prize drawings for VIPs only); Silver Sponsorship - 6 seat table $240.00 (includes admission for 6, delicious catered dinner, door prize drawings for VIPs only); Gold Sponsorship - 8 seat table $320.00 (includes admission for 8, delicious catered dinner, door prize drawings for VIPs only) **personal waiter for your table**; Platinum Level .. 20 seat table $1,000.00 (includes admission for 20, delicious catered dinner, door prizes for VIPs only) **Personal waiter for your table**.

To reserve your table or tables NOW, contact Misti Gaither at www.facebook.com/misti.ates, or email: Mistimichelleates@gmail.com.

Tables are already being purchased for this much anticipated and entertaining event.

New Book on Gay New Orleans Released My Gay New Orleans: 28 Personal Reminiscences on LGBT+ Life in New Orleans is an exciting new book just released by LL Publications.

The book, edited by Frank Perez and Jeffrey Palmquist, is an anthology

of 28 personal essays written by a cross-section of the LGBT+ community.

According to Perez, “The essays are as varied as New Orleans herself.

Here are twenty-eight personal essays written by a cross-section of the LGBT community in New Orleans. The contributors come from all walks of life and include everyone from prominent attorneys to street junkies. Many are pro-

fessional writers—authors and journalists—but just as many are not. Our aim in editing this book has been to capture authentic portraits of gay New Orleans. Some of those portraits are gritty and realistic, while others are romanticized. There are fond Mardi Gras memories and heartbreaking Katrina stories, coming out tales, and more than a handful of yarns about casual hook-ups along with a few encounters that grew into more permanent attachments. There are references

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spotlight feature Long-time LGBT+ Activist Stewart Butler Donates His Collection of Personal Papers to the Tulane University Library

by Professor Frank Perez Stewart Butler, long-time resident of New Orleans and veteran LGBT+ activist, recently donated his extensive collection of personal papers and other memorabilia to the Louisiana Research Collection (LaRC) at Tulane University.

“This is one of the most important archival collections for Louisiana LGBT politics,” said Leon Miller, Chief Archivist at the LaRC. “LaRC is honored to preserve it and I expect it to be heavily used by researchers.”

Butler’s donation includes committee reports, minutes from board meetings of various organizations, and LGBT+ organizational brochures. Butler was an active member of LAGPAC, PFLAG, CELEBRATION, two Marches on Washing-

moments in gay new orleans history

by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM

“Get Our History of the Closet” The year is 2516. Thousands of sociologists, anthropologists, historians, and other researchers have descended upon New Orleans for a conference on LGBT+ history in the early 21st century. Why New Orleans? Because New Orleans, 500 years from now, will be recognized as the leading center of LGBT+ historical research.

In the present day, everyone knows New Orleans is a city in love with its history. Some might even say obsessed. Several new books on the city’s history are published each year.

Public and private museums abound and cover topics ranging from the history of Voodoo to pharmacies. And New Orleans is host to dozens of archival repositories, libraries, and museums that preserve materials documenting our history.

But of all the historical resources sion of the LGBT+ Archives Project of available in New Orleans, one key as- Louisiana is to promote and encourage pect of the city’s history is sorely the protection and preservation of maunderrepresented—LGBT+ history. terials that chronicle the culture and That began to change in 2013. In that history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, year, a handful of people interested in and Transgender community in Louisilocal LGBT+ history began meeting to ana.” In June of 2014, the LGBT+ discuss the need to preserve our his- Archives Project of Louisiana was offitory and ways in which such an en- cially born at a public meeting where a deavor might be undertaken. It was set of Bylaws was adopted and officdecided early on that an organization ers were elected. was needed to provide information and The Project’s first few years have resources to those interested in local been incredibly fruitful. Public progay history. One of the first steps was graming events such as workshops, to survey what LGBT holdings cur- panel discussions, and public lectures rently existed in local libraries and col- have raised awareness of the imporlections. Questionnaires were sent to tance of preserving our history. The archivists at several local institutions. Project has also been an invaluable In addition, on-site visits were made to resource to writers, filmmakers, graduseveral local repositories. In October ate students, and other researchers. of 2013, the Society of American Archi- And the Project has facilitated the dovists held their national conference in nation of LGBT+ historical materials to New Orleans and several members of several local institutions, including the that group’s LGBT Roundtable met Louisiana State Museum, the Louisiwith members of the LGBT+ Archive ana Research Collection at Tulane UniProject of Louisiana. versity, the Historic New Orleans ColAfter several months of informa- lection, and others. tion gathering, the LGBT+ Archives Getting material from people’s Project of Louisiana adopted the fol- homes and attics into facilities where lowing Mission Statement: “The mis- they can be properly preserved and

accessible to future generations is at the heart of what the Archives Project does. These materials range from paper documents and photographs to three-dimensional artifacts. Items that many people do not think are valuable and worth preserving actually are.

Think about that box of stuff you have stored away deep in a closet.

What’s in that box? Letters? Personal Journals? Pictures? Flyers for a meeting? Posters for a drag show or political rally? Southern Decadence posters? Old copies of Impact or the Rooster? Minutes from organizational meetings? Costume sketch designs from a Carnival Ball costume? The costume itself? Menus from a gay friendly restaurant?

All that stuff needs to be preserved and made accessible to future researchers. What will happen to that box of material you’ve saved after you are gone? Will your straight family members recognize its worth? Or will they throw it out in the trash?

If you are interested in donating that material to a local archive or museum, the Archives Project can help you. There are a number of local institutions interested in preserving LGBT+ history and the Archives Project works closely with all of them.

In addition to individual collections, organizational records are also important to preserve. If you are a member of an LGBT+ organization, please consider finding a permanent home for your group’s records. The Archives Project can provide your organization with more information about this.

Much of our history remains in the closet and that is regrettable. That can change with your help. There is no reason New Orleans should not have a museum devoted to our local LGBT+ history. And, as SDGM XLII Jeffrey Palmquist asks, “Why not have a Homo Monument along the river?” Indeed, why not?

At present, New Orleans is not a leading center of LGBT+ historical research. But it could be. And that is the vision of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.

For more information, please visit www.lgbtarchivesla.org.

ton, and several other groups. More recently, Butler was a founding member of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, a non-profit that promotes and encourages the protection and preservation of materials that chronicle the culture and history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community in Louisiana.

According to LaRC, “Members of the LaRC staff are currently working to archive Butler’s papers, which requires a cleaning and ordering process, as well as the addition of a written description for online searches. Once complete, the archived papers will be available to the public and will be of great value to researchers interested in LGBTQ history in Louisiana.”

The processing of the Butler collection is being facilitated by a grant from the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.

Stewart Butler was born in 1930 in Mobile, AL and lived in New Orleans from 1932 until 1942. During the next 22 years he lived in Carville, LA, attended LSU, became a 1st Lt. In the Army, lived ten years in Alaska and a year in San Francisco before he finally concluded that he was gay and returned to New Orleans at the very end of 1964. In early 1973, he and Alfred Doolittle found each other in Café Lafitte in Exile. During the ensuing 35 years their relationship evolved into that of Soulmates. Alfred left this portion of his life in 2008. By 1980 Alfred was fully supporting Stewart financially, thus enabling him to become a full time LGBT+ activist, during the course of which he accumulated an attic full of LGBT+ archival material. This is what, in turn, inspired him to become active with the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.

For more information on the Louisiana Research Collection (LaRC) at Tulane University, visit https:// larc.tulane.edu/.

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book review Eleanor and Hick: The Love Affair That Shaped a First Lady. Susan Quinn. Penguin Press, 2016. ISBN: 978-159420-540-8. 416 pages. $30.00.

by Professor Frank Perez Few would argue that Eleanor Roosevelt was ahead of her time. She consistently ranks as one of the most influential, as well as one of the most popular, First Ladies to ever grace the White House. Less is known of Lorena Hickok (Hick to those who knew her), the scrappy AP reporter who became Eleanor’s friend, confidant, and, ultimately, lover.

These two women were unlikely friends, much less lovers. Eleanor came from the Patrician class, whereas Hick’s background was decidedly working class. Eleanor came from privilege; Hick was orphaned as a teenager.

Eleanor was raised to distrust reporters; Hick was a pioneering female journalist.

Despite these differences, there were some similarities between the two women, chiefly a strong passion for social justice and what we would today call feminism.

Eleanor and Hick each provided the other the emotional support they both desperately needed and forged a lifelong relationship. During the Roosevelt presidency, Hick had her own room at the White House. The nature of Eleanor and Hick’s relationship was something of an open secret at the time.

A biography of Hick was published in 1980, The Life of Lorena Hickok: E.R.’s Friend. As the title hints, the book downplays the romantic nature of Hick’s

lez talk

by Misti Gaither Email: Mistimichelleates@gmail.com

The Passion Challenge This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about all of those amazing people who do so much for our community. I have also been thinking a lot about all the people who don’t do too much for our community. Through my experiences and observations, I have come to the conclusion that there are four (4) different types of people. First of all, you have the unsung heroes, those that kind of blend in with the background. They are faithful in attending several functions and fundraisers.

They often donate their money or items to raise money without hesitation.

Secondly, you have the heroes that sparkle in glitter and paint. They may not have as much money to give, but they don’t even think twice about donating their time and talents by performing in different shows to help raise the much needed funds for multiple causes. The first two types of people go hand in hand together.

Neither would be a success without each other. Third, we have those who I believe want to be involved, but don’t know exactly what steps they need to take.

Last, but not least, we have those who consider it their contribution in life to criticize and disrupt the process. I won’t get into the fourth type of people, well not for now. Keep reading.

Almost every weekend, there are and think about it, our community has multiple fundraisers through out our almost always had to be self supportarea. You name it, and baby, we are ing. There hasn’t been much help going to have a fundraiser for it. We overall from the government or general raise money for different charities, the public to assist in raising the needed gay dogs and cats and even events for funds that are vital to the LGBT comsome queens to help defray expenses munity. in their quest to capture another crown.

For those of you who are in the Throughout the years, I’ve been asked third group, not everyone can sing, several times, why do we have so perform or feel comfortable being in many fundraisers? Well, if you stop the spotlight. If that sounds like you, it’s

relationship with Eleanor. Author Doris Faber, although a good researcher, brought a homophobic attitude toward the project and, consequently, the resulting work tells a less than complete story. This deficiency was somewhat remedied in Blanche Wiesen Cook’s 1999 biography of Eleanor, Volume Two of which depicts the relationship honestly and sympathetically.

Now a new book explores Eleanor and Hick’s relationship. Eleanor and Hick: The Love Affair That Shaped a First Lady by Susan Quinn finally does the topic of Eleanor and Hick’s relationship justice.

Based on meticulous research, including a close examination of the 3,000+ letters exchanged between the two women, Quinn tells the fascinating story of how these two women came to know, trust, and love each other—and how they both shaped the turbulent times in which they lived.

Quinn’s dual-biography is captivating, fascinating, and engaging—a must read for anyone interested in presidential biographies and LGBT+ history.

Susan Quinn is the author of Furious Improvisation: How the WPA and a Cast of Thousands Made High Art Out of Desperate Times and Marie Curie: A Life, among other books. Her work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, the Atlantic, and other publications. She is the former President of PEN New England and lives outside of Boston, Massachusetts. okay! We appreciate you and there is a place for you! There are still plenty of things that you can do. Every event needs volunteers. Believe me, your offer to help is not going to be turned down. If the person you approach doesn’t need you, don’t get discouraged. Come talk to me and I’ll be more than happy to put you to work on an event. There is always a need for someone to sell raffle tickets, get auction items, and etc.

No worries, I have not forgotten those of you that fall into the fourth group of people. There are so many ways that you too, can help make a difference. It’s easy to point out what’s wrong or what someone else should have done or not done in a situation.

Don’t become that bitter and lonely person. Use your Facebook page to promote instead of tear down. My challenge to you is to get more involved.

Take a moment to actually get to know the people that you take time to criticize. Do something positive. All the energy that is used by being immersed in negativity can be easily channeled into a positive and rewarding light simply by you giving back.

No matter what category you fall under, my challenge to you is this, think about what you have to offer or enjoy doing. Discover a cause that makes you feel passionate. Are you an inspiring artist? Are you a spiritual person?

Do you enjoy working with children? Do

the "official" dish ...from 8 to gay-bashing, AIDS, and even Voodoo. And then there are the bar stories—ribald anecdotes about legendary French Quarter gay bars, including some that are no more: Jewel’s, Wanda’s, Charlene’s, the Wrinkle Room, the 9th Circle, and a host of others. The essays in this volume represent genuine slices of gay life, and they each shed light on the beautiful complexity that is being gay in New Orleans.

The essays collected here are, in effect, love letters to a city. Indeed, the common thread that runs through all of these reminisces is a deep and abiding sense of place and an even deeper connection to that place. Repeatedly, the emerging theme throughout the collection is that it’s easy to be gay New Orleans. Contributor Jack Sullivan perhaps sums it best when he writes, “My Gay New Orleans is not my greater experience of this city or its people. New Orleans is a collection of many overlapping cultures and identities, of which gay culture is but one important element. It is an element, however, that has positioned me to love myself as well as this city.”

Contributors to My Gay New Orleans include: Bai, Stewart Butler, Dustin Bourg, Caleb Casey, David Chase, Charles Click, Steven Colton, Tracy L. Conway, Jameson Currier, Clayton Delery-Edwards, Scott S. Ellis, Catherine Evans, Robert W. Fieseler, Joseph Hart, Vance Philip Hedderel, Dale Irvin, Wes Jackson, Deb Jannerson, George E. Jordan, Rich Lodato, Jeff Mann, Damon Marbut, Patrick Sheppard, Howard Philips Smith, Jack Sullivan, Johnny Townsend, Lamar Vaudreuil, and Jerry Wheeler.

Perez and Palmquist are also the coauthors of In Exile: The History and Lore Surrounding New Orleans Gay Culture and Its Oldest Gay Bar. Perez has also written a book called Treasures of the Vieux Carre: Ten Self-Guided Walking Tours of the French Quarter.

The book is available online at https:/ /www.amazon.com/My-Gay-New-OrleansReminiscences/dp/0997554908, or at Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, 638 St. Ann St., New Orleans.

you enjoy helping the elderly? Can you sew or make crafts? No matter what you have to offer, there is a place for everyone. Talk to someone who organizes events or is a show director. Go to a fundraiser. Share your ideas and passions. Hell, even start your own event! Join a krewe or LGBT organization. It’s a great way to meet new people and learn new things. No matter what it is, just do something! The Passion Challenge is simply to motivate and encourage you to step up, get involved and become a part of the process. My email is listed above. I would love to hear from those who have accepted my challenge. Become someone’s inspiration, instead of someone’s critic. By doing so, you will not only change and encourage those around you, but maybe more importantly, you will change the person looking back in the mirror at you, too.

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celebrazzi

The Krewe of Amon-Ra hit it out of the park with this years "Girls Gone Broadway" direct from the beautiful Joy Theater in downtown New Orleans. The show kicked off with a sensational taste of Broadway... Kinky Boots performed by the cast of Gay Appreciation Awards Top 5 Finalist Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar. Another fifteen interpretations of Broadway classics continued throughout the evening. One in particular, Tittie Toulouse, stood out to this columnist as she portrayed Evita Peron in her declining years doing her version of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" totally in Spanish!!! accompanied by her stage husband, Amon-Ra Emperor I Darwin Reed. The show had everything from "Send in The Clowns" to Million Dollar Quartet, DreamGirls, Chicago, The Wiz, The Color Purple, Grease, Les Miserables, Jeckle & Hyde ending with Wicked. Emcee Persana Shoulders got a little carried away with her potty mouth, but that's show biz... Bravo! Bravo!

Bravo... to Amon-Ra special lieutenant Electra City for orchestrating this huge undertaking. This fundraiser benefited the krewe's 52nd consecutive Mardi Gras Ball on Feb. 4, 2017. Photo by Rip Naquin. (www.KreweOfAmonRa.com)

Tuesday nights are HOT! HOT! HOT! at Show Club of the Year Oz New Orleans with its all new Bourbon Boylesque. Hosted by the sexy talents of Trixie Minx, the show features its sexy regular cast members Bobby B, Danger Rockwell, Atomyc Adonis and Kirk Gagnon. And the "TOP SECRET" in this show is Atomyc Adonis as he repels from the ceiling in his acrobatic display of manly strength! You gotta see it to believe it!!! Tuesday is a "school night" but the festivities starts early at 8pm. Catch it at 800 Bourbon Street. Photo by Roy Guste with special thanks to Adrian Claveria. (www.OzNewOrleans.com)

T

Vickie Collins and Clorox Bleachman join mega star Leslie Jordan and Eric Petho following one of Jordan's hysterical shows at Mag's 940 in New Orleans.

Jordan's defining role as “Brother Boy” in the cult film sensation “Sordid Lives” made him famous. Mag's featured Leslie with three nights of performances at 940 Elysian Fields Avenue. Photo courtesy of Eric Petho. (www.facebook.com/ Mags940) Leonard Williams, aka Deja DejaVue', and partner Jim May, Missy May, celebrated their 27th anniversary with friends at GrandPre's in New Orleans complete with Red Velvet Cake. Photo by Rip Naquin. (https:// www.facebook.com/ GrandPres)

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QT Pie Boutique

The Page

snap paparazzi

C'est si Bon ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Hubert S Monkeys, Rip Naquin

Oz GM Greg Jones & DJ Kyle David show Oz's fab water wall!

GrandPre's

The Ladies of Oz: Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann & Chi-Chi Rodriquez (Photo by Adrian Claveria)

Cafe Lafitte in Exile

Bartender Daniel, aka Atomyc Adonis repels from the ceiling for Tuesdays new hit show Bourbon Boylesque @ Oz

Bourbon Pub & Parade

Persana Shoulders with King & Queen Petronius Elect Starr Alexander & Kayla Starr (Photo by Adrian Claveria)

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under the gaydar

by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham

Bartender of the Month My bartender for the month of September is a relative newcomer to the New Orleans gay community but quickly making a name for himself. Zackery Taylor Murray has been at Good Friends for three months now and in the city for six. He has created his own little niche. Zack is cute, funny, and personable and knows how to make a cocktail. One of his shot creations is called Hallowyou in celebration of the Halloween holiday. It contains Fireball, butterscotch schnapps and whipped cream. A few of those and you will truly be seeing spirits.

Bartender of the Month Zackery Taylor Murray @ Good Friends Bar I asked what his favorite cocktail was and was informed it was Skyy Mango and Sprite. Since Skyy was a sponsor of Southern Decadence this year, Zack immediately found a place in my heart. I think being a bartender is the perfect job for a newcomer to the city. You get to meet lots of new people and learn about the social scene especially in the gay community pretty quickly. Having crafted the skills to be a great mixologist and bartender at a young age is a great asset and Zack is evidence to that fact. So next time you want a little Fire in your life (Fireball that is), check out Zack at Good Friends Bar (740 Dauphine Street); besides Halloween is just around the corner.

Hot Happenings September is coming to a close and Halloween is right around the corner. But there still are plenty hot happenings to keep you going. Here are just a few of the ways to keep you out of (or in) trouble.

Friday, September 30, 2016 Party your fins off at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas at the 7th annual Scales & Ales event with wine and beer from open bars and delicious cuisine from more than 40 local restaurants. Live entertainment and a unique aquatic atmosphere are highlights of the event as it flows throughout the Aquarium and onto the plaza overlooking the Mississippi River. The event takes place 7pm — VIP Early Access and 8pm 11pm — General Admittance. For tickets

go to www.audubonnatureinstitute.org.

Saturday, October 1, 2016 The Oracle Gala is the flagship annual fundraiser for the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. The event will take place at the Presbytere (751 Chartres Street) from 7 – 10pm. Each year at the Oracle Gala, the organization honors a member of the community who has donated his or her collection of historic LGBT-related materials to an archive.

This year’s Oracle Gala honoree is Mike Moreau/Opal Masters, who is donating his extensive Krewe of Amon-Ra collection to the Louisiana State Museum. AmonRa, formed in 1965, is one of the oldest gay Mardi Gras krewes in New Orleans. Since those early days, gay krewes have spoofed the conventions of New Orleans’ traditional Mardi Gras at annual masquerade balls of unparalleled pageantry and camp.

Fox 8 (WVUE) meteorologist David Bernard will be emcee, and there will be live music by the Paulin Brothers. The Oracle of Delphi will be on hand to provide readings, and we will have food and drinks as well. A silent auction with amazing works of art and a 50/50 raffle will also be a part of this entertaining evening. Attendees are encouraged to mask/costume, but it is not required. To purchase tickets, call http:// 504..941.1633, or visit oracle2016.eventzilla.net.

Saturday, October 1, 2016 Art for Arts Sake was created by the Contemporary Arts Center in 1980. Now this annual rite of fall has become one of the hottest events of the year for art lovers in and around New Orleans. Art for Arts’ Sake | DOWNTOWN 2016 celebrates the CAC’s 40th Anniversary Season with special member benefits and art experiences. There will be free admission and a cash bar. In addition to all the excitement at the CAC, there are art openings on Julia and Magazine Streets as well as the entire city.

Sunday, October 2. 2016 Come out to Gay Day at the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Audubon Zoo. Take a walk on the wild side with your friends and family. Check out their Facebook page for a coupon for zoo admission.

Sunday, October 2. 2016 Come support the repairs to Saint Anna’s Episcopal Church roof at a luncheon at Mag's 940 (940 Elysian Fields) from noon to 2:30pm. There is a $10 suggested donation and it includes spaghetti with your choice of sauces, vegetarian or meat ball, salad and desserts. We will have “to go” plates in case you just can’t stay. Of course, you can give a donation and not eat.

Monday, October 3, 2016 The legendary Jimmy James is returning to the Crescent City for his Hearing Is Believing Tour. This time he brings his

talents on to the Oz stage for one night only!

Doors will open at 8pm. For tickets, go to www.ozneworleans.com.

Saturday, October 8, 2016 You’ve seen her on Logo TV’s RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 5 and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 2 and in Frank Marino’s Divas Las Vegas... now you can see her right here in Metairie! The Four Seasons (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) presents Lip Sync Diva herself Coco Montrese performing on their Patio Stage. The show will be hosted by Lana O’Day and features Tiffany Alexander and Gia GiaVanni. VIP Meet & Greet (includes show) $20, General Admission $10. Doors open 8pm with VIP Meet & Greet at 9pm. Show time is at 10pm.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016 Join CommUNITY Speak Out at 7pm as we welcome Crescent Care to talk about the healthcare programs and services that are provided in clinics across the city and state. Please come and join us for this FREE education at Napoleon’s Itch (734 Bourbon Street).

Thursday, October 13, 2016 Welcome to the T.M.I. Talk Show! A LIVE monthly theater show where we invite our guests and audience to “overshare” personal stories and real talk about taboo subjects while we entertain you with drag, comedy and variety acts! Hosted by LibeRaunchy the BeauxQueen and Eureeka Starfish and featuring special guests Photographer, Krystal Alayne Chambers and a second surprise guest! There are also prizes and only $8 entry fee plus cupcake and art prizes! Doors open at 8:30pm. This is an hour-long show, so we start promptly at 9pm. La Nuit Comedy Theater is located at 5041 Freret Street at the corner of Soniat and Freret Streets across from the Dat Dog. Thursday, October 13 and Saturday, October 15, 2016 The Anba Dlo Halloween Festival and Water Symposium are FREE and open to the general public. Now in its 9th year, Anba Dlo, in partnership with A Studio In the Woods, a program of Tulane University, and Mama Maji is unique as a one-of-akind, costumed, interactive community festival that celebrates the multicultural and artistic heritage of New Orleans. It is a wonderful kick-off event to the upcoming Halloween celebrations across New Orleans.

FIFTH ANNUAL ANBA DLO WATER SYMPOSIUM (5:30pm on Thursday, October 13) Join leaders in the fields of water and flood protection to participate in a discussion that will shape New Orleans’ future. Scientists, educators and environmentalists will discuss the estimated im-

pact of sea level rise and land subsidence on navigation, land loss and flood protection; the dire consequences of a Future Without Action; and the need to use the Mississippi River to achieve coastal restoration through a comprehensive evaluation of a new channel for the river. The event will be followed by a Community Pot Luck Dinner discussion at Café Istanbul, 2372 St. ClaudeAvenue. PLEASE BRING A DISH. WATER WALK AND LEARN (10am12noon on Saturday, October 15) Become inspired on water issues through various avenues of learning. The Greater New Orleans Water Collaborative will host a Walk and Learn to focus on the river and the Upper Ninth Ward, pulling together speakers who can provide different perspectives on the river, its role in shaping our city, and our changing relationship with its tide. The students of LAYAYA will give a presentation on their water quality study at noon in Café Istanbul.

ANBA DLO HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARADE (6:00-7:00pm Saturday, October 15) Kick off the evening the proper New Orleans’ way; a parade through the city!

Launching from the corner of Royal and Franklin Streets at 6pm, this parade will feature many boisterous groups that will get the crowd off their feet and dancing throughout the streets. These groups include The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus, Pussyfooters, The MuffALottas, Mama Maji Amelia Earhawts Cabin Krewe, The Greater New Orleans Water Collaborative, Roux La La, Chuck Perkins and The Voices of the Big Easy with Luther Gray and Spyboy Honey Bannister, Red Hawk Hunter’s Lil’ Queens: Takiera and Tia Augustin, Alambrados O.T.O., and New Orleans Food Cooperative. Waterthemed costumes are highly encouraged.

ANBA DLO HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL (7:30pm-12:30am Saturday, October 15) Get decked out in your best Halloween costume at this not-to-be-missed FREE festival. Two stages will keep guests entertained all night with musical performers, burlesque, acrobats, interactive art exhibitions, dancers, interactive multimedia art installations, water altars, live auctions, physic readings, food, drink and more! The Healing Center will completely transform into an underwater mystical getaway. La Source Ancienne Ounfo will close out the night with a Vodou ceremony and the unveiling of The New Mermaid Fountain by Ricardo Pustanio.

Come and experience the underwater realm of Lasiren’s VIP Lounge with complimentary food and drinks, private viewings of the main headliners from the 2nd-floor balcony of Café Istanbul, physic readings, and the opportunity to rub shoulders with

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Krewe of Amon-ra's "Girls Gone Broadway" @ Joy Theater ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin, Jeremy Weinberg

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TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM Slidell, LA [985] BILLY'S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271

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 [is1916

circuit/events

classifieds

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 Aug. 30-Sept. 4, 2017, 46th 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

costumes 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

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] 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 BIG EASY DAIQUIRIS, 216 Bourbon, 501 Bourbon, 409 Decatur, 617 Decatur

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 MAG'S 940, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888 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

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!

THE NATCHEZ, 530 Natchez St., Phone: 504.881.1243, www.thenatchez.com, reservations@thenatchez.com. Steps from the French Quarter located centrally in Downtown New Orleans with luxury 2, 3, and 4 bedroom suites are available for rent.

[10/16] THE ST. PHILIP HOTEL, 612 St. Philip St., Phone: 504.523.2197, www.thestphilip.com, reservations@thestphiliphotel.com. The St. Philip Hotel (circa 1839) is a Mediterranean-style building in the French Quarter that is centrally located to everything in the French Quarter. The hotel is only a 2-3 minute walk to the French Market, Cafe Du Monde, Jackson Square, Royal Street, and Bourbon Street.

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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.co

organizations 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

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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 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

pharmacy 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.

photography New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com

restaurants Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N.

Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] 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,

REAL ESTATE

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 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

3215 Chartres Street - $149,000 YES, fixer uppers still exist! Private drive and yard. Located in the heart of Bywater just one-half block to the Crescent Park rainbow bridge and around the corner from The Country Club! Call Mark Boline @ 504.655.2233, New Orleans Relicatiun LLC, Realtors.

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 Richards Realtor, 504.258.1800, SteveRichardsProperties.com Latter & Blum, Steven Vaughn Realtor, Cell 504.810.4646, Office 504.948.3011, w w w. 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

retail/shopping

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. $869,500.

The seller is also offering a $30,000 credit towards closing cost & credit. Steven Vaughan Realtor® @ 504.810.4646, Latter & Blum, www.Latter-Blum.com.

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 XXXSHOP, 1835 N. Rampart St., 504.232.3063

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

Gay Mardi Gras www.GayMardiGras.com 504.522.8049

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trodding the boards

by Brian Sands

Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com

Thanks for the Memories: Bob Hope and His AllStar Pacific Tour at The WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen through October 2 [Thanks for the Memories has returned to the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen; the following is an edited version of my review which ran in our June 30, 2015 issue.]

Approaching the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen’s production of Thanks for the Memories: Bob Hope and His AllStar Pacific Tour, for some reason I expected it to be a combination of songs and comedy with background information about Hope and his USO tours, similar to such previous Canteen presentations about Glenn Miller and Louis Prima.

Instead, Thanks for the Memories turned out to be a fairly straightforward recreation of a show that might have taken place on one of those island dots in the Pacific albeit, allowing for some dramatic license, with a starrier cast than ever touched down with Hope in one place. I guess for background information I can go to Google for this is 60 minutes of pure entertainment.

Hope performed his first USO show in May 1941 in California, entertained troops for the rest of World War II, and continued to travel around the world doing this vital

mission for the next 50 years. Of Hope’s World War II shows, writer John Steinbeck, who was then working as a war correspondent, wrote in 1943, “When the time for recognition of service to the nation in wartime comes to be considered, Bob Hope should be high on the list. It is impossible to see how he can do so much, can cover so much ground, and can be so effective. He works month after month at a pace that would kill most people.”

And yet he always made it look so easy which comes through in William Patrick Johnson’s engaging performance as Hope.

Wearing a pith helmet, Johnson resembles Hope, especially in profile, as he lobs the corny jokes associated with Hope that were already old in the 1940s. Johnson’s delivery is a tad faster than Hope’s which is fine for the routine’s pacing, but missing is Hope’s trademark style of letting the gag sink in and then giving a knowingly blank look as if to say “Can you believe I said

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Sunday, October 16, 2016 The hysterical Sarah Silverman is coming to New Orleans at the Saenger Theatre (1111 Canal Street). The show starts at 8pm.

For tickets, go to www.saengernola.com.

your favorite bands and performers. VIP tickets are only $25 and can be bought at the door or online at http:// www.anbadlofestival.org/#!vip/c2ad.

For more and complete information on artists, lineups, bios, festival history, general questions and more, visit our website at http://www.anbadlofestival.org.

Friday, October 14, 2016 Marvelous Motel (a spooky evening of unusual delights) is happening at GrandPre’s (834 N. Rampart Street). This event is produced by Eureeka Starfish.

Performing alongside her this evening will be Liberaunchy, Lefty Lucy, Midnite Ryder, Mx Mystic and Lucy Anna Sazaerac. Doors open at 9:30 and the show starts at 10:30pm.

There is a $10 cover.

Friday, October 14, 2016 Come join the Sirens of New Orleans for our annual Halloween bash, Mermaids and Mayhem at Urban South Brewery (1645 Tchoupitoulas Street) starting at 8pm. Enter our Carnival...or should we say CarnEVIL, filled with mystical mermaids, spooky sirens, and other ominous ocean creatures.

Special appearances by 610 Stompers, Krewe of the Rolling Elvi Jailhouse Rockers, Oui Dats, Thrilla Guerrillas, Organ Grinders and more! There will be a raffle and a costume contest. Prizes are available for best female costume, best male costume, and best couple. All proceeds from this event benefit the New Orleans Family Justice Center. Tickets available at http:// mermaidsandmayhem16.eventbrite.com.

Party Down After all the chaos of Decadence has passed, I feel practically antisocial these last two weeks resting in a major way. But somehow I still managed to make it out a few times over the two weeks following that exhausting holiday.

My first week of partying began on Thursday with a very civilized party at SoFab. New Orleans Homes which is part of the NO Magazine family hosted their Design Masters party at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum. It was a great chance to mix and mingle with folks in an entirely different industry, interior designers, builders, contractors and suppliers.

From the crowd, it is definitely an industry booming in the city. And if you have not been to SoFab yet, you need to check it out.

There are some truly interesting exhibits that focus on one of South’s number one tourist attractions – our cuisine.

On Saturday, I attended the art show of Harry Mayronne Jr. at Creason’s Fine Art Gallery on Royal Street. The show was entitled Figures: People who Amuse, Provoke and Inspire and contained a host of specially crafted marionettes created in the likeness of New Orleans luminaries such as Becky Allen and Bethany Bultman. Harry’s marionettes are inspired works of art.

Congrats on the great show. Then my friends Beaux and Barrett went to dinner at my newest “it” restaurant Avo. I used the gift

that?”

After his opening monolog, though, Hope/Johnson mostly serves to introduce the cavalcade of celebrities that have come to entertain the “troops.” And on a set draped in camouflage netting and laden with sandbags and tropical greenery that effectively summons up a Pacific isle, this delightful show definitely lives up to the promise of an “All-Star Tour.”

The Andrews Sisters, who were featured in their own tribute show at the Canteen, kick things off, appropriately with Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Courtney Boe, Cristina Perez and Mandi Ridgdell sound great as always with flawless harmonies.

Katherine McClain portrays a youthful Judy Garland, when her voice was still more viola than the cello it would become.

Like Garland, she has a powerful set of pipes in a petite package and her renditions of Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart and Somewhere Over the Rainbow (complete with ruby slippers) are lovely.

Meggie George, a Stage Door Idol finalist, cuts a striking figure as Marlene Dietrich and puts over Lili Marlene with fine assurance. Perez’ I’m in The Mood for Love

conjures up a sultry and seductive Dorothy Lamour, and later, she makes a delectable Carmen Miranda without camping it up.

One of the show’s highlights was when the adorable Boe got an actual WWII vet to join her in South Pacific’s Honey Bun, getting the game gent to dress up in wig and coconut bra. It was one of those goosebump moments as he had actually seen Hope perform many years ago.

Boe also scored as the cute Betty Hutton (“a vitamin pill with legs”) and Betty Grable, striking her iconic over-the-shoulder look, and George was an expressive Deanna Durbin singing Musetta’s Waltz in a sparkly strapless floor-length silver gown.

Yet, to a Gen X-er like me, while I recognize the names, there’s a certain disconnect as their performing days ended long, long ago.

Maybe I need to check them out on YouTube.

And though Frances Langford, movingly impersonated by Ridgdell with I’ll Be Seeing You, was a very popular singer from the 1930s-50s often touring with Hope, I had never heard of her before. Makes me wonder what people will think of, say, Gwen

certificate I won in the Southern Decadence boy auction. The restaurant is simply amazing from the atmosphere to the service. The place was packed and we were very lucky to get a table without a reservation (although I will make one from this point on). I ran into a half dozen people I know there that night. It was a great way to celebrate the culmination of Southern Decadence by treating two of my best friends (and hard-working lieutenants) to a scrumptious meal. And on a side note, they have an over-abundance of hot waiters including one I called sexy Jesus (he is my favorite).

I went to see the highly acclaimed Flood City at NOCCA on Sunday. Flood City is not about Hurricane Katrina but the devastating flood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 1889 but there are so many comparisons. Written by NOLA Project member Gabrielle Reisman and directed by fellow member Mark Routhier, Flood City focuses on the collapse of the South Fork Dam, which released 20 million tons of water into the Appalachian steel town and killed more than 2,000 people. The mixture of comedy within a very serious subject made an entertaining afternoon. I also have to give a shout out to Ian Hoch, who was amusing as a cinderman with a metal pipe blown into his skull.

On Tuesday the following week, I went to the book signing of a new novel chronicling the life story of Ella Brennan, the matriarch of the Brennan family and the woman who built Commander’s Palace into a world class institution. The book signing was at her Commander’s home and was filled with well-wishers. I bought two, one for me and one as a gift. The book, “Miss Ella of Commander’s Palace,” was written with her daughter Ti Martin, and has the subtitle: “I Don’t Want a Restaurant Where a Jazz Band Can’t Come Marching Through.” It was a lovely evening and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Leah Chase spoke about Ella and how they both came up in the kitchens of New Orleans. It was a memorable event, so be on the lookout for my book review soon.

tion of Caterers and Events (NACE) at Marche. The venue was decked out like a Havana with music, cigars, and Cuban inspired dishes form the city’s top restaurants. Guests danced the night away in this beautiful place that overlooks the Mississippi River. There was also a pretty fancy silent auction with some great prizes. I especially love my golden pineapple. You know it is usually going to be a noteworthy fundraiser when it is hosted by people in the hospitality industry,

I got to go to Havana, Cuba on Thursday when I attended the National Associa-

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I continued my partying on Friday as Beyonce. I attended Ryan Delaney’s Super Nineties costume fete at his home in Old Metairie. My friends dressed as Austin Powers, Dr. Evil, a fembot and I finished off the group as Foxy Cleopatra. There was lots of cocktails, nineties inspired treats and an illuminated dance floor with large screen television showing videos of our favorite songs of the decade. I love a down and dirty house party and this one tops them all every year, although I have to admit, I prefer the eighties decade over the nineties (yes I am old).

Saturday was another treat for some of my Southern Decadence lieutenants. I was one of the hosts of Lazarus House’s Bon Apetite dinners. How it works is hosts all over the city hold dinners at their house or at restaurants and then all the guests are invited to a dessert after party at the Old Ursuline Convent. I had several guests over to my house as a thank you again for all their hard work then treated them to the after party which was quite the place to be.

There was a huge crowd of lots of friends in the gay community and our allies. The sweet confections provided by over a dozen area restaurants, bakeries and caterers were simply marvelous. There was free flowing champagne and we closed the party down. Because I obviously still think I am in my twenties, I went out and did an epic bar crawl to Lafitte’s in Exile, Good Friends, Corner Pocket, 700 Club, Rawhide and the Phoenix. I crawled in at 4am in the morning, so the only thing I did on Sunday was lay on my sofa. Oh, the price we pay for our nights of debauchery. Until next time, stay wicked!

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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

Fall a season of movement.

Dog- gone- it! It’s late September and still its 95 degrees; this is crazy! Yet, this is where we live. Most that live in this city do so by choice. We adapt to our bi-seasonal lives.

It is hurricane season or it’s not. I have noticed that some of the shadows are getting a bit longer and the days just a tad shorter. But it is still 95 degrees! Within the seasons are sub-seasons, a day or two at a time are doled out by nature. She likes to tease and hit rather like a good burlesque show or perhaps even some of the ads in this very magazine.

Hinting at things to come but never quite getting there. Yep, are seasons are just a burlesque show.

Like the seasons some of us just hint. Maybe we show just a little of what we’ve got so as to seduce or intrigue or even to induce. We just show a little, like a long shadow, we hint at the possibilities. Sometimes I believe our very personas are like southern seasons: erratic, unpredictable, hinting, changing, and shifting. Hot, cold, mild and seasonal that is how we are as a people.

So who shall we be this fall? Fall is an odd nether world of change. Plants are getting leggy, time to replant with frost resistant flora. Some leaves are starting to scatter. Termites are not blossoming but mosquitoes are still around a bit. Our colors may start to move from the pastels and light leather of summer to darker colors in wardrobe and more leather to cover as comfort and coolness are at least a thought. So, too, might our moods move to a bit less pastel and a bit more towards the introspective (darker perhaps). Fall is a time for reflection and the prospect of hearths and holidays.

As a people we in New Orleans have our own circadian rhythm when it comes to seasons and those seasons are more often than not regulated by social agendas. Yes, it is the time that our lives start to become a bit more harried. Maybe that started with Decadence maybe it is just starting with balls, parties, and “the social season.” Vacations are over, time to get to work with parties and our social life.

But wait! It is a season of darker colors, it is a season that begs recollection and reflection. For some, perhaps more than some, it is a season that begs the indifference of affection. For some, not all, it is a time when looking forward to Christmas brings a certain poignancy. We will be moving toward “The Longest Night.” As I sit in my office I hear a train whistle crossing the streets of the city some ways away. In the summer it seems to get lost in the mix but now I hear it clearly and it sounds a bit sad. What is that all about?

The “Holidays” are so often dangerous times. We start thinking, some of us, what we don’t have or have been deprived of…what once was or should have been. I am specifically talking about days like Thanksgiving and no family or broken family; Christmas and lost loves that have departed either really or proverbially. These holidays that are merchandised convince us that it is a Season of Hallmark beauty and all is warm and fuzzy.

For some, at least, it is not warm and fuzzy, for some it is the loneliest time of the year.

So, the Fall beckons a time to reflect, a time when shadows grow long, perhaps even a time of dying things and lost memories.

Yet, it can and it is possible to be a time to anticipate brisk breezes soon wafting their way down our streets. Remember with me, if you will, the brilliant blue sky of a southern day in the midst of a cold front that cleans out the cobwebs and blows away the humidity and clinging moisture that surrounds the summer time. Oh such brilliance that winter sky.

This time of reflection can be a time to anticipate opportunities to serve to reach out and befriend. This can be a time to go beyond the heat and passion of summer and embrace a slowing down instead of buying into a hectic speeding up. Don’t get caught in the frenzy!

If you are alone please know that you have a companion in the depth of your soul. Search out that companion. There is no better time than the fall to take a moment in quiet confidence and know that there is a God and God is with us. God is with us in our every movement and even the movement of the seasons. Fall is a time for contemplation. Who and what shall you contemplate?

What will be the text of that contemplation? Will you seek to be found and in so doing be found? Will you focus only on what is not instead of what is?

Fear not the cooling days ahead and the long shadows. Those shadows are only reflections of a living universe with possibilities born of our souls and imaginations. It is the change of the season and therefore our own rhythm in life offers change.

The agent of change in this case is celestial and natural and swirls all around us. Even if it is 95 degrees you can feel the change coming. Prepare the way for yourself; prepare the way for a lover or a friend. Open your hearts after this long hot hurricane free season.

Find some time to relax with the Creator. Fall is not about dying but about transition; a natural way to slow things down. Please make plans now to avoid the rush, avoid the bleakness that is possible. Avoid it by knowing always that you are the beloved community.

You are a community within communities that thrives on the thought of love, peace, and acceptance. You have such possibilities before you. Embrace the long shadows and find inner peace.

trodding the boards ...from 28 Stefani or Christina Aguilera 70 years from now.

Fortunately, Victoria Reed’s brisk direction doesn’t allow such thoughts to linger. She has made a wise selection of numbers mixing more familiar songs together with less well-known ones. Heidi Malnar’s marvelous tap dancing to Sing, Sing, Sing is a nice change of pace from the vocal numbers. And when the entire company enters the audience and begins dancing with members of the crowd to the tune of Begin the Beguine, we get a real sense of what those Stage Door Canteens must have been like as servicemen danced with superstars.

While Millennials might—might—not be that familiar with Hope, I’d wager that every other American is which explains why, since Thanks for the Memories debuted in the Fall of 2013, it has been one of the Canteen’s most popular shows. Twelve years after his death at age 100, Hope’s legacy seems assured.

[An original musical Pictures of Marilyn featuring Courtney Boe as Marilyn Monroe, the iconic beauty who struggled to take control of her life and career, plays Oct. 7-Nov. 27. The Vic-Tones, a dynamic male vocal trio and the newest addition to The WWII Museum’s entertainment roster, perform at the Canteen on Wednesday afternoons through November 30.

Curtains Up! The weather is cooling off and the fall theater season is heating up with musicals classic and edgy, regional premieres of three acclaimed new plays, and some evenings that are simply uncategorizable.

You have only one more weekend to catch Stephen (Godspell) Schwartz’ wonderful Pippin in which Charlemagne’s son searches for fulfillment in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh, and the intrigues of political power, only to find happiness in the simple moments that occur every day. Tom Cianfichi directs the Tony-winning musical at Le Petit.

West Side Story also finishes its run on October 2 at JPAS’ beautiful Jefferson Performing Arts Center in Metairie. The heart-wrenching message of the Arthur Laurents/Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim/Jerome Robbins’ adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, sadly, never goes out of fashion. Nor, happily, does the brilliant score.

JPAS follows this November 4-13 with Funny Girl, the story of beloved comedienne Fanny Brice from her beginnings on NYC’s Lower East Side to stardom with the Ziegfeld Follies. Butch Caire directs the show that made Barbra a star, and gave us People and Don’t Rain on My Parade.

See ‘Em On Stage, New Orleans’ favorite producer of blood-soaked extravaganzas, is turning in the gore for chemical waste with The Toxic Avenger: A Trashy Musical, a rock’n’roller based on the 1984 film. This charming love-slash-superhero story has it all—an unlikely champion, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey mayor, and two guys who play, well, everyone else, including mobsters, old ladies, and stiletto-wearing back-up singers. You can see Christopher Bentivegna’s production October 13-31 at the new Valiant Theatre in Arabi.

Southern Rep, in a co-production

with the UNO’s Department of Film and Theatre, will present native New Orleanian and Pulitzer Prize finalist Lisa D’Amour’s Airline Highway, her grand portrait of a collection of some down-and-out souls inhabiting a motel on the titular strip. A Big Easy version of The Lower Depths, when I saw the 2015 Broadway production I wrote “D’Amour beautifully captures the personalities and conversational rhythms of the hookers, hustlers and workers who populate The Hummingbird.”

Audiences here are likely to catch references that went over the heads of New York audiences and I understand some passages that “explained” NOLA rites will be excised for a tighter script. Aimée Hayes directs the assorted denizens who come together to celebrate the “living funeral” of a beloved burlesque performer at UNO’s Robert E. Nims Theatre from October 5th through 23rd.

Southern Rep’s season continues with Grounded, George Brant’s portrait of an Air Force pilot whose unplanned pregnancy ends her flying career but earns her a position in the “Chair Force” piloting a drone in Iraq from her base in the Nevada suburbs. Kerry Cahill stars in this onewoman journey into the heart of darkness at Loyola University’s Lower Depths Theatre November 2-20.

After seeing Amy Herzog’s The Great God Pan off-Broadway a few years ago, I noted its “deeply intelligent script, where every word counts and the natural sounding dialogue is full of sharp, witty language.” Which is why I’m especially looking forward to The NOLA Project’s production of Herzog’s 4000 Miles in which a young man seeks refuge with his feisty 91-yearold grandmother in her West Village apartment after a lengthy and painful crosscountry trip on his bicycle.

Carol Sutton and James Bartelle will share the stage together for the first time as grandmother and grandson at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center from October 20 to November 5 in a play The New York Times called “a funny, moving, and altogether wonderful drama.”

Seth Rudetsky’s foray onto Broadway may have been a bit, er, disastrous but the good news is that he’ll be heading back to NOLA for a fifth season of Broadway@NOCCA. Judy Kuhn, Tonynominated star of Fun Home and Broadway’s original Cosette in Les Misérables as well as the voice of Disney’s Pocahontas starts things off for this year’s series of exhilarating cabaret/interviews on October 6.

How happy I was to discover that the fabulous dance troupe that was part of the Olympics Closing Ceremony will be coming to New Orleans. NOBA presents Grupo Corpo at the Mahalia Jackson Theater on October 15 and I’m looking forward to more of their vibrant contemporary dance that wondrously fuses ballet, modern and hip-swiveling Brazilian styles.

And for those who want to hear modern pop hits reimagined in the style of jazz, ragtime, and swing classics of the 1920s1950, head to the Orpheum Theater on October 23 for Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, a genre-busting, rotating collective of musicians and vocalists who have re-envisioned Radiohead’s alt-rock hit Creep as a torch-like ballad and turned Miley Cyrus’ We Can’t Stop into a doo-wop ditty amassing more than 450 million YouTube views in the process.

Sounds like the perfect pre-Halloween treat!

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m obile paparazzi

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Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar

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La Scène Sociale ~ Metairie, New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Ellen Miller, Hubert S Monkeys

Shows, Parties & More... ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie

Rawhide 2010

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Kajun's Pub

Phoenix

Good Friends Bar The Corner Pocket

Mag's 940

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paparazzi

The Clover Grill

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Autour de la Ville ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Hubert S Monkeys, Rip Naquin, Eric Petho, Jeremy Weinberg

The Double Play

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