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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
"Dirty Santa Bingo" & "Ho Ho Ho Holiday Party" Straight Outta Mobile B-Bob's pulls out all the stops for holiday cheer in Mobile, Alabama, the city by the bay. Located at 213 Conti Street, join Dirty Santa Bingo every Tuesday until Christmas with game sets at 9:30pm and 11pm featuring "Dirty Santa" himself. There's 5 games each night for each set, and you could win holiday gifts! One purchase minimum is required to play. Then on Sunday, Dec. 18, it's the annual Ho Ho Ho Holiday Party with open bar from 6-8pm with fabulous food and friends. The always festive Holiday Show begins at 9pm. Admission is cash donation, gift card for local grocers, nonperishable food items and/or personal hygiene items which will be donated to those living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
Hope For The Holidays Fundraiser Dec. 8 @ Oz On Thursday, Dec. 8, starting at 8m, join Misael Rubio, Quartermaster, and Oz as they raise funds for New Orleans’ underprivileged children and the Louisiana Hope For The Holidays Foundation. Hosted by Persana Shoulders, enjoy Louisiana’s finest entertainers, a 50/50 raffle, a live auction, and a fabulous holiday spread furnished by Quartermaster Deli! Oz is located at 800 Bourbon Street.
6th Annual Amon-Ra Gumbo Cookoff Dec. 11 @ GrandPre's The Krewe of Amon-Ra presents its 6th Annual Gumbo Cookoff Sunday, Dec. 11 at GrandPre's, 834 N. Rampart in New Orleans. Beginning at 2:30pm in conjunction with the Saints Game, this year's Gumbo Champion will win $200 cash. Entry fee is $25 for each gumbo entered. This is your opportunity to taste numerous gumbos and pick the winner for only a $10 donation. Proceeds benefits the krewe's 52nd Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, 8pm, at Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette, LA.
Oz's Annual Christmas Party Dec. 14 You are cordially invited to Oz's Annual Christmas Party on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Join the staff and management of Oz for food, drink, friends, and holiday cheer from 8-10pm in the upstairs bar. The night will then continue with the annual Oz Christmas drag show at 10pm starring all of the Ladies of Oz. Admittance is an unwrapped toy for a child in need. "Get into the holiday spirit with all of us in the land of dance!"
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Present over $27,000 to Charities: ARNO & NOAGE Dec. 17 @ The Golden Lantern Your Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Tony Leggio, Jeffrey Palmquist, Felicia Phillips and Derek Penton-Robicheaux invite you to the Southern Decadence Charity Check Presentations. Set for Saturday, Dec. 17, 9:45pm, at the Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern, over $27,000 will be presented to their charities to be split between New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) and Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO). Funds raised $44,212.85 minus expenses $16,867.62 benefited charity raising
inside
Christmas, New Year's due out Dec. 20 DEADLINE: Dec. 13
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$27,345.23. Many thanks to all who made this possible, especially the 2017 sponsors including: Presenting - Official Southern Guide - Ambush Magazine, Official Website of Southern Decadencewww.SouthernDecadence.com, Official Vodka of Southern Decadence SKYY Vodka, Oz New Orleans, 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 Gaither (Johnny Passion) & Catherine Gaither, Irish Channel Funding, LLC, The Cheezy Cajun, Good Friends, Phoenix, Mag’s 940, John Groth II; Silver-Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp., Rolling Elvi Inc./Jailhouse Rockers, Dr. Mac (Robert McWhirter), The Page, Harlequeen, Rawhide 2010, The Corner Pocket; 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. Keep abreast of the latest information available in Ambush Magazine, your Official Southern Decadence Guide, www.SouthernDecadence.com, your Official Southern Decadence Website, or follow Southern Decadence at www.Facebook.com/ SouthernDecadenceNOLA.
Vote Foster Campbell in Louisiana US Senate Runoff Election Dec. 10 Louisiana can still make a difference by voting for Foster Campbell in the Louisiana Senate runoff election on December 10. Electing Foster Campbell would mean a 51-49 split in the Senate. This Democratic voice could help make the difference in an appointment by the Trump presidency. Join Ambush Magazine as it continues its endorsement of Foster Cambell for Louisiana US Senate. Electing Foster Campbell is the most immediate way to rebuke President-elect Trump. This is the last best way to make a difference in 2016."
Celebrate the Holidays It's party time in The Big Easy as many of the clubs gear up for their
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Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Hall of Fame/2015, Louisiana Excellence Award: Media & Internet/2014, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2014, 25th NO/AIDS Task Force Humanitas Award/2013, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2013, Krewe of Mwindo Media Honoree/2009, Krewe of Petronius Carnival Spirit of Gay Mardi Gras XLVIII Award/2009, Forum For Equality Acclaim Awards X Media Recipient/2008, NO/AIDS Task Force Prometheus “Torch of Truth” [media] Award/2001 OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: ripna@ambushmag.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line CIRCULATION: Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi Texas - Houston
STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin • 504.522.8049 Paul Melancon THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Misti Ates, Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkeys, Felicia Phillips, Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry-New Orleans MIss Cie, Leon Weekley-Mobile, AL National Advertising Rep: Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 Ambush Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush, Inc., R. Rip NaquinDelain, President. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: marsha@ripandmarsha.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual's name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual's sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2016 AMBUSH, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS. AMgrant - AMbush Advertising Grant Donation
holiday parties celebrating with patrons and visitors alike. Parties set as of press time include: Wednesday, Dec. 14: 8-10pm, Oz, Show at 10pm, unwrapped gift required for entry Thursday, Dec. 15: 8pm, The Corner Pocket, unwrapped toy requested at entry Sunday, Dec. 18: 6pm, Four Seasons Monday, Dec. 19: 7pm, The Double Play; 9pm, The Phoenix Tuesday, Dec. 20: 5-7pm, GrandPre's
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foodilicious
Chef Kevin Fruits and Proprietor Michael Ducote celebrate the 1st anniversary of The Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., NOLA, 504.265.0045. www.TheCheezyCajun.com
celebrazzi The 24th Red Party: "The Devil Wears Leather" raised $4,448 for Food For Friends in New Orleans. Cafe Lafitte in Exile's annual turnabout show brought a bevy of beauties to the stage with emcees Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Jeffrey Palmquist and XLI Rip Naquin. This brings the total raised for charity over the past 24 years to a whopping $109,488. This year after each entertainment spectacle, that sfaff member auctioned off something in leather from pants, vests and caps to riding crops, whips, harnesses and unmentionables in a family publication like Ambush, with several bringing in $200. And the fab staff included Manageria, Redlips Green, Candy, Daddy Z, Clara Boyant, and show stopper, the giant and beautiful BOOM BOOM DUMAINE, dubbed the new First Lady of Lafitte's! The former First Lady of Lafitte's Coca J Mesa popped on stage to join in the festive evening. The party would not have succeeded without the assistance of Frank Perez, Errol Rizzuto and Bobby Blackwell and of course Wood Enterprises Derek Wasawho and Chris Ward. Over 100 prizes were either raffled or auctioned due to the generosity of numerous businesses and individuals throughout the New Orleans community. Among the auctions, local socialite Cam Zimmerman, affectionately know as the Princess Grace of New Orleans, donated three massive signed and framed prints which the one and only Michael "Cheezy Cajun" Ducote of The Cheezy Cajun fame took home. Many thanks to all who donated and participated making this truly a joy for the season! (Photos by Darwin Reed) (www.Lafittes.com)
Scotch Eggs
Boudin Burger
Blackened Redfish
obituary
Red Party MC/Devil's Jeff Palmquist & Rip Naquin with the Princess Grace of New Orleans Cam Zimmerman.
Miss Gay Louisiana USofA Dominique DeLorean joins newly crowned Miss Gay New Orleans Louisiana USofA Britney DeLorean, former Miss Gay New Orleans Louisiana USofA Karli LaCorre and pageant promoter Persana Shoulders on stage at Oz following competition in New Orleans, (Photo by Roy Guste)
Glenn Carlton O'Berry Oct. 9, 1948 - Oct. 9, 2016 The Big Easy Sisters raised $900 for charity at NVSR The staff of The Country Club welcomes you to the holidays in Prim and Proper hosted at Four Seasons in Metairie, LouisiNew Orleans. (Photo by Rip Naquin: New Drew, Corey, Emily, Juan ana. (Photo: Sister Imma Gitaround, Sister Glory Bea Divine, Carlos, Sous Chef Tony Henderson, General Manager Bert Bleu Sharp, Novice Sister Prim N Proper, Sister Yoko Onoshe McComas, Sales & Events Manager Heather Peed & Chef Chris Dinnit, Steven Bragg, Novice Sister Stella Ar’Twat & front Michael Bingham) Barbato)
A resident of New Orleans since 1976, Glenn is survived by his partner of 23 years, Roger Copenhaver. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 from 7-9pm at 700 Club, 700 Burgundy in New Orleans.
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moments in gay new orleans history by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is a Hateful Bastard One of the first things Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards (D) did after being inaugurated was to issue an executive order granting non-discrimination protection to LGBT state employees and employees of companies who have contracts with the state. It is currently legal in Louisiana, as well as in over half of the other 49 states, for employers to fire someone for being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. Current state law already prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of gender, race, and religious beliefs, but sexual orientation and gender identity are not protected categories. The republican dominated legislature has voted repeatedly against including LGBT state workers in the statute. Newly elected Attorney General Jeff Landry (R) has filed a lawsuit against Governor Edwards (D) claiming that his executive order is unconstitutional because it usurps the legislature’s authority. Landry’s ire is centered on the fact that the order includes transgender people. Prior to Edwards, the last two democratic governors (Kathleen Blanco and Edwin Edwards) also issued executive orders protecting gay and lesbian workers but did not include transgender workers. Fifteen members of the state House of Representatives, all republicans, have joined Landry’s lawsuit. The republican majority in the state house also recently rejected a health insurance contract for state employees because it contained language that afforded protection to LGBT workers. As of this writing, legal arguments in the Attorney General’s lawsuit against the Governor were scheduled for Tuesday, November 29. Currently roughly 40 state contracts have been affected by the lawsuit. Jeff Landry has a long history of advocating homophobic policies. In 2012, when he was a congressman, he asked the President of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to eliminate that school’s minor in LGBT studies. Landry has also added Louisiana to a multi-state lawsuit against the federal government; specifically, the suit opposes a plan by the Departments of Justice and Education to accommodate transgender students. In an interview with the ultraconservative Family Research Council, Landry cited “the good Lord” as his reason for opposing transgender rights. Landry is deeply religious, or at least claims to be, and uses his faith as justification for his homophobic views and policy positions. Mr. Landry may be sincere in his beliefs but even if he is, he is sincerely wrong. Some have suggested that Landry, who has his eye on the Governor’s Mansion, is merely exploiting religion for political purposes. And while that may be true, Landry is apparently sincere in his homophobia. The Attorney General’s brother Nick, who is openly gay, posted a video on YouTube on November 10 criticizing his brother’s position on LGBTQ rights. In the video, Nick Landry reveals he is not accepted by his family because he is gay. It was not the first time Nick Landry spoke out publicly against his brother. Nick Landry issued the following public statement in 2012: “Taking a moment from my
vacation to send a message to my brother, Jeffrey M Landry/Congressman Jeff Landry: In reference to your recent quest to remove the LGBT minor from the UL curriculum, I want to state my opposition publicly. Ignorance is not education. Your constituents, heterosexual and homosexual alike, have made huge inroads in working towards equality in our community. By embracing diversity and acknowledging our differences, we gain understanding. Understanding is education.” Governor John Bell Edwards is by far the most LGBT+ friendly governor in the South. Consequently, he was able to successfully persuade the NBA to move the 2017 All-Star game to New Orleans after it canceled its plan to play the game in Charlotte after the North Carolina legislature voted to discriminate against transgender people. The current legal saga between the Governor and the Attorney General, as well as the election of Donald Trump as President, serves to underscore the importance of electing candidates supportive of LGBT+ rights.
The Murder Epidemic of Transgender People Continued in 2016 According to the HRC, 21 transgender people have been murdered in 2016. For more information, visit http://www.hrc.org/ resources/violence-against-thetransgender-community-in-2016. Monica Loera, 43, a Latina transgender woman from North Austin, Texas, was fatally shot January 22, following an argument outside her home. A suspect, Jon Casey Rowell, has been arrested and charged with first degree murder. Jasmine Sierra, a Latina transgender woman from Bakersfield, Calif., was found dead on January 22. Her body showed signs of trauma, but a cause of death has yet to be determined and no suspects have been identified. Maya Young, 25, a Black transgender woman from Frankford, Penn., was fatally stabbed on February 21. A female suspect has been arrested and more arrests are expected. Demarkis Stansberry, 30, a Black transgender man from Baton Rouge, La., was fatally shot on February 28. An acquaintance, Nicholas Mathews has confessed to shooting Stansberry, and has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide.
Kendarie Johnson, 16, a Black gender fluid youth from Burlington, Iowa, was fatally shot on March 2. The killing is still under investigation and no suspects have been arrested. Quartney Davia Dawsonn-Yochum, 32, a transgender woman of color, was fatally shot March 23 outside her Los Angeles apartment complex in what appears to be a dispute with her former boyfriend. Shante Thompson, 34, a Black transgender woman from Houston, Texas, was beaten and shot to death by a group of assailants on April 11. The group also killed a man walking with Thompson. Twentythree-year-old Tariq Lackings has been arrested and charged with capital murder. Keyonna Blakeney, 22, a Black transgender woman from Montgomery County, Md., was killed April 16th. Police have not yet identified any suspects and have only said that she suffered “trauma to her upper body.” Reecey Walker, 32, a Black transgender woman from Wichita, Kansas, was fatally stabbed May 1. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Mercedes Successful, 32, a Black transgender woman from Haines City, Fla., was fatally shot May 15. Police have not identified a suspect. Amos Beede 38, a transgender man, succumbed to his injuries after he was attacked at a homeless encampment in Vermont. An investigation into the attack is ongoing. Goddess Diamond, 20, of New Orleans, was found dead of blunt force trauma in a burned car on June 5. No suspects have been identified. Deeniquia Dodds, 22, a transgender woman, was critically shot on July Fourth in Northeast Washington, D.C. She passed away on July 13 after 10 days on life support. On September 15, police arrested
a man in connection to Dobbs’s murder. Dee Whigham, 23, a Black transgender woman, was killed on July 23 in St. Martin, Mississippi. Dee was a registered nurse at a hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. During a court hearing in September, a sheriff’s deputy revealed that Dee was stabbed a 119 times. Erykah Tijerina, 36, a transgender woman, was found dead in her El Paso, Texas, apartment on August 8. Twentyone-year-old Anthony Bowden was arrested and charged for murder on September 13, 2016. Rae’Lynn Thomas, 28, a transgender woman from Columbus, Ohio, was brutally murdered the week of August 8. Thomas’s family reports witnessing her death at the hands of James Allen Byrd, an ex-boyfriend of Thomas’s mother who lived in the family home. T.T., 26 or 27, a Black transgender woman who was found murdered in Chicago’s Garfield Park on September 11. Reports say she was well-known in Chicago’s transgender community; her friends recalled T.T. as a “lovely” and “happy, cheerful” person who was always laughing. Crystal Edmonds, 32, a Black transgender woman, died after being fatally shot on September 16 in Baltimore. Jazz Alford, 30, a Black transgender woman, was found shot to death in a Birmingham, Alabama motel on September 23. Brandi Bledsoe, 32, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 9. Bledsoe was an artist and worked at Home Depot. Authorities believe her death was likely the result of foul play. Noon Norwood, a Black transgender woman who was shot near her home in Richmond, Virginia and died the next day. Police are looking for a man who may have been nearby at the time of the shooting.
the real cheese by Felicia Phillips Email: fphillips1011@gmail.com Photo by Hubert S Monkeys
A Call to Heels By now I’m sure some of you have noticed I haven’t written much lately, in fact have missed all but one issue of Ambush in the past 3 months. It’s not because there hasn’t been plenty of real cheese to pass around, it’s because I have been in a deep funk. Just call it PTSD, that not only stands for post traumatic stress disorder, but as dozens of former Southern Decadence GMs can relate to, it also stands for post traumatic Southern Decadence. Just as I was about to shake it off, Nov. 9th happened, the day after the presidential election. I’ll never forget the next morning, not only was I personally numb, but everywhere I went, people were either walking in a dazed like state, or wearing shades on a most cloudy day. As the numbness subsided, I then felt physically violated, as if I had been kicked in the balls, punched in the stomach, and karate chopped in the throat by a transgendered sumo wrestler. Only thing I knew I could do now was to day drink, so I headed in my crippled state of mind to see Khryschian at Good Friends, I hadn’t had a separator in 2 years and it was
the time for it! As I approach the corner, I spot others experiencing the same look of pain as me, and appearing to be seeking the same temporary relief. First person I spot is Frank Perez, I knew his wisdom, coupled with his drinking abilities would make the day a bit easier. So, we team up to console others, share theories of how the future would play out, and to of course drink. This day would require many drinks at many bars, ending up at the Double Play, drinking doubles! Well I was at least, as now Frank is a tea totter. Finally alcohol enlightenment had set in and I knew it was time to go, hitting the sidewalk arm and arm with my friend of like mind, it was now more than ever that we needed to reach back to our youth and recall the Laverne and Shirley theme song; Shlemiel, Schlemazel, Hasenpfeffer Incorporated, we going to make it! Next day the surreal had become reality, it was all every customer at work was talking about, and I must say I have never been more sure of why I chose to move to
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Bartender of the Month In the gay community it is always good to turn the page to another chapter. And that is literally what has happened to The Page located on North Rampart. People may lovingly remember it as Orlando’s Society Page but now it has new owners, a shortened sexy name and a fabulous look. That is why my choice for December is one of the most popular people at the bar, Darren Gilmore. Originally from New Orleans, Darren has been with The Page for three years. Darren’s pleasing demeanor and personality create a winning combination and make him a favorite. One of his specialty cocktails is the Margarita, although he loves a challenge so I am sure you will be seeing different flavored styles in the future. Definitely make The Page one of your stops for Cinco de Mayo. When not behind the bar his go to drink of choice is Jack and Seven, definitely a sexy man’s man type of drink. You can just tell when someone loves their job, they exude confidence and happiness which surrounds all those around him. When asked what he loves about being a bartender, Darren replied, “I enjoy learning how to make all different types of drinks and meeting new people. I love making my customers smile when they come in after having a bad day at work. My list can go on, I just love what I do.” Now this is a bartender you want to patronize. The Page is located at 542 North Rampart Street.
Hot Happenings Thanksgiving has come and gone and now we head full steam ahead into the holiday season. As we charge (literally no pun intended into Christmas and the New Year, remember to slow down and enjoy all the hot happenings around you. Here are just a few of the things to make your days merry and bright. Wednesday, December 7. 2016 Come out and make a families Christmas brighter at Toby’s Christmas Party and Auction benefitting Families with Kids with HIV and AIDS from 8pm to midnight at the Four Seasons Bar (3229 North Causeway Blvd). All money will be used to buy kids toys, parents an outfit of clothes, Christmas dinner, and $100 check made to Entergy. Party from 8-10pm and the auction at 10pm. There will be a $5 minimum donation at the door. Thursday, December 8, 2017 It’s time once again to celebrate the
most wonderful time of the year with the most spirited holiday party of the season. Tales of the Toddy® returns for its 11th year this December as the best bartenders in New Orleans shake up the idea of yuletide cocktails with nogs, toddies and other drinks that are guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. The city’s newest and most legendary restaurants will also be there with the freshest flavors of the season as a live band plays holiday hits that will keep the party rockin’ around the holiday tree all night long. The event will be held at the New Orleans Hyatt (601 Loyola Avenue) from 6:30 – 9:30pm. This year they’re bringing back the spirited “Holiday Duos” competition where bartenders are paired up to compete to be crowned Tales of the Toddy champions. Restaurants will also get into the competitive spirit with attendees voting on their favorite dishes. It’s all part of Tales of the Toddy 2016. See which bartenders, restaurants and sponsors are involved at this year’s Tales of the Toddy: https:// talesofthecocktail.com/events/tales-toddy. Saturday, December 10, 2017 Grab your passport and head to Paris for the 2017 New Orleans Pride Pageant honoring Miss and Mr. New Orleans Pride 2016 Vanessa Carr and Eros Sea. The pageant will be held at the Valiant Theatre (6621 St. Claude Ave) from 6-9pm. Tuesday, December 13 – Sunday, December 18, 2016 “Oh What A Night” you will have at Jersey Boys! Presented by the New Orleans Theatre Association, The Tony, Grammy and Oliver Award-winning hit musical JERSEY BOYS, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons will make its Saenger Theatre debut Dec. 13 – 18, 2016, as a show option of the East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans 2016 – 2017 season. Tickets for JERSEY BOYS start at $38 and will be available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, 1111 Canal St., New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at 800.982.2787. Friday, December 16, 2016 The New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus takes to the stage once again for their annual holiday concert, Sounds of the Season. The event takes place at the University of New Orleans Performing Arts Building from 7:30 – 9:30pm. Come and hear traditional Christmas carols, all-time favorite tunes, and maybe a twist or two. They will also be collecting food for Food For Friends. Please bring non-perishable items to donate! Tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door. You can buy your tickets online at www.nogmc.com or from any chorus member!
Party Down My two weeks through Thanksgiving was full of fun, family, food and flamingos. We have so much to cover so let’s get
started. My week of events started on Monday with the first of my two local theatre shows. I caught Mothers and Sons at the restaurant Treo in Mid City. The show was put on my Theatre Lab Nola. This Terrence McNally play was well done both in the acting and pacing. I especially enjoyed revisiting the characters that were first introduced in the 1990 television play Andre’s Mother. Katharine Gerard lost her son to AIDS 20 years ago, and now Katherine visits her son’s partner, Cal, who has married Will. The two attempt to reconcile. I attended the Hobknobbers Networking Event hosted by New Orleans Magazine at the newly renovated Foundation Room in the House of Blues. The space is more open and able to host bigger parties. On Thursday I saw the second of my two local productions, Freud’s Last Session at Le Petit. This two man show was cleverly done by two very talented actors who complemented each other on stage in this drama that had a surprisingly lot of humor. Saturday was filled with Magical Beasts and Leather Whips. I went to see the Harry Potter prequel movie Magical Beast and Where to Find Them at Canal Place Theatres. I love this show especially the no one under 21 rule. I found the movie a little slow but figured they are setting the story for the coming sequels. After the show, I went to Lafitte’s in Exile to the Red Party. The fundraiser emceed by Jeff Palmquist and Rip Naquin brought quite the crowd. The staff participated fully performing in drag and auctioning off their leather accessories that included riding crops, vests, paddles and other assorted fun toys. This fundraiser was successful especially their raffle which had some pretty cool prizes. I ended my first weekend on Sunday by sort of having a Sunday Funday that came in stages. I went to brunch with my mom at Meauxbar which by the way is very good. The new ownership proved to be a good thing breathing new life into the Rampart Street restaurant. After brunch, I decided to venture off into the Quarter on my own stopping first at GrandPre’s to visit my cogrand marshal Philip Anthony (aka Felicia Phillips). We had a great time catching up on things since Southern Decadence and she started my drunken debauchery for the day. Next I went to see other co-grand marshal Jeff Palmquist at Lafitte’s in Exile where I also ran into some of his entourage. Well the cocktails commenced well into trash disco. I finalized my night by meeting up with my friends Laura and Donna and going to CJ Nero’s one year anniversary party at his gallery/shop. There was food, drink and artists selling their wares. I got to get a head start on my Christmas shopping. If you are looking for gifts by local artists, then you need to check out CJ Nero’s at the corner of Spain and Burgundy Streets in the Marigny. Tuesday, my friend Jeff (aka Elizabeth Bouvier) and I experienced a holiday classic at the Saenger Theatre The Grinch That Stole Christmas was a stunning ride though my childhood. This family friendly holiday musical had great singers, a dazzling set and the Grinch. How could you go wrong? It is not too late to get tickets to the remainder of the Saenger’s offerings. This year we have a pretty awesome season. I left for my Thanksgiving adventure on Wednesday. In case many of you do not know, my mother and I take a road trip every year for the long Thanksgiving weekend,
going to a different place every holiday. It started after Katrina in 2006. My father had just passed away a few months before and my mom had lost her home in the waters, so you can imagine she was depressed. She had always made the holidays a great time for me, so from that day on, I promised to make it special for her, so the Thanksgiving after and every year since, we have been on these road trips, both far and near like San Antonio, Memphis, Nashville, Pensacola, Mobile, Biloxi, Shreveport, Natchitoches and Lake Charles. This year we decided to do a combo Lake Charles/ Houston trip. We left on Wednesday morning for our first leg of the journey to Lake Charles stopping briefly at Poche’s Market for some of the best cracklins in the state. After getting a few holiday gifts we were back on the road arriving at L’Auberge Casino around 1pm. We checked in our rooms via their VIP check in area, which was just spectacular. But let’s talk about the Casino itself. It is in my humble opinion one of the best casinos in the state. From the moment you walk through the front doors and pass through the pair of majestic stone and wood fireplaces you are in for a treat. We were lucky enough to check in at their VIP area, which is like a wing unto itself and enough reason to become a high roller at this place. But the front desk check out is well staffed and moves quickly. We got settled in our rooms and I got a chance to see both styles of rooms. My mom stayed in one of their regular guests rooms which had all the amenities. I was in their suite which was simply magnificent. It had a bar, several televisions, a dining room, living room, baby grand piano, a spacious shower and a sunken hot tub Jacuzzi that had disco lights. It is a party waiting to happen. I can just go on vacation and stay in the room. We went down for lunch at Asia Restaurant which serves delicious Asian-fusion cuisine and authentic Vietnamese selections. We had some inspired and delectable rolls. After lunch I went to their Spa Du Lac to have a facial. The 8,700square-foot spa houses eight facial, massage and custom body treatment rooms; men’s and women’s private locker rooms, saunas, whirlpools and vanity areas. Pure bliss is waiting. My service and experience was best described as divine relaxation. That night, we had dinner at the Embers Grille and Wine Bar. Embers has to be one of my top ten favorite steakhouses in Louisiana. In addition to some of the best cuts of meat which includes exotic game like bison, they also have a variety of seafood options and more than 200 bottles of wine from the area’s most extensive cellar. The atmosphere makes the restaurant as you dine with a live pianist playing in the background. I do love to have fun gambling, the kookier the slot machine the better, so I was heaven with the great choices of slots and table games they offered. Although I did not win, I had a fabulous time playing. L’Auberge Lake Charles has so much to offer whether there for one night for a special occasion, or a weekend trip you will not be disappointed. For more information on the casino go to www.llakecharles.com. That being said, Lake Charles itself is one of my favorite places in the state. The people are friendly, they have a thriving LGBT community, festivals and cultural events throughout the year and it is so
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the real cheese ...from 8 New Orleans, for had I still been living in Southeast Texas, I can guarantee the conversations would have been much different and I would have committed myself to the nearest mental health facility. Right in the middle of everyone speculating on the what ifs, and the what should we do, Monica Synclaire-Kennedy entered in boy drag, dressed in full army fatigues! I wasn’t sure if she was ready to go to war, or if she was butched up so should could pass as one of the gun toting straights that were celebrating, while planning on what to do with the LGBT’s. I was so happy and relieved later when it was announced that she would be this year’s King Cake Queen, reigning as The Pride Queen! Not a more perfect title, and more perfect year for it. But in the days before that announcement, I was still in my funk, unable to write, unable to attend functions, and even rarely going out. Other than work, I was quickly becoming a recluse, and worse becoming addicted to social media, and news networks which only served to feed my depression. Then came the King Cake Queen announcement, at the same time Red Party was coming up, Thanksgiving Dinner at GrandPre’s, and final prep for Misti Gaither’s 5th annual Winter Wonderland fundraiser. All things that are looked forward to, and that give us a sense of our normalcy. Events that bring us together, whether we be friend, acquaintance or even foe. I saw a glimmer of light now, and got
under the gaydar ...from 10 much fun especially around the holidays. For more information on the city and all their special events, go to www.visitlakecharles.org. Thanksgiving Day was quite a day packed with good food and holiday cheer. We started off with breakfast at L’ Auberge at a quaint little restaurant called Favorites Southern Kitchen which had the best egg white seafood omelet before getting on the road to Houston. It was an uneventful trip, but we did make a pit stop at Stuckey’s for gas and a restroom break. For those over the age of forty, you may remember Stuckey’s when you were a kid as a cool roadside place to stop for souvenirs when you were taking long drives. It is still cool that way, although finding one is few and far between. I suggest if you see one, treat yourself to a little nostalgia and go in (and do not forget to get one of their world famous pecan logs). We arrived in Houston around 1pm and checked into our hotel, the Lancaster which is located in the Downtown Theatre District. This hotel has an amazing history and it is quite refreshing to sometimes stay in a place that feels like you have traveled back in time. Although historic hotels tend to have smaller rooms, both of our rooms were large and had all the amenities of their modern counterparts. The history begins with the Auditorium Hotel being built in 1926 by Houston investor Michele DeGeorge (1850-1927), who came to the United States from Sicily in 1882. Designed by architect Joseph Finger (1887-1953), the building features Italian Renaissance detailing in the upper stories. Originally constructed across the street from the City Auditorium, now the site of Jones Hall, its history dates back to birth of the Houston Theater District and contributes to its significance as a Houston Land-
myself together enough to attend both the Red Party and Winter Wonderland, the latter attending with the likes of so many former SDGMs even Miss Love! It was there with all these characters, who thru all the crazy have always been there for others in trying times, always giving, always caring and sharing in their own unique ways, that I started to reflect on how we fit into this puzzle of life. Watching Misti proudly bring out all the entertainers, watching them do their thing, and listening to Princesse Stephaney accept her well deserved Icon award, made me recall what I shared with you all in my last column that paid tribute to Donna Day, about how her and others like her, helped so many people get thru tough times just by doing what they do. It also brought back a vivid memory of the words that were read at a dear friend and legendary entertainer’s funeral over 20 years ago. Naomi Sims left a letter to be read at her own memorial, it was her explanation as to why she dedicated her life to performing. In short she shared; I realized early own that God had given me a gift and gifts are to be shared, many times I thought of giving it up, but when the AIDS crisis started and so
many people were going thru loss, pain and so much fear, I knew that if I could look in the audience and see even just one smile, then I made a difference. Then she addressed all of us that were there, drag queens, drag kings, a vast array of people of varied talents. She said every person has some gift, some ability that can inspire, provoke, or comfort others in their darkest times, don’t waste that gift, share that gift, for it can make a difference. She herself having succumb, but even in death she shared her gift in the hopes of inspiring others to make a difference. It is from that memory that I call out to all my sisters, you’ve heard of a call to arms, well I say now is the time to hear a call to heels! Get out there in your best drag and be louder and prouder than ever before. And not just us, but in the days we are now living in, when the fear is real to so many, it is a time for writers to write, singers to sing, dancers to dance. Whatever your creative talents are, no matter how small or how large share them, for it can make a difference. And that’s The Real Cheese! Till next time dahlins, I’m Felicia Phillips, The Cheese Queen of New Orleans...
mark during the city’s commercial development. Theatrical stars performing at the neighboring Theaters were regular guests at the Auditorium Hotel. In 1983, the Auditorium Hotel was renamed as the Lancaster Hotel, Houston’s first boutique hotel. In 1984, it was recorded as a Texas Historical Landmark and more recently, as the only qualifying hotel in Houston, became a member of the Historic Hotels of America. The Lancaster is also the only historic hotel in the city owned by descendants of the original developer and is Houston’s oldest continually operating hotel. Once I got settled, I went walking around downtown to get a little lay of the land before our evening plans. A sedan picked us up and we went to the Houston Zoo to see their popular Zoo Lights. The Houston Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland when TXU Energy Presents Zoo Lights. Now in its fifth year, this event has become one of Houston’s most well-loved holiday traditions. We got to stroll through the beautiful Houston Zoo and take in the sights and sounds of the season enjoying carols, hot chocolate (in my case mixed with Jameson), and the more than 2 million lights. Fifteen miles of eco-friendly LED lighting illuminate our ancient oak trees and decorate the paths to light your way. Most of the animals were asleep but we did see the Masai giraffes, zebra, flamingos and ostriches. After the Zoo the car brought us to dinner at McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks. This chair restaurant is one of the Pacific Northwest’s favorite dining spots. They have a full menu of fresh seafood and shellfish to aged steaks and garden fresh salads and turned into a perfect setting for Thanksgiving dinner. We returned to the hotel to crash after an eventful day. I am one of the very few people who love Black Friday. Shopping has always been like a sport to me, so this day is like my Superbowl and the deals are my touchdowns. And if you do your homework in advance, you do not have crazy crowds, since on-line is now the rage and stores open on Thursday evening, Friday is pretty relaxed. Anyway my mom and I ventured to the Houston shopping mecca, The Galleria
for 6am. We parked easily and made our way into this three story, 2.4 million square foot labyrinth of approximately 40 stores. More than 30 million visitors each year come to Texas’ largest shopping center and fourth largest domain nationally. A plethora of amenities include a full-size ice rink for recreational and figure skating, a state of the art children’s play area, two swimming pools, three full-service national and international banks, two tailor shops, more than seven beauty salons, and a post office. Nestled between two of the city’s most exclusive neighborhoods, River Oaks and Memorial, The Galleria is as internationally respected for its architectural style and imprint as its shopping panache. Modeled after the revered Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, built in 1867, The Galleria stands as one of the premier examples of a dynamic, mixed-use, urban environment. For shopping, opportunities are endless at anchoring stores Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Macy’s. And it felt like we hit them all. After a quick breakfast respite at La Madelaine, we next went to the fabulous IKEA. I love this store and cannot wait for the retailer gods to dub New Orleans as worthy enough to have one in our city. We were exhausted when we finished so I decided to rest by taking in a movie at the Sundance Theatres right next to our hotel downtown. I relaxed while watching Doctor Strange with that dreamy Brit Benedict Cumberbatch. It was a very entertaining film with great special effects, definitely one to watch on the big screen. After the movie, I came back to the hotel and got ready for dinner. Every weekend evening they serve complimentary champagne in the lobby of the hotel (very nice touch), till it runs out. They unfortunately never had Dawn and I stay with them. They offered us a glass, we told them to leave the bottle and will call when we are done. Two bottle later, we were off to dinner. What is so cool is they also offer a complimentary shuttle to places downtown within three miles, so the shuttle brought us to dinner at The Reef. The Reef was named the number one seafood restaurant in the United States by Bon Apetit Maga-
zine. Chef and owner Bryan Caswell was nominated for James Beard Award as Best Chef/Southwest in both 2010 and 2011 and I can see why. Not only is the food delicious and inspired, but the atmosphere of the restaurant lends itself to a wonderful dining experience. My favorite dishes were the octopus appetizer and the tuna with Brussel sprouts entree. We enjoyed outstanding service even on a busy night after Thanksgiving. This restaurant should be placed on your “must try” list when visiting Houston. Upon returning back to the hotel, I had one last cocktail in the restaurant bar before calling it a night. Saturday, we were back hitting the stores, but before we had breakfast (which is complimentary as part of your room package). I love to get all my holiday shopping done at the beginning. We stopped at normal favorites and did not have any craziness, fights or lines at least not at Target, World Market and At Home. We returned back to the hotel and had a quick lunch before crossing the street to the Alley Theatre to go see the play “A Christmas Carol.” One of the main selling points of the hotel is it is in the heart of the theater district directly across the street from Jones Hall and the Alley Theatre. Houston’s seasonal favorite A Christmas Carol - A Ghost Story of Christmas returns with a re-telling of Charles Dickens’ classic story, which follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with the three ghostly spirits who visit him on Christmas Eve. This was one of the best shows I have ever seen, the actors were brilliant and the sets were incredible. It was funny, somewhat scary and sad all at the same time. But the shows powerful message of redemption and the spirit of the holiday season was the shining star on our vacation tree. That evening we went to dinner at the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is operated by Chef Alex Padilla. This is where it all started and was probably one of the best places I have had Tex Mex in a long time. According to their website, this restaurant is not affiliated with any other restaurant which may be licensed to use the name “Ninfa’s” in some manner. They have a large margarita selection; I actually tried their pumpkin one which was quite scrumptious. And the food was out of this world. We tried their handmade tamales, their freshly made guacamole and their Chile Rellenos. After we were nice and stuffed we took the free shuttle back to our hotel. What an authentic and festive way to end such a fabulous trip. Sunday we were on the road early to get back to NOLA only stopping once at our annual tradition of Cracker Barrel. I know it is cheesy, but the food is good and I am a sucker for the stuff they sell in their General store. After arriving home, I had enough time to unpack, get changed and refresh, then get to the Eiffel Society on St. Charles Avenue for Johnny Passion’s Winter Wonderland. This annual fundraiser helped Food for Friends and St. Anna's. Misti and her wife Cat work tirelessly every year to put on this successful soiree that raises thousands of dollars for charity. I was honored to be a special part of this year, as one of the presenters of the Icon Award to Princesse Stephaney. It was such a pleasure to see her receive this well-deserved accolade. She works so tirelessly helping the community; no one deserves it more. Congrats to Misti once again for putting on a magical night of great food and entertainment. That concludes this two weeks, until next time, stay naughty. Nice is so overrated!
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24th Red Party: "The Devil Wears Leather" raises $4,448 for Food For Friends @ Lafitte's ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed
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Lords of Leather American Bandstand "The Diva in Me" @ Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Lords of Leather
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Willie Mackie's Birthday Bash @ The Page ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon
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Gearing Up For The Holidays @ B-Bob's, Flip Side Bar-Patio, & More... ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Lady Bunny in Trans-Jester at Café Istanbul Lady Bunny returned triumphantly to New Orleans recently at Café Istanbul. Entering with her trademark humongous blonde wig, she launched into her version of Daft Punk’s Get Lucky which featured the line “I’m up all night with the runs.” As her male member peeked out from beneath her shimmery metallic minidress, she sang to Annie’s signature song, “My cock comes off tomorrow.” And it did, only sooner than that. She rhymed “vagina” with “China” and “Carolina,” and declared that “Diarrhea is a water-based lubricant.” With the help of lowbrow technology, Adele’s Hello emerged from her “rectum swarming with disease.” There was a mash-up of RuPaul and Chris Christie. Her tribute to Prince? “This is how it sounds like/When my ass cries.” And all this, and more, was just in her opening number. Lady Bunny has been entertaining with transgressive wit and a sunshiny naughtiness for over 30 years (or “30-f*ckingyears” as she put it) yet her act still seems as fresh as today. Granted, she has to explain the genesis of her Laugh-In-inspired swinging cocktail party zingers to the millennials but the X-rated, un-PC jokes came thick’n’fast (faster than I could write any down). Sure some are groaners and one (a Jersey Shore reference) seemed a bit past its expiration date, but Bunny does Goldie, Judy, Jo Anne and Ruth proud. Bunny’s daffy stage persona allows her to get away with friendly ribbing of her partner-in-crime Bianca Del Rio without it ever seeming mean-spirited. Ditto for her jabs at OZ’s Persana Shoulders. And extra points for the local references. After some terrible puns (“Philip Seymour Hoffman, he’s my heroine.”) and old-fashioned raunchy stand-up, Bunny displayed her disdain for Caitlyn Jenner and her support of Ted Cruz with a hysterical take on My Favorite Things sending up Cait’s privileged life. Presented by Daniel Nardicio, Bunny employed sharp and knowing humor to explore what can and can’t be said or made fun of any more. For example, because of political correctness “Dick van Dyke was made to change his name to Penis van Lesbian.” Bunny expanded on this by sending up those words (“retard,” “tranny”) that have become verboten. “I don’t like the word ‘dinosaur’,” she stated, “but you don’t see me picketing the Museum of Natural History.” Discoursing on slut-shaming and fatshaming and micro/macro-aggressions and cultural appropriation (citing Beyoncé and Bollywood), Bunny was certainly interesting but, about an hour into her act, got a li’l didactic; even she admitted she was getting “preachy.” But her important recognition of free speech needs to be stated and Brava to Bunny for being very erudite and very dirty and very, very funny. (Poor Bunny. Taking a break from shimmying around the stage, all she had to sit down on was an off-to-the-side piano bench which she dragged to stage center. Surely, this Queen deserves a suitable throne.) As a clip played of Joan Rivers—oh, do we miss her—from Lady Bunny’s 50th Birthday Roast, Bunny changed into a glittery
caftan and returned to do two numbers by Sondheim who she’s “slowly discovering.” Rose’s Turn from Gypsy was followed by Follies’ I’m Still Here with revised lyrics touting K&B and Ruthie the Duck Lady as well as Bunny’s own durability. Very savvy. Playing to a packed house, Lady Bunny exuded wry commonsense and a joyful irreverence, vital antidotes to these troubling times. The festivities continued at Mag’s 940 on Elysian Fields with Hot Crossed Buns, an after party hosted by Nardicio and Vinsantos. Miss Bebe Starr (“America’s only tranny granny stripper”) was doing a rousing rendition of Nobody Does It Like Me from Cy Coleman’s Seesaw when I got there (when will someone do that show here?). As Johnny Dynell DJed, I chatted with Lady Bunny who could not have been more gracious and down-to-earth—what a sweetheart! A variety of local drag queens were scheduled to drop by and perform, but before the clock struck midnight I had to leave as I had a very early flight to New York the next day. More on NYC below but I crossed paths again with two of Bunny’s co-conspirators when I had the pleasure of dancing to Dynell at Nardicio’s infamous annual Thanksgiving Eve Underwear Party at Slake on Manhattan’s West Side. The music was fab, the lighting was just right, and 3+ hours disappeared in what seemed like 20 minutes. You know what they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Nardicio promises more fun in New Orleans in 2017 with an outstanding line-up of shows: Alan Cumming (January 21), John Waters (March 18), and Dina Martina (April 10). Dina will be at Café Istanbul; will let you know about Alan and John. Can’t wait!
New in New York Run, don’t walk to the Atlantic Theater Company (336 W. 20 St.) to see The Band’s Visit, the best new musical I’ve seen in ages. Based on the 2007 Israeli movie about eight Egyptian musicians (“The Alexandria Ceremonial Police Orchestra”) who arrive by mistake in a teeny desert town and have to remain overnight, it is a small work (90 minutes with no Broadway razzmatazz) with a big heart. As three stories are interwoven over the course of 24 hours, each character feels wholly authentic. We see the pettiness of some, but the magnanimity of most of the others. There is whimsicality, but not an ounce of sentimentality. It’s the kind of show you don’t want to end. David Yazbek’s music, with its marvelous Middle Eastern influences, and lyrics are witty and moving. The book by Itamar
Moses beautifully frames the musical numbers giving the show a firm spine. And no one is more surprised than I to be writing these words as I was underwhelmed by Yazbek’s scores for The Full Monty and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, while Moses’ Bach at Leipzig was one of the longest two (three? 10?) hours I’ve ever spent in a theater. On Scott Pask’s fantastic revolving set, David Cromer’s superb direction is cinematic in scope. Under Tyler Micoleau’s haunting light scheme, Tony (Monk) Shalhoub gives a subtly magnificent performance as the band’s leader and the rest of the cast are all splendid. I knew little about The Band’s Visit going into it. But, as a line from one of its songs goes “The most wonderful thing/Is what you don’t expect.” Little did I expect it would put such a smile on my face. I had much higher expectations for the well-reviewed Love, Love, Love by Mike (King Charles III) Bartlett at the Roundabout’s Laura Pels Theatre (111 W. 46 St.). But I was afraid I was going to be disappointed at the end of the slim first act in which all that really happens is that a guy’s flighty girlfriend ends up with his younger brother. But that just laid the groundwork for the incisive second and third acts in this lacerating comedy of bad manners. As we see how the couple, and their children, develop over 45 years, Love, Love, Love, if a touch didactic, packed a powerful wallop of generational conflict and the emotional and psychological fallout that can occur among the self-entitled yuppie/boomer set. Running until December 18, under Michael Mayer’s astute direction, Zoe Kazan gives an aching performance as a neglected daughter, and Oscar-nominee Amy Ryan’s innate niceness makes a monster of a mother palatable in a bravura turn. In both museums and galleries, the visual arts are offering some bravura turns too. At MoMA, Our Heads Are Round so Our Thoughts Can Change Direction is the first American exhibition to chart the entire career of Francis Picabia (1879– 1953). I had a vague awareness of this French artist but was not prepared for the amazing range of this shape-shifting mischief maker. From figurative to abstract, painting to film, this chameleonesque bad boy worked in a variety of styles and media, all impressive. His idea of fun? Offer an exhibit of pretty portraits interspersed with abstract works to avoid easy categorization. Were his kitschy portraits of the 1940s pandering to the Nazis or sending up their “approved” style? I’d like to think the latter but... Gifted with a probing imagination, if you don’t like Picabia’s offerings in one room, move on to the next and you’re sure to find something more suited to your taste in this grand, kicky show. Fans of Gustav Klimt should head to the Neue Galerie (1048 5th Ave.) for Klimt and the Women of Vienna’s Golden Age. Visually it’s spectacular; how could any exhibit not be that features Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907), which sold for a record $135 million in 2006, and was made more famous last year in the movie Woman in Gold? There are about 10 other life-size portraits by Klimt, fascinating and dynamic modernist works including The Black Feathered Hat (1910) inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec. Yet aside from having
seen some of them in previous exhibits at the Neue Galerie, the show seems a tad incomplete as though a greater contextualization is missing. I actually found Gretl Urban (1905), a pretty but traditional life size portrait of a young lady, most interesting at it was done by John Quincy Adams (1874-1933), a descendant of our sixth President. Who knew? In honor of its 15th anniversary, the Neue Galerie is also showing masterworks from its collection. I actually preferred this exhibit for the scope of artists it includes. Ernst Ludwig Kirchner’s The Russian Dancer Mela (1911) stares forthrightly out at the viewer. The three rotund capitalists in Georg Scholz’s Of Things to Come (1922) could’ve been painted yesterday. Otto Dix’s Man with Glass Eye gets under your skin. Felix Nussbaum’s Self-Portrait in the Camp (1944) pierces your heart. Both shows run through January 16. At The Jewish Museum (1109 5th Ave.), John Singer Sargent’s gorgeous family portrait Mrs. Carl Meyer and Her Children (1896) is spotlighted in a room of its own with other family portraits, photographs, correspondence and domestic memorabilia setting the work within a historical context and personal narrative. Along the way, you learn that Carl Meyer’s cousin, composer Reynaldo Hahn, was the lover of Marcel Proust. There is also a panel that includes, in addition to positive comments about the painting, some noxious antiSemitic reactions as well. On a lighter note, you’re encouraged to take home parts of the works of over 40 artists in Take Me (I’m Yours). There’re ribbons and candy and clothing items and posters—even bags of air! It’s all part of an art movement known as relational aesthetics, which tries to engage viewers with a more accessible and interactive experience. Whatever. I was just pleased to acquire a subversive Gilbert & George pin (“Ban Religion”), and a t-shirt which says “Freedom Cannot Be Simulated.” I only wish I had had a quarter (a donation to the Museum) to get a capsule of air from Yoko Ono’s gumball machine-like Air Dispensers. Both exhibitions continue through February 5. No need for even a quarter at some phenomenal gallery shows. Picasso’s Picassos (Gagosian Gallery, 976 Madison Ave. thru Dec. 17) offers about two dozen stunning works from the collection of the master’s daughter, Maya Ruiz-Picasso including sublime portraits of her and her mother, Marie-Thérèse Walter. It’s a family album unlike any other. Philip Guston: Laughter in the Dark (Hauser & Wirth, 548 W. 22 St. thru Jan. 14) is a remarkable exhibit devoted to the late artist’s satirical caricatures of Richard Nixon, the first time this entire body of work has been presented together to the public. There’s Nixon and Checkers (the dog of the famous speech); Nixon pandering to blacks (among other groups); Nixon kowtowing to Billy Graham; and, in the sole painting, a post-White House Nixon pathetically and self-pityingly suffering from phlebitis with a gargantuanly swollen leg. If only Guston was around to tackle the incoming 45th President with his pen. And at the former Bayview Women’s Correctional Facility (550 W. 20 St. thru Dec. 11) Women: New Portraits by Annie Leibovitz immerses you in fabulous photos of, mostly, women, both distinguished and ordinary, flashing by on screens on three sides of a historic gymnasium. You won’t want to leave.
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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
The Season of Anticipation: Part 2 Thanksgiving is done and I am bloated and thinking, “How will I lose this weight?” Then, in a moment of despair, I know that the days ahead will make no allowance for a burgeoning belly. So, I guess I will look forward to Lent. Speaking of looking forward it is now Advent, at least in our tradition and some others. This is a season of anticipation, this is a time to think about what is to come, where I have been, and how do I prepare myself. It is vitally important, I think, to shore up our churches, synagogues, and temples that declare themselves to be not only “safe” places but hospitable places for the LGBTQ community. These institutions are built for the times that we live in. They can give “congregational voice” to a world that seems to be turning back the clock on justice. Churches are not, nor should they be, hiding places but places that sound a loud voice and clarion call to justice and full enfranchisement. So, we sing Mary’s song with loud voice, “. In Christianity we claim that Rabbi Yeshua came into the world to call for justice, peace, love and unity with God. He was so much in love and identified so much with “The Father” that he cannot be identified apart from “The Father/ Mother/Creator.” The claim is that Yeshua/ Jesus became one of us to “take away the sin of the world” and to offer us all a place at “the table.” But why? Why do we make this claim and why was it necessary? In the Jewish tradition and epic stories of God and humanity we encounter a God who desires fidelity and constancy of a people he says that he loves. It is not that he does not love all of humanity but “God’s people” know God
and therefore can proclaim and profess the God of creation in a way that others only see dimly. According to those epic stories humans did not live in love and fidelity with each other let alone God. We read those stories in Genesis. The flood story, the Tower of Babble story, Cain and Able epic all point to human inclinations. Remember these are not histories they are expressions of faith and religion. They make statements about the condition of humanity and God’s involvement. And it wasn’t pretty. The tribe of Israel was intended to be a light in the world for justice, equity, inclusion, and love. Yet, they strayed and so the Law giver came into the picture. You remember that great epic movie “The Ten Commandments.!” Yet, the people still did not rise up to God’s expectations. Not only did they add laws but they began interpreting the Law. The Law was supposed to express a certain heart a way of living and being. We can discuss the part about sexuality later but believe me when I say, homosexuality as we know it today was not part of the story. The heat of the law was intended to be equity and justice and indeed fidelity to the Creator. So, in time Israel got a kind. His name was David. He was a hot mess. Perhaps he had an
affair with Jonathan perhaps not. But they loved each other. David passionately loved God and his people. He ruled, generally, with kindness, respect, and fairness. The people thrived. Of course there was that betrayal and thing with that hot little number Bathsheba. But even then he regretted his choices and loved God and God’s people. Then it happened…Solomon! For my money Solomon set the stage for the destruction of God’s people – again! He consolidated power and marginalized the poor. By the end of his reign Israel was split in two by his ambitious sons. So, then we had two kingdoms Judah and Israel. The ensuing kings kept kicking the little folks off of land. They began using the law to hurt harm and marginalize (sound familiar?). Eventually, the tribes of Israel would be destroyed and scattered and soon too Judah would be conquered and so Solomon’s great temple would be destroyed. The story at this point is unfolding. Folks did not follow the loving will of God but used his name to hurt and abuse (again sound familiar?). Let me be clear, the leaders and power hungry power brokers were the problem not God. It is like patriotism – such can be used for good or evil. The same is true with God’s name and God’s authority it can be used for evil, but that isn’t God. In the Hebrew Bible that is what all the fuss is about with the so called Prophets. So be skeptical. Have another drink! I haven’t come to the point yet. One of the issues for we humans is that God is not knowable and to some degree not imaginable. The early Jews had a great sort of intimacy with God. They would argue with God, even glimpse just a bit of God, and perhaps even wrestle with God. But they lost that intimacy. God started to become abstract over time. Just like our familiarity and closeness to nature has become abstract. A marsh is a marsh it is no longer thought of as a living part of us. In a final attempt to bring the light and
beauty of God into the world and to atone, to make right all of the sin of the world and to bring cosmic balance into the world for all of the hurt that happened thus far there was only one answer. It is this history this and this understanding of humanity that we recall during Advent. Not that we are total failures as a creation but that there is a cosmic constancy in a love that wants to be known and loved. This is a yearning force that desires relationship and love as the binding force of that relationship. This yearning force that causes us humans to have the capacity to love and be loved if we will only get out of our own way desperately wants us to now him/her. We call this yearning force our God. How then do we set that straight? How can this power, this force, this being become known, understood, and offer eternal possibility? How can we become a possibility of bountiful love and justice? Of caring for the poor, marginalized, and to push up against that historic nature of humanity that so often, too often, seeks to bully, dominate, abuse, and hoard resources? There must be an answer both within us and beyond our capacities. Or our existence means too little. What can truly give us the beauty that we deserve to be? It comes from within and from outside of us. So, Advent grapples with these questions BUT it also promises that there is hope, light, a solution. There is possibility and that possibility will become manifest in our story and play out in our faith. Have hope this Advent and consider what your possibilities are, not born out of ego, but born out of humility. How can we love better, behave better, be better and do so without guilt, self hatred, or at the expense of another. We are so lovely beautiful if we will only get out of our own way. Take a moment and reflect, perhaps with the light of a candle to soften the moment, on just how delightful you are. Advent is “The Festival of Light.”
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Valiant Theatre & Lounge
Good Friends Bar
Tommy Kelly Celebration of Life @ Corner Pocket & Double Play
Mag's 940
big easy
The Golden Lantern
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Tres Bon ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed
paparazzi
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REAL ESTATE
1005 Barracks St., NOLA $449,000 – 1084 square feet! Great value for a 2-bedroom, 2-full bathroom French Quarter Condo in excellent condition. Features include an exclusive street balcony, renovated kitchen, new electric (2015), new plumbing (2015), hardwood floors, private master suite & washer/dryer inside the unit. Small, boutique building with large pool & courtyard. Call/Text Mark @ 504.655.2233.
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TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM VALIANT THEATRE AND LOUNGE, 6621 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, LA, 504.900.1743 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
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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
guides 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
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. [10/16]
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 GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM
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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 Cafe Sbisa, 1011 Decatur St., 522.5565, www.cafesbisanola.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 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
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 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 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 VALIANT THEATRE AND LOUNGE, 6621 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, LA, 504.900.1743
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
NEXT DEADLINE: Tues., Dec. 13th 504.522.8049
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Bourbon Pride
GrandPre's
Corner Pocket
ambush
paparazzi
Thanksgiving @ Ambush Mansion
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Phoenix
Autour de la Ville ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Darwin Reed, Jeremy Weinberg
Rawhide 2010
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