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the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
Ambush Magazine Makes History with 35th Anniversary Edition; Now Over $4 Million in Community Support; "We've Got' Cha Now" 2017 is a historic year for Ambush Magazine as it produces its 35th Anniversary edition making it the oldest and only surviving LGBT+ Entertainment/ Travel Guide in the Gulf South since 1982. Direct from Bourbon Street, the World travels to the “City That Care Forgot”. This endeavor is a huge undertaking using cutting edge technology and international resources giving you, our voyagers in print and the world wide web, the definitive source of every detail available. In 1982, Ambush Magazine was launched in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with the tag "We've Got' Cha Now". It fast became the leader of LGBT+ entertainment throughout the state. Moving to New Orleans in 1985, Ambush set up shop on World famous Bourbon Street, and expanded to cover the huge Gulf South market from Texas to Florida. After carefully selecting the best professionals in the journalistic arena, Ambush began a roller coaster ride of success. None of this would have been possible without the support of our numerous advertisers, organizations, readers, and of course, our loyal staff. We owe each of you our eternal debt of gratitude for making our dream a reality. As part of it's commitment to the LGBT+ community at large, Ambush Ambush: Issue 1, 1982 launched its AMgrant program (Ambush Advertising Grant Donation) in its first year of operation. Over the past 34 years, the program in association with numerous organizations, charities and events, is responsible for raising over $4 million in donated ad space and monetary disbursements. Some of those include: Bourbon Street Awards, Art Against AIDS, Dining Out for Life, Gay Appreciation Awards, Gay Easter Parade, Gay Mardi Gras, Halloween/Project Lazarus, Up Stairs Lounge Fire Memorials, Lesbian & Gay Community Center of New Orleans, NO/AIDS Task Force, Pride, NO/AIDS Walk, Southern Decadence, Pflag Scholarship Fund, Krewe of Queenateenas, LAGPAC, Buzzy's Boys & Girls, HRC, New Orleans AIDS Monument, Historic New Orleans Collection, New Orleans Museum of Art, WW2 Museum, Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel/St. Jude Shrine, Audubon Zoo, St. Anna's Episcopal Church, Aquarium of the Americas, Dodwell House, Audubon Institute, LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, Belle Reve, Brotherhood, and many more. Thanks to all who joined in the support of the greater LGBT+ community. It made and is making a huge difference in the lives of many.
Rue Royale Revelers will Crown Grand Reveler III on 12th Night @ 4th Annual Party The Mystik Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers will kick off Gay Carnival with the coronation of Grand Reveler III on Friday, Jan. 6. According to a statement
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Pre-Super Bowl/Restaurant Guide out Jan. 17 DEADLINE: Jan. 10
celebrazzi/foodilicious moments in gay new orleans history a community within communities snap paparazzi/corner pocket snap paparazzi/southern decadence under the gaydar mobile paparazzi trodding the boards
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ambush paparazzi/nola, metairie real estate classifieds out front: jinkx monsoon chop chop/restaurant guide ambush paparazzi/new orleans
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from the krewe, "Grand Reveler II William Antill and the Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers command your presence at the Lord of Misrule’s annual 12th Night Party. We kick off the Carnival Season with two bars, fantastic food, scantily clad eye-candy, and great people. The revelation and coronation of Grand Reveler III will begin at 8:00, followed by the meeting of the courts of the Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers and the Krewe of Queenateenas." As tradition has it, the Pope of Bourbon Street will crown the new Grand Reveler. After a roast by the Lord of Misrule and the rebuttal from Grand Reveler III, GR III will then toast the reigning King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras XXII Aubrey Synclaire. Let the revelry begin! Hosted from 7 - 11 pm at 740 Royal Street, a $20 donation is required at the door for non-krewe members. All krewe members must have their membership pins for admittance. All proceeds after expenses benefits the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana. The Grand Reveler Royalty Club includes GR I Jeff Palmquist, GR II: The Financial District Reveler Will Antill, and Lord of Misrule Frank Perez. For more information on this exclusive party, visit www.GayMardiGras.com/rrr or contact Frank Perez.
Pride Queen of 2017 Coronation Set for 23rd King Cake Queen Bash Did you make the cut for the most sought after invitation of the New Year? The 23rd annual King Cake Queen Coronation is set for Saturday, Jan. 21, at historic Ambush Mansion in New Orleans. None other than Monica Synclaire-Kennedy will reign as King Cake Queen XXIII of Gay Mardi Gras: The Pride Queen of 2017! Her coronation promises to be one of the most dazzling in recent history celebrating "PRIDELICIOUS: Rainbows, Stars & Stilettos". To accommodate the new queen, the Co-Captains of the Krewe of Queenateenas have slashed their invitation list to make room for the queen's personal guests. The affair is always a who's who of Gay Carnival Society, and this year will be no different. This party, not only famous for its guest list, is famous for unlimited cocktails, beer, wine, and a scrumptious buffet prepared by the co-captains themselves. "The Rainbow Feast" will be served on two floors, the Ambush offices on the first, and formal dining room on the second. The highlight of the party is the King Cake Queen gift exchange held at 9 pm in the first floor Ambush offices. The King Cake Queen Royalty Club includes: KCQ II & KCQ Emeritus: Jewel of the Nile, Jay A. Loomis/1995
THE OFFICIAL MAG
Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide© Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© Official Gay New Orleans Guide© Official Pride Guide© Official Southern Decadence Guide© AWARD WINNING:
Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Hall of Fame/2015, Louisiana Excellence Award: Media & Internet/2014, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2014, 25th NO/AIDS Task Force Humanitas Award/2013, New Orleans Print Media Award/ 2013, Krewe of Mwindo Media Honoree/2009, Krewe of Petronius Carnival Spirit of Gay Mardi Gras XLVIII Award/2009, Forum For Equality Acclaim Awards X Media Recipient/2008, NO/AIDS Task Force Prometheus “Torch of Truth” [media] Award/2001 OFFICE/SHIPPING ADDRESS: 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 USA OFFICE HOURS: 10am-3pm Monday-Friday [Except Holidays] Email: ripna@ambushmag.com PHONE: 1.504.522.8049 ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ in print/780,000+ On-line CIRCULATION: Alabama-Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi Texas - Houston
STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR R. Rip Naquin, New Orleans PRODUCTION DIRECTOR M. Marsha Delain, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Rip Naquin • 504.522.8049 Paul Melancon THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Misti Gaiter, 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. ©1982-2017 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
KCQ III: The Rainbow Queen, the late Smurf Murphy/1996 KCQ IV: Pearl of the Sea, Reba Douglas/1997 KCQ V: The She Devil, Elizabeth Simms/1998 KCQ VI: The Czarina, the late Christine Cheridon/1999 KCQ VII: Sex Goddess, Stephanie Williams/2000 KCQ VIII: The Peacock Queen, Phyllis Denmark/2001 KCQ IX: The Freedom Queen, Lisa Beaumann/2002
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Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA, 504.835.2022 www.GumboStop.com
foodilicious
Seafood Gumbo & 1/2 Oyster Poboy
Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLII Felicia Phillips, Jeffrey Palmquist, Tony Leggio & Derek Penton Robicheaux presented $27,345.23 which was split between two 2016 Southern Decadence Charities: Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) - above & New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) - below, at the Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern (www.SouthernDecadence.com)
The official pre-coronation portrait of King Cake Queen XXIII of Gay Mardi Gras-Elect: The Pride Queen of 2017 by Larry Graham.
Will Antill @ Double Play Christmas Party & Buffet
Michael Elias, Carl Geleno, Barry Bareass & Tommy Elias @ Corner Pocket Christmas Party, Toy Drive & Holiday Show
Fr. Bill Terry, Princesse Stephaney & Paul Chiriaco @ Mag's 940 Toy Drive for St. Anna's Kids
Ken GrandPre @ GrandPre's Christmas Party & Buffet
Volleyball New Orleans presents 34th Mardi Gras Classic Tournament Jan. 13-15 in New Orleans www.facebook.com/ volleyballneworleans/
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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
“History to Come in 2017” Most people agree 2016 was an annus horribilis. Thankfully, it’s over and 2017 offers us all a fresh start. In terms of LGBT+ history, 2017 is already shaping up to be significant and exciting. History buffs will have at least three forthcoming books to look forward to. Unveiling the Muse: Gay Carnival Gay Carnival: A Conversation with the in New Orleans by Howard P. Smith will Legends.” The event was co-sponbe published by the University Press of sored by the Louisiana State Museum Mississippi. Howard Smith, of the Uni- and the LGBT+ Archives Project of versity of Southern California, has been Louisiana. Panelists included founders researching this intriguing history for and early members of krewes including several years. Smith’s research has Bill Woolley, Bill Crotty, George Wilson, been extensive and includes oral inter- Mike Moreau, Lou Bernard, Albert views, as well as primary source mate- Carey, Don Bury, Russell Talluto, Gary rial located in archives and museums. Martin, Michael Hickerson, Diane Starting with the ill-fated Krewe of Yuga Dimiceli, and Wendell Stipelcovich. A in 1958 and continuing through the small selection of the museum’s gay present day, Smith’s book promises to carnival collection was on display. be a fascinating narrative of this truly Unveiling the Muse: Gay Carnival in unique New Orleans phenomenon. New Orleans will be the first bookSmith moderated a panel discus- length treatment on the subject. sion in April of 2016 called “Pioneers of The Murder of Fernando Rios by
a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
NEW YEAR – NEW POSSIBILITIES “To everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn. And a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to build up, a time to break down. A time to dance, a time to mourn. A time to cast away stones. A time to gather stones together.” Adapted by Pete Seeger from the
Book of Ecclesiastes and really promoted by The Byrds in 1965. It was a peace and protest song of sorts in the folk tradition promoted by Seeger and adapted by The Byrds. It is therefore fitting to start the New Year as both scripture and song say, “To everything there is a season and a time to every
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Barbara Ella/2014 KCQ XXII: Queen of the Opera, Aubrey Synclaire/2015-2016 The coronation is by invitation only (admit card required), Attire: Gentlemen - Tuxedo or Suit, Ladies - Evening Gown or Evening Suit. Crowns, Sashes and Badges of Honor are welcome. As the 23rd King Cake Queen, Monica will lead the 30th Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss on Mardi Gras, Feb. 28, 2 pm, at Ambush Mansion Balcony, 828 Bourbon Street, following the 53rd Bourbon Street Awards. For more information, visit www.GayMardiGras.com/kcq.
KCQ X: The Voodoo Queen, TerylLynn Foxx/2003 KCQ XII: The Amazon Queen, Savanna DeLorean/2005 KCQ XIII: The Diamond Queen, Raven Kennedy/2006 KCQ XIV: The Fantasy Queen, Princesse Stephaney/2007 KCQ XV: The Fleur de Lis Queen, Marsha Naquin-Delain/2008 KCQ XVI: The Grandee Queen, Tami Tarmac/2009 KCQ XVII: The Parisian Queen, Opal Masters/2010 KCQ XVIII: The Chrysthemum Queen the late Rona Conners/2011 KCQ XIX: The Samba Queen, Nicole DuBois/2012 KCQ XX: The Platinum Queen, Dusty Debris/2013 KCQ XXI: The Borghese Queen,
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68th Gay Mardi Gras EVENTS/BALLS Friday, January 6th... ~7 pm, Mistik Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers Grand Reveler Coro-
Clayton Delery-Edwards will be published by Exposit, an imprint of McFarland & Co. Fernando Rios was a tour guide from Mexico City visiting New Orleans in 1958. After shepherding a group of doctors and their wives around the city, Rios went to Café Lafitte in Exile for a drink where he was met by a Tulane student named John Farrell. The two left the bar together and minutes later, Rios was savagely beaten in Pirate’s Alley by Farrell and two other Tulane undergraduates. Rios ultimately died from the attack and the three students were arrested and tried for murder. Not surprisingly, given the homophobic climate of the time, the three young men were acquitted. The Murder of Fernando Rios is an important book for a number of reasons. Not only does it recall and shed light on a profound human tragedy, it also provides a glimpse into the homophobic climate of the times. The book will also include an interview with the son of John Farrell, who only recently learned of his father’s involvement in the murder. Delery-Edwards is also the author of The Up Stairs Lounge Arson: ThirtyTwo Deaths in a New Orleans Gay Bar, June 24, 1973. This book, which recounts the deadliest fire in New Orleans history and the deadliest crime against gays and lesbians in U.S. history prior to the Pulse massacre in Orlando, is an in-depth exploration of a seminal moment in gay New Orleans history. One other book on the fire, Let the Faggots Burn by Johnny Townsend, was pub-
lished in 2011. A third book on the fire will be published in 2017. Tinderbox: The Horrific Fire that Exposed a Nation’s Prejudice and Fueled a Civil Rights Movement by Robert Fieseler will be published by Liveright, an imprint of W.W. Norton & Co. Fieseler’s book differs from the two previous books on the Up Stairs Lounge arson in that it situates the narrative of the fire in a national context. Robert W. Fieseler a journalist and author. His journalism has appeared in Belt Magazine, Narratively, The Big Roundtable, The Week, and other literary journals. In addition to the three aforementioned books, two other books are also in production. Scott Ellis, author of Madame Vieux Carre: The French Quarter in the Twentieth Century, is currently working on a history of the Faubourg Marigny. The subject is not entirely “gay” but the Marigny neighborhood has a long and rich heritage of LGBT+ people, places, and influences. And Howard Smith and I are currently writing a history of Southern Decadence. Release dates for both books have not yet been announced. I have always thought the lack of historical scholarship on LGBT+ New Orleans was odd, especially given that New Orleans is a city in love with its history. Books on every other historical topic abound, but until 2012, when In Exile was published, no such book on the subject existed. Thankfully, that has changed.
nation III, New Orleans Saturday, January 21st... ~7 pm, Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge Bal Masque XXXVI, River Center Ball Room, Baton Rouge ~8pm, 23rd King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras Coronation of Monica Synclaire-Kennedy celebrating "PRIDELICIOUS: Rainbows, Stars & Stilettos", by invitation only Saturday, January 28th... ~8 pm, Krewe of Mwindo Bal Masque XIX, The Lion Center, New Orleans Saturday, February 4th... ~8 pm, Krewe of Amon-Ra Mardi Gras Ball LII, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, Chalmette, LA Saturday, February 11th... ~8 pm, Krewe of Apollo de Lafayette Bal Masque XLI, Cajun Dome Convention Center, Lafayette, Louisiana Friday, February 17th... ~8 pm, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon Bal Masque cancelled for 2017 Saturday, February 18th... ~Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque LVI, TBA Friday, February 24th... ~8 pm, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XVIII, The Cannery, New Orleans Saturday, February 25th... ~8 pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLIX, Frederick J. Sigur Civic
Center, Chalmette, LA Sunday, February 26th... ~8 pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXXIV, John A. Alario, Sr. Event Center, Westwego, LA MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday), February 28th... ~12 noon, 53rd Annual Bourbon Street Awards, sponsored by Oz & Ambush Mag, Corner of St. Ann at 800 Bourbon St. ~2pm, 30th Annual Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss led by King Cake Queen XXIII of Gay Mardi Gras Monica Synclaire-Kennedy celebrating "PRIDELICIOUS: Rainbows, Stars & Stilettos", Ambush Mansion Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.
2016 Celebrity Deaths In Memoriam: Edward Albee, Muhammad Ali, Pete Burns, David Bowie, Fidel Castro, Leonard Cohen, Patty Duke, Carrie Fisher, Pete Fountain, Glen Frey, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Ron Glass, John Glenn, Merle Haggard, Pat Harrington, Jr., Florence Henderson, Gwen Ifill, George Kennedy, Harper Lee, Garry Marshall, George Martin, George Michael, Arnold Palmer, Prince, Janet Reno, Debbie Reynolds, Alan Rickman, Doris Roberts, Morley Safer, Garry Shandling, Bobby Vee, Abe Vigoda, Gene Wilder, Anton Yelchin.
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ROMANCE AT THE BALLET?!?
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Corner Pocket Christmas Party, Toy Drive & Holiday Show ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Jeremy Weinberg
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SDGMs XLII present over $27,300 to Southern Decadence Charities: ARNO & NOAGE with a fabulous show by KCQ XXIII-Elect
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Monica Synclaire-Kennedy & Divas R Us @ the Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Rip Naquin
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Hot Happenings Entering 2017, there are so many things to start our New Year off right. Here are just a few of the hot happenings.
communities ...from 8 purpose under heaven.” “A time to cast away stones. A time to gather stones together.” 2017 has possibilities and with some degree of speculation those possibilities might be dangerous or sublime. What will a Trump administration bring with it? While everyone is speculating it is just that speculation. No one really has any idea how this will play out. So, let’s not spend 2017 imagining terrible things that haven’t happened….yet. We are adaptable and resilient and we who are a Community within Communities have many opportunities that are positive, creative, and constructive to take up in our imaginations that are of more immediate need. So let’s just focus on what is before us, not as an illusion, not as an expression of our inner fears, but as a bold statement about who and what we are now and in the present. “A time to dance, a time to mourn.” St. Anna’s Church, M.C.C., and several other Episcopal Churches as well as Touro Synagogue are known to be ‘safe places’ for LBGTQ persons seeking spiritual expression. As a matter of fact and course St. Anna’s makes it very clear as we have declared ourselves as a “Safe Sanctuary” a “Safe Haven” in light of immediate possibilities. So, rejoice ye of little faith we are here for you. Ironically, you have been here for us for more years now than I can to number. So let’s roll out the New Year with big time appreciation acknowledgments: Lord’s of Leather, Johnny Passion and Persana Shoulders Winter Wonderland, Princess Stephanie, The Friendly Bar, Mag’s, Amon-Ra, The Pub, The Phoenix, Lafitte’s, Rip and Marsha, the staff of Ambush, Cutter’s, Hutch, and so many others. Do you see a trend? Yep, community pubs, bars, institutions, and clubs those are all a Community within Communities. So, what did their support do? This support fed 30 families once a month with about two weeks of groceries. These families usually have medical issues as well as economic challenges. These families represent about 70+ people. Each month in 2017 they came, were given food, and comfort. You did that – we only collected, sorted, and distributed. “A time to build up, a time to break down.” About 60 children most of whom come from families that live near or at
the poverty level. Most of them don’t know it. They are tough children made tough by age 7 or earlier. All but a few have firsthand experience with violence. Recently, in a class, we asked, “What is your neighborhood like?” Here is but one response the others were similar, “My Momma’s boy friend (live in) was set up. His friend got shot in the head four times. I saw him dead.” That is what this child’s neighborhood is like. Yet, this Christmas that same child got a dozen or more presents, cloths, and greetings of care. This same child sang and danced with the LPO and 610 Stompers and got a great review in Ambush 12/20/16. This child who is now 14 DEMANDED tutoring because she has goals. A child of violence and poverty has goals to be a contributor to society! THAT IS BIG. So we, our community and yours, are working on a project with Sylvan Learning Centers to get her the best possible tutors available. We, you and I, want her to succeed. We want all of Anna’s Children to succeed. We want them to live and be loved and loveable. Thank you community for supporting them because you aren’t giving to St. Anna’s the Church you are giving to the children of Treme, “… and a time to every purpose under heaven.” 2017 presents us all with opportunities to make our world, your world, their world a better place. Each day we have a gift and that gift is the potential to put our sadness and darkness away and to begin to come into the light of grace. We all have that. We have seen what this grace can do. Because “The Community” is a giving community but it also receives much by way of knowing that lives are being changed, a family fed, a child with a smile and chance to learn, simply transforming. We transform others and in so doing transform ourselves. Such is the nature of faith, such is the nature of grace, and such is the nature of our humanity when it is at its best. I see this humanity so often clothed in irreverent and caustic commentary, shows, and ensembles. This community is good at hiding its largeness in the Kingdom of Grace and Giving. Come into the light and feel the love of giving and being given to. There is no one not worth of the love. “Love thy neighbor as thyself” and “I leave you with this last commandment: Love one another.”
Wednesday, January 4 – Sunday, January 29, 2017 Hakuna Matada Y’all! The Lion King is back in New Orleans. The North American touring productions of THE LION KING have been seen by more than 17 million theatergoers and grossed more than $1.2 billion to date. Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, THE LION KING now proudly makes its New Orleans debut at the Saenger Theatre. Tickets for THE LION KING start at $35 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. In New Orleans, THE LION KING will play Tuesdays through Sundays with Saturday and Sunday matinee and evening performances. The full schedule can be found at http:/ /www.saengernola.com/shows/thelion-king. For more information worldwide, visit www.LionKing.com. Saturday, January 7, 2017 The only kickoff to the Carnival season where the public is invited is the Krewe of Orpheus 13th Night. Celebrate all things Mardi Gras with 4 hours of open bar, delicious foods from iconic New Orleans’ restaurants, live music by Band Camp, and an exclusive auction benefitting the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts at Mardi Gras World from 8 pm – midnight. Tickets start at $75. For more information or tickets, go to www.kreweoforpheus.com. Saturday, January 7, 2017 The Joy Theater and Jonathan Mares Productions are happy to announce the return of LAST DANCE: A TRIBUTE TO DONNA SUMMER. This spectacular tribute show stars the multitalented New Orleans native Anais St. John. Backed by a seven piece band, three backup singers and four go-go dancers, Anais will take you on a journey through the age of disco featuring some of the biggest hits of the era, including “She Works Hard for the Money,” “Bad Girls,” and, of course, “Last Dance.” This high energy 2015 Big Easy Award nominated show has drawn rave reviews and played to sold out audiences. Due to popular demand, the Joy Theater and Jonathan Mares Productions are happy to bring this wonderful night of music, dance and fun back to New Orleans. Tickets are now on sale at www.thejoytheater.com or 504.208.1180. Show time is at 8 pm. Ticket prices range from $35-$40 and VIP tickets are available. Friday, January 20, 2017 The Pussyfooter’s famous Blush Ball 2017 promises to be bigger and bolder than ever, and proceeds once
again go to benefit Metropolitan Center for Women and Children. The event takes place at Generations Hall from 8 pm – midnight. Back by popular demand this year is headliner Big Sam’s Funky Nation along with DJ Ronnie Roux will be spinning tunes on the dancefloor all night long, MC Fresh Johnson and, of course, special performances by the Pussyfooters. Fabulous prizes will also be raffled and available for bidding in a silent auction. Patron Party is from 8-9 pm ($60 Advance Tickets) and Includes open bar during that hour, sneak preview of auction items and an extra hour to party with the Pussyfooters. General Admission Party Doors open at 9 pm ($40 Advance Tickets) with entertainment by Big Sam’s Funky Nation, DJ Ronnie Roux, MC Fresh Johnson and performances by The Pussyfooters. Cash bar. Bid on a variety of fabulous items in the Silent Auction. For more information go to www.BlushBall.org. Costumes encouraged but you can wear anything fun, funky and of course PINK!
Party Down I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas. We are now into the New Year with trepidation (God only knows what craziness Trump has in store for the country) and hope for a better world. That is my one wish is for there to be more understanding and empathy to others. We all have to live on this earth, might as well get along. And remember if someone does you wrong, turn the other cheek and hightail it to the next bar and cocktail your troubles away. Christmas for me was a magical time that included lots of parties, cocktails, food, Frankie Valli and Steel Magnolias. Quite the interesting combinations. My fun started on Tuesday, when my friend Jeff Mallon (aka Elizabeth Bouvier) and I went to the opening night of the Tony Award-winning Jersey Boys at the Saenger Theatre. This season has been quite exceptional and Jersey Boys did not disappoint. I had seen the show previously in Washington DC, but the NOLA show was equally as good with a string cast and great soundtrack. The show tells the story of singer Frankie Valli and his rise to stardom and all the trials and tribulations him and his group The Four Seasons went through on their way to the top. Who knew all the hits the group had; the entire audience sang along with each song. Great show. On Wednesday I attended three parties in one night. I started with Biz New Orleans networking/holiday event at The Fairgrounds Racecourse and Slots. The track was festively decorated for the holidays as guests mixed and mingled. If you have not been to the facility for an event, then you are [continued on 16]
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Naughty & Nice, B-Bob's, Flip Side Bar & Patio ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
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under the gaydar ...from 13 missing out, there are some many cool places to hold private events at the venue, but my favorite spot is the third floor reception space which has an incredible view of the skyline of New Orleans. Next up was the Sailor Jerry Reception at the WW2 Museum’s Stage Door Canteen. They released a calendar spotlighting military heroes. It was a nice gathering that had some of the military heroes on hand at the event. The Victory Belles also performed singing classic holiday favorites for the delight of the guests. My final stop of the night was the Oz Christmas party which is always a fabulous time. Thanks to Oz for hosting this holiday event that thanks customers for their business year round. Guests brought toys for Toys for Tots while they ate and drank while great Christmas music was being played on the Video screens. The night ended with a special holiday Drag/ Boylesque show which was spectacular. Thursday was a uniquely moving day. My boss asked me to take part in a special day which started with us dressing as Santa Claus and going to bring bags of goodies to Padua. I had the talented Countess C Alice design my Santa outfit that was a mixture of Olde Saint Nicholas meets Priscilla Queen of the Desert. I was definitely the toast of the Santas (or at least I stood out more). We boarded the bus at Ernst Café after a few cocktails and then went to the Westbank, where we transferred onto the Drago’s firetruck (totally awesome and a once in a lifetime experience) where we arrived at Padua with sirens blaring with police escorts. Padua Community Services offer comprehensive and specialized care for children and adults with disabilities through Padua House Residential Program, Padua Community Homes and Padua In-Home and Community Based Services. Care includes residential sites for clients. In 1977, the State of Louisiana announced that it would be sending some of its most vulnerable residents to be cared for out of the state, in some cases sending children away from their homes and families. Archbishop Philip Hannan, then Archbishop of New Orleans, in his wisdom and charity knew the local Catholic Church could not let that happen. He founded Padua House to provide not only vital care to the children but a place for them to call home. Today, Padua House is only one part of a broad scope of services provided for the intellectually and developmentally disabled in and around the New Orleans area through Padua Community Services. Through residential programs and in-home care, Padua Community Services is supporting the dignity of life and acting out the legacy of St. Anthony of Padua’s care for the
poor and vulnerable and their families. We brought each child/adult a Santa’s bag filled with things that will enjoy but also to make their life better. These kids were in wheelchairs and some could not leave their beds. There were many with severe handicaps and all they did was cry or laugh or just shake their leg when they saw you arrive with their bag of goodies. I have to say, it was one of the most moving experiences of my life and yes, I cried. After giving the gifts to the residents, we made sure their caregivers who work so tirelessly were awarded with special gift certificates. We raised enough monies to cover the cost for new bathtub facilities which were badly needed. After our visit, then the group kicked into full gear stopping at a place for cocktails and pizza before the group of us still dressed as Santa Claus went to the Louisiana Hospitality Holiday Party which is the joint gathering of the Louisiana Restaurant association, Motel/ Hotel Association and Convention and Visitors Bureau. The party was at the Hyatt and I had already had a head start on my cocktailing so the open bar, delicious food and dance music just added to the festivities. They had a spot where you could get your nails painted or do a flipbook. Good times were had by all. Afterwards a few of the gays jetted out to the Corner Pocket for their holiday party. From handing out toys to children to stuffing dollar bills in stripper’s underwear, my night was all over the map. Once their holiday drag show ended, my friends and I decided it was still time for more playing, so we popped into the 700 Club, Oz, Lafitte’s in Exile before I turned in at stupid o’clock in the morning. Oh will I ever learn, I am no longer 20. After a full day of work on Friday and the night of holiday debauchery on Thursday, my next outing was Saturday when I attended several holiday parties and then made a Southern Decadence appearance. My friend Michelle Dunnick hosted a housewarming/holiday soiree at her brand new home in Gentilly. There was plenty of family and friends around to enjoy her quaint new home impeccably decorated with a huge yard. It is destined to become a party house. After leaving Gentilly, my next stop was the home of Daniel Morvant and Jon Taylor. They opened up their lovely Marigny abode for the holidays. But the crowning touch was their electric laser light show in their beautiful gardens. Guests were mesmerized by the illuminated space. With the moving lights against their foliage and florals, the garden was just alive with the holiday spirit. After partying at two separate homes, I went to the Golden Lantern for the check presentations to the charities from the monies Jeff Palmquist, Felicia Phillips, Jon Penton Robichaux and I raised during the numerous South-
ern Decadence events. Both Animal Rescue of New Orleans (ARNO) and New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) received over $13,000. It was great to be a part of this fabulous four helping raise all this money for the community and our four legged friends. My friends and I stayed for the Divas R Us show afterwards where Ms. Monica Sinclaire-Kennedy along with her guest brought down the house with Christmas favorites. I concluded my night partying till the wee hours of the morning at Mag's 940 and the Phoenix. Obviously everything I learned on Thursday night went right out of the door. Sunday was a day of rest, but I managed to pry myself off the couch in the early evening to attend Frank Pizzolato’s holiday party at his home on Elysian Fields. The weather outside was frightful, but the party inside was warm and inviting. And if you ever want to see a gaggle of hot men folk, go to Frank’s party, he always has more to spare. I think one of the things I like most about the holidays is catching up with friends I do not see often. The next week of events started on Monday with my holiday party at Fulton Alley. Lots of bowling, craft cocktails, delectable dishes and a rousing game of White Elephant made for a great day. After I met up with some friends and went to GrandPre’s holiday party. Ken put out quite a spread for customers showing his appreciation. The following day, I had two gay bar holiday parties, the first being the Double Play which again put out a lovely food presentation for guests then followed up with the 700 Club. The Double Play always has a core of fun and unique personalities to hang out with. That is a true New Orleans Quarter bar. Now I know that the guys who go to the 700 Club do not look like they eat anything, but holy cow it is the holidays throw some crackers and cheese out for guests, no food at a holiday party especially when alcohol is being consumed in high quantities can be treacherous. This night was their turnabout and all monies including the $30 door cover (and yet still no food) went to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate). The CASA program was created in 1977 by a family court judge who could see that the system in place to care for foster kids was underfunded and overworked. This family court judge knew that children would have a much better chance if they could rely on a single adult volunteer that was outside of that system, and trained in how to advocate for each child’s individual needs. He felt it was the only way to assure that each child in the system has a fighting chance. So successful was this Seattle program that soon judges across the country began utilizing citizen advocates. In 1985 CASA New Orleans was formed. It became the first CASA program in the State of
Louisiana and has since served thousands of children under the jurisdiction of Orleans Parish Juvenile Court. In 1990, the U.S. Congress encouraged the expansion of CASA with passage of the Victims of Child Abuse Act. Today more than 900 CASA program offices are in operation, with trained women and men serving as CASA volunteers. They had a huge crowd and the workers gave it their all with some fabulous performances. The Hillary Clinton number was just hysterical. My next few days were family centric spending Friday day and night at my mom’s house in River Ridge helping her cook for Christmas Day. I seem to be slowly becoming the cook for family events. Not sure how I feel about the work, but the payoff was worth it being with family having an incredible meal from recipes passed on down from my grandmother. On Saturday, it was all about Dem’ Saints. I attended the last Saints home game at the Dome and the atmosphere was festive with everyone in the holiday spirit. The saints even gave us a present by winning the game. My friends and I walked back to the Quarter for a quick drink at Patrick’s Bar Vin, before I was scooped up by Princesse Stephaney and brought to Rodney Thoulion and RJ Buras’ home on the Westbank for their Christmas Eve fete. It was once again another household filled with family and friends. They has some great homemade dishes as well as a scrumptious dessert table. Christmas Day started with my ritual of opening up presents with my babies Dahlia and Magnolia. They loved all their gifts and I loved the present they gave me. Yes, I do buy myself a gift, wrap it and open it on Christmas Day. I believe everyone should give themselves a gift on the holiday. Then I was dressed and on my way to mom’s house early so I can help her with the finishing touches for the holiday brunch we do. The entire family came over with a few extended friends. We got to spend time with my cousins who I have not seen in years. It was memorable and heartwarming to be together at this time. After everyone left and helped mom clean up, I came back to the Marigny and went to my friends Laura and Gary Tennyson’s house for their holiday dinner. I got to see a different group of friends I rarely ever see and finish off the evening laughing and going around the table talking about our hopes for the coming year. From my corny traditions to debaucherously filled evenings out, I love that my life has afforded me a wide and diverse group of friends. So my New Year’s Wish is not for me but for everyone, have a healthy 2017! Remember we are a very strong community and together we will thrive and prosper.
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Year in Review Curtains down! Curtains up! And so 2016’s top story seemed to be a revival of 2015’s headline show about theatrical real estate in New Orleans, a recurring melodrama that seemed to have a mostly happy ending this year. January started with the abrupt shuttering of the Old Marquer Theatre due to a capricious landlord. This was quickly followed by the Anthony Bean Community Theater losing its home when the Central St. Matthew United Church decided to expand its school program. ABCT looked to be on a quick road to re-opening when it secured St. Raymond Church on Paris Avenue for its new location. But fundraising demands for more extensive renovations than anticipated forced ABCT to cancel the rest of its season. I hope there’ll soon be an announcement as to when productions will resume. After some complications with fire codes were worked out, in mid-autumn the spirit of the Old Marquer rose like a phoenix as the Valiant Theatre and Lounge in Old Arabi. Under Richard Mayer’s direction, it has so far presented burlesque shows and some theatrical offerings. I look forward to visiting it soon. There may have been other, more hard-to-pin-down reasons, but without the Old Marquer, home to Lux et Umbra productions as well as those of other companies, and ABCT, there were at least 10% fewer productions in 2016 than usual. Let’s hope both of these entities will be presenting a full slate of shows before long. Meanwhile, the good news at Southern Rep was that after years without a permanent home, they will be developing the long-vacant former St. Rose de Lima Church on Bayou Road into the Bayou Treme Center which will contain two theaters. If all goes according to plan, it will open in 2018. Until then, Southern Rep will continue in residence at Loyola University which follows its residency at UNO. Delgado Community College opened its newly renovated mainstage theatre with Michael Aaron Santos’ production of Romeo and Juliet. Officially named the Timothy K. Baker Theatre in a fitting tribute to the late Tim Baker, former director of Delgado’s Theatre Program, it’s a beautiful locale for Delgado’s shows and, I hope, other companies’ as well. Other new venues, or at least new to me, included Art Klub in the St. Roch
neighborhood (Vagabond Inventions’ dystopian dramedy A Kingdom, A Chasm and Nari Tomassetti’s bioconcert Rainbolt Cypher, The World Tour); New Orleans Art Center on St. Claude in the Bywater (See ‘Em On Stage’s rocker Lizzie Borden the Musical and In Good Company’s On The Verge) though after Verge’s truncated run it may remain solely as an art exhibition space; Gretna Community Center for the Arts, which debuted with an entertaining production of The Women last winter but has not mounted anything since; Catapult (Artspot’s Sea of Common Catastrophe workshop), a performance laboratory in the Marigny dedicated to the development of original theater; NOLA Spaces, a dance studio near the Garden District that has been repurposed as a theater (See ‘Em On Stage’s evening of 10-minute plays Take Ten); and Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center (the peripatetic See ‘Em On Stage’s The Lion in Winter), a non-denominational church/multi-use cultural arts center. Three new theater companies that debuted in 2015 appeared to have staying power. Rockfire Theatre’s Abraham Lincoln’s Big, Gay Dance Party was a hoot and best comedy of the year. Though I regret missing the Chalmette-based The Company: A St. Bernard Community Theatre’s Into the Woods and Little Shop of Horrors, their Urinetown manifested true community spirit with Shelby Donovan and, especially, Vieta Collins standouts in it. And The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans made a mark with its evening of Weird Tales which included three of Williams’ one-acts. Were they gems? No. But they were all weird and two of them were world premieres which counts for something. As TWTCNO’s season continued with The Rose Tattoo and Dangerous Birds (if Agitated), another collection of one-acts, each production showed a significant improvement over the previous one in terms of entertainment value, and the clarity & imaginativeness of Augustin J Correro’s direction. But, for me, 2016 will be most memorable for the incredibly high quality of works at NOCCA and our local universities. Mark Routhier’s powerful production of Beyond the Horizon by Eu-
gene O’Neill at Loyola topped the dramas this year with wrenching performances by Eduardo Ramirez Kortright, Marisa Nieto and Crawford Steck. Right behind it were director Mel Cook’s brilliant all-female Julius Caesar at Tulane set in a women’s prison; the ineffably moving The Aliens by Annie Baker at UNO with Cooper Bucha magnificently idiosyncratic as an alienated youth; and the timely, Blacks Lives Matter-inspired Hands Up at Dillard directed by Ray Vrazel. In the musical realm, Kevin Murphy’s production of 1776 at NOCCA would have been superb under any conditions; that there wasn’t a Y chromosome in the cast made it revolutionary. Also at NOCCA, Janet Shea delivered a wonderfully ebullient Crazy for You with leads Olivia Worley and, particularly, Ross Quinn already displaying Broadway-caliber talent. The same could be said for Hannah Hubbard, Emily Hynes, Shana Moore, Sofia Oprea and Catherine Sillars of 1776. Loyola’s annual One-act Festival provided wit and laughs with the imaginative stage version of The 39 Steps, and Good Luck (In Farsi), Neil LaBute’s caustic portrait of competitiveness between two actresses. Shelby Kirby directed the former, Ronald Chavis the latter; let’s hope they’ll be guiding more shows in 2017. And given the abundant young talent that could be seen in ABCT’s The Lion King, Jr. and Southern Rep’s Into the Woods, Jr., the future of New Orleans theater is quite bright. Among those already out of school, two productions stood out. Promethean Theatre’s presentation of Annie Baker’s profoundly insightful, Pulitzer Prize-winning The Flick exemplified vital theater. Director Stephen Eckert found just about all the nuances in it; as aimless young adults, Khiry Armstead and Stephen Foley were both extremely fine, while Susan Lanigan was perfect. With the surest of hands, Alex Ates allowed not an ounce of sentimentality to creep into his heartbreaking Sive for The NOLA Project. The entire ensemble of this tragic Irish tale was flawless, none more so than Yvette Bourgeois, Alex Martinez Wallace and Kristin Witterschein. I also admired the non-traditional casting of James Bartelle and Carol Sutton in NOLA Project’s 4000 Miles by Amy Herzog, if not entirely the play itself. And if the script could’ve used some refining, Andrew Larimer proved once again with his Exterior. PoolNight, another NOLA Project project, that he is one of the canniest—no, make that THE canniest—director in town as he led audiences through the CBD after beginning, and eventually ending, his three-stranded Hollywood tale around a rooftop hotel pool. Directing García Lorca’s The House of Bernarda Alba for In Good
Company, Rebecca Frank almost had more ideas than she could comfortably fit into the production, but I’ll take that over those who give us the “same old, same old” over and over again. In an overall solid cast, Kathleen McManus fearlessly etched the stern, domineering mother, eschewing any sympathy from the audience and displaying only a flicker of remorse upon learning of a daughter’s unnecessary death. Among musicals, The Toxic Avenger may not be the most profound but it is witty, tuneful and immense fun, and when done as assuredly and sportingly as See ‘Em On Stage’s version, made for an absolutely delightful evening. Christopher Bentivegna, having a banner year, directed with bountiful inventiveness, and all the players, individually and collectively (Luke Halpern, Janie Heck, Elyse McDaniel, Kevin Murphy, Eli Timm) were ideal. In a season in which there was too much of that “same old, same old” for my tastes, I fondly recall three musicals, more for their sublime productions than, for the most part, their material. I wish Shrek the Musical’s book didn’t sag in the first act. I wish its score was more memorable. But I also wish I could experience again Scott Sauber’s Shrek at Slidell Little Theater. With passion and precise attention to detail, he astutely deployed and costumed a large cast—71!—led by John Giraud’s touching Shrek and Melanie St. Cyr’s spunky Princess Fiona to enchanting effect. I know Ragtime has many fans; I’m not one of them. But Emilie Whelan’s vibrant in-the-round staging for Cripple Creek at the Marigny Opera House was a treat for both the eyes (thanks to Marcus Stanley’s exquisite lighting) and ears (ditto Musical Director Jefferson Turner on solo piano). Kudos to all, especially Amy Alvarez, AshleyRose Bailey, Ian Hoch, and Cameron-Mitchell Ware. I tend not to care for rock musicals (subtitles please); Lizzie Borden didn’t change my mind. But Christopher Bentivegna’s production, enhanced by Robert Camp’s dramatic lighting and featuring four axcellent singing actresses (Leslie Claverie, Idella Johnson, Abbey P. Murrell, Kali Russell), was a killer (told you he was having a banner year). Beyond theater, Bryan Batt, Barbara Motley & Tom Cianfichi brought classic cabaret back to the Big Easy with the sterling Liz Callaway Live! at Le Petit, the very definition of what a cabaret act should be. Broadway@NOCCA thankfully returned, after a brief hiatus, with the ever-sassy Seth Rudetsky and the charming, gracious & very talented Gavin Creel. Courtesy of impresario
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C'est si Bon ~ New Orleans, Metairie ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Gary Toulouse
St. Anna's Toy Drive @ Mag's 940
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trodding the boards ...from 18 Daniel Nardicio, the incomparable Dina Martina came back to NOLA with more of her anarchic humor while the astounding jazz violinist Aaron Weinstein made his local debut. New Orleans Opera and The WWII Museum teamed to present Brundibár, the children’s opera that the Nazis allowed to be performed in the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Ela Weissberger who is now the sole still-living participant from that production spoke after the captivating performance; the sense of encountering history was palpable. Though it’s been around a few years, I only discovered Cecile Monteyne’s You Don’t Know the Half of It last January (and, full disclosure, participated in it in June). If you want to discover for yourself the zany hilarity that ensues when playlets are halfscripted/half-improvised, check out its 5th anniversary extravaganza on January 15. In a phenomenally funny class by itself was the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Holiday Spectacular with The 610 Stompers, a true “Only in New Orleans” experience. And at the risk of leaving somebody out, here are, in addition to those already mentioned, some other praise-
worthy folks who trod the boards in 2016: Ashton Akridge, Denise Ponce, Andrea Watson (The Women); Trina Beck (Pippin, Le Petit); Courtney Boe (Pictures of Marilyn, Stage Door Canteen); Ross Britz (Colossal, Southern Rep); Kerrry Cahill
(Grounded, Southern Rep); Leslie Castay (Sweeney Todd, Tulane); Ryan Michael Decker (The Aliens); Micah Richerand Desonier (West Side Story, JPAS); Cara Duffaut (Beyond the Horizon); Bob Edes, Rahim Glaspy, Jessica Lozano, Andrew Vaught (Sleeping Beauty, Le Petit); Robert Facio, Bob Murrell, Kris Shaw (The Ultimate Christmas Show (Abridged), JPAS); Ricky Graham, Sean Patterson, Jeff Roberson (Ditzyland); John Michael Haas (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Summer Lyric Theater at Tulane); Monica R. Harris, Gavin Robinson, Stephen Stanley (Abraham Lincoln’s Big, Gay Dance Party); Ian Hoch (Don Quixote, NOLA Project); Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth (Late: A Cowboy Song, Lux et Umbra); Zeb Hollins III (The High Priestess of Dark Alley, Le Petit); Madison Kerth (Heathers, NOCCA Stage Company); Lyndsay Kimball (The Illusion, Shakespeare Festival at Tulane); Preston Meche, II (How to Succeed...,
Rivertown); Kevin Murphy, Price Provenzano (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Rivertown); Thomas Francis Murphy, Carl Palmer (Airline Highway, Southern Rep); Olivia Ros (No Exit, Tulane); Kali Russell, Jake Wynne-Wilson (The Lion in Winter); Frankie Thams (Joseph and..., SLT@Tulane); Alex Martinez Wallace (The Lion in Winter, Pippin). Last but not least is Justin Lapeyrouse’s production of Chicago at Playmakers Theater in Covington. It featured a chorus of women (Laurie Bonura, Sheri Sable Campbell, Erin Fernandez, Kristi-Anne Lyons, Deborah Marcelle, Lori Molinary) with as wide a range of ages and body types as I’ve ever seen, though none typical of Fosse’s young, lithe dancers. As the show began, my companion and I looked at each other and silently exchanged Simon Cowell-esque glances. But then they launched into their signature number, Cell Block Tango, with precision, flair and altogether strong vocals, and we were filled with that exhilarating frisson of seeing untapped potential being set free. There were other such joyous surprises in the show, particularly the razzle-dazzle of Lisa Keiffer’s Velma and Anysia Genre’s Roxie, that reminded me of the power that theater has to thrill and excite.
The cast of Playmakers' Chicago
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Here’s hoping there’ll be many more such surprises in 2017!
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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
out front by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Monsoon Jinkx Heading Straight for New Orleans Asked her opinion about Jinkx Monsoon, Bianca Del Rio replied, “Who’s Jinkx?” That is unlikely to be the response of most people as Jinkx was the Season 5 winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and has since gone on to an acclaimed solo career. Having previously visited New Orleans as part of RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons, Jinkx will now be bringing her hit show The Vaudevillians to NOCCA with cohort Major Scales on January 14. “We’ve been performing The Vaudevillians for 7 years, the longest of our shows,” said Jinkx’s alter ego Jerick Hoffer. “Richard [Andriessen aka Major Scales] and I play two vaudeville stars who were frozen in an avalanche in the 1920s but have now thawed out thanks to global warming.” Fully alive again, they discover that their catalog of songs has been “stolen” by such artists as Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Daft Punk, and set out to reclaim them and perform them in
their original style. “Once you get the conceit of the show,” said Hoffer, “it’s very farcical and a lot of fun with no shortage of crass and blue humor plus Jinkx’s signature brand of silliness.” The New York Times agreed. Its 2013 review of The Vaudevillians stated, “Straight or gay, everyone leaves this show with sides aching from laughter.” And one person will leave with even more. Without revealing too much, Hoffer added, “There’s a little audience participation but one lucky member gets to be more fully part of the show. I love the moments of spontaneity you get out of that.” Hoffer is not always so spontaneous. For his transformation into Jinkx, “I’m very methodical and have routines about getting into drag. It takes about 3-3½ hours and I give myself a lot of time because getting into drag gets me into character.”
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., Jan. 10th 504.522.8049
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out front ...from 22 I suspect Hoffer once got into “drag” a lot faster. “I dressed up as a kid,” he said. “I was always trying to find more androgynous or gender neutral Halloween costumes. My Mom tried to protect me by making my witch outfit look more like a wizard. But all it took was seeing one drag show at age 14 in Portland [Oregon] to know that’s exactly what I wanted to do.” In the 15 years since, “it’s less outof-the-box to play around with gender these days,” Hoffer observes. “Counterculture is becoming more mainstream and celebrated even within the queer community. With [the success of] Drag Race, people are now realizing that we have more sides and gender is fluid; you don’t have to subscribe to one aesthetic your entire life.” After encountering Jinkx Monsoon for the first time in the 2014 edition of RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle of the Seasons at The Civic Theater (I’ll admit it—I didn’t tune into the show until Season 6 when Bianca was on it), I
wrote “Jinkx, with knock-out vocals and her demure but feisty persona, partLucille Ball, part-Shirley MacLaine, is unlike any queen I’ve ever seen.” But as I spoke to Jerick Hoffer, I discovered that Jinkx’s creator is also very wise, self-aware and articulate. Roy Haylock, asked to comment on his Drag Race predecessor, had his own take on Hoffer. “I love her and it’s rare that I say that about any of them. She’s a game changer. No one knew she had all the talent she had. She can go out there and belt and sing her ass off. She’s a hoot, fun to work with. We always have a great time when per-
forming together like Mame and Vera.” Bianca Del Rio then butted in. “I think she’s a cunt. But she takes everything personally so I gotta be careful what I say.” Told of Bianca’s comments, Jinkx airily replied, “I’m just so glad she’s finally getting her moment in the spotlight ’cause she worked for about 60 years to get there.” Despite Ms. Del Rio’s remarks, Jinkx (and Hoffer) are looking forward to returning to her successor’s hometown. “The last time I was here I got to walk around and have beignets and really, really enjoyed it. There’ll be more time this time to explore.” And where might he explore?”I always wanted to see the house where they shot American Horror Story: Coven since it was my favorite season of the show.” If you happen to be on Jackson Avenue in January keep your eyes open for him. When I asked Hoffer what is the one question that in all your interviews you haven’t been asked but would like to answer, he replied “What are you looking for in a partner?” which surprised me as I thought that would be any obvious query. I wasted no time in asking it. “Someone who’s very open-minded, very flexible, with an easy-going nature,” Hoffer answered. “I hope I’ll meet someone who’s a musician. I have a romantic dream of touring with someone I’m involved with.” Hoffer lamented that due to his touring schedule it’s difficult to maintain a relationship. “But if there’s a hippie stoner guitarist (or drummer or even ukelele player) out there who has a thing for vivacious redheads...” Having appeared in Seattle in such shows as Spring Awakening, Rent, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, I wondered if Hoffer had aspirations for Broadway. “I would be very interested if something right comes along,” he said. “But if I make it to Broadway I’d want to stay there and not be a flash in the pan.” Given that he’s been appearing in London, with plans to take his shows to even wider international audiences, and working with Major Scales on a new album of raucous, original music featuring universal stories with drag queen flair, I doubt that Jerick Hoffer/Jinkx Monsoon will ever be a mere flash in the pan.
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chop chop by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
Metairie Restaurant Guide Eggplant Parmesan @ Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St.
Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com, is a quaint eatery serving five different gumbos (ranked Top 5 Gumbos in the city), New Orleans favorites, house specials, specialty sandwiches, daily specials, appetizers and desserts all prepared by award winning Chef Ron Iafrate. Open Mon-Sat. 11am-9pm, closed Sunday.
BBQ Shrimp & Waffles @ Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres
New Orleans Restaurant Guide
Cheddar Burger @ Restaurant of The Year, Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St.
Shrimp, Andouille & Stoneground Grits @ The Country Club, 634 Louisa St.
Sloppy Roast Beef Po-Boy @ Gene's Po-Boys, 1040 Elysian Fields
Fried Chicken @ Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St.
Chargrilled Oysters @ Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St.
The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, www.bombayclubneworleans.com, 577.2237. The Bombay Club is host to an eclectic menu of British-Cajun fare, quality craft cocktails & unique martinis. Enjoy live music showcasing the most talented jazz musicians in New Orleans. Dining hours 4-10pm Sun.-Thur., 4-11pm Fri.-Sat. Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, 819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http:// broussards.com. A favorite fixture in New Orleans for nearly 100 years, Broussard’s is located in the heart of the French Quarter, featuring classic French and Creole food, old architecture, and tradition. Dining hours 5:30-9pm Tues.-Thurs. & Sun., 5:30-10pm Fri.Sat., 10:30am-2:30pm Sunday Brunch. Cafe Sbisa, 1011 Decatur St., 522.5565, www.cafesbisanola.com. Jazz Brunch is every Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 2:30pm served with “bottomless” champagne and mimosas. Enjoy dining under the giant famous “George Dureau” above the bar in the first floor dining room. All your favorites are available ...Crabcakes and Eggs, Eggs Sbisa, Eggs Benedict, Crawfish and Andouille Omelette, Grillades and Grits, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, Pain Perdu, and more. The restaurant also serves dinner nightly 5:30pm until 10pm. Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., www.TheCheezyCajun.com, 265.0045, is one of NOLA's restaurants serving a variety of Cajun foods including Boudin and Cracklins’ mixed with a variety of Wisconsin Cheeses, plus fab party trays. Open Lunch & Dinner 11am - 9pm Mon., Tues., Thurs. and Fri., closed on Wed., Brunch & Lunch 10am - 4pm Sat. & Sun. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days, 24 hours. and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let’s not forget their fab house made burgers grilled right under a hub cap, plus house made onion rings and then there’s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., 504.945.0742, www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com - Chef Chris Barbato’s food is attentive to detail and ingredient, with a focus on flavors that taste of the Creole South. Serving 7 days 10am10pm; Saturday & Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm (Reservations strongly suggested). Gene's Po-Boys & Daquiris,1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861, www.genespoboys.com, is famous for its New Orleans style po-boy sandwiches chockful of ingredients. Open 24 hours. Hop the Rampart/St. Claude Street Car Line... the last stop at Elysian Fields! Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro, offers home cooking and friendly service, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring plates, poboys, and daily specials. Breakfast Mon.-Sat. 6am-11am & Sun. 11am-1pm; lunch and dinner 11am-close. Hop the Rampart/St. Claude Street Car Line... the last stop at Elysian Fields! Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.com,"brings customers back to the Huey P. Long era with vintage-inspired cocktails & unique Creole and Southern dishes. Join us for dinner, or meet up with friends to relax at our cocktail bar.” Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746, features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Open Mon.Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri.-Sun. 11am-10pm. Orleans Grapevine Wine & Bar Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, is located in a beautiful renovated 1809 building offering a pleasant atmosphere, extensive wine list with 200 selections, and delicious food including soups, salads, appetizers, entrees and house made desserts that will delight any palate. Open daily at 4pm serving dinner Sun.-Thurs. 5-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm.
Spaghetti & Meatballs @ Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave.
Boudin Scotch Eggs @ The Bombay Club, 830 Conti St.
Mumbo Gumbo @ Chef Ron's Gumbo Stop, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie
Boudin Burger @ Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude
Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery.
Trout Eugene @ Cafe Sbisa, 1101 Decatur St.
Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com, is a casual classic, offering fresh-shucked oysters and fresh local seafood in a setting that follows the best traditions of dining in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter.
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Filet Mignon Broussard @ Broussard's, 819 Rue Conti
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Jeff & Lulu's St. Anna's Toy Drive @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Autour de la Ville ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Rip Naquin, Jeffrey Palmquist
Oz New Orleans
GrandPre's Christmas Party
ambush
paparazzi
Good Friends Bar
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Rawhide 2010
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28 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • J an. 3-16, 2017 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.c om GayMardiGras.c