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nola4women.org for more information. Visit LouisianaStateMuseum.org for updates on exhibit-related programming, including activities for families and children.
the "official" dish
25th Barkus Parade Feb. 19 @ Armstrong Park
by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
Wood Enterprises presents 53rd Annual Bourbon Street Awards with 13 Sponsors Feb. 28 The 53rd Annual Bourbon Street Awards show is set for Mardi Gras day, February 28 at 12noon. Wood Enterprises brings us this fantastic contest this year! International super star Bianca Del Rio returns as MC and is joined by New Orleans own Varla Jean Merman! The ultimate costume contest is brought to you by Good Friends Bar, Cafe Lafitte in Exile, Rawhide 2010, Clover Grill, Mary's Ace French Quarter Hardware, Ambush Magazine, Whitney Bank, Fire Ball, Red Bull, Bud Light, Tropical Isle, French Quarter Realty, and Glazer's Distributors. In 2017, the awards returns to where it all began to Wood Enterprises. This year the stage will be in the 900 block of St. Ann at the corner of Dauphine Streets, outside of Good Friends Bar with the stage facing towards Bourbon Street. (www.GayMardiGras.com/bbb.htm) Contest award prizes are worth a total of $3,000! Categories include: Best Drag, Best Leather, Best Group and Best of Show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each category. First place in each category wins $500 cash. The Best Overall Costume, the grandest award of all, garners a whopping $1,000 cash prize. Pre-contestant registration will be at Good Friends Bar, 940 Dauphine, on Lundi Gras, Feb. 27 from 12noon-4pm. Mardi Gras Day registration will be at Rawhide 2010 beginning at 10am. Contestant line-up is on St. Ann from Rawhide towards Dauphine. The 53rd Annual Bourbon Street Awards will be “The Best Free Show of Mardi Gras.” It is followed at 2pm by the 30th Official Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss (www.GayMardiGras.com/kcq) at the Ambush Mansion. The Trade Name, Service Mark, Bourbon Street Awards is being used by permission by the John L. Chisholm Family Trust.
The Mystic Krewe of Barkus is set for its 25th parade through the French Quarter on Sunday, Feb. 19 celebrating “Pirates of the Crescent City: Barkus Tells Tales of Jean LaFleabag!” The alldog krewe welcomes kind humans to come out to play with and celebrate this Mardi Gras tradition. It all starts at Armstrong Park 2-6pm.
The parade honors King Barkus XXV Maximilian T. Roth, son of Dr. Sherry Roth of Boca Raton, Florida; and Queen Barkus XV Athena Cooper, daughter of Barry Cooper and Stuart Smith of Miami, Florida.
“Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival” Exhibition Now Open @ The Presbytère The Louisiana State Museum, in partnership with the Krewes of Iris, Muses and Nyx, presents “Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival,” an exhibition commemorating the centennial of Iris and exploring the evolution of women’s krewes in New Orleans from the 1890s to the present. The exhibition is open at the Presbytère, 751 Chartres Street in New Orleans’ Jackson Square. Open through December 2018, “Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival” is part of the Women of New Orleans: Builders and Rebuilders exhibition initiative of the nonprofit nola4women, launched in honor of New Orleans’s tricentennial. Visit
inside celebrazzi/foodilicious moments in gay new orleans history snap paparazzi/mwindo bal xix snap paparazzi/amon-ra ball lii 30th gay mardi gras bead toss 53rd bourbon street awards under the gaydar trodding the boards mobile paparazzi
Giant Mardi Gras issue out Feb. 21 DEADLINE: Feb. 14 6 8 10 12 14 15 16 18 20
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Gulf South LGBT+ Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
25th Barkus Parade Route All dogs are eligible for various levels of membership in the krewe without regard to their social, educational or family backgrounds. All colors, coat types, tail sizes and body mixes accepted. Cosmetically and non-cosmetically challenged dogs are welcome. Bluebloods and previously homeless dogs encouraged to participate. Curious observers are welcome to come watch the parade, too. For parade registration and information, visit www.Barkus.org.
Krewe of Stars host 1st "Ball For All" Feb. 18 The Krewe of Stars is the first nonparading Mardi Gras organization that boasts it’s a “Ball for All”. The brain child of it’s Lieutenant of
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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
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
Stars, New Orleans entertainer Marshall Harris, this star krewe took to the skies when Harris recruited his longtime friend and fellow artist of all thing New Orleans, costumer & entertainment broker Carl Mack of “Carl Mack Presents” and proprietor of the brand new “Mardi Gras Museum of Costume & Culture” as Captain and coowner of this all new Krewe of Stars. The inaugural “Show Ball” is set for Saturday, Feb. 18 at Jefferson Performing Arts Center, 6400 Airline Hwy. in Metairie. [continued on 8]
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celebrazzi
Left: The 19th Krewe of Mwindo Bal Masque celebrated "Mwindo On Broadway" culminating with the elegant presentation of Queen and King Mwindo XIX Willie Glaze and Darren Gilmore at The Lion Center in New Orleans. The ball was under the direction of Captain Mwindo Bobby "Mackie" Wagstaff. Photo by Paul Melancon. ( w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / K r e w e - o f Mwindo-Inc-211696698488)
foodilicious
Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli 1100 Bourbon St., 504.529.1416 www.QuartermasterDeli.net
Fried Chicken Mondays Below: Queen and King Amon-Ra LII Regina Adams and Ronnie White brought to a climax the 52nd Majestic Krewe of Amon-Ra Mardi Gras Ball celebrating "A Night at the Opera...ahhh...OPRY" at the Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette, Louisiana. The ball was brought to you by Captain Amon-Ra LII Leonard Williams. Photo by Darwin Reed. (www.KreweofAmon-Ra.com)
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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
“LaRC: A Treasure Trove of LGBT+ History” One of the largest challenges facing the LGBT+ historian is a lack of primary source material. For much of the Twentieth Century, being LGBT+ was not something most people wanted to document, to do so was to essentially amass evidence of a crime that could result in prison sentences and / or commitment to insane asylums. Preserving materials that chronicled sexual otherness could also result in employment and housing discrimination, to say nothing of being ostracized from family and social networks. In New Orleans, we are fortunate to have the Louisiana Research Collection (LaRC) at Tulane University. Under the longtime tenure of Director Leon Miller, LaRC has made a concerted effort to collect LGBT+ themed materials. In fact, LaRC houses one of the largest collections of LGBT+ material in the state. The collection consists primarily of organizational records, personal papers, and ephemera.
the "official" dish ...from 4 It’s a “Ball for all”, so people from all walks are welcome to join the krewe. Simply buy your membership and you’re in. There are no restrictions to being a member, no rush parties, no judgment forms to fill out about who you are or where you’ve been. This krewe is only concerned about where we’re all headed together in the future, with just one simple rule “BE NICE OR LEAVE”. Ball Tickets are $50.00 each including ( 6:30pm ) pre-show party with food and cabaret entertainment, (8pm) one seat in the inaugural Show Ball, and (9:30pm) After Party/Dance Party. Membership is $150.00 each and includes: 2 “Show Ball” event tickets, entrance to all Krewe of Star events, all access to promote your events on all of our social media, krewe pin, and eligible to be nominated for Ball Tableau. Krewe of Stars “Show Ball” will feature performances by Charmaine Neville, Becky Allen, Jesse Terrebone, Marshall Harris, Carl Mack, Piano Man Jim Walpole, Louis Dudoussat, The NOLA Sow Girls, Cozy the Clown, Hannah Bialous, Reby Rae, Cari Roy, Tami Tarmac, JPAS, Carmouche Academy Band, Mardi Gras Indians, Burlesque Star Angie Zeiderman, Misti Gaither, and Cathie Chopin. For more information, visit www.KreweOfStars.com.
68th Gay Mardi Gras EVENTS/BALLS Saturday, February 18th... ~7pm, Krewe of Stars: Show Ball, Jefferson Performing Arts Center, Metairie, LA ~7pm, Krewe of Petronius Bal Masque LVI, Carver Theater, New Orleans Friday, February 24th... ~8pm, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Extravaganza XVIII: Hollywood Gone Bad, The Cannery, New Orleans Saturday, February 25th...
~8pm, Krewe of Armeinius Bal Masque XLIX: Festival of Festivals, Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center, Chalmette, LA Sunday, February 26th... ~8pm, Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXXIV: Magic To Do, John A. Alario, Sr. Event Center, Westwego, LA MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday), February 28th... ~12 noon, 53rd Annual Bourbon Street Awards, hosted by Wood Enterprises, with International super star Bianca Del Rio & New Orleans own Varla Jean Merman as MCs, in the 900 block of St. Ann at the corner of Dauphine Streets, outside of Good Friends Bar with the stage facing towards Bourbon Street. Pre-contestant registration @ Good Friends Bar, 940 Dauphine, Lundi Gras, Feb. 27 12noon-4pm, Mardi Gras Day registration @ Rawhide 2010 beginning @10am. Contestant line-up on St. Ann from Rawhide towards Dauphine. (www.GayMardiGras.com/ bbb.htm) ~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. (www.GayMardiGras.com/kcq)
Some of the organizations whose records are housed at LaRC include the Knights d’Orleans records, 19932006, the LGBT Community Center of New Orleans records, 1992-2010, the Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus records, 1980-2001. These records encompass everything to official correspondence to membership rosters to financial records to meeting minutes to bylaws. In addition to organizational records, LaRC preserves the personal papers of individuals who have played a significant role in local LGBT+ history. Two of the most important collections of personal papers include those of Skip Ward and Stewart Butler. After coming out as a gay man in 1971, he became an advocate for gay rights. In the 1980s, Ward became very involved in LAGPAC (the Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus), a political activist organization. Ward and his partner, Gene Barnes, began publishing a gay-themed newsletter and formed Le Beau Monde in 1981. Le Beau Monde was an informal social group of gay people who met regularly to “explore the humanistic and spiritual aspects of being gay.” Spirituality had always been an integral part of Ward’s life. As a child, his grandmother instilled in him a strong mistrust of organized religion, especially Christianity. Ward eventually became a life-long Unitarian Universalist, and went on to co-found the Unitarian/ Universalist Church’s Gay Caucus. Ward became associated with the Radical Faeries (a national organization for rural-based gender and sexual non-conforming spiritualists) and in 1994, he and Barnes acquired 12 acres of land in North Louisiana and called it Manitou Woods. It became a retreat space for spiritual communion and meditation. Stewart Butler was also very involved with LAGPAC. In addition, But-
Oz Kicks Off Mardi Gras Feb. 22 Oz kicks off Mardi Gras week on Wednesday, Feb. 22 with a special show night: CARNIVALE. Join GAA Show Bar of the Year as they unveil their brand new monthly themed edition of Show Night beginning with the kick off to Gay Mardi Gras! The show is hosted by 6x GAA Cheridon Comedy Award winner Persana Shoulders and stars the award-winning Ladies of Oz. 13x GAA DJ of the Year, Tim Pflueger, spins all night long with show time at
Persana Shoulders Host Oz Strip Off Thursdays @ midnight 10:30pm. The Jeff D Mardi Gras Comedy Cabaret is on Thursday, Feb. 23. Laugh Out Loud with local comedian, Jeff D and his Comedy Cabaret! Join Jeff, Carla Cahlua, Miss Louisiana
ler has also been very involved with the local chapter of PFLAG since its founding in 1982. Around 1988, Butler became a PFLAG Board Member and remains so to this day. In 1993, Butler chaired the National PFLAG Conference in New Orleans. In the 1990s, Butler led the charge to have transgender people included in the PFLAG Mission Statement. Consequently, in 1998, PFLAG became the first national gay rights organization to include transgendered people in its Mission Statement. Butler also took the local and national Human Rights Campaign (HRC) to task for their reluctance to advocate for transgender persons. Butler has also participated in three Marches on Washington for LGBT rights, the Southeastern Conference for Lesbians and Gay Men (SECLGM), Louisiana Lesbian and Gay State Conferences / Celebration, AIDS Memorial Marches, the New Orleans GLBT Community Center, and numerous voter registration drives. More recently, Butler helped found the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and currently serves on its Board of Directors. LaRC also houses an extensive collection of ephemera. Ephemera is defined as items designed to be useful or important for only a short time, especially pamphlets, notices, tickets, etc. Many ephemeral items may not seem significant during their brief lifespans, but over time become a wealth of historical information. These items include restaurant menus, posters for drag shows, matchbooks, and a host of other material. Yet another source of information are long since defunct publications such as newspapers and magazines. Copies of Impact, The Whiz, Rooster, and others may be found at LaRC. LaRC is located in Jones Hall at Tulane University and is open to the general public for research. Leatherette - Gia GiaVanni, and special guest comedians and drag queens as they entertain you and get you in the Mardi Gras spirit. DJ Tim Pflueger spins all night with show time at 10pm. It is followed by the Mardi Gras edition of Oz Strip Off at midnight! Boys battle it out to win $300 in cash and prizes sponsored by Swiss Navy Lube! Hosted by Persana Shoulders, it features celebrity guest judges and sexy gogos! Keep tuned for a sensational Mardi Gras weekend Feb. 25-28. The club's fabulous resident DJs (DJ Kyle D, DJ Tim Pflueger, and DJ JRB) will all weekend long with weekend hostess Persana Shoulders. Sexy gogos starring Seth Fornea, Jared Bradford, David Emmanuel, Stephen Land, Juan de la Torre, Samuel Lemar, and introducing Bryan and Hugo will be dancing on top of the bar for your viewing pleasure!
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Krewe of Mwindo Bal Masque XIX: Mwindo on Broadway @ The Lion Center ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Mwindo, Frankie Fierce
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Krewe of Amon-Ra Mardi Gras Ball LII: A Night at the Opera...ahhh...OPRY @ Sigur Civic Center ~ Chalmette, LA ~ Photos by Darwin Reed
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under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Book of the Month I love a good thriller with plenty of plot twists and turns and that is what my book choice for February has in abundance. The Girl on the Train is a psychological thriller novel by British author Paula Hawkins which debuted at number one on The New York Times Fiction Best Sellers of 2015 list. The book is sort of in the same vein as Gone Girl where the narrative waffles back and forth between characters and time. I always prefer reading the book before seeing the movie, so I can picture the events in my mind and see how it plays out on the big screen. The story is a first-person narrative told from the point of view of three women: Rachel, Anna, and Megan. Rachel is a budding alcoholic who is trying to pull herself together after the divorce from her husband Tom, who is now married to Anna. Every day she passes a house and fantasizes about its occupants lives; that cues into Megan who also has a tie to Anna unbeknownst to Rachel. Through coincidences and a chain of events, these three women’s lives collide and then someone disappears. The characters are vivid and deeply flawed and they also reveal little pieces of the truth as the novel goes on, so the reader never fully gets the complete picture at the beginning. The Girl on the Train is a page turner from start to finish as the clues come together. It is the perfect curl up on the sofa type book.
ing will also be validated for anyone who chooses to park in the LaSalle Garage (275 LaSalle Street) or the Saratoga Garage (111 S. Saratoga St.) This is a free event for both members and non-members.
Hot Happenings
Friday, February 24 The Friday Night Before Mardi Gras will host their 2017 Ball entitled Hollywood Gone Bad at The Cannery (3803 Toulouse Street) in Mid-City, an elegant venue that brings the “best of the worst of Hollywood” to life. This year’s theme encourages all things “bad” from Hollywood ... bad B movies, terrible plot lines, misguided facelifts, starlets and harlots ... wherever your trip down the Reckless Red Carpet may lead. The event is from 8pm to midnight. Music … Dancing … New culinary stations … A fabulous auction … Costume contest … For tickets or more information go to www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com.
It's Mardi Gras, let the good times roll. There is so much excitement in the air, the balls, the parades and the parties are in full swing. Here are just a few ideas for you to enjoy. Thursday, February 16 Come to the Gulf South Chamber’s Third Thursday Networking Social from 5:30 - 8pm at Tulane Medical Center (1415 Tulane Avenue). This event is hosted by our corporate sponsor, Tulane Medical Center. The event will feature free catering provided by Tulane Medical Center’s culinary team, refreshments, and free valet parking. There will also be tours offered for anyone interested in viewing Tulane Medical Center’s facility. This is a networking event so bring your business cards and your friends! The event will be held at the Reily Pavilion in the Tulane Medical center located on the 1st Floor. Free valet parking will be provided between 5:30 and 8:30 at the valet entrance of the hospital, on the corner of Tulane Avenue and S. Saratoga Street. Park-
Sunday, February 19 Miss Exotique is a drag show club pageant that is open to all types of drag queens regardless drag type, age, or size. The event takes place at the Four Season Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd) from 6:30 – 9:30pm. There are three categories of judging for the pageant: Evening Gown, On Stage Question, and Talent. There is no entry fee and there are a couple of spots open. Contact, John Joseph Delgadillo through Facebook, and he will send you the package for registration explaining the categories and how things will run. Their theme this year is “Exotic Flowers of the World.” Thursday, February 23 Roxxxy Andrews leads a fabulous cast live at The Four Seasons (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.), One night only! Direct from Ru Paul’s All Stars, Roxxxy Andrews brings her amazing talents to the city. Her show starts at 9pm. Come see this outstanding and spicy diva! Buy tickets on Eventbrite, or go to the Facebook page at Roxxxy Andrews Live at The Four Seasons.
Friday, February 24 The Scorpio Boys will be performing in this Mardi Gras special event at GrandPre’s (834 N. Rampart St) starting at 10pm. Bayou Boylesque will have Co-Creaters Poseidon S Davenport and Eros S Guillen alongside Danger Rockwell, Dionysus Sea, and Phathoms Deep!
Saturday, February 25 The Krewe of Armeinius returns for its 49th ball, presenting the Festival of Festivals, at the Frederick Sigur Center (8245 Judge Perez)! Doors open at 7pm with the Tableau at 8pm. Come experience the lavish costumes celebrating the festivals of the world. Come see the largest Gay Mardi Gras Krewe and the winners of the 2016 Bourbon Street Awards. See the ball and all its glory and experience this once in a lifetime event. Reserve your seat today. Gay Mardi Gras is a spectacle for everyone over the age of 18 gay or straight and the krewe welcomes everyone to come enjoy a well-hidden secrets of Mardi Gras since 1969. For information or tickets, go to www.armeinius.org. Saturday, March 4 I love this event which is near and dear to my heart. Wiener Dog Racing presented by Double M Feed, Garden & Pet Supply returns to Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots (1751 Gentilly Blvd.) from 1 – 7pm. The same format as seasons past will be used to crown the racing champion: 48 pure-bred dachshunds and six alternates will be selected to participate from all eligible applicants and will be divided into four heats of twelve dogs apiece. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of each of the four heats will compete in a final race to determine the champion. Top finishers will receive cash prizes with goodie baskets valued at $100 with the overall winner taking home $500 cash. For additional questions, please contact Leslie Monson by email at Leslie.Monson@fgno.com or by phone at 504.948.1231. General admission for wiener dog racing will be $5, with standard $10 clubhouse admission. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free.
East Jefferson General Hospital Broadway in New Orleans 2016 – 2017 season. Tickets start at $36.54 and will be available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, all Ticketmaster outlets and by phone at 800.982.2787. With a book by Tony® and Academy® Award-nominee Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni and choreography by Josh Prince, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical features a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil. Long before she was Carole King, chart-topping music legend, she was Carol Klein, a Brooklyn girl with passion and chutzpah. She fought her way into the record business as a teenager and, by the time she reached her twenties, had the husband of her dreams and a flourishing career writing hits for the biggest acts in rock ‘n’ roll. But it wasn’t until her personal life began to crack that she finally managed to find her true voice. Beautiful - The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King’s remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. It features a stunning array of beloved songs, including “I Feel The Earth Move,” “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “You’ve Got A Friend” and the title song.
Party Down
Are you ready for the Mardi Gras Madness! I am plowing through the holiday yet again. My schedule does pick up as the holiday nears. Even though my work schedule was incredSunday, March 5 ibly hectic during these last two weeks, Get your tickets for the Four Sea- I still managed to eke out some great sons (3229 N. Causeway) Crawfish fun which included balls, black ties, Boil. Join them for their first crawfish baubles and bowl parties. boil of the year! Tickets are $20 which So after a long exhausting first will be all you can eat and includes all work week, I went to my first social the fixings; they will also have ham- event on Saturday as I played emcee burgers on the grill for those who do not along with Princesse Stephaney and eat crawfish. You can purchase your the Drag King Ike Keeylla (butchered tickets at the link on Facebook. There his name no pun intended) at the St. will also be drink specials and music. Anna’s Raise the Roof fundraiser at The event is from 3 – 8pm. Mags 940. This fundraiser was to benefit Dodwell House to help with the Tuesday, March 7 – Sunday, outreach work at St. Anna’s providing March 12 for the good children and families of the Producers Paul Blake and Sony/ Treme. It was an incredible night of ATV Music Publishing are proud to music at this Vaudevillian style show announce the Tony® and Grammy® featuring The Storyville Stompers, Award-winning Broadway hit Beautiful Tsarina Hellfire Burlesque, Sidewalk - The Carole King Musical, depicting Serenaders NOLA, Darryl Durham and the early life and career of the legend- “The Collective” with many other speary and groundbreaking singer/ cial guests. Lots of money was raised songwriter, will make its New Orleans at this worthwhile event that brought a debut at The Saenger Theatre (1111 packed house to the bar. Canal Street). Presented by the New Sunday was a mixture of work and Orleans Theatre Association, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical is part of the [continued on 18]
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trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Vaudevillians at NOCCA How to describe The Vaudevillians? It’s a vehicle for the alter (drag) ego of a talented singing actor. It’s an absurdist comedy with music. It’s a jukebox musical with a wild comic streak. It’s a daring reinterpretation of some classic pop songs. It’s all of the above. Long before Jinkx Monsoon won Season 5 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jerick Hoffer (the mastermind behind Jinkx) and composer/musician Richard Andriessen created The Vaudevillians for them to star in as two vaudeville stars, Kitty Witless and Dr. Dan Von Dandy. Well, for their alter egos, Jinkx and Major Scales, to star in. Very meta. In any case, Kitty and Dr. Dan were frozen in an avalanche in the 1920s during their Polar Ice Cap Tour in Antarctica. Now, however, thanks to global warming, they’ve been thawed out and have discovered that since they didn’t copyright the songs they wrote, others have gone on to record them with highly successful results. They’re determined to perform these numbers with their “original integrity.” And so Madonna’s Music gets the ragtime treatment it was meant to have. Jinkx did a Charleston step during a reorchestrated Piece of My Heart stating that “a bastardized version of that song was done by another drug addict.” The songs, you see, are just a framework on which to hang Kitty and Dr. Dan’s back story. We learn early on that Kitty was, in her words, a “working girl.” Dr. Dan describes her as a “gutter level prostitute.” Words ensue (along with a wink or three to the audience) and The Vaudevillians reveals a “Punch and Judy” streak. But though Kitty and Dr. Dan fight, they do love each other despite their differences. As in any good marriage. As Jinkx/Kitty, Hoffer evokes a combination of Lucille Ball and Tina Louise. Sure there’s a certain demureness about her, but, like Ball, Hoffer is a gifted physical comedian; as s/he climbs on top of Dr. Dan’s piano the slapstick humping of the instrument recalls Lucy-esque situations. Later, you wonder, “How does she get that whole microphone in her mouth?” With her strawberry blonde hair, Kitty may look lovely in her pink floral dress, but one never knows what’s going to come out of her uncensored mouth; not only saucy words do, but grunts and screeches that serve as commentary on the action. Kitty’s wild persona seems like a train that threatens to go off the tracks at any second, but Hoffer’s talent ensures that it doesn’t in funny and surprising ways.
Hoffer also displays a truly impressive multi-octave voice that allows the musical numbers, like Britney Spears’ Toxic, to be entertaining on their own. As with Varla Jean Merman and Bianca Del Rio and their singular gifts, Hoffer’s unique blend of talents is raising the bar for drag performers. Andriessen, in plaid knickers and jacket, makes a fine foil to Kitty. If his Dr. Dan does not present as filigreed a characterization as Kitty’s, well, somebody has to play straight man. He also plays a mean piano. Seen last month at NOCCA, The Vaudevillians’ stylized cartoonishness (think Pee-wee Herman) got even wilder when Jinkx pulled an adorable 22-yearold up on stage to assist during Girls Just Want to Have Fun, recast as a suffragette anthem. With Kitty upsidedown in his lap, it was one of the, if not the, most outrageous bits of audience participation I’ve ever observed. In the show’s second part, with Dr. Dan in top hat & tails and Kitty wearing a fabulously constructed floor-length blue-sequined gown, a lecture on Ibsen’s A Doll’s House which built up to I Will Survive sung operatically, got laughs but went on a bit too long. Having covered territory from Adolf Hitler to Shirley Temple, I would’ve enjoyed hearing even more examples of these vaudevillians delightful madness. Next up in Mark Cortale’s Broadway@NOCCA series will be the return of 6-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald on March 31 as a benefit for The NOCCA Institute. She’ll be joined on stage by series host & pianist Seth Rudetsky. The performance will also include a special guest appearance by McDonald’s husband, Will Swenson, the Tony-nominated star of Hair and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The evening promises to be a seamless mix of intimate behind-thescenes stories from one of Broadway’s biggest stars – prompted by Rudetsky’s probing, funny, and dishy questions – and McDonald singing some of the biggest hits from her musical theater repertoire. No fan of Broadway should miss this event, particularly as it’s for such a worthy cause. For tickets and further information, visit www.broadwaynola.com or call 800.838.3006.
Coming Up Daniel Nardicio, the impresario who has conquered New York, will be presenting three events in New Orleans that should all be as tasty as a creamfilled King Cake. First up is the return of legendary director and raconteur John Waters with his one-man show, This Filthy World: Filthier and Dirtier, on Saturday, March 18, at The Joy Theater. Waters will tell stories about his childhood and early influences, his career as a film director, anecdotes about the making of each film, all sprinkled with gay references and wry observations about people’s foibles. This “Pope of Trash” will also answer audience questions. If previous appearances here are any indication, this man knows how to hold court with aplomb. On April 10, Dina Martina comes back to Café Istanbul with her new show Soft Palate, Fallen Arches. Selfdescribed as a “tragic singer, horrible dancer and surreal raconteur” with her gash of a mouth outlined in stop-sign red lipstick and a bushy jet-black mop of hair, Dina could pass as a frowsy, pixilated distant cousin of Elizabeth Taylor. Combining a free-spirited faux naif persona, out-there humor, and subversive wit, in her last two visits to New
under the gaydar ...from 16 pleasure at the King Cake Festival which has quickly grown to be one of the locals’ favorite festivals in the city. With literally thousands of people in attendance, this festival had it all, delicious kings cakes of every style and flavor, music, family fun, food trucks and my favorite thing, the King Cake Hamburger – delish! The next week did see me get out a little more. On Wednesday, I attended the opening reception of the LGBT Community Center at their new home at 2727 South Broad. Congratulations on their wonderful new space that has a very nice reading library, meeting rooms and a cute patio area. Stop by and say hi, or get in contact with them to host your social event or meeting at their location. The reception brought a huge crowd of supporters and was a wonderful opportunity to meet a vast new array of people. Thursday, the Ace Hotel hosted a hospitality reception for the party people in the city. They showed off their hip vibe to the hilt with an amazing vinyl DJ, champagne bar, delicious nouveau cuisine and sexy décor all adding to the wonderful atmosphere that makes the Ace one of the coolest hot spots in the city. The Amon-Ra Ball was the place to be on Saturday. This invite only ball was literally a who’s who in the gay community. I started the evening going to a pre-party at the Elizabeth Bouvier
Orleans, Dina has played to houses packed with a combination of hipster and arty types, gay and straight, all loving every minute of her hour-long performances. If her sets can feel shorter than they are, well, time flies when you’re having fun. Yet, counterintuitively, they also feel longer because they’re so jam-packed with solidly funny material. Not sure what this wonderfully witty and fabulously bizarre talent has in store for us this time, but I can’t wait to find out. As lagniappe, on March 19, Nardicio will be presenting the first annual Mr. Nude Orleans at colette club (822 Gravier St.). The creator of Mr. Nude York promises that it will be “an allnude, all-lewd, all-dude beauty pageant.” “New Orleans has always been such a sexy city that I just couldn’t resist having a Mr. Nude Orleans, which is allmale, but not limited to gay guys. We’re very open to contestants,” said Nardicio. Contestants will get a chance to show off their wares in a swimsuit competition, a strip-off, a hilarious Q and A portion, and the last part, the big reveal. “Let’s just say the competition will be stiff,” Nardicio added. [continued on 21] Chalmansion which just happens to be directly across the street from the Civic Center. We imbibed some champagne and noshes before we sashayed over to the Center for the festivities. The ball was wonderful especially returning royalty Chris and Mena who shined in their new outfits and their returning outfits. Another standout was Errol Rizzuto who was a very convincing Willie Nelson. Concluding the night was the lovely Regina Adams and the impeccably talented Rhonda Roget (aka Ronnie White) as the new reigning King and Queen of Amon-Ra LII. They looked marvelous. After the ball, we all returned back to the Chalmansion for a post-party which was even livelier than the ball. I ended my two weeks on Sunday with the Armienius social at their den, which was the last time the krewe is getting together before their ball, then we were off to Michael Shlenker and Don Schwinn’s Superbowl Party at their lovely estate. Talk about a wild game. I have to admit, I was nonplussed about either teams winning, but sort of glad the dirty birds did not get it. I was there for the commercials which were horribly lackluster this year. But making up for everything was Lady GaGa’s stupendous performance. It was solid from start to finish. I loved the drones at the beginning (which I am obsessed with doing for one of my clients now) to the final song where she catches the football and drops the mike. Pure gold! Well, that is my two weeks in a nutshell, until next time, stay safe on the streets and Mardi Gras on!
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20 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Feb. 14-20, 2017 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.c om
Order of Osiris, Krewe of Phoenix plus Mardi Gras @ B-Bob's/Flip Side ~ Mobile, Alabama ~ Photos by Miss Cie
m obile paparazzi
out front March 4 Event to Accompany Acclaimed Clarence John Laughlin Exhibition As part of its acclaimed exhibition about Louisiana photographer Clarence John Laughlin (1905–1985), The Historic New Orleans Collection will present two special events before the show closes on Saturday, March 25. New Orleans Museum of Art’s Freeman Family Curator of Photography Russell Lord will discuss Laughlin’s vast private collection of photographic prints on Saturday, March 4, from 9:30am to 3:30pm, THNOC will host a double-feature screening of two documentaries about the eccentric artist: “The Phantasmagorical Clarence John Laughlin” (2015) by Gene Fredericks and “Clarence John Laughlin: An Artist with a Camera” (2009) by Michael Frierson and Michael Murphy. The filmmakers for both works will be present to answer questions and discuss their films at each screening. The event is free and will take place at THNOC’s Williams Research trodding the boards Center, 410 Chartres St., where the ...from 18 exhibition is on view. Registration is The winner will take home $500 encouraged and may be made by and the chance to reign as Mr. Nude emailing wrc@hnoc.org or calling 504. Orleans. “They’ll be opening malls in 523.4662. Natchitoches,” laughs Nardicio. GentleDoors open at 9:30am. First film men interested in being contestants begins at 9:45am; “The Phantasmagocan find out more by emailing rical Clarence John Laughlin” (2015), a daniel@dworld.us documentary by Gene Fredericks. (Run There will also be dancing to the time: 90 minutes) tunes of DJ Johnny Dynell, a New York Although he is remembered primaCity-based DJ, producer, and rily as a photographer, Laughlin fresongwriter, who has been practicing quently described himself first as a his art and craft for over three de- writer, then as a book collector. Gene cades. Beginning at the seminal Mudd Fredericks’s 2015 documentary “The Club in 1980, Dynell went on to residen- Phantasmagorical Clarence John cies at Area, Boy Bar, Susanne Laughlin” stems from a 1977 interview Bartsch’s Copacabana parties, Elton with Laughlin about the book collection John’s Oscar parties and more. that consumed the artist’s compact St. Joseph’s Day may never be the Pontalba apartment. It is believed to be same again. the only known footage of the artist and
provides insight into his personality. Interviews from colleagues shed light on Laughlin and his unique approach. Following the screening, Fredericks will discuss the project and answer questions from the audience. Guests will have the option to break for lunch independently prior to the start of the second film. The second film begins at 1:40pm; “Clarence John Laughlin: An Artist with a Camera” (2009), a documentary by Michael Frierson and Michael Murphy. (Run time: 65 minutes) In the 2009 documentary “Clarence John Laughlin: An Artist with a Camera,” filmmakers Michael Frierson and Michael Murphy chronicle Laughlin’s life and career. Paying particular attention to the artist’s philosophies on art, writing, collecting, architecture and more, the film also illustrates Laughlin’s relentless drive to create and the importance of his legacy. Following the screening, both filmmakers will be on site to discuss their project and to take questions from the audience. The exhibition “Clarence John Laughlin and his Contemporaries: A Picture and a Thousand Words” features more than 250 letters and images exchanged between Laughlin and his peers. Gambit described the show as “a sprawling yet very personal exhibition that provides unusual depth and insight amid images ranging from [Laughlin’s] most
experimental to his most famous.” A Louisiana native, Laughlin ranks among the most significant artists in New Orleans history. Though his international reputation as a pioneer in experimental and surrealist photography took root during his lifetime, he was convinced of his isolation from the mainstream artistic community. His exhaustive written records and remarkable collection of images prove otherwise: Laughlin corresponded extensively and often traded photographs with his artistic peers. The exhibition encourages visitors to discover the enigmatic artist and make their own assessments of his work. While The Historic New Orleans Collection became the repository for Clarence John Laughlin’s photographs and personal archive, the artist donated his private collection of photography to the New Orleans Museum of Art. At this program, Russell Lord, curator of photography at NOMA, will explore the personal history that emerges from Laughlin’s collection, which exceeds 400 photographic prints, including works by Man Ray, Edward Weston, Carlotta Corpron, Imogen Cunningham, Wynn Bullock and Brassaï. When Laughlin donated the works by other photographers, he preserved not only their work, but also his assessment of what he knew and deemed important about the pieces. Even the briefest exposure to Laughlin’s work or his writing reveals that he had strong thoughts about his legacy, and he was equally particular about his own collecting habits.
GayEast erParade.c om • Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Feb. 14-20, 2017 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 21
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
circuit/events
classifieds
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 Oct. 26-29, 2017 Halloween 34, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.com Dec. 29, 2017-Jan. 1, 2018 Gay New Year's in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.com
costumes New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633
galleries New Orleans, LA [504] CASSELL-BERGEN GALLERY, 1305 Decatur St., cassellbergengallery.com, 504.524.0671
guides AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; marsha@ripandmarsha.com
groceries/delis New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416
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
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. [0118] 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!
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: ripna@ambushmag.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: ripna@ambushmag.com
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 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 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
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REAL ESTATE
1224 Piety Street, NOLA $189,000 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 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
Just renovated Bywater historic home on a deep lot. Features include real hardwood floors, new stainless appliances, tall ceilings & new HVAC. Call/Text Mark @ 504.655.2233.
M A RDI G RA S DE A DL I N E : Tues., Feb. 14 504.522.8049
real estate New Orleans, LA [504] Latter & Blum, Steven Richards Realtor, 504.258.1800, SteveRichardsProperties.com New Orleans Relocation, Realtors — gayowned boutique real estate agency for locals and newcomers. 504.273.0088 www.NOLArelo.com
retail/shopping New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 MARY'S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 XXXSHOP, 1835 N. Rampart St., 504.232.3063
services New Orleans, LA [504] Formal Connection, 299 Belle Terre Blvd. LaPlace, LA, 985.652.1195
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
GayEast erParade.c om • Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Feb. 14-20, 2017 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 23
Good Friends Bar Turnabout
The Phoenix
ambush
papar azzi
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C'est si Bon ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Paul Melancon, Jeremy Weinberg
The Corner Pocket
out front 18th Gay Easter Parade host 7th Sponsorship Party March 12 @ Food For Friends Kitchen The 18th Annual Gay Easter Parade kicks off 2017 festivities with its 7th Sponsorship Party on Sunday, March 12, 4-6pm. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, and has now raised an incredible $264,784.41 for charity the past 15 years. This year the party will be at the Food For Friends Kitchen located at First Unitarian Universalist Church on the corner of Jefferson Avenue and S. Claiborne in the Broadmoor area at 2903 Jefferson Ave. The kitchen is in the back of the church on Jefferson Avenue. This will give sponsors the opportunity to see what all the monies raised has helped Food For Friends achieve. This party is under the direction of GEP Board's Darwin Reed and Opal Masters. If you join the sponsorship party, each sponsor will receive complimentary Vodka, Pinot Grigio, Rose and Pinot Noir, bottled water and soft drinks, as well as a scrumptious buffet catered by Food For Friends. But the best prize is each sponsorship receives the coveted 2017 Easter Pin selected to signify the sponsors of the 18th Gay Easter Parade. Sponsorship levels include: Platinum $1,000, Gold $500, Silver $250 and Bronze $100. Sponsorship forms will be available at the party and are also available at www.GayEasterParade.com. The afternoon reception will honor Easter Grand Marshals XVIII who will be announced in the next edition of Ambush Magazine. The Food For Friends (FFF) Program of NO/AIDS Task Force has been
supplying groceries, household/personal care products, and home delivered meals to clients and their families in the greater New Orleans area for over two decades. FFF is one of the 38 programs that NO/AIDS Task Force offers to the HIV and AIDS infected and affected community. NO/AIDS has been serving the community for over 30 years. The remaining events include: Saturday, March 18th, 15th Spring Fever Extravaganza @ Four Seasons with VIP Reception 6:30-8pm, Show 8-10pm, $15 donation, under the direction of GEP Board's Tittie Toulouse and Electra City; Saturday, March 25th, 9th Eggstravaganza @ GrandPre’s, 7:30-9:30pm, $10 donation under the direction of GEP Board's Monica Synclaire-Kennedy and Tony Leggio; Saturday, April 1st, 16th Super Star Studded Drag Extravaganza @ Oz, $10 donation, under the direction of GEP Board's Rip & Marsha NaquinDelain; Saturday, April 8th, 811pm, 18th Purple Party Easter Grand Marshals Reception @ Double Play, $10 donation, hosted by GEP Board; Friday, April 14th, 7-9:30pm, 8th Bunnies in the Big Easy, location TBA, under the direction of GEP Board's Tony Leggio and Monica Synclaire-Kennedy; and Sunday, April 16th, 4:30pm, 18th Gay Easter Parade hosted by GEP Board. Parade information including carriage prices/reservations will be available after Mardi Gras. Sponsored by Ambush Magazine, more information is available at www.GayEasterParade.com or www.Facebook.com/GayEasterParade.
GayEast erParade.c om • Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Feb. 14-20, 2017 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 25
The Country Club
GrandPre's
ambush
papar azzi The Golden Lantern
CrescentCare
The Balcony Bar @ Lafitte's
26 • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • Feb. 14-20, 2017 • Of fic ial Gay Mar di Gras Guide • GayMar diGras.c om
Rawhide 2010
Autour de la Ville ~ Metairie, New Orleans ~ Photos by Misti Gaither, Paul Melancon
Four Seasons, Metairie
a community within communities by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Mardi Gras The following was written a few years ago. I tweaked it but it still reads true in a community that is reacting to the forces of bigotry, misogyny, and homophobia. Those forces perceived or real have gotten us down. So……. FAT FAT FAT Tuesday, corpulent fun, a bacchanal to end all bacchanals. Costumes that are racy and discreet, brazen and bawdy, sweet and petite. Mardi Gras. It is time for the fantastic fun of a day of revelry and libation. Young, old, middle aged, there is usually something for everyone. I suppose for this city it is the big blowout before we all go on a diet, quit cigarettes, start exercising, lose ten pounds, and destroy the credit cards and other “Lenten disciplines.” As a native I remember Mardi Gras quite differently. The Krewe of Carrollton rolled down Carrollton Ave. The Krewe of Comus rolled down Bourbon Street as the closing act. The French Quarter did not “close.” But then again the Quarter had half the t-shirt shops, door men stood at clubs for a peek inside, four or five jazz venues and Frenchmen Street was still residential. It was the days of the Upstairs Lounge and Charmaine’s Bar. It was a town when the Half Fast Marching Club actually walked and no one knew where the “real” parade route for Zulu was headed. Ah the golden age. That same age in which little Ruby Bridges and ten others 54 years ago desegregated New Orleans Public Schools to howling parents chagrin. The first Gay Mardi Gras krewe was the Krewe of Yuga or “KY.” This krewe was formed to satirize the straight, aristocratic Mardi Gras traditions in 1958. In 1962, the Krewe of Yuga threw its first ball at a badly chosen sight, a private children’s school. No sooner had the tableau begun with Queen and Maids expectantly waiting the adoration of the spectators when police cars roared up and the ball was raided. Doors were locked and people were unceremoniously hauled to jail. Ah, the golden age. In those days many in the LGBT community stayed in the closet. There was nothing new about Gay men in New Orleans. They had been silently acknowledged, you know, the bachelor men that moved to the French Quarter. Guys like Tennessee Williams would sojourn to this dowager-Queen City and discover who they really were. One did not say they were gay it was simply understood. That was then and this is now.
Now some old timers might grumble that “it’s all commercialized!” Perhaps, but today we have the great Drag Queen contest and no one gets arrested; at least not for being Gay. Today the Public School system while in disrepair is fully integrated as far as public access goes. Yes, it has its issues but none the less fully integrated. Today in addition to Mardi Gras we have Decadence, Gay Pride, and Essence Festival. No my dear we are still not quite there. Other issues need to be settled like the apparent swing toward “conservative values” and the potential for a turning legal system that takes three steps back according to legal rights of minorities. Turbulent times perhaps reflected most sarcastically with Krewe du Vieux foisting political and social critique upon us as only such a parade can. The laconic days of the 1950s and 60s are gone. Some of which many of us sorely miss. But, the 21st century has given us many gifts of social justice, equality, and hope. It is hard to sort all that out, it truly is, and it’s confusing sometimes because as a community we want so desperately to think of a golden age. Perhaps this IS the Golden Age, at least for some, and I am not talking about “the One per cent.” I am talking about you and me. In the middle of this confusing, rapid paced, age of technology there are glimmers, more than glimmers, bright stars of hope and equality. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is near and at hand.” It always has been in the hearts of people like Stewart Butler, or, perhaps in the heart of A.P. Tureaud and Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The Kingdom of God that Jesus spoke of knows no shame in being who we are created to be nor to celebrate our common life. The Kingdom of God is an on-going process drawing us closer to “the beloved community” of hope and hospitality. So, party hard on Mardi Gras, last flash of the flesh. Be safe; be thankful, that today you can be who you are in the streets of New Orleans. Maybe not in Sochi or Syria but certainly in New Orleans – we have at least that going for us. Then make your humble supplication to the creator and sustainer on Wednesday thanking him/her for all the current, past, and future blessings that we are imbued with. For it is after all, “the sacrament of the present moment.”
out front Hidden Treasures of the Louisiana State Museum: Carnival Edition February 16 For all you hardcore Carnival fanatics, join the Friends of the Cabildo and the Louisiana State Museum for one night only as they open the impressive Carnival Collection for an exclusive behind-the-scenes viewing of historic costumes and other rarely seen artifacts. Wayne Phillips, Curator of Costumes and Textiles for the Louisiana State Museum, will guide you through an indepth, first-hand look at Carnivals of years past through a tour of the storage rooms of the State Museum, usually off limits to the general public. Hidden Treasures of the Louisiana State Museum: Carnival Edition takes place Thursday, February 16. Tours are at 6pm and 7pm at the Louisiana State Museum’s Collection Storage Facility, located at 1000 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. Cost is $25.00 per person or $20.00 per person for Friends of the Cabildo/ Louisiana Museum Foundation members. Reservations are required, and space is extremely limited. No tickets are sold at the door. For more details and to reserve your space, please contact Rachel Strassel at the FOC Office 504.523.3939 or purchase online at www.friendsofthecabildo.org. Friends of the Cabildo is a private non-profit volunteer group that provides financial and volunteer support for the Louisiana State Museum, its projects, and its properties. Since incorporating in 1956, the Friends of the Cabildo has grown into a large statewide membership organization, a dynamic and motivating force in broadening and supporting the aims of the Louisiana State Museum.
NOLA Leather to Geaux Returns March 10-12 New Orleans’ only Leather, Kink and Fetish Run returns for the third year March 10-12. The Frenchmen Hotel at 417 Frenchmen Street is the host hotel for this year’s event. Join locals and visitors who will be wearing their gear and enjoying all that New Orleans has to offer for a fun weekend of parade watching, food and maybe a little debauchery. Participants will be welcomed with a cocktail party at the hotel where they may watch and catch beads from the Molly’s at the Market Irish Parade as it rolls through the Marigny on Friday, March 10 at 6pm. Following the parade, the festivities continue with a social at the Rawhide bar in the French Quarter. Walking history tours of the French Quarter are on the agenda for Saturday with the group convening later that afternoon at the Phoenix Bar for dinner, Naughty Bingo and a Beer Bust. Sunday will wrap up with the very popular Springtime Brunch on GrandPre’s patio. Registration is available at www.nolaleathertogeaux.org by clicking on the “Do Attend” link. Do it now before the rate goes up in early February! Make your hotel reservations now for the Frenchmen Hotel by calling 504.945.5453; be sure to mention “NOLA Leather to Geaux” for the special rate. More information can be found at www.nolaleathertogeaux.org; questions can be directed to nolaleathertogeaux@gmail.com; and also see us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/NOLALeathertoGeaux).
GayEast erParade.c om • Sout hernDec adenc e.c om • Feb. 14-20, 2017 • Facebook.com/ AmbushMag • The Official Mag© © : AmbushMag.com • 27