2 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com
GayMardiGras.com • GayEasterParade.com • July 3-17, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 3
the "official" dish by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain Email: ripna@ambushmag.com
A Message From Publisher Rip Naquin Thank you for all your well wishes! I am out of the hospital and working on the next issue. We did not publish 6/20 due to my health crisis.
Southern Decadence "Electrified" Southern Decadence will celebrate Electrified as its 2017 theme, chosen by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLIII Persana Shoulders, Princesse Stephaney, and Coca Mesa. The colors chosen are NEON!!!! ALL NEON with Silver accents; Persana: Neon Blue and Electric Royal Purple; Coca: Neon Lime Green and Electric Tangerine Orange; Princesse Stephaney: Neon Pink and Electric Red. The official charities are NOAGE (New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders), and the Dodwell House (which will supply a permanent home for programs that will help reduce poverty and inequality, provide outreach to at-risk children, offer health and wellness resources, and maintain a cultural crossroads for the diverse population served by St. Anna’s Episcopal Church). The official anthem is THE SOUTHERN DECADENCE XVLI ‘Official Mega Mix 2017 featuring: Neon Lights: Demi Lovato, Me Too: Meghan Trainor, Cake by the Ocean: DNCE, Queen of the Night: Whitney Houston, DJ/Producers:
DJ Tim Pflueger, DJ Brian McCombs, DJ Eddie Mitchell, Music Video: Gary Nolan. Official Poster Designer and Photographer: Designer Nicole Lynn Foxx, Photo by Roy Guste. Coming Events: July 4, 2p.m., Busted Underwear Contest, with Hot Dogs and Buns @ Mag's 940: 3p.m., 4th Potato Salad Contest @ GrandPre's July 8, 10p.m., Snatch Game @ Allways Lounge July 9, 4p.m., Champagne "BareFoot" Sponsor Gathering @ Mag's 940 July 13, 7p.m., Southern Meets Decadence Soiree July 14, 9p.m., Variety Drag Show @ Mag's 940 July 19, 7p.m. LGBT History and Cocktails presented by Crescent City Tour Booking Agency @ Palmmesa Mansion July 28, 9:30p.m., Lube Wrestling @Mag's 940 July 29, 1p.m., Poker Run @ Mag's 940 August 2, 10a.m. Historic French Quarter Walking Tour presented by Crescent City Tour Booking Agency @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile August 11, 10p.m., HollyWOODDrag GAyME Night, @ Main Street Lounge, Houma August 16, 10a.m., Voodoo Cemetery Walking Tour presented by Crescent City Tour Booking Agency @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile August 25, 7p.m. dinner & 10p.m. drag show, @ Vaughn's Lounge
LGBT+ Archives Project Enters Its Fourth Year On June 8, the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana held its annual membership meeting and thus entered its fourth year of existence. The meeting was held at the Marigny Opera House and highlighted the importance of oral history. Keynote speakers included Bonnie Gabel and indee mitchell, Directors at Last Call: Queer Histories/Queer Futures, and Mark Cave, Senior Curator and Oral Historian at the Historic New Orleans Collection. In addition to hearing about current oral history projects, members of the Archives Project also elected officers and board members. The results are as follows: President—Frank Perez, Vice President—Tiffany Charles, Secretary—
out July 18 insideDining Out For Life, Bleather Weekend DEADLINE: July 11 celebrazzi snap papparazi moments in gay nola history a community within communities snap papparazi under the gaydar trodding the boards
6 8 10 10 11 15 16
classifieds classifieds out front commentary
Gulf South LGBT+ Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 828-A Bourbon St. • New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 • 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
18 19 21 22
Jim Meadows, Treasurer—Jessica Troske, board members—Rose Barbee, Stewart Butler, Mark Gonzalez, Wayne Phillips, Chloe Raub, and Sam Stover. In 2012, Stewart Butler, Otis Fennell, and Mark Gonzales founded the Legacy Project with the goal of compiling oral histories. Completing one interview, the group realized that the time, logistics, and money involved were overwhelming and the Legacy Project slowly dissipated. The need and desire to preserve local gay history was still strong and from the ashes of the Legacy Project, the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana rose. In June 2013, a handful of dedicated and interested people began meeting to discuss the necessary action of preserving all parts of our local LGBT history and how this endeavor might be undertaken. One of the organization’s first steps was to survey local libraries and collections to determine what LGBT-related holdings already existed. Questionnaires were sent to archivists at several local institutes and several on-site visits were made to local repositories. In October of that same year, the Society of American Archivists held their national conference in New Orleans and a few members of the group’s LGBT Roundtable met with members of the LGBT+ Archive Project of Louisiana. Holding a community meeting in November, the group set out to gather input from the public. After numerous months of information gathering, the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana adopted its mission statement. In June 2014, the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana was officially born at a public meeting where bylaws were adopted and officers elected. Aiming to educate the public about the importance of historical preservation, the Archives Project also aims to share how individuals can safely entrust local archives with the care of the historical treasures they possess. The mission of the Archives Project is promoting and encouraging the protection and preservation of materials that chronicle the culture and history of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community in Louisiana. To that end, the Project’s main purpose is educating the community on the importance of archiving LGBT+ historical materials and making them available for future generations to access, research, and study. By developing financial resources to assist in the preservation and availability of certain LGBT+ collections, the Project hopes to help promote the proper maintenance and preservation of historical LGBT+ materials and then index, publish, and maintain a current list of these materials and where they are located. Since its founding, the Archives Project has facilitated the donation and processing of several private and organizational collections to the Louisiana
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
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 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-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
State Museum, the Louisiana Research Collection, the Historic New Orleans Collection, the Newcomb College Archives, and others. The Project has also proved to be an invaluable resource to writers, researchers, filmmakers, and graduate students interested in local LGBT+ history. For more information on the LGBT+ Archives Project, visit https:// www.lgbtarchiveslouisiana.org
4 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com
GayMardiGras.com • GayEasterParade.com • July 3-17, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 5
celebrazzi Oz celebrates Pride
Corner Pocket celebrates 35th Anniversary photos by Darwin Reed
6 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com
GayMardiGras.com • GayEasterParade.com • July 3-17, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 7
NOLA Pride Weekend photos by Hubert S. Monkeys
snap paparazzi
8 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com
GayMardiGras.com • GayEasterParade.com • July 3-17, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 9
moments in gay new orleans history by Professor Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Pride in Our History: A Timeline 1724 1805 1848 1848 1876 1922 1930 1933 1939 1940 1946 1949 1953 1955
First written reference to homosexuality in New Orleans Sodomy outlawed in Louisiana Walt Whitman lives in New Orleans Gaston Pontalba designs cast-ironwork on Pontalba Buildings Tony Jackson born William Spratling moves to New Orleans George Dureau born Café Lafitte opens James Booker born Frances Benjamin Johnston moves to New Orleans Tennessee Williams writes A Streetcar Named Desire Dixie’s Bar of Music relocates to Bourbon Street Steamboat Club founded NOPD Superintendent declares homosexuals “Number 1 vice problem”
a community within communities by The Very Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
INDEPENDENCE DAY 1 Peter 2:13-25 God’s gonna trouble the waters… The noted passage in 1 Peter, a part of the Christian Bible, is a text that has been used to justify slavery, justify the Divine Right of Kings, and to generally authorize violence against any oppressed person. Yet in part it reads: “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free [persons] but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the community of believers…” INDEPENDENCE DAY! The yoke of oppression for some was tossed off and the Western world was forever changed. The ideals of the founding fathers of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are no less true today as ideals as they were then. Ideals are funny things. They are not derived from simply “doing the right thing.” They are something that goes beyond. Ideals, such as our founding ideals, are indeed spiritual by their very nature. They demand a certain heart set rather than mind set. This is true INDEPENDANCE and its vision is part of the spiritual realm as part of the working of humanity. So, in some ways is the voice of early Christianity at odds with the quest for Independence? Is true Christianity the faith of the powerful worked out
against oppressed humanity? Is ‘organized’ religion either the drug of the masses or the machine of mind and spirit control? It could be. But is it? And, does it have to be? Girls, it’s messy. Most religions do not start off to control and maintain control. Most religions organize truths, express them in orderly ways, and attempt to mold society around its expressed ideals. Somewhere along the line they become rigid and institutional. Then, they become inward looking and concerned about self preservation. When that happens the spirit is suppressed and ideal becomes symbolic rather than attainable. Then control enters the picture to complete the sad response to faith and deity. INDEPENDANCE DAY! In a sermon to about 20 young folks from Washington, I was reminded that the Christian Ideal is not lost. It is sometimes overwhelmed by extremes but it is not lost. 20 kids came from privileged homes to New Orleans IN THE SUMMER to help work with us to rebuild. Do you know names like Gutierrez, Sobrino, or Segundo? INDEPENDENCE! Have you heard of Luther Place in Washington D.C. or Church of the Saviour in that same city? INDEPENDENCE! Mary McLeond Bethune, Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day, Elisabether Schussler Fiorenza, INDEPENDENCE! These names or places each represent healthy religious responses to a broken world.
1958 1958 1958 1958 1960 1961 1962 1963 1965 1967 1968 1970 1971 1971 1971 1972 1972 1973 1973 1974 1975 1977 1977 1977 1977 1978 1978 1979
Krewe of Yuga founded; birth of Gay Carnival Fernando Rios murdered in Pirate’s Alley Mayor Morrison creates “Committee on the Problem of Sex Deviates” Tony Bacino’s bar raided six times New Orleans chapter of Daughters of Bilitis founded (year is approximate) Krewe of Petronius founded Tee Corrinne attends Newcomb College Institute John Rechy’s City of Night published Krewe of Amon Ra founded Claw Shaw charged in the JFK assassination Krewe of Armeinius founded Gay Liberation Front local chapter founded GLF holds a “Gay-In” at City Park Barbara Scott runs for House of Representatives New Orleans Metropolitan Community Church founded first Southern Decadence party Tulane University Gay Student Union founded Up Stairs Lounge arson Gay People’s Coalition founded Gay Services Center founded Gertrude Stein Society founded Anita Bryant protest and march Charlene’s opens Impact founded Serial killer murders four gay men Faubourg Marigny bookstore opens Pink Triangle Alliance hosts city’s first Gay Pride rally Gayfest founded
You will find their names in such themes as Liberation Theology pushing back against powerful institutions including the church on behalf of Central and South American peasants. The Social Gospel Movement pushing back against prejudice, racism, and the marginalized. The Feminist – Womanist movement which seeks to eradicate sexism and to neutralize patriarchal structures so that all humans enjoy INDEPENDANCE! Look up some of these names. What you will find is a radical re-interpretation of what we have come to think of as the Gospel and Epistles of the Christian Bible. Look them up and see what some of them had to say. Very often they were suppressed by the very structures that taught and raised them up. Yet, there they stand, apart from that which seeks to self serve and in solidarity with Jesus and humanity in a real and practical way called “praxis.” So what was Peter prattling on about? He talks about slaves submitting to masters; he exhorts the people to “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men” (1Peter 2:13)The seminal phrase often overlooked is “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.” By word, example, by life and living among all people we make look foolish such things as hatred, anger, loathing, sexism, economic injustice. While Gandhi is credited with being the father of non-violent resistance, one can well make the case that indeed Peter is the great grandfather of social non-violent resistance. “When they
hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered he made not threats.” Neither did he go away, nor did he hide, nor did he capitulate, nor did he go into the closet, nor did he become invisible. The sound that beats down angry shouts the most is laughter; the thing that confounds the face of hatred the most is a kindly smile; the act that binds a neighborhood the most is walking it without guile; the engine of justice is holy anger worked out not in self righteousness but in right action. Right action is grounded completely and utterly in compassion. “For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk...” INDEPENDENCE DAY, celebrate with family, friends, neighbors, a nation for it is that ideal that remains alive and is played out. INDEPENDENCE means freedom from domination, hatred, and coercion. Independence does not mean the freedom to hate or oppress but rather freedom from hatred and oppression. It is precisely this idea and ideal that was first made true and real when the first nail was hammered in hard on the cross of Christ . . . let us make hatred foolish with a smile, an act of kindness, sadness for disparity, and joy for those that walk in dignity and Independence. It is more important now than ever in my lifetime that we walk with integrity and cling to a faith that proclaims that the captives are free! The world is increasingly becoming dangerous and voices are surfacing that we have not heard since the 1920’s and 30’s. We, as the anthem says, “Shall overcome.” It is perseverance in the face of injustice that makes us always and everywhere a people of God. Be blessed, have a hot dog or mimosa and thank our creator for giving us the heart to hope.
10 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com
NOLA Pride Weekend photos by Hubert S. Monkeys
snap paparazzi
GayMardiGras.com • GayEasterParade.com • July 3-17, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 11
12 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com
GayMardiGras.com • GayEasterParade.com • July 3-17, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 13
14 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com
Splash Down: A Sexy Pool Party In Space. The event takes place at Maison De Mccarty (3820 Burgundy St.) from 6 – 10 p.m. For $20 you receive admission, door, all you can drink, and food an astronaut would circle the moon for! You like surf rock? We got surf rock! Courtesy of the phenomenal band Ghost Coast! Come splash around for a good cause, or just cause! Buy tickets for all our parties AND 2018: A Space Oddity Ball, go to www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com.
under the gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com Photo by: Larry Graham
Hot Happenings I love the month of July, there are so many things to do and summer is full on! Here are just a few of the hot (literally) happenings coming up. Wednesday, July 5, 2017 I love seeing movies in unique spaces. The Catahoula Bar (914 Union Street) is presenting their Rooftop Cinema and it is a great one – “But I’m A Cheerleader.” Get your gay on and come out to see this fabulous movie starting at 8 p.m. Friday, July 7, 2017 Miss Gay Four Seasons LA USofA is the first preliminary to Miss Gay Louisiana USofA 2018 at will be at the Four Seasons Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd). There is a $10 cover and doors open at 7 p.m. This pageant has helped produce the last two Miss Gay Louisiana USofAs! The theme is It’s All About and Asian Night. At 8 p.m. the pageant will begin. Friday – Sunday, July 7 – 9, 2017 The 10th Annual Running of the Bulls at San Fermin in Nueva Orleans (SFNO) is the city’s most incredible Summer Spectacle! Join thousands of runners as they roam the streets of New Orleans and party with hundreds of Rollerbulls (roller derby skaters with horns on their helmets and plastic bats in their hands) from around the globe during the Encierro. There are several events that are both ticketed and free and open to the public. The number one event is the actual running of the bulls (or Rollergirls) on Saturday morning. For tickets and more information, go to www. http://nolabulls.com. Saturday, July 8, 2017 It is that time of the year for one of the most fun and festive fundraisers in the city – the 3 rd Annual Johnny Passion’s Smatch Game fund raiser for Southern Decadence. The event takes place at 10:30 p.m. at the Allways
Lounge (2240 St. Claude Avenue). This year, there will be new celebrity panelists and judges as well as some fun production numbers. General admission is $15. Saturday, July 8, 2017 Come watch male contestants show a little leg for charity at Mr. Legs XVII Presented by Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust at Generations Hall (310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.) starting at 6 p.m. The contestant that raises the most money for Bridge House Grace House through ticket sales, sponsors, or donations is awarded the coveted title of Mr. Legs. The 2017 Emcees are Mike Hoss & Natalie Shepherd. Prizes are also awarded for best costume, hairiest legs, sexiest legs, and more categories. The event features food, a complementary bar from 6-8 PM, music, a raffle, and silent auction. Named one of the Best 11 Parties in New Orleans in 2015 by NOLA.com. For tickets, go to www.bridgehouse.org. Friday, July 14, 2017 The Lords of Leather is hosting their Bastille Day Beer Bust at the Phoenix *(941 Elysian Fields). Vive La France!! Show your “oui oui” and get a free Jello Shot! Of course, we will let you ‘eat cake’ too! Cake by Suga By M@! Historically - The storming of the Bastille (jail) was a turning point in the French Revolution against Louis 16th and Marie Antoinette (who is credited for saying, “let them [the poor] eat cake.”) And who doesn’t love their cake eaten? There is a $10 donation which gets you unlimited Keg Beer, cheesy poofs, sodas (if you prefer) and of course, Leather Love and Laughter! Proceeds go toward Bal Masque XXXV to be held on Sunday, February 11, 2018! Saturday, July 15, 2017 The Friday Night Before Mardi Gras is hosting a sexy fun fundraiser for the LGBTQ community entitled Blast Off/
Sunday, July 16, 2017 Get ready for the Lords of Leather Annual Luau at 3026 North Rampart from 2 – 6 p.m. There is a $15 ticketed donation in advance, $20 donation at the door! The event features Mr. Nude Orleans! Come for an afternoon of burgers, hot dogs, snacks, drinks (yep, those kinds of drinks too) and a cool/ refreshing swimming pool. There will be auction items available, and, the $1,000 Cash Winning Raffle Ticket will be drawn! Proceeds go toward Bal Masque XXXV! Wednesday, July 19, 2017 The Catahoula Bar (914 Union Street) is presenting their Rooftop Cinema and just in time for Tales of the Cocktail with their showing of what else - “Cocktail.” Get your drink on and come out to see the movie starting at 8 p.m. Tom Cruise is waiting. Friday July 21, 2017 In conjunction with the exhibition “Pride of Place: The Making of Contemporary Art in New Orleans”, five films by iconic movie director and artist John Waters will be screened in Stern Auditorium throughout the summer. Waters’ photography is featured in the exhibition. All movies start at 7 p.m. beginning with Pink Flamingos (1972). FREE to NOMA Members and teens (13-19) | $12.00 adults | $10.00 seniors (65+) & active military with ID | $8.00 university students with ID | $6.00 children (7-12). From Rottentomatoes.com: “Renegade filmmaker and noted aficionado of expressive bad taste John Waters exploded into international infamy with this darkly comic, no-budget parade of the perverse (his third feature film, and first in color), in which plus-size crossdresser Divine stars as Babs Johnson, a flashy criminal on the lam from the FBI who is hiding out in a trailer outside of Baltimore, Maryland. While Babs would prefer to be left in peace, she takes great pride in her status as ‘the Filthiest Person Alive’ — an honor confirmed by one of America’s sleazier tabloid newspapers — and when Connie and Raymond Marble (Mink Stole and David Lochary) announce their plans to take the title away from her, Babs is not about to stand idly by. Shot on a budget of only 12,000 dollars, the film has grossed close to ten million dollars around the world, and its success launched John Waters into a career as
America’s leading authority on poor taste.” (Rated NC-17 | 1 hour, 33 minutes)
Book of the Month What does it mean for someone to be an asshole? That is what is pondered and discussed at length by Aaron James in his new book, Assholes: A Theory. And in this day in age, this book is more timely and helpful than ever expected. Assholes are all around us or so we think and say, but are they the real problem or are we. After reading this book, I found myself soul searching and discovering that in more than a few ways, I have tendencies to be an asshole. In fact we all do, and the person who says they do not, should read the book, Deluding Myself: The Truth – just kidding that one is not a book. So what does it truly mean to be an asshole? The answer is not obvious, despite the fact that we are often personally stuck dealing with people for whom there is no better name. Try as we might to avoid them, assholes are found everywhere and in multiple iterations: smug assholes, royal assholes, the presidential asshole, corporate assholes, reckless assholes. There are chapters illuminating all of these kinds of behaviors. Asshole management begins with asshole understanding. Now this is where the book waffles between comedy and tragedy. The comedy is how the people act, the tragedy is that they really believe they are doing nothing wrong. In an age of raging narcissism and unbridled capitalism, many of what James’ says rings so close to home. These concepts he describes are practical, as understanding the asshole we are stuck with helps us think constructively about how to handle problems he (and they are mostly all men, women are considered bitches and there is a chapter devoted to them) presents. We get a better sense of when the asshole is best resisted, and when he is best ignored—a sort of pick your battles mentality. So if you want a self-help book that is more about how to deal with the crazy around you, then this is the perfect read for you.
Party Down Pride in New Orleans was a fantastic time as it grows bigger and stronger each year. The two weeks leading up to the Pride weekend was filled with all kinds of excitement, from cocktail parties, parades, Abba and even Kelly Ripa. So let the fun commence. On Wednesday, I started my week by attending Countess C Alice’s birthday party at one of the fine restaurants in Kenner, The Golden Corral. I have to admit, it was my first time in the establishment. It may not look that way, but I tend to shy away from buffets. But I [continued on 16]
GayMardiGras.com • GayEasterParade.com • July 3-17, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 15
trodding the boards by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
New in New York Sure, the world is a mess, the headlines depress, and it doesn’t look like this will be getting any less for a while, but if you happen to be in Manhattan, three new Broadway shows can help you effervesce. For a few hours at least. If you’re searching for the epitome of a feel-good musical, head to the August Wilson Theatre for Groundhog Day, the stage adaptation of the classic Bill Murray film. As you may recall, Groundhog Day tells of Phil Connors, an arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman who, during an assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, finds himself caught in a time loop, repeating the same day over and over again. After doing all sorts of illicit things and even committing suicide numerous times, he begins to re-examine his priorities and finds a new outlook on life. Under Hugh Vanstone’s phenomenal lighting that provides every-hourof-the-day variations for wintry Pennsylvania luminescence, Rob Howell’s wonderful pop-up set is reminiscent of a classic Hallmark holiday card. Librettist Danny Rubin, who wrote the original screenplay, wisely hasn’t tampered too much with what worked the first time. If the show takes a little while to spark up, once things start repeating, it settles into an appropriately sweet’n’sour groove, conquering the challenge of replicating the same scenes by keeping it fresh with slight modifications. As Phil, Andy Karl starts out marvelously obnoxious and off-putting, but because of this handsome actor’s innate decency, you gladly become invested in Phil’s Twilight Zone-ish dilemma. (Overcoming an accident in previews, Karl was still wearing a knee brace when I saw the show a few weeks later, but it certainly didn’t inhibit his performance.) The lovely Barrett Doss takes on Andie MacDowell’s role of Rita Hanson, a local TV producer forced to work with Phil, who falls in and out and in love again with him. Making her Broadway starring debut, Doss charmingly displays both toughness and vulnerability, and should have a major career ahead of her. Director Matthew Warchus and composer Tim Minchin, who successfully teamed up for Matilda the Musical, reunite for Groundhog Day. Warchus’s fabulous staging is endlessly inventive conjuring up car chases and a whole townful of people. Without
resorting to the mega-bucks of movies, Warchus creates stage magic through imagination, particularly in Act Two’s If I Had My Time Again. Minchin’s lyrics, especially in Act One, burst with gleeful, sardonic wit, but then, along with Rubin’s book, reveal an emotional depth in the second act and, for the most part, get even better. A couple of numbers, one in which Phil consults some fraudulent doctors and another for a secondary character, seemed unnecessary but were tolerable. I just wish two things were different in Groundhog Day: (a) that Minchin’s tunes were more memorable and character-defining as they were in Matilda; here, the melodies come off as generic with none lingering after the curtain comes down and (b) that Phil’s eventual conversion to nice guy was less easy, more earned; whether it’s something in Rubin’s book or Karl’s inherent niceness with its hints of an eventual happy ending, as opposed to Murray’s orneriness, the final emotional pay-off could be more substantial. Don’t let these reservations, however, stand in your way of seeing this exuberant and funfunfun show. “Fun” is and isn’t a word I would use to describe Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812. Not fun because, well, it’s based on a section of Tolstoy’s “laff riot” War and Peace and deals with innocence corrupted, disillusion and all those other wacky things Leo T. is known for. But FUN! because Rachel Chavkin’s brilliant immersive staging presents Dave Malloy’s sung-through adaptation with such ebullient ingenuity that only a humorless Bolshevik would not thoroughly enjoy it. Comet begins with tasty pierogies being served by cast members and a Prologue that, somewhat unnecessarily, tells you how confusing this story will be. But once it settles down, Comet presents a fairly straightforward tale of love and passion, sex and jealousy, family drama and difficult lessons learned. Malloy’s score, accurately described by the composer as an “electropop opera,” blends Russian folk and classical music with rock and jazz influences for a unique experience. Wildly boisterous chorus numbers alternate with gorgeous, touching arias in minor keys that bring out the characters’ yearnings and sad situations. Mimi Lien’s spectacular set transforms the Imperial Theatre and allows actors & musicians to move freely throughout it. While apparently there
isn’t a bad seat in the house, I sat on the stage with a magnificent view of the auditorium and an occasional bead of sweat or spit landing on me from a performer excitedly declaiming right behind me. Some audience members even get pulled into the action. The topnotch cast and chorus, nearly all of whom play instruments as well as sing and dance, bestow welcome diversity on Tolstoy’s Russians. Denée Benton makes an adorable Natasha; along with Brittain Ashford (the noble Sonya) and Gelsey Bell (forlorn as Mary) each break your heart in different ways. Nicholas Belton scores as both a doddering father and his suave son. Amber Gray imbues the manipulative, licentious Hélène with earthy naughtiness. Pop star Josh Groban, who recently completed his run, made Pierre a worthy sad sack, doomed to be disap[continued on 22
under the gaydar ...from 15 hate to admit it, this place was actually pretty good. There was a chocolate fountain bar, seriously. Anyway, there was about twenty of us who had dinner and caught up while wishing Daryl (aka Countess) a wonderful birthday. The following day, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted their quarterly Business After Hours at the Orpheum Theatre. This beautifully restored showplace for the city was introducing the hospitality community to their new party venue open in their basement area called The Ice Pit. The Orpheum is a nearly century-old Beaux Arts theater in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District. Built in 1918, this iconic space has hosted vaudeville acts, silent films, movies, Mardi Gras balls, weddings, and countless concerts. The Ice Pit was the room underneath the theatre where they brought large blocks of ice to cool the space upstairs. An elaborate set of air ducts were used to move the cold air from the basement throughout the venue. Now it is a party place that would be perfect for a Speakeasy theme. The only thing I did besides work my first weekend was go and see Wonder Woman at the Broad Theatre. Oh my Hera, they did bring the Amazonian princess’ story to vivid life. I loved the movie and it was even more fun that some people dressed in costume. We will don a disguise for just about anything in this city. On Tuesday of the following week, I did more in one night then most people do all weekend. First, I attended a little hospitality event at Galatoire’s which was as expected fabulous. One of the premier old line restaurants in the city still is as incredible as always, from the food and service to the splendid atmosphere. Most people know about their main dining rooms, but there is a host
of private rooms you are able to hold your event within upstairs including a third floor space for about thirty people with a private balcony. If you have not been to Galatoire’s in a while, it is about time to go back and revisit an old friend. The next day Harrah’s hosted a hospitality event at their restaurant on Fulton Street, Manning’s. More than just a sports bar, this venue has a private room upstairs for private events that overlooks the street with a balcony and spacious courtyard below. Friday, I kicked off my Pride weekend with two gatherings in the French Quarter. The first was to celebrate Stephen Perry, CEO of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, who was the honorary grand marshal this year of the Pride Parade. Dustin Woehrmann and Jeff Hebert opened up their lovely French Quarter abode for an elegant soiree. There were politicos, hospitality powerhouses, media and a host of local celebretantes present. Mark Romig gave a moving toast followed by Stephen himself who is an incredible supporter of the LGBT community. And what a setting, Jeff and Dustin’s house is just spectacular. Afterwards, some friends and I caught the tail end of the Halloween New Orleans happy hour party at Good Friends Bar. There was a packed house upstairs and we get ready for another big holiday in New Orleans. Our city does not have any reasons not to throw a party. Halloween in June, perfect. Saturday was all about Pride. I know Pride has been growing steadily every year, but this year I felt like there were more people in town to celebrate Pride here than in years past. Also, I loved all the corporate sponsors and all the entries in the parade. The block party outside The Phoenix in the Marigny was a great change of pace and a perfect location for the event. The booths were both informative and had talented vendors and the entertainment was phenomenal. They actually had a performer doing fun disco dance music. It was amazing to dance in the street to Anais St. John performing her Donna Summer show. Then the parade itself was one of the crowning achievement of the weekend. I even got to meet Jake Shears and Ms. Kelly Ripa (who I LOVE!). Opting to be a spectator this year, I enjoyed it just as much as if I was in the mix, but I have to say, I may have to be in the parade next year. After the parade, we hit the bars for more cocktails hanging in the Marigny at Mags 940 and The Phoenix. Congrats to the Pride team on another banner year. I ended my two weeks on the couch almost all day Sunday having a day of rest and recuperation while I binge watched “Death in Paradise,” a BBC murder mystery television show. Surprisingly yes, I have days like that, where you need to recharge your batteries to get ready for the next two weeks. So here we go!
16 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com
GayMardiGras.com • GayEasterParade.com • July 3-17, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 17
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
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. 20-22, 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 Feb. 9-13, 2018, 69th Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.com Easter Sunday, April 11, 2018, 19th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.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
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
18 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com
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
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.
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,
theatres New Orleans, LA [504] CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM
tours New Orleans, LA [504] Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, (LGBT Business of the Year) 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM
REAL ESTATE
www.genespoboys.com Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.com Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, www.OrleansGrapevine.com Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net
Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com
photography
real estate
New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
restaurants
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
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,
New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264
retail/shopping
1224 Piety Street, NOLA $189,000 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.
NEXT DEADLINE:
Tues., July 11 504.522.8049
GayMardiGras.com • GayEasterParade.com • July 3-17, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 19
20 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com
out front by Brian Sands
Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
Roger and Over ...to the New Orleans Museum of Art Before Miranda Lash, the New Orleans Museum of Art’s first curator of contemporary art, departed NOLA to take a position with the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky, she was talking with renowned Julia Street gallery owner Arthur Roger about his personal art collection. She asked him, “Would you ever consider donating it?” Roger replied, “Would you want it?” Lash answered, “Of course!” Thus began the process that culminated on June 23 with the opening at NOMA of Pride of Place: The Making of Contemporary Art in New Orleans which explores the rise of modern and contemporary art in New Orleans. The exhibit features more than seventy works from Roger’s transformational gift of his entire personal art collection, one of the most groundbreaking in the city, and runs through September 3. Asked why he did this now, Roger
responded, “I didn’t like this idea of waiting till you die to give [the collection] away. Seems strange to me.” He added, “So I did something without thinking about it. It’s really ‘Do now, think about later.’” Roger’s collection includes such important artists as Ida Kohlmeyer, Lin Emery, Gordon Parks, Willie Birch, Douglas Bourgeois, Robert Colescott, George Dureau, Simon Gunning, Deborah Kass, Robert Polidori, and John Waters. Susan Taylor, Director of NOMA, commented, “It is a privilege to welcome into the museum’s collection a
Male Head (1983) by Robert Gordy
dynamic group of artworks that reflect Arthur’s lifelong commitment to contemporary art, and invaluable contributions to the art and culture of New Orleans.” The collection, said Roger, “speaks to New Orleans culture, the gumbo philosophy of not being a purist and discovering in many different areas. But it still holds together. [From the glass creations of] Dale Chihuly, who appeals to people who just enjoy looking at art, to Willie Birch’s provocative pieces about race to John Scott’s 4x8 foot woodblock of Louis Armstrong’s mother who was a Storyville madam, a work created with a chainsaw but the end product looks as though it was gracefully done.” When Roger first started planning to open a gallery in the 1970s, he admits that he “didn’t know what I was doing. I had worked in the Quarter, but my mother had to mortgage her home in Chalmette to help me start the gallery on Magazine Street in the Garden District.” That was in 1978. “The first few years starting up the business were rough,” Roger observed, “but what really turned it around was the development of Poydras Street with contemporary buildings for the first time.” Roger was selected to assist in installing public art in some of them including the Hotel Inter-Continental and the PanAmerican Life Insurance Company. By the 1980s, “Julia Street was being developed and the location was very popular with young professionals who were moving there. We [i.e., gallery owners] took on spaces that nobody else was interested in at the time,” Roger said. In 1988, he moved to Julia Street in the Warehouse District in a space designed specifically for his gallery. “With its wide windows, it was much more conducive to showing art.” Roger has long been involved with and a supporter of LGBT causes, particularly the NO/AIDS Task Force, both through hosting its Art Against AIDS benefit at his gallery in the late 1980s and his involvement with Halloween New Orleans for which he chaired the Saturday night costume dance party for many years. (I also covered him in Amsterdam when he won medals in Gay Games V’s bodybuilding competition, but that’s another story.) Not surprisingly, many LGBT artists will be represented in Pride of Place including Catherine Opie, Anderson & Low, Robert Gordy, and Robert Mapplethorpe as well as Dureau and Waters, five of whose iconic films will be screened in NOMA’s auditorium throughout the summer. Roger proudly states, “Most of my artwork is pretty extroverted and definitely pulls you in like the works by Mapplethorpe and Opie, two of the most iconic self-portraits by LGBT
Self Portrait/Cutting (1993) by Catherine Opie artists.” Yet, Roger continues, “the reaction to the gay perspective in some of these works, such as Opie’s or Mapplethorpe’s, is no longer as shocked as it once was and that’s a great thing.” In fact, sometimes viewers don’t know a “gay” thing when they see it. Roger chuckled as he said that when the Pride of Place curators positioned John Waters’ Rush (2009), which depicts an oversized bottle of poppers, at the exhibit entrance, “they didn’t know what Rush was.” He seemed very satisfied that some (many?) visitors to the exhibit won’t know what it represents either. Asked if he might start collecting again, Roger said with some resignation that there’s “no way that that opportunity still exists in the same way. Many of these works are no longer available or I couldn’t afford them.” (Yes, gallery owners have to buy works for their own personal collections, though artists may sometimes gift them with art.) “I don’t want to try to replicate [the
Rush (2009) by John Waters collection] because I could never do it again.” Roger summed up his approach to art this way, “What draws me the most are the artists who challenge me whether about politics or sexuality or anything topical. That’s what artists do the best and that’s what I respond to the most.” Hopefully the viewers who will enjoy Roger’s collection at NOMA’s Pride of Place exhibition, as well as individual pieces from it when they appear on display in the future, will feel the same way for many years to come.
GayMardiGras.com • GayEasterParade.com • July 3-17, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 21
commentary by Frank Perez E-mail: f.perez@sbcglobal.net Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM
Trump’s Budget to People Living With HIV: “Bye, Felicia!” President Trump recently released his proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2018 and it’s filled with bad news for a lot of people. The proposed $4.1 trillion budget includes massive funding cuts to Medicaid, student loans, food stamps, disability benefits and other programs primarily geared to assist poor and middle-class people. Among those Americans hardest hit will be those living with HIV. According to the Treatment Action Group, an independent research and policy thinktank on healthcare issues related to HIV, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis, Trump’s budget calls for: · A 20% reduction in research funding at National Institutes of Health · Elimination of the Fogarty International Center (which trains HIV researchers) · A 20% cut in funding CDC (Centers for Disease Control) HIV prevention programs · $59 million in cuts to the Ryan White Program · Elimination of the Secretary of Health and Human Services Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative · Cutting $700 million from PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief) · Cutting $225 million from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS · Eliminating funding for global health commitments to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative and microbicides research The New York Times estimates these budget cuts will result in one million preventable deaths. Stated more bluntly, Trump’s proposed budget will literally kill a million people. And that number only refers to people living with HIV; it does not include the millions more who will be adversely affected by the virtual elimination of Medicaid. In addition to its utter disregard for human life, Trump’s proposed budget also exemplifies a contemptuous disdain for scientific research. “Another way of continuing to blatantly undercut the value of science is to defund science and programs that implement the fruits of our investments,” says Mark Harrington, Executive Director of TAG. GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis observes, “This budget would pull the rug from under some of America’s most marginalized communities, including transgender women of color, at a time
when they need our help the most.” She goes on to call the budget “heartless and the latest example of the administration working to systematically erase LGBTQ Americans from the fabric of this nation.” Stated another way, Trump’s budget is a big “Fuck You” to the working poor and a very specific “Bye, Felicia” to those living with HIV. And, true to republican values, the bill calls for tax breaks for the wealthiest among us, as well as for an increase in military spending. In other words, make war, not love.
Let Your Voice Be Heard The republican plan to repeal and replace Obamacare will effectively take away health insurance from over 22 million Americans in order to give a massive tax cut to the wealthy. If you oppose this draconian legislation, call your senators and let your voice be heard. Senator Cassify: 202-224-5824; Senator Kennedy: 202-224-4623.
NEXT DEADLINE: Tues., July 11 504.522.8049 ripna@ambushmag.com
trodding the boards ...from 16 pointed; he also played the piano & accordion and never overshadowed his fellow actors. Best of all is Lucas Steele as the aristocratic, seductive Anatole; not only does he look like the porn star his name conjures up, but, more importantly, he precisely gives off that ineffable alpha male quality, even when playing the violin, that the swaggering Anatole demands. Paloma Young’s costumes are sumptuous. Bradley King’s Tony-winning lighting’s superb. Sam Pinkleton’s high-spirited choreography delights. The only thing I could’ve done without was a duel scene which seemed to take place in a disco circa 1990; it just seemed to
needlessly break the carefully created mise-en-scène of the rest of the piece. Otherwise, in this neo-Cold War era, unlike most other things Russian, Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 justifiably triumphs. Over at the Lyceum Theatre, chaos triumphs over order and madness triumphs over sense in The Play That Goes Wrong. This award-winning comedy from London shows, with acrobatic precision, what happens when everything conspires against an amateur theatrical troupe attempting to put on creaky murder mystery. The fun here starts even before the play proper commences as the actors roam the theater interacting with audience members, one of whom will have a semi-significant part to play onstage. Once the plot tumbles into action, Play sends up every possible theatrical bugaboo—doors that don’t open, lines written on hands, missed cues, warring egos, misplaced props, etc. etc. The acting (of the play within the play) may be classically bad but Play pays tribute to the fortitude of those applause-hungry actors who persevere at all costs no matter what’s occurring around them. Everything, including the faux programme within the Playbill, may be over-the-top but in the world of Play, a perfect logic justifies the shenanigans as mishap builds upon mishap. Its philosophy seems to be “Do. Then Overdo.” I say that with admiration. Perfect also is the timing of the tremendously talented Mischief Theatre krewe that began Play’s life in a London fringe theater before moving to the West End in 2014 where it subsequently won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. Don’t expect Shakespeare or Noel Coward here, though; Play emanates a spirit more in keeping with Monty Python or Mad Magazine. It’s that rare show—Starlight Express was another—where you actually fear for the performers’ safety as one technical glitch, in the play itself not the titanically disaster-prone play within, could lead to an accident that would make Andy Karl’s look mild. On Nigel Hook’s ingenious, yet seemingly gimcrack, Tony-winning set, Director Mark Bell squeezes out every bit of slapstick and knowing humor. So many hysterical moments abound that your face is likely, as mine did, to hurt from laughing. The entire Mischief-making cast is crackerjack. My favorites were Dave Hearn as an airheaded leading man and Nancy Zamit as the stage manager turned leading lady diva. You may have others such as the dim-witted sound guy (Rob Falconer) or pompous director (Henry Shields one of the writers along with Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer who are also in the show). Just one caveat. As sublimely silly as Play is, it exists in a rather narrow
universe of a fantastically done version of a fiasco; though the variations are nearly as many as in Groundhog Day, once you get the basic premise, that’s it. Do see it, but be aware that Mischief’s follow-up The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, currently running in the West End where I saw it last September, presents the more expansive story of the titular robbery which goes horribly wrong with even wilder results than Play. What’s next for Mischief? The Farce About the American President? Not sure if that would qualify as comedy...or tragedy.
Wine Lovers at Teatro Wego! through July 16 [Jefferson Performing Arts Society is presenting Wine Lovers for six performances at its theater in Westwego. Below is an edited version of my June 2010 review when it played at Le Petit.] A one act musical in which the audience samples six wines throughout the show. Sounds gimmicky, yes? Well, it is. But it’s well done and enjoyable, so who cares? And there are those six glasses of wine. Wine Lovers serves up Charles Thompson, an oenologist and host of a wine seminar which Brian and Katherine are attending. Though their immediate pairing is like red wine and fish, by the time they get together at the end, you’re left feeling as bubbly as the Poema Cava (Brut) that’s being poured. The book by Travis Kramer, Gary Negbaur & Michael Green gets the job done and if some parts are silly, such as a detour into game show territory, HollyAnne Palmer’s smooth direction gives off a pleasing bouquet. Negbaur & Green’s songs feature lyrics that are witty without being especially deep and tunes that are appealing if not particularly memorable. But neither deep nor memorable is called for here. The only significant problem is that, especially at the start, despite the cast’s fine diction, the lyrics often come too fast to sink in and so whole chunks of the songwriters’ efforts do not make the impression they should. On Joshua Palmer’s authentic-looking wine bar set, into which animation is well-integrated, Holly Cruz choreographed simply and effectively eschewing any need for Broadway-esque razzmatazz. As for the wines, I thought three were very good, one was good, and two I didn’t care for. But, hey, I’m a theater critic not a wine critic, so go and decide for yourself. [This production is choreographed by Lauren Lim Jackson, and features Alex Martinez Wallace (Charles Thompson), Eli Timm (Brian), Hannah Rachal (Katherine, first weekend), and Bailey Purvis (Katherine, second weekend).]
22 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com
GayMardiGras.com • GayEasterParade.com • July 3-17, 2017 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 23
24 • The Of g©: Amb ushMa g.com • J ul y 3-17, 2017 • Of n Decadence Guide • Souther nDecadence .com Offficial Ma Mag©: AmbushMa ushMag Jul uly Offficial Souther Southern SouthernDecadence nDecadence.com