THE OFFICIAL GAY MAGAZINE OF THE GULF SOUTHâ„¢
A Biweekly Publication Celebrating LGBTQ Life, Music & Culture Since 1982 VOLUME 36 ISSUE 19
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2018
Southern Decadence Highlights
www.AMBUSHMAG.com
HUNGOVER? Live Shows
Play Girlz The Music of
Senator Ken Fridays 7:30–9:30pm
hosted by Gia GiaVanni
Fridays 10–11:30pm
The Music of the
Vanessa Carr Band Saturdays 7:30–9:30pm
Divas R Us starring Monica Synclaire-Kennedy
Saturdays 10–11:30pm
Here, the party doesn't stop!
The Half-Assed Straight Boys Sundays 3–9pm
Help us raise funds for Winter Wonderland!
Best L GBTQ
Bar
Golden
The Official Home of Southern Decadence.
Jubilee: Dragging for Jesus with Reba Douglas Sundays 5–7pm
Best Happy Hour
in the Quar ter!
THE
Lantern
1239 Royal St. New Orleans • facebook.com/GoldenLanternBar
HAPPY HOUR 8AM – 8PM DAILY
N E V E R A C O V E R AT THE GOLDEN LANTERN
THE “OFFICIAL” DISH by TJ ACOSTA, PUBLISHER
Dear Ambush Nation, Another successful Southern Decadence is in the books! What a great weekend with thousands and thousands of wonderful people enjoying all that New Orleans has to offer. There were so many wonderful events highlighted by the Grand Marshals Parade on Sunday. Flip through the pages of this issue of Ambush for pictures of it all. A big thank you goes to all the people who helped make this year’s event a huge success. That includes all the bartenders, barbacks, waiters, performers and everyone working in the service industry in and around the Quarter. I’d also like to give a shout out to our friends at the Golden Lantern, Grand Marshals Frank Perez and Adikus Sulpizi, and everyone who helped coordinate the parade on Sunday. The weather held up. Huge crowds watched the incredible parade. The costumes of the Grand Marshals and their entourages were simply amazing! It was great to see such a diverse group of people participating in the parade and also enjoying themselves along the parade route. And of course, we at Ambush would like to thank everyone who came out to enjoy and partake in the festivities. Whether you live here in Nola or traveled from afar, we thank you for being here and supporting our
local gay community and businesses. If you missed Southern Decadence this year, we hope you can make it next year. If you want to come to New Orleans before then, Halloween is just around the corner! GAY HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS I walked into a store last week and was amazed to see that they had Halloween decorations from floor to ceiling. Then I realized that Halloween is less than 2 months away and I started to get excited. Halloween has always been a fun holiday to celebrate in New Orleans. With our history of voodoo and magic, and a host of crazy characters running around the French Quarter, it can sometimes seem as though Halloween is never too far away. While Halloween has been a big weekend in Nola for over 30 years, in large part because of Halloween New Orleans (HNO) and its annual fundraiser for Project Lazarus. More recently, it has evolved into an adult holiday and has grown by leaps and bounds. This year Ambush is excited to provide you with the Official Gay Halloween Guilde. Much like our Official Southern Decadence Guide, we will have a comprehensive list of all the holiday’s events, parties, performers and more! For a quick preview, HNO
Inside this Issue of Ambush Snap Paparazzi: Krewe Party Fever
7
Tricentennial Profiles in History: Banjo Annie
8
Snap Paparazzi: Before the Parade
9
Moments in Gay New Orleans History: Rev. Bill Larson’s Grave Gets Military Plaque
10
Snap Paparazzi: 2018 New Orleans Pride Run & Walk
11
Under the GayDar: New Orleans Hot Happenings
12 13
Snap Paparazzi: Southern Decadence by The Dusty Rebel
15 & 17
Snap Paparazzi: The Southern Decadence Parade Snap Paparazzi: At the Survivor’s Bar Crawl
19
Snap Paparazzi: Saturday in the French Quarter
21
Pride Corner: New Orleans Pride Announces 2019 Royalty
22
New Film and Podcast Focuses on Conversion Therapy
24
Big Freedia Joins CrescentCare & Chevron to Fight HIV
26
Snap Paparazzi: Out & About with Tony Leggio
27, 31, 39 28-29
Party Down The Last Word: An Autobiography. Quentin Crisp
30
Bartender of the month: Toby LeFort at the Bourbon Pub
30
Trodding the Boards
32-33
New Dreams
34
A Community within Communities: Southern Decadence Highlights!
35
LGBT Owned & Friendly Business Directory 5 Common Social Security Questions Answered
36-37 38
will once again have its weekend lineup of events including the renowned Saturday night party with DJ Kitty Glitter at the Contemporary Arts Center. Oz will have a great group of DJ’s for the weekend including DJ Hector Fonseca and DJ Joe Gauthreaux. Halloween will be here before you know it so keep checking Ambush for the latest and most up to date information on all the hot gay Halloween weekend events! MARK YOUR CALENDARS Friday Night Before Mardi Gras (FNBMG) is having a grant donation and volunteer appreciation party at 700 Club on Sunday, September 23, from 4 to 6 pm. They are teaming up with their friends at Belle Reve and presenting them with a grant donation. This is a great way to meet new friends and learn about the history of FNBMG. Everyone is welcome and appetizers will be served. 700 Club is located at 700 Burgundy Street. The Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans, the oldest LGBTQ church in the city, will be having a fundraiser at Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown on Tuesday, September 25, from 11 am to 9:30 pm. The money raised will help support the ministries of MCC. Simply dine in or take out and write “MCC” on your receipt and LPK will donate a portion of your ticket to MCC. LPK Uptown is located at 615 S. Carrollton Ave. The Krewe of Armeinius once again hosts its Cocktoberfest celebration on Saturday, October 20, from 7 to 10 pm at its den located at 433 N. Broad Street. There will be German food, beer and entertainment along with several competitions. Competitions include a beer chug contest, sausage eating/deep throat contest, a fireball contest and Chicken Scheiss Bingo. All the money raised from this ticketed event helps the Krewe put on its annual Ball during Mardi Gras season.
ADVERTISE Looking to reach the LGBTQ community from Texas to Florida?
Print rates start as low as $96 per issue!
40-42
Sports
Gulf South LGBTQ Entertainment & Travel Guide Since 1982 New Orleans, Louisiana info@ambushpublishing.com
sales@ambushpublishing.com
Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1M+ 260,000+ Print/780,000+ Online Official Gay Easter Parade Guide© Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© Official Gay New Orleans Guide© Official Pride Guide© Official Southern Decadence Guide©
LETTER TO THE EDITOR info@ambushpublishing.com CIRCULATION
Alabama - Mobile; Florida - Pensacola; Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell, Monroe, Alexandria; Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi
PUBLISHER TJ Acosta EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Reed Wendorf SENIOR EDITOR Brian Sands CONTRIBUTORS Brian Sands, Crescent City Sports, Frank Perez, Jim Meadows, Pastor Allie Rowland, Persana Shoulders, Rev. Bill Terry, Rodney Thoulion, Scot Billeaudeau, Shane Womack & Tony Leggio LOCAL ADVERTISING sales@ambushpublishing.com Reed Wendorf Shane Womack Jim Tomeny NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Ambush Magazine is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush Publishing. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 5pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: info@ambushpublishing.com. 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 Magazine. ©1982-2018 AMBUSH PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS & PHOTOS.
4 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
Thank You Southern Decadence Parade Sponsors Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com
SDGMs Adikus Sulpizi and Frank Perez would like to thank everyone who helped make Southern Decadence 2018 a huge success. The Southern Decadence Financial Oversight Committee will publish a full financial report as soon as it is completed. In the meantime, Adikus and Frank would like to once again thank the following sponsors.
Presenting Ambush Magazine, Bud Light, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, Skyy Vodka, Tours by Steven, Two Guys Cutting Hair Platinum Misti & Catherine Gaither, The Official Lesbian Mafia of New Orleans, Jeff Palmquist & Coca Mesa, Tropical Isle, Wood Enterprises (Café Lafitte in Exile, Good Friends, Rawhide)
Gold Black Penny, Double Play, Double Scorpio VHS Cleaner, Peter Eschete, Two Chicks Walking Tours, Harrah’s, QT Pie Boutique, Starlight Lounge, M. Grey Sweeney , Mark Calkins & Don Weaver Silver Tomy Acosta, Phil “I don’t ever want to be ordinary” Barbee, City Wholesale Liquor, Grand Pre’s, Lost Love Lounge, Quartermaster, Cosimo’s, NOLA Poboys, Brennan’s, Corner Pocket Bronze Helene Berot, Blue60 Guest House, Glamour Puss, Dr. Robert McWhirter, Team Friendly, Rolling Elvi, Inc., Pere Antoine Restaurant / Corner House Oyster Bar, Krystal Burger Pearl Major Tom & Johnny, Moon Wok, Ronald Harrel
6 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush KREWE PARTY PRESENTS: FEVER FEAT ANA PAULA + HECTOR FONSECA + MORE
AT THE GRAND MARSHALS’ SHOW AT THE ALLWAYS LOUNGE
www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 7
TRICENTENNIAL PROFILES IN HISTORY
Banjo Annie Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com Charlie Cantrell, founder of Pat O’Brien’s, once recalled that in the 1940s, two New Orleans “society girls” had gone slumming in the French Quarter and managed to get arrested for public intoxication. The girls unleashed a torrent of insults on the arresting officers, but the cops knew exactly how to handle them. To exact their revenge, they promptly arrested Banjo Annie, a homeless French Quarter street performer and put her in the same cell as the society girls. Banjo Annie didn’t mind. She had been arrested once a week for years, so much so that cops joked Annie was doing a life sentence on an installment plan. Banjo Annie terrorized the girls by drunkenly singing a song so vile and obscene that, according to Cantrell, it “killed the cockroaches on the jailhouse walls.” Born Barbara Lee in 1886, Banjo Annie hailed from Texas or Oklahoma (no one knows for sure) and drunkenly roamed the French Quarter throughout the 1930s and 1940s. For money, she blackmailed swanky club owners by appearing in their doorways. They
would promptly give her a quarter to go away. But she was welcome at other places and at these bars she delighted in entertaining working class Quarterites and astonished tourists. In 1948, she celebrated her birthday at Tony Bacino’s, a popular gay bar at Bourbon and Toulouse Streets. She cried when the staff and regulars gave her a cake and sang Happy Birthday to her. That birthday was a reunion of sorts because she had recently been released from a year and a half stint in the state mental asylum. In 1950, because of health issues, she was placed in an Uptown convalescent home, but after a few months she escaped and returned to the Quarter, to the great joy and delight of that neighborhood’s denizens. Banjo Annie died in 1951 and was buried in an unmarked grave at St. Louis #3 cemetery. At the time of her death, Cantrell remembered her fondly as the most famous drinker in modern Quarter history.
FUNDRAISER FOR MCC NEW ORLEANS Tell ’em we sent you by writing “MCC” on your receipt & LPK will generously donate a portion of your ticket to us!
THE CORNER OYSTER HOUSE The French Quarter’s favorite sports bar. Located inside the historic Pontalba building right next to the world famous Jackson Square. We offer authentic creole cuisine along with our best grilled oysters. If you’re thirsty, stop in for our made from scratch Bloody Mary or try our specialty Voodoo Brew (Ask Angie to sing the song for you).
This great community event is underwritten by MCC of New Orleans - all proceeds benefit the ministries of MCC of New Orleans. Learn More about MCC of New Orleans at www.mccneworleans.com
8 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush BEFORE THE SOUTHERN DECADENCE PARADE
www.GayMardiGras.com 路 www.GayEasterParade.com 路 September 11 - 24 路 The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com 路 9
MOMENTS IN GAY NEW ORLEANS HISTORY
Rev. Bill Larson’s Grave Gets Military Plaque Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com In the aftermath of the Up Stairs Lounge arson in 1973, Metropolitan Community Church Pastor Paul Breton and his congregation tried to raise funds to properly bury the Reverend Bill Larson, who had tragically died in the fire. A National New Orleans Memorial Fund had been established after the fire and provided enough money to pay for Larson’s cremation, which had been done at the House of Bultman, but additional funds were needed to permanently lay the ashes to rest. Knowing that Larson was a military veteran, Breton contacted the Veterans Administration but was informed the military had no record of a Bill Larson. For several years, Larson’s ashes were kept in an urn on the altar of the New Orleans Metropolitan Community Church. This was far from a permanent place of rest for throughout the 1970s, the New Orleans MCC was an itinerant church, finding sanctuary in multiple places. Finally, in 1981, Roeling Mace and Vic Scalise, of the Krewe of Amon-Ra,
donated space in a vault at St. Roch Cemetery. Bill Larson finally had a permanent resting place, but the grave was unmarked. Over the next 37 years, several attempts were made to have a marker placed on the grave, but these attempts were unsuccessful—some because of family indifference, others for financial reasons, still others because the military kept insisting they had no record of a Bill Larson. In 2013, Robert Fieseler began researching the story of the Up Stairs Lounge for his book Tinderbox, which was published earlier this year. In the course of his research, Fieseler discovered Bill Larson’s real name was William Roscoe Lairson. This explained why previous researchers such as Johnny Townsend and Robert Camina had been unable to locate Larson’s military records. Born in Ohio in 1926 and abandoned as a child, Lairson enlisted in the army while he was in high school. After he was honorably discharged, he married and had a child. The marriage
failed. He then ended up in Chicago where he shed his birth name and adopted the identity of Bill Larson—the only name by which he was known by the time he arrived in New Orleans. Fieseler eventually contacted Larson’s great nephew Michael Lipscomb about the idea of applying for a military marker on the grave. Lipscomb agreed and made the appropriate application with the V.A. Local filmmaker Royd Anderson, who made a short documentary film about the fire in 2013, put Fieseler in touch with James Tardie, who worked at the New Orleans V. A. Tardie, and Mark Bologna, who also worked at the New Orleans V.A. (and who interviewed Fieseler and fellow Up Stairs researcher Clayton Delery for his podcast Beyond Bourbon Street), helped expedite the application processing.
• PVT US ARMY • WORLD WAR II • JAN 25 1926 JUN 24 1973 • AKA REV BILL LARSON • UNITED WE STAND Because Larson was honorably discharged, a Presidential Certificate of recognition was given to his family. A Military Honors Burial is planned for spring next year when Larson’s family members are able to come to New Orleans. Bill Larson led an incredibly difficult life and despite the obstacles he faced, he persevered and lived an unselfish life of serving others. In short, he lived with dignity—a dignity that was denied him at the time of his death. Finally, at long last, he is being afforded the dignity in death he deserves.
On July 18, 2018, a military marker was placed on Larson’s grave. It reads: • WILLIAM R LAIRSON
10 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI 2018 New Orleans Pride Run & Walk PHOTOS BY MIKE TRUMMEL | ESTON PHOTOGRAPHY
Organized by the New Orleans Track Club, the inaugural New Orleans Pride Run & Walk benefited BreakOUT and their work with LGBTQ+ youth in the Crescent City. The 5K event started and finished along the Mississippi River at The Crescent Park, blocks from the New Orleans French Quarter. Members, friends, allies, and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community showed their pride at this one-of-a-kind event!
www.GayMardiGras.com 路 www.GayEasterParade.com 路 September 11 - 24 路 The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com 路 11
UNDER THE GAYDAR
New Orleans Hot Happenings
Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com
Well, that’s a wrap on another fabulous Southern Decadence! But not to be alarmed, with Halloween knocking at our door, there’ll be plenty of hot happenings to usher in the fall season. Here are just a few noteworthy options to check out. (If you have a fundraiser, party, show or event coming up and would like to be listed in the calendar, please email me at ledgemgp@gmail. com). Tuesday, September 11, 2018 Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke. The winner gets a $25.00 bar tab. $5 Fireball. Country Dance lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 8 p.m. Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8 - 11 p.m. Bourbon Boylesque: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 8:00 p.m. See the Men of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests. Hosted
by Trixie Minx. Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras: Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Ave.; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag. Twofer Tuesdays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drinks special is two for one drinks until 10 p.m. Tequila Tuesdays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. Features $5 Tequila Sunrises, $6 house margaritas, $7 peach or strawberry margaritas and $7 Patron shots. Dine Out With The Krewe of Stars: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 S. Carrollton Avenue; 6 – 9 p.m. Y’ALL COME OUT TO DINE WITH THE KREWE OF STARS. They’re requesting you wear a Hat to show your “STAR SPIRIT.” Tell your server you’re out with the Stars and they will donate 25% of your tab to the Krewe of Stars. All are Welcome!
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 WednesGays at LPK Uptown: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 South Carrollton Ave.; 5 p.m. Join us every Wednesday to celebrate diversity. See old friends or make some new ones and find out what’s happening in the Nola community. All this while enjoying 1/2 price drinks from the bar. Invite your friends. You Better Sing Karaoke; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Cafe Lafitte in Exile. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. $5 Fireball, $25 Gift Certificate for GFB, plus Free Tatertots Gift Card for Clover Grill. Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean. Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N.
Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Game Night with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs. Half-Price Hump Days (Wednesdays): Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is all drinks are half price until 10 p.m. Hump Day: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 4 - 9 p.m. 2 for $4 wells, draft, and domestic beers. Wine Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 5 p.m. close. $15 bottles of wine. Video Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8:30 p.m. midnight; The bar is doing Video Game Night starting at 9 p.m. Come and compete for prizes and Grab some Drinks. American Horror Story Viewing Party: The Country Club in the Bywater; 634 Louisa St. Join The Country Club in the Bywater for the season premiere of American Horror Story! You can join us every Wednesday starting September 12th to watch the show with us. Don’t be surprised if members from the cast drop in to watch the show
12 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI Southern Decadence by The Dusty Rebel PHOTOS BY DANIEL “DUSTY” ALBANESE | THE DUSTY REBEL LLC | WWW.THEDUSTYREBEL.COM
Daniel “Dusty” Albanese is the New York City-based photographer and filmmaker behind the website TheDustyRebel™. Shaped by his background in anthropology, he has built a worldwide following documenting the more marginal aspects of the urban landscape, as well as controversial artworks, political protests, and city living. In 2017, he began production on his first feature length documentary and book exploring the global Queer Street Art movement. For more information and to connect with Dusty, visit his website online at www.thedustyrebel.com. You can also follow Dusty on his social profiles: Facebook: facebook.com/dustyrebel Twitter: @thedustyrebel Instagram: dustyrebel www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 13
with us. They tend to come by once or twice a year! Thursday, September 13, 2018 Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top person/team of the night. Girl | Crush: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is brings you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night. The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret; Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 10 p.m. The Comedy Cabaret stars Jeff D. featuring Gia Giavanni. Enjoy hilarious comedians, amazing talent and the Ladies of Oz. Strip Off: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; midnight Persana Shoulders hosts the Strip Off every Thursday night. Sign up begins at 11 p.m. and the show features a spotlight performance by Miss Gay Louisiana America 2013 Mercedes Ellis Loreal. Winners receive 1st PLACE - $100 Cash • 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Three-Dollar Thursdays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is $3 Fireball and Jagermeister shots all day and night.
Bring Your Own Meat Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 6 - 8 p.m. Bring your own meat for the grill and the bar will have all the sides. Make Up: Improv & Drag: Cafe Istanbul; 2372 St. Claude; 9 - 11 p.m. School’s in session and your Tulane trade is back in town! Come check out the world’s only improv show starring a full cast of drag artists! Doors @ 8 p.m.; Show @ 9 p-.m. Tickets are $12 advance; $15 day of. For tickets check out their Facebook page or go to eventbrite. Friday, September 14, 2018 Music of Senator Ken: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music with Senator Ken playing all your favorites. Play Girlz: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 10 - 11:30 p.m. Drag show featuring Gia GiaVanni and special guests. New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis St.; 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize. Long Island Fridays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is $5 Long Island Iced Teas all day and night. Lords of Leather Recovery Beer Bust: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields; 9 p.m. - midnight. Join The Lords of Leather for their monthly Beer Bust.
The Double Play
n o I
T I s
n a
In
Tr
439 Dauphine Street New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 523-4517
$10 gets you keg beer, snacks, and the company of a fine group of Krewe members. Donations go to our Bal Masque XXXVI to be held on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at The Alario Center in Westwego, Louisiana! Saturday, September 15, 2018 Music of Vanessa Carr Kennedy; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy songstress Vanessa as she sings some of the tops hits of yesterday and today. Divas R Us; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 10 - 11:30 p.m. This wonderful drag show directed by Monica Sinclaire Kennedy includes special guests stars. Piano Bar with Trey Ming; Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 4 – 7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite songs with talented piano player Trey Ming. CAT 5 Hurricane Saturdays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink specials are $5 Hurricanes all day and night and from 8 - 10 p.m. Doubles for the price of a Single on all alcohol. Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders or Lisa Beaumann for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm till 8 pm in their upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long!
Rougaroux Rugby 101: Lafitte Greenway (corner of St. Louis and Prier Streets); 2 – 5 p.m. The Rougaroux are Louisiana’s only Inclusive Gay Rugby Team. we welcome all experience levels, shapes and sizes. Never played? Come to our rugby 101 and learn the ropes about America’s fastest growing sport! What do you need to bring? Cleats, a mouth guard, water and a positive attitude! They will be heading to 700 Club in the quarter directly after for some drinks and some filthy fun. Monday, September 17th will be our first practice! 7pm-9pm at Annunciation Park. Girls Gone Broadway: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon street; 8 – 10 p.m. Come join the Krewe of AmonRa for our annual show to raise funds for our 54th Annual Ball. Tickets will be a $25.00 donation to the Krewe which includes entry into the show, auction, and some light fare. GCPAH Beer Bust: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway; 8 – 10 p.m. $5 ALL YOU CAN DRINK Beer Bust with $1 jello shots. Bon Appetit: Old Ursulines Convent; 1100 Chartres Street; 8:30 11:30 p.m. Bon Appétit is an annual event that raises funds to help further the critical mission of Project Lazarus, housing and supporting people living with HIV/AIDS. The Bon Appétit Dessert and Champagne After Party invites hosts and their guests to enjoy
1/2 Price DRINKS 7AM-9PM
ALL WEEK LONG
14 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush THE SOUTHERN DECADENCE PARADE
www.GayMardiGras.com 路 www.GayEasterParade.com 路 September 11 - 24 路 The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com 路 15
desserts, champagne and cocktails in an elegant and festive environment, as well as toast the evening’s success in support of the work of Project Lazarus. For those who are unable to host or attend a dinner party to join us at the after-party for $35. For tickets, check out their Facebook page or contact Lily Hannigan (lhannigan@projectlazarus. net or (504) 949-3609x503) for more information. Sunday, September 16, 2018 Bottomless Sundays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St.. The drink special is $15 Bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bottomless Mimosas:Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 1 - 4 p.m. Bottomless Mimosas are offered upstairs from 1 - 4 p.m. for $12. You Better Sing Karaoke; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke. Jubilee: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests. Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis St.; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest. Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana
Shoulders and features Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean. Drink Drown and Drag: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 6 - 9 p.m. Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Drink and Drown from 6 – 9 p.m. with a star studded drag show starting at 8 p.m. Sunday Worship: Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO); 5401 S. Claiborne Ave; 10:00 a.m. New Orleans first LGBTQ church welcomes you to join us for our Sunday worship service where they celebrate God’s Love for everyone. Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders or Lisa Beaumann for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm till 8 pm in their upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long! Monday, September 17, 2018 Karaoke Monday: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 7 - 9 p.m. Enjoy happy hour prices all night long. Hosted by Denny with VJ Dollabill. S.I.N. Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; Starting at 9 p.m Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer or well drinks and $1.50 draft.
Margarita Mondays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is $3 margaritas all day and night. Pool Tournament: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 9:45 p.m. $2 PBR and $50 Gift Certificate for Rawhide Lazy Susan Karaoke: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Join bartender Mark and a revolving cast of drag queen hostesses (Shocktavia) for LAZY SUSAN KARAOKE with music by DJ Lucius Riley. Mondays are a drag, so make them fabulous and sing the night away. NOAGE & Stonewall Sports Walk/ Run Club; Audubon Park; 6500 Magazine Street; 6:30 p.m. Join an exciting new partnership between Stonewall Sports New Orleans and NOAGE! Starting at 6:30 p.m., meet for the walk/ run around the Audubon Park jogging path. This will be a weekly event for walkers and the Stonewall Run Club will join every 3 weeks. This group is for ALL fitness levels, and you can go at your own pace. Whether that’s running, jogging, leisurely walking, or using a wheelchair or walker, this group is for you. If you are worried that you’ll be left behind, don’t worry; someone will walk with you. If you are the fastest person there, we’ll see you at the finish line. Please Note: We will meet at the parking lot on the Magazine Street entrance to the park jogging path (6500 Magazine St.). If you need assistance or have questions, call Jim at (504)2286778. We Hear You Have Goblins: A Live Fantasy Role Playing Improv Adventure; Mag’s 940; 940 Elysian Fields; 7:30 p.m. New Orleans’ Favorite and Only Live Action Fantasy Roleplaying Game Improv Show returns for a second season on the third Monday of every month! If you’re worried about starting in the middle, don’t! A full recap of the story so far can be found at the bottom of this event and will be kept updated with each successive episode! For the uninitiated, We Hear You Have Goblins is a lot like Dungeon & Dragons but with less numbers, more jokes, more characters, and not taking place in your mother’s basement. Our heroes Tiraxa Nolasname, Dirkbod Kalabos,and Bartholomew Mirthmember must fight, flirt, and negotiate their way through any number of fantastic scenarios thrown at them by our narrator and game master, Lynx Murphy, who’s also in charge of every roll of the dice. From time to time we’ll need a few extra monsters to fight or some people and places in need of bizarre names, so be ready to embrace your inner hobgoblin! And don’t forget, if you don’t like a roll of the dice, you can always change the world with a small tithe at the Altar of Fate, so bring a few extra bucks, just in case. Admission is $10 (cash OR card) at the door, and late admission will be accepted during intermission. Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke with the winner gets a $25.00 bar tab. $5 Fireball. Country Dance Lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 8 p.m. Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8 - 11 p.m. Bourbon Boylesque: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 8:00 p.m. See the en of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests. Hosted by Trixie Minx. Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras: Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Ave.; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag. Twofer Tuesdays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drinks special is two for one drinks until 10 p.m. Tequila Tuesdays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. Features $5 Tequila Sunrises, $6 house margaritas, $7 peach or strawberry margaritas and $7 Patron shots. Andy’s Bistro Supports Belle Reve NOLA: Andy’s Bistro; 3312 N. Turnbull Drive; open at 4:30 p.m. Come out and enjoy the culinary delights at Andy’s Bistro. 10% of the proceeds this night will be donated to Belle Reve. To make reservations go to www.andysbistro.com. Wednesday, September 19, 2018 WednesGays at LPK Uptown: Louisiana Pizza Kitchen; 615 South Carrollton Ave.; 5 p.m. Join us every Wednesday to celebrate diversity. See old friends or make some new ones and find out what’s happening in the Nola community. All this while enjoying 1/2 price drinks from the bar. Invite your friends. You Better Sing Karaoke; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Cafe Lafitte in Exile. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. $5 Fireball, $25 Gift Certificate for GFB, plus Free Tatertots Gift Card for Clover Grill. Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean. Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Game Night with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs. Half-Price Hump Days (Wednesdays): Double Play Bar; 439 Dau-
16 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush THE SOUTHERN DECADENCE PARADE
www.GayMardiGras.com 路 www.GayEasterParade.com 路 September 11 - 24 路 The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com 路 17
phine St. The drink special is all drinks are half price until 10 p.m. Hump Day: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 4 - 9 p.m. 2 for $4 wells, draft, and domestic beers. Wine Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 5 p.m. close. $15 bottles of wine. Video Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. rampart Street; 8:30 – 10 p.m. It’s Video Game Night! Every Wednesday at Grand Pre’s! Hosted By Eureeka Starfish and a very Special CoHost ! Come early to sign up for limited spots for three mini tournaments of the video game we provide! Thursday, September 20, 2018 Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top person/team of the night. Girl | Crush: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is brings you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night. The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret; Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 10 p.m. The Comedy Cabaret stars Jeff D. featuring Gia Giavanni. Enjoy hilarious
comedians, amazing talent and the Ladies of Oz. Strip Off: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; midnight Persana Shoulders hosts the Strip Off every Thursday night. Sign up begins at 11 p.m. and the show features a spotlight performance by Miss Gay Louisiana America 2013 Mercedes Ellis Loreal. Winners receive 1st PLACE - $100 Cash • 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Three-Dollar Thursdays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is $3 Fireball and Jagermeister shots all day and night. Bring Your Own Meat Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 6 - 8 p.m. Bring your own meat for the grill and the bar will have all the sides. Meet The Locals: The Country Club; 634 Louisa Street; 7 - 9 p.m. Come experience local breweries & neighborhood personalities at the Country Club. ALL LOCAL beer, Shindig Vodka, Parade Rums, Crescent Vodka, and Roulaison Rum will be $5 each! This month is hosted by the Country Club in conjunction with Roulaison Distilling with special surprises to be announced! The event will immediately follow happy hour to give you another great reason to spend more time at the Club. Our Happy hour features $3.00 well drinks and a wonderful small plates menu.
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED, CCS COVERS AREA SPORTS ON THE HIGH SCHOOL, COLLEGE & PRO LEVELS WITH A KEEN EYE TOWARD PROVIDING THE NEWS & ANALYSIS YOU WANT. crescentcitysports.com facebook.com/ccsdaily @ccsdaily @ccsprep
Friday, September 21, 2018 Music of Senator Ken: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music with Senator Ken playing all your favorites. Play Girlz: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 10 - 11:30 p.m. Drag show featuring Gia GiaVanni and special guests. New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis St.; 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize. Long Island Fridays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is $5 Long Island Iced Teas all day and night. Saturday and Sunday, September 22 - 23, 2019 The National Fried Chicken Festival: Woldenberg Park; 1 Canal Street; starts at 11 a.m. The National Fried Chicken Festival (FCF) takes place on Saturday, September 22, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Woldenberg Riverfront Park. The national festival, presented by Raising Cane’s, attracts dishes and southern favorites from restaurants nationwide. After hosting more than 166,000 guests in its sophomore year, organizers are planning for over 200,000 guests along the Mississippi River in New Orleans during the fall weekend. FCF is a free outdoor festival that brings the community together to celebrate and indulge in one of America’s favorite dishes. There will also be a variety of experiences for all ages including a kids pavilion, the GoNOLA Mist & Chill Lounge, the return of the Moët Chicken & Champagne VIP Lounge and the Crown Royalty Lounge will make its debut. Purchase your VIP tickets while supplies last at friedchickenfestival.com/experiences! Saturday. September 22, 2018 Music of Vanessa Carr Kennedy; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. Enjoy songstress Vanessa as she sings some of the tops hits of yesterday and today. Divas R Us; Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 10 - 11:30 p.m. This wonderful drag show directed by Monica Sinclaire Kennedy includes special guests stars. Piano Bar with Trey Ming; Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 4 – 7 p.m. Sing along with your favorite songs with talented piano player Trey Ming. CAT 5 Hurricane Saturdays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink specials are $5 Hurricanes all day and night and from 8 - 10 p.m. Doubles for the price of a Single on all alcohol. Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders or Lisa Beaumann for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm till 8
pm in their upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long! Rush party for the Mystic Krewe of Apollo: Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture; 1010 Conti Street; 6 - 9 p.m. Be a part of New Orleans Gay Mardi Gras history in the making. The rebirth of a Krewe from decades ago, the resurrection of the Mystic Krewe of Apollo de New Orleans! Persons of LGBTI inclusivity are welcome to join. Professional and After Five Attire required. Cocktails at 6:00 p.m., Presentation at 6:30 p.m. For more information, go to www.MKANewOrleans.com. Big Easy Sister Bingo: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields; 6 - 9 p.m. Come enjoy the BIG EASY SISTERS’ bi-monthly Bingo! 1st game called at 7 p.m. Lots of prizes! Sunday, September 23, 2018 Bottomless Sundays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St.. The drink special is $15 Bottomless Bloody Marys and Mimosas from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bottomless Mimosas:Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 1 - 4 p.m. Bottomless Mimosas are offered upstairs from 1 - 4 p.m. for $12. You Better Sing Karaoke; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke. Jubilee: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests. Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis St.; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest. Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean. Drink Drown and Drag: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 6 - 9 p.m. Sunday Funday upstairs at The Parade. $15 Drink and Drown from 6 – 9 p.m. with a star studded drag show starting at 8 p.m. Sunday Worship: Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO); 5401 S. Claiborne Ave; 10:00 a.m. New Orleans first LGBTQ church welcomes you to join us for our Sunday worship service where they celebrate God’s Love for everyone. Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders or Lisa Beaumann for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm till 8 pm in their upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long! Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch: Ar-
18 · The1Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September Untitled-5 6/1/18 1:01 PM 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE SURVIVOR’S BAR CRAWL
www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 19
tisan Bar and Cafe; 2514 St. Claude Avenue; 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy live music by Vanessa Car Kennedy and Drag Performances. A scrumptious brunch in a comfortable, friendly environment along with fabulous top-notch entertainment! For reservations, call 985-807-1624.
Our legacy is yours.
New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) provides services and advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults in the New Orleans metro area. We host regular social events for LGBT older adults and their allies, and we provide cultural competency trainings for healthcare and other service providers. To learn more, visit www.noagenola.org, or call (504)517-2345.
Monday, September 24, 2018 Karaoke Monday: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 7 - 9 p.m. Enjoy happy hour prices all night long. Hosted by Denny with VJ Dollabill. S.I.N. Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; Starting at 9 p.m. Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer Margarita Mondays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drink special is $3 margaritas all day and night. Pool Tournament: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 9:45 p.m. $2 PBR and $50 gift certificate for Rawhide Lazy Susan Karaoke: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Join bartender Mark and a revolving cast of drag queen hostesses for LAZY SUSAN KARAOKE with music by DJ Lucius Riley. Mondays are a drag, so make them fabulous and sing the night away. NOAGE & Stonewall Sports Walk/ Run Club; Audubon Park; 6500 Magazine Street; 6:30 p.m. Join an exciting new partnership between Stonewall Sports New Orleans and NOAGE!
Starting at 6:30 p.m., meet for the walk/ run around the Audubon Park jogging path. This will be a weekly event for walkers and the Stonewall Run Club will join every 3 weeks. This group is for ALL fitness levels, and you can go at your own pace. Whether that’s running, jogging, leisurely walking, or using a wheelchair or walker, this group is for you. If you are worried that you’ll be left behind, don’t worry; someone will walk with you. If you are the fastest person there, we’ll see you at the finish line. Please Note: We will meet at the parking lot on the Magazine Street entrance to the park jogging path (6500 Magazine St.). If you need assistance or have questions, call Jim at (504)2286778. Tuesday, September 25, 2018 Kocktail Karaoke: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Join us at Good Friends Bar for Kocktail Karaoke with the winner gets a $25.00 bar tab. $5 Fireball. Tequila Tuesdays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. Features $5 Tequila Sunrises, $6 house margaritas, $7 peach or strawberry margaritas and $7 Patron shots. Country Dance lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 8 p.m. Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8 - 11 p.m. Bourbon Boylesque: Oz New Or-
leans; 800 Bourbon St.; 8:00 p.m. See the Men of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests.Hosted by Trixie Minx. Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras: Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Ave.; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag. Twofer Tuesdays: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine St. The drinks special is two-for-one drinks until 10 p.m. Wednesday, September 26 - October 7, 2018 Disney’s Aladdin; The Saenger Theatre; 1111 Canal Street; the Broadway musical Aladdin plays for a two week engagements from Wednesday, Sept. 26 through Sunday, Oct. 7. Opening night is Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule: Tuesdays/Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets and online at BroadwayInNewOrleans.com.
20 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush SATURDAY IN THE FRENCH QUARTER
www.GayMardiGras.com 路 www.GayEasterParade.com 路 September 11 - 24 路 The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com 路 21
PRIDE CORNER New Orleans Pride Announces 2019 Royalty Jeff Kiefer festival@neworleanspridefestival.com
The New Orleans Pride Board of Directors has announced Giselle Trivianni as Miss New Orleans Pride and Blaine Bextor as Mister. Together, they will promote the New Orleans Pride Festival throughout the Gulf Coast area. New Orleans Pride takes place June 7-9, 2019 and has the theme of “Celebrate Diversity.” Giselle is the current reigning Miss Gay Northshore USofA and the first Latina Miss for New Orleans Pride. Blaine is from Houma and was the 2014 Mr. Louisiana USofA MI.
New Orleans Pride fully embraces the message of “One CommUNITY” as we celebrate our history and promote the future prosperity of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region. We use public awareness and education about the LGBT+ community as a way to combat “phobias” and discrimination. Our programs, seminars and events leading up to, and during Pride weekend, are meant to include individuals from all walks of life.
22 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI The Corner Pocket PHOTOS BY JEREMY
THE CORNER POCKET Where the Boys are dancing nightly on the bar!
OPENING HOURS Everyday 9pm - TILL ADDRESS 940 St Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 568-9829 www.cornerpocket.net
www.GayMardiGras.com 路 www.GayEasterParade.com 路 September 11 - 24 路 The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com 路 23
New Film and Podcast Focuses on Conversion Therapy Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com Limina House, Focus Features, and Anonymous Content have announced that the filmmakers behind the anticipated fall film Boy Erased along with the creators of the widely acclaimed Radiolab podcast and radio program will launch a new podcast, UnErased, this fall. The four-part podcast series will reveal the controversial truth behind the “pray away the gay” movement and conversion therapy in America. The series will be produced by Limina House, which was started by Mikel Ellcessor, the co-creator with Jad Abumrad of Radiolab. The UnErased production team is Ellcessor, Kat Aaron, Alice Quinlan and Shima Oliaee along with Boy Erased author Garrard Conley, whose life story and experience with conversion therapy is the basis for the film, and the film’s co-producer and cast member David Joseph Craig. Abumrad provided editorial oversight and conducted key interviews. It is estimated that between 700,000 - 800,000 Americans have been subjected to conversion therapy – damaging and harmful practices de-
signed to “convert” someone from gay to straight. Using original reporting, sound rich design and deep interviews with individuals who have experienced, led and criticized conversion therapy, UnErased’s four episodes will reveal a deeply troubling part of our culture. Working with The Mattachine Society, one of the foremost LGBTQIA historical archives and a major collector of conversion therapy source material, UnErased brings virtually unheard recordings and documents from key conversion therapy groups and leaders into the light and combines them with original interviews to reveal a complex, and increasingly global, attack on the health and well-being of LGBTQIA youth. “This series, the original journalism that’s taking place, the stories that are being brought into the light, could not have happened without Joel and Garrard, David, Kerry and everyone at Focus, Anonymous and Stitcher. This is an incredible demonstration of people across creative disciplines pulling together to test new boundaries for storytelling, content delivery and community engagement. It’s our hope that fans of
“Decadence is total insanity and fun, guided by traditions, not rules.” —Edward “Blanche” Norton, former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal
the film, Garrard’s memoir and the podcast series will immerse themselves in all of these different works so they can have a richer understanding of the context of Garrard’s story. It’s a story that is shared by hundreds of thousands of others and goes on today,” said Limina House producer Mikel Ellcessor. “Limina House is dedicated to creating work where new worlds of insight and emotion open up and we learn something new about ourselves and the lives we lead. Being a part of Boy Erased is a privilege.” “Boy Erased tells a deeply personal story; UnErased tells the whole story. Combining one of the most comprehensive conversion therapy histories to date, survivors’ accounts, and exclusive interviews, UnErased will pick up where the memoir and film leave off,” commented Garrard Conley and David Joseph Craig. “We are honored and thrilled to have partnered with podcast-juggernauts Jad Abumrad and Mikel Ellcessor and are working closely with the Mattachine Society of D.C. and other LGBTQ advocacy groups to usher our queer stories into the per-
manent archives of American history, where they have always belonged.” UnErased will be made available exclusively to Stitcher Premium subscribers in the weeks before the film’s November 2 release. It will be available everywhere you get podcasts coinciding with the film’s limited release. From writer/director Joel Edgerton, Boy Erased tells the story of Jared (Academy Award® nominee Lucas Hedges), the son of a Baptist pastor in a small American town, who is outed to his parents (Academy Award® winners Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe) at age 19. Jared is faced with an ultimatum: attend a conversion therapy program – or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family, friends, and faith. Boy Erased is the true story of one young man’s struggle to find himself while being forced to question every aspect of his identity. Troye Sivan, Xavier Dolan, Cherry Jones, Michael “Flea” Balzary, Joe Alwyn, Emily Hinkler, Jesse LaTourette, David Joseph Craig, Théodore Pellerin, Madelyn Cline, and Britton Sear costar in Boy Erased.
ANNOUNCEMENT Tricentennial Exhibit Opens at Cabildo Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com
Founded in the summer of 1972 by a few friends as a modest cele-
bration, the Southern Decadence festival has since grown into one of New Orleans’s largest annual tourist events, attracting visitors from all over the world. A pre-party must-read, this captivating history will ensure revelers make the most of this multi-day extravaganza. $36.00 hardcover • 97 b&w images
Available in bookstores and online at www.lsupress.org
As part of New Orleans’ tricentennial activities, the Cabildo is featuring a new exhibition, “We Love You, New Orleans.” Celebrating the people, places and things that make New Orleans one of the nation’s most singular cities, the exhibition plays as a love letter from the Louisiana State Museum. Visitors will see more than one hundred artifacts and images highlighting uniquely New Orleanian architecture, food and drink, music, nightlife and more. Among these items are a sign from Pontchartrain Beach, a Zephyrs uniform, a streetcar operator’s cap and images related to the city’s iconic streetcars. The exhibition explores the wellknown Crescent City culture of food and music with a Jax beer sign, a collection of historical cookbooks, Sidney Bechet’s saxophone and a fabulous jacket worn by Ernie K-Doe. Mardi Gras – probably the most famous facet of New Orleans – is represented by several pieces, including a Mardi Gras Indian suit commissioned by the 2018 NOLA Foundation and a gown & necklace worn by the 1968 Queen of Car-
nival. Other items of interest on display include: • Trade sign, The Fatted Calf, 727 St. Peter Street, ca. 1966 • Program, Club My-O-My, ca. 1950 • Poster, The Golden Lantern, by Douglas Bourgeois, ca. 1981 • Poster, Bourbon Pub, by Earl Woodard Jr., obtained by the donor at the opening of the bar in 1974 • Silk body banner, worn by Dorothy Lamour as Miss New Orleans, 1930 • Photograph of Lilly Christine, “The Cat Girl,” burlesque performer at 500 Club, Bourbon Street • Female streetcar operator’s cap, worn by Marie Finhold during World War II “We Love You, New Orleans” will be on display through December 2019. The Cabildo, located just off Jackson Square at 701 Chartres Street, is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI Oz New Orleans PHOTOS BY DWAIN HERTZ, JOJO MOLINA, CONNIE HUNG AND MARK DAVID & SUBMITTED BY PERSANA SHOULDERS
OZ New Orleans 2-story, 24/7 gay dance club with DJs, drag shows, go-go dancers & a balcony for people-watching.
OPENING HOURS
FRI, SAT & SUN: 24/7 MON–THURS: Opens at 1PM
ADDRESS 800 Bourbon Street New Orleans, LA Phone: (504) 593-9491 www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 25
UPCOMING EVENT SPOTLIGHT
Big Freedia Joins CrescentCare & Chevron to Fight HIV On Sunday, September 30, the Queen of Bounce will headline the Chevron New Orleans Walk to End HIV, a CrescentCare event presented by Avita Pharmacy. The Chevron New Orleans Walk to End HIV, a CrescentCare event in its 29th year, presented by Avita Pharmacy, will be held on September 30 at Crescent Park. New Orleans icon Big Freedia will perform for walkers assembling to raise funds for and awareness around HIV. The route is two miles and will be accessible to all levels of walker. The Walk is one of Chevron’s flagship efforts in Greater New Orleans to curb the spread of HIV and improve health outcomes for those affected by the disease. Seeing many of the improvements in HIV treatment and testing technology, Chevron Public Affairs Manager Leah Brown states: “Chevron is proud of the work being done by members of the health care community for Southeastern Louisiana and is excited to be a part of their incredible efforts. If the advances made in recent years are any indication, we
are all hopeful that this will be the last generation that HIV impacts.” Big Freedia is one of the most notable headliners in CrescentCare’s 35year history. The entertainer’s profile mirrors the seriousness, enthusiasm, and hope of the agency as it drills down on the HIV epidemic in the New Orleans community. Rodney Thoulion, CresentCare’s Director of Development says of the event: “Big Freedia joins the walk to signal a celebration of how far we’ve come and that we’ve got BIG advances on the horizon in the HIV fight. We’ve made huge strides in treatment and prevention, but there’s still work to be done. That’s why we’ve dubbed this the Walk to End HIV.” Entertainment for the event will be as diverse as the community that CrescentCare serves, featuring the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus and Big 6 Brass Band. For those individuals who want to participate but who haven’t dusted off their walking shoes in a while, there will be a group warm-up by the Chevron’s health and wellness staff. At the conclusion of the Walk,
awards will be given for highest raiser as well as other accolades, both on and off the walking path. The funds raised from the Walk will be used by CrescentCare’s NO/AIDS Task Force division to provide vital prevention and treatment services for people in the community affected by HIV. For more information or to register a team and fundraise for valuable AIDS & HIV-related services at CrescentCare, visit www.noaidswalk.com. Additional support for the NO/AIDS Walk is provided by sponsors Capital One Bank, Goldring Family Foundation, French Market Corporation, Capital One, Baptist Community Ministries, Blue Cube Promotions, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown, Ochsner, Dow, Macy’s, NOLA Media Group, Gambit, Napo Pharmaceuti-
cals, Lucid, Ambush Magazine, Federal Petroleum Operations, Event Restrooms, CS Events, Coca-Cola and Kentwood Springs. WHO: CrescentCare WHERE: Crescent Park, Elysian Fields Entrance WHEN: Sunday, September 30, 8am ABOUT CRESCENTCARE: CrescentCare’s mission is to offer comprehensive health and wellness services to the community, to advocate empowerment, to safeguard the rights and dignity of individuals, and to provide for an enlightened public. NO/ AIDS Task Force is a division of CrescentCare. www.crescentcare.org
BOOK OF THE MONTH
Calypso Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com My book of the month for September is David Sedaris’ newest offering Calypso, released this past May. Comedian, author, and radio contributor, Sedaris first received public recognition in 1992 when National Public Radio (NPR) broadcast his essay “Santaland Diaries.” He published his first collection of essays and short stories, Barrel Fever, in 1994. In his newest book, Sedaris shares some major personal aspects of his life punctuated with his biting (and sometimes dark) comedic wit. He shares stories that range from his sister’s death to his Fitbit fanaticism. I loved everything about this book especially
when he gives insights about himself and his dynamics with friends, family and his partner. He shows his vulnerability in every chapter. The part where he discusses his daily routine of picking up garbage in his neighborhood in England is hysterical. I mean who has a garbage truck named after them?! Now that is funny. But what I admired was how his life (problems, concerns and worries) are the same as most people. I highly recommend Calypso. It’s like getting a glimpse behind the curtain in Oz and what a fascinating peek it is. For more information on David and his work, go to www.davidsedarisbooks.com.
GENE’S PO BOYS & ILY’S BISTRO 1040 ELYSIAN FIELDS AVE. NEW ORLEANS, LA 70117
GENE’S: 504-943-3861 ILY’S: 504-947-8341
CORNER OF ST. CLAUDE AVE & ELYSIAN FIELDS
NOW ON
26 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24,Untitled-6 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com 1 6/1/18
12:49 PM
SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Tony Leggio AT THE WINTER WONDERLAND ANNOUNCEMENT PARTY AT KAJUN’S PUB
AT THE FRIENDLY BAR BEFORE THE PARADE
www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 27
Party Down Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com I hope everyone had an amazing Southern Decadence weekend. It seemed like all the stars aligned to create a loving and accepting atmosphere that just enhanced the festivities making it probably one of the most well-attended events of the year. And except for a few showers, the weather even cooperated. Nothing worse than a soggy costume with runny make-up! Leading up to Decadence was a flurry of parties, bar crawls and fundraisers. The weekend prior to Decadence, I participated in a time honored tradition, the Southern Decadence Grand Marshals lunch and bar crawl. The event took place at The Starlight which is situated in the old Petunia’s. The very nice soiree included an open bar and seated full lunch. Some of the original founders of the parade were present and it was a joy to speak with them as well as to connect with all the past royalty. I look forward to this event every year. After the lunch we started our bar crawl that took us to almost all of the French Quarter bars. Just a little appetizer before the main event the following week. The week leading up to Decadence weekend was a little more relaxed but
still had many events. On Tuesday and Wednesday, I attended a two NOAGE events. On Tuesday, I went to their Potluck Dinner at Community Church Unitarian Universalist located at the Lakefront. NOAGE stands for New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders. This is not an organization for just the elderly, but one for everyone in the community. Whether young or young at heart, their events provide fun and educational environments. I absolutely love meeting new people which happens at every one of their events. This non-profit organization was created by a steering committee of concerned residents and older adult service providers to address the challenges facing LGBT older adults in the New Orleans area. LGBT older adults often face discrimination when seeking medical treatment, have a higher rate of poverty, are sometimes isolated after the loss of a significant other, and often feel the need to go back into the closet when living in a long-term care facility. The unique challenges faced by LGBT older adults require a unique response. NOAGE hosts socialization/educational events for LGBT older adults, and works to increase the cultural competency of providers through trainings
and workshops. They are committed to ensuring that all LGBT older adults can live their lives with the dignity, respect, and the good health that they deserve. Great conversations and dinner makes their monthly potlucks so popular. The next night, I attended NOAGE’s Movie Night at Chalmette Movies. Several times a year, NOAGE hosts a movie night and shows an LGBT-themed movie. It’s free and always includes a complimentary drink and popcorn. This time they showed the hilarious movie The Ritz starring Rita Moreno. The action takes place in a (pre-AIDS) gay bathhouse in New York. Moreno plays a singer trying to make it on Broadway. A guy trying to get away from the mob tries to hide in the bathhouse, not realizing that the mob owns the place. As with all madcap comedies, there are many mistaken identities and chaos ensues. Even though the movie is dated, it was funny and I loved seeing a young Treat Williams half naked. Also that night, I attended the Winter Wonderland Announcement party at Kajun’s Pub. Fundraising gurus Misti and Catherine Gauthier host this event every year in November. Last year they named the first King and Queen of Winter Wonderland. Winter Queen II is Desirée Marie Chevalier and Winter King II is Rodney Thoulion. The chosen charities are Belle Reve NOLA and NOAGE.
HoneyBee Trivia
Happy Hour Daily
Thursdays 7:00 PM
noon - 9:00 PM
Free Jello Shots & Bar Tab
Decadence weekend came in like a wrecking ball with lots of backto-back events. From sun-up to sunset, you could be as decadent as you wanted! On Friday, I kicked off my weekend by stopping at the Queen B Brunch at Broussard’s Restaurant in the French Quarter. Those talented ladies Moanalot Fontaine, Gia Giavanni, Coca Mesa and Sable Nicole Starr brought down the crowded house. I think after this weekend, you are going to see more drag brunches in the future. Who knew wigs and waffles would eventually be a thing? That evening I attended a few traditional events that highlight the weekend. First, I went to Halloween New Orleans’ Southern Decadence KickOff Host party at the Republic. After Decadence, Halloween is the next LGBT holiday so there was a double cause to celebrate. DJ Will Lowe kept the gorgeous crowd (and I mean pretty pretty) of men dancing and mingling to the beat. Halloween Hosts and supporters enjoyed the cocktails and dance floor. This annual event is a great way to start off your weekend. In case you’re not familiar with Halloween New Orleans (HNO), it’s another large fundraiser for the LGBT community. For 34 years, HNO has been raising money for Project Lazarus, an assisted-living home for those with HIV/ AIDS. This event is run with an all-volunteer staff and all the monies raised
Wednesday Video Game Night 7:00 PM
28 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
each year goes directly to Lazarus House. For more information on this fabulous three day event, go to www. togetherwenola.com/halloween. After the Host Party, I was off to the AllWays Lounge for the annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Show. Filled with past grand marshals who just happen to also be some of the best entertainers in this city, this provided an excellent trip down memory lane. The current grand Marshals Adikus Sulpizi and Frank Perez sat in the audience and enjoyed the entertainment, as they were honored by past grand marshals. What a wonderful opportunity to watch Tittie Toulouse do the Peanut Butter song or Tami Tarmac do one of her famous high kicks! Most people think of Southern Decadence as a raucous long weekend of debauchery and it is that, but it is also steeped in tradition. And in a rapidly changing world, it’s comforting to have some of the traditions still around. On Saturday, I was the Belle of the Magnolia Trail. This event, only a few years old, is a fun bar crawl through the Marigny where people are asked to wear hoop skirts; at the end, a winner is chosen for best and worst one. The bars/locations on the trail were Mag’s 940, Cutter’s Who Dat, Phoenix and the Friendly Bar.
Even with a light crowd, the event was fun. Any time you can hang out with Miss Love almost all of Saturday during Decadence, you are in for a treat. A past Grand Marshal, she’s truly a historian of facts about the holiday. It’s also a hoot to watch her terrorize the visiting gays. You cannot buy that entertainment anywhere. We also picked up lots of guys along the way from all over the US – Miami, Minneapolis and even Baton Rouge. All the proceeds we raised went to ARNO (Animal Rescue of New Orleans). After I traversed the Marigny, I stopped briefly to visit with all the sexy men at the Block Party by the Phoenix. This outdoor gathering coincides with their indoor events which they run simultaneously. With outdoor bars, vendors, food trucks and more half-naked men than you can shake a stick at, who could ask for more? On Sunday, it was all about the Parade and the after-parties. The Decadence Parade has grown so much since its humble beginnings many years ago. No longer a group of friends stumbling from bar to bar, this well-coordinated walking parade has bands, marching groups, dance teams and, of course, many decadent participants in fabulous outfits and costumes.
Although the stumbling from bar to bar still does happen. I began, early in the morning, by going to Adikus Sulpizi’s Marigny home to get ready for the parade with his entourage. Moods were high, as we got into outfits and make-up. Vodka and champagne flowed freely and a few little nibbles were there to keep our energy up for a day of power drinking. Amazing costumes illustrated our theme of “Manimals.” Making a lot of these costumes by hand, Adikus also enlisted the fabulously wonderful Countess C Alice to help make us all match. From one-piece thongs and booty shorts to more covered-up coats, everybody shined. Once ready, we made our way to the Friendly Bar to meet up with coGrand Marshal Frank Perez and his group, another tradition, and then we marched over to the start of the parade by the Golden Lantern on Royal Street. I love this time because the Grand Marshals and their entourages can hang out and chat and catch up before the parade, because once it starts, you are on! When it was time, we lined up at the start where Adikus and Frank made a speech before we hit the streets promptly at 2 p.m. The crowds were
massive and, with so many supporters cheering us on, it was overwhelming to see the love. This is another reason why I love this city, we embrace diversity. We meandered from bar to bar down Royal Street, hitting literally every gay bar in the Quarter. Iin accordance with our theme, our group gave out Animal Crackers. After the parade, my friends and I hit a few more parties. We stopped first at past Grand Marshals Coca Mesa and Jeffrey Palmquist’s house on Bourbon Street. They had an open bar, pool and a place to relax after walking so much. Jeff and Coca, who also hosted several fundraisers this year, threw a wonderful event. Next up, I jumped into a pedicab and was off to Adikus’ house for his after party/pool party. Since this was my last stop of the night, I was able to change out of my costume and swim. Everyone was in the pool reminiscing about all the fun they had in the parade. Pizza, pool and open bar, an ideal way to end Southern Decadence. I would love to say I kept my partying ways up on Labor Day, but I actually laid in bed all day and recuperated. These long gay weekends really take it out of you. Until next time, stay decadent!
SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Tony Leggio AT THE GRAND MARSHALS’ SHOW AT THE ALLWAYS LOUNGE
www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 29
BOOK REVIEW
The Last Word: An Autobiography. Quentin Crisp
Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com The Last Word: An Autobiography. Quentin Crisp. Phillip Ward, ed. MB Books, 2017. Friends of Dorothy of a certain age may remember 20th century icon Quentin Crisp. Although gone nearly twenty years now, Crisp is back from the grave, so to speak, with the publication of The Last Word, the final installment in a series of memoirs Crisp wrote beginning in 1968 with The Naked Civil Servant. The Last Word was written by Crisp with the help of his best friend, Phillip Ward, who tape-recorded and later transcribed Quentin’s words between 1997—1999. The Last Word was published on November 21, 2017, the eighteenth anniversary of Crisp’s passing. A lifelong theatre enthusiast as well as an actor and writer, Crisp was a controversial figure who never hesitated to offer very un-politically correct
opinions—Princess Diana was trash, AIDS was a “fad.” He was, one might argue, a precursor to Milo Yiannopoulos. A master of publicity, he knew how to attract attention. Those familiar with Crisp’s work will not be disappointed with The Last Word, although they will surely not be surprised by what many have described as the book’s big revelation— that Crisp comes out as transgender. Crisp reveals that as a child he daydreamed of growing up to be a beautiful woman and later states that had sex reassignment surgery been available, “I would have jumped at the chance.” And therein lies the book’s true relevance in 2018. Crisp, who was born in 1908, grew up in an era which provided no framework or reference points for what it means to be transgender. Consequently, the reflective insights Crisp offers serve as valuable artifacts for historians and transgender people
today. Consider the following excerpt: “Now, for the rest of this book you will have to forgive me. Having labelled myself homosexual and having been labelled as such by the wider world, I have effectively lived a ‘gay’ life for most of my years. Consequently, I can relate to gay men because I have more or less been one for so long in spite of my actual fate being that of a woman trapped in a man’s body. I refer to myself as homosexual without thinking because of how I have lived my life. If you are reading this and are gay, think of me as one of your own even though you now know the truth. If it’s confusing for you, think how confusing it has been for me these past ninety years.” The following biographical sketch is from the Huffington Post: Quentin Crisp was an English-born writer, actor, eccentric and raconteur. He became famous with the publication of his 1968
autobiography The Naked Civil Servant, which chronicled the oppression he faced as a homosexual in England before, during and after World War II. Crisp performed a one-man show, An Evening With Quentin Crisp, which he toured nationally and internationally and which won an L.A. Drama Critics Circle award. Crisp moved to New York at the age of 72 where he wrote books on style, culture and manners, appeared in numerous films, published a second autobiography, How To Become A Virgin, and became the inspiration for Sting’s hit song, An Englishman In New York. Dinner with Crisp, whose telephone number was listed in the local telephone directory and who never turned down an invitation to dine, was often called ‘The best show in New York’. The Last Word is the third and final installment of his autobiography.
BARTENDER OF THE MONTH
Toby LeFort at the Bourbon Pub Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com Being a bartender in New Orleans is not for the faint of heart. It is a fastpaced and stressful job especially in the gay bars. Not only do we have a large community that supports the bar scene, but we are a major LGBT tourist destination that has some incredibly busy events such as Mardi Gras, Pride, Halloween, Easter and most recently Southern Decadence. My choice for Bartender of the Month for September is a mainstay in the community and industry. He has honed his craft and is in my opinion an expert in his field. I am talking about Toby LeFort at the Bourbon Pub. Hailing from Larose, this Louisiana native has worked at the Pub for five years. Toby has many strengths behind the bar: speed, professionalism and his ability to create a great cocktail. One of his favorite creations is his Strawberry Lemonade, a lovely mixture of Skyy Vodka, lemonade, a splash of cranberry and a dash of sugar water. It’s delicious and refreshing. Toby loves being around people and the interactions he has with them-you can tell! His relaxed yet professional demeanor makes him popular among his patrons. And he loves to make people laugh which is a great
trait in a bartender. Recently, Toby was chosen to compete in the Stole Key West Classic. New Orleans was one of the stops on the tour and he won the competition here locally with his Purple Razberi Rose Lemonade cocktail. He competed with 13 others for the title, and even though he did not win, it was a great experience and wonderful to have a local person in a national competition. If he had won, he would have donated his $10K winnings to the NO/AIDS Task Force, bringing his cumulative total of money raised for the organization to half a million dollars. Now that is impressive. Besides being a star behind the bar he is also one in the community, being named Mr. Louisiana Leather 2010, Southern Decadence Grand Marshal 2010, King of the Krewe of King Arthur 2010, Pride Grand Marshal, and recipient of the NO/AIDS Task Force’s Humanitas Award. So the next time you’re out at the bars, go to the Bourbon Pub (801 Bourbon Street) and get a great cocktail from Toby.
30 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Tony Leggio AT HALLOWEEN NEW ORLEANS DECADENCE PARTY AT THE REPUBLIC NEW ORLEANS
AT THE GRAND MARSHALS’ LUNCHEON AT STARLIGHT
www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 31
Trodding the Boards Brian Sands bsnola2@hotmail.com
Tony Bennett in Concert at the Saenger Theatre
Sure, 72-year-old Cher is back on top again singing Fernando in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. And the similarly aged Bette Midler just concluded her splendid Tony-winning run on Broadway in Hello, Dolly! But where will they be and what will they sound like in 20 years? If 92-years-young Tony Bennett can give us any indication, they’ll be as fantabulous as ever. Bennett recently performed at the Saenger Theatre, sounding magnificent for any age. But 92?! His voice makes you imagine it’s coming from a man with half as many birthdays; an occasional raspiness only adds to the texture of his croon. More importantly, he invests each song with wonderful interpretive shadings that can only come from a lifetime of experience. Sticking mostly to the Great American Songbook, Bennett got 24 numbers, some slightly abbreviated, into his 70-minute set. He brought brilliant vocal interpretation to all of them, giv-
ing a master class in song styling as each became a mini-monolog, some dramatic, some exuberant. They All Laughed was playful, infused with a joyful spirit. When he says Our Love Is Here To Stay, you know he means it. With his penetrating version of Duke Ellington’s (In My) Solitude, he silenced every one of the hundreds of people in the audience into rapt attention. Amazing. Bennett performs every number with a freshness as though he’s doing it for the first time. Or, better yet, at some command performance. As he began This Is All I Ask, its opening line, “As I approach the prime of my life,” got a laugh. Yet, when later in the song he stated “I will stay younger than Spring,” you had no doubt that he would. For the Michel Legrand/Alan & Marilyn Bergman Oscar nominee How Do You Keep the Music Playing?, he drew out the word “Never” thereby making vivid its determined lyrics to “Never end.” In Boulevard of Broken Dreams, he attacked the “G” of “Gigolo and Gigolette” with a scornful Weltschmerz that’s missing from his 1950 recording of the same tune. Unforgettable.
Tony Bennett Other highlights of this Kennedy Center Honoree and 19-time Grammy Award winner’s impeccable artistry included Cy Coleman & Carolyn Leigh’s It Amazes Me; Who Can I Turn To? from the musical The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd; and One for My Baby (and One More for the Road), Bennett’s rugged melancholia making you think he’s 40 years younger. With Baby and the encore Fly Me to the Moon, Bennett paid tribute to Frank Sinatra’s longtime support of him. In fact, a glowing audio tribute from Ol’ Blue Eyes began the program. All the songs were marvelously arranged, and Bennett unhesitatingly yielded the spotlight to the individual members of the superb Tony Bennett Quartet for solos, though I imagine that also allowed him to take a little break (even if he hardly seemed to need one). Other than an occasional “Play it!” or “Right on!” or “Wow!” in response to the musicians, it was strictly one song after another, no talk in between. Hmmm...would it have been asking too much for just a few words every now and then? But my only real disappointment was that he didn’t do Charlie Chaplin’s Smile which he delivered to haunting effect several Jazzfests ago. Antonia Bennett, Tony’s daughter, opened the show “to keep it in the family” as she jokingly put it with a brief four-song set. She has a nice voice and sings pleasantly, but in terms of her Dad’s interpretive ability, the apple fell very far from the tree. Tony Bennett has a new record coming out on September 14 with Diana Krall titled Love is Here to Stay. Let’s hope this national treasure is
here to stay for many more years. Future shows at the Saenger include the long-running stage version of Aladdin, adapted from the Academy Award-winning 1992 Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights” (Sept. 26–Oct. 7); comedian/actor Hannibal Buress (Oct. 20); Christina Aguilera, who put on a terrific show at the 2014 Jazzfest despite being 6 months pregnant (Nov. 9); and The Price Is Right Live (Nov. 14) where eligible individuals will have the chance to “Come On Down!”
Porn To Be A Star at The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret By the time it gets to be 10pm on the Monday of Southern Decadence weekend, most people have collapsed or are getting in their last decadent moments. Those, however, who attended Chris Harder’s Porn To Be A Star at The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret concluded their Decadence on an effervescent high courtesy of an absolutely delightful admixture of entertaining theater, imaginative burlesque, lotsa heart, and a soupçon of porn. Harder, a burlesque performer, actor and former gay porn star, has transformed his own experiences to send up and give a behind-the-scenes look at the world of pornography, particularly of the gay variety. He structures this one-man show as the run-up to a porn awards ceremony, playing all the characters from the dishy promoter to a young rival porn star who ends every sentence of his video blog post with a
32 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
‘hashtag this” or “#that.” Had this been all Porn/Star was, it might have been cute enough, but fairly superficial; in fact, at the start, I was afraid that was about all we were going to get. Harder (his real last name if the play is to be believed), however, wisely layers the script with a series of knowing confessions about the realities of working in porn and, presumably, his own life of growing up in North Dakota. It’s certainly a great idea, but its success depends on the execution, both in the writing and performing. Which is where Harder scores. Big. Not only can Harder do leg splits while standing on his head and high-energy burlesque routines, but he has a marvelously expressive face and can effortlessly metamorphose among the characters which also include a spacey host of an alternative porn podcast and a rednecky porn performer; Harder’s rendition of the latter doing gratingly off-key karaoke is priceless. And Harder undoubtedly kept his ears open to the words said around him on the set as his use of language dwarfs the usual “oh, baby, yeah, yeah, do me” found on the porn screen. The play starts with the star in a leather jockstrap, parodying a shoot in which the demanding photographer asks for “a tish more hole.” Later, Chris clarifies that porn can be “just a job job or a hand job.” He describes his onscreen experiences with a mind-boggling cascade of terms that climax with a “gang bang bukkake” and states how he’s done every fantasy in gay porn you can think of from “frat boy #3” to a “construction worker whose job is to inspect all the safety cones” with many more archetypal roles in-between. The hashtag twink talks about using Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and “even email when that was still relevant” and then ends one airheady comment with “#hakunamatata.” Chris confesses to having a “Movie Star Barbie” when he was growing up, “the patron saint of Midwestern sissy boys.” Harder processes all this through a kaleidoscopic world-view that’s part real and part surreal. He doesn’t minimize the challenges of doing porn: the endless waiting, diminished pay scales, and the constant need to sell the brand among many other things. Yet he generously gives the emotional heart of the show to his Mom, played by Harder in a wig and a Walmarty apron, who’s aware and supportive, if not fully approving, of his profession. It’s a scene full of warmth and tenderness, a lovely counterbalance to the debauchery of Decadence. David Drake, best known for his one-man off-Broadway The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me, directed the 75-minute show with an astute sense of pacing, making full use of the space at the AllWays (with some audience in-
Chris Harder in Porn to be a Star (photo by Thomas Trinity) teraction thrown in) and adroitly showcasing Harder’s many talents (well, not all of them). Wild videos by Steven Willis and Thomas Blake Ramsey help to effectuate the more phantasmagorical parts of Harder’s tale, including his arrival in NYC and his walk down the award show’s red carpet. Harder also created the costumes which, in a few strokes, aptly define the characters. David Quinn collaborated with Harder on some of the wittily done pieces for a “Pizza Boy striptease” which, while very clever, resulted in an unnecessary narrative detour; still, none of the audience seemed to mind the divertissement. If Harder doesn’t quite know how to end the show, taking us 500 years into the future, by then this sweet and sexy performer has built up such good will that one can easily overlook that. And the final burlesque routine is a full monty knockout. While I can envision Porn To Be A Star becoming an annual end-of-Decadence event, I also look forward to the other stories Harder will, and should, tell whether about his family in North Dakota (which sounds like a cross between Mother Knows Best and August: Osage County), his porn experiences or, well, anything else this budding star would care to reveal.
Curtain Up
With Southern Decadence now behind us and Halloween more than six weeks away, we’re in one of New Orleans’ relatively slow periods. So get off the streets and into the theaters to check out some of these upcoming shows. Slotted Spoon Productions, a new New Orleans theatre company with a triple focus on LGBT issues, sex positivity, and freedom of expression, presents I Wrote A Song, a new musical comedy-drama written and com-
posed by Trey Ming at Café Istanbul (2372 St. Claude Ave., October 5-14). Based on a true story, I Wrote a Song follows one Southern Baptist minister’s coming-out journey from his conservative upbringing to the scandal that upends his world. His secrets bared, he finds himself on a poetic and chaotic path to discover the truth about who he is. Ming stars in this autobiographical tale of sorts which is directed by Joe Nierly. Dane Baxter, Chelsea Blunt, Dominic Clust, Urban Cook Jr., Remy Dee, David Melerine, Dede Onassis, and George Trahanis make up the rest of the cast. Many of you might know Ming as the popular pianist who can be seen on Saturdays at Good Friends’ Queens Head Pub leading the crowd at the piano bar, as well as in his position as the Music Director at the Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans. Another show based on actual events will be done at Delgado Community College’s Timothy K. Baker Theater (615 City Park Ave.) from September 20 through October 7. In remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the murder of Matthew Shepard, The Storyville Collective and Delgado Theatre Department will be co-producing The Laramie Project. This groundbreaking play draws upon hundreds of interviews conducted by members of the Tectonic Theatre Company with the citizens of Laramie, as well as published news reports and company members’ journal entries, to depict the events surrounding the murder of Shepard, an openly gay college student at the University of Wyoming. The murder was denounced as a hate crime and drew attention to the lack of hate crime laws in Wyoming and nationally. The Storyville/Delgado cast includes Marie Becnel, Beau Bratcher, Elyse McDaniel, Matt Reed, Khiry Armstead, Eli Timm, Megan Whittle and
students from the Delgado Theatre Department. Michael McKelvey, whose Hand to God was one of last season’s highlights, directs. Not based at all on true, actual or any other kinds of events, the longest running non-musical in U.S. theater history will finally make its debut in the New Orleans metro area when the Jefferson Performing Arts Society presents Shear Madness at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre (177 Sala Ave.). Shear Madness is a unique comedy-whodunit that takes place today in the “Shear Madness” hairstyling salon and blends “madcap improvisation with spine-tickling mystery.” During the course of the action, a murder is committed, and the audience gets to spot the clues, question the suspects, and solve the “funniest mystery in the annals of crime.” The outcome is never the same, which is why many audience members return again and again to the scene of the mayhem. Heck, it must be doing something right as it’s been running for over 40 years in Boston and 35 years in Washington, D.C. Running September 21 through October 28, Kristopher Shaw directs a cast that features, among others, Casey Groves, Janet Shea, Glen Boyer, Alison Logan, Helen Blanke, Kyle Daigrepont and Kathryn Talbot. And if you want to see one of New Orleans’ long-running talents, head to Andrea’s in “Metry” (3100 19th St.) on Friday, Sept. 14 (8-11pm), to catch the ever-delightful “Uncle” Wayne Daigrepont, a master party pianist and song stylist with over four decades of experience. Guests can request songs and/ or even sing them. If you missed Tony Bennett, “Uncle” Wayne is just about the next best thing. Please send press releases and notices of your upcoming shows to Brian Sands at bsnola2@hotmail.com.
www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 33
New Dreams Pastor Allie Rowland Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans alisan.rowloand@gmail.com Have you ever had a hard time letting go of a dream? Maybe you had a career in mind that you weren’t able to pursue. Or maybe you dreamed of a life with a certain person and then had to accept that it would never become a reality. You might even have had a certain dream about the type of family you would have, about becoming a parent, or raising children with someone. Maybe you’ve had the experience of going down a path in your life and then found out that for various reasons that life was not going to work for you. If so, then you might have had any number of emotions, perhaps jealousy for those who were able to live a dream that didn’t work out for you, or disappointment that life’s circumstances took something from you. You might have felt anger at people or situations that stood in your way, or grief for what you were losing. When I think of having to let go of old dreams and all of the intense emotions involved, I think about the character of Effie from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. Broadway has been
on my mind lately, not just because it’s been a part of a sermon series at MCC of New Orleans, but also because good theater connects us to common human experiences and provides us with opportunities to reflect on our own chalIenges. It also helps us to think about how our spiritual journey can help us to overcome those challenges. When it seemed as if Effie’s dream was coming to an end I think Effie probably felt all of those emotions: jealousy, disappointment, anger, and grief. To give you some Dreamgirls background (in case you haven’t seen it), Effie and her friends, Deena and Lorrell, have a dream to become famous singers. They enter the Amatuer Night Talent Competition at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. They lose the competition, but are discovered by Curtis who becomes their manager, and gets them hired as backup singers called “The Dreamettes.” As “The Dreamettes” become more successful, Effie falls for Curtis and they start dating. But as Curtis competes with other managers and groups to help “The Dreamettes”
achieve their dream, he concludes that the group needs to have more of a pop sound and they should change their lead singer to Deena, who is more svelte than Effie. Effie, who had always been the lead singer, finds that she no longer has the same role in the group, and she becomes jealous and bitter. When she starts missing shows, Curtis replaces Effie with another singer completely. When she finds out her dream is being crushed, she is defiant and tells Curtis she will not leave as she sings And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going. Effie refuses just to accept what is happening. She fights. She does not let go. She tells Curtis and everybody “You’re gonna love me!” Sometimes it is extremely difficult to let go. There are times when you can’t imagine your life without a certain person, or without the work that has given you a sense of purpose and identity. Sometimes you can’t imagine your life differently from the way you’ve led it, and to think of letting go and starting over again in some other way feels intolerable.
All of us at some point; have to let go of someone or something whether we want to or not. And all of us find there are circumstances that come along that move us towards letting go and sometimes they are unjust, unfair, and downright unkind. Part of the spiritual journey is coming to accept certain realities in our lives, and to see the need to let go as an opportunity to grow in other ways and to come to new understandings. The good news is that as we accept and let go, we can find new horizons, heal our broken hearts, and go on to new adventures. Effie finds that when she lets go of her bitterness, she is able to restart her career, and heal the relationships with her old friends. Is there something in your heart that you should let go? Is there an old dream or longing or pain that still weighs on your heart? Whatever you might need to let go of, now is the time. As you do, you can be more loving in the ways that you act, and you can transform and find new dreams.
34 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
A COMMUNITY WITHIN COMMUNITIES
Southern Decadence Highlights!
The Very Rev. Bill Terry+ fr.bill@stannanola.org For so many people Southern Decadence has a way of sweeping away the debris of the bigger world. It is then replaced by a hyper-reality that is the LGBTQ+ world. Within that world there is, like the larger world, ideas, opinions (lawdy everyone has one), appreciation, resentments, tradition running against revision. It’s a hot mess! Yet, it is still us. It is LGBTQ+ and allies. What started out as a simple bar crawl ended up as a major event. WOW. It is at least in some way a statement about who we are or, at the very least, THAT we are. Saying “That we are” is becoming more important almost daily. Rights for this community are at risk in a real way. Progress seems upended and to be regressive when it comes to “Gay rights” and all who supports those ideals. So, at least for a weekend, there is a perception of solidarity and a reality of economic clout. All of the shows, beer busts, fundraising, leather and cocktail events contribute to the general economy and this has been recognized. Decadence has become a political statement though it began, and still is for many, a glorified bar crawl. We know that Decadence has clout when local media extol the event and rank it among the major money events during the year. Economic clout. My son, a sometimes bearish bartender, brought in great tips on Saturday night at Mag’s and he’s only one representative of all the hospitality industry folk serving the LGBTQ community. Economic clout. “The Community” and its bars and pubs and restaurants all enjoy the benefit of Decadence. Decadence has become more than even what the late Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain could have imagined. A statement is being made beyond the glitter and glitz, the glory and the pseudo honorifics, this monument to hedonism. First, “that we are here” is important and begins to universalize The Community beyond the Lavender Line. Second, that with economic clout comes political clout. Oh, I wish it were not so but in this current darkness it is absolutely true. I suppose that it always has been, but not to this degree.
Be assured that the City Council is more apt to listen to a unified front for the LGBTQ+ community that hosts big money events than just a pub crawl. Sad but true. I was musing with some friends the other day outside The Golden Lantern. Fur babies strolled by and carriages clomped along the streets. Several of us were chatting. Ok, I suppose that even this priest might have been engaging in or privy to some gossip (I know, a deadly sin--forgive me). This accounting of the missteps of someone evolved into a real conversation about solidarity. How, in recent times, Community solidarity had become increasingly important. I just today listened to the entire Obama - Urbana, IL speech. I like Obama, say what you will, he’s a good speaker. One of the major takeaways from that speech is that progress can be measured in the smallest of acts. That progress is abundantly more desirable than retrenchment. That while the Civil Rights Act did not abolish racial injustice it was progress. While the #MeToo movement will not eliminate sexual predators in the workplace, it is progress. While the citizens that founded this nation declared that all of us are created equal and endowed with certain rights, that did not bring about immediate equality. But it was progress. In order for our community to continue with the quest for full inclusion and full enculturation it must continue to make progress and that must find within the community common voice and common ground to voice opposition to forces that would offer regression instead of progress. Yes, Decadence contributes to that voice. Economic clout. So, when we become myopic and start to get caught up in the social discourse of who got to be what, or who marched where, let’s gather ourselves up and for at least a weekend understand that what is going down is a political statement, even if unintentionally. If we want to be loved by all or at least to have the liberty to respect and be respected we must be one. My faith preaches much the same thing. If we are to have the liberty to love and in-
clude, we must be one with the font of that promise just as he is one with the creator “my Father in heaven.” It is an essential truth of our faith, and my hope for this community that unity and fraternity, love and sorority, one people and one love must become a defining feature of The Community. For younger generations, this means: yes, Gay Carnival Clubs are important, not as a legacy, but as a political statement, “We are here.” Yes, Bears Clubs, Gay club/bars and drag shows become
important, not as a feature of the Gay ghetto that they once were, but as an “out” statement that “We are here.” We are real, we have clout, we have society, we have fraternity, AND we have an economy that matters. So, Decadence--Well done. PRIDE--Well done. “Gay” Carnival Krewes--Well done. For every iteration of The Community that steps out, makes the LGBTQ+ a larger than life reality--Well done.
Big Freedia to headline Chevron New Orleans Walk to End HIV
Chevron NO/AIDS Walk has changed its name to the Chevron New Orleans Walk to End HIV. And if you don’t want to walk, maybe you’d like to bounce on over to the event that is being headlined by Big Freedia on Sunday, September 30th at Crescent Park. “Big Freedia is symbolic of the big advances we have made in the fight to control HIV in our community,” said Rodney Thoulion, Director of Development for CrescentCare. “We have a lot to cautiously celebrate. While we’ve made great advances, a cure has been elusive. As far as the name change, stigma and fear keep people from seeking care and the word AIDS is a huge deterrent. The march to end HIV is on in New Orleans and we don’t want anyone to be afraid to be tested or seek care.” CrescentCare’s programs, such as the CrescentCare Start Initiative (CCSI) which seeks to get the newly diagnosed into care within 72 hours and virally suppressed in 30 days coupled with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, better known as PrEP, are two of the tools in the arsenal to bring HIV under control. Programs such as these benefit directly from the Walk. The funds raised from the Walk will be used by CrescentCare’s NO/AIDS Task Force division to provide vital prevention and treatment services for people in the community affected by HIV. Last year CrescentCare administered over 12,000 HIV tests and in-
creased its PrEP patient population to 1,200. The walk is one of Chevron’s flagship efforts in the New Orleans market to curb the spread of HIV and improve health outcomes for those affected by the disease. Seeing many improvements in HIV treatment and testing technology, Chevron Vice President Leah Brown says, “Chevron is proud of the working being done by members of the health care community for Southeast Louisiana and is excited to be a part of their incredible efforts.” “If the advances made in recent years are any indication,” she continued, “we are hopeful that this will be the last generation that HIV impacts.” Avita Pharmacy is a co-sponsor of the event along with Capital One Bank, Goldring Family Foundation, French Market Corporation, Baptist Community Ministries, Blue Cube Promotions, Louisiana Pizza Kitchen Uptown, Ochsner, Dow, Macy’s, Gambit, Napo Pharmaceuticals, Lucid, Coca-Cola, Kentwood, NOLA Media Group and Ambush Magazine. New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus and the Big 6 Brass Band will also perform. To sign up for the Chevron New Orleans Walk to End HIV or for more information, go to www.noaidswalk. com. If you would like to see Big Freedia without signing up as a walker, there will be a $10 suggested donation at the gate.
Get Listed for $10 per Issue
Want to see your business, organization, or event in our next issue?
Email Ambush sales@ambushpublishing.com
www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 35
LGBT Owned & Friendly Business Directory
bars
Job Opportunities Ambush Magazine is growing!
Freelance & Contributing Writers Wanted
We want to hear from you if you are a working or aspiring journalist interested in covering topics meaningful to the LGBTQ community.
Snap Paparazzi Photographer Wanted
Do you frequent the LGBTQ bars and events? We want to hear from you if you are interested in regularly covering the bars and events.
If you are interested, please email your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to info@ambushpublishing.com
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. Café Lafitte in Exile is the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the United States. 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. Designed for a casual night out or a quiet evening with that special someone, we offer a wide selection of liquor, beer, and the world renowned Separator. 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 NAPOLEON’S ITCH, 734 Bourbon St., 237-4144 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. Leather, Dark Rooms, & Bears All Around. You can feel the throb of excitement and smell it in the air. This isn’t just a bar. This is an experience! 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
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
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. More than just a hardware store, Mary’s Ace French Quarter Hardware also features an extensive selection of kitchen and bath items upstairs.
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 “half-kitchen”, 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
36 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
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, P.O. Box 2587, LaPlace, LA 70069, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: info@ambushpublishing.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, 828A 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; HalloweenNewOrleans.COM 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 MYSTIC KREWE OF LORDS OF LEATHER, 1000 Bourbon St #B415, New Orleans, LA 70116, www.lordsofleather.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 2443 Halsey Ave., New Orleans, LA 70114, 504.906.7990 Todd J. Blauvelt / Secretary, krewe.of.satyricon@gmail.com, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 504.821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM NEW ORLEANS PRIDE, info@neworleanspridefestival.com; 504.321.6006; NewOrleansPrideFestival.COM; NOLAPride. ORG; New Orleans Pride fully embraces the message of “One CommUNITY” as we celebrate our history and promote the future prosperity of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast Region. We use public awareness and education about the LGBT+ community as a way to combat “phobias” and discrimination. Our programs, seminars and events leading up to, and during Pride weekend, are meant to include individuals from all walks of life. 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 504.947.2121, stannanola.org Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans (MCCNO), 5401 S. Claiborne Ave — Pastor Alisan Rowland: New Orleans first LGBTQ church welcomes you to join us for our weekly Sunday worship services at 10:00 AM, where we celebrate God’s Love for everyone.
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. Since 1939, our quirky, cozy, unique diner has been home to the best breakfasts & burgers on Bourbon Street–maybe even the whole French Quarter! 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
real estate
New Orleans, LA [504] Engel & Völkers New Orleans, Michael Styles, Realtor — Michael specializes in
helping first-time homebuyers and real estate investors find the perfect New Orleans properties. 504.777.1773, NolaStyles.com Latter & Blum, Steven Richards Realtor, 504.258.1800, SteveRichardsProperties.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
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
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,
Get Listed for $10 per Issue Want to see your business, organization, or event in our next issue?
Email Ambush sales@ambushpublishing.com
www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 37
FINANCIAL & BUSINESS
5 Common Social Security Questions Answered Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA® s.billeaudeau@ampf.com There’s no question that Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement income for many Americans. Yet, deciding when to take Social Security benefits is something that many people struggle with. As with most financial decisions, the right move depends on a variety of factors unique to each individual. If you are contemplating when to pull the trigger on Social Security benefits, read on for answers to some common questions. At what age can I claim Social Security? As it stands today, Americans are eligible at age 62. If you start then, you will receive the lowest monthly benefit possible. The longer you delay claiming, the larger the benefit will be. The amount increases by eight percent each year. If you delay your claim, you should begin collecting by age 70 as monthly benefits do not increase after that point.1 What is my full retirement age? For years, full retirement age, or
the age when you’re eligible to receive your complete benefit from Social Security, was 65. It is now higher. For those born from 1943 to 1954, it is age 66; for those born between 1955 and 1959, it falls between ages 66 and 67; and for those born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67.1 What is the right age to claim benefits? The answer to this question varies depending on your circumstances. When deciding the timing that works for you, consider the following: 1. The likelihood of living a long life in retirement. According to the Social Security Administration, the average life expectancy for a person reaching age 65 is 84 for a man and just shy of 87 for a woman. 2. Your financial need for a regular source of income once you qualify to claim benefits. This may depend in part on whether you plan to continue working until you reach your full retirement age, or even after, in which case you may be able to delay taking Social
Security benefits. 3. If you’re married. For people with spouses, it’s important to verify which of you will qualify for the larger benefit. Once one spouse dies, the surviving spouse will continue to collect the highest of the two benefits earned in the household. Can I keep working and still collect Social Security? Yes, but the Social Security Administration applies an earnings limit if you haven’t yet reached full retirement age. In 2018, the limit for those who have not yet reached the year of their full retirement age is $17,040. After you earn that much from work, your Social Security benefits will be reduced by $1 for every two dollars you earn over the limit. In the year you will reach full retirement age, that limit rises to $45,360. Once you surpass that amount, $1 of your Social Security benefits is reduced for every $3 you earn over the limit. After you have reached full retirement age, the earnings limit goes away. At that point, you can continue working and earn as much as you’d like without losing any Social Security benefits.2
How are my benefits determined? Benefits are based on your lifetime earnings, with an emphasis on the 35 years where you earned the most income. A formula is applied to those earnings to determine what you qualify to receive at full retirement age. This is the basis for determining any adjustment to your benefits if you claim prior to or later than your full retirement age. These are a few of the factors that will affect the decisions you make on timing your Social Security benefits. If you have questions about your situation, contact your local Social Security office, visit www.ssa.gov or discuss this matter in more detail with a financial advisor. Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA®, is a Financial Advisor with Waterfront Wealth Management, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. He specializes in addressing the unique needs of the diverse LGBTQ community, fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies, and has been in practice for 11 years.
Pere Antoine Restaurant, located on the corner of Royal Street and St. Ann in the heart of the Vieux Carre, offers a relaxing, open-air atmosphere with an expansive view of modern day French Quarter life strolling by. Enjoy this unique New Orleans dining experience while dipping into a wide array of savory Louisiana Cajun and Creole cuisines, such as Crawfish Etouffee or fried oysters.
38 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Tony Leggio AT THE GRAND MARSHALS’ BAR CRAWL
AT THE NOAGE POTLUCK DINNER
AT THE PHOENIX BLOCK PARTY
www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 39
LSU announces football parking, traffic and gameday reminders Michael Bonnette, Crescent City Sports BATON ROUGE – LSU opens its 2018 home schedule on Saturday at 6 p.m. against Southeastern Louisiana and fans coming to the game should expect some changes around campus highlighted by the addition of the recently opened Nicholson Gateway Development and state improvements made to Nicholson Drive. The new Nicholson Gateway Development, located just west of Tiger Stadium off of Nicholson Drive, has brought exciting new elements to campus life. In addition to apartment-like living for over 1,500 LSU students, the development is also home to Matherne’s Market and Starbucks with more retail shops and eateries coming in the near future. With the addition of the Nicholson Gateway Development and the state’s restructuring of Nicholson Drive between Burbank and West Chimes Street, fans should be aware of new parking lots, traffic flow patterns, as well as the re-naming of Nicholson Extension to South Quad Drive. The following is a quick guide to some of the changes fans can expect when coming to campus for LSU football games this fall: Parking There are several new reserved lots within the Nicholson Gateway De-
velopment. Lots 109 and 110 are reserved and are located within the development. Those fans parking in Lots 109 and 110 must access these lots from Skip Bertman Drive. Access to Lots 103, 104, 105 and 106 along Nicholson Drive For fans parking in Lots 103, 104, 105 and 106 – the Nicholson Drive improvements have modified medians and curbsides and could possibly change how you enter your lot. Directional signage along with police officers will direct fans parking in Lots 103, 104, 105, and 106 on the quickest way to enter each lot. Lot 103- Guests heading South on Nicholson will be allowed to U-turn at the end of the median before the North Stadium light. Lot 104- Guests heading South on Nicholson will be able to access lot 104 through the U-turn/ turning lane in the median. The entrance directly across from the opening in the median will be open in addition to main Lot 104 entrance that we used previous years. Lot 105- No changes. Guests will continue to enter from West Chimes Lot 106- A new entrance will be created inside lot 105 that will allow guests to enter through the lot 105 entrance on West Chimes and access Lot 106 from the backside. A ramp is being
Your financial needs are unique. Whether you want to provide for your loved ones, support the organizations that are important to you, or plan for your own comfortable retirement, I can help you plan for your goals. I’ll look at all aspects of your finances, then find solutions that are right for your unique needs. I’ll be there to adjust your plan as life unfolds. When you have the right approach, life can be brilliant. Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M., ADPA® Financial Advisor Waterfront Wealth Management A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 3939 N Causeway Blvd, Ste 400 Metairie, LA 70002 504.889.1704 s.billeaudeau@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/s.billeaudeau
Ameriprise Financial is proud to be recognized with another perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index.
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
created in the first 2 parking spaces along the main drive in lot 105 that will facilitate this. If you have specific questions regarding any of these parking lots, please call the customer service phone line at 225-578-4085. Fans are reminded that no parking is allowed along Nicholson Drive. Parking lots on campus open at open at 7 a.m. on Saturday. New for 2018 – LSU will begin a graduate process of scanning parking permits for select lots this year. Fans should have their permits ready for the attendant to stub/ scan upon entry to the lots. Parking In Lot 407 Currently Available Parking in Lot 407 (corner of Skip Bertman and River Road) for games against Southeastern Louisiana ($20), Louisiana Tech ($20), Rice ($20), Ole Miss ($40) and Mississippi State ($40) is currently available for purchase. Fans can purchase permits for Lot 407 in advance at www.LSUtix.net or they can be purchased on gameday by credit card. Parking in Lot 407 opens at 7 a.m. on Saturday. Fans are reminded to check www.LSUsports.net/gameday for updates as availability can change by game. Free Parking Available Free parking for Saturday’s game will be available on a first-come, firstserve basis in the following areas: Hayfield, Levee South, Gourrier South, LSU Golf Course and the old front nine off of Burbank. View the 2018 LSU Football parking map at www.LSUsports.net/gameday. More Reminders For safety concerns, street parking will still not be allowed on Nicholson Drive/Highway 30 and Burbank Drive south of Skip Bertman Drive. Tailgating is still allowed in the grass areas adjacent to Nicholson Drive, however, vehicles will not be allowed to park in this area. Fans tailgating in these areas are encouraged to use the Old Front Nine free parking lot. ADA Parking In Lot 409 Free ADA parking will be available in Lot 409 (Hall of Fame Lot at Alex Box Stadium) with a shuttle running starting five hours before kickoff. Patrons must show a state issued hang tag for access to this lot. Traffic Pedestrian Buffer Zone on Nicholson between North Stadium and South Stadium Drives A pedestrian buffer zone will remain in effect on Nicholson Drive for fans exiting Tiger Stadium heading west. Nicholson Drive between North Stadium and South Stadium Drive will have no post-game vehicular traffic. Traffic will be forced north and south at these streets with no cross traffic al-
lowed. This operation will allow fans to cross Nicholson Drive without competing vehicular traffic as well as assisting with the forced directional exit in the parking lots around the stadium. Post-Game Traffic LSU will enforce directional exiting from all parking lots. Please be patient, drive safely, and listen to the instruction of the law enforcement officers assisting fans with exiting into the correct post-game direction. Be sure to review directional routes and review all post game guidelines at www.lsusports.net/ gameday. Lyft Rideshare Lyft is the official rideshare partner of LSU Athletics. Drop off and pickup locations are located around the perimeter of campus. Fans are always encouraged to arrive early and to carpool when possible to help reduce the number of vehicles on campus. Fans are also asked to reference www.LSUsports.net/gameday for parking updates, suggested routes to campus, and other gameday related information. Fans should be aware that the LSU campus is closed to thru traffic until 5 p.m. on Fridays. LSUSports.net/gameday The hub for everything gameday is www.LSUSports.net/gameday, which is a mobile-friendly website dedicated to educate fans on all policies and procedures that relate to LSU athletic events, in particular football games. Fans are encouraged to follow @ LSUsports and @LSUgameops on Twitter for pregame and postgame traffic and parking lot alerts. LSU TO IMPLEMENT METAL DETECTOR “PILOT PROGRAM” IN 2018 BATON ROUGE – Metal detectors will be used at select gates at Tiger Stadium this year as part of a pilot program that will help LSU prepare for the Southeastern Conference mandate of full stadium coverage by the year 2020, the school announced Wednesday. LSU’s plan is to have full stadium coverage by 2019, a year ahead of the SEC requirement of full stadium coverage. This year, LSU will have 15 metal detectors in use at gates 23-28 on the south side of Tiger Stadium for every home game. “Providing a safe environment along with creating a great fan experience is what we are striving for,” LSU communications director Michael Bonnette said. “This year’s pilot program using 15 metal detectors gives us an opportunity to educate our fans on what the process will be like when entering Tiger Stadium in the future. This process is similar to what every other school in our league is doing. “Our goal is to have a metal detector plan in place at Tiger Stadium in 2019, to provide full coverage and be
40 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
in line with other SEC schools.” Fans are reminded that LSU’s Geaux Clear Bag Policy remains in place for Tiger Stadium this year and that the metal detectors are there to add another layer of security. The following are some reminders about the metal detector process at Tiger Stadium as well as the Geaux Clear Policy: New for 2018: Metal Detectors The 15 metal detectors will be located on the south side of Tiger Stadium at Gates 22-28. Fans entering the stadium through Gates 23-28 will be instructed by event staff members on the metal detector process which is as follows: Step 1: Bag inspection Step 2: Remove cell phones, cameras and any other large metal objects (Note: shoes, belts, keys, jewelry or small metal objects don’t have to be removed) Step 3: Walk through metal detector Step 4: Retrieve items that were removed prior to entering metal detector Step 5: Get ticket scanned Those fans with medical issues should notify security prior to going through the metal detectors where they will then be directed to the Medical Inspection Gate located at Gate 10 at the southwest corner of Tiger Stadium. Fans should be aware that any items deemed as a weapon (pocket knives, multi-tools, etc.) will be confiscated at the gates will not be returned. Those items should remain in their vehicles or left at home. For a complete listing of prohibited items in Tiger Stadium, go to www.LSUSports.net/gameday. Geaux Clear – LSU’s Clear Bag Policy LSU’s clear bag policy – Geaux Clear – will once again be in place for all athletic home events in 2018-19. Fans are reminded that diaper bags (unless they are clear) are not allowed in Tiger Stadium. Backpacks are not permitted in Tiger Stadium. LSU’s clear bag policy allows for only clear tote bags smaller than 12” x 6” x 12” or one-gallon plastic freezer bags to be permitted in Tiger Stadium. Small clutch purses (no matter color or transparency), with or without a handle or strap, are permitted as long as they are not larger than 4.5″x 6.5. Seat cushions with no pockets and no larger than 16” are also permitted. Fans are encouraged to travel light. For a complete list of prohibited items in Tiger Stadium and other athletic venues go to www.LSUsports.net/ geauxclear or call LSU Guest Services at 225.578.4085. TIGER STADIUM WITH GREAT NEW FOOD ATTRACTIONS TO GO WITH FOOTBALL There is an old commercial that had something about “food, glorious food.” LSU Concessions has all that
“food, glorious food” and more this year at venues throughout Tiger Stadium. Now the old favorites have not gone away. Oh no, your peanuts and popcorn and hot dogs etc., are still there and ready for you, but there are going to be some interesting items that will be for your enjoyment and Larry Wallace, director of LSU Concessions, sent me a list of some of these new samplings. The newest addition is “The Chute”, which will be unveiled on Saturday when the Tigers take on Southeastern at 6 p.m. The Chute will be open to any fan 21-years of age or older with a game ticket. It is located on the south side of Tiger Stadium and will allow fans to purchase beer and food with a giant-screen HD video board and numerous HD televisions. Admission to The Chute is $20 a person and includes two beverages. Food service will be provided by Burgersmith which will have their Smith burger for purchase along with alligator sausage po’boys and fried okra. There will also be Papa John’s Pizza available in the area as well. Burgersmith will also be available in the South lower area of the stadium. On the Westside of Tiger Stadium, look for the new “Kitch Concept” area which will feature a full grab and go shopping area, similar to what you have seen often in airports, offering vegan options, Big Squeezy Juices and an abundance of other offerings, including fresh acai bowls. Big Squeezy will also be selling their offerings in the lower South area. In the South upper area, the cooks will be working with the fryers available in that area sell fresh fried seafood baskets and chicken tender baskets. Firehouse Subs will be available in the South, East and West sections of the stadium with Italian subs, turkey subs and those fresh made fire house sub brownies. Also in your search for the quintessential LSU concession items how about these – The new Tiger Tot Tower – a load of tator tots covered with Bar-B-Q pork, hot cheddar cheese and green onions. Then there is the newest thing to come to the West upper area – Spiral Pizza. Think pepperoni and cheese pizza served in a pizza-crust shaped cone. What should be a nice line time-saver is that there will be 10 refill stations in the stadium allowing fans with a refill sticker on their souvenir cup to get their refill without going back to a concessions stand. Fans will also be allowed to purchase drinks in these areas. There will be some concession favorites kicked up a notch this year including foot-long Coney Corndogs and Bayou Poppers made with fresh Kettle Corn. Along with the traditional sausage po-boy is the “swamp” sausage dog which is a traditional Manda Sau-
sage po-boy covered in peppers and onions. Finally, for a little dessert after tailgating before heading in to the stadium, how about the Beignet Box. This will be located outside across from gate 22. The Box will be making fresh beignets and coffee and there will be a seating area. And, if you miss the beignets outside, stands inside the stadium
will offer beignets by the Beignet Box. So there you have it. To paraphrase, its football, glorious LSU Football to go with food, glorious food. Enjoy the game! This article was originally published by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.
Ominous signs from LSU offense ahead of Auburn test David Grubb, Crescent City Sports BATON ROUGE – If Southeastern Louisiana was supposed to be a tune up before LSU faces Auburn next week, the Tigers may have to look back under the hood. On the surface, a 31-0 home victory over the Lions seems like an indicator that LSU played well. In securing their first home shutout in nearly four years, the Tigers held Southeastern to 151 yards over the first three quarters of the game. The LSU offense went without a turnover for the second straight game, and the running game produced 184 yards, including 137 for Nick Brossette. Joe Burrow threw his first two touchdown passes as a Tiger and ran one in as well. So what’s the problem? Certainly not the defense. They’ve frustrated two quarterbacks, by racking up nine sacks and forcing five turnovers. Southeastern didn’t run a play in LSU territory until their fourth drive. Outside of garbage time scores by Miami in the season opener, the Tigers defense has given up three points in seven quarters. Even with several new starters on that side of the ball, Dave Aranda’s unit has lived up to expectations. The offense has been another story. The naming of Steve Ensminger as offensive coordinator was questioned from the outset, and those who doubted the move have yet to be given a reason not to. In two games LSU has scored 51 points in the first half, and 13 in the second. Against Miami, LSU ran 27 plays for 106 yards (3.9 yards per play). In Saturday’s second half, the Tigers gained just 63 yards in 15 plays (4.2). Burrow has been pedestrian so far. He’s completed 21-of-44 pass attempts for 291 yards and three touchdowns (one rushing). Those numbers are eerily similar to those of former quarterback Danny Etling’s first two appearances in purple and gold. Etling went 25-44 for 315 yards and three scores (also one rushing) in wins over Jacksonville State and Mississippi State in 2016 after replacing Brandon Harris. That season cost Les Miles his job, and LSU finished 8-4. At the season’s outset, Head Coach Ed Orgeron said that this was
the offense that he always envisioned for LSU. To those watching the game, the vision was more in line with the style that got Miles run out of town on his hat. In his post game comments, Orgeron said the Tigers hadn’t simplified the game plan for the Lions. “We’ve been playing to win,” he said. “We’ve been throwing our best stuff out there.” Their best stuff has been good enough for a 2-0 start, but after seeing upcoming SEC opponents Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi State combine for 192 points on Saturday, there have to be concerns. Orgeron has his share. The offensive line has been in flux due to both injury and ineffectiveness. “We were just out of sync a little bit,” he said. “Our offensive line was penetrated, and we couldn’t protect Joe.” “We missed some balls, and we couldn’t protect. They were all over Joe, and there were a lot of missed assignments and a lot of times we got beat one-on-one. We just couldn’t get it done.” The return of Saahdiq Charles next week should help, but having to protect with seven against an FCS-level team means some other players are going to have to step up, and that includes Burrow and the entire receiving corps. Dropped passes, poorly run routes, and a quarterback who has a tendency to hold the ball a little too long in the pocket have had as big an impact on the Tigers’ inconsistent offense as the trouble up front. “We got a lot of work to do,” he added. “[Auburn] is going to be one of the most dominant fronts we will play.” It should be a very interesting “Tell the Truth Tuesday” in the LSU football offices this week. While it’s far too early to begin writing the Tigers off just yet, Auburn should help reveal the truth about LSU’s chances to have a great season, or another one that ends in disappointment. This article was originally published by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.
www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · September 11 - 24 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · 41
Tulane honors unbeaten 1998 team on 20th anniversary Les East, Crescent City Sports NEW ORLEANS – Tulane celebrated perfection Saturday night. On the same night that the 124th Green Wave team defeated Nicholls, 42-17, in Yulman Stadium, the best Green Wave team in history was being feted on the 20th anniversary of its 12-0 season. Only three other Tulane teams went undefeated. The 1900 team went 5-0, the 1925 team went 9-0-1 and the 1929 team went 9-0. But the 1998 team was unique. It won its games by an average of three touchdowns and finished the season ranked seventh in the country. It didn’t have a chance to compete for a national championship, but it did everything it could have to earn that opportunity. The BCS title match-up was determined by pollsters and bureaucrats and they chose Tennessee and Florida State, both of whom had gone undefeated against much stronger schedules than the Green Wave played. Tulane was never in the BCS conversation. “It was Tulane,” center Torie Taulli said. “The world did not want us to go undefeated.” But undefeated they went, though the perfect season started with a series
Gulf Coast Equality Council With Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort & Harrah’s Gulf Coast Present
of imperfect circumstances. Just days before the opener at Cincinnati, 10 players who were academically eligible by NCAA standards were declared ineligible by the university, which served as a reminder of why it’s even more difficult for a team at a school such as Tulane to go undefeated compared to schools with lower academic requirements. Six of the players would ultimately be reinstated but four, including one starter, would miss the entire season. Two starters missed the flight to Dallas for the second game at SMU because flooding from a tropical storm prevented them from getting to the airport on time. After the home opener against Navy, the Green Wave dispersed as New Orleans was evacuated because of the threat from Hurricane Georges. When the team reconvened the Tuesday after the game it was discovered that the injury that starting quarterback Shaun King had suffered against Navy was a broken left (non-throwing) wrist. The following week against Southern Mississippi, King played with a soft cast and split time with Jeff Curtis, who entered the game when Tulane ran plays that required the quarterback
HARRAH’S GREAT LAWN 11AM – 6PM Harrah’s Gulf Coast 280 Beach Blvd Biloxi, MS 39530 For more information or to become a vendor, please visit our website at GulfCoastEqualityFest.org
Gulf Coast Equality Council reserves all rights. Must be 21 or older to gamble. ©2018, Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort. ©2018, Caesars License Company, LLC. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.
ss
Be
w
ro
u yo
o nB
Always dreamed of having your own business?
Tupperware is growing in your area. Learn how to to help others Save Time, Save Space and Cook without the waste.
Call 985-377-9162 for more information. www.my.tupperware.com/steverocha • tupcouple@gmail.com
handling a snap under center. The defense caused six turnovers and Tulane prevailed 21-7 to go to 4-0. “That was a springboard into the rest of the season,” Curtis said. A week later the perfect season was seriously threatened by Louisville, which drove to the Tulane 3 in search of a winning touchdown in the final seconds. On the final play of the game, defensive back Tim Carter broke up a pass that preserved a 28-22 victory. After that the academic difficulties, severe weather, major injuries and even stressful conclusions abated. The Green Wave won their last six regular-season games by an average of four touchdowns, none by fewer than 10 points. Tulane put the finishing touch on the perfect regular season with a 6330 victory against Louisiana Tech on Thanksgiving night. The lower two levels of the Superdome were mostly filled, a metaphor for the season – not quite up to elite-program standards, but exceptional by Tulane standards. “The place was on fire,” offensive lineman Jimmy Ordeneaux said. “We put on a show and that performance was a culmination of all the hard work we put in.” The Green Wave went on to defeat BYU, 41-27, in the Liberty Bowl on New Year’s Eve. Four days later, Tennessee defeated Florida State, 23-16, in a sloppy title game in the Fiesta Bowl. “On December 31st 1998,” cornerback Michael Jordan said, “I think we could have beaten anybody.” We’ll never know what might have been, but we do know that Tulane won every game it played. The best any championship team can ever do is match that. Current Tulane coach Willie Fritz experienced a 12-0 season twice when he was head coach at Blinn College (1995-96), winning a national junior college title both seasons. “It’s very, very difficult to do,” Fritz said. “That’s why at the end of the year, you’ve got one, two, three teams that have the possibility of doing that at the Division I level. Coach (Tommy) Bowden, his staff and the players did a good job of bringing their A game every single week.” The success led to Bowden being hired as head coach at Clemson and he left before the Liberty Bowl. In nineplus seasons at Clemson he never lost fewer than three games. His offensive coordinator, Rich Rodriguez, was the de facto head coach for the Liberty Bowl even though the title went to Chris Scelfo, who had been named Bowden’s successor. Rodriguez, who thought he would
succeed Bowden until Scelfo was brought in at the 11th hour, stayed for the bowl game out of respect for the players before joining Bowden at Clemson. He would go on to be head coach at West Virginia for seven seasons, Michigan for three seasons and Arizona for six. In 2005 his West Virginia team was undefeated into late November, but couldn’t duplicate what the ’98 Tulane did, losing its season finale to Pittsburgh. Bowden and Rodriguez weren’t at Yulman on Saturday, but on the 10-year anniversary of the undefeated season, when the ’98 team was inducted into the Tulane Hall of Fame, Bowden said, “You really find out how hard (going undefeated) is to do as you continue down the road.” Though the most recognizable coaches weren’t there, defensive coordinator Rick Smith and dozens of the players were. But the prefect team’s celebration wasn’t perfect. The leading receiver on the team, JaJuan Dawson, drowned while tubing in Texas three years ago. Dawson’s widow and two daughters were honorary captains Saturday night. One of his roommates at Tulane, running back Jamaican Dartez, wore Dawson’s No. 20 jersey. “It’s bittersweet,” Jordan, another of Dawson’s roommates, said. “I miss that guy. We were like brothers. It’s hard thinking about. He was definitely a big part of this.” The team members on hand were recognized on the field at the end of the first quarter. On the next play from scrimmage the Green Wave’s Corey Dauphine sprinted 69 yards for a touchdown while the ’98 team jumped up and down and screamed from the sideline. Among them was Taulli, who said he used to carry with him his freshman student I.D. card before it “fell apart” as the intervening years took their toll. His head shot was taken shortly after the team returned from a brutal preseason camp in Covington. He had shaved his head and his face carried cuts and bruises. Taulli said he “looked like a criminal,” but he hung on to the I.D. because “it gave me perspective.” “Nothing we do in life will ever be that tough,” Taulli said. “And nothing we ever do will last forever.” This article was originally published by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.
42 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South: www.AmbushMag.com · September 11 - 24, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · www.SouthernDecadence.com
g a r D
BoomtownNewOrleans.com • 504.366.7711
JOIN US FOR COCA MESA’S DRAG BRUNCH EVERY SUNDAY AT BOOMERS. COCA & THE QUEENS OF THE BOTTOMLESS BRUNCH! BOTTOMLESS “MEN”MOSAS, FOOD & NON-STOP ENTERTAINMENT! Sundays at Boomtown Doors • 12p Show • 1p
A’ S S E M COC A
H C N BRU
Tickets available at Ticketweb.com Individual • $35 Table of 4 • $125 Table of 10 • $300
JOIN MYCHOICE® FOR SAME-DAY REWARDS. New mychoice members can earn 30 points for a $30 food credit, earn 100 more points for $15 in Bonus Rewards™ and earn another 100 more for a complimentary hotel stay with and $30 resort credit.
/BoomtownNewOrleans
/BoomtownNOLA
/BoomtownNOLA
Must be 21 years of age or older. Management reserves the right to change, cancel or modify this program at any time with applicable Gaming Regulation. Not valid for persons on a Disassociated Patrons, Voluntary Exclusion or Self Exclusion List in jurisdictions which Pinnacle Entertainment operates or who have been otherwise excluded from the participating property. ©2018 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 800.522.4700