Ambush Magazine Volume 37 Issue 18 by Ambush Publishing

THE OFFICIAL GAY MAGAZINE OF THE GULF SOUTH™

A Biweekly Publication Celebrating LGBTQ Life, Music & Culture Since 1982 VOLUME 37 ISSUE 18

TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2019

Official Southern Decadence Guide™

www.AMBUSHMAG.com

THE “OFFICIAL” DISH by TJ ACOSTA, PUBLISHER

Dear Ambush Nation, SOUTHERN DECADENCE is finally here! Once again Ambush Magazine, as The Official Southern Decadence Guide™, is the ONLY place to find all things Southern Decadence. Inside the pages of this issue, we have a complete listing of events, parties and other attractions including entertainer profiles. There are well over 100 individual events and parties for this year’s 48th Annual Southern Decadence Celebration. We hope everyone has a great time this Labor Day weekend. If this is your first time in New Orleans or at Southern Decadence, let me say on behalf of Ambush Nation, welcome! We are thrilled to have you in our great city. We promise to do our best to show you a good time. New Orleans is a city like no other and Southern Decadence is unlike any gay party or event you’ve ever experienced. There is definitely something for everyone at Southern Decadence! There are so many events to enjoy but the highlight is always the Southern Decadence Parade led by the Grand Marshals. The parade is on Sunday, September 1 at 2 pm. The parade starts at The Golden Lantern bar, the official home of Southern Decadence, located at 1239 Royal Street and will parade through the French Quarter. The parade is a walking parade and will have well over 1,000 people marching. A map of the route can be found in this issue of Ambush and on the official website, SouthernDecadence.com. On behalf of myself and the entire Ambush Nation, we would like to congratulate this year’s Grand Marshals, Daryl Dunaway (Countess C. Alice) and William Antill. Both have worked extremely hard along with their entourages coordinating fundraisers all summer long to pay for the parade and raise money for the official Southern Decadence charity, Odyssey House Louisiana. I’d also like to take this opportuni-

ty to personally thank Grand Marshal William Antill for asking me to be a lieutenant in his entourage. I’ve had a blast spending time with both Will and Daryl and working with Will’s other lieutenant, Larry Bagneris. It has been a fun summer filled with parties, fundraisers, costume fittings and countless hours just spending time amongst friends both new and old. I am looking forward to the opportunity to march behind Will and Daryl in the Southern Decadence Parade. I hope to see everyone along the parade route. As this is my second Decadence as the owner of Ambush, I now have a full understanding of the behind-thescenes work that goes into planning such a large-scale event. It is an endeavor that would not be possible without the generosity of members of our community. I would like to thank all the sponsors of Southern Decadence who have participated this year by donating both money and time to host multiple fundraisers. It is through these efforts and the coordination of events by the Grand Marshals that make Southern Decadence such a successful weekend celebration. I hope everyone has a wonderful and decadent experience over the holiday weekend. Happy Decadence!

that bowls at 7 pm on Monday nights at AMF All Star Lanes in Kenner. The fall league starts on Monday, September 16. Teams of 4 or individuals are welcome to join. Everyone is invited to bowl and have a good time regardless of skill level. If you are interested or have any questions you can email Bryan at kocktailbunch@att.net. I’ve been a member of this league for over 10 years and have made many wonderful friendships over the years. Hope to see some new faces on September 16!

Welcome to New Orleans Association of LGBTQ Journalists Is there a better way to celebrate our first amendment rights as an LGBTQ member of the press than to do so at a conference in New Orleans over Southern Decadence? We think not! On behalf of the Ambush Team, Southern Decadence Grand Marshals, and the LGBTQ Gulf South community, we welcome you to the Big Easy and we cannot wait to read about your New Orleans experiences!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Halloween New Orleans is the weekend of October 25 and is packed full of events. Friday night is The Lazarus Ball, Saturday is The Main Event at The Fillmore, and Sunday is the Pier Dance at Crescent Park. Spinning over the weekend will be DJ Ben Bakson, DJ Grind and DJ Blacklow. For more information go to HalloweenNewOrleans.com. Gay Mardi Gras is the weekend of February 21, 2020 and is the celebration that leads into Mardi Gras Day on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. The weekend is filled with parades and even a Gay Mardi Gras ball or two. The highlight of Gay Mardi Gras is the King Cake Queen bead toss on Bourbon Street Mardi Gras day! For more information go to GayMardiGras.com. The Gay Easter Parade is the highlight of Easter Weekend and is always at 4:30 pm on Easter Sunday. Next year that falls on Sunday, April 12. We always start the weekend with the annual Bunnies in the Big Easy event on Good Friday and finish with the parade on Sunday. It’s such a fun weekend so plan on spending Easter in the Big Easy in 2020. For more information go to GayEasterParade.com.

STRIKE, MARK IT DOWN! Do you like to bowl? Looking to make some new friends? Come join the Kocktail Bunch Bowling League! The league is a LGBTQ bowling league

Inside this Issue of Ambush Community Announcements

Arts & Culture

Health & Wellness

Southern Decadence Guide

Hot Happenings Calendar

Business & LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory

Comics, Puzzles & Horoscopes

Sports

Gulf South LGBTQ Entertainment & Travel Guide Since 1982 New Orleans, Louisiana | info@ambushpublishing.com | (504) 522-8049

BIG FREEDIA HEADLINES THE WALK TO END HIV The Chevron Walk to End HIV will be held on September 28 at Woldenberg Park along the river next to the Audubon Institute’s Aquarium of the Americas. The walk begins at 10 am and helps to raise awareness of HIV in our community and raise much needed funds for CrescentCare - NO/AIDS Task Force. There are currently over 3,500 people in our community who receive HIV services from CrescentCare. Entertainment will be provided by DJ/ Dance hit artist Synes and the headliner will once again be Big Freedia. We hope to see everyone at the walk on September 28. For more information go to endhivnola.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™

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR info@ambushpublishing.com CIRCULATION

Alabama - Birmingham, Mobile; Florida - Pensacola; Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Monroe, Alexandria; Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Jackson; Texas Houston

PUBLISHER TJ Acosta EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Reed Wendorf DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & EVENTS Chris Leonard SENIOR EDITOR Brian Sands CONTRIBUTORS Adam Radd, Brian Sands, Catherine Roland, Crescent City Sports, Frank Perez, Jim Meadows, Kevin Assam, Rev. Bill Terry, Rodney Thoulion, Robert Fiesler, Ryan Rockford, Scot Billeaudeau, Tony Leggio, & Tyler Rosebush PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrew Hopkins, Dwain Hertz, Persona Shoulders, Tony Leggio

LOCAL ADVERTISING sales@ambushpublishing.com Reed Wendorf 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. ©1982-2019 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 · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 5

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Corrections from Last Issue The photo accompanying “Interview with Arthur Severio” by Tyler Rosebush was incorrectly captioned. Arthur won the 2019 Gay Appreciation

Award for Photographer of the Year. Artist of the Year was won by Drew Enderlin. Corrections have been made to the online version.

The article and accompanying photo for Tony Leggio’s “Bartender of the Month” were mistitled. Aaron Yaeger is Bartender of the Month. Stewart

Butler recommended Aaron to Tony for consideration. Corrections have been made to the online version. Ambush regrets these errors.

LGBT+ History at Loyola University LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana President and Ambush columnist Frank Perez will incorporate local LGBT+ history into three courses he is teaching at Loyola University this fall. Loyola University began offering Professional Tour Guiding courses last year as part of a new initiative to accommodate the city’s growing tourism industry as well as to address increasing concerns that many of the newly licensed guides on the streets have not been properly trained. The city of New Orleans currently mandates that any guide who is paid for giving tours has a city-issued tour guide license. At present, there are only three requirements to be issued a license: pay an application fee to the city, pass an FBI background check, and score a 70% on a written test. Students who successfully complete the first course at Loyola will have the city test waived.

Professional Tour Guiding 1 begins on September 9 and meets on Monday nights through November 15. Designed for people who are preparing to take the New Orleans Tour Guide Permit exam or just want to learn more about the city, this course is a rich exploration of New Orleans’ colorful history and the tourism industry. Students participate in classroom sessions and two field trips that are guided walking tours of the French Quarter and the Garden District. Classroom sessions consist of instructor lectures, guest speakers, and student presentations. Students also have the option to take the Tour Guide Permit exam for the City of New Orleans on the last night of class. Cost is $395. Professional Tour Guiding 2 begins on September 10 and meets on Tuesday nights through October 29. The focus of this course is research and storytelling. Students will learn

techniques and resources to enhance their research and storytelling skills and build better tours. Class sessions will consist of lectures, workshops, and guest speaker presentations from research facilities such as The Historic New Orleans Collection, Louisiana Research Collection, New Orleans Public Library, the Notarial Archives, the Archdiocese Archives, Newcomb College Institute, the Louisiana State Museum, and Amistad Research Center. Students will choose one subject to investigate and give a report on at the end of the class. The last class meeting is a field trip with guided walking tour. Cost is $195. French Quarter History begins on November 5 and meets on Tuesday nights through December 17. This class focuses on the history of the French Quarter as both the original city of New Orleans and its shifting role as the city’s flagship neighborhood. While the French, Spanish, and early American periods are covered, the emphasis of the course is on 20th century history. Topics include, but are not limited to: architecture, historical preservation,

colorful characters, the rise of tourism, literature and arts, drinking culture, crime and vice, and LGBT+ history. The last class meeting is a tour of the French Quarter. Cost is $245. The courses have been designed by and will be taught by local historian, licensed tour guide, and Ambush columnist Frank Perez. Perez has a long history of experience in both education and tourism. A former Associate Professor of English, Perez taught Tour Guiding courses at Delgado Community College and created that college’s French Quarter History course. He is also a long-time tour guide, a volunteer with the Friends of the Cabildo, and for several years has owned a tour booking agency. Perez is also a member of the Sustainable Tourism Task Force, a collaborative effort among local residents and tour professionals to address the potentially harmful effects of an oversaturated tourism market. The courses will be offered through the Division of Professional and Continuing Studies and are non-credit. More information here: http://pcs.loyno.edu/programs/non-credit-courses

Oracle Gala Set for Sept. 14 The 5th annual LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana’s Oracle Gala is set for September 14 at the New Orleans Jazz Market. This year the LGBT+ Archives Project is honoring Valda Lewis. From 1987 to 1993, Valda produced an LGBT+ themed TV show called Just for the Record. Thanks to the Archives Project, that show has been digitized and made available for future genera-

tions. Valda, who now resides in Ohio, will attend the Gala to greet guests and introduce a few select clips from Just for the Record. There will be an open bar, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets to the Oracle Gala are $75 and are available on Eventbrite. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact the Archives Project at info@lgbtarchivesla.org.

Gulf Coast Equality Fest Set for October 19 The 5th annual LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana’s Oracle Gala is set for September 14 at the New Orleans Jazz Market. This year the LGBT+ Archives Project is honoring Valda Lewis. From 1987 to 1993, Valda produced an LGBT+ themed TV show called Just for the Record. Thanks to the Archives Project, that show has been digitized and made available for future generations. Valda, who now resides in Ohio,

will attend the Gala to greet guests and introduce a few select clips from Just for the Record. There will be an open bar, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets to the Oracle Gala are $75 and are available on Eventbrite. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact the Archives Project at info@lgbtarchivesla.org.

6 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

New Life for Former Bohn Motor Co. Building Ribbon cutting for the completion of the long-vacant Bohn Motor Co. building at 2700 S. Broad Avenue will take place on August 27. The $17.5 MM project has restored and expanded the historic Bohn Motor Co. building, which was originally designed by renowned New Orleans architect Emile Weil. Weil designed other New Orleans landmarks which include the Saenger Theater and Dixie Brewery. The 41,000 square foot, state-ofthe-art new facility continues the revitalization of the Broad Avenue corridor. It will allow Odyssey House Louisiana to expand low-cost medical and behavioral healthcare to thousands of New Orleans residents, especially critical in the face of the growing national and local opioid epidemic. The facility will house a 144-bed residential treatment program and a satellite location of Odyssey House Louisiana’s federally qualified health center. This project has been made possible by a partnership between

Gulf Coast Housing Partnership and Rhodes Commercial Development, with Odyssey House Louisiana as an anchor tenant. Enterprise Community Investment and Goldman Sachs provided New Market Tax Credit allocations. The Louisiana Office of Community Development, the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority, and the Reinvestment Fund provided financing. Goldman Sachs and Citibank provided New Market Tax Credit equity investments. Twain Financial Partners provided historic tax credit equity investments. About Gulf Coast Housing Partnership: GCHP is a mission based real estate development organization founded in 2006. It focuses on creating healthy & sustainable housing and commercial developments in the Gulf South. GCHP has created or preserved over 2,800 quality affordable homes in Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi since its inception, while also working with nonprofit part-

Ribbon Cutting for Odyssey House Louisiana’s New Site at 2700 S. Broad Ave.

ners to develop 338,460 sq. ft. of facilities that serve to expand their impact and catalyze equitable neighborhood development. To learn more visit www. gchp.net. About Odyssey House Louisiana: Odyssey House Louisiana is a nonprofit behavioral healthcare facility with an emphasis on addiction treatment. Established in 1973, OHL offers comprehensive services and effective

support systems, including prevention, detox, treatment, physical and mental healthcare, life-skills and vocational training, job placement, counseling and case management. OHL’s encompassing continuum of care includes multiple levels of treatment that can address clients at their individual level of need and provides services to nearly 900 people per month. To learn more visit www.ohlinc.org

March Against Crimes Against Nature Law Set for August 31 A protest rally and march against the Crimes Against Nature laws will be held on Saturday, August 31 in New Orleans. The event begins at 1:00pm at Armstrong Park on N. Rampart Street on the edge of the French Quarter and

ends at 5:00pm at Duncan Plaza near City Hall. The CANScantSTAND campaign focuses on eradicating provisions of an archaic and unjust law. The Crimes Against Nature law unfairly targets LGBTQ+ people especially trans

rds a w A ion r t a i ec Yea r p Ap of the y Ga vent 9 E 201

women of color. Speakers include Milan Sherry, Karen Collins, Kineen Mafia, as well as Vincenzo Pasquantonio, Director of Human Rights and Equity for the city of New Orleans, and New Orleans Crim-

inal Court Judge Arthur Hunter. The leader and coordinator of the march is Wendi Cooper, Coordinator of Women With a Vision, Inc.

Celebraang 10 Years of New Orleans Pride

June 12-14, 2020

NewOrleansPrideFessval.com Be a part of Louisiana’s Largest LGBTQ+ Pride Celebraaon. Join the commiiee at NewOrleansPrideFessval.com Pride 2019: 92,000 AAendees - 3,500 Parade Parrcipants - 40 Events

NEW ORLEANS PRIDE www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 7

Nina West and Ty Herndon to Headline Suicide Prevention Fundraiser

Ty Herndon

Nina West

On Saturday, October 26 in Natchez, Mississippi, Nina West and Ty Herndon will perform at Battle of the Belles, as part of a weekend-long event to raise money for suicide prevention and mental health. “The Weekend” includes a reception at the magnificent Choctaw Hall on the evening of Friday the 25th. On Saturday, guests will enjoy cocktails while taking a bus tour of historic Natchez homes. Ru Paul’s Drag Race season 11’s Miss Congeniality, Nina West will emcee the “Battle of the Belles” event Saturday evening, which will feature a performance by out country music star Ty Herndon as well as a drag competition among straight men. The event is organized by the non-profit organization Y’all Means All Natchez. The group was formed in late 2018 after an area man committed suicide. In the weeks after the suicide, Y’All Means All Natchez co-founder Troy Bickford had a conversation with fellow co-founder John Grady Burns about forming an LGBT organization in Natchez. “We felt like there were too many secure, happy LGBT people in this community for someone to feel like they were on the fringes, to feel like

they have nothing to inspire them, to go on, so we formed Y’all Means All Natchez,” Bickford says. The organization’s mission is to raise funds for mental health and suicide prevention and also to bring the community together. “Natchez has a long history of [...] being accepting and open-minded and we wanted to embrace that, but also promote it,” Bickford says. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the second leading cause of death among people between the ages of 10 and 34. In 2017, more than 47,000 thousand Americans died by suicide, which is more than twice the number who died by homicide. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the suicide rate in the US has been steadily climbing since 1999. That trend is disturbing enough but LGBT people attempt suicide and die by suicide at a far higher rate than non-LGBT people. Precise numbers are hard to establish since sexual orientation and gender identification are not recorded on death certificates and even if they were, those numbers are likely misleading. According to the National LGBT Health Education Cen-

ter, however, LGBQ adults are about twice as likely to attempt suicide and as many as 40 percent of trans adults attempt suicide at some point in their lives. The risk for teens and young adults is even greater. More than four and a half times as many high school students who identify as LGB attempted suicide in the past year, compared to their non-LGB peers. Although LGBT acceptance has come a long way in recent years, it’s clear there’s still a long way to go. “We feel like [those feelings] of alienation and isolation is the obvious explanation for the disparity there,” says Bickford. “Why are so many more younger LGBT individuals attempting suicide or committing suicide? It’s because they feel like they’re not accepted. And so we wanted to form a group that raised the visibility of LGBT individuals here.” He believes it’s important to let younger people know that life gets better if you give it time. Burns adds, “‘Help for today, hope for tomorrow.’ That’s our motto.” In its short existence, Y’all Means All Natchez has already organized a number of events, most notably the “Ga(y)rage Sale,” a volunteer-run flea market held last June in downtown Natchez. The sale raised money to finance “The Weekend.” “It was very successful,” says Burns. “We were overwhelmed with the generosity of the people who gave us donations [...] People came in and purchased items and made donations on top of their purchases, so we were very excited about that.” The leftover items from the Ga(y)rage Sale were donated to Paws for a Cause, a Natchez thrift store, whose profits go to the Natchez Adams County Humane Society. Although Bickford, Burns, fellow co-founder Michael Gray, and their associate Jason Dauphin formed Y’all Means All Natchez to support the local

LGBT community, they envision an organization that can help everyone who might feel different or excluded. “It’s for people with purple hair who might feel bullied or who might be plus-sized, or anybody who feels that they are not worthy; we want them to know they are worthy,” says Burns. To that end, Y’all Means All Natchez is strictly non-political, focusing instead on mental health and inclusion. “The show,” says Bickford, “has aligned very nicely with our mission of bringing together the straight and gay communities.” He points out that having six straight men volunteer to dress in drag for the “Battle of the Belles” is evidence that Natchez really is an open and supportive community. “In a world that feels very divided in a lot of ways right now, it feels like this community is coming together.” Bickford and Burns hope that in addition to raising funds for suicide prevention and mental health, “The Weekend” will also raise awareness of Natchez as an LGBT-friendly destination. Both men own and operate businesses in Natchez. Bickford and his partner own the Clermont Bluffs Bed and Breakfast while Burns owns the home decor store Nest. Bickford says, “We’re hoping to draw people into our community and celebrate the fact that even in a small town, you can have an atmosphere that accepts diversity and celebrates the differences in people.” To buy tickets for the event, to learn more about Y’all Means All Natchez, or to make a donation benefiting mental health and suicide prevention, visit yallmeansallnatchez.org. Proceeds from the event will go to Southwest Mississippi Mental Health. Tickets can also be purchased through bontemptix. com. You can keep up with events and news at the Y’all Means All Natchez Facebook page.

8 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Supreme Court to Hear Arguments on LGBT Discrimination in the Workplace On October 8, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in what promises to be a landmark case that determines whether LGBT employees can be legally fired simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Three cases from New York, Georgia, and Michigan—Altitude Express, Inc. vs. Zarda, Bostock vs. Clayton County, Georgia, and R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes Inc. vs. Equal Employment Opportunity Commis-

sion—have been working their way through the federal court system and form the nucleus of the oral arguments the Court will hear in October. At issue is Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on sex. Bostock, a social worker, was fired after his employer learned he had joined a gay softball league. Aimee Stephens, an embalmer in Michigan, was fired for being transgender. Zarda,

a skydiving instructor in New York, also fired for being gay, has since died. Court observers are divided in their predictions of how the Court will rule. Since the departure of Justice Anthony Kennedy, Chief Justice John Roberts has become the bench’s centrist. Trump’s two appointments to the Court—Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh—have tilted the Court to the right with conservatives enjoying a 5—4 majority. The Trump adminis-

tration has previously argued Title VII doesn’t cover anti-LGBT discrimination and has filed a “Friend-of-the-Court” brief arguing employers have a right to discriminate against LGBT employees. According to the Washington Blade, “the ruling will affect all federal laws barring discrimination on the basis of sex, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Fair Housing Act.”

Lords of Leather Decadence 2019 Events The Lords of Leather once again have a full weekend of activities planned for visitors to Southern Decadence. On Friday night August 30 the Lords will take their turn pouring beer from the beer truck at the Phoenix Block Party from 10 pm until 1 am. All for just a $5.00 buy-in with $1.00 refills and all the eye-candy you can handle!! Woof! The Lords’ annual “Decadent Behavior” Party takes place on Saturday August 31 from 1 pm until 4 pm at the

Phoenix. This exercise in debauchery includes three hours of daytime fun in the newly remodeled upstairs area with open bar (domestic beer and well drinks), a complimentary “coat” check and the sexy bartender staff of the Phoenix! Get tickets now as this party will sell out! Advance tickets are $50, tickets at the door will be $60 if available. Saturday night August 31 a new Mr. Louisiana Leather 2020 will be sashed. The annual Lords of Leather sponsored Gulf Coast Area contest will

take place at Siberia Lounge at 2227 St. Claude Avenue at 7 pm. The winner will advance to the International Mr. Leather Contest in Chicago in May of 2020. Come out to see these hot leathermen compete for the title while being scored by a “who’s who in the leather community” panel of judges, including the current Mr. International Leather winner Jack Thompson of Baltimore! Other judges will be Kinky (Kupcake) of New Orleans, Pup Tag! From Houston , James the “Otown Kinkster” of Orlando and our reigning Mr. Louisiana

Leather Sir Eric Michael, now of Chicago. VIP reserved tickets are $25 and general admission $15. Tickets for the Decadent Behavior Party and Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest are available from ticketleap at https://mystic-krewe-of-lords-of-leather.ticketleap.com/lords-of-leather-decadent-behavior-party/ and https://mystic-krewe-of-lords-of-leather.ticketleap. com/mr-louisiana-leather-2020-contest/

Jack Thompson, IML winner 2019 to judge local contest The Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leather is pleased to announce that Jack Thompson, International Mr. Leather 2019 will be headlining the judging panel at the Mr. Louisiana Leather 2020 Contest on August 31. Besides winning the coveted title in Chicago in May, Jack, also known as Exile ONYX is a widely respected leather craftsman, performer and wolf. He has been active in the leather community for 15 years being one of the founding fathers of ONYX Northwest and a current member of ONYX Mid-Atlantic. He also founded the Rebel Kings drag king troupe of Baltimore. Jack is a member of Alameda Leather Corp. and served as board secretary of Queer Sphere in San Francisco. In 2018, jack represented Mr. May in the Bare Chest calendar and became 2019 Leatherman of Color. A proud biracial, transgender, HIV-positive leatherman, Jack lives in Baltimore with his husband, IMBB 2019 and IML 1st runner-up Geoff Millard. His company, Exiled Leather, specializes in leather accessories such as hanky wallets, harnesses and suspenders. He flags black and navy on the right, light pink and Kelly green on the left and houndstooth down the middle. Our other judges Kinky (Kupcake) is a Mississippi raised Southern girl who now calls Louisiana home. She is the Alpha slave/ girl of her Master /Daddy Mr. Cannibal. She travels nationally and represents the Kink/Leather groups as alterna-

tive lifestyle organizations. Currently the President of New Orleans Girls of Leather Kupcake is a dedicated family member of the Edgewalkers tribe. A New Orleans native and Houston transplant, Pup Tag! Is the South’s resident good boy and current reigning SouthernMost Puppy. Before his move he was Vice-President of New Orleans Pups and Handlers and is in the process of joining the Bayou City Pups in Houston. James the “Otown Kinkster” is proudly serving as Mr. Florida Rubber 2019. He is also the founder and current president of Orlando Kinksters and the contest coordinator for Mr. GayDays leather. A fulltime teacher and the Artistic Director of the Orlando Gay Chorus, James is a proud member of the Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago and an avid supporter of OnePulse Foundation. Sir Eric Michael, originally from Massachusetts by way of Washington state and Florida, Sir Eric was Mr. Roundup (Pensacola) 2019 and Mr. Louisiana Leather 2019. Within the leather community he promotes a platform of acceptance, diversity and belonging for all participants. His outreach includes monthly Bear, Pup, Levi and Leather parties where inclusion is the main focus, allowing more women and pups to be involved. He hosts fundraisers for a local non-profit providing testing and education, and serves the Lords of Leather on a variety of community and charity projects. The Mr. Louisiana Leather 2020

contest will be held Saturday August 31 at 7 pm at the Siberia Lounge 2227

St. Claude Ave New Orleans, LA. Admission is $15 at the door.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 9

Bootblacking & Leather Care Demonstrated at Leather 101

Crescent City Leathermen (CCL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social and fraternal club of likeminded individuals and enthusiasts established to promote and cultivate an interest in the Leather/Leather-Levi fetish lifestyle, while providing a safe, social environment for people with the same interest as those of the membership, and creating and promoting positive community awareness of the ideals of CCL. Mission: To create social activities among our members and other gay and lesbian organizations in an effort to support and give back to the community.

The demonstration series Leather 101, hosted by the Crescent City Leathermen (CCL), was re-instituted on Sunday, June 28, at Mag’s 940 on Elysian Fields. Led by the duo of Baton Rouge bootblacker Angela Longstreet and CCL Lieutenant Kyle “Swithcy” Pollio, the event gathered together those looking to learn more about polishing their boots and other leather gear as well as other leather repair and

upkeep. This series aim to inform the public about various parts of the Leather Lifestyle. It is hoped that it will occur on a regular basis as part of CCL’s ongoing service to the community. Future topics are likely to include topics such as formal wear, leather accoutrement, and flogging. Please visit the CCL website for updates on future Leather 101 dates.

10 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Crescent City Leathermen Collect Toys for Children’s Hospital

On the afternoon of July 28, the Crescent City Leathermen (CCL) continued their service mission to New Orleans with a Christmas in July celebration at Oz Nightclub. The event marked the end of a month-long toy drive complete with milk & cookies, Christmas decorations, a festive holiday photo wall, and loads of holiday spirit. CCL collected numerous toys including Crayola products, gift cards, and Saints items for LCMC Health Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. The event was held at the upstairs bar at Oz, now called the “Lavender Lounge” in reference to the Lavender Line of St. Ann street below. Bubbles flowed from the balcony over Bourbon Street construction on a beautiful Sunday afternoon as leathermen, pups, guests, and curious folks stopped in to see what was going on and donate. Raffle items like a VIP Membership to Oz, a Southern Decadence Weekend Pass, and an assortment of items from Bourbon Pride made it a perfect community event. In true Leathermen style, the event had a nod to the club’s fetish and kink backbone. CCL President Tommy Stubblefield dressed in red leather, knee-high boots, and a Santa hat while posing for pictures in a chair with both “naughty” and “nice” attendees as the

kinkiest Kris Kringle you could imagine - “Santa Flogs.” There was even a setup to have impact play and flogging fun while holiday favorites played from the speakers. A passer-by on the street noted the group’s banner and leather pride flags adorning the St. Ann Street balcony, saying, “Wow, Leathermen at Oz? That’s amazing!” Oz’s General Manager Sarah Mankowitz and CCL Lieutenant Kyle “Switchy” Pollio worked hand-in-hand to bring the event to life. “Toy drives tend to happen around Christmas, and August is busy with school supply drives, but there is a need to bring happiness and help others all year round,” said Switchy. “Oz isn’t normally a venue that comes to mind when you think of Leathermen,” he continued, “but we aren’t your typical Leathermen. Oz is a welcoming space to everyone, and outreach knows no specific place or clientele. We were blessed to be in the heart of the Quarter.” CCL delivered the toy collection to Children’s Hospital of New Orleans in early August, and wants to thank everyone for their participation and generous donations. Plans for next year are already under way as CCL plans to make this a recurring part of their yearly schedule of events.

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Pensacola Contestants Sweep Mobile Bleather Weekend Titles Mobile, AL--The titles of both Mr. Mobile Leather and Mr. Gulf Coast Bear have new homes in Florida this year, as contestants from Pensacola ruled at Mobile Bleather Weekend 11. Mobile Bleather Weekend (MBW), always held during the first weekend in August, is essentially Bear/Leather

Pride Weekend for the Central Gulf Coast. Mobile’s four LGBTQ bars and community come together to host a series of parties and events specifically catering to the Bear and Leather Community, drawing men from Tallahassee to New Orleans and beyond. Friday night skews toward the

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leather community with the Mr. Mobile Leather Contest at B-Bob’s. This year, Pensacola’s Kurt Goodman emerged from the field of five contestants representing Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. The 47-year-old is the Director of Prevention at OASIS Florida, the Pensacola HIV/AIDS Service Agency. Kurt encourages everyone to “know your status”, and his goal is zero new AIDS infections, in part, through better education about PreP. He plans to represent Mobile and Pensacola in the Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest in New Orleans during Decadence Weekend. Saturday is Bear Night at MBW, this year featuring the 24th Annual Mr. Gulf Coast Bear Contest. For Pensacola’s Jacob Matsunaga, it was his third year in the contest. Jacob’s persistence paid off, as he won over the judges and the crowd through his unique way of celebrating the theme “Locker Room Bears”. Jacob, a Minnesota native, hopes to compete later this year in NOLA’s Louisiana Renegade

Bear Contest. This year’s MBW was the eleventh for the Port City and the Gulf Coast, with this summer’s attendance the largest ever. Response from a post-party survey revealed attendees came from as far away as Kentucky, Texas, and even Alaska, with most attending the entire weekend. Host bars B-Bob’s, Gabriel’s, The Midtown Pub and Flip Side Bar & Patio unite to provide this annual Bear/Leather Pride Weekend, with donations benefiting AIDS Alabama South. Mobile Bleather Weekend 12 is set for Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, 2020. And because you’ve asked, be watching for an announcement of a Spring Bleather event for 2020! To learn more about Mobile Bleather Weekend, and to keep up with weekly Gulf Coast bear/leather events year round, visit www.mobilebleatherweekend, or find them on facebook.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR ABO Ordinance

Council Member Kristin Palmer continues her assault on our beloved New Orleans culture. On Thursday, August 22nd, the City Council was asked to pass Ordinance 32,693 before the drafting of the proposed rules were even completed. We saw such a fundamentally flawed process that it boggles the mind. On the City’s Council’s published Agenda, the original Ordinance, filed on June 6, 2019, was attached along with a power-point presentation describing proposed Amendments dated August 22nd. A hard copy of the actual amendments for review and consideration by the council and the public was missing. During the hearing and only after repeated requests to see a copy of the amendments, council staff admitted that the amendments were still being drafted. Council Members and the public were led through the power point presentation but couldn’t see the new language. How in the world can Councilmembers be asked to vote on something without seeing the actual language of the proposed law? There are multiple problems with the substance of the Ordinance. The Ordinance is part of Ms. Palmer’s continuing attack on the hospitality industry in New Orleans. Incidentally, it was just announced this week, that the hospitality industry added more jobs to the New Orleans area than any other sector. Though she claims she has no desire to change the culture of New Orleans, not one person at the meeting spoke in favor of the Ordinance and the entire industry, represented by the Louisiana Restaurant Association, the French Quarter Business League, the United States Bartenders Guild and numerous small bar and restaurant operators opposed the Ordinance. Let me repeat: NO ONE SPOKE IN FAVOR. Ms. Palmer falsely claimed to have the support of these groups despite the fact that they were all at the meeting testifying against the proposal. The real tragedy is Council Mem-

ber Palmer’s misplaced priorities. On May 31st, a bartender was shot while working in the 200-block of Bourbon Street. In her press release in response to the shooting, she said she was working “with the administration to implement the type of changes which will minimize violence in the French Quarter.” Apparently, her idea of work that will minimize violence is to introduce this Ordinance in the week following the shooting. This is a punitive ordinance that will allow a host of city employees to subjectively suspend a liquor license for undefined “emergencies.” Typical blame the victim conduct. Palmer continues to attack our coveted industry rather than making any meaningful effort to improve the security situation in the French Quarter. Businesses in the French Quarter and throughout the City have raised over $8,000,000 for supplemental police services and all we have to show for it is increased violence, out of control street hustlers, unlicensed street vendors who don’t collect or pay taxes and certain law enforcement officers either sitting in their cars or giving brake tag tickets on Esplanade and Rampart. Assaults, rapes and random muggings soar in the Quarter even as crime drops city-wide. When will we get sufficient, active policing on Bourbon Street and in the French Quarter? Instead of doing the hard work of demanding accountability for the resources we’re paying for Council Member Palmer would rather craft yet another useless law that will burden good operators while the scofflaws carry on.

[French Quarter businesses] raised over $8,000,000 for supplemental police services and all we have to show for it is increased violence, out of control street hustlers, unlicensed street vendors who don’t collect or pay taxes and certain law enforcement officers either sitting in their cars or giving brake tag tickets on Esplanade and Rampart.

Sarah Manowitz General Manager OZ New Orleans If you’d like to submit a letter to the editor, email us at info@ambushpublishing.com for consideration.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Trodding the Boards Brian Sands bsnola2@hotmail.com

5 Women Wearing the Same Dress at Playmakers Theater through Sept. 8

To the lesbians, gay men and straight folks who want to avoid the magnificent takeover of the French Quarter and environs known as Southern Decadence, I have something for you to do Labor Day weekend and the following one as well. To those local gay men who, after Decadence’s inundation of maleness, want to reacquaint themselves with the world of those with no Y chromosomes, I can suggest a field trip for September 6, 7, or 8. No matter which group you fall into, head north, across Lake Pontchartrain, towards Covington and its Playmakers Theater which is kicking off its 65th season with the thoroughly enjoyable 5 Women Wearing the Same Dress. Written by Alan Ball before his Emmy Award for Six Feet Under and Oscar for American Beauty, this dramedy concerns five bridesmaids during a lavish society wedding in Knoxville, Tennessee. Ball populates his quintet with two friends of the bride who represent two separate subspecies of woman-withman-trouble; a young devoutly religious type; the lipstick lesbian sister of the groom; and the tough as nails younger sister of the bride in whose bedroom the show takes place. The first act occurs after the wedding ceremony but before the reception; the second during the reception as flirtations with various bartenders, musicians and guests percolate. Although 5 Women debuted off-Broadway in 1993 (with a cast that included Allison Janney as the lesbian) and some of its references seem a bit

dated, it’s amazing how prescient Ball was by including some weighty themes that make the script seem, at times, as though it was written yesterday. If 5 Women sometimes appears as though it’s a gay man’s view of how women act and interact, that doesn’t necessarily make it inaccurate and, if occasionally slicked up with manufactured conflicts, it certainly feels all of a piece. Ball includes some great one-liners but as they emerge from the characters themselves, it doesn’t do them justice to quote them out of context. One exception: “If I get to Heaven and there’s not an open bar, God will have some serious explaining to do.” While generally well-written with many great stretches of involving material, at times Ball seems to be merely treading water; the second act, in particular, feels padded, but also contains some of the best writing and most moving passages. None of these criticisms matter, however, to Director Anysia Genre and her cast of 6 (the 5 women and 1 man who comes on late, but significantly, in the proceedings). Genre first attracted my attention in 2007 as the lead in the Actor’s Theatre of New Orleans’ production of Boy Gets Girl for which she would go on to win the Ambie Award that year for Best Actress in a Play. Genre has now risen to become President of Playmakers’ Board of Directors and emerged as an astute director (her Loot, in 2015, dazzled). For 5 Women, Genre has staged it fluidly and paced it well, creating a natural ebb and flow among these put upon bridesmaids. With one of the best ensembles Playmakers has ever fielded, 5 Women more than justifies the long drive across the Causeway (of

H N S A R C A E RA T X E

(on floor) Jaci Rai Guidry, Amy Schneida, (on bed) Erin Kate Young, Kathryn Merris Scott and Janie McNulty in 5 Women Wearing the Same Dress

course, if you live on the North Shore, you have no excuse to miss this). Clad in their pistachio green(!) dresses, these five actresses cohere into an utterly believable group of friends and relatives. Erin Kate Young follows up her exuberant performance as Richard Henry Lee in Playmakers’ recent 1776 with a more complex portrayal of a woman who’s grown wary of men...and with good reason. Entering with a bottle of champagne that she treats as a baby does a bottle of milk, Janie McNulty avoids the potential bathos of a woman in a loveless marriage. Finding every comic nugget in Ball’s script, McNulty knows just how to toss off a line as she shapes her character to create a fully-realized multi-dimensional portrait of a woman on the verge. As the pious virgin, though Jaci Rai Guidry has only a few roles to her credit, through some alchemical stage magic, she takes her “sappy lines” (as the NYTimes described them), many of which consist of “I’m a Christian”, and transforms them into a wry, yet subtle, commentary on her character,

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layering her with the slyest of humor yet never descending into parody. I’d like to see what Guidry could do with one of Chekhov’s dewy women. Initially, and not inappropriately, describing herself as “a linebacker in a dress”, Amy Schneida makes a smashing stage debut as the bride’s baby sister. Schneida wields her forceful personality like a cudgel, at war with the world; yet when she, almost unwillingly, discards her bitter carapace to reveal a tender side, you want to wrap her in your arms. A sophomore biology major, I hope that Schneida will henceforth spend as much time on stage as in the lab. As the groom’s sister (and hence newcomer to the group), Kathryn Merris Scott’s lesbian can at times seem like merely auxiliary to the bunch. Scott, however, displays impeccable comic timing and, when unfairly wounded by another, her hurt is palpable. As the lone guy, Aaron Genre comes on towards the end for an absolutely lovely scene with one of the women. No spoilers as to who it is, but she does her finest work of the evening in it. If the accents seemed to be all over the place and there was a sense that this could’ve been set anywhere, heck, I wouldn’t know a Knoxville accent or its style anyway; this production merely points out the universality of Ball’s script. And while, at times, especially in the first act, I might’ve wished that Genre had guided her cast to give just slightly more nuanced performances, having attended opening night, that might come as the run continues (though given the script, which, while certainly good, is hardly Shakespeare, may not even be possible). 5 Women Wearing the Same Dress merely hints at what Ball would go on to. With Playmakers so exqui-

18 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

sitely fulfilling its frothy and fun (and serious) quotient, however, it’s a delicious end-of-summer treat.

Randy Rainbow Live at The Fillmore on August 31

[Randy Rainbow returns to New Orleans on, Saturday, August 31, at The Fillmore. Here are excerpts from my review of his New Orleans premiere performance in December 2017 at Café Istanbul.] Randy Rainbow (yes, that’s his real name) has garnered international acclaim and over a hundred million views with his popular series of political spoofs and song parodies. Trump’s election last year has provided him with an unending source of material. His latest release, Desperate Cheeto to the tune of Luis Fonsi’s Grammy-nominated Despacito, nails 45 with such lines as “Desperate cheeto, getting worse with every single stupid tweet-o / Don’t know why your hands are so petite-o / You’re upsetting everyone you meet-o.” Rainbow also scored with the presidential debate-themed Braggadocious! set to the tune of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! (“Heeeeee’s super callous, fragile, egocentric, braggadocious...”) and brilliantly used a medley of Broadway tunes to lambaste Drump’s “covfefe” tweet. Making his New Orleans debut, Rainbow looked natty in a sparkly black tuxedo jacket and sang along

with some of his videos including Ya Got Trump Trouble! (using The Music Man’s famed tune) as wonderfully apt now as it was during last year’s Republican convention and Fact-Checker, Fact-Checker, one of my favorites, which skewers Kellyanne Conway to the melody of Fiddler on the Roof ’s Matchmaker, Matchmaker. Not surprisingly with all the turmoil in DC, it’s already slightly out-of-date as Sean Spicer, who appears in it, is long gone as White House Press Secretary. Taking questions from the audience for about 10 minutes during the hour-long program, Rainbow proved to be an engaging, down-to-earth presence. He said that he does everything for his videos by himself working from his apartment in Queens, NY (“No one wants to work with me,” he joked). Asked how he comes up with ideas for the satires, he replied, “I’m gay. I think in show tunes.” While a good deal of Rainbow’s show consisted of us watching his videos on a giant screen while he was backstage, to expect a man best known for his videos to present you with something else would be like asking a fish to fly. And when a show is as entertaining as this, such little things can be easily overlooked. [Other upcoming shows at The Fillmore include George Clinton’s Farewell Tour, One Nation Under a Groove with George Clinton, Parliament Funk-

! u o Y k n a h T

Randy Rainbow (photo by B. Sands)

adelic, Dumpstaphunk, George Porter, Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners, and Miss Velvet & Blue Wolf on Sept. 1, and Daniel Caesar with special guest Koffee on Sept. 6.]

Curtain Up

After a fairly quiet summer, theater in NOLA comes roaring back after Labor Day weekend. It may be hard to top the performance art spectacle know as Southern Decadence, but the following productions should be up to the task. It may not be decadent but Silence! The Musical sure sounds like a

lot of fun. This award-winning musical parodies the Oscar-winning film The Silence of the Lambs and has a book by Hunter ([title of show]) Bell. Michael McKelvey directs a cast including Kevin Murphy, Hannah Rachal, Trey Ming, Beau Bratcher, Elyse McDaniel, and Matt Reed. Silence! will play at the Twilight Lounge located behind The AllWays Lounge (September 6-16) and The New Orleans Art Center (September 19-28). I wonder if they’ll be serving fava beans and Chianti at the concession stand?

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Like Silence of the Lambs, parts of The NOLA Project’s season opener take place in a prison. Measure for Measure is one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays” whose “happily ever after” ending is morally ambiguous, not entirely happy, and utterly suited to our troubled times. Yet this shall not be Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, but rather the world-premiere of a modern-verse version by Aditi Brennan Kapil, a nationally produced female playwright of Bulgarian and Indian descent. This adaptation was commissioned as part of Play On Shakespeare, an initiative by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to commission 36 modern American playwrights to “translate” Shakespeare’s works into contemporary modern English. Directed by Mark Routhier, this Shakespeare/Kapil Measure will be staged with a 15-member cast in the Great Hall of the New Orleans Museum of Art and runs September 10-29. Should be interesting. “Morally ambiguous, not entirely happy, and utterly suited to our troubled times” might well describe Tracy Letts’ AUGUST: Osage County and its family that includes a vanished father, a pill-popping mother, and three sisters harboring shady little secrets. Southern Rep gives this Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play its belated New Orleans debut at its home on Bayou Road from Sept. 11 through Oct. 6. AUGUST’s 13-member ensemble will feature Lara Grice, Aimée Hayes, John Neisler, Lance Nichols, Troy Poplous, Nick Thompson, and Mandy Zirkenbach among others. Jason Kirkpatrick helms the cast which will have to negotiate scenic designer David Raphel’s functional three-story house. Measure for Measure and AUGUST: Osage County may be “problem plays” but at least their problems

are merely fictional. In Roleplay, they’re real. Inspired by the results of the 2018 Tulane University Survey on Sexual Misconduct revealing that 41% of female students and 19% of male students reported being sexually assaulted during their time on campus, Roleplay follows 11 students through their sophomore year of college and explores these young people’s experiences with love, sex, power, and consent. This new theatrical work was created by a team of student performers and New Orleans artists including Tulane professors Darci Fulcher and Jenny Mercein, and members of local theater company Goat in the Road Productions, Shannon Flaherty and Chris Kaminstein. Roleplay will be presented at Tulane University’s Lupin Theatre Sept. 5-15. Tickets are free, but must be reserved at www.goatintheroadproductions.org. And since I don’t want to leave you with a problem, fictional or non, the Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) breaks the stranglehold Halloween has with that sweet transvestite and presents The Rocky Horror Show directed by Bryce Slocumb at its Westwego Performing Arts Theatre from Sept. 27-Oct. 13. Chad Gearig-Howe, recently seen in Matilda the Musical, stars as Frank-N-Furter, while newcomer Kirkland Green portrays that glistening and gleaming Rocky who can do pressups, chin-ups and the snatch, clean, & jerk. Off the top of my head, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me could practically be the theme song for Decadence. I’m already shivering in antici...............................................pation! Please send press releases and notices of your upcoming shows to Brian Sands at bsnola2@hotmail.com.

MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT Williams Research Center Located in a beautiful Beaux Arts style building at 410 Chartres Street in the French Quarter, the Williams Research Center is the research arm of The Historic New Orleans Collection. The Historic New Orleans Collection’s holdings are available to the general public in the Williams Research Center (WRC). Through the assistance of the Center’s experienced reading room staff, patrons have access to more than 30,000 library items, more than two miles of documents and manuscripts, a microfilm collection, and more than 500,000 photographs, prints, drawings, and paintings, as well as beautiful and unusual three-dimensional objects. Rare documents and manuscripts are available in microform and in the original. The major research fields are co-

lonial Louisiana, the Louisiana Purchase, the Battle of New Orleans, the Civil War, Mississippi River life, cartography, transportation, plantations, urban development, Louisiana artists and writers, architecture, the French Quarter, jazz and other forms of early New Orleans music, historic preservation, and Mardi Gras. The collections reflect aspects of the history and culture of the Gulf South, Louisiana, and New Orleans. Most materials are available to researchers in the Center’s Reading Room. The reading room at the Williams Research Center is open from 9:30am to 4:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday, excluding holidays. Access to the research center begins with an interview with reading room staff and the consultation of online catalogues.

20 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

DECADENT DINING Ten Things to Eat in NOLA Charles Pizzo pizzocharles@gmail.com

Whatever you put in your mouth during Southern Decadence, be sure to include several of New Orleans’ most iconic dishes. The city has many charms—and its cuisine ranks high among them. You’ll find more than one type of food here, all considered local. That’s because the area has long been a melting pot of cultures. Creole is the main style in the city, a mix of French and Spanish cuisine. It’s usually seasoned mildly. It’s spicier cousin, Cajun food, originated west of the city in the countryside, bayous, and swamps. New Orleans is a majority black area and Soul food offers you a taste of that proud cultural tradition.. A common question: is all local food spicy? No. Your best bet is to ask. Different chefs season different ways. The same dish can be mild in one place, and spicier down the street. Ask your server. Here are ten things you can try for a true taste of New Orleans: Gumbo This stew-like soup has been traced back to West Africa. It takes many forms; the two most prevalent versions are seafood or chicken & sausage. It’s a well-known local axiom that no two versions are ever the same. Some are thickened with a roux (flour and fat), others with okra, and some with filé powder (ground sassafras leaves). Cajun versions have a deeper, dark roux and are usually spicier. Jambalaya Ostensibly a rice dish cooked with what locals call the trinity—onions, bell peppers, and celery. Meat or seafood is often included, but this can vary. Chicken and sausage are common, yet so is shrimp. It’s not uncommon to find variations featuring rabbit or game. There are two major schools of jambalaya cookery. The Cajun version is brown (and spicier); the Creole version

is red owing to tomatoes (a nod to the many Sicilian immigrants who came to New Orleans). Po’ boy In simplistic terms, this is a baguette sandwich. The name is short for “poor boy,” a reference to transit workers who were fired during a violent strike in 1929. Sympathetic restaurateurs fed the starving laborers with fries on New Orleans French bread topped with beef gravy. Today, the fillings vary, but the bread is a constant. Perhaps the most famous contemporary versions are roast beef with warm brown gravy, fried shrimp, or even gator sausage (usually cut with pork because alligator meat is quite lean). Modern riffs include the use of Vietnamese báhn mì bread and creative fillings such as fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce, pork belly, or even fried mac’n’cheese. Your server may ask if you want it “dressed.” That’s local parlance for “with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise.” This too can vary, so ask. A muffuletta is not technically a po’ boy because it’s served on round, seeded Italian bread. It’s a solid choice, though, if you like olives, Italian salami, and cheese. Fried Chicken This dish is well known throughout the South, and there are many outstanding versions here. Lots of locals swear by the versions found in area Soul food restaurants, but this dish can be irresistible most anywhere if fried fresh and served piping hot. Good fried chicken should have a crisp crust that crackles, and be moist and well seasoned inside (look for buttermilk or brined versions). While fried chicken is sometimes served in gourmet restaurants, most locals swear by a national fast food version that got its start here. You’ll

Fried Chicken | Dooky Chase (Photo by Charles Pizzo)

Crawfish Étouffée with cheese grits | Mother’s Restaurant (Photo by Charles Pizzo)

also find a proliferation of fried chicken counters of varying quality on Bourbon and Frenchmen streets. Crawfish Étouffée The name translates from French as “smothered.” Vegetables and other goodies are cooked down, often in butter, with peeled crawfish tails (or shrimp). The result is often rich, unctuous, and savory. Like most Cajun food, every chef has her or his own recipe. Some might add tomatoes. Most versions are mild. Looking for boiled crawfish? That season is over (save for frozen). Charbroiled Oysters A relatively new addition to the culinary landscape, bi-valves are doused in a garlicky, herbed, and cheesy olive oil-based dressing. Then, they are broiled or grilled over an open flame in the shell until the oyster is cooked. Even people who say they don’t eat oysters have taken a liking to this preparation. They’re often served with bread (ideally warm) to sop up every last drop of the sauce. Purists might prefer raw oysters, or the classic Oysters Rockefeller. Charbroiled oysters have taken New Orleans by storm, however, and are well

Charbroiled Oysters | Drago’s (Photo by Charles Pizzo)

worth trying. Barbecue Shrimp The name might sound like something you’d find in Texas, but the resemblance stops there. Not technically barbecued, peel’n’eat shrimp are bathed in pepper and olive oil (sometimes mixed with butter) and baked. They are cooked in the shell and easy to peel, albeit messy. These are also served with bread to help you soak up the seasoning. Once in awhile, you may find a variation on this, less peppery but loaded with Italian herbs and white wine. Both versions are good, if different. Red Beans and Rice A working class staple, beans are simmered all day till creamy and soft. Most, but not all, versions are made with ham or sausage. Vegetarian versions have gained popularity and can be found. Available every day in restaurants, this was once home food usually prepared on Monday, the traditional washday. Red beans can cook unattended, freeing the domestic goddess to clean and what not. It’s common to see red beans paired with sausage links or fried chicken.

Barbecue Shrimp | Pascal’s Manale (Photo by Charles Pizzo)

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Po’ Boys | Mother’s Restaurant (Photo by Charles Pizzo)

Beignets These little pillows of fried dough goodness topped with too darn much powdered sugar have reached the zenith of iconic status. They’re simple yet beguiling—especially when fresh out of the fryer. Tear the sweet dough apart to smell the steam emanating from within. Pair with café au lait (coffee and chicory with hot milk) for the quintessential Crescent City experience.

Chicken & sausage gumbo with okra and rice | Café Reconcile (Photo by Charles Pizzo)

Looking for a snack for later, or a souvenir? Beignets are ethereal when fresh, but a dud once cold. Instead, buy sugary pralines from most any shop downtown. Bread Pudding The local dessert of choice in many restaurants, bread pudding is made from stale French bread used to make po’ boys. It’s soaked in custard laced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and occa-

Beignets | Café du Monde (Photo by Charles Pizzo)

sionally other things, then baked. Most of the time, it’s served with an accompanying sauce featuring butter, sugar, and some kind of booze. We prefer warm bread pudding, but the occasional cold one can be refreshing too. It’s soft, sweet, and sinful. Contrary to popular belief, very few versions include raisins. You’ve worked hard to get here and look great for Southern Deca-

dence. Now it’s time to indulge yourself with the sensory delights that make New Orleans famous. Charles Pizzo is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and former chair of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). He does PR & social media marketing for foodservice clients, including Mother’s Restaurant (an LGBTQ+ friendly sponsor of Southern Decadence 2019).

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Tony Leggio AT THE BUY A BOY AUCTION FUNDRAISER AT OZ FOR SOUTHERN DECADENCE | PHOTOS BY TONY LEGGIO

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Reflections One Year After: Interview with Ross Ransom Tyler Rosebush tyrosebush@gmail.com

Since the Louisiana ATC darkroom crackdowns at the Phoenix and Rawhide this past year, several groups have founded new sex-positive spaces while also taking the opportunity to reinvent some aspects of the darkroom experience. In the center of this is Ross Ransom. A regular fixture of the Phoenix’s upstairs bar, Ross also sensed a need for a more queer-oriented conclave and began hosting private popup sex parties around town before the crackdowns ever happened. Now he’s involved in several related projects and is just the studly sexpert to give us the scoop on what’s going on. First off, do you think there’s a general lesson that you see people take from the Rawhide and Phoenix crackdowns or one that you personally have learned? I used to feel like you could do anything you want, wherever you wanted, and there was an understanding that people weren’t going to stop you. I approach things with more caution now. New Orleans is not like any other city and I still am more cautious in New York and Chicago. This just happened so easily. One or two people took the

power to bring down these kinds of places and put them under scrutiny. These problems could happen to any of our spaces. Did you ever get a sense that these crackdowns were inevitable? Did you ever think that era would come to an end? The gentrification that we’re seeing with the Starbucks opening up, a lot of people were kind of pointing to that as, “Oh, this is gonna be the beginning of the end.” Also the Rawhide in the Quarter and other bars frequently were targeted by the citizens of the neighborhood. I’m speaking specifically of how the Double Play was under constant scrutiny. So it was only a matter of time before all these spaces came under scrutiny. So you attribute one of the underlying causes of the crackdowns to gentrification and increased moral vigilance? I think everyone felt increasing pressure but I didn’t think that we would see such a dramatic change; in the end the crackdowns weren’t a result of gentrification. I think that was the fear though and some people were say-

ing, “Here comes the Starbucks, here comes the strollers, there goes the neighborhood.” But Starbucks is very supportive of the Phoenix and there hasn’t been any soccer moms showing up at 9:00am with their strollers appalled by seeing the leftover condom wrappers on the street. What had happened, happened within the community for very, very specific reasons. Are you referring to the reported instance of two women who were denied entry into the Rawhide? Yeah. That was the catalyst. A lot of people are blaming the women, but I think there’s another side to the blame that comes from the organization that was running the event over Decadence which was the Crescent City Leathermen. I don’t think they had that intention. I think that they did not realize that what they had promoted was listed as an educational event, and they didn’t communicate that with the manager until it was too late. Educational events of the leather community are typically all-inclusive. Do you think that gay men in New Orleans are generally open to the idea of inviting women and fe-

male bodies to come to their kink events? I think that there is a big perception that leather men, kink men, and a lot of gay men don’t want women in their spaces and won’t go to spaces especially when they’re sexual in nature if women are going to be there. We’ve demonstrated that we can overcome that with our party that we do called Hit It. Just because there’s a vagina in your dark room, it’s not the end of the fucking world– even more femme people, not everyone is going to be hyper masculine. I’m actually really pleased with that. I think the biggest issue is a lot of these things will ask for women to be involved to help get things going but then we’ll exclude them from the play parties. I think there’s a place for men-only, there’s a place for whatever, as long as you extend the invite the right way. It’s a fine line between allowing people who respect each other to being a kind of trendy hotspot where people come to observe you. What would you say these pop up sex parties, like Hit It, offer the community that darkrooms inside

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bars don’t? We started this party before the ATC issue happened and the goal of the party was never to take away from the Phoenix or any other bars. It was supposed to be something completely different. It was supposed to be a little more queer. I love the Phoenix–it’s my favorite place, but it can be intimidating for some people and for them it’s an opportunity to experience what a dark room is like. It’s not a totally novel idea in other places. Are there any spaces or groups hosting events or parties directly in response to the lack of dark rooms? The dark room crackdowns brought in fresh ideas. There’s a group called the Safe Space Development Group and they’ve actually rented a property in the Bywater and they’re now hosting parties there. They have a men-only party called Sircuit and they have a mixed party called Pourquoi and the space is also available for rentals. They co-lease the space with a mixed mens and womens bondage group called NOBLE which stands for New Orleans Bondage and Leather Enthusiasts. I helped connect the two groups in that space and got them running, but I haven’t personally been to any of their parties. Additionally there’s a group calling themselves Naked Nola that owns a house in the 7th ward and they use one side of it to host men’s

sex parties in the house. Have all these changes affected your personal sex life? It’s just different. I personally like having sex in public and in dark rooms so the Phoenix was the main game on the weekend and then if that didn’t satisfy me by the end of the night then the Rawhide on the way home. I see myself trying to be more conscious about networking better with sexual partners and looking for other outlets and also just getting more excited about these kinds of parties that happen from time to time. As an attendee to some of these parties myself, it struck me how ready and willing people are to push their limits and try new things sexually. It all seems to be happening safely but I am just curious if mental health has come up as an issue at all? I think the biggest concern to mental health is the alternative which are the apps where you’re constantly having to describe yourself and show yourself while sitting behind this screen. Then you have people who judge you or ignore you or are mean to you. It’s very mechanical, like “Let me see pics. how hung?” You go through all of this shit and then they ghost. What I like about the parties is that it’s a break from social media. You get to encounter people in real life and actually flirt

with them and continue the fading art of cruising– picking up people in a bar either verbally or just completely with your body language. I think that’s healthy, I think that’s really healthy. Just to be around more people. I like that these parties are continuing the tradition started by darkroom bars which is that they are both social and sexual. I think it would be easy just to focus on the sex but I’ve noticed you guys include sitting areas as well as a dance floor. It goes both ways: you can meet someone in the dark room and then get to know them or you can find someone out in the social area and you can have sex or not. It’s up to you! It’s like I was saying earlier, walking into a sex party is intimidating, so we try to make it more like some place where you can feel a little more comfortable. whether you’re experienced in these kinds of scenes or not. So you mentioned earlier that you are very fond of the Phoenix. What has the impact of these private parties been on bars that cater to a kink/leather/queer/etc. clientele? When we were first doing this before the crackdowns happened people would say, “Oh yeah, the Phoenix closed tonight because you were having your party right down the street.” But then a lot of us would go to the Phoenix afterwards and there was this kind of

mutual exchange. I have talked to Clint about it a little bit. Like I said from the beginning, it was never our intention to try to take away from the Phoenix and I still love it. I think the question is really are we taking away from them? Is the Phoenix going back to what it was? When is this coming back? Will it come back? It’s not the first time the Phoenix has been targeted by something. It’s been a while but they’ve been targeted before. And Eric, who works at the Phoenix, told me that they were targeted before in the 90s and the ACLU sued the city or the state–whichever governing body it was and the Phoenix prevailed. They were left alone until this happened and it was never the city’s intention to get involved with it so it was a state level thing. And honestly, from what I’ve heard, the state didn’t even really wanna get involved but then they had to because they were reported and as far as I know there’s been a kind of communication to explain what they can and can’t do and then of course what the loopholes are. The Phoenix does have to be a little creative and things evolve. They do as they can. A lot of us are willing to do what we need to do to help them maintain status as a leather bar with a darkroom. Definitely.

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with the Pythian AT THE PYTHIAN DRAG BRUNCHES | PHOTOS BY THE PYTHIAN MARKET

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COMMUNITY VOICE Voice of the Outsider: The Afterlife of Karen Carpenter Jim Meadows Executive Director, NOAGE info@noagenola.org I recently spoke with Randy L. Schmidt, author and editor of various books on popular 20th-century American singers. Little Girl Blue, his widely acclaimed biography of Karen Carpenter, was published in 2010. His new book, Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography (192 pp., Mascot Books), features a team of authors, musicians, journalists, and others discussing the Carpenters’ music and legacy, and includes over 200 images (many never before seen) of the 1970s brother-sister duo. JM: Randy, I love the new book. As a huge Carpenters fan, I kept wanting to jump in on the discussion, and the pictures are absolutely gorgeous. How did you get the idea, and how did you pick the contributors? RS: Ever since Little Girl Blue came out in 2010, there has been a new wave of interest, partly spurred by that book. I had come across so many photographs in image archives that I wasn’t able to use for it, so I held onto them, hoping I could someday use them in another way. This new book

is a celebration of both the music and those images. To select the commentators, I contacted people who have spoken about the Carpenters in the past, or musicians who have credited the Carpenters or Karen Carpenter as an inspiration. A lot of them are professional musicians and journalists. We’ve got Tom Nolan, who wrote for Rolling Stone back in the 70s, and wrote liner notes for some Carpenters albums. And Daniel Levitin, who’s written numerous best-selling books, like This is Your Brain on Music and The World in Six Songs. We have Cynthia Gibb, who played Karen in the TV movie. And also the producers of the 1994 tribute album, If I Were a Carpenter, among many others. JM: I’m interested in the way that certain cultural “outsiders,” including LGBT people, feel an affinity with Karen. In the chapter about “The Singles 1969-1973”, Vivian Bond says, “For the geeks, misfits, and outsiders, we felt a recognition, and intellectually grasped something that a lot of people listening to her songs probably didn’t even

Carpenters Discography Cover

think about.” There’s something of a paradox about the Carpenters: at the time of their greatest popularity, they were seen as American as apple pie, but also bland and “goody four-shoes.” But really, they have always been em-

braced by outsiders. RS: That’s one of my favorite responses in the book. I didn’t come out until I was around 30 years old, having grown up in western Oklahoma, and not really having many examples of

5th Annual

This year’s Oracle Gala will honor Valda Lewis, videographer, who has donated hundreds of hours of videos documenting LGBT+ history to local archives, including her 1987-1993 public access TV show, "Just for the Record," in which the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana sponsored the digitization of that series this past year.

The LGBT Archives Project of Louisiana aims to promote and encourage the protection and preservation of materials that chronicle the culture and history of the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender Community in Louisiana.

To become a sponsor, contact us at info@lgbtarchivesla.org.

New Orleans Jazz Market 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard New Orleans, LA 70113

Saturday, September 14, 2019 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Open bar - hors d'oeuvres

AMBUSH

Tickets: http://bit.ly/OracleGala

26 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

what being gay meant. I knew I wasn’t “bad,” but I also knew that I was different. Even before you’re aware of your own identity, you can know you’re somewhat of an outsider or misfit, and different from the other kids. There was something about Karen’s voice that connected me with her in that way, a sense of understanding and sameness that’s hard to put into words. It’s been debated whether Karen struggled with her sexuality, but one thing for sure that she struggled with was the expectation of femininity. She was the girl who played drums, hung around with the guys, and talked like a jazzer. Before that, she was playing baseball in the streets with the neighborhood kids, and just not doing the traditional girl things, especially for little girls in the 1950s and 1960s. And then to become a star as a female drummer, but very quickly have that taken away from her because she was presenting something that people weren’t quite ready for. They wanted her to be singing and standing out front in the pretty dresses. But here was this girl from Downey who walked across the stage like a Mack truck, and it was just not Karen’s natural tendency or inclination to be delicate, or to meet the expectations that they had for her. For me, as a kid, there were so many expectations to have interests that the other boys had, whether they were mine or not. So I think than many of us who might be considered different or outsider feel a connection with her. JM: I’ve been reading one of your contributor’s books, Why Karen Carpenter Matters by Karen Tongson. When discussing the Carpenter family dynamics, specifically the way their parents viewed Richard as the child with the real talent, she writes: “Karen understood that privately, in the familial realm of love and safety, Richard remained the priority. Richard knew Karen was of the world, and for the world; the figure of sacrifice to stardom. Each protected the very structures most wounding to themselves. For Richard that was the Carpenters, the band, the brand, and its superstar named Karen. For Karen, it was the family’s ambitions, which were Richard’s ambitions.” RS: Karen Tongson definitely does a fantastic job of describing these things. I really do feel that the Carpenter family, with maybe the exception of her father, never really got on board with supporting and encouraging Karen as an individual. From early on, Richard was already showing promise in music, and everything was swirling around him and what they all believed he would become. So it was hard for them to imagine what would happen if she went solo, and what that might mean for Richard and his career. JM: And being denied the chance to release her solo album was certainly a blow for her. (It was eventually released in 1996, 13 years after

her death.) She’s been quoted by the producer, Phil Ramone, as saying: “That album’s fucking great.” I love this quote by Paul Steinberg from your new book: “There’s a very cool award-winning gay/queer DJ collective in London called Horse Meat Disco. These guys know and love Karen’s album, particularly My Body Keeps Changing My Mind. Most of the clubgoers were born between 1980 and 1995, but when this song comes on, the crowd on the dancefloor goes wild. It shows that this song is fun, it’s camp, it’s disco. She was having fun, and we have fun. And that’s in a gay club in 2018.” Incidentally, Horse Meat Disco is going to be in New Orleans for Decadence (August 31, at the Ace Hotel). I’ve gotta go to that show and see if they’ll play something from the solo album. Speaking of which, are there any heterosexuals who actually own that? RS: Ha! Same with Ethel Merman’s disco album. When I saw that that album was an A&M Records (the Carpenters’ label) release, I thought, how is this even possible? That Karen’s album would be unworthy of release in the eyes of some people at that studio, but they put Ethel Merman’s disco album out there. JM: Do you have a personal favorite Carpenters album? RS: I think A Song for You is the one that I gravitate to the most. It’s a really beautiful concept album, with the “bookends” of the title track, which I think could have been a hit single for them. But nearly every song on that record could have been a hit at the time, and it’s such a strong album in that way. I also really love one that was not even intended to be an album, Lovelines. I love everything about it. And maybe it’s just because it’s the first Carpenters album I bought right after the release day. Even though it’s a mix of stuff from Karen’s solo album and outtakes from Carpenters albums, I think it flows really well. JM: Most people know the big hits, but are there some album tracks that you’d recommend for people looking to discover some deeper cuts? RS: My favorite of the non-singles is Road Ode, from A Song for You. I think it has the power and intensity of Rainy Days and Mondays or Superstar. Each of the albums has a track or two that I think is underrated, going back to their first album, Offering. Eve is a standout from that. Even though it was never a single, it’s one of the better-known of the deep cuts. And I think Someday had such intensity. From the Close to You album, having hits with the title track and We’ve Only Just Begun, they were in a rush to make the next album, but I think Baby It’s You could have easily been the third single. I also love Crescent Noon. There’s something about it that I’ve always been drawn to. JM: There was a certain wild pow-

er in her vocals on those first few albums, and I personally prefer that early, unfettered sound. RS: A Song for You was really the last album when she used that big voice, and really tore through stuff with an intensity and power of emotion that she didn’t often use in later years. I can’t think of anything quite that powerful on Now and Then or Horizon. And then she definitely went through a softer period with A Kind of Hush and Passage. I wonder how much of Karen’s vocal change had to do with those expectations to be more feminine. It was such an impactful sound on those earlier albums, and that was during the time when she was still the drummer, before people said, no, you’re not gonna be the drummer anymore, and you need to dress this way, and act this way. I think her voice changed with that too. It got softer, and maybe a little less her as the years went on. She held back. But in the early days, there were no inhibitions whatsoever. JM: It’s almost impossible to not mention anorexia here. In the years following her death, Karen became almost more famous for her illness than for her talent. Do you think that we’d be reading so much into her music if she had lived? RS: I think we do read into it because of what we now know to be true of her life. Cynthia Gibb said: “She wasn’t a victim. She didn’t think of

herself as ‘poor me.’ To know what ultimately happened to her and to hear her sing is very powerful, for sure, but it might have meant something very different to her when she recorded it.” I think we would still look at her as a brilliant interpreter of songs, but I don’t think we’d say, gosh, what must she have been going through! JM: Do you think that there are any singers today whose voice is similar enough to Karen’s to appeal to Carpenters fans? RS: The closest I’ve heard anyone come to Karen’s sound is Harriet (a singer from the UK who also contributed to the new book). She’s only 29, but her musical DNA is Carole King, Bread, James Taylor, and the Carpenters. Her parents raised her on 1970s soft rock, and it comes out in a very organic way with her. Her voice is so unaffected, with a delivery that’s very much like Karen’s, both in her phrasing and tone. But she also has her own unique style and delivery, and she’s a great songwriter. I confirmed with her that her song, What’s Mine is Yours, does refer to her sounding like Karen. JM: Great recommendation. I love Harriet’s voice too. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me, Randy, and congrats on the new book! RS: Thank you.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 27

THE ROCKFORD FILES

The Category Is… Realness Ryan Rockford RyanRockfordNYC@gmail.com Why Pose is the most important series on television. If you haven’t heard of the latest creation to receive the Midas touch of Ryan Murphy, Pose is an American dramatic television series on the FX network set within the New York ball culture of the 1980’s. The series’ characters are predominantly made up of black and Latino LGBTQ gender non-conforming individuals who’ve been cast aside by society and their families. . As Pose’s Blanca (MJ Rodriguez) puts it to wide-eyed newcomer Damon (Ryan Jamaal Swain) in the premiere, the ballroom scene made room for a “gathering of people who are not wel-

come to gather anywhere else, a celebration of a life that the rest of the world does not deem worthy of celebration.” The Balls allowed these individuals the opportunity to be seen, be creative and thrive in the moment amongst themselves. They could form friendships, alliances and gather together in self-established ‘Houses’ and were given an opportunity to choose those with which to become ‘family’. Pose, which recently concluded its second season and has already been signed on for a third, is immensely popular with the millennial generation. And why shouldn’t it be? The series has something for everyone. If you are a young gay, black or

Latino queer, the interest is obvious. If you are a fashionista, the nostalgic look into fashion’s hits and misses in the 80’s and 90’s is irresistible. If you are a member of the nightlife scene, Pose offers a rare glimpse into what life was like in the underground world of one of society’s pariahs back in the day. And if you’re a Broadway fan, Patti LuPone’s star turn as an evil real estate matron, who can also carry a tune, is delicious. There’s even room for fans of quasi-talented cabaret comediennes such as Sandra Bernhard, making the most of her recurring role as nurse, confidant and activist. Pose has been a slam-dunk favorite for both fans and TV critics alike. Critics have called the series, “groundbreaking”, a buzzword picked up by younger TV viewers and one that is tossed into conversation as easily as ‘gurl’, ‘fierce’, or ‘legendary’. But for all of the glitz, glamour, drama, Tea and shade, thrown in celebration of this

“groundbreaking” series, when asked WHY this series is so important and “groundbreaking”, the children fall silent. It isn’t their fault. Many of the show’s biggest fans simply aren’t old enough to remember a time when being gay or having HIV/AIDS was a big deal. As someone who is old enough to remember, however, and who lived in New York during the height of the AIDS crisis, I can tell you that Pose is indeed “groundbreaking”, for a number of reasons. It offers, more than any television show I’ve ever seen, the most realistic depiction of what life was like back then, not only for the ball culture but for our nation. A nation with a booming economy, capitalistic excess, and a political blind eye towards an oncoming plague. Realness is one category in which Pose has consistently scored 10’s across the board. And because of that Realness, Pose can easily be considered the most important show on television. Pose gives us an unflinching look at how people who were pushed to the side managed to carve a space for themselves and celebrate the uniqueness for which they were previously faulted. Television has never shown the underground trans or queer ball world before, certainly not in the humane and tender way that Pose does. For the first time in broadcast history, a series depicts realistic love stories centered around gay, black, Latin and transgendered individuals in a genuine, heart-felt and positive light, and in prime time. That Pose is able to do so, in such a big budget and cinematically sweeping way is not only a testament to how far society has come in the acceptance of the LGBTQ community but also to how pioneering this television series really is. It’s the commitment to Realness that is an integral part of the show’s success, starting with the creative team. What better way to convincingly portray the struggles of the Ball culture and trans community, than to have trans writers and authentic Ballroom consultants on hand, to help create this world for television? Pose has done just that with series co-writer Janet Mock. The series goes further by employing three surviving members of the Jennie Livingston documentary Paris Is Burning -- Hector Xtravaganza, Skylar King and Sol Williams. These Ballroom legends not only serve as the show’s off-screen consultants, but are also on screen, behind the judges table, for every Ballroom competition. That’s realness, hon. Pose, however, goes beyond having trans writers or Ballroom royalty day players. Pose employs the largest number of trans actors appearing

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regularly and in leading roles, than any other series in television history. That is the very definition of “groundbreaking.” The first season of Pose not only offered stylized musical numbers, fabulous fashions of the 80’s, and plenty of diva fierceness, but gained praise for its tender and authentic approach to the universal struggles of finding love, discovering what makes a ‘family’, and the joy and purpose in finding and being true to yourself. The second season jumped into the 1990’s and, as creator Ryan Murphy admits, is more important than the first. Season Two takes us to the center of the AIDS crisis as it continued to decimate New York. In addition to being stellar entertainment, it also becomes a way for us to examine the present by taking a rather uncomfortable but necessary look at the past. It’s necessary because the fight against AIDS is not over. Those too young to remember or those born after the AIDS crisis are painfully ignorant of an important part of queer history. A part that needs to be examined and studied to make sure that we don’t repeat it. Recently I overheard two 20somethings in passing: “This season of Pose is so depressing,” one said. The other replied, “I know. They call the show groundbreaking but the only ground I see breaking is at the cem-

etery. People are dropping like flies. I mitment to telling a story set in truth. know they are trying to make a point Before undertaking Pose, Murphy met but they’re being a bit dramatic. That with members of the Ball community, nurse said she’d been to something not only to acknowledge their contrilike 400 funerals? I mean, c’mon…” bution to the queer community, but to Nodding his head, the first one enlist their help in keeping Pose as auchimed in, “Right? No one dies that thentic as possible. Aspects of the Ball quickly. If they did, someone would culture and vogueing have been used have done someby Madonna, Bething.” yonce’ and everyPose, however, goes beA part of me one in between. wanted to yank yond having trans writers or Until now, the pithose two back Ballroom royalty day play- oneers of that culinto the bar and have scarcely ers. Pose employs the larg- ture explain that it was been given their est number of trans actors due, outside of the true, people DID die that quickly appearing regularly and in documentary Parand no one did is is Burning. leading roles, than any other ANYTHING. H i r i n g The atrocities trans-actors and series in television history. shown in Pose’s other members of That is the very definition of the Ball commusecond season “groundbreaking.” are more fact than nity help to keep fiction and maybe things real, aca little too ‘real’ for some to believe. cording to Murphy. For example, the Murphy understands that a lot of the museum heist that occurs in the series’ younger generation doesn’t know how pilot episode is a true story. And the devastating the AIDS epidemic was to mummified body and modelling plot our community. lines of Season Two are both derived “We have very little history. All of from the real life stories of Dorian Cothe men who would probably be our rey and Tracey Africa Norman. mentors were taken away at the prime Murphy and his team don’t shy of their life. What I’m trying to do with a away from truth-telling in Season Two. lot of my work is to leave a living history If anything, it’s cranked up a notch. The and educate people,” Murphy said. second season opened with Blanca Along with education, Murphy and and Pray Tell (Billy Porter) taking a trip his team have made an admirable comto Hart Island, a speck of land formerly

used for quarantined tuberculosis victims which had become an unceremonious dumping ground for New York’s unclaimed AIDS victims. Hart Island is an unfortunate reality and is just as soulless and depressing as Murphy’s depiction. Insisting on portraying our queer history as honestly as possible has garnered the series some of its highest accolades. Pose offers audiences of all ages and sexual orientations a poignant, yet entertaining look at the truth. The truth about ‘Houses’, about ‘vogueing’. The truth about what makes a family and the truth about AIDS. It also shows the power of speaking up for yourself and others by introducing the AIDS Coalition To Unleash Power, better known as ACT UP. Pose has made an indelible mark on television and in two short years, has already become “Legendary.” With little precedent to follow, the series has forged its way into the minds and hearts of viewers of all types, proving that love will find a way. With Season Three in the works, I have no doubt that Pose will continue to be a game changer as it finds more ways to bring characters we can love and relate to, into the light, with dignity, respect and honor.

It’s what you’d expect.

30 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

INTERVIEWS FROM KEY WEST

Barbara Sage is Resurrecting Mannequins and Anything Else She Gets Her Hands On with Whimsy Key West Kevin Assam kevin-assam@hotmail.com Barbara “Barb” Sage is the artist What happened when you were behind the colorful explosion of body at the edge of seventeen? parts, curbside treasures, and houseBarb: The edge of 17. Let’s hold items that comprise Whimsy Key see. My first DWI. According to the West. After a flurry of marriage, childjudge — since I blacked out — I was birth, and domestic life, she has made crossing a major intersection in Baltithe island her home for over 20 years. more and stopped in the middle of the Now, we take one of her mannequin street. Foot on the clutch. Car in gear. arms and prod her on her early BalNapping! They couldn’t wake me. Aptimore misadventures, her extensive parently, given the amount of alcohol collection of erotic audiobooks, and in my system, I should have been dead what exactly is the most difficult limb but I woke up and was functioning. I to paint. don’t remember most of that. ProbaWhen life gives you lemons, is bly should have been the first red flag, it your responsibility to paint them don’t you think? [laughs] in even more vibrant shades and figWhat prompted the move to Key ures? West? Barb: Without a doubt. I’ve been Barb: I had been bartending on through it all: divorce, parental death, Federal Hill for years and in Maryland being a single mom, and my daugheveryone goes to OC for the summer. ter’s drug addiction. The list goes on. I came here on vacation and took a If it wasn’t for this amazing island I two month leave of absence while wouldn’t have made it this far. I’m not things were slow. I loaded up my dog unique in lemons. We all have them. and came here to take time for me. Life on life’s terms — lemons — brought Next thing I knew, I met a guy, bought art into my life. a house, got married, had a baby, and What were the earliest objects didn’t end up going home. [Laughs] you found yourself trying to rework That was a little over 20 years ago! I’ve or improve as an adolescent? been sober 25 years as of June. Barb: I have no clue. I was a drunkIs the idea of a domestic goden train wreck throughout my adolesdess outdated? cence. I quit drinking when I was 21. I Barb: My house needs to be in orremember anything after that! [laughs] der for me to think straight. However, I Is part of the allure of alcohol its can’t cook to save my life. presentation and aesthetics? It can How much of your kitchen rebe a beautiful lated fiascos do I loaded up my dog and came thing, right? you imagine have here to take time for me. Next Barb: I’m harmed the envisure that’s part of thing I knew, I met a guy, bought ronment? it for some. When a house, got married, had a baby, Barb: Most I drank, it was likely all of them! and didn’t end up going home. Boone’s Farm Twice, the fire [Laughs] That was a little over Strawberry Hill, department has “Mad Dog” 20/20, 20 years ago! I’ve been sober 25 come to my house and “Natty Boh.” because the oven years as of June. I was young and caught on fire. was more looking for the effect. I loved Tell me about these dirty audiobars and clubbing in Baltimore and DC. books you frequently purchase. That’s what the people I hung out with Barb: Ahh, my books! That’s my did. guilty pleasure. I read a ridiculous I grew up in Annapolis, MD. My amount. All dirty. At one point, I’m sure household was normal. My parents I had the largest dirty book collection were together. We lived in a nice neighin the Florida Keys. Then I discovered borhood. My dad worked for Pepsi and the Amazon Kindle and could immedimy mom was a waitress. Dinner was ately have the next in the series. I love on the table every night. Vacation was instant gratification. I listened to the once a year. Everyone always hung audiobooks while I was working on my out at my house because it was easy to art at night or between guest houses sneak out. My first year of high school, during the day. I have about 600 auwe moved to Arnold to “keep me out diobooks. That’s insane by anyone’s of trouble.” That didn’t work out well for standards. my parents and after high school they Was 50 Shades of Grey any moved to Severna Park and I kept gogood? ing to Baltimore. I lived and bartended Barb: I read it in two days on a in downtown Baltimore until I moved to ferry on my way to the BVI’s. I liked it. Key West around 1998. Hated the movie though. WTF was up

Whimsy Key West

with those actors? I’ve seen more heat on HBO. How much power does the concierge network wield? Barb: When I was a concierge many years ago, a local company owner came in. He proceeded to tell me why I “better” book him. He was rude as shit. This was before concierge desks were run by certain companies. I picked his book up off the desk and told him that if he spoke to guests the way he had just spoken to me, he would never see a dime from that hotel. I dropped his shit in the trash. Period. He never got a booking out of that hotel while I was there and I still think he’s a tool to this day. Who talks to people like that? How idle were you when you launched Whimsy Key West? Barb: [Laughs] No one would use the word “idle” for anything regarding me. I’m a go-er. I’ve been painting mannequins for a long time and started Whimsy Key West at the encouragement of two artist friends. I thought because I didn’t have an art background that I wasn’t considered an artist. I was doing commissioned fun stuff for people but not charging much because I didn’t feel worthy — or whatever nonsense I told myself. In February, I made my art public and went into it feeling that if people liked it, I will sell it. It’s been a period of discovering my worth and learning that the marketing for my art is very different from what

I do during the day. There’s a reason people pay people for websites and social media because that’s a full-time job! I’ve worked my day job then come home, had dinner, showered, and worked in some form on Whimsy till 2AM almost every night since. There’s always something to do! Do you paint your creations onto mannequins because you secretly feel alone and want the company? Barb: [Laughs] No. I’m surrounded by people all day. I need to balance it with quiet at home. I started painting the mannequins after I got one at a yard sale. I wanted to see if I could paint it after driving it around in my car for a week because that was too fun not to do. Mannequins were easy to work on because I could work on one piece at a time. An arm here. A leg there. What body part is the most difficult to paint? Barb: Hands! Lots of cracks and crevices. The funnest are bent mannequins. Friends would walk in and see a lady with her ass in the air on my couch. My home is an interesting place! Kevin Assam is an average writer and hilarious interviewer originally from the Caribbean. He can be best described as a forty year old imaginative mind trapped in a pint sized twenty something year old body. His upcoming book is a collection of outrageous things overheard in Key West.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 31

COME ONE, COME ALL

OPEN 24 HOURS

9 4 1 E LY S I A N F I E L D S , N E W O R L E A N S

DECADENCE THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

THE MAIN EVENT

NASTY PIG UNDERWEAR PARTY WITH BIG DIPPER

BLOCK PARTY

The first night of our world-famous Block Party. Vendors, cocktails, beer. The party spills out of the bar and into the street!

9 P.M. TO 2 A.M.

AUGUST 29

Nasty Pig and Big Dipper back by popular demand! Rock your favorite jock or undies. Save an extra 20% on all Nasty Pig clearance and regularly priced merchandise.

STARTING AT 10 P.M.

9 p.m. 10 p.m.

NOLA Pups and Handlers Jell-O Shot Booth Beer fundraiser with Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence $5 buy-in, then $1 per cup

11 p.m.

Dancers on stage

AUGUST 30

IT’S SO

BIG Nobody likes a small COK! During Decadence we nearly double the size of the store. Extended hours all weekend long from 1 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thursday through Monday. Huge sales on Nasty Pig, Andrew Christian, and Barcode Berlin.

9 P.M. TO 2 A.M.

6 p.m.

NOLA Pups and Handlers Beer Fundraiser $5 buy-in, then $1 per cup

9 p.m. 10 p.m.

Rougaroux Rugby Jell-O Shot Booth Lords of Leather Beer Fundraiser $5 buy-in, then $1 per cup

10 p.m.

Dancers on stage

AUGUST 31

Night Two of our world-famous Block Party. Vendors, cocktails, beer. The party spills out of the bar and into the street! 1 p.m.

Lords of Leather Decadent Behavior Party

9 p.m.

Rougaroux Rugby Jell-O Shot Booth

10 p.m.

Renegade Bears of Louisiana Beer Fundraiser $5 buy-in, then $1 per cup

10 p.m.

Dancers on stage

11:30 p.m. Crescent City Leathermen Jell-O Shot Booth

11:30 p.m. Big Easy Sisters Jell-O Shot Booth

11:30 p.m. Rougaroux Rugby Jell-O Shot Booth

BIG DIPPER

ALEX TIKAS

T! U O D L SO

SOLD OUT FASTER THAN EVER BEFORE! We will shut down the bar for 200 guests on Sunday, September 1, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the most exclusive event of Southern Decadence. Atlas Grant returns, accompanied by Alex Tikas and Nicklause. Guests enjoy well cocktails and domestic beer, and the sexiest men. See you at the most popular party of Southern Decadence!

32 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

@PHOENIXBARNOLA

AT THE

PHOENIXBARNOLA.COM

PHOENIX

SUNDAY

MONDAY

THE MAIN EVENT

XXL: THE PARTY

LABOR DAY BBQ

4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. The entire bar shuts down for this exclusive event. See more details at the bottom left.

11 A.M. TO 2 P.M. Join the NOLA Pups and Handlers for a perfect way to wrap up another great Decadence.

SEPTEMBER 1

10:30 a.m. Renegade Bears Bear Breakfast 8 p.m.

Bar re-opens after XXL

9 p.m.

Block Party. Ends at 1 a.m.

9 p.m.

Knights d’Orleans Jell-O Shot Booth

10 p.m.

EAGLE OPEN EARLY EVERY NIGHT

SEPTEMBER 2

3 p.m.

Gloria Disco Party

Crescent City Leathermen Beer Fundraiser $5 buy-in, then $1 per cup

10 p.m.

Dancers on stage

11:30 p.m. Lords of Leather Jell-O Shot Booth

NICKLAUS

ATLAS GRANT

Red Bull, Domestics, as well as select beers from Bell’s, Left Hand Brewing, and Elysian Brewing

Bottled Water

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 33

NEW TO NEW ORLEANS

Prince and the Lost Boy Robert W Fieseler wordbobby@gmail.com Rain changes plans when you’re a Midwest mother. It slammed the city all weekend, and she told me she couldn’t wet her hairdo as she sat on the inflatable mattress in my living room “Really?” I asked, feeling trapped and hoping to get out of the house anyway. But Midwest father turned to me with a look that said, “That’s that.” How are you going to argue with an old white woman’s hair poof? She got out the UNO deck and started dealing. It’s been happening my whole life this way. Plans cancelled. That’s that. So I took the car to the liquor store to get some fried chicken for dinner, and called to delay our private tour with a man I’ll call Dirty Uncle of the French Quarter, a D+ celebrity author and historian of the Vieux Carré, until Monday morning when skies promised to clear. Come Monday, no rain, and my parents were up at 5am for reasons I cannot explain. They took my dog on an early walk to the Mississippi riverfront and nobody fell in, and I was relieved. They’re in their sixties, I had to keep reminding myself, not their nineties. But still, they’re two middle-class white seniors from Naperville, Illinois,

the “Versailles of Nice,” a middle American town as safe as it sounds. I wanted them to get a taste of the Big Easy – this mystic city now home to their queer son – without slipping into a misadventure, which might crack their worldview or cause a mental organ-rejection. It seemed safe to presume that all they could handle of New Orleans was a simulated experience, a la the Disneyfied theme-park ride and not the amoral toboggan run down the smegma of Bourbon Street. Eventually, we found ourselves in Jackson Square on tour with the Dirty Uncle himself—my father wearing khaki shorts and a polo shirt, my mother in a Lands’ End getup. Dirty Uncle held forth professorially beneath a widebrimmed hat about the Pontalba buildings, the Cathedral, Andrew Jackson, all the stuff about New Orleans that old people eat up like Werther’s Original. Dirty Uncle had them enthralled by jamming out the Creole history version of Eagles’ Greatest Hits, and I could tell my parents were captivated by their first genuine French Quarter character, who reminded them of a gay Cuban version of Danny DeVito.

This being Monday, however, virtually all of the museums in the Quarter were closed, and so, to give my mom the occasional break from walking, we started dipping off into various bars, where she loosened up on Bloody Marys. Fun and convivial conversation ensued, as they do, and we transitioned to various gay bars, where my mother upgraded to wine. Time blurred, and I sort of took my hands off the wheel of the situation, and we ended up in front of the Mos Eisley cantina of the gayborhood, Crossing. As soon as we entered said establishment, a genuine French Quarter scene confronted my parents. A twenty-something hustler in a white-ribbed undershirt, his face a bruised red grapefruit, his nostrils stuffed up with Kleenex, his arms and shoulders scuffed up like sun-spent leather, casually sipped on a High Life while spitting blood into a nearby cup. It wasn’t even noon, and he looked like he’d come straight to the bar from the hospital. I’d never seen a human

being so beaten up, and what was sadder was you could tell he was genuinely beautiful beneath all the wounds, his shaggy hair tousled and his green eyes dyed crimson like a recently fed zombie. I mean, this Lost Boy hadn’t just been hit once. Whoever or whatever roughed him up had wanted to do some damage. And did. Dirty Uncle demurred and acted like he didn’t see the situation. Maybe he didn’t. We’d all had a few by now. My mom asked to use the bathroom while my dad sat at the bar and didn’t say or order anything. I think he was concerned but uncertain how to help the kid—perhaps, also, unused to having a real experience on vacation. We got waters and rose to leave, and I exhaled, thinking maybe we got through this interlude. Then, wouldn’t you know, just outside of the doorway, unavoidably on the corner, stood the Lost Boy in conversation with the Prince of the Derelicts, the twenty-six-year-old lover of the Dirty Uncle. It was a confluence of French Quarter eccentrics. We ap-

Dirty Uncle demurred and acted like he didn’t see the situation. Maybe he didn’t. We’d all had a few by now. My mom asked to use the bathroom while my dad sat at the bar and didn’t say or order anything.

34 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

proached, in large part because Dirty Uncle bangs Prince on the nightly, and because Prince is my good friend, and I couldn’t just not say Hi. Prince is diminutive in stature, but he offsets his size with street swagger. He often ends sentences with “and shit…” and dresses like a twink rapper. Posted up in front of Crossing, he wore a backwards baseball cap and a baggy shirt tucked into grey fuck-pants, which he’d clearly thrown on in a hurry because you could slightly read the shape of his dong through the fabric. (Hey, we’ve all been there.) He ashed a cigarette philosophically as Lost Boy took him through the events of the prior night. Evidently, Prince had known Lost Boy for some time. They both had once danced as speedo clad go-go boys at the Corner Pocket down the street, which wasn’t an uncommon occupation for twinks of a certain lifestyle or upbringing. Only Prince had moved on and was now dating the Dirty Uncle, while the Lost Boy was still, well…the Lost Boy. Prince, in the minds of many of his former cadre, had achieved the Dream and succeeded in a form of personal

transformation and class ascension similar to Keanu Reeves in My Own Private Idaho. In a sense, they’d all watched little Hal become King Henry. Whereas Prince loved and was loved in the castle of the Dirty Uncle, they were still pieces of ass with a price tag. Some still played a perilous time game that ended with a pink slip; you dance in a speedo until you can’t anymore, and then nobody needs you. So Prince had escaped an economic cul-de-sac of sweaty bills and old sack and emerged as the Yoda of his group, the one to whom the Derelicts came for advice and counsel. Prince didn’t have to dance at the Pocket until gravity did its worst, until he was no good for the tippers. The proof was in his life, and so they sought him, so the Lost Boy sought him, with sob stories and bloody faces. I must admit that, as a writer who gets caught up in scenes, when I saw the dynamic of Prince listening thoughtfully to the Lost Boy outside of Crossing, I forgot my parents were there with me. The scene was so tender, I wanted to break down weeping. But Dirty Uncle, ever affable, began to

make the round robin introductions, which of course led to the Lost Boy being presented to my dad. Up close, the young man looked even worse. Blood seeped out of the boy’s tear ducts. “What happened to you?” my Midwest father blurted out. “You should see the other guy,” the Lost Boy answered, joking in response. (Life tip: whenever someone says, “You should see the other guy,” it means the person talking to you lost a fight badly. The other guy is fine.) Both of my parents shook hands with the Prince of the Derelicts, and then Dirty Uncle swept us down the street to salvage the tour. Dirty Uncle showed us Lenny Kravitz’s Creole cottage, which caught the attention of my mother, who loves nothing more than celebrity houses. I thought we were in the clear. Then we began to hear random shouts of an unmistakable domestic dispute in the distance, the female voice screaming, “Sheila! Sheeeeeeeeila!” and the male voice following behind yelling, “Nah baby! Nah!” The voices grew in volume until Dirty Uncle had to pause his lecture,

and the couple appeared blaring, walking in the center of the roadway, at the intersection near Prince and the Lost Boy. I could clock, from a block away, how the female voice was that of a notorious crackhead who often sings the following lyrics: “Heyyyyyy who wants some pussssayy?” This woman, shouting “Sheila!” on repeat, was obviously not accepting the denials of this gentleman. I started laughing. All was lost today. Abruptly in front of Crossing, the woman spun on her flats and took in the sight of the Lost Boy and shrieked, “What the FUCK happened to you?” Her gentleman continued, “Nah baby!” And she told him, “Shut the fuck up, Imma tell this boy what’s up.” Unsolicited, she began offering the Lost Boy a few loud tips on surviving in these streets. As Dirty Uncle walked back to the corner to make sure Prince, his lover, would be ok, I was shocked to hear my parents laughing beside me—at first nervously, and then fully. They’d jumped the rails of a ride called New Orleans. This was better than Disney.

A COMMUNITY WITHIN COMMUNITIES

Decadence Already!

The Very Rev. Bill Terry+ Rector St Anna’s Episcopal Church fr.bill@stannanola.org “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” Gospel of Matthew. When I was a child I would lie in the grass and observe the clouds. On occasion, as I got older, I would look up at clouds. Today, I glance at clouds with a weathered eye and not just for the simple joy of finding animals, clowns, faces, or witches. One of the clouds that fascinated me the most was “contrails”, those streams of cloud vapor that follow jets. They come after the plane just so and then with time and distance they drift and after even greater time begin to break up and slowly fade away. Time, like contrails, slips and moves and lays an imprint in heaven. Time is precious and to be cherished. We cannot covet time because it is not ours to own. If we do covet time we may wallow in the past, never be satisfied with an unwritten future, or simply wait for “something” to happen. That is what coveting time looks like. There once was a French priest who advised a nun through letters. His name was Jean Pierre de Caussade, S.J. He fashioned a body of work and ideas that called upon his postulant, the nun, to remain focused on the present moment as a moment of grace, that even in washing the dishes or mopping the floors her creator was present. This

idea of living such a life is delightfully called “The sacrament of the present moment.” The idea of living in the present moment and cherishing that moment is not new or unique to Christianity. Phrases like carpe diem and “seize the moment” come to mind. “Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment”--Buddha. “Kavana - present-moment focused consciousness” from the Hebrew and therefore Jewish contemplative tradition. So, what is the point of these musings? The point is that the present moment is a gift. We live in it and are always ahead of it or behind it. We anticipate almost every breath and therefore in some way are always just a bit ahead of ourselves. Surrendering to that moment is precious because the truth is that we cannot know what lies ahead. We do not know when our life or the life of another may perish in this world. So life is a gift. What will you and I do with our lives? What are we doing in this present moment? You, of course, are reading Ambush. I hope that you are taking in the depth and breadth of this paper and enjoying the breadth of a community. The broad sweeps found in photos recounting gathering after gathering as social events. From Texas to Georgia,

in some way, this very paper is telling a larger story. I know that you may be chuckling a bit at this point saying something like, “Girl does it ever!” That is a good thing. The lesson to be learned in all of this is that we humans are precious, our lives are precious, and therefore our time is precious. Not because we are busy people and can’t spend the time waiting four hours for a doctor’s visit but because the person next to you is precious as well. Sure, I acknowledge that there may be “good” and “bad” people. I am saying that even in light of “good” or “bad”, they are precious. The question is what are we doing with ourselves and those around us? If we approach each new day as a gift; if we approach every moment, good and bad, as time given as a gift; if we understand everyone as at least having the possibility of human dignity and godly purpose, then perhaps time, like that contrail might follow us as we soar! We, at least in our little church, worship with thanksgiving for all that has been given to us and the promise of what may come. We fortify ourselves for just one hour to become one body, one collective that follows the ways of the Rabbi Yeshua (Jesus). We allow in that present moment for the possibility of transformation, of beginning anew.

So, yes, it’s time for Decadence again. This bacchanal has become a benchmark for me. It is like Christmas, Easter, and other notable dates. As I get older I find myself saying more often, “it’s already __________!” Time is precious and should be treated as a sacrament. What then shall we do with the time on our hands? How shall we experience and see others with this time? Stop and take a look around; see through the eyes of one who sees great created beings around them. Not perfect in every way, but certainly with potential. Even in our ups and downs – potential. Even the most abject human has potential. Take care on this special Labor Day weekend. Absorb the moment. Treat others as if they have only this moment to be near you. Rejoice in the RIGHT TO LOVE under the law. Take good care of your partners and be proud of who and what you are because God made you. Be good to yourselves not with selfishness but rather with selflessness. In so doing and being, you cherish what is around you and when you do, you will see the face of God and God’s creative work playing out not tomorrow or next week or even yesterday, but here now, yes, even in this dark bar or bright bistro. For we live in “the sacrament of the present moment.”

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 35

HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS Healthcare for Hospitality Chenier Reynolds-Montz Director of Outreach & Development for Access Health Louisiana CReynolds@accesshealthla.org Access Health Louisiana’s Clinical Team participates in a Hospitality Initiative Outreach event this month at Armstrong Park in New Orleans offering free health screenings. The hospitality industry is the largest employer in the City of New Orleans yet many of its workers are uninsured or underinsured. According to the New Orleans Hospitality Workers Alliance, an estimated 100,000 people work in food and beverage, as well as hotel services. A new healthcare initiative hopes to improve the health of these hardworking men and women. “New Orleans’ hospitality workers are the backbone of this city,” says Mandi Bordelon. “Not having health insurance makes it much harder to access affordable healthcare, which we believe everyone deserves.” This month, 504HealthNet launched the Hospitality Initiative with the goal of helping the thousands of men and women who fuel our city’s tourism industry get the healthcare they need and deserve. Bordelon serves as a Community Navigator for the project. A seasoned hospitality worker herself, Bordelon was the right fit to serve as a liaison for the project’s implementation. Prior to launching the initiative, 504HealthNet did a lot of research to find out the community’s needs. “We hosted listening sessions with

many hospitality workers about the barriers to accessing care,” explains Bordelon. “What we heard most often were concerns around cost. When you pay for healthcare out of pocket, you generally do everything you can to avoid it, especially if you have no idea how much it will cost. This is in conjunction with another barrier, no paid sick leave. If you’re already losing a day’s wages because you are too sick to work, you’re not going to also pay to go to the doctor if you can avoid it. And in emergency situations, you can end up with devastating medical debt. There are places you can go to avoid these kinds of unexpected costs and that is what we are trying to share in this phase of the initiative.” 504HealthNet reached out to community health centers to educate hospitality workers about their services. Community health centers, such as those operated by Access Health Louisiana in 11 parishes, offer a sliding fee discount to patients who are uninsured. The sliding fee is based off your household size and income. No patient is ever turned away for care regardless of their ability to pay. Discounts are also offered on prescriptions, as well as free home delivery of your medications, through the Access Health Louisiana Pharmacy. Knowing where to go, how to access care and

what you’re going to have to pay out of pocket is valuable information for families living on tight budgets. “This initiative is a step in the right direction in helping service industry workers find affordable, quality healthcare that they deserve,” says Jeff Rebackoff, a local server in New Orleans. “After moving to New Orleans, my main priority was to address my mental health. Finding a therapist was difficult. Everyone I called either didn’t take my insurance or was booked. It wasn’t until I met Mandi and was introduced to 504HealthNet and its initiative that I felt confident that I could navigate the intricate web of healthcare in New Orleans.” 504HealthNet has a navigation line to help hospitality workers find affordable, quality care that’s close to home. People with insurance or without insurance may call the hotline to find affordable care. The number is (504) 5079112. You can also visit their website at healthyhospitality.com. “Currently, our goal is to elevate the network of clinics in New Orleans

MUSINGS BY CATHERINE Participate in Your Emotional Well-Being Catherine Roland catherineroland12@gmail.com Have you ever awakened to a thought like “Damn, I do not want to get up” when you’re not tired, you just don’t want to start your day? Have you walked into the kitchen in the morning and sat staring at the refrigerator, coffee pot or something else, feeling almost unable to move? Feeling awful and emotionally ‘out of it’. Although we continue to celebrate Southern Decadence, these feelings can come up, just as they can at any time – even when ‘celebrating’ and having fun. You can have fun, joy and still feel stressed and emotionally wiped out. It’s a puzzling duality that many people face on a daily basis. Sometimes, we find ourselves naming how we feel when it’s pretty

awful, and it can often be named depression. Clinical Depression can be regarded as a mental health diagnosis, one that can often be treated successfully with a combination of appropriately prescribed medication and professional therapy. Feeling depressed occasionally, however, can be very different from a mental health diagnosis. I’m not suggesting that feeling depressed isn’t serious or to be taken lightly. Since all of us are different, in our physical makeup, our feelings and thought processes, each individual experiences a ‘down day’ in a unique manner. Strategies to combat that kind of low feeling, non-confidence, or anxiety will emerge. And when that happens,

there are things to be done, actions and behaviors to try, so that you can come out of the darkness and begin again to enjoy your life. Let’s discuss what the triggers of feeling badly are, identify them as they occur inside you, and then attempt to be an active part of your own emotional progress. Taking part in your own growth and level of life satisfaction is important to maintain a sense of who you are. These are some suggestions that are general, but can be tailored specifically to each individual. 1. If you’re feeling down, and having a difficult time getting motivated at the start of your day, gauge yourself. Self-kindness can be powerful; plan your day as much as you can. While

that provide care regardless of ability to pay or insurance status,” says Bordelon. “When people call the navigation line, they will speak to me directly. They can also leave a message and I will call them back. I will help answer questions about insurance options and even schedule appointments for you.” People calling the hotline can schedule all types of appointments including Primary Care (for adults and children), Behavioral Health (including Psychiatry), Dental and more. 504HealthNet’s Hospitality Initiative is helping New Orleans’ largest industry grow stronger through expanded healthcare options. It’s keeping workers on the job instead of losing time at home sick. Chenier Reynolds-Montz is Director of Outreach & Development for Access Health Louisiana, a registered 501(c)3 organization. She can be reached at creynolds@accesshealthla.org. For information about our services, log onto our website at accesshealthla.org you can’t always dictate what the day will bring, you can set up specific parts, such as when you will prepare and eat food, when you’ll engage in some movement such as exercise or at least walking outside if weather permits, and when there will be time in each day to communicate with others, which can be at work, with friend-family, or by engaging new people in the neighborhood. Planning, or adding structure to your daily life can bring welcome feelings of “having to be somewhere” and encourage the value of being needed. 2. Food! The impact of nutrition should be respected. Eating well, especially when you’re not feeling strong emotionally or physically, can be an effective tool to gain strength, improve attention and lighten your attitude, as well as adding fuel to your day’s plan. For years I’ve suggested green vegetables like spinach and broccoli for my clients who experience a general malaise. Always check with a physician before you introduce foods to your diet

36 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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that are unfamiliar or to which you have reason to believe you might be allergic. We have so many ‘diet’ or low-calorie drinks, and various ways of eating, including being vegan, vegetarian, low carbs, macrobiotics, low fat, that it sometimes is difficult to decide what’s best for you. Protein will always remain important, and it doesn’t matter where you get it. For instance, you may not eat meat, but there are foods that have strong protein content that are not meat, like peanut butter, milk, lentils (many beans), cous cous, and eggs. It is generally a good practice to view the results over time that make sense, and point unwaveringly towards the value of nutritional self-care. No one can really feed you, except yourself. 3. Personal hygiene and care of your body are paramount to feeling good about yourself, even when you don’t, and really can’t see a reason to try. I know--it’s what we’ve all heard for years growing up. I’m not sure the intent was the same however. It’s less about cleanliness of body, but of mind and spirit. A body/mind/spirit connection strengthens our stamina, and can illuminate a path forward which we otherwise cannot see. A simple shower, a new haircut, doing a load of laundry when you really have no desire to, all and any of those examples could be

most helpful. That is what personal care is about at times of feeling low. It is something you control, only you. You are the only one who can choose how to take care of your body, because you’re the one who governs all of the ways in which you live inside and outside of your body. 4. A steady mind. An occupied mind is important, as long as the focus is not on how awful you feel. The focus should be more on having goals for a specific day, or even part of a day. As stated previously, each day is important, and your mind holds the keys to many successes, and if there are plans for a day, there is something to hope for. Your mind-set, which could be said to be your outlook on life, can be very helpful during times of feeling down. You have the ability to control your mind to a large extent, to focus and to consider a specific idea or challenge. Ask yourself when was the last time you read a book? Reading isn’t always the most popular activity, however many people do enjoy reading. It’s a very effective way to keep your mind positive and your intellect stimulated. Your mind can allow you the courage to DO, to act, to participate in something you need or want to do. It’s not always possible to keep a mind occupied with good works and positive attitude, but

the ‘trying’ can be that one goal for that day when you feel awful. 5. Hydrate! It’s hot right now, of course you already drink plenty of water. Ask yourself, do you really? Hydration is vital, all year around, and can impact your physical well-being. But it can also have a positive impact on your cognition, attitude and energy. A respected physician here in NOLA told me long ago, that we should drink as much water as we think we can hold, and then two more glasses, per day. And when we ‘empty out’ we need to put that right back into our body. Of course, there are many things to drink, but I am specifically talking water, ice water, tepid water, water with lemon, as long as it’s just water. And to those who feel they have to purchase bottled water, great since it’s is right there for you. Is that better for you by the way? Not certain. I always think of the many restaurants we all frequent, and the multiple glasses of water (tap water) we drink while dining. Drink more water. 6. Community! Having community surround us, as we do in New Orleans, is a unique thing we should cherish. But belonging to a community, knowing people who care for you and for whom you care, can be an important healing factor all by itself. Small groups

of acquaintances, friends or work colleagues are often a good way to build, or shore up your community. People who attend 12-step groups often have a kind of built in community, dedicated to a central mission. There are also those friends you spend time with, dine with, run/walk with, sing with as in the New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus, or volunteer with at CrescentCare or NOAGE (New Orleans Advocates for Gay and Lesbian Elders). Read Ambush Magazine regularly, check out the list of activities in the LGBTQ+ Community. Feeling awful, depressed or anxious, is unpleasant and serious. There are things you can do that, while not magic, can offer some relief and the ability to move on. Get out of the house. Isolation isn’t a terribly effective way to manage depression. There’s a perfect opportunity coming up to enjoy our community during the Southern Decadence activities. They may not be what you want to do, but there may be ways to be a part of the celebration in a quiet way, with a few people. It really depends on you, your strength of mind, and your level of trust in yourself. Take charge of your self-care and run with it!

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS I can be single and still be happy

Dr. Andrew Watley Professional Counselor in the State of Louisiana www.drandrewwatley.com The beat starts! Everyone begins to cheer in anticipation. You scramble around to make sure you have enough before the chorus. You wait for the right moment! Here it comes...everyone shouts “LOVE IS IN THE AIR” as napkins fall from the sky like confetti covering everyone and everything in the bar. We celebrate because all of us truly believe that love is, in fact, all around. Right? But, what if it’s not? What if love isn’t for you? We live in a society that throws love and relationships in our faces all the time. Love songs plague our radio stations, and cologne & perfume ads give us this idea that smelling good is the cure to singleness. Don’t get me started on those family members who will always comment on the fact that you are single every time they see you. Why are we pressured so much to be in a relationship? I personally blame fairy tales. Think about it. There are very few Disney princesses who don’t find their man in the end. We grow up believing that happiness is associated with finding a significant other, and when we aren’t “lucky” enough to find one, we can become anxious or even depressed.

I’m here to tell you that society is one of the biggest liars of all time. We don’t all have to be in a relationship to be truly happy. Believe it or not, some people find happiness just being single. Unfortunately, however, there is a stigma with being single. Before I entered into my current relationship, people would ask me about my relationship status. When I would respond that I was single, they would ask “Why?” as if it were some type of problem. Then the anxiety would set in, “Why am I single?” Suddenly, I would find myself making excuses to why I don’t have a man wrapped around my arm. The reality of it is, I was single because I wanted to be. Relationships can be a lot of work. They take time and commitment, and I wasn’t ready for that. Some people are never ready for it. RuPaul says it best at the end of every episode of Drag Race, “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?” And in unison with the surviving contestants, we give her that “Amen” when she asks for it. But do we actually take her words to heart? Loving ourselves is a big part of

both being single and being in a relationship. For some people, that journey of learning to love ourselves leads to the notion that they are happy JUST loving themselves. That doesn’t mean that they are prudish or anti-relationship. It simply means that it just isn’t for them. Maybe they enjoy quiet nights at home cuddled up with a good book rather than being cuddling with a significant other. Or maybe they would prefer a drama-free relationship with a pet than with another homo sapien. And it’s totally ok. Just because someone is alone, it doesn’t mean that they are lonely. So let’s change this negative stigma about our brothers and sisters who are single. For all of us who are in a relationship, let’s remember that some people choose to be single, the same way that we choose not to be. Let’s get rid of the notion that something is wrong if a person isn’t in a relationship. Asking the question “Why?” when someone tells us about their single status may come off as offensive. I know that if I told someone that I was in a relationship and they asked, “Why?”, I wouldn’t be too happy about it. It’s not really our place or our business to

question the relationship status of others. To my single brothers and sisters, be confident in your decision to be single. Don’t make excuses like I did as if being single is some type of disease. Be proud of your decision. There is nothing wrong with responding, “Because I want to be”, if someone asks you about your single status. Let’s make Mama Ru proud by loving ourselves whether we choose to be with or without a belle or beau. Prove to society that you can be bad all by yourself! Dr. Andrew Watley is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Louisiana. His practice is geared toward helping adolescents, members of the LGBTQ+ community and men who experience concerns with their masculinity and body image. More information about Dr. Watley and his practice can be found on his website, www. drandrewwatley.com.

38 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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40 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT Meet Your 2019 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals At the heart of Southern Decadence is the traditional Grand Marshals’ Parade on the Sunday before Labor Day. Originally just an informal bar crawl among friends, the parade has evolved over the decades into one of the most anticipated events in the annual New Orleans calendar. Making the parade happen are the Grand Marshals. All summer long, they have been organizing, raising money, and coordinating with City Hall to produce the parade. The title of Southern Decadence Grand Marshal is not a ceremonial one; there is actual work involved—a lot of work. This year’s Grand Marshals are Countess C. Alice and Will Antill. Daryl Dunaway, Jr., also known as Countess C. Alice, is originally from Zachary, a small town north of Baton Rouge. After graduating from Nichols State University 2001 with a degree in Fine Arts, he moved to New Orleans and became involved in the Gay Carnival scene and has served as Krewe of Amon-Ra Miss America 2007, Krewe of Amon-Ra Prom Queen, Krewe of Amon-Ra Ball Lt 2010, Queen AmonRa XLV (2010), Captain Petronius LIII

and LIV, member of Lords of Leather, Lords of Leather Ball Lieutenant 2020, and Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2013. Darryl and his husband, David Aranda have been together for thirteen years. Will Antill is originally from New Orleans and is a longtime fixture in the French Quarter. After completing high school, Will bartended a few years and then traveled the world while serving full-time in the Navy. After being honorably discharged, Will contracted with Entergy for a number of years before resuming his career as a bartender. He worked at Café Lafitte in Exile before moving over to the Double Play, where he became the manager. He currently bartends and co-manages Crossing. In 2016, he was crowned Grand Reveler II of the Mystick Krewe de Rue Royale Revelers. The theme of this year’s parade is “Fruit Salad: Come Toss a Good Time!” Official patterns are pinstripes and polka dots. You can catch the parade in the French Quarter on Sunday, September 1.

Daryl Dunaway Jr and William Antill at the Former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal’s Lunch

MOMENTS IN GAY NEW ORLEANS HISTORY Reflections of a Former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com It seems like a life-time ago now but just a year ago I was consumed with Southern Decadence. My friend Coca Mesa had named me her successor as SDGM, something for which I am eternally grateful (but I didn’t feel that way so much a year ago). SDGM is not a ceremonial title. There is a lot of work that comes with it; it’s really a part-time job—organizing events, raising thousands of dollars, jumping through the hoops at City Hall, dealing with difficult personalities, discerning newfound “friends” from those with agendas and ulterior motives, and then, of course, all the behind the scenes drama and bullshit. Being Grand Marshal was an experience I treasure; as a historian, it was thrilling for me to be a small part of such a huge tradition. It was not without stress, however. I’m glad I did it, but I was also glad when it was over. My co-Grand Marshal, Adikus Sulpizi, and I got along really well last year. We saw eye to eye on just about everything and never had any disagreements or arguments. That has not always been the case with multiple Grand Marshals. One thing we agreed on was to name our successors a bit

earlier than usual to give them ample time to accomplish all that needed to be done. We had our Announcement Party on the Ides of March. We didn’t plan it that way, it just happened but the date is appropriate considering the history of backstabbing among former SDGMs. I named Will Antill as my successor and Adikus chose Countess C. Alice. They have done an excellent job this year and the parade they have produced promises to be one for the history books. To be sure, there are essentially two Southern Decadences. On one hand, there are the hundreds of thousands of out-of-town revelers who come to New Orleans for the long Labor Day weekend. They enjoy the private parties, the block parties, the street scene, and they all have their favorite bars and restaurants. Many of these visitors, I suspect, may not even be aware of the traditional Sunday Parade. Theirs is a visitors’ Decadence. On the other hand, there is a locals’ Decadence. Many queer locals work in the service industry at bars, restaurants, hotels, etc. For them Southern

Decadence is mostly work and little play. For them, Decadence is a chance to make a lot of money and pay off lingering bills from the slow summer season. Also part of the locals’ Decadence are the Grand Marshals themselves and their entourages (teams they put together to help throughout the summer who do all the work necessary to produce the parade). In the very early years, the founders informally selected the Grand Marshal casually by consensus. In the 1980s, the selection was usually a friend or lover of the outgoing Grand Marshal. In more recent years, outgoing Grand Marshals have looked to their entourages for successors. The autonomy of the SDGM to select his or her successor is one of the great traditions of Southern Decadence. There has never been an application or vetting process. However, since the parade became formalized—the first Southern Decadence parade permit was issued in 1997—the selection of a Grand Marshal has been unofficially influenced by the need to select someone who can adequately perform the duties the job

requires, namely someone who is honest, generally sober, well-organized, able to raise money, and has a lot of spare time. Yet another unwritten criteria is an understanding of the recent history of Southern Decadence and the politics that have occurred behind the scenes since the 2012 scandal in which one of the Grand Marshals skipped town with roughly $3,000 of the money he had raised for Southern Decadence. Southern Decadence has evolved into an untamable, multi-headed beast. It has come to mean a lot of different things to many different people. But at its core is the traditional Grand Marshals’ parade on the Sunday before Labor Day. It’s sad to say, but a lot of bars and other businesses don’t give a damn about the parade. Only a fraction of the businesses that benefit Southern Decadence actually chip in to become official sponsors. And that’s a shame because without the Grand Marshals’ parade—that New Orleans anchor—Southern Decadence could just as easily be held in Houston or Atlanta or any other humorless city.

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SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush AT THE FORMER SOUTHERN DECADENCE GRAND MARSHAL LUNCH | PHOTOS BY AMBUSH PUBLISHING

42 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SouthernDecadence.com

Grand Marshal Parade Sunday, September 1 2:00 PM 2

Start:1239 Royal (1.Golden Lantern)

Down Royal to St. Louis Right on St. Louis 4

STOP: 439 Dauphine (2.The Crossing) 940 St. Louis (3.The Corner Pocket) Right on Rampart

S TOP: 542 N. Rampart (4.The Page) Right on Toulouse

8 10

Left on Burgundy

STOP: 700 Burgundy (5.700 Club) 7

STOP: 740 Burgundy (6.Rawhide) Left on Orleans Right on Rampart S TOP: 834 N Rampart (7.GrandPre's) Right on St. Philip Right on Dauphine STOP: 740 Dauphine (8.Good Friends) Left on St. Ann Left on Bourbon

STOP: 801 Bourbon (9.Bourbon Pub) S TOP: 800 Bourbon (10.Oz) STOP: 941 Bourbon (11.Lafitte's)

C O Ambush

Publishing

Disband: Bourbon and St Philip

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SOUTHERN DECADENCE PERFORMERS UPDATED ONLINE www.SouthernDecadence.com

Adrian (Washington DC) Southern Decadence-Oz at Oz Thurs 8/29 Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #1 Who are you? Romanian born, fun, outgoing, love to dance, eat and laugh! What are you most excited about? Seeing old friends and making new ones! What’s something interesting about you? I started my first business at age 17 and ran it for 8 years. Why should everyone come to see you? If you’re visiting New Orleans you have to visit Oz, it’s iconic and THE PLACE TO BE, great music, fun crowd, good drinks, plus I’ll be there with my friends hamming it up, having a great time with you all! Alex Tikas (Greek American) XXL The Party at Phoenix Bar NOLA Is this your first time in New Orleans? Yes Who are you? I look scary ... but I’m strawberry unicorns and Celine Dion ballads on the inside. Feed me / Fck Me / Tell Me I’m Pretty and the rest we

can work out .... What are you most excited about? Southern men just have a way .... show me the way. Never been to New Orleans and want the full-on gumbo experience. What’s something interesting about you? I was a children’s talent agent for 20 years and just retired. Why should everyone come to see you? I have a big dick with lots of foreskin. You can touch it. This is my first time performing ever. Come show me love and support. Aubrey Synclaire (New Orleans, LA) Boys on Parade Strip off at Bourbon Pub Fri 8/30 Midnight Hot Ass Contest at Bourbon Pub Sat 8/31 Midnight Lipstixx at Bourbon Pub Mon 9/2 08:00 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XL in 2014, Entertainment Director/Hostess Bourbon Pub and Parade, GAA Bitch of the Year 2019, Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2020

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What are you most excited about? The SDGM parade on Sunday What’s something interesting about you? I plead the fifth. Why should everyone come to see you? The contests are out of control, and the entertainment is spectacular! Barry Bareass (MS) Southern Decadence at Corner Pocket Wet Jockey contest Wed 8/28 10:10 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? MC, entertainer, dj, host, songwriter. Winner of the Entertainer of the Year award at GAAs. Winner of the Cheridon Comedy Award. Winner of the Ozzie Award for Best Achievement in Costuming. What are you most excited about? People What’s something interesting about you? Sparkle and shine Why should everyone come to see you? Hot booty bouncing music and top 40 remixes Brendan Thompson (United States) Southern Decadence Sing-A-Long Sunday at Bourbon Pub Sun 9/1 09:00 pm – 05:00 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? As the Bourbon Pub’s Senior VJ, I am so excited to be playing a special Southern Decadence Sing-A-Long Sunday on Sep. 1 at the Bourbon Pub and Parade. What are you most excited about? I’m very excited for another great Southern Decadence. I love meeting all the people who visit from all over the world and I have close friends coming from Chicago and all over the country I hope to spend time with. What’s something interesting about you? I am so honored to have won Ambush Magazine’s 2019 GAA Award for ‘DJ of the Year’. Why should everyone come to see you? This is the 19th year of Sing-ALong Sunday at the Bourbon Pub and I really look forward to hearing everyone sing!!! Cade Maddox (Biloxi, MS) Southern Decadence at OZ Fri 8/30 Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #4 Who are you? I am a pornstar. Falcon Studios Exclusive. Voted “Hottest Top” at this year’s Grabby Awards. What are you most excited about? I always love coming back to New Or-

leans. It was my happy place growing up; I could be myself here. Oh, and the food! What’s something interesting about you? I think it’s hilarious to fart in public. Why should everyone come to see you? I will be dancing at Oz. They should attend my event because I trimmed the hair on my balls for this shit. Chance Diversions (West Orange, New Jersey) Wet Jockey Short Contest at The Corner Pocket Wed 8/28 09:00 pm – Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #1 Who are you? Hey everyone. My name is Chance Diversions. I am one of the many beautiful dancers performing for Southern Decadence 2019. Come see us and have some amazing drinks. Can’t wait to see all you beautiful people at The Corner Pocket (940 St. Louis St.) What are you most excited about? All the fun and meeting so many beautiful people in one place. What’s something interesting about you? My welcoming and bright personality. Why should everyone come to see you? I have a very welcoming personality. And who doesn’t want to see some sexy men while they’re out drinking lol let’s be honest. Cucci Licci (New Orleans, LA) Brunch Contraire at The Paris Room at Maison Soule Sun 9/1 12:00 pm – 02:00 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #2 Who are you? Fresh ‘n Fruity, it’s Cucci Licci! Hailing from the mysterious island of Taiwan, this Pan-Asian princess blends Japanese street fashion and Korean pop realness into a magically unique experience. On brand and just as sweet, Cucci Licci is one you’ll want to meet! What are you most excited about? This will be my first time at Southern Decadence as a performer, so I’m most excited to be able to share the stage and showcase what I have to offer! What’s something interesting about you? My drag and performance style is unlike any in the area. I bring together Japanese street fashion and Korean pop realness to create a truly unique performance experience. Why should everyone come to see you? A brunch like no other in the city of Queer New Orleans, Brunch Con-

46 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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SOUTHERN DECADENCE PERFORMERS UPDATED ONLINE www.SouthernDecadence.com

traire features the drag and burlesque talents of Drag Extr’rdinaire, Laveau Contraire, and her dynamic daughters: Synamin Vixen and Cucci Licci. Seasoned to perfection and served with Southern hospitality, Maison Soul offers Classic Louisiana Cuisine. On the second floor of the 185-year-old Soule Mansion, The Paris Room will take you back in time with its inviting atmosphere and Parisian decor Damian Taylor (Chicago) Southern Decadence at Oz Is this your first time in New Orleans? Yes Who are you? I love New Orleans and I love to meet new people and create great memories with them. I’m very happy being in one of my favorite cities in the world. What are you most excited about? I’m excited for all the hot muscle men I get to make friends with haha. No seriously I love dancing. I’m so ready! Of course the DJ line up at Oz is going to set the tone for a fantastic and memorable weekend for everyone. What’s something interesting about you? I was in the Army Airborne Infantry for 8 years.

Why should everyone come to see you? I give nonstop energy when I dance. And I always make sure everyone around me is living their best life!! Darling Darla James (New Orleans, LA) Go-go Dancing at Oz Sat 8/31 10:00 pm – 2:00 am Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #7 Who are you? I’m a Queer stripper and I’m fun. What are you most excited about? Seeing all the beautiful babes! What’s something interesting about you? My cat, Princess Muff Why should everyone come to see you? You want to look at butt. DJ Dan Slater (Sydney, Australia.) Southern Decadence at OZ Sun 9/1 05:00 pm – 12:00 am Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? Yes Who are you? I’m an Australian DJ based in Miami. I started my DJ career as winner of the Sydney Mardi Gras DJ Spin-Off Competition. Since then

I’ve gone onto sets and residencies at some of the biggest parties around the world including; Winter Party Festival (Miami), Circuit Festival (Barcelona & Miami), White Party (Palm Springs & Bangkok), Matinee USA, XLSIOR Mykonos, The Week (Rio & S’ Paulo), The Zoo Party (San Diego), FunHouse (Amsterdam), Hydrate (Chicago) & Candyland (Santiago). What are you most excited about? This is my first Southern Decadence, so I’m looking forward to experiencing something new and different in NOLA. I’ve heard so many great things about this weekend, and who doesn’t love a weekend away in NOLA? What’s something interesting about you? I used be a dancer & singer in musicals that toured Australia and Asia - Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Priscilla, Shout! & Fiddler on the Roof. But I’ve been DJing for seven years now. I first learnt how to DJ while I was doing a Bachelor of Business in Marketing because I needed a creative outlet. Things took off from there, and now I’m DJing and producing full time. Why should everyone come to see you? The number one thing I want people to do when they come to one

of my sets is have a great time! My set will be fun and uplifting. There will be a variety of classic and commercial tracks that will have you dancing till the very last song. DJ ORLANDO RICARDO (Germany) The Sunday T at The Bourbon Pub and Parade Sun 9/1 02:00 pm – 08:00 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #2 Who are you? My name is Orlando and I am from Germany. I started DJing in Germany when I was 6 years old. I have been DJ of the Year and played on TV and radio besides the regular club gigs. What are you most excited about? Seeing all the faces out having a great time! What’s something interesting about you? 17 years of DJing! Why should everyone come to see you? The Sunday T was one of the biggest success we had last year. It’s going to be amazing again with all types of music genres! Dolf Dietrich (Chicago)

48 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SOUTHERN DECADENCE PERFORMERS UPDATED ONLINE www.SouthernDecadence.com

Dolf Dietrich at Rawhide at Rawhide 2010 Sat 8/31 09:00 am – 12:00 am Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #4 Who are you? Hello New Orleans! I am so excited to be back for my fifth Southern Decadence! One of the first things you will notice when you meet me is how tall I am, 6 foot 6 to be exact! I am well known as being one of the top reigning ‘Daddy’ in the Adult Entertainment business with over 300 films. I have appeared all over the world for live shows and I love meeting my fans, so come say Hi to me at Rawhide! What are you most excited about? I really love meeting my fans and getting to represent my favorite venue in New Orleans, Rawhide! I also make sure that every time I go to NOLA I have a muffuletta from Central Grocery! What’s something interesting about you? I have two beautiful rescue dogs named Mac and Tiger! I live in Chicago, but I grew up in Manhattan. Why should everyone come to see you? I am one of the ‘giants’ of porn (literally, I am 6 foot 6) and I can seem intimidating when you meet me because of my muscles and tattoos, but I

am genuinely one of the sweetest and most fun guys in the XXX biz. I make everyone who comes by to see me feel special, so allow me to do that for you! Dustin Graham (United States) Rick Sanchez at Oz New Orleans Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? Yes Who are you? I am Rick Sanchez, & I’m a go-go dancer & epic cheat day enthusiast. I’ve probably been dancing now for a little under a year which in dancer years apparently counts as 3. I’ve worked at a wide variety of venues, from Nola to BR all the way to Florida. What are you most excited about? Meeting new people putting money together for an awesome trip/food tour (because we both are foodies) to Disneyworld and Universal Studios with my daughter! What’s something interesting about you? -My Hilarious Extracurricular Shenanigans -Epic Cheat Day Enthusiast -I Have a Legendary Two Step -My Weakness for 80s Music -an Expert in Bird Law -I’m Fluent in Helicopter

Why should everyone come to see you? Well, like I mentioned before in some interesting facts about me I have a quite legendary two step. I also bring very dynamic and interesting static holds along with a very wolverine style physique (lean as hell) that compliments my intergenic style on the bar but, on another note, I’m extremely personable and I try to get to know people while I’m on the bar and not get lost in the hustle and bustle of work. Fatsy Cline (New Orleans, LA) Hit It: Dirty VHS at Fri 8/30 10:00 pm – 03:00 am Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #5 Who are you? Hostess of the hottest party in town, Fatsy Cline has taken New Orleans by storm. Not only can she turn a party, she can turn a gig. She performs regularly at the world famous Oz on Bourbon Street as well as other local gay establishments. A darling of the Krewe of Armeinius, Fatsy is known for her award-winning costumes shown for the past three years on Fat Tuesday. You know what they say? EXTRA LARGE IS JUST THE

RIGHT SIZE! What are you most excited about? Showing all the out of towners (and the locals) a grand gay time! What’s something interesting about you? You have to pay my booking fee to figure that out! Why should everyone come to see you? Hit It is the only party of its kind in the city that has an international following, a dedicated fan base and a penchant for a wicked good time! We have something for everybody. Felicia Phillips (New Orleans, LA) Boys on the Bar at The Corner Pocket Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? Originally from Texas, my drag career has spanned 4 decades and counting. I relocated here full time 9 years ago after once being told New Orleans is where all old drag queens go to die, only to discover its where they go to live live live! What are you most excited about? All the beautiful people of course!! What’s something interesting about you? I’m an old short bald guy that has learned to work magic with make-up

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and really good lighting! Why should everyone come to see you? I basically call the beautiful boys on and off the bar, while engaging the crowd with a sharp tongue and fast wit. A well-seasoned queen that can turn out a party!

Why should everyone come to see you? I love sharing my neighborhood with visitors! My tour will entertain you, amaze you, and maybe even inspire you! Much of our history remains in the closet and by taking my tour, you’re helping kick that closet door open.

Frank Perez (New Orleans, LA) Walking Tour Through Local Queer History at Walking Tour Fri 8/30 04:00 pm – 06:00 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? Frank Perez is President of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and a local author who has written several books on the queer history of New Orleans. His business, the Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, is an official sponsor of Southern Decadence. His tour on local queer history has been featured in the Advocate, ABC National News, and many other media outlets. What are you most excited about? All the Decadence virgins, the first-timers, that is! What’s something interesting about you? My being has many facets.

Gia GiaVanni (Destrehan, LA) Country Club Drag Brunch at The Country Club of New Orleans Sat 8/31 10:00 am – 03:00 pm PlayGirlz Show at The Golden Lantern Fri 8/30 10:00 pm – 11:30 pm Broussard’s Southern Decadence Drag Brunch at Broussard’s Restaurant Fri 8/30 10:00 am – 03:00 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #6 Who are you? I am Show Director, Entertainer, Music Mixer DJ, and Comedy Queen. I am a local entertainer that has been doing drag for 25 years. I have been entertaining in New Orleans and the surrounding areas since 2009. I have my own show at the Golden Lantern called PlayGirlz. I am a featured entertainer at the Country Club for Drag Brunch on Saturdays. What are you most excited about?

I’m excited about seeing people from all over coming together to celebrate. What’s something interesting about you? What makes me most interesting is that I’m very diverse in my performances. I am not afraid to go from glam beauty to ugly comedy drag. Why should everyone come to see you? I have an eclectic style of fashion and I perform to complex music mixes with dramatic vocals and comedy clips. I’m a very diverse entertainer. I can go from serious to funny to glamorous with unique music mixes and eclectic fashions.

Jeff D (New Orleans, LA) Jeff D Comedy Cabaret at Oz Thurs 8/29 10:00 pm – 11:50 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? Nationally touring comedian Jeff D hosts this night of hilarious comedy, fabulous drag, and much more! What are you most excited about? New friends What’s something interesting about you? I’m the only fat guy allowed to perform at gay bars not wearing a

dress. Why should everyone come to see you? Hilarious stand-up comedy from Jeff D and Geneva Joy, musical guest KP, and fabulous drag from Carla Cahlua and Jojo Woww!

Jonnathan (New Jersey) Corner Pocket Wet Jockey Shorts Contest at The Corner Pocket Wed 8/28 09:00 pm – Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #2 Who are you? I am a basic fun-loving guy who is a great dancer. What are you most excited about? Seeing new faces and finding out where they are from. Meeting new people. What’s something interesting about you? I want to live on another planet. Why should everyone come to see you? I am a Corner Pocket dancer and will be in the Wet Jockey Shorts Contest! Jonny Brzee (Philadelphia, PA) Go-go dancing at OZ at OZ bar and nightclub Fri 8/30 11:00 pm – 04:00 am

50 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SOUTHERN DECADENCE PERFORMERS UPDATED ONLINE www.SouthernDecadence.com

Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? Yes Who are you? I’m Jonny Brzee and I enjoy dancing, either in the club or at a rave. The vibration of love and acceptance is something I try to uphold in all my interactions. I am excited for everyone to experience me in my element, some of my favorite things are cryptocurrencies, big soft butts, working out, and new experiences. What are you most excited about? The wild and free energy. Meeting a lot of new people and seeing the city streets full of the lgbt community enjoying themselves! What’s something interesting about you? I am an anarchist because I believe all human interactions should be voluntary, consensual and peaceful. Why should everyone come to see you? Because I find the most enjoyment when everyone I interact with is having the most fun possible. Lana O’Day (United States) Drag Queen Brunch Book Launch Party & Happy Hour (With Poppy Tooker, Coca Mesa, & Lana O’Day) at Brennan’s Fri 8/30 04:00 pm - 06:00 pm

2nd Annual Drag Brunch (with Coca Mesa, Laveau Contraire, Connie Hung, & Lana O’Day) at Brennan’s Sat 8/31 10:30 am & 02:00 pm Divas R Us (with Monica Synclaire Kennedy, Lana O’Day, & Cast) at Golden Lantern Sat 8/31 10:00 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #6 Who are you? Lana O’Day is the self proclaimed Vintage Queen of New Orleans. Using her titles, such as Miss Apollo de New Orleans 2019 and Miss Gay New Orleans America 2017, she uses the platform she has been blessed with to bring awareness to Mental Health by raising funds for The Trevor Project. Her unique style of mixing Classic Hollywood and modern Pop Culture is sure to entertain any crowd she steps in front of... and if that doesn’t do it... something is bound to come out of her mouth that will make you giggle! What are you most excited about? I look forward to sharing this experience with one of my closest friends (Countess C Alice) as she celebrates her year as Southern Decadence Grand Marshal. What’s something interesting about

you? I was raised by my grandmother and a large part of my drag persona comes from her. A sweet witty woman with a mouth that would make a sailor blush. Why should everyone come to see you? I will spend a good portion of my weekend promoting Poppy Tooker’s Drag Queen Brunch Book. Not only does the book feature a host of local entertainers, but a portion of the proceeds will go to Crescent Care. Laveau Contraite (New Orleans, LA) COLORS: A Decadent Celebration of Color! at Art Garage, Allways Lounge, Southern Rep Theatre Fri 8/30 07:00 pm – 09:00 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #4 Who are you? Laveau Contraire is a Drag Queen Extr’rdinaire from New Orleans. She has been putting audiences under her spell since 2015, and strives to bring magic and wonder to all of her artistic endeavors. An educator by day, Laveau is passionate about making drag accessible to audiences of all ages and often participates in Drag Queen Storytime events through-

out the city. Known for her non-stop shenanigans, this good witch is sure to bring down the house! What are you most excited about? I’m beyond excited to be presenting COLORS: A Decadent Celebration of Color. COLORS is a POC drag and burlesque show featuring 18 performers of color from along the Gulf Coast. Through the art forms of storytelling and performance, each performer will use a specific color to paint a picture from their own colorful lives. Together, we hope to bring a splash of color to Southern Decadence. What’s something interesting about you? I fell from a balcony a little over a year ago and I haven’t looked back! Nearly dying showed me how fragile life is and that I have to do something meaningful with my time here. Ever since, it’s been my mission to inspire as many people as I can to wake up and start living their lives to the fullest! Why should everyone come to see you? These performers include some of the most talented and brilliant performers in the South. Each performer has a unique color story that they are working diligently to bring to life. There will be stunts, shenanigans, and heart-

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SOUTHERN DECADENCE PERFORMERS UPDATED ONLINE www.SouthernDecadence.com

felt stories to tie them all together. Besides, the show starts at 7 each night so you can enjoy a magnificent show that’s early enough for you to go out afterwards!

thing a bit different. This will be a really high energy, really fun and sexy party and show featuring top-tier burlesque, drag, singing, and comedic artists. There will be something for everyone!

Lola van Ella (St. Louis/New Orleans) Lez! at Allways Lounge and Cabaret Fri 8/30 07:00 pm – 10:30 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #1 Who are you? I am an international, award-winning showgirl and burlesque performer and producer, who aims to create immersive, inclusive, and queer centered events and experiences. What are you most excited about? Connecting and performing with so many amazing queer artists from around the country and meeting all kinds of new people. What’s something interesting about you? I have been singing, dancing and making nearly naked art full-time for more than 13 years. I did a TED Talk in 2015 and became the most naked TED presenter of all time. Why should everyone come to see you? Most of Decadence is centered around male spaces and Lez is some-

Michael Roman (Cleveland, OH) Oz New Orleans at Oz Fri 8/30 08:00 pm – 04:00 am Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #3 Who are you? I’m a porn star and winner of the 2019 Grabby Award for Performer of the Year What are you most excited about? I honestly just love standing in the busy streets, taking in New Orleans, with a drink in hand, socializing with new, fun people What’s something interesting about you? I’m a former high school teacher turned porn star! I’m most known for my gladiator harness tattoo Why should everyone come to see you? I will be dancing my ass off every night on the Oz bar! Because there’s no better place to party than Oz...and I’ll be taking nice firm ass slaps from all who attend!!!

Mokha Montrese (New Orleans, LA) Bourbon pub at Parade Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? Yes Who are you? I am the Mother of The House of Montrese and former Miss Continental, Miss Gay USOFA, Miss National, Miss National Entertainer of the Year, and reigning Miss Gay Black America. What are you most excited about? I am a part of the Bourbon Pub/Parade What’s something interesting about you? I love people and performing, so have a great time Why should everyone come to see you? High energy meets disco queen and sex siren Monica Synclaire-Kennedy (New Orleans, LA) Decadence Street Extravaganza at Golden Lantern Bar Sun 9/1 11:00 am – 04:00 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? Monica Synclaire-Kennedy performs weekly as Entertainment Director for The Golden Lantern

Bar (Official Home of Southern Decadence) in the Divas “R” Us drag show. Monica has held the titles of Mr. & Miss New Orleans Pride 2005/2011; Fly Fashion Glamour Award 2011 in honor of the fabulous “MISS FLY”; Miss Gay New Orleans America 2013; Miss Golden Lantern 2013; Easter Grand Marshal XVII; King Cake Queen XXIII; and is a current Board Member of the Gay Easter Parade. What are you most excited about? I enjoy the amount of people that come to our beautiful city in which you meet an amazing array of people. What’s something interesting about you? My upbeat, energetic, and welcoming personality Why should everyone come to see you? I love high energy. Our shows are always high energy, and we give you variety. Nick Figueroa (New Orleans, LA) Subject: Fusion Feat. DJ Holographic at Santos Bar Fri 8/30 10:00 pm – 04:00 am Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #6 Who are you? Just your friendly neigh-

Much awwded Craft bee bb with 45 rotating Local, Regiial and EEEean taps. Plus an Extensive BBrbb and Whiskey Selectii

Late Night FFd HHrs

Until 2am Sunday - Wednesday 4am Thursday - Saturday

1732 St. Chhles Ave. New Orleans, LA 504-586-9243 theavenuepub.cc

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SOUTHERN DECADENCE PERFORMERS UPDATED ONLINE www.SouthernDecadence.com

borhood concert promoter and DJ. One half of Bearded Lady Productions. We organize LGBT friendly events with diverse lineups and ever-changing locations. I sometimes DJ my events as well. I play a mix of House and Techno. What are you most excited about? The amount of LGBT tourists who flock to the city every year! It’s amazing to see how SD has grown so much over the last few years. What’s something interesting about you? I’ve been working in the music industry and DJing since I was 14 years old. Why should everyone come to see you? House and Techno dance party with a fabulous drag show featuring local New Orleans queens! Nicole DuBois (Originally from Baton Rouge , La , now residing in Gulfport , MS) Battle Of The Bulge üçÜ at Bourbon Pub Parade Thurs 8/29 12:00 am – 02:00 am Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? 3 Time National Title Holder--Miss Gay America 2006, Miss

National 2001, and Miss Gay Universe 2000; 2 Time GAA Entertainer of the Year; Cast member @ The Bourbon Pub / Parade; Show Director @ Sipps in Gulfport, MS; Miss Essence International Classic 2015; New Orleans Pride Grand Marshall 2017. What are you most excited about? It’s exciting seeing so many new faces along with old friends who I’ve met throughout the 10 years attending Decadence. And what a thrill it is hosting The Battle of the Bulge Contest @ The Bourbon Pub. It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. lol What’s something interesting about you? That I come from a very strict religious background. I’m extremely shy and introverted, and being around large crowds really stirs up my anxiety. But once I get on the microphone, the real me comes alive. It’s so incredible when over 250,000 people or more descend upon our city of New Orleans all in the name of Southern Decadence. Why should everyone come to see you? Our contest was called The Dick of Decadence, and we now call it The Battle of the Bulge. It’s the first big night on the Thursday before the weekend’s festivities begin. We have con-

testants from all over vying to win cash and prizes, amazing DJ’s, and performances throughout the night. Start your Southern Decadence 2019 with us at The Bourbon Pub and Parade

Payton (Chauvin, LA) Wet jockey short contest at The corner pocket Wed 8/28 09:00 pm – Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? Yes Who are you? Just a down-the-bayou boy. I work offshore shrimping. What are you most excited about? The fun What’s something interesting about you? My personality and the fact I work on a shrimp boat Why should everyone come to see you? They’re pouring water on me while I’m wearing white sexy underwear Penny Clifford (Australia) Dick In A Cup at Oz New Orleans Thurs 8/29 Is this your first time in New Orleans? Yes Who are you? I’m an old Trans showgirl from Sydney Australia and have

won many awards and accolades over the years and still love getting all made up and feeling glamorous. What are you most excited about? Just seeing and being part of a wonderful event in New Orleans. What’s something interesting about you? My humour, my heart and how naughty I can be! Why should everyone come to see you? I’m judging Dick in a Cup at Oz New Orleans so I think people should come as it will be heaps of fun and plus my Aussie sense of humour will always make people laugh! Persana Shoulders (New Orleans, LA) Southern Decadence Weekend at Oz New Orleans Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? I am the resident Hostess and Entertainment Manager for Oz New Orleans. In 2017, I was chosen as one of the Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XLIII. What are you most excited about? Every year, I am always excited about the different facets of the community

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coming together under the banner of fun and charity to make Decadence weekend a success, not only for individual businesses, but for the city of New Orleans as a whole. For me as a host, I love getting to show visitors who come to Decadence the magic of being in New Orleans that we get to experience year round. But also, there’s so much happening this year alone! I’m hosting our huge kickoff drag show and all male strip off at Oz. The weekend is full of superstar DJs and famous gogo dancers from all over the world. My weekend culminates with a Southern Decadence Grand Marshal revue show, a brunch, AND a wedding! All before marching in the annual parade. Nowhere else on earth but New Orleans could you do this What’s something interesting about you? I would say it would have to be my indomitable spirit and my desire to make things happen. I have been involved with Southern Decadence since 2004. I saw early on in the beginnings of my career how important the weekend was to gay culture in New Orleans and immediately aimed to help Grand Marshals, past and present and beyond, make their visions for the week-

end come true in any way I could. Having been Grand Marshal myself further strengthened this resolve in me to make Decadence every year the best it could be. Why should everyone come to see you? This particular show is one of the most anticipated ones of the weekend and has been for 15+ years. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend - a whole lot of sexy men from all over taking it off on the Oz stage to win a large cash and prize package furnished by our sponsor, Swiss Navy. Phathoms Deep (New Orleans, LA) Another F*cling Decadence at The Allways Lounge Thurs 8/29 11:00 pm – 01:00 am Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #2 Who are you? The party pumping dance machine What are you most excited about? Getting to meet friends and new friends. What’s something interesting about you? My smile and personality Why should everyone come to see you? Our show will have everything

from Drag to Burlesque.

Roman (Baton Rouge, LA) Southern Decadence 2019 at Oz Fri 8/30 Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #2 Who are you? I’m an astrophysicist who teaches high school students. I will be using all the money I make this weekend to send my students on a field trip to the LIGO observatory in Louisiana’s Livingston Parish. It measures gravitational waves and some of my work with the students was used in the construction of the observatory. What are you most excited about? Showing off my talent and brand, and helping everyone have the best NOLA experience yet. What’s something interesting about you? I earned a PhD at the age of 24. Why should everyone come to see you? Only Oz has cute muscle trunks with big butts and tall jocks!!! You have to come see me and my friends perform. And the music is fantastic. It keeps you energized, smiling and ready to mingle!

Sister Roma (San Francisco) Dick In A Cup / Host at Oz Nightclub Thurs 8/29 10:00 pm – 12:00 am Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? Sister Roma, The Most Photographed Nun in the World. Nun, Activist, Fundraiser, Actor, Icon are just a few of the words used to describe Sister Roma. Her sharp wit and overthe-top personality have landed her gigs in television, film, and on stage, hosting Pride celebrations, red carpets, and events around the globe. And for those who question her title as “The Most Photographed Nun in the World” Roma has one thing to say: Google it bitch! What are you most excited about? I’ve honestly lost track of how many years I’ve joined my friends Persana Shoulders, Chi Chi LaRue, Ellen Friedman from Swiss Navy, and everyone at Oz to host Southern Decadence. New Orleans is honestly one of my favorite places on earth! I love the people, the culture, the art, the music, the food, and of course the nightlife. I’m looking forward to all of it, and especially celebrating Ellen’s 60th birthday!

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SOUTHERN DECADENCE PERFORMERS UPDATED ONLINE www.SouthernDecadence.com

What’s something interesting about you? I have an enormous, huge, one. In fact, it’s so big some people say I am literally all HEART. (Get your mind out of the gutter.) Why should everyone come to see you? Dick in a Cup is ALWAYS one of the most uproarious ways to jumpstart your Decadence weekend. We get THE HOTTEST guys up there, strip them down naked and ask them to hide their junk in a cup. I guarantee you will see some of the sexiest men with washboard abs, bubble butts, and the meatiest junk in town and we can’t help it if sometimes the junk spills out of the cup. Starr Alexander (Harvey Louisiana) Queen B Drag Brunch at Broussard’s Sat 8/31 10:30 am – 02:00 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? I’m the current reigning Miss Gay Crescent City America! I have won numerous titles in New Orleans such as Miss Gay New Orleans America, Miss AIDS Awareness, Miss New Orleans Pride, Miss Golden Lantern, Miss Gay Vieux Carré America, to name just a few! I am also the former Miss Gay Louisiana USofA 2014! What are you most excited about? This will be my first Southern Decadence living in the area! What’s something interesting about you? I make just about everything I wear for my shows. Why should everyone come to see you? If you want to see the full experience of drag, the glitz, glamour, and even a character illusion or two then coming to this show will be the best thing you can do! Sweet Tea (Goldsboro, North Carolina) Southern Decadence at OZ New Orleans Thurs 8/29 Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #2 Who are you? I am a passionate dancer and traveling gypsy living on the road. I will find a home with the city I fall in love with. What are you most excited about? Dancing, performing and of course working! What’s something interesting about you? My heart and experiences. Why should everyone come to see you? I give my all when the music hits me. I live for making the crowd enjoy my tricks, stunts and hypnotizing dance moves. I love getting the crowd engaged with me and having an ear-to-

ear smile even if they’re too shy to look me in the face. I’m very limber. Taze-Ya Ballz and her Ladies Of VaVa Voom (New Orleans, LA) Pythian Market Drag Brunch at Laurenia Hall 2nd floor of Pythian Market Sun 9/1 11:00 am – 02:00 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? I am Taze-Ya Ballz the creator of Pythian Market Drag Brunch. I am a professional drag queen in New Orleans with many shows under my belt. I am also one of the city’s custom fashion designers. What are you most excited about? The fact that the next weekend will be my wedding in Puerto Vallarta. What’s something interesting about you? ME. Why should everyone come to see you? I have created a fabulous cast for the Decadence show. Featured performers include the fabulous likes of Dominique DeLorean, Savanna C. Sanchez, Alexa Avery DeLorean, Jessica Champagne Ballz, and Vida Carlton. There is also going to be a fabulous brunch buffet, and we also have $25 endless Mimosas. Tickets are $25 at the Eventbrite link and $30 at the door. The diverse cast is sure to provide you with a fabulous time in a beautiful space. The Cosmic Kittens (New Orleans, LA) decadence at Oz on Bourbon Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #1 Who are you? Hi! My name is Courtney and I am a local passionate performance artist who specializes in the use of LED and fire props. I love hooping and bringing my art into the community whether it’s with workshops, performing, or free local jams, hooping

is something everyone can relate to! Young or old a hula hoop is always fun! What are you most excited about? I can’t wait to see what this year has to offer! This will be my first time performing and dancing at Oz and I just can’t wait to meet everyone! What’s something interesting about you? I am a girl of many trades! I am a vet tech, business owner, and performer! I love to sew, paint, and do just about anything creative! I also love to skate and hoop, I call it Skooping! Haha Why should everyone come to see you? Oz is an amazing club with an extraordinary atmosphere, great music, and top notch light equipment to give you the best visual experience along with great dancers! The Southern Barbitchuates (New Orleans, LA) IT’S SHOWTIME ON RAMPART ST. at Grandpre’s Sat 8/31 10:00 pm – 12:00 am Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #9 Who are you? I am Moanalot Fontaine creator of The Southern Barbitchuates and have lived here in New Orleans for 9 years. I created the award-winning drag brunch show at The Country Club and the show at GrandPre’s. Originally from California, I brought my brand of drag to New Orleans and have performed for the masses from California to Louisiana. What are you most excited about? Love Southern Decadence. We always put together a great show to entertain the masses that come to see and be entertained. What’s something interesting about you? My outrageous hair, lips and curves. Why should everyone come to see you? We are known for our great group production numbers and themes,

H N S A R C A E RA T X E

our individuality and different music genres. Something for everyone. Tiffany Alexander (New Orleans, LA) Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #10+ Who are you? Former Miss Gay Louisiana America 91/93; Former Miss Gay Louisiana USofA 1995; Member at the Bourbon Pub; Former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal 2011! What are you most excited about? See new people What’s something interesting about you? Meeting new people Why should everyone come to see you? Because I am fabulous… LOL Vanessa Carr (New Orleans, LA) Vanessa Carr LIVE! at Golden Lantern Bar Sat 8/31 07:30 pm – 09:30 pm Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #5 Who are you? Vanessa Carr is a New Orleans musician, drag performer, and advocate for the LGBT community. She and her wife produce a variety of shows, events, and fundraisers in the community. Vanessa was named Saint Vanessa of the Betwixt and Between by the Big Easy Sisters for her work with them and her support of the LGBT community. Vanessa also holds the titles of Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2016, and Miss New Orleans Pride 2016. They also coordinate Drag Queen Story Hour at the Alvar Branch Library. What are you most excited about? Reconnecting and enjoying time with friends from near and far. What’s something interesting about you? That I sing and perform live. Why should everyone come to see you? The show is fun and entertaining, and you never know what’s going to happen.

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ALL THAT DRAG Weekly Drag Shows in New Orleans

MONDAY

Mondays Are A Drag - 8PM - Southern Rep Theater A weekly spectacle hosted by Latonia Dupree Black, and Malaysia Walker

TUESDAY

Tacos, Tequila, & Tiaras - 8PM - Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant Hosted by Vanessa Carr Kennedy

WEDNESDAY WEDNESD

Zach Varnell (Atlanta, GA) Southern decadence Oz New Orleans at Oz New Orleans Thurs 8/29 12:00 am – 02:00 am Is this your first time in New Orleans? No Is this your first SD? No #1 Who are you? I’m a 26 year old Virgo New Orleans transplant from Atlanta. Decadence will actually be my one year anniversary of living in New Orleans. I’m a smart, fun, outgoing gentlemen now trying to make it in the Big Easy. What are you most excited about? I’m excited to see what it’s like working

Decadence weekend. Last year was my first time and I loved it, but I’m super excited to be part of it this year! What’s something interesting about you? Despite my small size (I’m 5’10) I can dunk a basketball. I was also on a 3-time Division 2 Conference championship men’s volleyball team when I was in college. Why should everyone come to see you? I’ll be go-go dancing all Decadence at Oz New Orleans. It’s the #1 dance bar on Bourbon Street with amazing bartenders and fantastic DJs lined up all weekend. Need I say any more?!

Show Night - 10:30PM - Oz New Orleans Persana Shoulders presents this production featuring the fabulous ladies of Oz and music by DJ Tim Pflueger.

Party Down

Hello Gorgeous - Every third Wednesday - Southern Rep Theater DeDe Onassis hosts this circus cabaret alongside aerialist Liza Rose that includes contortion, music, drag, and more.

Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com

THURSDAY THURSD

Turnin’ Da Page - Every other Thursday - 9PM - The Page Serenity L. Lord emcees this bi-weekly marvel

FRIDAY

Misc4Misc - 9PM - Oz New Orleans A weird and wonderful show presented by Apostrophe and featuring a new cast every week. Play Girlz - 10PM - Golden Lantern Hosted by Gia Giavanni Illusions - 10:30PM - The Bourbon Pub The Queens of Illuisons offer up superstar female impersonation

SATURDAY

Drag Brunch - 11AM & 1PM - The Country Club Enjoy bottomless mimosas at one of the most popular drag events in the city. cit Reservations are recommended. Divas R Us - 10PM - Golden Lantern Hosted by Monica Synclaire Kennedy Showtime on Rampart - 10PM - GrandPre‘s Every other Saturday. Hosted by Moanalot Fountaine & Sable Starr Illusions - 10:30PM - The Bourbon Pub The Queens of Illuisons offer up superstar female impersonation

SUNDAY SUND

Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch - 11AM & 1PM - Cru Bottomless beverages, a decadent brunch prepared by Chef Marlon Alexander, and the talents of Vanessa Carr. Jubilee - 5PM - Golden Lantern Hosted by Reba Douglas Divas at the Dive - 5PM - Kajun’s Pub Hosted by Vanessa Carr Lipstixx - 8PM - The Bourbon Pub Oz Show Night - 9:30PM - Oz New Orleans Hosted by Persana Shoulders

Are we missing your show? Email us at info@ambushpublishing.com

At the NOAGE Walking Group in Audubon Park

As we edge towards Southern Decadence, the temperature rises as does the amount of parties. This is always one of the most outrageous and fun holidays of the year. My two weeks consisted of birthdays, fundraisers, Vikings, boy auctions, theater and a scavenger hunt. One thing I have to say about this city, there is never a dull moment. My week started on Monday as it does so often with participating in the NOAGE (New Orleans Advocates for LGBT Elders) weekly walk at Audubon Park. There was an especially great crowd this evening because we were joined by the New Orleans Track Club and Stonewall Sports. The NOTC was on hand promoting their Pride Run+Walk which will take place over Southern Decadence at Crescent Park on Saturday, August 31. They had some giveaways and information on the race. I love meeting new people at these walks. If you feel like doing something somewhat healthy during Decadence weekend, sign up for the Pride Run+Walk at https://runnotc.org/ races/2019/pride.shtml. On Thursday, I attended the Tennessee Williams Theatre Company’s production of The Glass Menagerie at the Marigny Opera House. First, I love seeing Tennessee Williams productions in this space because I think it adds to the atmosphere of the show.

Like most of Tennessee’s shows, the actors were loud, angry and obviously incapable of making any good decisions. Seriously, the show was excellent with a talented cast and impressive production team. Congrats on another noteworthy production. But honestly for once, wouldn’t you like to see one of his plays end happy? At least no one gets butchered and eaten alive in this one. I started the weekend on Friday by cheering our boys in black and gold as they played the Minnesota Vikings. Even though we did not win, it was great to be sitting in the Superdome watching a Saints Game. I have to say, no matter if we have a winning season or not, Saints fans know how to have a good time. I find that these games are more about the party in the stands than the action on the field. For this game, a co-worker and I were guests in the Hyatt Hotel suite which is always nice as they have an open bar. Makes games where we are not doing as well slightly more tolerable. Besides, nothing counts in pre-season. Go Saints! On Saturday, I donned my red dress and hit the streets of the Quarter for the Red Dress Run, which should personally be renamed as the Red Dress Sashay since I never actually see people run. And if you do run, good for you, you little overachiever. I personally like drinking and admiring

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At Marvin Andrade’s birthday at Ernst Cafe

At the Halloween New Orleans host party at Faubourg Bistro

At the Amon-Ra Drunk as a Skunk Scavenger Hunt

At Red Dress Run

the various outfits. Before I ventured out into the Quarter though I stopped at my friend Robin’s gorgeous manse in the Marigny. The iron gates adorned with alligator door knockers heralded us inside where he had a large cache of individual bottles of Moet for guests to partake. After several bottles of champagne and a few nibbles, we ventured to the gay bars where the party was in high gear. It was a sea of red as the bars were packed to the rafters with people drinking and dancing. Put on by the Hash House Harriers, proceeds from this event goes to different local charities. Later that evening, I had to sober up to attend my cousin and his girlfriend’s engagement party in Metairie. I have not been around so many straight couples in one place in a very long time. It was a lovely event, even though they only had beer and hard cider. It was for the best though as, after the day I had, alcohol was probably not the best thing to have more of. But what I do find unique is these new ritual games straight people play at these events. I know it is suburbia, but honestly. So they played this game where the couple is seated with their backs to each other facing forward. Each one has two shoes in their hand, one of her shoes and one of his. Then they proceed to ask them questions and they raise the shoe that best correlates to the answer, such as who is messier – boy holds up the girl shoe and vice versa. Get the picture? So after 15 minutes of the most banal questions, I was desperate to jump in and play the grand inquisitor. I do not care which one eats the most sweets. I wanted to ask questions, like who is most likely to have a threesome, or

fool around with someone of the same sex. I mean wouldn’t you rather want to know who is most likely to cheat over who is most likely to get lost in Disneyworld?!?! Sunday was a pool party at Grand Marshal 45 Adikus Sulpizi’s house. It was good to be back amongst the gays. Flowing champagne and vodka, shots and queens bitching at each other, now that’s a party! On Wednesday of the following week, I attended the Louisiana Restaurant Association’s (LRA) annual Gold Medal Chefs Gala and Hospitality Awards at the Morial Convention Center. This awesome event included a cocktail reception, a five-course seated dinner, and an amazing live & silent auction. Each course was prepared by a different chef from a noted restaurant in the city such as Cochon, Bayona, Windsor Court, Azul and Emeril’s. I have to say my two favorite dishes were the Chilean Sea Bass and the 4 Lavender Honey Cream Puff. Delicious! This was my first time attending the event, but it won’t be my last. To find out more about the LRA and their programs go to www.lra.org. The second weekend kicked off right with a Halloween New Orleans Host pop-up Happy Hour at the recently opened Faubourg Bistro on Maple Street. This eatery not only has the same menu as their first location in the 700 Club but a full bar that boasts some fabulous craft cocktails. They even have one drink that is served in a makeshift IV bag that is delicious. Now that is something I would like to be hooked up to if I ever go to the hospital. The board of Halloween New Orleans was on hand to promote the three day

party which is going to be over-the-top this year. Board of Trade, The Fillmore and Crescent Park are the venues. I am the chair for Friday night’s Lazarus Ball, and if you are interested in donating to the fabulous silent auction, please let me know (send an email to ledgemgp@gmail.com). Afterward, I attended the first of two birthday parties over the weekend. My friend Annie Gingrich held her celebration at Crossing NOLA. There was food and lots of happy hour revelry to wish Annie a great new year. I love birthdays. My final stop of the night was the Southern Decadence fundraiser hosted by NOLA Pups And Handlers called Circus of Heathens: Down the Rabbit Hole. This variety show had it all -- drag, burlesque, live singing and comedy. The puppies (and handlers) put on a very cool show with some impressive talent. They earned all their special treats that night. On Saturday, it was all about the boys! First, I celebrated my friend Marvin Andrade’s 50th birthday at Ernst Café. Plenty of well-wishers celebrated his entrance into a new decade. He was even serenaded by Southern Decadence Grand Marshal 46 Countess C Alice and Scarlett Michaels. The soiree was hosted by friends Dawn Ledet, Tico Soto and Marvin’s fabulous better half Dale Castillo. The DJ had people dancing the entire time as cocktails flowed generously. And guests were able to take a picture with a life size, cardboard replica of Marvin in his infamous unicorn costume under a balloon arch. Now that is what I call fancy. I then hopped over to Oz for their Buy A Boy Auction to benefit Southern Decadence. This cheeky fund-

raiser allows guests to purchase a boy along with a dinner to a wonderful restaurant. This year there was a bevy of studs to choose from on the auction block. Intermixed with the boys were several entertainers such as Countess C Alice, Monique Michaels Alexander, Scarlett Michaels and Justin Betweener. Persana Shoulders and Countess emceed the evening’s festivities and co-grand marshal; William Antill was on hand to fish dollars out of hot guys pants with his teeth. The auction was once again a huge success thanks to the hard work of Persana and the team at Oz New Orleans. I love movies like It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World or Scavenger Hunt which are about people on a race to acquire objects or complete tasks to win a fortune. Well, a fortune wasn’t at stake, but some fun prizes were on the line as the Krewe of Amon-Ra hosted their Drunk As a Skunk Scavenger Hunt. My foursome made up of friends raced around the city to several bars and stores that are supporters of the krewe. There were seven stops with over thirty different challenges that ranged from the naughty to the silly. I have to say, we had a great time cocktailing and completing the challenges. After the hunt, we all met up at the Voodoo Lounge (which was also the starting point) for a tailgating buffet of hot dogs with all the sides. It was a unique and energetic way to spend a Sunday afternoon. That concludes my two weeks of fun. Have a safe (and naughty) Southern Decadence! Do you want your party or event covered? Invite me! ledgemgp@gmail.com

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HOT HAPPENINGS UNDER THE GAYDAR

New Orleans Southern Decadence Hot Happenings Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com Southern Decadence is finally here! Enjoy all the festivities and let your decadent flag fly! Here is just a sample of the exciting happenings. (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).

WEEKLY EVENTS EVERYDAY

Happy Hour: The Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; 7 days a week from open until 9pm (7AM to 9PM). It’s $3 domestic beer and well drinks. $1 off everything else. 777 Happy Hour: Kajun’s Pub; 2556 St. Claude Ave.; 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Happy Hour: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 7 days a week from 8 a.m - 8 p.m. Happy Hour: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (except Monday) Happy Hour: GrandPre’s; 834 N Rampart St.; 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. $3 Well/ domestics Happy Hour: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Kajun’s Karaoke: Kajun’s Pub; 2556 St. Claude Ave.; Karaoke from 5 p.m. until. Happy Hour: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. (except Sunday)

WEEKDAYS

Happy Hour: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Happy Hour: The Phoenix Bar; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

MONDAY

Martini Mondays: Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; (all day) Tito’s and Deep Eddy martinis will be $3. Service Industry Night: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. $2.50 domestic beers; $3 well cocktails; $3.50 imported beer; $5.50 Tito’s; $6 Jameson. Happy Hour All Night: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; Open to close. Well, domestic, and wine. Mexican Monday: The 700 Club; 700 Burgundy St.; Open to close. $3 Coronas, $3 Cuervo Shots, 2 for 1 Margaritas Primal Nights: Bacchanal Wine;

600 Poland Ave.; 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. $20 donation. Guest Chefs grill a personalized menu and the plate donations go to the charity of their choosing. NOAGE & Stonewall Sports Walk/ Run Club: Audubon Park; 6:15 p.m. Join Stonewall Sports New Orleans and NOAGE starting at 6:30 p.m.. Meet for the walk/run at Audubon Park by the Magazine Street entrance parking lot. The Stonewall Run Club joins 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. If you need assistance or have questions, call Jim at (504) 228-6778. 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. Lazy Susan Karaoke: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 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. Underwear Night: The Eagle at the Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; starting at 9 p.m. The Eagle now is open EVERY Monday night. Happy Hour prices if you’re in your underwear. Doors open at 9 p.m. and No Cover. Pool Tournament: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 9:45 p.m. $2 PBR and $50 gift certificate for Rawhide S.I.N.: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St. Claude Ave.; 1 a.m - 4 a.m. 2 for 1 drinks.

TUESDAY

Tequila Tuesdays: Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; (all day) Tequila drinks $5. Tunes Tuesday: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. Free Jukebox credits with a $4 drink purchase. Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Burlesque Bingo with Lefty Lucy:

The AllWays Lounge; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m There’s no cover for this grown-up game show where everyone’s a winner! Just buy a drink from the bar & Tsarina Hellfire will give you a Bingo card. Each round winner gets a bucket of prizes including exclusive prints & a grand finale prize from Abita Brewing Company! Just for showing up you get to enjoy the free burlesque side of this unique game. Between every round, Lefty Lucy performs an improvised striptease to a song the crowd selects, removing only one item per round—don’t miss your chance to win the finale prize, and to see the tassels twirl! Trivia: Cutter’s; 706 Franklin Ave.; 7:30 p.m. Join your host, bartender and local music legend Johnny Sketch. Join a trivia team or bring your own and test your knowledge across multiple categories to win an often odd and useful assortment of prizes! Tito’s Tuesday: The Bourbon Pub; 801 St Ann St.; 8 p.m. - close. $5 Tito’s cocktails Country Dance Lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 8 p.m. Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with the Big Easy Stompers 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. Trivia Night: MRB; 515 St. Philip St.; Starts at 8 p.m. Every Tuesday at 8 you can join us for Who Wants A Dollar? Trivia! Free to Play. Plenty of Prizes. Tons of Fun. Teams of 1-6 welcome. Enjoy some killer drinks, amazing food from Woodies @ MRB, and out of this world trivia. 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. Happy Hour All day and Night: 700 Club; 700 Burgundy St.; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Every week on Tuesday from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am the next day.

WEDNESDAY

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. 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. Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. BYOBikes Wednesday Bike Rides: Liuzza’s Bar and Restaurant; 3636 Bienville St.; Starts at 6 p.m. Come get over the hump with BYOBikes and meet every Wednesday at Liuzza’s on Bienville for a mid-week Mid-City Social Bike Ride. Drink Specials, family friendly, lawn games and FUN! It’s for a great cause! Meet up at 6 p.m.; Bike Ride at 6:30 p.m. and social hour at 7 p.m. Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Trivia with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs. Show Tunes Night: The Bourbon Pub; 801 St Ann St.; 8 p.m.- Midnight Wednesday Night Karaoke: Cru; 535 Franklin Ave.; 8 - 10 p.m. Join Vanessa Carr Kennedy and the krewe at Cru NOLA - Raw & Bubble Bar for Wednesday night karaoke in the treehouse. Sing your heart out, enjoy some amazing cocktails, and get some food from the kitchen. 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. Kafe Karaoke: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. – midnight. $25.00 Bar tab and Free Shots & Givea-ways with Happy Hour All Day. Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; ChiChi Rodriquez and Dominique DeLorean.

THURSDAY

Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s;

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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. Prime Time Trivia: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; starts at 9 p.m. Come out and enjoy trivia with great prizes with your host Honey Bee. Retro Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; starts at 10 p.m. Enjoy drink special from 10 p.m. to midnight and the best hits from the 80’s and 90’s. 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

FRIDAY

Fireball Fridays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; Open to close. $4 Fireball Shots. Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. Beat The Clock; 700 Club; 700

Burgundy St.; 5 - 9 p.m. Well Drinks: 5 PM - 6 PM $1.50, 6 PM - 7 PM $2.00, 7 PM - 8 PM $2.50, 8 PM - 9 PM $3.00 Take It Off Fridays: Four Seasons Bar; 3229 N. Causeway Blvd.; 5 p.m. - 12:30 a.m. Includes $2.50 domestic beers and $3 well drinks from 5 - 9 p.m.; $15 drink and drown from 9 - 11 p.m. all well cocktails; and Underwear Party with free well. Cocktails for those who strip down to their underwear from midnight to 12:30 a.m. New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 6:30 p.m. Anyone can enter - $100 cash prize. 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. Bayou Blues Burlesque: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8-10 p.m. An intimate night of live blues music accompanied by burlesque and variety acts. Drink specials and comfy seating to enjoy the art of the striptease. Music by The Delta Revues; burlesque by Andrea Louise Duhe´ (Ooops C.) Cherry Brown and special guests. Doors: 7:00pm; Show: 8:00pm; Cover: $10. Jock Night: The Eagle at the Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave; 9 p.m. Happy hour prices for wearing a jock or singlet. Misc4Misc: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. Enjoy this won-

derfully weird drag show hosted every week by Apostrophe. Cover is $5. Play Girlz: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 10 - 11:30 p.m. Drag show featuring Gia GiaVanni and special guests. Late Night Happy Hour: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Ave.; 10:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Executive Chef Marlon Alexander and sushi & vegan Chef Kelseay Dukae serve delicious drink specials and amazing food during late night happy hours. Come chill out in the iconic courtyard.

SATURDAY

Queer Meditation: Mid City Zen; 3248 Castiglione St.; 10:30 a.m. A queer and trans centered meditation group meeting regularly on Saturday mornings. Open to all LGBTIQ+ people, and all folks interested in holding and sharing an intentionally queer-centering mindful space. Join for a sit, breathe, notice, rest; to cultivate presence and kindness together. Free/by donation. Burlesque Brunch: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Ave.; Join the incomparable Angie Z and friends for a boozy, burlesque brunch every Saturday from 11-3pm. For reservations, go to www. opentable.com. Happy Hour: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Beer Bash: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. $10 pitchers of beer, $9 pitchers of Miller Light draft (upstairs only) 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. Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm and goes till 8 pm in the upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long! 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 top 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 guest stars. Late Night Happy Hour: Cru NOLA; 535 Franklin Ave.; 10:30 p.m. - 2 a.m. Executive Chef Marlon Alexander and sushi & vegan Chef Kelseay Dukae serve delicious drink specials and amazing food during late night happy hours. Come chill out in the iconic courtyard.

SUNDAY

Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch: Cru

NOLA; 535 Franklin St.; 11 a.m. Vanessa Carr presents Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch featuring Chef Marlon Alexander’s amazing menu and the phenomenal talents of Vanessa Carr Kennedy and Friends! For tickets, go to www.crunola.com 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. Happy Hour: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 1 p.m. - 11 p.m. $3.75 well drinks and domestic beer. The Half Assed-Straight Boys: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 3 - 5 p.m. Beer Bash: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. $10 pitchers of beer, $9 pitchers of Miller Light draft (upstairs only) Happy Hour/ Drink Til You Drop: The Page Bar; 542 N Rampart St.; Happy Hour 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Drink Til You Drop $12 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. The Original Trash Disco: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 4-10 p.m. Includes the original napkin toss and the best music videos to sing along with. Jubilee: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 5 p.m. This Sunday Funday show stars Reba Douglas and special guests. Divas at the Dive: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St. Claude Ave; 5 p.m. Vanessa Carr LIve. 6:30 p.m. Drag Karaoke. 8 p.m. Audience Karaoke Drink and Drown: 700 Club; 700 Burgundy St.; 5 - 8 p.m. Unlimited well drinks, Bud Light and Miller Lite draft $10 Drag Dingo: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 6 - 8 p.m. Catch ChiChi Rodriquez, Persana Shoulders for Drag Bingo! 11 games of Bingo, 11 chances to win prizes! All the fun starts at 6 pm till 8 pm in the upstairs bar with your favorite bottom, Jake, slinging drinks for you all night long. 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. Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis St.; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest. You Better Sing Karaoke: GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Join DJ Dereesha as he plays Karaoke. Sunday Swing: The Allways Lounge and Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; starts at 8 p.m. Every Sunday, local swing dance instructors offer a community class from 8-9pm. From 9 till midnight there is live, local music and social dancing! There is NO cover, but a one drink minimum is required per set. Jock Night: The Eagle at the Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave; 9

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SNAP PAPARAZZI The Corner Pocket MEET ME ON ST. LOUIS—WHERE THE BOYS ARE DANCIN’ NIGHTLY ON THE BAR | PHOTOS BY POCKET PEEPS

THE CORNER POCKET Where the Boys are dancing nightly on the bar starting at 9PM!

OPENING HOURS Everyday Noon - TILL ADDRESS 940 St Louis Street, New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 568-9829 www.cornerpocket.net

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p.m. Happy hour prices for wearing a jock or singlet. Oz Show Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; ChiChi Rodriquez and Dominique DeLorean.

SPECIAL EVENTS TUESDAY 8/27

NOAGE Potluck: St. Anna’s Episcopal Church; 1313 Esplanade Ave.; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Come to eat, network, and make new friends! Adults of all ages welcome. If you are able, please bring a dish (main dishes, meats, sides, soups, salads or vegan/vegetarian dishes, desserts, and beverages). Please also consider bringing non-perishable food items for St. Anna’s Food Pantry. The potluck is in the back of the Parish House (the building to the right of the church itself, located at the corner of Esplanade Ave. and Marais St.) PLEASE enter from the back door; the front door remains locked at all times. Call Jim at (504) 228-6778 with any questions. Ba Ba Bingo And Taco Tuesday: Pythian Market; 234 Loyola Ave.; 7 9 p.m. The ladies of Va Va Voom are kicking BA BA Bingo! Drag Bingo at The Pythian. Admission gets you: Taco Tuesday Taco Bar by La Cocinita, Prizes and Giveaways, Cocktail Specials,

featuring the always refreshing Aperol Spritz, Two hours of BINGO and DRAG brought to you by: The Ladies of Va Va Voom (Taze-ya-ballz, Jessica Champaign and Giselle Trivanni). Tickets at www.eventbrite.com. Extra - The Political Cabaret: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. The monthly political cabaret is back, and the cast of Extra has an exciting night full of brand new numbers tackling everything news and politics because in these confusing times the only people who could possibly be qualified to report the news are queens, kings, and in betweens. More than just a drag show, Extra is a space where drag artists and fans can come together to get empowered, get connected, laugh, and even occasionally bawl their eyes out. With: Candy Snatch, Mina Taur, Nicki Nicolai, Saint Salome and your host/ producer Quinn Laroux. Doors at 9pm, Show at 10pm. $10 cover.

WEDNESDAY 8/28

Let’s Art with Lefty Lucy: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 6 - 8 p.m. LET’S ART! with Lefty Lucy is an original Drink n Draw where everyone is invited to ART in your own way. DRAW Lefty in poses that tell a story across two hours! WRITE your own story inspired by what you see! PHOTOGRAPH poses & ENJOY a burlesque act that will reveal the

final chapter in this slow-motion play or just drink and enjoy a custom playlist in a low key cabaret environment. Wet Jockey Shorts Contest: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 9:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Southern Decadence 2019 at The Corner Pocket kicks off with the hugely popular Wet Jockey Short Contest. If you’re lucky, you might be called up to the stage to soak a contestant. There will be boys dancing in the bar at 9 p.m.; the contest starts after 10 p.m. Come early to grab a seat to enjoy a front row view. Ages 21+. Valid ID required. Cover charge. The Corner Pocket is a cash only bar. Southern Decadence VIP passes on sale now (includes the Wet Jockey Shorts Contest). For more information and details, see: https://link. thunderpenny.com/mmyzd. Something Else: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 11 p.m. Welcome to this very special edit to Something Else, kicking decadence weekend. They are coming to you with an amazing kinky cast this month! Hosted by these two beautiful spirits: Sofia SugarStar and Mae Tel Yu. Presenting the cast: Ant Zelda, Danny Girl, Nicki Nicolai and Trey Bien. Doors @10 p.m. ; Cover: $5; Show starts @ 11 p.m.

THURSDAY 8/29 – MONDAY 9/2

Southern Decadence Weekend: New Orleans; 24/7. Join us for the largest LGBTQ Weekend in New Orleans. For updated events, visit the official website and guide: www.SouthernDecadence.com

THURSDAY 8/29

A Very Decadent Luau: NOLA Cantina; 437 Esplanade Ave.; 7 p.m. It’s the Thirsty Thursday of Southern Decadence! Come quench your thirst with Urban South Brewery, Republic & Elektra Cosmetics. DJ Feyard will be spinning all night!! Let’s see your best tiki costume! Drink Specials! Games! Swag! 1st Annual Black and Blue Ball: The Starlight; 817 St. Louis St.; 8 - 11 p.m. Start New Orleans Decadence off right with the Krewe of Petronius’ 1st Annual Black and Blue Ball that will have dancing, food, hanging out on The Starlight’s balcony, hamming it up in Petronius’ picture booth and meeting new friends. Tickets are $30 at www. eventbrite.com. Good Friend’s Welcome Party: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St. Another F*cking Decadence Show: Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Featuring an all-star cast of performers! As always ANYTHING GOES at this Decadence Kick Off cabaret. Doors 10pm | Show 11pm. Tickets $15 cash and don’t forget ya tip money. Front row table reservations available for $25 -

Email Candy.snatch.drag@gmail.com to reserve yours. All other seating first come first serve. Wet Ass Contest: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 10 pm Battle of the “Bulge”: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; Have you got what it takes?? Boys Dancing on the Bar: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 3 p.m. until... Join us at Corner Pocket to enjoy boys dancing on the bar all afternoon and late into the night! Fresh Prep’d and Ready Party: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St. D!CK IN A CUP - Southern Decadence Strip Off; Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 11 pm - 2 am; THURSDAY NIGHTS ARE JAM PACKED WITH HOT MEN! “D!CK IN A CUP” - The Oz Southern Decadence Strip Off with Persana Shoulders & Sister Roma.. Featuring “Dick in a Cup!” Sponsored by Swiss Navy Products / M D Science Lab, LLC. Celebrity guest judges!! $1,200 in CASH and Prizes furnished by Swiss Navy Social. Sign up @11:30 with Dustin Gaspard aka Ivy Dripp. Contest @12 Midnight. Beer Bust: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 2 - 6 p.m. Join the Renegade Bears of Louisiana for a Beer Bust at GrandPre’s! Nasty Pig Underwear Party with Big Dipper: The Eagle at the Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; starting at 10 pm -- 9pm: Nola Pups and Handlers Jell-O Shot Booth. 10pm: Beer fundraiser with Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. 11pm: Dancers on stage. 11:20pm: Rougaroux Rugby Jell-O Shot Booth

FRIDAY 8/30 – THURSDAY 9/5

Sauvage / Wild FILM screening; Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge; 6621 St Claude Ave, Arabi, LA; Daily 7:15 PM - 9 PM; Sauvage is an intimate French drama that introduces us to the roughand-tumble life of twenty-something Léo (Félix Maritaud), who solicits men on a lonely intersection on the outskirts of Paris. Director Vidal-Naquet spent three years researching the lives of these young men and interviewing sex workers on an infamous Parisian road, encouraging him to make this honest and tender portrait of a young man in freefall. Derek Jarman’s The Garden; Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge; 6621 St Claude Ave, Arabi, LA; Daily 9 pm 10:30 pm; Half waking dream and half fiery polemic, The Garden was born of director Jarman’s rage over continued anti-gay discrimination and the sluggardly response to the AIDS crisis— he had been diagnosed HIV positive in 1988. Starring Tilda Swinton, this uniquely kaleidoscopic film shows the filmmaker’s genius at its most coruscating, making space in its breadth of vision for an over-the-top Holly-

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SNAP PAPARAZZI Oz New Orleans PHOTOS BY DWAIN HERTZ AND ANDREW HOPKINS #OZNEWORLEANS & 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 · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 63

wood-style musical number, nightmare images of tar-and-feather queer persecution, and footage of the particularly menacing-looking nuclear power plant that overlooks Jarman’s own garden, the point from which his film begins, and a cherished spot which he must keep to tending even as his body begins to betray him. Writhing with sorrow and anger, and yet so vividly alive to the loveliness of being, The Garden is a baleful and beautiful epistle from the brink of the beyond.

FRIDAY 8/30

Trax Only Swim Club Southern Decadence New Orleans; The Drifter; 12 - 6 p.m. Trax Only presents Trax Only Swim Club. Trax Only is taking over the Drifter Hotel for Southern Decadence weekend! 3 days of pool parties, DJs, and performances. Friday performers include Bret Bowerman, Jeffrey Sfire. Call the Drifter Hotel and mention Trax Only to get a 15% discount on rooms - (504)-605-4644. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com. Queen B Drag Brunch: Broussard’s; 819 Conti St.; Seating at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Join Broussard’s during Southern Decadence for our Queen B Drag Brunch at Broussard’s! Performers include Miss Moanalot Fontaine, Miss Gia Giavanni, Miss Sable Nicole Star & Miss Coca Mesa (MC). These stunning ladies will be strutting their stuff and giving the crowd the roy-

al treatment while our guests sip on bottomless mimosas ($14!) and dine on our Prix Fixe brunch menu ($49++) - view the menu here: http://bit.ly/2XU0Mo7. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 504.581.3866 or on OpenTable: http://bit.ly/2XS6ebj. PLUS a FREE photobooth! Drag Queen Brunch Launch Party & Happy Hour: Brennan’s; 417 Royal St.; 4 - 6 p.m. Help kick off Southern Decadence while enjoying deeply discounted bottles of bubbly and themed bubbly cocktails with a bevy of Drag Queens. There will also be an Elektra Cosmetics Glitter Bar. Meet & greet author Poppy Tooker for the launch of her brand new book “Drag Queen Brunch” with signed copies available for purchase. RSVP to: BCPR@brustmancarrinopr.com by August 23. Boys Dancing on the Bar: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 3 p.m. until... Join us at Corner Pocket to enjoy boys dancing on the bar all afternoon and late into the night! Block Party: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 9 pm - 2 am. Beer, Jello and Mosh, Oh My: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields; 6 p.m. 2 a.m. Join the New Orleans Puppies and Handlers as they get you boozed with beer and jell-OH! shots from 6 - 9 p.m., then more jell-OH! from 9 - 11:30 p.m. They start their puppy mosh at 10 p.m. til close, so come play with the pups!

Halloween New Orleans Decadence Kick-off Party: Laurenia; 234 Loyola St.; 6 - 9 p.m. Come kick off your Southern Decadence 2019 weekend with a bang by joining the Halloween New Orleans crew and and get the details on our Halloween weekend events, October 25th - 27th. There will be opportunities to buy passes and tickets and get more information on our cause. As always, all HNO profits benefit our incredible partner, Project Lazarus. Entry is $10 at the door and includes 2 complimentary Stoli drinks (no cost for our Hosts and Patrons). Followed by cash bar. Everyone is welcome. Cake: OutSet; Ace Hotel & Three Keys; 600 Carondelet St; 6 - 9 pm; SoDec Sip & Social. Sounds by DJ Natty Boom. Cake: CRESCENDO presents Just Dance!; Ace Hotel & Three Keys; 600 Carondelet St; 10 pm - 3 am; Curated Sets by: SKYPE WILLIAMS, DJ NATTY BOOM, FIVE, LE1F. Performance by Delish Da Goddess. Hosted by Lord Chilla. Colors - a Decadent Celebration of Colors: The Art Garage; 2231 St. Claude Ave.; 7 - 9 p.m. COLORS is a decadent celebration of the vibrant lives and expressions of some of the Gulf Coast’s most brilliant performers of color. Through a magnificent display of artistic expression, each of our 16 performers will use a specific COLOR to paint a picture from their own colorful lives. The all-star cast of COLORS will splatter the walls of your mind with experiences and perspectives on what it means to live in a more colorful world. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com. Bearracuda Southern Decadence 2019: One Eyed Jacks; 615 Toulouse St.; 9 p.m. - 3 a.m. Doors at 9 p.m. $15 adv tix at Bearracuda.com/southern-decadence/; Beats by SILVERHOOK (BEEFMINCE London!); Hosted by Matt Bearracuda & Apostrophe. Hot Go-Go’s dancing all night! Bearracuda welcomes 100s of furry guys to dance the night away in the middle of the French Quarter. Bearracuda is the largest attended bear dance party and most prolific gay dance event in the U.S. Boys on Parade & DJ Whitney Day: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; Blacklight Dance Party: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St. Strip Show + Meet & Greet with Skyy Knox: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 9 pm Decadence Costume Contest: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 10 pm Hit It Southern Decadence Dirty VHS: Location Given to Ticket Holders Only; 10 p.m. - 4 a.m. Started a year ago as a poppers and underwear party hosted in a dive bar, HIT IT has become New Orleans’s premier sex-positive queer party and has reimagined

sex-positive spaces in the city. HIT IT is coming back to our large warehouse in Mid City with indoor/outdoor spaces including large dance floor, multiple dark rooms, lots of slings, and art installations throughout. HIT IT is all about body positivity, sexual expression, and the hedonistic attitude that makes up queer New Orleans nightlife. Location will be sent out a week before the event. Come with your VCRs ready to play! For tickets, go to https://hit-it.ticketleap.com/hit-it-southern-decadence/. Clothes check will be available at the door so you can strip down to your sexy underwear, jock, panties, or just go ahead and show it all off. Anything goes! Hosted by: FatsyCline Drag Miss Louisiana Leatherette and Ross Ransom - Mr. Nude Orleans with Sexy beats for a transcendental poppers experience by DJ Tyler Cross. Keep up with all HIT IT events and get early discount codes for upcoming parties by emailing hititparty@gmail.com. Loft Club Launch Party: Santos Bar; 1135 Decatur Street; 10 p.m. - 4 a.m. NOLA’s favorite dance party is back & ready to make some waves. Two floors - two parties! $5 on sale NOW: http://bit.ly/LoftclubX Acid Dungeon - A Raw Rave Experience for SRN Decadence: Poor Boys Bar; 1328 St. Bernard Ave.; 11 p.m. - 8 a.m. ACID DUNGEON returns Friday August 30th for a Sweltering Escapism Rave to usher in your Decadence Spiral. For Info: https://www. instagram.com/function504. Jock Strap Lube Wrestling: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 11 p.m. - 2 a.m. There will be babes in jockstraps, loads of fun, squirting lube, amateur yet ferocious wrestling, and the talents of famed, local drag queens. There will be a cash prize of $100 given to the winner. Vinsantos will be guiding you thru the night of sticky debauchery that is known as JSLW. JSLW is an all-inclusive, no judgement, exhibitionist platform. At no time during the show are photos or videos allowed. All wrestlers sign up under their own consent. $15 cover | Show at midnight | Jockstraps provided.

SATURDAY 8/31

Tupperware Review Drag Show: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 2 am New Orleans Pride Run & Walk: Crescent Park; 30 N. Peters St.; 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. The family friendly 5K event will start and finish along the Mississippi River at The Crescent Park, blocks from the New Orleans French Quarter. Members, friends, allies, and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community are encouraged to show their pride at this one-of-a-kind event! Proceeds benefit PFLAG New Orleans Scholarship Program, which recognizes outstanding LGBTQ+ students from

64 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Crossing PEOPLE ARE CROSSING NOLA TO SEE AND BE SEEN AT CROSSING NOLA | PHOTOS BY TEAM CROSSING

CROSSING

Neighborhood video bar with a steampunk theme in the historic Vieux Carré.

HAPPY HOUR DAILY 7 AM – 9 PM OPENING HOURS 7 AM – 1:30 AM ADDRESS 439 Dauphine Street New Orleans, LA 70112 Phone: (504) 523-4517 www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 65

Louisiana, encourages continuing education for self-identified LGBTQ+ students and allies, and fosters a positive image of LGBTQ+ individuals in society. New Orleans Track Club events are open to members and non-members alike. Runners and walkers of all speeds and abilities are welcome to participate. Tickets are available at www.runNOTC.org. Brennan’s 2nd Annual Drag Brunch: Brennan’s Restaurant; 417 Royal Street; 10:30 a.m. Kick up your heels, sprinkle on the glitter and brunch at Brennan’s for the 2nd Annual Drag Brunch celebration during Southern Decadence Weekend! Two live performances by Coca Mesa, Connie Hung, Lana O’Day NOLA, and Laveau Contraire on Saturday, August 31 at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm featuring Meet & Greet with Poppy Tooker with copies of her newly published book ”Drag Queen Brunch” available for purchase! 4 Courses + Endless Mimosas - $95*. Reservations required. To reserve your spot, call Ashley Hill at 504-934-3376 on Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Total charged in advance. Queen B Drag Brunch: Broussard’s; 819 Conti St.; Seating at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Join Broussard’s during Southern Decadence for our Queen B Drag Brunch at Broussard’s! Performers include Miss Sable Nicole Star, Miss Karli LaCorre, Miss Starr Alexander & Shane (MC). These stunning ladies will be strutting their stuff and giving the crowd the royal treatment while our guests sip on bottomless mimosas ($14!) and dine on our Prix Fixe brunch menu ($49++) - view the menu here: http://bit.ly/2XU0Mo7. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 504.581.3866 or on OpenTable: http://bit.ly/2XS6ebj. PLUS a FREE photobooth! Book Signing with Poppy Tooker: The Shop at The Collection, 520 Royal Street; 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join radio personality, author, and culinary activist Poppy Tooker as she and some special guests sign copies of her forthcoming book Drag Queen Brunch which features gorgeous color photos by Sam Hanna of dishes (both ladies and recipes) in some of New Orleans’s most iconic restaurants and courtyards. With every turn of the page, Drag Queen Brunch brings readers to the next stop of an unforgettable time with Tooker and a bevy of rollicking drag queens. The event is free, and coincides with Southern Decadence. The book will be available for $29.99. Refreshments from SoBou will be available for guests ages 21 and older. A portion of the proceeds from Drag Queen Brunch benefit Crescent Care, a healthcare initiative established by the NO/AIDS Task Force and the Lazarus House. Cake: Big Queer Pod Fest; Ace Hotel & Three Keys; 600 Carondelet St; 6 pm; the all-star lineup of your favorite queer podcasts returns to New

Orleans for a one-night-only audio extravaganza. Join Food 4 Thot (Fran Tirado, Dennis Norris II), LGBTQ&A (Jeffrey Masters), The Outcast (Rose Dommu), and The Ten (Zach Stafford) for a night of games, boozy interviews, and special guests. Trax Only Swim Club Southern Decadence New Orleans; The Drifter; 12 - 6 p.m. Trax Only presents TRAX ONLY SWIM CLUB. Trax Only is taking over the Drifter Hotel for Southern Decadence weekend! 3 days of pool parties, DJs, and performances. Performers include Divoli S’vere, BE3K, B. Ames. Call the Drifter Hotel and mention Trax Only to get a 15% discount on rooms - (504)-605-4644. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com. Decadent Behavior Party: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 1 4 p.m. Join the Lords of Leather for their annual Lords of Leather Southern Decadence “Decadent Behavior Party.” The ONLY Saturday daytime party! Drinks included: open bar on domestic beer and well drinks. As per the SD Theme this year, “Fruit Salad: Come Toss A Good Time. there will be a complimentary “coat check”. Tickets are $60 at the door (and based on availability); so get your ADVANCE ONLINE ticket for $50 (plus small fee) Ticketleap.com keyword “mystic Krewe” Donations go toward Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXXVII to be held on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at 8pm at The Alario Center in Westwego. Randy Rainbow Live: The Fillmore; 6 Canal St.; starts at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 6pm and the show starts at approximately 7pm. This is a fully seated event, it is best for all parties to purchase tickets at the same time if they wish to be seated together. Large parties are welcome to call the Fillmore Box Office at 504-872-3303 for accommodations. For tickets, go to www.livenation.com. The Hot Ass Contest & DJ Ivan : The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; LGBTea: Le Salon at the Windsor Court Hotel; 300 Gravier St.; 2 p.m. Join Windsor Court for LGBTea, a spirited affair celebrating diversity and community. Guests will enjoy a decadent afternoon of bottomless mimosas and Bloody Mary cocktails, as well as the finest teas and teatime treats. The revelry will continue in Le Salon at Windsor Court with live performances by drag queen Kookie Baker and her special guests. Guests must be 21 and older to attend. Reservations required; available by calling (504) 596-4773. Boys Dancing on the Bar: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 3 p.m. until... Join us at Corner Pocket to enjoy boys dancing on the bar all afternoon and late into the night! 2019 Bourbon Street Extravaganza: Napoleon’s Itch; 734 Bourbon St.: 6:30 - 9 p.m. The Bourbon Street Extravaganza will be hosting Jeanie Tracy, Ultra Nate, Beth Ann Sacks & The

Prancing Rockets. This is a free concert. Prime Meat Amateur Stripoff w/ Skyy Knox: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 10 pm Colors - a Decadent Celebration of Colors: Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 7 - 9 p.m. COLORS is a decadent celebration of the vibrant lives and expressions of some of the Gulf Coast’s most brilliant performers of color. Through a magnificent display of artistic expression, each of our 16 performers will use a specific COLOR to paint a picture from their own colorful lives. The all-star cast of COLORS will splatter the walls of your mind with experiences and perspectives on what it means to live in a more colorful world. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com. Leather Wood and Cocktails; The Bombay Club; 830 Conti St; 12 pm - 6 pm; Soft Leather, Stiff Cocktails. Join us for Southern Decadence 2019 on Saturday August 31st from noon ‘til 6pm. Choose from a rainbow of cocktails to sip on with pride. Block Party: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 9 pm - 2 am. Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest 2020: Siberia Lounge; 2227 St. Claude Ave.; 7 - 9 p.m. The Lords of Leather invite you to attend our Mr. Louisiana Leather 2020 contest! For tickets: https://mystic-krewe-of-lordsof-leather.ticketleap.com/mr-louisiana-leather-2020-contest/. Interested in competing? Contact MrLouisianaLeather2019@gmail.com (Sir Eric Michael) or Lord Darrell Klassy (mrlouisianaleather2018@gmail.com). Seating is limited so secure your seat in advance. $15 advance (plus fees); $25 VIP (plus fees); $20 at the door! (VIP will NOT be available at the door!) This contest is a feeder to the International Mr. Leather Contest and the winner will represent Louisiana and part of the gulf coast region! Crave Southern Decadence: 1201 Mazant St.: 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. CRAVE is an artistic striptease that gets all-out EXPLICIT on the Saturday of Decadence 2019! Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8:00 p.m., play party to follow! Entrance through the side gate on Marais Street. Come see the Men of Crave do kinky things to their (and your) heart’s content, and participate as much as you choose. BYOB. Cover is $10 for the show and the after-party. GrrlSpot | Fleurt: Joy Theatre; 1200 canal St.; starts at 9 p.m. GrrlSpot’s biggest and best event of the year happens during Southern Decadence at the historic Joy Theater. Fleurt! will feature stunning performances by world renowned burlesque performers and DJ’s in the beautiful and newly renovated jewel of Canal Street. This year will be our biggest and best event yet, with more performers, more space, more bars, more women, more of everything you’ll need to remember

this experience for years. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com. Decades of Decadence - Queer Dance Party: The Art Garage; 2231 St. Claude Ave.; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Celebrating Decadence through the years, with music from the 70’s to now, it’s a fun ‘lil SoDec dance party on St. Claude. Early in the night we’ll be playing the funkiest throwbacks, and as the night progresses, so will the tunes. By 11pm you’ll be shakin’ your ass to Lizzo & Missy! Have some fun with your ‘fit and wear a costume from your favorite decade (or your favorite outfit from the good ‘ol days). Or, don’t - just come how you feel most comfortable. This party is a gender affirming, anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-ageist safe space for ALL queer people. It’s Showtime on Rampart Street; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 10 p.m. Come out and catch this exciting drag show starring Moanalot Fontaine and special guests. Cake: Horse Meat Disco + Honcho Southern Decadence New Orleans; Ace Hotel; 600 Carondelet St.; 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. For their 4th Annual Disco Decadence TRAX ONLY is pulling out all the stops. Returning is Horse Meat Disco, the London based collective who has changed the face of nightlife since the launch of their weekly Sunday event at the Eagle in Vauxhall 15 years ago. A new addition this year is the entire Honcho Crew all night in the DARKROOM. Honcho has become an institution in the queer underground saga. This Pittsburgh based crew is responsible for the legendary HONCHO CAMPOUT: A not-so-secret techno rave in the woods. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com. Amateur Strip Contest + Meet & Greet with Dolf Dietrich: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 9 pm Jockstrap Olympics: Mags 940; 940. Elysian Fields; 10 p.m. Come join the Rougaroux as they host their second annual Jockstrap Olympics! Winner takes all, Losers take it all off! Starts @ 10 p.m.; $10/cover. Games and prizes and almost naked men playing games and wrestling! Jello Shots, Raffles and Men. Joe Fiore presents FURBALL New Orleans: Southern Decadence; One Eyed Jacks; 615 Toulouse St; 10 pm; DJ Barry Harris performs $ 10.00 $15.00 / Age 18 And Up Big Dick Contest: Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St. Midnight It’s Showtime on Rampart: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 10 p.m. Join Moanalot Fontaine & Sable Nicole Starr for It’s Showtime on Rampart!

SUNDAY 9/1

The Continental - The Official Horse Meat Disco Afterparty: The Ohm Lounge; 601 Tchoupitoulas St.; 2 - 6 a.m. Keep the night going hard, long and glorious at THE CONTINEN-

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TAL, the Official Southern Decadence Horse Meat Disco After Party happening at The Ohm Lounge just 3 blocks from the Ace Hotel. Party starting promptly at 2 AM! Drag Brunch: Pythian Market; 234 Loyola Ave.; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Join the Pythian for their Monthly Drag Brunch. Performers include: TAZE-YA BALLZ, VIDA CARLTON, COCA MESA, MONICA SINCLAIRE-KENNEDY, GIA GIAVANNI and DJ Senator Ken. Trax Only Swim Club Southern Decadence New Orleans; The Drifter; 12 - 6 p.m. Trax Only presents TRAX ONLY SWIM CLUB. Trax Only is taking over the Drifter Hotel for Southern Decadence weekend! 3 days of pool parties, DJs, and performances. SUNDAY performers include Heavy Pleasure, Phlegm, She Nut. Call the Drifter Hotel and mention Trax Only to get a 15% discount on rooms - (504)-605-4644. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com. Pre-Cum Decadence Parade Party: Red Truck Clubhouse; 740 N. Rampart St.: starts at 12 p.m. The Official Decadence Fest Parade will be rolling right in front of The Clubhouse. So cum in drag, cum in pasties, or just come. They’ll have drink specials, $5 Pink Cadillac drink or 2/$8. Full bottle of bubbly and OJ for $15, and more surprises to cum! Featuring fabulous sounds curated by Lester Desaster and Dre Parish. Boys Dancing on the Bar: The

Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 3 p.m. until... Join us at Corner Pocket to enjoy boys dancing on the bar all afternoon and late into the night! Southern Decadence Parade Lineup and Pre Party: Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; Starts at 11 p.m. They are officially getting this party started right with this year’s SOUTHERN DECADENCE XLVIII, 2019 GRAND MARSHAL WALKING PARADE and would love you as participants! Registration/Line-up and Number pick up starts at 11a.m.; LINE UP at 1 p.m.; Parade starts at 2 p.m. XXL The Party: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 4 - 7 p.m. On the Sunday of Southern Decadence from 4 to 7 p.m., the Phoenix will close the entire bar for our most exclusive event, XXL: The Party. They are thrilled to host the sexiest and piggiest male performers for this year’s party. Enjoy open bar for well cocktails and domestic beer. Coat check will be available. Tickets available NOW on Eventbrite: https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/xxl-the-partytickets-66976862599. No refunds. No cell phones or cameras permitted. Block Party: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 9 pm - 1 am. Colors - a Decadent Celebration of Colors: Southern Rep Theatre; 2541 Bayou Rd.; 7 - 9 p.m. COLORS is a decadent celebration of the vibrant lives and expressions of some of the Gulf Coast’s most brilliant performers

of color. Through a magnificent display of artistic expression, each of our 16 performers will use a specific COLOR to paint a picture from their own colorful lives. The all-star cast of COLORS will splatter the walls of your mind with experiences and perspectives on what it means to live in a more colorful world. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com 3rd Annual Bette Bathhouse and Beyond: Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 9 p.m. - 3 a.m. Daniel Nardicio brings BETTE BATHHOUSE AND BEYOND back to New Orleans for one night only during Southern Decadence/Labor Day weekend to the Allways Lounge. Powerhouse singer and comedienne Amber Martin recreates one of Bette Midler’s iconic shows at NYC’s infamous gay bathhouse the Continental Baths from 1971. The audience will be required to don only towels (provided by the DWORLD NOLA staff) to recreate the vibe of the famed bathhouse. Johnny Dynell will be playing “Bathhouse Disco” from the era. Expect the unexpected, too, at “B,B and B” as surprise musical guests will also drop by. BYOT (bring your own towel or pay $2.00 to rent one from the Dworld Nola crew). For tickets, go to www.brownpapertickets.com. Sunday Funday “T” Dance & DJ Orlando Ricardo: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 3 pm - 8 pm Cake: Franky Canga presents; Ace Hotel & Three Keys; 600 Carondelet St; 3 - 6 pm; Sun’s Out Buns Out up at Alto. Franky Canga presents Sun’s Out Buns Out up at Alto with Phathoms Deep, Sweet Tooth Simone and Mz. Juno. Blackout Party: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St. 10 pm Forbidden Fruit Party: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 8 pm Late Night with DJ Tracy Young: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; NOLA PAH Mosh and Mingle: Inner Recess Recording Studio; 1201 Mazant St.; 9 p.m - midnight. The New Orleans Puppies and Handlers have acquired an indoor space for the evening. The pups will be moshing, but there will be space available to let your more animalistic instincts take over. This space will have a clothes check, and a few pieces of equipment that can be used, like some St. Andrew’s Crosses, and a sling for spanking and flogging purposes of course. Come learn about pup play, and any pet play that may be visiting, and maybe even try your hand at holding a leash or two! This evening will be down and dirty, and educational. We want to welcome any and all pet players, kink lovers, and leather enthusiasts! This event is 21+ and BYOB. We ask a $15 donation at the door which will include sodas and water, and of course access to the private venue. “Encuerate De Amor” Fundraiser for LGBTQ+ Migrant Community; The

Domino; 3044 St Claude; 8 pm - 12 am; $5 suggested donation. A big greeting to the entire LGBTQI community in general and to the Queer community we are completely excited to give you a cordial invitation to our magnificent event titled “Encuerate De Amor” this event is for the support of “Love and Solidarity” creating funds to support our LGBTQI migrant community that has gone through many circumstances of hate, discrimination, violence, among many other things we want to stand up supporting this great cause of solidarity with our community so you can not miss this wonderful event invites your neighbors, family, and friends and be part of this noble cause remember that if you sow a small seed a huge tree will grow where our community can rest safely full of love and security we will have live music show among many more things you can not miss we hope to have your presence and raise Your voice and strength in support of our LGBTQI community of love. XY Masquerade Ball: Collette; 822 Gravier St.; 10 p.m. - 4 a.m. The Biggest Underwear Party of Southern Decadence! Close out Southern Decadence weekend on a high note at the 2nd annual XY Underwear Masquerade. Explore two floors of debauchery at Colette - New Orleans’ best kept secret and exclusive upscale gentlemen’s club - right next to the French Quarter! Gyrate to house beats brought to you by DJ Karbination. And explore exhibition spaces on the upper level including a voyeur room w/ two-way mirrors and a 10-ft diameter bed, our gay erotica theater, an exclusive VIP room set in a gothic library, private Ultra VIP rooms, and more. Bring your own bottle ($10 bottle check per 1L bottle). NOTE: All jackets, pants, outerwear, and smartphones must be checked in order to access the upper level. For the privacy of our guests, NO CAMERAS will be allowed on the upper level. Violation of this policy will result in an immediate ban from the event. XY is a safe space catering exclusively to the gay, male-leaning or male-identifying audience. This includes both our cis- and trans- male patrons, who are fully welcome in our space.For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com.

MONDAY 9/2

NOLA PAH Pup-P-Que, Brunch And Beer; New Orleans Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave; 11 am - 1 pm; Join us if you’re still in town for burgers and dawgs, and beer to have fun on the last day of the holiday weekend before you go home!! Good food, good times, and great atmosphere. The 29th Annual Left-Over-Bitches & Survivors Bar Crawl; Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 1 p.m. Lead by the conductor Rikki Redd, Survivors are asked to arrive at the world famous corner pocket Monday sept 2nd at

68 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 69

1pm. Refreshments served. The crawl officially starts at 2pm, and crawls to the outer loupe of French Quarter bars. This year’s route includes the following bars, the crossing, the 700 club, the society page, the black penny, the voodoo bar, and ends at the Grandpre’s at 4ish. All survivors are welcome to join current and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshals and other local celebrities as we officially end southern Decadence 2019 in this time honored tradition. “Hung Over & Broke” Drink & Drown: The Bourbon Pub; 801 Bourbon St.; 6 - 8 pm & LipStixx “Ladies on Parade” 8 pm Boys Dancing on the Bar: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 3 p.m. until... Join us at Corner Pocket to enjoy boys dancing on the bar all afternoon and late into the night! Labor Day BBQ: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 11 am - 2 pm. Gloria Disco Party 3pm Special Appreciation Discount: Good Friends Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; Hit It: Rewind: Cutter’s; 706 Franklin Ave, 7 PM - 11 PM. Did you survive Southern Decadence? Thirsty for more? Cum party with us baby, one more time Monday evening for a HIT IT dirty VHS rewind. Back at our original bar for your final chance to HIT IT! We’ll have the dark room, a sling or 2, the hot sexy vibes you’ve come to expect, VHS cleaner from Double Scorpio. $10 at the door/ $5 with your HIT IT wristband from Friday’s party. Sexy beats for a transcendental poppers experience by DJ Tyler Cross. Hosted by: FatsyCline Drag - Miss Louisiana Leatherette 2018. Ross Ransom - Mr. Nude Orleans *This is a safe ALL-INCLUSIVE event. Predatory and non-consensual behavior will not be tolerated. **21+ ID required

THURSDAY 9/5

She Who?: Three Keys in the Ace Hotel; 600 Carondelet St.; 8 11 p.m. A showcase of NOT MALE Drag! Faux Queen, Bio Queen, Hyper Queen, Non-Binary Queen, Flip Queen, Female Queen, A Drag Queen trapped in a Woman’s Body - call it what you will but we just call it DRAG. Please join us for an evening of some of the best not male Drag Queens in the bizness. Your host for the evening is the diminutive dynamo himself, that 5 foot tall ultimate pick-up artist, direct from the sock drawer to the stage, the wonderful Napoleon Complex. With a cast including TITI BABY, Maryboy, Rogue Rouge, Virginia Slimjim, Tarah Cards, Lash Wednesday, CeCe V DeMenthe, Besame Culo, SHOCTAVIA, Chrysalis, Shebrew Internationale, LadyBEAST, Glamdromeda Strange, AshleyRose Bailey, Betty Essem and Bellagio Showers. VIP $25 includes priority seating, a signed headshot of the cast and a meet’n’greet after the 70 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

show. General Admission $10. Doors at 8 p.m. show at 9 p.m. Juice - A Lizzo Tribute Show: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 10 p.m. - midnight. Are you a LIZZBIAN? Two days before Lizzo’s New Orleans appearance, we’re celebrating with a drag and burlesque show dedicated entirely to Lizzo! Featuring Starr Alexander, Nicki Nicolai, Sheila Strange, Nebula Omega, Jade Bronté, Fox Monroe, Nikki T. Fyx, Fresha and hosted by Laveau Contraire and Ramona Rose. Doors at 10 p.m.| Show at 11 p.m. $10 Cover.

FRIDAY 9/6

Stonewall Sports First Friday Happy Hour: Phillip’s Bar and Restaurant; 733 Cherokee St.; 5 - 8 p.m. Join fellow Stonewallers for a monthly happy hour on the first Friday of every month at Phillip’s Bar, one of our Stonewall Sports New Orleans Sponsors.

SATURDAY 9/7

It’s Showtime on Rampart Street; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 10 p.m. Come out and catch this exciting drag show starring Moanalot Fontaine and special guests. Crescent City Leathermen Beer and Gear Night: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 9 p.m. - midnight. Draft Beer - $5 buy in, and $1 for refills; Jell-o Shots - $1 ea. or 6 for $5. Sept Theme - Big Boy Toys (leather gear that isn’t clothing - floggers, whips, paddles,gags, flails, electro-toys, etc.) Daddy Issues New Orleans: One Eyed Jacks; 615 Toulouse St.; 10 p.m; - 2 a.m. The international party brand crash lands at One Eyed Jacks for their New Orleans debut. DJ’s: BOUFFANT BOUFFANT and PHLEGM. Daddy Issues DJ’s play an eclectic mix of electronic dance beats that range from house to disco and techno showcasing the fresh talent of producers in the UK, Europe and the US and dance

classics to school the kids. TICKETS: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/ daddy-issues-one-eyed-jacks-tickets/9653445?pl=oneeyed. Drag Brunch 12:01 A.M.: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 11 p.m. - 1:30 a.m. Do you always miss Drag Brunch because you stay out too late and just can’t get up in the morning? Now you don’t have to miss anything with DRAG BRUNCH 12:01 A.M. at the Allways Lounge. An over-the-top showcase of tasty Drag acts and an even tastier hot plate. Doors at 11 p.m., show at Midnight! Featuring a cast of New Orleans Cutest and Craziest Queens including Siren, MaryBoy, Cucci Licci, Fresha, and Velma Blair. Mister Gregory will be dishing up a hot plate of Pain Perdu with fresh berries, cane syrup and chantilly cream for $10.

TUESDAY 9/10

Benefit At Large for Mistress Isabelle Brooks and Kayla Starr: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.: 8 p.m. midnight. Benefit for Mistress Isabelle Brooks and Kayla Starr to represent Louisiana at the National Miss Gay USofA at Large pageant in Dallas Texas Sept 18-21, 2019. Come out and show the girls some support and help raise some funds.

WEDNESDAY 9/11

UNDER THE GAYDAR

Mobile Hot Happenings WEEKLY AT B-BOB’S 213 Conti St., Mobile, AL (251) 433-2262

TUESDAY

Gay Bar BINGO 9:30 & 11PM

THURSDAY

Amateur Drag Night 11PM

FRIDAY & SATURDAY Midnight Drag Show

WEEKLY AT FLIP SIDE 54 S. Conception St., Mobile, AL (251) 431-8819

Karaoke

WEDNESDAY Rock n Roll Bingo 8PM

THURSDAY Karaoke

SATURDAY SEC Football

Funday with Karaoke

UNDER THE GAYDAR

Along the Gulf South BATON ROUGE MON-FRI

Happy Hour: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; 3-7p.m.

MONDAY

Game Night: George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St; 10p.m. Hosted by Chance SIN Night: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; 30% Off

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Email Us at info@ambushpublishing.com

TUESDAY

SUNDAY

Fat Tuesdays & Billiards & Darts Tournaments: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue

ARE WE MISSING YOUR EVENTS?

MONDAY

Service Industry Night

Queens Karaoke: George’s Place; 860 St Louis St; 10p.m. Hosted by Alvin McGee Free Cover Wednesdays: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 9pm Open Mic w/ Ryan Jenkins: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; 9p.m.

THURSDAY

Double Trouble Thursday: George’s Place; 860 St Louis St; 7pm. $6 Double Wells and $10 Double Calls Show Night: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 11:30pm. Featuring

the Bombshells of Baton Rouge Think and Drink Trivia: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue;

FRIDAY

$5 Fridays: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; Upstairs Karaoke: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 9pm $1 Martinis 9-10pm Theme Nights at Splash 7/26 - Homecoming: A Night Of Beyoncé 8/9 - August Birthday Bash 8/16 - Heroes & Villains Costume Party 8/23 - Drag Search All-Stars competition 8/30 - Spiceworld: A Night Of Spice Girls

SATURDAY

Non-stop Dance Music: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd Dancing in the Park: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue;

SUNDAY

Sunday Social Brunch: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue; Noon-3:00p.m. $20 Buffet with Bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 71

and Draft Beer

LAFAYETTE BOLT BAR & PATIO 114 McKinley St

THURSDAY

Thirsty Thursday; No Cover. $4 Double Wells and $2 wine

FRIDAY

The Ladies of Bolt; 11:30pm. $5 cover

SATURDAY

Dance Night; No Cover. Happy Hour 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

LAKE CHARLES CRYSTAL’S DOWNTOWN 720 Ryan Street

TUESDAY

Anything But Techno Tuesdays; 10 p.m. No Cover. Ladies drink half off

WEDNESDAY Drag Bingo & Show

THURSDAY

Drink & Drown Karaoke; $10 selective alcohol with $1 refill

PENSACOLA THE ROUNDUP 560 E Heinberg St

TUESDAY

Karaoke; 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

THURSDAY

Speed Quizzing Trivia; 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY

RUMORS

Ladies Night w/ Piano 6pm

3102 Seawall Blvd.

THURSDAY

Happy Hour every day until 7 p.m.

Movie Night with Chris 8pm

FRIDAY

Live Entertainment 6pm

SATURDAY

Live Entertainment 9pm

SUNDAY

Sing Along Sundays w/ Piano 4pm7pm

FRIDAY & SATURDAY Show Nights 11 p.m. & 12:30 a.m.

SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY Karaoke 8 p.m.

SUNDAY

The Sunday T with Carly & Kymber 4:30 p.m.

Drag Bingo with Monica Heart; 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Win cash and prizes

GALVESTON 23RD ST. STATION 1706 23rd Street

Happy Hour every day until 7 p.m.

MONDAY

ARE WE MISSING YOUR EVENTS? Email Us at info@ambushpublishing.com

Texas Hold ‘Em 7pm

TUESDAY

Tube-ular Tuesday with Jim 8pm

72 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Sipps Bar Gulfport, MS PHOTOS BY DWAIN HERTZ

SIPPS BAR GULFPORT Our beer is cold, patio is shaded, and pool tables and nightlife dance floor are waiting for your moves at Sipps bar Downtown Gulfport.

OPENING HOURS Everyday 5pm - TILL ADDRESS 2218 25th Ave, Gulfport, MS Phone: (228) 206-7717 Email: sipps25th@gmail.com www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 73

BUSINESS FINANCIAL & BUSINESS Too Busy to Prioritize Your Finances? Read This. Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA® s.billeaudeau@ampf.com We’re busier than ever these days. Constant notifications, work travel, kids’ activities and other important tasks are often competing for our immediate attention. Amid our packed schedules, it can be easy to set our finances on autopilot. If you can relate to this feeling, know there are several simple steps you can do in 10 minutes to feel more confident about your finances. The following are five suggestions: Identify (or update) your financial goals. It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day activities that leave you little time to consider your future goals. While it is easy to procrastinate about planning for long-term items, it’s important to start laying the groundwork for your future financial security. Take 10 minutes to jot down your goals for the next year, two-to-five years, and for the years beyond as a starting point. Understand your cash flow. In this era of side gigs, freelance work and second jobs, it’s common to have income flowing in from more than one

source. Or, perhaps a large percentage of your annual income fluctuates over time, based on bonuses or the timeline of projects you complete. No matter how your income comes in, it’s crucial to understand the sources and timing of your cash flow. Take 10 minutes to review your expected income for the next one-to-three months so you can spend with confidence. Enroll or log-in to digital tools to check your progress. Many banks and financial planning firms provide websites and apps to help you monitor your finances or take action on the go. Checking in on your money periodically can help you monitor for fraudulent transactions, track investment growth or move assets between accounts in real-time, before such tasks become a major to-do. Call your parents. As your parents’ approach or navigate retirement, you may have questions about how they plan to spend or finance their dayto-day activities – as well as what their

intensions are with their assets upon their death. Take 10 minutes today to call your parents to express your desire to have a sit-down conversation to discuss these matters. Reinforce with them that you do not mean to pry or need to know the full details of their finances. Rather, the goal of the conversation is for you to learn at a high-level what your parents’ plans are and see if and how you can help with any tasks. Call your kids. If you wonder about your parents’ future plans, it’s possible your kids may have similar questions about your financial situation. Call your kids to explain you want to have a conversation so they know what the plan is, should you experience a serious health event or pass away early. Again, you don’t need to share all the details. Consider giving them contact information for the professionals you work with and providing an overview of what they can expect from you in retirement. If you’re really pressed for time, engaging the right professionals can

help keep you accountable to achieving your goals. If you’re already working with an attorney, tax professional and financial advisor, take 10 minutes to schedule check-ins to review your finances in more detail. If you are seeking additional advice, use the time to ask a trusted friend for a referral or to do some research on who may be a good fit to work with you. Many professionals offer free consultations so you can learn more about their approach to helping clients before you sign on the dotted line. 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.

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Tony Leggio AT THE RED DRESS RUN | PHOTOS BY TONY LEGGIO

74 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory NEW ORLEANS

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Burgundy Bed and Breakfast, 2513 Burgundy St, (504) 261-9477, theburgundy.com Aaron Ingram Haus, 1012 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 949-3110, ingramhaus.com Blues60 Guest House, 1008 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 324-4311, blues60guesthouse.com The BEARigny Suites, 2226 N Rampart St, (504) 309-0062, thebearignysuite.com

BARS & CLUBS

Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd, (504) 8320659

Bourbon St, (504) 593-9761

(504) 523-4517 Friendly Bar, 2301 Chartres St, (504) 943-8929

700 Club, 700 Burgundy St, (504) 5611095, 700nola.com

Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St, (504) 529-2860

Black Penny, 700 N Rampart St, (504) 304-4779, facebook.com/ blackpennynola

GrandPre’s, 834 N Rampart St, (504) 267-3615 Kajun’s Pub, 2256 St Claude Ave, (504) 947-3735 Mags 940, 940 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 948-1888 Oz New Orleans, 800 Bourbon St, (504) 593-9491, ozneworleans.com Phoenix Bar, 941 Elysian Fields Ave, (504) 945-9264, phoenixbarnola.com Rawhide 2010, 740 Burgundy St, (504) 525-8106, rawhide2010.com

Bourbon Pub/Parade, 801 Bourbon St, (504) 529-2107, bourbonpub.com

The Page Bar, 542 N Rampart St, (504) 875-4976

Café Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon St, (504) 522-8397, www.lafittes.com

VooDoo Lounge, 718 N Rampart St, (504) 265-0953

Corner Pocket, 940 St Louis St, (504) 568-9829, www.cornerpocket.net

The Country Club, 634 Louisa St, (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans. com

Cutter’s Bar, 706 Franklin Ave, (504) 948-4200 Crossing NOLA, 439 Dauphine St,

Phillips Bar, 733 phillipsbar.com Lafitte’s

Blacksmith

Cherokee

St,

Shop,

941

Big Daddy’s, 2513 Royal street, (504) 948-6288 Big Easy Daiquiris, Several locations throughout the French Quarter Good Friends Bar, 740 Dauphine Street, (504) 566-7191, goodfriendsbar.com Napoleon’s Itch, 734 Bourbon St, (504) 237-4144 Tropical Isle, 721 Bourbon St, (504) 529-4109, tropicalisle.com Allways Lounge and Cabaret, 2240 St. Claude Ave

BOOKSTORES

Faubourg Marigny Art and Books, 600 Frenchmen St

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Gay Easter Parade, Easter Sunday, gayeasterparade.com Gay Mardi Gras, gaymardigras.com

New Orleans Pride, June 7-9, 2019, NewOrleansPrideFestival.com Southern Decadence, Labor Day Weekend, SouthernDecadence.com Halloween New Orleans, October 25-27, 2019, HalloweenNewOrleans. com Gay Appreciation ambushpublishing.com

Awards,

GALLERIES

Casell Bergen Gallery, 1305 Decatur St, (504) 478-6744, casellbergengallery.com

GROCERIES

Matassa’s Market, 1001 Dauphine St, (504) 412-8700, https://www. matassas.com Quartermaster Deli, 1100 Bourbon St, www.quartermasterdeli.net Robert’s Fresh Market, 2222 St. Claude Ave, (504) 207-0162, robertfreshmarket.com

GUIDES

Official Gay Easter Parade Guide, gayeasterparade.com Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, gaymardigras.com

76 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory Official Gay New Orleans Guide, gayneworleans.com Official Pride Guide, neworleanspridefestival.com Official Southern Decadence Guide, southerndecadence.com

HAIR SALONS

FiFi Mahony’s, 934 Royal St, (504) 525-4343, fifimahonys.com Head Quarters Hair Salon, 906 Bourbon St, (504) 522-2666 Micky Nolan Salon, 717 Toulouse St, (504) 587-7782, mickeynolansalon. com Two Guys Cutting Hair, 2372 St Claude Ave #125, 215.519.5030, (504) 239-2397

2000 Canal Street, 4th Floor, 4C Clinic, (504) 702-4344, umcno.org/ infectiousdisease CrescentCare, 1631 Elysian FIelds Ave, (504) 821-2601, crescentcare. org

MUSEUMS

Krewe of Mwindo, PO Box 51031, (504) 913-5791 Krewe of Stars, 1010 Conti St, kreweofstars.com Krewe of Narcissus, PO Box 3832, (504) 228-9441

com P-Flag New Orleans, (504) 617-5987, alberto.oliver@cox.com Mystic Krewe of Apollo de New Orleans, mkaneworleans.com

PHARMACY

Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leater, 1000 Bourbon Street #B415, lordsofleather.org

ORGANIZATIONS

Mumfrey’s Pharmacy, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., (504) 279-6312, mumfreyspharmacy.com

Renegade Bears of Louisiana, PO Box 3083, renegadebearsoflouisiana@ gmail.com

Avita Pharmacy, 2601 Tulane Ave Ste 445, (504) 822-8013

NOLA Softball League, nolasoftball. org

Crescent City Leathermen, 941 Elysian Fields Ave, crescentcityleathermen.org

G Douglas Photography, LLC, Wedding and Portriat Photography, By Appointment Only, gdouglasadamsphotography.com

Mardi Gras Museum, 813 Bienville St, (504) 523-5433 Louisiana Trans Advocates, (877) 565-8860, latransadvocates.org

Crescent City rougarouxrugby.org

Rougaroux,

NOAGE, noagenola.org

PHOTOGRAPHY

Stonewall Sports, facebook.com/ groups/stonewallneworleans

The Krewe of King kreweofkingarthur.com

Arthur,

Craig Fremin Photography, By Appointment Only, craigfremin.com

Mary’s Ace Hardware, 732 N Rampart St, (504) 529-4465, acehardware.com

Krewe of Petronius, PO Box 1102, kreweofpetronius.net

LGBT Community Center, 2727 S Broad Ave, (504) 333-5412

Graham/ Studio One, By Appointment Only, grahamstudioone.com

HEALTHCARE

Krewe of Amon- Ra, PO Box 7033, kreweofamonra.com

Gulf South Chamber of Commerce, (504) 754-5279, gulfsouthchamber. com

Parker Studios, By Appointment Only, halle.parker15@outlook.com

Friday Night Before Mardi Gras, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com

Steve Richards Properties Latter & Blum, 712 Orleans Ave, (504) 2581800

HARDWARE

Odyssey House, 1125 North Tonti Street, ohlinc.org Access Health Louisiana, 3300 South Broad Street, 234 Loyola Ave. Ste 300B, accesshealthla.org UMC - HIV Outpatient Program,

Krewe of Apollo de New Orleans, P. O. Box 770973, www.mkaneworleans. com Krewe of Armenius, 433 N. Broad St, armenius.org

Krewe of Queenateenas/ King Cake Queen Royalty Club, gaymardigras.

REAL ESTATE

Michael

Styles

Realtor,Engel

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 77

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory Volkers, (504) 777-1773, nolastyles. com, Michael specializes in helping first-time homebuyers and real estate investors find the perfect New Orleans properties.

Cru, 535 Franklin Ave, (504) 446-0040, crunola.com

RELIGION

St. Anna’s Espicopal Church, 1313 Esplanade Ave, (504) 947-2121, stannanola.org Metropolitan Community Church New Orleans, 5401 S Claiborne Ave, mccneworleans.com

bombayclubneworleans.

Washing Well Laundryteria, 841 Bourbon St, (504) 523-9955

Dat Dog on Frenchmen, 601 Frenchmen St, (504) 309-3362, datdog.com

The Ruby Slipper Café, 2001 Burgundy St, (504) 525-9355, therubyslippercafe.net

Bear Hebert Yoga and Life Coach, bearteachesyoga.com

EAT, 900 Dumaine St, (504) 522-7222, eatnola.com

Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St, (504) 872-0360, whodatcoffee. com

Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe, 1241 Decatur St, (504) 524-3689, cafeenvie.com

RESTAURANTS

Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres Street, (504) 598-5005, kingfishneworleans.com

Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard,

Lousiana Pizza Kitchen, 615 S. Carrollton Ave, (504) 237-0050, louisianapizzakitchenuptown.com

801 Royal, 801 Royal Street, (504) 581-0801, 801royal.com 819 Rue Conti, (504) 581-3866, broussards.com

Cafe Sbisa, 1011 Decatur Street, (504) 522-5565, cafesbisanola.com Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop , 2309 N. Causeway Blvd, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St, (504) 598-1010, www.clovergrill.com Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa Street, (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubnreorleans.com

Mona Lisa, 1212 Royal St, (504) 5226746, monalisaneworleans.com, NOLA Poboys, 908 Bourbon, (504) 655-3312, nolapoboys.com Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Ave, (504) 5231930, Orleansgrapevine.com Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal Street, royalhouserestaurant.com Santa Fe Restaurant, 3201 Esplanade, (504) 948-0077, santafenola.com The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, (504)

577-2237, com

Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 9207 W. St. Bernard Hwy, (504) 354-8452

RETAIL

Mr. Binky’s Boutique, 107 Chartres St, (504) 302-2095 QT Pie Boutique, 241 Dauphine St, (504) 581-6633 Skully’z Recordz, 907 Bourbon St, (504) 592-4666 Bourbon Pride, 909 Bourbon Street, (504) 566-1570 COK (Clothing or Kink), 941 Elysian FIelds, Located inside the Phoenix Bar XXX Shop, 1835 N. Rampart St, (504) 232-3063

SERVICES

Formal Connection, 299 Belle Terre Blvd, 985.652-1195

NOLA Healer: Lawrence Gobble, nolahealer.com , Massage Therapy A&B Errand Services, (504) 3197227, aandberrandservices.com Flambeaux CrossFit, 505 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie, flambeauxcrossfit.com

THEATERS

Cafe Istanbul, 2372 St. Claude Ave #140, (504) 974-0786, cafeistanbulnola.com Southern Rep Theater, 2541 Bayou Road, (504) 522-6545, southernrep. com

TOURS

Crescent City Tours, 638 St. Ann, (504) 568-0717, Gay New Orleans Walking Tours

HOUSTON

BARS & CLUBS

Rich’s, 2401 San Jacinto Street, www. facebook.com/richshouston JR’s, 808 Pacific Street, (713) 5212519, jrsbarandgrill.com

78 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory Eagle Houston, 611 Hyde Park Blvd, (713) 523-2473, houstoneagle.com

Rouge, (225) 242-949, splashbr.com

Guava Lamp, 570 Waugh Drive, (713) 524-3359, guavalamphouston.com

George’s Place, 860 St. Louis St, Baton Rouge, (225) 387-9798, georgesplacebr.com

Pearl Houston, 4216 Washington Ave281.757-3229, facebook.com/ pearlbarhouston/

The Park Pub & Bar, 4619 Benningotn Ave, Baton Rouge, Facebook @ theparkbr

Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon, 11410 Hempstead Rd, (713) 6770828, neonbootsclub.com

Bolt, 114 McKinley St, Lafayette, (337) 534-4913, facebook.com/boltlaffy

Ripcord, 715 Fairview St, (713) 5212792, theripcord.com The Ranch Hill Saloon, 24704 Interstate 45 Ste 103, (281) 298-9035, ranchhill.com Axelrad, 1517 Alabama St, (713) 5978800, alexradbeergarden.com Poison Girl Cocktail Lounge, 1641 Westheimer Rd. Ste B, (713) 5279929, poisongirlbar.com

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Houston Pride, June 22, pridehouston. org The Woodlands Pride, September, thewoodlandstxpride.wordpress.com QFEST, Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, q-fest.com

ORGANIZATIONS

UH LGBTQ Resource Center, 4465 University Drive, (832) 842-6191, www.uh.edu/lgbtq The Montrose Center, 401 Branard Street, (713) 529-0037, montrosecenter.org AIDS Foundation of Houston, 6260 Westpark Dr. Suite 100, (713) 6236796, aidshelp.org

PHARMACY

Avita Pharmacy, 6800 West Loop South Ste 225, (713) 592-0211, avitapharmacy.com

SOUTH LOUISIANA ACCOMMODATIONS

Apartments Available for Rent in Baton Rouge. Friendly, quiet, small apartment complex with one and two bedroom apartments available now. Pool, free parking, gated property, centrally located, owners live on site. Please contact us today for a tour: (225) 505-6531, @ChateauJacques, facebook.com/chateaujacques Mid City Baton Rouge. 1 or 2 Bedroom for rent: Furnished or Unfurnished $450/month per bedroom. Includes all utilities, internet, and full use of the house with washer and dryer. No smoking or drugs in house. Richard Clement rpcgemcajun@hotmail.com or text (225) 666-9194

BARS & CLUBS

Splash, 2183 Highland Rd, Baton

Crystals, 112 W. Broad St, Lake Charles, (337) 433-5457

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Baton Rouge Pride, June 15, brpride. org Acadiana Pride, acadianapride.org

Date

TBA,

Pride of SWLA, Date TBA, prideofswla. org, info@prideofswla.org

HEALTHCARE

HAART (HIV AIDS Alliance Region Two, Inc), 4550 North Blvd. Ste 250, Baton Rouge, (225) 927-1269, haartinc.org

ORGANIZATIONS

Krewe of Apollo de Baton Rouge, apollobatonrouge.com Krewe of Apollo kreweofapollo.com

Lafayette,

PHARMACY

Avita Pharmacy, 5551 Corporate Blvd, Baton Rouge, avitapharmacy. com

NORTHERN LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI & ALABAMA BARS & CLUBS

Club Pink, 1914 Roselawn Avenue, Monroe, myclubpink.com Central Station, 1025 Marshall St, Shreveport, (318) 222-2216 The Korner Lounge, 800 Louisiana Ave, Shreveport, thekornerlounge. com Wonderlust, 3911 Drive, Jackson, (337) wonderlustjackson.com

CAMPING

Wildwoods Hideaway, Eutaw, AL, (205) 860-0836, wildwoodshideaway. com

Rumors Biloxi, 3540 Bienville Blvd, Biloxi, (228) 875-4131 Just Us Lounge, 906 Division Street, Biloxi, (228) 374-1007

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Sipps Bar Gulfport, 2218 25th Ave, Gulfport, (228) 206-7717, sippsgulfport.com

Oxford Pride, April 28-May 5, Oxford MS, oxfordmspride.rocks

Mobile Pride, October 5, 2019, Mobile, AL, mobpride.org

Central Alabama Pride, June 1-10, 2019, Birmingham, AL, facebook. com/centralalabamaprideinc

Gulf Coast Pride, June 29, 2019, Biloxi, MA, gcpride.org

CENLA Pride, May 31 - June 2, Alexandria, LA, facebook.com/ cenlaclasspride

Druid City Pride, October 2019, Tuscaloosa, AL, druidcitypride.org

ORGANIZATIONS

The Spectrum Center, 210 S 25th Ave, Hattiesburg, (601) 909-5338 Krewe of Apollo mkabirmingham.com

Birminham,

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Sexacola, May 23, Pensacola, FL, sexacolabeach.com Memorial Weekend Pensacola, Pensacola, FL, johnnychisholm.com Pensacola Pride, June 15-16, facebook.com/pensacolapride

HEALTHCARE

Oasis Florida, 25 E Wright Street, (850) 429-7551, oasisflorida.org

RELIGION

Safe Harbor Family Church, safeharborfamilychurch.org Joshua Generation joshuageneration.rocks

MCC,

GULF COAST BARS & CLUBS

The Midtown Pub, 153 Foorida Street, Mobile, (251) 450-1555 Gabriel’s Downtown, 55 South Joachmin Street, Mobile, (251) 4324900 B-Bob’s, 213 Conti Street, Mobile (251) 433-2262, b-bobs.com Flip Side Bar & Patio, 545 S. Conception Street, Mobile, (251) 4318819, flipsidebarpatio.com The Roundup 560 East Heinberg Street, Pensacola, (850) 433-8482 Cabaret, 101 S Jefferson Street E, Pensacola, (850) 607-2020

Coastal Family Health Care, 1046 Division St, Biloxi, coastalfamilyhealth. org

HIV CARE AND SERVICES

My Brothers Keeper, 407 Orchard Park, Ridgeland, MS, (769) 257-7721, mbkinc.org

ORGANIZATIONS

Order of Osiris, PO Box 1991, Mobile, AL, orderofosiris.com Order of Dinoysus D’Iberville, MS, https://www.facebook.com/Order-OfDionysus Gulf Coast Transgender Alliance, (850) 332-8416, gulfcoasttransgenderalliance.com, gctransgenderalliance@gmail.com Gay Grassroots, 6847 N. 9th Avenue, Ste A, Box 317, Pensacola, ggnwfl. com

Northview 378-9003,

Our Place, 2115 7th Ave Birmingham, (205) 715-0077

Al’s on 7th Street, 2627 7th Ave S, Birmingham, (205) 422-4218 Quest Bar, 416 24th Street S, Birmingham, (205) 251-4313, info@ quest-club.com Chapel Bar, 620 27th Street S, Brirmingham, (205) 703-9778, chapelbarinfo@gmail.com

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COMICS, PUZZLES & HOROSCOPES WORD SEARCH

Southern Decadence Parade Stops Locate the given words in the grid, running in one of eight possible directions horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. CHALLENGE: How many can you find? Tag us and your completed puzzle on Facebook @AmbushMag

B S Q H P G A L

A E S D V T

X B Y Y R N H L

Q R P J

K L

M C D Y G D A Z

X U N W B A G U G C H O D Z

N F

X D R N D A K G R S D

Y K M H E S Z

X V T

V D N C A Q C R T K A P H I

E L

H I

R I

U Q R D S J D Z

C R O S S I

N G R O Y V C Z

X P J

X W T

D G P P S U D I G I 0

H Y T

B B I

K C A K E U J

S H N J 0

Q S V N

C L

R I

A Y J

A O H X R

R A G R I

X U X S T

S A H R

H N K S D P I

U R U R H E K I

V T

P O S N W L

O D T

O B E E A A

M N S V A X I L

W U N

E N D S V A M B Z

D B N E M U V P X S A F

W C U C O R N E R P O C K E T

W D H O B E G N I

S P E F

X P I

O M Y T

U M K D G S X O D C F

U O G O O D F

O J

B Y B A S H O N U Z

Y R J

R O

S V D U F

E Z

D F

G V G S K I

C D O E

D C E M C Q V V W J

U B K P A G E M S C E H E J

B V B O U R B O N P U B O U I

PUZZLE WORD BANK

GoldenLantern Crossing CornerPocket Page 700Club GrandPres GoodFriends BourbonPub Oz Lafittes Rawhide

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80 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

HOROSCOPES Messages from the Oracle in New Orleans Dan Beck, #1 Astrologer in New Orleans dan@innermakeup.net If you just want to read your horoscope, skip this paragraph. But I encourage you to pause and consider the nature of astrology and what it means to read your horoscope. Astrology was originally understood as omens, prophecies, and oracles. Whenever you go to a psychic, tarot reader, or an astrologer like myself, you’re engaging with the possibilities of the future. But modern astrology is also the alignment of the heavens at your moment of birth that serves as the celestial signature of your personality. This combination of your star chart and sun sign—Aries, Taurus, etc.—and the usage of that tool to divine the future is here for your taking. Astrology offers the LGBTQ community a chance to reclaim a space lost to modern science and religion. Though different, ancient pagan cultures venerated divination and celebrated what we now recognize as modern gay elements. This is for your entertainment so let’s start the party that will take us to the stars! What is decadence? Decadence privileges primal impulses over order and restraint. This weekend will feature drinking, merriment, sex, Grindr, and now Tinder with everybody jumping on the bandwagon. Fun and friends rule the day. But glib decadence without romanticism is the sheer force of nature bereft of transcendence. As you’re having a good time this weekend, remember to love along the way. Use the analytical faculties to discern what will best serve you as you move into the next couple weeks. Then the unleashing of the daemons (spirits) will lift you up as opposed to creating a hangover that wasn’t worth the price of admission.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19 This Decadence has you asserting yourself sexually. But ironically you end up servile. This requires readjusting the emphasis on your ego as a sexual encounter surprisingly brings up some old wounds. When you recognize this and heal your pain, you’re able to truly ram ahead.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20 You surprise yourself that Decadence is all about ladies’ nights. But your mind is really on bringing a lover back to your hotel room. You might end up ditching your friends because of this. Be practical about that decision and consider how it affects everyone else.

LIBRA

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20 You’re enjoying what the local habitat has to offer, but don’t spend recklessly. By focusing on protecting your finances, you make gains. This doesn’t need to be all or nothing, and go with your gut in these matters. Reject both a strictly conservative or reckless path.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22 It’s fun and games right now with an emphasis on family. You’re happily aligned with your emotions generally speaking, but in a couple of weeks, your feelings will be focused on your partner. Make sure not to bottle up your emotions when this happens as it might disrupt the protective shell you’ve built.

LEO

July 23 - August 22 Per your usual self, you’re interested in grabbing attention. All through July you were pondering this fact. You try to grab attention at all costs, especially around a group of girls, but don’t spill your wine. In other words don’t sacrifice your decorum to rise to the fore. And don’t be upset if your performance falls flat with the crowd.

VIRGO

August 23 - September 22 You’re arguably the most active during Decadence and the couple weeks after. You’re enjoying your friends but as a workaholic, you’re focusing on your career. Be careful about all work and no play. Release some tension by having a good time. You just might expand your mind with this new philosophy.

September 23 - October 22 A perennial blind spot of yours is maintaining balance at all costs. But where it’s really at is making shrewd judgments. Make hard choices regardless of which side the shoe drops. During this Decadence and in the coming weeks make sure you meditate on the motivations of those around you. Make those tough decisions without regard to fairness. Always aiming for balance and beauty leaves you in a fallen state of mind.

SCORPIO

October 23 - November 21 You might get caught up in a liaison that comes from your social networks. Tread carefully as this encounter will leave you chained and bound to each other. But deep down this is what you want and ultimately this is advantageous. You’ll be surprised that this person you view as pure is actually the devil in disguise. You cede some power, and this helps you deal with your control issues.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 - December 21 Generally speaking you’ve been having a great year especially since the beginning of this month. But rethink how you’ve given of yourself this past year as you have a surplus that is being spent. This Southern Decadence you might run the risk of buying a round of drinks for those who may be less than deserving.

CAPRICORN

December 22 - January 19 For the past couple of years the structures in your life have been challenged. Some have remained and

H N S A R C A E RA T EX

some have crumbled. This will continue through late 2020. This weekend, consider which relationships really nurture you emotionally and protect you through this transformative time. By the end of Decadence weekend, you’ll be in a better more relaxed position regardless of the cold realities you’ve been facing.

AQUARIUS

January 20 - February 18 Your head is in the future, and you can see it quite clearly, but you can only actualize the future you so desire by letting the past go and placing the appropriate structures in place that will move you forward. A fated encounter with another opens your mind to this kind of thinking, maybe even a quiet companion you’ve been ignoring to your detriment. Take this opportunity or it might be your undoing.

PISCES

February 19 - March 20 You have a real chance for romance this Southern Decadence and it might happen at the hotel or at your house. This is a deeply nourishing encounter and this partner will help you unleash some of your creative potential. Love leads to passion and passion in turn leads to artistic endeavours. Hold onto the feeling from this tryst and it will become a guiding principal in expressive pursuits. I’m Dan Beck, M.M. Yale University and #1 Astrologer in New Orleans. I’m at your service for readings, parties, events, corporate trainings, and more. Visit http://www.innermakeup.net and to contact me email dan@innermakeup.net or call 504-313-8706.

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SPORTS New Orleans-area Little League team comes up huge on biggest stage Ken Trahan, Crescent City Sports For years, I have heard the comments about the Little League World Series. Why are the networks showcasing young adolescents? Isn’t it a bit much for children to get this kind of attention and be saddled with the undeniable pressure put on them in the process? Then again, watching the spectacle annually has been refreshing. You simply have to keep things in perspective, not to blow the entire experience out of its natural order. The attendance in Williamsport is fabulous. The networks (ABC/ESPN) certainly would not give up so much air time for the event unless there was an audience. There was certainly a huge audience in south Louisiana, if not throughout the state. This time around, there was a special interest in the event with an area team based on the East Bank of Jefferson Parish with players from around the metro New Orleans area. Consider the obvious. This team from the Greater New Orleans area defeated teams from

much larger metropolitan areas, much larger states and then finally from another country to win a national championship. It is mind boggling and, at the very least, an amazing accomplishment. Scott Frazier is not a baseball dad. The head coach of the championship squad does it for his love of the game. He and his wife actually have two daughters. Of course, Frazier was an outstanding first baseman at Archbishop Rummel under Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame inductee Larry Schneider back in the late 1980’s and was an integral part of a state championship team with the Raiders in 1989. When I had Scott on our radio show with Ed Daniels and me this past Saturday morning, he said his team was already a winner, regardless of the outcome of their United States championship game with Hawaii, a team which had beaten the Louisiana squad to open the World Series. Amazingly, Louisiana roared all the way back from that loss to win it all, an

amazing accomplishment. The young men won six games in eight days to claim the title. That included a win over Hawaii, 9-5, to exact revenge for the national title. To cap their run, the Louisiana team dominated Curacao, a terrific team, in the World Series championship game. In the 8-0 win, Egan Prather pitched a complete game two-hitter. He walked no one and struck out six in a masterful performance, using 88 pitches. Prather was fantastic throughout the series. He posted two victories and struck out 19 in just 14 1/3 innings. The River Ridge-based squad played flawless, errorless defense as well while the offense pounded out 10 hits in the six-inning affair. Ryan Darrah drove in a pair of runs and Marshall Louque had a pair of RBI doubles and an RBI single. Most notable was the performance of Reece Roussel, who had two doubles and drove in a run to finish the World Series by setting an event record with 17 hits, including seven doubles.

Roussel batted a scalding .739 for the World Series (17-of-23). Louque also had seven doubles in the World Series. It was truly the definition of a team effort. All 13 players on the team roster had a least one hit in the World Series. Frazier was the perfect leader for the Louisiana squad. His positive attitude throughout was evident and it clearly rubbed off on his players, who showed no strain or stress in accomplishing something that will be etched in their memories and the memories of many others for a lifetime. The Little League team from the New Orleans area came up as big as possible on the biggest stage there is. In the tradition of baseball, here is a big tip of the cap to Frazier and his terrific team. This article was originally published by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

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Come Join Us For Fun Bowling!!!

Kocktail Bunch Bowling League Fall League Starts Monday, September 16 @ 7pm New Members Arrive @ 6:30pm Teams of 4 or Individuals Welcome Everyone Invited From Novices to Pros AMF All Star Lanes 3640 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA. For more information or questions, contact: kocktailbunch@att.net www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 83

Saints linebackers bring solid mix of talent, versatility, experience Rene Nadeau, Crescent City Sports The New Orleans Saints at one time featured some of the better linebackers in the NFL over the history of the franchise. Of course, the famed Dome Patrol from the late 1980’s and early 1990’s consisting of Canton inductee Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills, Vaughn Johnson and Pat Swilling have been proclaimed by many as the best group at their position in league history. This year’s Saints linebacking corps is not quite to that level (who is?) but they are a solid bunch. The position is currently manned by a mix of experiences and physically gifted players. Three of the top four tacklers in the group were brought in through free agency while one was a third round draft pick by the team. They all seem to mesh as a cohesive group. “We’ve got some experience at the position,” explained Saints linebackers coach Mike Nolan, who enters his 32nd campaign coaching in the NFL. “This is my third year here. We’ve added experience to the group.” Demario Davis, the team’s leading tackler in 2018, his first season in New Orleans has averaged 110 tackles per season throughout his career. He had exactly that many for the Saints last year. A.J. Klein was third on the team in tackles with a career-best 70 stops. Now in his seventh pro campaign, he has solidified his spot in the lineup after spending his first four years with Carolina as a part time starter. Alex Anzalone comes off of a 59-tackle campaign as a former third round pick in 2017 who only played in four games as a rookie due to injuries. However, his talent was apparent from the moment he arrived to New Orleans. Craig Robertson has misleading stats. Much of his work has been done as a part timer who also makes an impact on special teams. When afforded the opportunity, he produces. The former Cleveland Browns linebacker had 131 stops in 2016 and 77 the following season. Through different career paths, the foursome has found a home together with the Saints. “It’s a good, solid group. They all have high aspirations to get better. They work hard. It’s a good group that helps us win games and they have improved each time they’re on the field,” Nolan said.

Saints linebackers Demario Davis (#56) and Craig Robertson (#52) return in 2019 (Photo: Parker Waters)

One new arrival this season, surprising seventh rounder Kaden Elliss, should compete for playing time in the base defense as well as special teams. “He has done a very good job,” continued Nolan. “He played in multiple positions in college. I see that flexibility in his play. We’ve left him at inside LB for now, but he has shown versatility. He has shown the ability to make plays. He still has a lot to learn about the position because he has played DE, inside and outside on the line, as well as inside and outside. He’s a guy to watch during preseason from a fan’s standpoint.” The 6-foot-2, 238-pound rookie out of Idaho understands the importance of consistency throughout, as well as making a mark on special teams. The latter is how players like Eliss often make their first mark in the league. “Yes, it is very important,” Elliss agreed regarding special teams impact. “I keep working my heart out. I keep working to get better.” Eliss has rewarded the team with nine tackles during preseason thus far

“We’ve got some experience at the position,” explained Saints linebackers coach Mike Nolan, who enters his 32nd campaign coaching in the NFL. “This is my third year here. We’ve added experience to the group.”

and has paced the defense with the most reps during the first two exhibition contests. He is surprised at the opportunities afforded to him so quickly. “I wasn’t sure how that was going to go. It’s one of those things coming in that you hope so, but you really don’t know. It’s one thing to study the play book, but to get reps. To go in and do it well or make a mistake and learn from it. To feel it. I’m so grateful for the opportunity. The coaches and vets have been helpful to me.” Elliss’ father Luther was a 12-year NFL veteran and two-time Pro Bowler. For Kaden, that has provided him with valuable dialogue when father and son converse following a game. “My dad is definitely coaching me up in a lot of things,” he emphasized. “It’s great to have it that was. It’s great to hear it from my dad who has been here and done this.” Let’s get back to Robertson, a Swiss Army knife-type of player who has been invaluable after coming to New Orleans as a free agent after five seasons with the Browns. He has been asked to fill in an assortment of roles but his humble nature and versatility combine to make him so valuable to a contender. Robertson comes to play at full speed each time on the field, earning total respect from fellow teammates and coaches alike. “Craig does an outstanding job as a team leader,” said Nolan. “He’s one

of the leaders of this football team, especially on special teams. That does not short change his ability to be a defensive leader also. Craig is a very good football player, very versatile, very smart. The guys respect him a tremendous amount. It’s rare that you have a guy who is backup, but gets as much respect as a starter does.” The sum of all parts of the Saints linebacking group may not end up among the greats of all time, but it’s a winning collection of talent for a Super Bowl contender. LAGNIAPPE: You might also want to keep tabs on two-year veteran Darnell Sankey, who quietly leads the defense with 10 total tackles for the preseason. The former four-year starter at Sacramento State was added to the Saints practice squad last season in September after short NFL stops with the Broncos, Raiders, Chiefs, Vikings, Colts, Ravens and Lions. Perhaps the practice squad is his destiny again while waiting for a chance to shines. This article was originally published by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

84 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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Steve Barrios still a ﬁxture of Tulane Football Tom Symonds, Crescent City Sports NEW ORLEANS – Ask any casual football fan about the World Football League and there’s a safe bet that most won’t remember the league or for that matter what teams where in the league. Steve Barrios, however, remembers it well. How could he forget? Barrios chased his professional dreams in the World Football League with teams in Jacksonville and Birmingham. Although the World Football League would eventually cease operations in 1975, his involvement with the league opened the doors to a lifetime of memories with Tulane University – his beloved alma mater. During his time with the Birmingham Americans, Barrios met Larry Matson in 1974, who served as the team’s play-by-play voice. Four years later, Matson made his way to Uptown as the new “Voice of the Green Wave” and he needed a color analyst.

Matson knew just who to call. The request to Barrios was simple: ‘how would you like to be my color analyst for Tulane football?’ Barrios grew up on the West Bank of New Orleans, so having the opportunity to serve as the color analyst for his alma mater was an easy decision. Thirty-six seasons later, Barrios is still a fixture on the Tulane football radio broadcasts. This fall Barrios returns for his 37th year in the broadcast booth as the team’s color analyst. “It’s been a way for me to stay involved after my playing days were over, be close to the team, be a part of Tulane and hopefully contribute my part to help the program,” Barrios said. Barrios, who starred for the Green Wave from 1969-71, came to Tulane following an impressive prep career at West Jefferson High School where he led the team in receiving yards in 1969 and 1970. In 2000, he was inducted

Barrios grew up on the West Bank of New Orleans, so having the opportunity to serve as the color analyst for his alma mater was an easy decision.

into the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame. A lot has changed with Tulane football since 1978, his season with the team, but the one constant has been Barrios’ voice over the airwaves. “I’ll be coming up to my eighth play-by-play guy when Andrew (Allegretta) comes in to do the games this year,” Barrios said. “It’s been fun. Each guy was uniquely different, brought a different passion to the game and things that he did. I think I’ve learned from each guy. It’s just been a continual learning process, but it’s been fun.” Over the course of his broadcasting career, Barrios’ travels with the team have taken him all over the country and although there are still some long hours on planes and busses that come along with team travel, the former Tulane star still relishes the opportunity to be a part of a team. “Those long road trips are still fun, it’s a mini vacation,” Barrios said. “Even though you leave on a Friday and you come back immediately after the game on Saturday, it’s a little get away. It’s always a treat to go to those places and see those sites and those fields and the pageantry of college football.” Of all the trips Barrios has been on with the team over the course of his 36 years on the air, it was the Green Wave’s trip to Hawai’i in 2002 that still remains his most memorable. “The Hawaii Bowl would have to be the ultimate bowl game,” Barrios said. “It was phenomenal, we got to spend six days in Hawaii. The way we won the game made it the most memorable trip so far with Tulane.” Tulane outscored Hawai’i 30-14 in the second half to rally back from a 14-6 first half deficit. Quarterback JP Losman had 240 passing yards in the game to lead the Green Wave to the 2002 Hawai’i Bowl title. For Barrios it is the student-athletes that he gets the chance to interact with that keep the job fun and at Tulane there has been no shortage of great people he has dealt with over the years. “There are so many great guys that have come through during my time on the radio” Barrios said. “Patrick Ramsey was probably my all-time favorite. That guy was an incredible football player, he was tough as nails, but he was the ultimate gentleman. Mewelde Moore and Matt Forte also stand out. They were class act guys. There’s just been a lot of them, but those guys really stand out.” In addition to the people, it is the seasons that are also memorable and in the 350-plus football games he has called as the team’s color radio analyst, Barrios has seen his fair share of highs, but no year was more memorable as the program’s perfect season in

1998. “The entire 1998 season was really a great season but one game in particular stands out in the 1998 season,” Barrios said. “It was against the Louisville Cardinals. That was really a phenomenal game and that actually propelled Tulane on to that perfect season in 1998.” As the Green Wave enters the 2019 season, Barrios sees a lot of similarities with the current team to the 1998 team, which finished 12-0. “I think coming off the season we had last year going 7-6, going to the Cure Bowl and winning that football game has given the same type of excitement around the program that we had coming back to the 98 season,” Barrios said. “It would really be nice to go back to a bowl game this year and win it. It would make history.” The uncertainty of a season is what makes college football fun for Barrios that and his love for Tulane. With the upcoming season just around the corner, Barrios is excited as ever for the start of the 2019 season because of the foundation head coach Willie Fritz put in place since arriving in 2016. “When Coach Fritz came in, his main goal was to change the culture here at Tulane,” Barrios said. “I think we’ve seen him incrementally do that from year one to year two to year three and of course year three with the bowl game last year was a huge step. So, I am really excited about where he’s been and where I think the program is going under his leadership.” Tulane opens the 2019 season on Thursday, August 29 at home against FIU with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. The Green Wave are coming off a memorable 2018 campaign that was highlighted by a win in the AutoNation Cure Bowl and an American Athletic Conference West Division Co-Championship. For season ticket information, please call 504-861-WAVE (9283), log on to TulaneTix.com or visit the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center. Download the official mobile app of Tulane Athletics. Now, you can stay in touch with the Green Wave anytime and anywhere on your Android or iOS mobile device. Follow Tulane football on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @GreenWaveFB. Follow Tulane Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. This article was originally published by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

86 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · August 27 - September 9, 2019 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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