Ambush Magazine Volume 38 Issue 05

THE OFFICIAL GAY MAGAZINE OF THE GULF SOUTH™

A Biweekly Publication Celebrating LGBTQ Life, Music & Culture Since 1982 VOLUME 38 ISSUE 05

TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020

www.AMBUSHMAG.com

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by TJ ACOSTA, PUBLISHER

Dear Ambush Nation, As we all recover from Carnival, take this opportunity to once again enjoy highlights from Mardi Gras 2020.

Inside this issue are more pictures from some of the many events that highlighted the Carnival season. Now that Mardi Gras is over we can all begin to focus on the next holiday as Easter is less than 5 weeks away. How exhausting yet how glorious it is to live in New Orleans.

THE 21ST ANNUAL GAY EASTER PARADE The Gay Easter Parade (GEP)

Board met this past week to finalize plans for this year’s events. Once again, the GEP will be a fundraiser for Food For Friends, a division of CrescentCare. In its 20 years, the GEP has raised over $300,000 for Food For Friends. Each year there are a series of fundraisers that help pay for the parade and all monies raised after expenses of the parade are donated to Food For Friends.

The annual Spring Fever and Sponsorship Party will be held on March 22nd upstairs at the Bourbon Pub. On March 28, there will be an “Egg”stravaganza at the Golden

Inside this Issue of Ambush Magazine Community Announcements

6

Arts & Culture

14

Health & Wellness

34

Hot Happenings Calendar

38

Business & LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory

52

Comics, Puzzles & Horoscopes

59

Sports

61

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

Lantern. On March 29, there will be a brunch at Cypress Lake Country Club of Destrehan. There will also be the Star Studded Extravaganza drag show at Oz that night. April 4th will be the Purple Party at Crossing and Good Friday, April 10, will be the Bunnies in the Big Easy Party. We will have more details including times and entertainment in the next few days. Be sure to look on our Facebook page for more information at @AmbushMag. I’d also like to say congratulations to this year’s Easter Grand Marshals, James Garner of the Golden Lantern and current Oz performer and entertainer Dominique DeLorean. Both are wonderful people who I have known for many years. You both will make all members of our community proud.

May you both have a wonderful reign as Grand Marshals and we look forward to seeing you in the parade on Easter Sunday.

BETTY’S BAR & BISTRO As most of you know by now, we have been open since February 10, and recently had a Grand Opening Weekend celebration. I want to take this opportunity to thank a few people who have made this all possible. First to the entire staff, both bar and kitchen, who agreed to stay on during the transition, thank you all so much as I would never have moved forward with this project without the support and knowledge of each of you. I also appreciate everything you all have done in the last few months from painting, cleaning, coordinating schedules and answering numerous questions. You all have been amazing!

I also want to thank Chris Leonard who coordinated the entire “move in” project. It is a testament to your work ethic and organizational skills that you were able to get everything done in basically 5 weeks. I can’t thank you enough for all the long hours you have put into this project.

To Matt Hayes who helped us get the bistro up and running, thank you so much. Your knowledge has been invaluable and I appreciate all your efforts over the last 2 plus months in helping this project move forward.

Thanks to Reed Wendorf who has been invaluable on the technical side of the operation.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who has stopped by for a drink or a bite to eat. We have worked hard to make Betty’s an inviting space for everyone and look forward to serving you for years to come.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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

700 Burgundy Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

info@ambushpublishing.com

PRINT 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

SENIOR EDITOR Brian Sands

OPERATIONS & EVENTS Chris Leonard DISTRIBUTION George Bevan Jr CONTRIBUTORS Adam Radd, Andrew Watley, Brian Sands, Catherine Roland, Charles Pizzo, Dorian-gray Alexander, Frank Perez, Jim Meadows, Kevin Assam, Lynn Stevens, Rev. Bill Terry, Ryan Rockford, Scot Billeaudeau, Tony Leggio & Crescent City Sports PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrew Hopkins, Charles Pizzo, Doug Adams, Dwain Hertz, Glenn Melancon, Persona Shoulders, TJ Boudreaux, Tony Leggio

LOCAL ADVERTISING

sales@ambushpublishing.com

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 · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Beyond Burger Beyond Clover

G N I V R E S NOW

Beyond Clover Burger

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 5

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 TO MY FELLOW BAR OWNERS AND AMBUSH ADVERTISERS I’d like to take this opportunity to address the other gay bar owners in the French Quarter and Marigny and all advertisers in Ambush Magazine.

I want you to know that my ownership of Betty’s will in no way impact the coverage of our community in Ambush. I want you all to know that Ambush has been and always will be committed to promoting the entire community and all LGBTQ businesses and events, espe-

cially those of our advertisers. That will never change! In the 2+ years I have owned Ambush, I have never played favorites and for that I am proud. We have made a commitment to be inclusive and provide coverage to all members of our community. I hope that comes through in our coverage in each and every issue of Ambush.

I also want you to know that I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of Ambush. As most of you know, I have a full time job as a personal injury attorney and I don’t actually see the paper until it goes to print.

I’m old school and like to read the paper copy as compared to the digital version. That means I’m reading it at the same time as you do.

Finally, know that I am committed to making our community a better place both by the work we do at Ambush and by the many charities and non-profit organizations we support throughout the year. I’ve always said “If we are not here to help each other, then why are we here?”

Please know, Ambush is here to help. We are here to promote and celebrate LGBTQ life, culture and music

throughout the Gulf South. We are here to highlight our advertisers and promote all members of our community and that will never change. To our advertisers, thank you for your support as it is truly appreciated by all members of our community. If you’re not currently an advertiser but would like to be, we would love to have you become part of the Ambush family. You can contact us at sales@ambushpublishing.com.

To each of you individually, thank you for all you have done and continue to do for the benefit of our community.

We are all in this together!

NEWS & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Evergreen Plantation Announces New Database of 400 Enslaved Individuals Evergreen Plantation, located in Edgard, Louisiana, is committed to telling the stories of the men, women, and children who were enslaved there.

After years of in-depth research, Evergreen’s historians have amassed a vast collection of primary source documents that shed light on the individuals who were purchased and brought there to labor in the sugar cane fields as well as those who were born into slavery in the cabins that still stand today.

Detailed biographical essays on the lives of enslaved individuals are also featured on the website, containing significant data obtained from the

Civil War pension files of slaves who joined the Union army. These accounts illuminate the experiences of individuals whose stories have previously gone untold, contributing a more balanced approach to America’s historical narrative.

This digital archive will serve as a resource for descendants, teachers, students, historians, genealogists, and visitors. The database is the work of researcher and historian Katy Morlas Shannon. The research remains ongoing and will be updated as new discoveries are made. The plantation is open for tours, and the research and inter-

pretative center is open free of charge to the public.

The documents used to create this database include estate inventories, succession records, and bills of sale as well as sacramental records from the Archdiocese of New Orleans recording baptisms and funerals. This data provides insight into the enslaved community’s scope of skills, kinship networks, family relationships, and places of origin. It allows for comparative analysis and a better understanding of the lives of the enslaved.

To access the database, go to: https://www.evergreenplantation.org/

slavery-database Evergreen Plantation, a National Historic Landmark, with 37 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places remains intact and connected to the historically stable community that surrounds it. The database has been developed primarily for the community. These are their ancestors. Officials at Evergreen hope that it may also inform and educate the wider public. Visit www.evergreenplantation.org to learn more.

6 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Fort Lauderdale to Host First Pride of the Americas Next month, Fort Lauderdale will host the first ever Pride of the Americas event and New Orleans is the presenting sponsor of the parade. Pride of the Americas will take place April 21—26.

In an attempt to expand the LGBT+ tourist market in New Orleans, the city is partnering with Pride of the Americas and parading with a float on Saturday, April 25. Those interested in participating in the parade should visit https://

communify.typeform.com/to/I5cuOR The week-long Pride celebration includes a dizzying array of events, including: a Business of the Americas Conference, daily sunset concerts, an LGBT+ Arts Festival, an LGBT+ Travel

Industry Symposium, an LGBT+ Health & Wellness Conference, a Runway Fashion Show, dance parties and social events, a Night Along Wilton Drive, a day of service, a beach party, a Drag Brunch and Tea Dances.

Letters Read Announces Queer Series Letters Read, an ongoing series of live events in which local performers interpret historically interesting letters written by culturally vital individuals from various times and Louisiana communities, announces its 2020 season will be devoted to LGBT+ people.

Curated and directed by stationer, Nancy Sharon Collins, in conjunction with Antenna, each reading brings general audiences into intimate moments usually experienced while reading a personal letter.

Major support for the 2020 queer-focused programming season has been provided by LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.

Featured letter writers for this season include Stewart Butler, Tennessee Williams, Skip Ward, and Bob Stuart (and other gay veterans).

Since May 2017, this series continues to partner with many cultural institutions providing original source content and programming support. Examples are Louisiana State Museum, Loyola University New Orleans Special Collections & Archives, Louisiana

Division/City Archives & Special Collections, Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses, The National World War II Museum, The Historic New Orleans Center Williams Research Center, Vorhoff Library Special Collections, and Bastion, a community of resilience.

Letters Read provides unique glimpses into thoughts meant only for two people, author, and recipient. Letters we read from a close friend or relative can be as mundane as who brings Thanksgiving turkey and as complex as explanations of hardship. Personal letters can also explode with emotion, express tenderness and love. Three times annually the readings are from institutional archives, special collections, personal and business records.

To further explain the power we perceive in reading letters, offered here is a quote from Donald Windham.

Williams and Windham were long-time friends and collaborators. In this passage, Windham describes reading one of Tennessee’s letters addressed to him.

‘They are as intimate as his pres-

ence was, and often more informative.

To read them is to know why I liked him. Alone with his typewriter he talked to me almost as to an ideal listener, as though he knew that my faith in him was total. If he sometimes, to use his phrase, is “striking poses on paper”, they are poses for himself not for someone else.’

The Letters of Stewart Butler takes place on Thursday, March 26, from 6:00 to 7:15 pm at Frenchmen Art & Books (600 Frenchmen St.). The event will be emceed by LGBT+ Archives Project President Frank Perez, who is currently writing a biography of Stewart Butler. Readers are Dylan Hunter and Rebecca Hollingsworth.

This event provides a rare glimpse into the personal life of the late Louisiana political activist. It begins with the 1961 era correspondence from Ann, an intimate friend. The reading weaves in annual Valentine’s letters beginning in 1999 that Stewart mailed to 200 of his dearest friends.

Since the 1970s, Butler had been a significant force in the Louisiana civ-

il rights movement. In 1984, 1986 and 1991 he strategically advocated for changing gay-rights ordinances. Butler was a co-founder of LGPAC (the Louisiana chapter of Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus) and has served on boards including the Lesbian and Gay Community Center, PFLAG, and the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana.

The Letters of Tennessee Williams (in collaboration with Acting Up In Acadiana) takes place on Tuesday, May 12 at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, 101 W. Vermilion Street, Lafayette.

The Letters of Skip Ward takes place on Thursday, July 16 at the Alexandria Museum of Art, 933 2nd Street, Alexandria.

Letters from Bob Stewart and other Louisiana Veterans takes place on Wednesday, November 11 at Bastion, community of resilience, 1901 Mirabeau Avenue, New Orleans.

For more information, please visit https://lettersread.net/ or https://www. lgbtarchiveslouisiana.org/

MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT The LGBT+ Archives Project Located at 636 St. Ann Street in the French Quarter, the LGBT+ Archives Project operates a small exhibit space featuring local LGBT+ memorabilia.

The highlight of the exhibit is a tenfoot timeline that chronicles New Orleans LGBT+ history. In addition, the exhibit also includes digitized footage of “Just for the Record,” an LGBT+ themed talk show from the 1980s, vintage copies of queer periodicals such as The Rooster, The Alternative, Impact, and Ambush; several Southern Decadence Grand Marshal Posters, old photographs of gay Carnival ball costumes, the old Double Play bar sign, and more.

The exhibit space, which is staffed entirely by volunteers, also doubles as an office for the Archives Project.

Founded in 2013, the Archives Project is a statewide collective that works with libraries, museums, and archival repositories across the state to identify and preserve materials that chronicle the history of the LGBT+ community in

Louisiana. The Project has facilitated donations to the Louisiana State Museum, the Amistad research Center, The Louisiana research Collection, the Newcomb Archives, the New Orleans Public Library, The Historic New Orleans Collection, Louisiana State University, the Center for Louisiana Studies, and others.

The phrase “materials that chronicle” refers to a wide range of items including the personal papers of individuals, organizational records, ephemera, artifacts, newspapers, magazines, periodicals, photographs, film / video / recordings, and oral histories. Examples of some of these materials the Archives Project has helped preserve include: The personal papers and collections of activists Stewart Butler, Alan Robinson, Rich Magill, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, Robert Stuart, Valda Lewis, and Frank Perez Newspapers and periodicals no longer in publication such as Impact,

the Rooster, the Zipper, the Big Easy Times, and Southern Forum The organizational records of BreakOUT!, an advocacy group focused on criminal justice reform for young trans people of color Gay Carnival costumes and memorabilia (costumes sketches, Ball invitations, posters, etc.)

Film footage and memorabilia of Southern Decadence (an annual festival held over Labor Day weekend since 1972) Oral histories Gay Carnival Ball programs and invitations, posters of drag shows, etc.

800 hours of extremely rare video footage compiled by Valda Lewis of protest demonstrations, HIV conferences, gay carnival balls, and other events The Archives Project also has a modest grant program. Since its founding, the Project has awarded grants to the Louisiana State Museum to help produce the exhibit “Grand Illu-

sions: The History and Artistry of Gay Carnival”; monument cleaning and restoration, including the plaque at the former Up Stairs Lounge fire; Curated Misfits, an outreach to lesbians and trans women of color; the Amistad Research Center to digitize “Just for the Record”; a plaque to mark the founding site of the annual Southern Decadence parade; Strange Bedfellows Make Politics: New Orleans LGBTQ Political History, and the Letters Read 2020 season, which is LGBT+ themed.

For more information, please visit https://www.lgbtarchiveslouisiana.org/

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 7

Saints and Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 27 – SUNDAY, MARCH 29

All events below included in SAS Weekend Registration. All Ambush readers get 20% off by using discount code SAS20.

Visit www.sasfest.org for tickets and more details.

All events held at the Hotel Monteleone except the Welcome Reception

SCHEDULE FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 27: 10 – 11:15 AM—SAS Workshop What’s Love Got to Do with It: Poetry Workshop with Jewelle Gomez 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM—SAS Master Class Publishing Master Class with Don Weise Facilitated By Eric Andrews-Katz Weise will answer questions from writers about seeing their work to publication. During his career, Weise has worked with important LGBT literary figures such as Gore Vidal, Edmund White, Samuel R. Delany, James Purdy, Leslie Feinberg, and Christopher Bram.

1 – 2:15 PM—SAS Master Class Trebor Healey: Queer Setting or

Setting in LGBTQ Literature 1 – 2:15 PM—SAS Master Class Saeed Jones: Memoir Writing & the Truth (Or Something Like It) 2:30 – 3:45 PM—SAS Master Class Michele Karlsberg: Mistakes Made and Lessons Learned in Self-Publishing 2:30 – 3:45 PM—SAS Workshop Poetry Chapbook 101 with Risa Dennenberg, Freesia Mckee, and Gregg Shapiro 6:30 – 8:30—Welcome Reception Glitter with the Literati Mingle with authors and participants in the beautiful courtyard of the Beauregard-Keyes Historic Home.

SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY, MARCH 28 10 – 11:15 AM Jewish Lesbian Literature and Activism Elana Dykewomon, Judith Katz, and Irena Klepfisz discuss this topic with moderator, publicist Michele Karlsberg

10 – 11:15 AM The Evolution of Self-Publishing: Learn Tips To Prepare, Publish, and Promote Your Work Sponsored by Kindle Direct Publishing 11: 30 AM – 12:45 PM The People and Places We Love: Celebrating Gay History Panelists: Henry Alley, Paula Martinac, Russ Lopez, and Felice Picano, who has chronicled so much of gay history in his plays, novels, and memoirs. Moderated by author and educator, Matthew Griffin.

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM When Both of You Write: True Confessions of Literary Couples Featuring Edmund White and Michael Carroll, Charlene Ball and Libby Ware, and Rick Karlin and Gregg Shapiro. Moderator: publisher, Rattling Good Yarns Press, Ian Henzel.

1 – 2:15 PM Writing In and Across Genre: Pushing Against the Stereotypes Featuring: Alex Myers Elliott Foster James K. Moran, and Mary Griggs.

Moderated by author Rick R. Reed.

1 – 2:15 PM The Voices in Your Head: Podcasts You Should Be Listening To 1 – 2:15 PM The Wild Beast: Irena Klepfisz in Conversation with Jewelle Gomez Irena Klepfisz, the author of five collections of poetry, is also a translator, educator, and human rights activist. Born in the Warsaw ghetto, she and her mother survived and immigrated to the US. 2:30 – 3:45 PM Queer Poets, Democratic Vistas Poets Lisa Dordal, Savannah Sipple, Michael Montlack, and Daniel W.K. Lee join moderators Brad Richard and Elizabeth Gross for a conversation about how queerness shapes both their work and their perspectives on

American democracy.

2:30 – 3:45 PM The Truest Voice You Know What makes your work recognizably yours? Panelists: Trebor Healey, Andrew Holleran, Rick R. Reed, Carter Sickels, and Colm Toibin. Moderator: author and publisher, Tammy Lynne Stoner.

4 – 5:15 PM Southern Charm: Books Set in the South Panelists: Leona Beasley, Greg Herren, Deb Jannerson, and Tammy Lynne Stoner. Moderated by J.M. Redmann.

4 – 5:15 PM Inside The Writer’s Studio—Michael Alago What do Metallica, Public Image Ltd, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Jean Michel Basquiat have in common? Michael Alago. This “gay, Puerto Rican” boy from Brooklyn quickly became the assistant music director for New York’s historic nightclub, The Ritz.

6:00 – 7:30 PM Book Launch Reception Celebrate the publication of our 2020 anthology from our Fiction Contest. Selected finalists will read from their winning stories.

SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 29 10 – 11:15 AM Queer History in Focus: Community Response to Tragedy and Discrimination This panel is a retrospective discussion of the LGBTQ+ Movement in Louisiana from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Panelists include Moderator Frank Perez, Transgender activist Courtney Sharp, HIV activist Jean Redmann, and author Robert W. Fieseler.

10 – 11:15 AM CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

8 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Gay Easter Parade XXI Grand Marshals Announced Dominique DeLorean Born in Shreveport Bossier City, Dominique DeLorean is a native of Louisiana and is the second of four siblings. She grew up in a military home.

Dominique has been an entertainer for 26 years and has garnered many titles and accomplishments along the way, including Miss Gay Shreveport, Miss Gay Central Station, Miss Gay Northwest Louisiana, Miss Gay New Orleans America, Miss Gay Metairie, Miss Gay South Louisiana Globe, and Miss gay Splash. Dominique is also one of the few to sweep both pageantry systems including Miss Gay Louisiana American 2005 and Miss Gay Louisiana USofA 2016 and is the newly crowned Miss Gulf States Continental 2020 on her way to Chicago this labor Day to compete for Miss Continental 2020.

Dominique is a headliner at Oz

New Orleans as a Lady of Oz every Sunday at 9:30 PM and occasionally on Wednesdays at 10:30 PM. Dominique is honored to be selected as Easter Grand Marshal XXI and invites everyone to come out and support the fundraisers leading up to the Easter Parade, which will be held at 4 PM on Easter Sunday.

James L Garner Jr James L Garner Jr, age 52, born under the astrological sign of Sagittarius is a native of Kenner, Louisiana.

He is the current owner of The Golden Lantern Bar (Home of Southern Decadence) celebrating 7 years ownership this year.

Over the years, James has been a constant supporter of many charitable organizations. He is currently a Platinum sponsor for The Gay Easter Parade, Titanium sponsor for Winter

Wonderland, supporter of ARNO (Animal Rescue of New Orleans), and a former Southern Decadence Board Member. He has also been known to cook, and feed the community during

the holidays. James wishes to thank the community for the continual support over the years, and he looks forward to leading the Gay Easter Parade.

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush Magazine AT THE BOURBON STREET AWARDS | PHOTOS BY TJ ACOSTA

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 9

Spotlight on Saints and Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival Speakers The annual Saints and Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival will take place in New Orleans March 27-29. For registration information: Sasfest.org Any Ambush reader can register with a 20% discount by using the code Ambush20 when registering.

In this series, we introduce you to some of the writers in the all-star lineup for #SAS20 this March in the heart of the French Quarter.

The bloggers behind the massively popular site Tom and Lorenzo, Tom Fitzgerald and Lorenzo Marquez offer their unique take on all things fashion and pop culture to an audience of more than seven million readers a month.

They’ve appeared three times on Sundance Channel’s All on the Line with Joe Zee, in which Joe called them “two of the most important fashion bloggers today,” made a dozen-plus appearances on Sirius XM Radio’s The Derek & Romaine Show, and have been profiled, quoted, or interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, National Public Radio, Entertainment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 Lean and Mean: Short Stories and Essays These talented, diverse writers—Anita Dolman, Jeff Mann, Gar McVey-Russell, and Gary Eldon Peter—talk about short stories and essays and editing anthologies of short work. Moderated by Andrew Holleran.

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM Books, Bed, and Beyond This panel discusses the joys and challenges of writing about sex in all its permutations, whether you’re crafting a sex scene for a mainstream literary novel, setting out to make your mark in erotica, or writing nonfiction about sexual behavior. What does it take to elevate writing about sex to an art?

Panelists: Jewelle Gomez, Jeff Mann, Jeffrey Round, and Lindsay Sproul.

Moderated by Lewis DeSimone.

11:30 AM – 12:45 PM Where Is the Next Generation of Activists and Readers?

This cross-generational, diverse panel will address issues of activism across time; what are the pressing LGBTQ issues we need to focus on now? Veteran activist Felice Picano; poet Daniel W.K. Lee is a third-generation refugee, born in Malaysia; Katie Hogan is a professor of English at UNC Charlotte who has done great research on the culture of AIDS; Tammy Lynne Stoner is not only an author, but the publisher of Gertrude journal and the GERTIE queer book club. Saeed Jones has catapulted to the front lines of activism with the success of his bestselling memoir, How We Fight for

Weekly, People, Vanity Fair, Elle, Rolling Stone, Daily Telegraph, The Huffington Post, Slate, The Guardian, and Newsweek, among others.

They live in Philadelphia.

Morgan Rae Hufstader is a romance and thriller author and book marketer. She studied Creative Writing at Sarah Lawrence College and completed a writing intensive in Bath, England. She has since published seven paranormal and two queer con-

temporary romance novels. This native New Yorker is currently growing roots in New Orleans, where she lives with her lovely, patient wife and two eccentric dogs. She enjoys exploring dark themes and morally ambiguous characters, and takes her iced coffee shaken, not stirred.

Lindsay Sproul, originally from Massachusetts, teaches at Loyola University New Orleans and serves as editor-in-chief of the New Orleans Re-

view. Her short fiction has appeared in Epoch, Witness, Glimmer Train, The Massachusetts Review, and others, and she has received fellowships from Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Gullkistan Iceland, and The MacDowell Colony. Her first novel, We Were Promised Spotlights, comes out on March 24 from Putnam/Penguin. She lives in New Orleans.

Our Lives. Moderator: Carol Rosenfeld, author and chair of the Publishing Triangle.

2:30 – 3:45 PM—Literary Discussion Literary Luminaries of the Violet Quill Andrew Holleran, Felice Picano, and Edmund White discuss their roles as the surviving members of the influential Violet Quill literary group, which also included Christopher Cox, Robert Ferro, Michael Grumley, and George Whitmore. This group, which met in 1980 and 1981, is responsible for some of the most important post-Stonewall writing in America and for chronicling the AIDS pandemic, as well as celebrating, critiquing and advancing gay culture and liberation. Moderated by The Reading Life host, Susan Larson.

annual Saints and Sinners Emerging Writer Award, sponsored by Rob Byrnes.

1 – 2:15 PM—Literary Discussion When Small Is Beautiful: What Indie Presses Have Meant To LGBTQ Books Many of the most important works of LGBTQ literature and nonfiction have come to us through the work of pioneering indie presses. A panel of publishers surveys the scene today.

Panelists include independent publishers: Sven Davisson, Risa Denenberg, Miah Jeffra,Don Weise, and Louis Flint Ceci.

1 – 2:15 PM—Literary Discussion We Read to Know We’re Not Alone: The Power of Memoir For all readers, but perhaps especially LGBTQ readers, memoirs serve an important purpose, connecting us to one another, showing us possible paths in life. Panelists include memoirists Edmund White, Andrew Holleran, Michael Alago, Sebastian Stewart, and Michael H. Ward.

1:30 – 2:45 PM—Literary Discussion Legendary Children: The First Decade of Rupaul’s Drag Race and The Last Century Of Queer Life Tom Fitzgerald and Lorenzo Marquez deep-dive into queer history and culture with hit reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race as a touchstone of influence on modern LGBTQ culture.

2:30 – 3:45 PM Celebrating Our Firebrands If you’ve been reading feminist literature, you know about the distinguished history and tradition—and endurance—of lesbian writers. These distinguished authors talk about the role of their publishers and the relationship they build together to further the visibility of lesbian literature. Panelists: Judith Katz, Jewelle Gomez, Paula Martinac, J.M. Redmann, and Michele Karlsberg.

2:30 – 3:45 PM Taboo Busting & Lafcadio Hearn Panelists: Thomas Bonner, Jr., Marion Hill, John Whittier Treat. Moderator: Nancy Sharon Collins.

4 – 6 PM Closing Reception We’ll induct our 2020 SAS Hall of Fame members and announce our 8th

SAINTS AND SINNERS READING SERIES

Saturday 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4 PM. Sunday at 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM Sponsored by the John Burton Harter Foundation.

Take the rare opportunity to hear authors in their own voice. This highlighted Festival event has authors share their vivid imaginations, or revisit a past work that holds special meaning. This year’s mix of established and new writers includes: Michael Carroll, Terence Diamond, Andrew Holleran, Jeff Mann, Gary Eldon Peter, Sebastian Stuart, Colm Toibin, Leona Beasley, Rich Barnett, Louis Flint Ceci, Jameson Currier, Risa Denenberg, Daniel W.K. Lee, Vince Sgambati, Rob Byrnes, Tony Holland, Rick Karlin, Felice Picano, Phyllis Oscar, Trebor Healey, Carter Sickels, Daniel M. Jaffe, Deb Jannerson, Miah Jeffra, Paula Martinac, Vincent Meis, Mike McClelland, David S. Pederson, Sven Davisson, Lisa Dordal, Freesia McKee. Michael Montlack, Brad Richard, Gregg Shapiro, Savannah Sipple, Charlene Ball, Elana Dykewomon, Judith Katz, Lindsay Sproul, Tammy Lynne Stoner, Ali Vali, Libby Ware, Henry Alley, Anita Dolman, Elliott Foster, Wayne Goodman, James K. Moran, David Pratt, Vanda, Greg Brisendine, Kimberly Cooper Griffin, Russ Lopez, Alex Myers, Eric Peterson, Rick R. Reed, and Jeffrey Round.

10 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 11

20 Years at the Bourbon Pub & Parade: An Interview with VJ Brendan March 11, 2020, is VJ Brendan Thompson’s 20th anniversary of making music magic at the Bourbon Pub— quite an accomplishment in an industry where the average bar employee’s tenure is two years or less. Ambush writer Frank Perez recently interviewed Thompson about his career and how the gay bar scene has changed over the last two decades.

FP: Tell us a little about yourself?

You’re originally from Iowa. How did you end up in New Orleans?

BT: I was born and raised in small town Iowa. After DJ-ing a lot of school dances and weddings in Iowa, I moved with a management job for the retail chain Camelot Music to Chicago and came out. In 1999, my best friend John (who went to college here at Loyola) drove me to New Orleans from Chicago for Mardi Gras and I fell in love with the city and the Bourbon Pub. I then had a short stint in Orlando working for the Backstreet Boys but within a year, I bought a one-way ticket and moved to New Orleans. When I walked into the Bourbon Pub, Bobby Revere hired me on the spot.

FP: How long have you been VJing? Anywhere else before the Pub? BT: I started my VJ “Video Jockey” career at Roscoe’s in 1995. Roscoe’s was one of my coming out bars and at

the time, Matthew Harvat (known everywhere as “Circuit Mom” now) was the VJ there. I enjoyed watching his videos and started taking him VHS tapes with clips from Solid Gold, The Grammy’s, and other programs that I had recorded over the years to play during his shifts. We developed a great friendship and a couple years later he wanted Christmas off and asked if I would cover for him. Filling in for him at Roscoe’s was my first VJ shift ever and I was hooked!

FP: How has the bar scene changed since you started VJ-ing?

BT: Obviously the music has changed so much over the years, but personally the biggest change would be the shift from VHS to DVD and now to digital. I started with 6 beer boxes of VHS tapes, then in 2001 when we switched to DVDs it reduced significantly. Now everything is on the computer. Bar-wise the biggest change is also technology with cell phones and apps.

FP: What are some of your favorite memories from VJ-ing?

BT: Working on Fat Tuesday in the afternoon.There have been some insane Sing-A-Long Sunday nights during Southern Decadence over the years. I truly love our regulars, the hometown crowd. I also really enjoy

the tourist aspect of New Orleans, every week there are groups in the bar from all over the world and that definitely keeps it interesting. I love looking out of the booth and seeing the reaction on the faces of people who are seeing a rare video or clip for the first time. I like watching people turn to the person they are with, point to the video screen, and say, “Have you ever seen this??” I am also very proud of winning the Gay Appreciation Award “DJ of the Year” in 2019.

FP: What is your most and least favorite thing about VJ-ing?

BT: Most favorite thing is when everyone is singing along or when I start a video and I hear a happy gasp from the crowd. Least favorite thing is easy - people on their phones ignoring the videos.

FP: What advice would you give people who want to make requests?

BT: Just request one song...Not a

list! And a couple dollars is always nice :) FP: Tell us about VJBrendan.com BT: Many years ago I was texting my friend Jeff in Chicago about some crazy thing Britney Spears did. He responded you should just do a pop culture blog I can look at every other day to keep up and that’s how it started. It became 100 times bigger than I ever expected. It’s a lot of fun to do! I like blogging about pop culture, male celebrities, music videos and stuff about New Orleans - just stuff I find interesting. I try not to post any negative stuff.

FP: Anything else you’d like to add?

BT: I want to express how much I love New Orleans and the LGBTQ community here. I have lived here for twenty years, have evacuated three times, and always come back. I am so proud to say I am a New Orleanian!

Bar Reunion To Be Held March 21 On March 21, a blockbuster bar reunion will be held at Phillips Bar & Restaurant.

Blasts from the Past: The Ultimate Bar Reunion is being organized

by Misti and Catherine Gaither and will bring back for one night former bar owners, bartenders and DJs from: Charlene’s, The Sanctuary, Pino’s, The Other Side, The Friendly Bar, The New Bar, Club Tribute, Toxic, Lady Magic’s Bar. Diane’s, Brady’s, Club LAX, Anything Geauxs, Masquerade’s, Angle’s, Kim’s 940, Bourbon Pub, The Four Seasons, Ruby Fruit Jungle, The Mint, The Blue Odyssey, Les Pierre’s, Soiled Dove, The Clinic, Elaine’s, and more.

This event promises to be a poi-

gnant trip down memory lane considering many of these bars are no longer around. There was a time when New Orleans hosted a vibrant and robust lesbian bar scene. Sadly, today there are no more lesbian bars. But the memories live on. Organizer Misti Gaither observes, “We talk all the time about having fun and hanging out with friends at bars from years ago; what if we could turn back time and be able to relive those moments together?”

Blasts from the Past occurs from 8:00 pm to 1:00 am. Cover is $5.00 at the door. Phillips Bar and Restaurant is located in uptown New Orleans at 733 Cherokee.

12 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Obituary: Stewart Butler Stewart Perry Butler, long-time LGBT+ activist, died on March 5, peacefully in his sleep at The Faerie Playhouse in New Orleans.

Butler is preceded in death by his parents, Stewart Harrison Butler and Bertha June Perry, and his soul-mate, Alfred Doolittle. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Suzanne and Dave Eaton of Connecticut; four nieces and nephews: Alicia, Kent, Tim, and Jenn; and a wide range of friends in New Orleans.

Butler was born in 1930 in Mobile, Alabama, and raised in New Orleans.

At the age of 12, the Butler family moved to Carville, Louisiana, where Stewart’s father worked as a supplies officer and part-time pharmacist at what was then called a leprosarium (today the facility is the National Hansen’s Disease Museum). After attending L.S.U., Butler joined the army and served for four years. In 1954 he moved to Alaska where he continued his education at the University of Alaska. After graduating, Butler entered politics and was elected to the Territorial Alaska Senate as a Democrat, but his election was nullified when Alaska gained statehood.

In 1964, after having briefly attended law school in San Francisco, Butler returned to New Orleans. He worked as a geological surveyor for several

years before retiring at the age of 50 to devote his life to political activism.

In 1973, Butler met his soul-mate Alfred Doolittle, a prominent San Francisco socialite and heir to a cattle and gold fortune. Doolittle passed away on March 2, 2008. In 1979, the couple bought a 19th century Creole Cottage on Esplanade Avenue, which came to be known as the Faerie Playhouse.

This home, known for the red hearts on its façade (Alfred’s favorite holiday was Valentine’s Day), became the site of many organizational meetings of the LGBT+ movement. The garden in the rear courtyard is home to the cremains of several friends and fellow activists, including Pierre DeLancey, John Foster, Jack Gentry, Burt Harter, Gregory Manella, Paul Orfila, Dougald Rohrbacher, Chester Wiesniewski, John Ognibene, and Charlene Schneider.

Alfred did not want to be cremated but the garden does contain a lock of his hair.

Butler and Doolittle were at the UpStairs Lounge the night it burned (June 24, 1973). The couple left the bar just minutes before the fire was set. They later joined the Gertrude Stein Society, which served as a forerunner of sorts to LAGPAC (Louisiana Lesbian and Gay Political Action Caucus). Butler served as the chair of LAGPAC’s membership committee and served in other admin-

istrative roles throughout the group’s existence (1980—2005). Butler played a key role in the 1991 passage of a New Orleans City Council non-discrimination ordinance. In addition to LAGPAC, Stewart also worked tirelessly for the New Orleans chapter of PFLAG. Butler served on the PFLAG Board for decades and produced its newsletter.

Butler was at the forefront of the transgender rights movement long before it became fashionable. In the 1990s, the local PFLAG chapter led a successful campaign to have transgender people included in the national PFLAG mission statement.

In addition to co-founding the Louisiana State Conference (later Celebration), Butler also represented New Orleans in two National Marches on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. In his later years he became a criminal justice reform advocate and fought for the decriminalization of mar-

ijuana. In 2013, Butler led the effort to create the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, a statewide collective that works to preserve queer history.

Butler was the recipient of numerous awards and honors for his service, including the Gittings-Hay Award (1985), Louisiana Council for Equal Rights’ “We’re Here” Award for politics, Human Rights Campaign Award (1993), Co-Grand Marshal of the New Orleans Pride Parade (1998), Equality Louisiana “Community First Award,” and the Louisiana ACLU’s “Ben Smith Award” (2014).

Stewart Butler would have been 90 in August. He led a full life, a life of consequence, a life that touched countless others. A tireless warrior for social justice, he left the world a better place. His historical legacy is nothing short of staggering. He truly was a lion in winter.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 13

ARTS & CULTURE

Trodding the Boards Brian Sands bsnola2@hotmail.com

Joan of Arc at the Mahalia Jackson Theater Last month, the New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA) presented the American premiere of Richard Balthazar’s English translation of Tchaikovsky’s Joan of Arc. While it certainly made sense to present this opera, also known as The Maid of Orleans, in our city which shares a name with the Saint’s hometown, one could understand after watching it why it has never joined the standard repertoire.

Tchaikovsky served as his own librettist and it shows. The exposition laden first act lacks dramatic tension which may be why the music, by turns both pretty and bombastic, does not fully engage an audience.

The exception was the ballet, a convention of the time, which brought forth some of the Russian composer’s most glorious music. With choreography by Gretchen Erickson, the dancers, from the Marigny Opera Ballet

(Erickson, Joshua Bell, and especially Edward Spots), brought the stage fully to life with this spectacular divertissement. Then, however, things got talky again until intermission.

Fortunately, Act Two was much better with battles, Joan’s trial, and one of opera’s stranger love scenes, “almost certainly historically invalid” but adding some necessary heat to the stage. Tchaikovsky knew how to create drama through music and, in the second act, he delivered, with some beautiful big choral numbers as well.

Balthazar’s translation is serviceable; if it’s not more masterly, I suspect it’s due to being at the mercy of the original libretto. Still, ya gotta love any work that includes the line “Begone you spawn of Satan.”

Jose Maria Condemi’s direction took its cue from the music; very traditional, bordering on the “stand and sing” in the first act, while Act Two enabled him to create more interesting stage images. I might’ve welcomed a

Norman Rockwell’s The Problem We All Live With (1964) at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

more modern interpretation, but much of NOOA’s audience seemed perfectly content with such an era-appropriate approach. And, to be sure, not many operas allow a mezzo-soprano to engage in some serious swordplay, thrillingly staged by Fight Director Mike Yahn.

In the title role, Hilary Ginther’s enchanting, clean tone was supported by steely undercurrents, wholly appropriate for Joan. If she wasn’t entirely able to bring some of the Maid’s long passages completely to life, I’m not sure if anyone could, which may be why this opera has remained obscure. As for her hair’s transformation from farm girl curls to a Louise Brooks-style bob, hmmm...

As the deluded King Charles VII, Casey Candebat achieved the proper level of regal petulance. Raymond Aceto brought his powerful bass to The Archbishop’s almost recitative-like passages. Michael Chioldi, who previously sang Macbeth here, was noteworthy as the honorable Knight Dunois. Throughout, there was very impressive work by the chorus.

As always, Maestro Robert Lyall conducted with sensitivity, bringing out the grandeur in Tchaikovsky’s music; the flute section especially stood out.

Was this a worthwhile production?

Yes, definitely. But I’m not burning up to see it again.

I am looking forward, however, to NOOA’s next production, Daniel Schnyder’s Charlie Parker’s Yardbird

about the great musician’s final quest to write--even after death--a largescale masterpiece about his fascinating but troubled life. As he prepares for the afterlife, this legendary jazz saxophone virtuoso is visited by ghosts from his past--wives, colleagues, his mother, and intimate friends who tell of their connection to him.

Charlie Parker’s Yardbird plays April 3-5 at The New Orleans Jazz Market, 1436 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

On the Road: Houston

A recent visit to Houston allowed me to explore some mainstream cultural sites...and some off the beaten path.

Way off.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (1001 Bissonnet St.) currently has a number of do-not-miss special exhibits (though there was one I could have).

Chief among them is Norman Rockwell: American Freedom, the first comprehensive exhibition devoted to Norman Rockwell’s iconic depictions of the Four Freedoms outlined

by Franklin Roosevelt: Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Fear, and Freedom from Want. The presentation explores how Rockwell’s 1943 paintings came to be embraced by millions of Americans, provided crucial aid to the war effort, and took their place among the most indelible images in the history of American art.

While you’ll see many paintings,

14 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

illustrations, and prints by Rockwell (1894–1978), a room full of photographs by a variety of men and women (Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, etc.) contextualizes the era and why FDR’s Freedoms were so important as our country emerged from the Great Depression and then entered WWII. The exhibit continues into the 1960s when Rockwell turned his attention towards human and civil rights with powerful canvases conveying the Golden Rule (“Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You”) and civil rights activists Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman who were brutally murdered by the KKK in 1964 in Mississippi.

New Orleanians will feel a special connection to the painting The Problem We All Live With (1964) which captures when six-year-old Ruby Bridges was escorted by US marshals to her first day at what had been an all-white New Orleans public school.

A fascinating 12-minute filmed interview offers Bridges’ vivid recollections of that tumultuous time and should not be missed. Also on display is the white cotton dress that Rockwell commissioned and that the painting’s young model wore while posing for him.

Running through March 22, Norman Rockwell: American Freedom is a phenomenal, insightful and, ultimately, very moving exhibition.

If American Freedom has a fairly narrow focus, Glory of Spain: Treasures from the Hispanic Society Museum & Library spans more than 4,000 years of Hispanic art and culture through some 200 objects: paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, maps, textiles, porcelains, ceramics, jewelry, etc.

Ranging from Roman times to modern works, this encyclopedic show not only includes all the great Spanish painters (El Greco, Murillo, de Ribera, Velázquez, Zurbarán, and Goya represented by his iconic The Duchess of Alba (1797)), but also a letter from Queen Elizabeth I and a painting with inlaid mother-of-pearl and a desk set from the late 1700s made of transparent cobalt blue glass with opaque white threads that looks like it just came from a high end interior design store. And did I mention the tobacco container in the form of a sea creature, perhaps a squid? Fantastic!

There truly is something for everyone in Glory of Spain (through May 25) including some cute saints and a 16th century earthenware plate with a rampant lion sporting some impressive anatomy.

Those who appreciate imaginative designs should head toward Radical: Italian Design 1965–1985 (through April 26), a small but fun collection of wildly imaginative goodies including furniture, lighting design, architectural models and other decorative objects.

One of the armchairs, made of pink silk

and elaborately carved wood, looks like it came from the set of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

As for Francis Bacon: Late Paintings, this exhibit of some 40 canvases by the renowned gay British artist simply wasn’t my cup of tea. If you fancy him, however, you have until May 25 to see this collection ranging from small portraits to monumental triptychs.

From the visual to the performing arts, I was fortunate to catch two oneact works that were part of Opera in the Heights’ New Works Festival.

Kassandra was a contemporary retelling of the myth in which Apollo grants the title character the ability to foretell the future, but prevents anyone from believing her. Set in the world of TED talks and high tech labs, Neena Beber’s libretto would be hard to believe if it didn’t have a “ripped from the headlines” feel; as Harvey Weinstein’s conviction had just made the news, it was sickening to see such violations committed on stage. Anthony Brandt’s lush romantic music turned spiky at times, underscoring and bringing out the characters’ emotions.

Karim Al-Zand’s adaptation of Eugene Ionesco’s The Leader highlighted its comic absurdity very effectively.

Though the short play was written in 1953, its tale of overly fervent admirers of a political leader could have been penned yesterday. Though different in theme and tone from Kassandra, AlZand’s score was cut from the same harmonious cloth as Brandt’s music.

Eiki Isomura conducted a small chamber orchestra for Kassandra & The Leader and delivered a shimmering performance of their beautiful music. These new works each sported a cast of five, with some doubling; all eight performers sang with gorgeous voices and incisive characterizations.

Opera in the Heights’ next production will be Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin. It runs April 3-11 at Lambert Hall, an intimate sanctuary space, at 1703 Heights Boulevard. Next season will include Verdi’s Il Trovatore, Lucia di Lammermoor by Donizetti, and Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.

If Opera in the Heights were to do Puccini’s The Girl of the Golden West, inspiration could be provided at the Black Cowboy Museum in Rosenberg, about 40 miles southwest of Houston. An article in the New York Times inspired me to go visit and I’m happy I did.

Owner/curator/docent Larry Callies is a genial, engaging man who’ll tell you about his and other black cowboys’ experiences, how he came to found the museum, and his and others’ battles with discrimination.

Since opening the museum in 2017, Callies has been the recipient of all sorts of related items from paintings and belt buckles to a vintage stove and a carved wooden sculpture of a slave’s mother from the early 1800’s that mi-

Larry Callies with sculpture of a slave’s mother (early 1800’s) at the Black Cowboy Museum (photo B. Sands)

raculously found its way to the museum after sitting in an attic for decades and then being unceremoniously put out for garbage on the street.

Located at 1104 3rd Street in Rosenberg, the Black Cowboy Museum is only three rooms but it’s filled with history and love.

While in Rosenberg, you can grab some delicious Mexican food at Bob’s Taco Station (1901 Avenue H) and a yummy milkshake at Another Time Soda Fountain & Café (800 3rd St.). What really surprised me though was how many antique and knickknack shops there are in a few block radius--it’s like Magazine Street compressed into the most compact of areas. From old Coke bottles to baseballs signed by Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio, you just might find what you’re looking for in Rosenberg, TX!

Curtain Up

See ‘Em On Stage is giving a new take on Driving Miss Daisy, Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer and Oscar-winning dramedy. Playing March 13-30 at The Fortress of Lushington (2215 Burgundy St.), the production will star Adelle Gautier and Michael Martin.

Only she’s playing the chauffeur Hoke and he’s playing Miss Daisy. Rounding out the cast is mikko as Miss Daisy’s son with Christopher Bentivegna directing. Should be a wild ride.

There’ll be award-winning writers, drag queens who brunch, and a Vieux Carré Baroque Circus at the 2020 Tennessee Williams & New Orleans

Literary Festival (March 25-29). But what’s really exciting is the late addition of actress Kathleen Turner to the line-up. She’ll be featured in a special event on March 28 at the Hotel Monteleone, “Taking the Lead: Stage and Screen Legend Kathleen Turner in Conversation” and will lead a Master Class, “How to Work with Actors: A Master Class for Writers with Kathleen Turner”, on March 26. More info about all the events can be found at http:// tennesseewilliams.net I suspect Tennessee would enjoy Cirque du Soleil’s BAZZAR which is coming to the Shrine on Airline Highway (6000 Airline Dr.) March 25May 10. Described as “a journey into an eclectic performance lab of infinite creativity where a joyful troupe of acrobats, dancers, and musicians contrive an awe-inspiring spectacle. Lead by their Maestro, the troupe bands together to invent a whimsical, one-of-akind universe. With his precious Hat as his ultimate tool to proclaim order, the Maestro directs the troupe as it builds on and on and on, only to see their genius unravel at the hand of a trickster, whose curiosity is a catalyst for conundrum along the path to creation.”

If you prefer magic over realism, plan to make your way out to Metairie.

Please send press releases and notices of your upcoming shows to Brian Sands at bsnola2@hotmail.com.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 15

Important Facts About DOVATO This is only a brief summary of important information about DOVATO and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and treatment.

What is the Most Important Information I Should Know about DOVATO? If you have both human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: • Resistant HBV infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV infection before you start treatment with DOVATO. If you have HIV-1 and hepatitis B, the hepatitis B virus can change (mutate) during your treatment with DOVATO and become harder to treat (resistant). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in people who have HIV-1 and HBV infection.

• Worsening of HBV infection. If you have HIV-1 and HBV infection, your HBV may get worse (flare-up) if you stop taking DOVATO. A “flare-up” is when your HBV infection suddenly returns in a worse way than before. Worsening liver disease can be serious and may lead to death. ° Do not run out of DOVATO. Refill your prescription or talk to your healthcare provider before your DOVATO is all gone. ° Do not stop DOVATO without first talking to your healthcare provider. If you stop taking DOVATO, your healthcare provider will need to check your health often and do blood tests regularly for several months to check your liver.

What is DOVATO? DOVATO is a prescription medicine that is used without other antiretroviral medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults who have not received antiretroviral medicines in the past, and without known resistance to the medicines dolutegravir or lamivudine.

HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is not known if DOVATO is safe and effective in children.

Who should not take DOVATO? Do Not Take DOVATO if You: • have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine that contains dolutegravir or lamivudine.

• take dofetilide.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DOVATO? Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: • have or have had liver problems, including hepatitis B or C infection.

• have kidney problems.

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. One of the medicines in DOVATO (dolutegravir) may harm your unborn baby. ° Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different medicine than DOVATO if you are planning to become pregnant or if pregnancy is confirmed in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. ° If you can become pregnant, your healthcare provider will perform a pregnancy test before you start treatment with DOVATO. ° If you can become pregnant, you should consistently use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with DOVATO. ° Tell your healthcare provider right away if you are planning to become pregnant, you become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant during treatment with DOVATO.

©2020 ViiV Healthcare or licensor.

DLLADVT190034 January 2020 Produced in USA.

Learn more about LáDeia and DOVATO at DOVATO.com

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: (cont’d) • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you take DOVATO. ° You should not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby. ° One of the medicines in DOVATO (lamivudine) passes into your breastmilk. ° Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Some medicines interact with DOVATO. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

• You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with DOVATO. • Do not start taking a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to take DOVATO with other medicines.

What are Possible Side Effects of DOVATO? DOVATO can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “What is the Most Important Information I Should Know about DOVATO?” section.

• Allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash with DOVATO. Stop taking DOVATO and get medical help right away if you develop a rash with any of the following signs or symptoms: fever; generally ill feeling; tiredness; muscle or joint aches; blisters or sores in mouth; blisters or peeling of the skin; redness or swelling of the eyes; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; problems breathing.

• Liver problems. People with a history of hepatitis B or C virus may have an increased risk of developing new or worsening changes in certain liver tests during treatment with DOVATO. Liver problems, including liver failure, have also happened in people without a history of liver disease or other risk factors. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your liver.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark or “tea-colored” urine; light-colored stools (bowel movements); nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; and/or pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis). Lactic acidosis is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the following symptoms that could be signs of lactic acidosis: feel very weak or tired; unusual (not normal) muscle pain; trouble breathing; stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feel cold, especially in your arms and legs; feel dizzy or lightheaded; and/or a fast or irregular heartbeat.

• Lactic acidosis can also lead to severe liver problems, which can lead to death. Your liver may become large (hepatomegaly) and you may develop fat in your liver (steatosis). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any of the signs or symptoms of liver problems which are listed above under “Liver problems.” You may be more likely to get lactic acidosis or severe liver problems if you are female or very overweight (obese).

SO MUCH GOES INTO WHO I AM HIV MEDICINE IS ONE PART OF IT. Reasons to ask your doctor about DOVATO: DOVATO can help you reach and then stay undetectable* with just 2 medicines in 1 pill.

That means fewer medicines† in your body while taking DOVATO

You can take it any time of day with or without food (around the same time each day)—giving you flexibility

DOVATO is a once-a-day complete treatment for adults who are new to HIV-1 medicine.

Results may vary. *Undetectable means reducing the HIV in your blood to very low levels (less than 50 copies per mL). † As compared with 3-drug regimens.

LáDeia‡ Living with HIV What are Possible Side Effects of DOVATO (cont’d)?

• Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines.

Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you start having new symptoms after you start taking DOVATO. • The most common side effects of DOVATO include: headache; diarrhea; nausea; trouble sleeping; and tiredness.

These are not all the possible side effects of DOVATO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where Can I Find More Information?

• Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

• Go to DOVATO.com or call 1-877-844-8872, where you can also get FDA-approved labeling.

October 2019 DVT:2PI-2PIL Trademark is owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.

Compensated by ViiV Healthcare

‡

Could DOVATO be right for you? Ask your doctor today.

CHOP CHOP

Quick Bites & Local Eats Charles Pizzo pizzocharles@gmail.com Folks ask for recommendations all the time. Where should I take visitors?

What’s your favorite dessert? The list is endless, and so are the possibilities.

Scanning through my photos, I realized I had pictures of terrific dishes at a variety of local establishments. None would quality for a full scale review, but here are several quick bites worth noting: Where to Take Visitors?

When looking for a place that fits the bill—good local food, old school charm, and a perfect score in terms of satisfying out-of-town guests—my goto spot is Liuzza’s by the Track. The menu includes all the standards people will want from gumbo to po’ boys to fried seafood plates.

One dish stands out. Steer seafood eaters to the BBQ Shrimp Po’ Boy, a specialty of the house. Nice-sized shrimp are pan sautéed in a peppery lemon butter and generously stuffed into a pistolette of French bread. The sauce is piquant but not too spicy, with enough acidity from the lemon to tame the rich butter sauce (which soaks into

the bread). Heavenly.

Favorite Restaurant Dessert No matter how far and wide I search, one dessert stands above the rest: the Bread Pudding Soufflé at Commander’s Palace. Like their turtle soup, it’s simply not to be missed.

The version here is different than the others because the custardy pudding is folded very gently into a meringue and baked until it rises. At the table, the server gently pierces this sugary dome and ladles in crème anglais, a vanilla sauce. There’s a lightness to the dish not found elsewhere.

Spoon-licking good!

Upping the Fried Chicken Spice Game Last September, the Fried Chicken Festival crowned an out-of-town spot as its champion. It was stunning news, so I had to trek to the Tennessee-based chain’s newish location in the Warehouse District.

Few locals seem to have noticed Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, which is a shame. Gus’s pretty much only serves one dish, plus a handful of

BBQ Shrimp Po’ Boy from Liuzza’s By the Track

forgettable side dishes (although, we did like the baked beans and fried pickle spears).

Anyone who remembers Popeyes from when it was a local chain will probably love Gus’ chicken. It’s served crunchy, with a crackling crust—the result of frying in peanut oil. It’s well-seasoned and juicy, possibly wet marinated or brined. Within a few bites, you start to notice a satisfying heat. Delish.

Consistently Good Onion Rings Liuzza’s on Bienville Street (unrelated to the aforementioned), is my current gold standard. Their onion rings

come out piled high, are large, wide, and deftly fried—never greasy. A good onion ring has to be light, with a thin, crisp coating, unlike the flaccid frozen variety common in fast food joints.

Be sure to get an ice cold draft beer (or root beer) in a frozen mug here, but think carefully about the dishes with red gravy. They have a tomato-paste sweetness despite being extremely popular.

But I Don’t Want Pizza Pizza Delicious rose from a popup window to a highly-rated specialist CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

18 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Ambush Magazine AT THE BOURBON STREET AWARDS | PHOTOS BY TJ ACOSTA

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 19

COMMUNITY VOICE The Long-Term Care Equality Index Jim Meadows Executive Director, NOAGE info@noagenola.org One of the biggest concerns I hear from older LGBT folks is their fear of someday ending up in a long-term care facility (LTCF). Of course, nobody wants to have to go into assisted living or a nursing home if they can avoid it.

But the reality for LGBT people is that they have had no way of finding out if the staff at these facilities are culturally competent and informed about issues related to LGBT aging. A new initiative by SAGE and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) aims to change that.

SAGE, the largest organization working to provide services and advocacy for LGBT older adults, and HRCF, the educational branch of the Human Rights Campaign, have partnered to create the Long-Term Care Equality Index (LEI). The LEI builds on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index (which measures LGBT inclusiveness in corporations) and SAGECare (SAGE’s trainings for healthcare providers who work with LGBT older adults). According to the website of this initiative, the LEI “is an assessment tool that will encourage and help residential long-term care communities to adopt policies and best practices that provide culturally competent and responsive care to LGBT older adults,” and it also aims to “provide resources and technical assistance to bring these policies and practices to life.”

It’s about time. In a 2010 survey of 769 long-term care residents and their family & friends, there were 853 instances of mistreatment reported, all

based on residents’ sexual orientation or gender identity. These included refused admission, abrupt discharge, denial of medical treatment or basic services, refusal to recognize powers of attorney, restriction of visitors, misgendering, verbal harassment, and even physical assaults by staff or fellow residents. And in 2014, in a nationwide matched pair study, two groups of seniors contacted LTCFs to ask about availability. People in one group mentioned that they were lesbian, gay, or bisexual; people in the other group identified as straight. Nearly half of the LGB seniors experienced differential treatment regarding availability, pricing, and admission requirements.

These results prove that the fear that LGBT older adults feel about facing discrimination in LTCFs is grounded in reality.

In 2014, an elderly woman named Marsha Wetzel moved into an Illinois LTCF. Shortly after coming out as a lesbian to her peers, Wetzel was faced with hostility and threats. Her peers called her gay slurs, spit at her, pushed her, and even struck her in the head.

According to Wetzel, staff at the facility failed to protect her from this abuse.

Perhaps the only major difference between Wetzel’s case and countless others is that she has been vocal about what happened to her. She filed suit against the facility in 2016, and is being represented by Lambda Legal.

While her case works its way through the courts, she has moved to another facility, and reports that she is being

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

counter and a few tables comes a surprising array of delicious, hand-crafted food. Be sure to bring plastic; cash is not accepted.

With so much competition for burgers around town, the Pimento Cheese Burger here slays the field. Grass-fed beef has an earthy flavor not found in tasteless frozen patties, and the combination of house made pimento cheese on brioche with a light Creole mustard-mayo sauce is simply dazzling. Not to be missed.

Of course, this list barely scratches the surface when it comes to local eats. Let the rest of America suffer the national chains. We’re blessed with neighborhood dives featuring good food citywide.

of New York-style pizza (I’m addicted to their white pie, a regular special).

But their salads are not to be missed. The Caesar salad with housemade dressing and the optional white anchovies are quite the surprise. Cool, crisp romaine is tossed with a rich, garlicky sauce that warms the throat. The anchovies are not the salty, oily slivers of mush one normally encounters.

Rather, they are like real fish, smallish, not salty — reminiscent of very mild herring.

The pasta dishes are also creative and interesting. Try the simple but outstanding Spaghetti Carbonara.

An Earthy, Grass Fed Beef Burger St. Claude Avenue has become an unexpectedly exciting stretch for creative cuisine. One of the earliest businesses to take a chance along that street was Shank Charcuterie. From an unassuming little spot with only a

Charles Pizzo is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. If you’re interested in having your dining establishment covered by Ambush Magazine, please contact him.

treated well there.

The LEI aims to help prevent cases like Wetzel’s from happening in the future. Participation in the initiative is entirely optional for LTCFs, but those who do participate are sure to get more business from LGBT older adults than those that don’t. There are at least 3 million LGBT adults who are aged 50 and older, and the vast majority of them want to know that if they have to go into a LTCF, it will be LGBT-friendly.

So for LTCF administrators who may be unmoved by appeals to conscience, it just makes good business sense to make sure that LGBT residents feel welcome; if your facility won’t, someone else’s will.

So what exactly does the LEI entail? First, the LEI encourages LTCF administrators to look at their foundational policies, and to examine the degree to which they are being inclusive to LGBT residents (e.g. nondiscrimination policies that include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity, educating staff on the importance of residents’ rights to visitation from chosen family, etc.). The LEI also aims to promote more services and support for LGBT residents, gender-affirming care, LGBT community engagement and marketing plans, and cultural competence training for staff. It also encourages these facilities to adopt policies that will affirm and support their staff members who are members of the LGBT community.

In addition to the LEI, there is also another great new resource for LTCF

staff. Welcoming LGBT Residents: A Practical Guide for Senior Living Staff, was recently published by Routledge. Tim R. Johnston, the Senior Director of National Projects at SAGE, is the author. Johnston oversees SAGECare, SAGE’s cultural competency training program. The book includes chapters on LGBT programming and services, addressing bullying, sexuality and health, gender identity and expression, older adults with HIV/AIDS, dementia and memory care, and other issues.

If you are concerned about these issues, there are ways you can help.

NOAGE provides LGBT cultural competency training for healthcare and other service providers, and I am a certified SAGECare trainer. If you know a good point of contact at any local nursing home or assisted living facility, please contact me at (504) 517-2345 or at info@noagenola.org. Sometimes knowing the right person makes all the difference. But even if you don’t have any connections with local LTCFs, you can still help by reaching out to them to ask that they look into getting their staff trained in LGBT cultural competency.

The more people who let administrators know that we expect them to provide equitable care, the sooner we can make it a reality.

LGBT older adults shouldn’t have to worry about being mistreated by nursing home staff or bullied by their peers. Our elders helped build this community, and they need our help to make sure that they are treated well as they age.

You can find more information about the Long-Term Care Equality Index at thelei.org, and Welcoming LGBT Residents is available at bookstores now.

Pimento Cheese Burger at Shank Charcuterie

20 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Krewe of Narcissus AT THE KREWE OF NARCISSUS BALL | PHOTOS BY MICHAEL J. TRUPIANO

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 21

COMMENTARY

American Things Lynn Stevens

In Lou Reed’s song Street Hassle there’s a moment where the narrator becomes a low-life who is telling another guy that although his partner has OD’d, and he doesn’t mean to be cold, he’s got to get the body out of the apartment.

In character Reed slurs, “People get all emotional and sometimes, you know, they don’t act rational. Sha la la maaaan.”

Laissez Faire, the situation couldn’t be any worse but La... tee... da.

So, let’s talk about Carnival season.

I’m an outsider. In many ways I always will be. I wasn’t born here so I’m what they call a “transplant.”

Far be it from me to tell anyone what to do with their lives especially on such hallowed ground as Mardi Gras in New Orleans where I have lived less than a year.

When I told my partner, who’s lived here about a decade, that I was going to write this column they told me I might find myself out of a job, but an outsider’s perspective is sometimes helpful, it can illuminate certain aspects of a situation when insular concerns take over

the rational.

We’re all together on this rock spinning through space so there are some issues I see with Mardi Gras that I’d to point out although I’m sure they are well known to most, if not all, in New Orleans.

In an article about Mardi Gras for The Atlantic, Anne Gisleson cites a number of issues our fair city faces including the ongoing Hard Rock Hotel debacle, the sewage issue that blew up a car recently, and “neglected infrastructure, a deepening housing crisis, widening inequality, profound racial injustice, and a deadly threat from climate change. The situation is just worse here than in most places, New Orleans being notoriously resistant to change.”

Gisleson concludes that when the smoke clears, “We’ll have to look at one another squarely and ask what we’re willing to do not only to save our city, but to save ourselves.”

This is a real issue which Mardi Gras just underlines. It certainly did not create these problems but it gives everyone a chance to ignore them for a few weeks.

Sometimes it is necessary to take a break from the worst of the problems we face, to take a breather from the injustices and ills that plague our daily lives but to do so while also making them worse is no vacation, it’s irresponsible.

I won’t try to put forth some way the human race can deal with complex racial problems or other inequalities and the web around them like class and housing issues but the environmental aspect is something that is quantifiable.

Over 1,000 tons of garbage was recovered from this year’s Mardi Gras.

Some of that was recycled including some 45 tons of beads.

According to Reuters, 12,000 tons of beads are thrown on average each year. The plastic in those beads contains many toxic chemicals, including lead, so while some of those were in fact recovered and will be re-used the amount recycled is miniscule compared to those that must end up in water sources of the city.

On its website Greenpeace says, “An alarming two thirds of the Mardi Gras beads tested... exceeded the federal safety limit for lead in children’s products.” So even the ones that end up going home with families could end up causing problems.

CNN reported, two years ago over 90,000 pounds of beads were pulled from storm drains which had caused more flooding in a place that is already susceptible to water accumulation.

While Mardi Gras has been a part of life in New Orleans since the 1800’s beads were introduced in 1920. Would it be impossible to have Mardi Gras without them?

It becomes too easy for us to forget that the world doesn’t need us, we need it.

Our Earth will eradicate us if we don’t take care of it.

In addition to large world-wide problems there were also two people killed by parade floats.

I won’t say we should get rid of floats too but maybe we could do more to make sure it won’t happen again.

According to some reports one of those people may have been running out to grab beads when they entered the path of the float.

While nothing has been done to make Mardi Gras safer yet, over the next couple of months Mayor Cantrell’s Mardi Gras Advisory Committee will be looking into changes that can be made.

In 2009, Mardi Gras was ranked the deadliest New Orleans holiday, an unenviable classification to say the least and The Highway Safety Commission points to drunk driving as the primary factor.

That same year of the 19 deaths that occurred during Mardi Gras more than 60% were alcohol related.

Last year two bicyclists were killed by a drunk driver when the car drove into the cycling lane. DWI’s increase during Carnival season. Both of these may prompt the graffiti seen around town reading: “Driving ruins Mardi Gras.”

If any readers have yet to stop reading certain that this writer is a killjoy let me conclude saying that fun is necessary for us and even irresponsible fun can have its place.

Pressure builds and like that sewage explosion, if one doesn’t break out and have a good time it can explode in dreadful ways.

However, all of us could stand to keep a good head and do our part even during Carnival.

Or, we can keep singing, “Sha la la maaaan,” and watch the world burn.

22 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

THE HERE AND THE NOW Is Ash Wednesday the real beginning for rebirth and renewal?

Catherine Roland catherineroland12@gmail.com Reflection, rebirth, and renewal are three words that lead us to consider our own growth, personal history, and perhaps our chosen future.

If I asked when in any calendar year this perspective might emerge, many would reply “New Year’s Day” and be able to relate various new things tried during the very beginning of any new year. It’s when we traditionally reinvent ourselves, or so I thought.

Upon further contemplation however, here in New Orleans, the time around January 1 is not really a time for reflection and reframing any personal perspectives. That time simply delineates the end of the ‘holiday season’ but then we get immediately into Carnival season, which adds up to 4-7 weeks, even before the actual week of Fat Tuesday, depending on when Mardi Gras falls. There is no actual break – not in time, not in activity, and definitely not in mental exercise, when we plan, visualize and shape the rest of the year, post-Mardi Gras. After Mardi Gras, we rest.

That rest time affords us the opportunity when all is quiet and thoughts can emerge, spirit is renewed, and new perspectives are born. Yes, I think here

in this unique and wonderful part of the world, Ash Wednesday is our new beginning, our new year in many respects.

There is a certain sense of calm right after Mardi Gras, and there may be a couple of reasons for that, such as a religious frame in that it is the beginning of the Lenten season for many, or couched in the frame of quiet contemplation or rest, having nothing to do with any religious observance or holidays.

On Ash Wednesday this year, I went with a friend to the Quarter. The quiet invited a relaxed, serene atmosphere, one in which there were few people, many flowers already blooming, and a sense of peace. I’m sure there were people around who were either early risers, late resters, or might not have known which.

Great breakfast, energetic walk along the Mississippi and through the Quarter, picture-taking of plants, trees, houses and decorations. And a feeling of refreshment, or going forward, of NOT planning the next things, at that place in time.

Breathing air that was clear, walking streets that were being cleaned,

or were already miraculously clean.

Crisp, and in keeping with going forward, leaving space that could be filled with positive ideas and dreams for things you like, perhaps love, and making those things happen.

Activity is vital to a positive mindset. Choosing that activity is important in that what you do is as vital as when and how it is done. For instance, given the political climate right now, is this perhaps the time to volunteer in a political campaign? Supporting our community may be something you enjoy, so read each issue of Ambush, make a list of things you’d like to attend, and do it.

In addition, perhaps sitting quietly, meditating about a family issue, a friend in need of encouragement or support, a work issue you continue to worry about, or just listening to the traffic, might be worth the time.

Reflection is a worthy activity, one we need to allow and make time for. I sometimes think of my life as it is, as I thought it might be, or as I hoped it would be. When I do that, when I engage in a sort of self-reflection of what I may have accomplished or couldn’t, I can allow the feelings to flow. So many things we feel about the self-assessment we engage in, the criticism and

flawed disappointment we assign ourselves, all serve to add to the basic regard we hold of the self. The concept of rebirth or rejuvenation can emerge as we contemplate our life, our responsibility or our level of life satisfaction.

So what might stop you? You may know the answer for yourself, even if you don’t really acknowledge it. If you reframe your life and your potential, if there is a positive outlook you can embrace, then the activity to maintain it must also be there. Sometimes that’s scary, and seems overwhelming. Perhaps it’s regarded as more difficult to be positive and give hope to yourself and others. It is worth it though, because there is this time of year, after Mardi Gras and commemorated by Ash Wednesday, when we have the quiet to use in any way we like. Strength is there. Getting to it takes effort, but the outcome can be life-giving.

Dr. Catherine Roland, LPC, is a therapist in private practice, specializing in our LGBTQ+ community for 25 years. Catherine is a member of the Board of Directors of both CrescentCare-NO/AIDS Task Force, and NOAGE - New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 23

BOOK REVIEW

Paris, 7 A.M.

Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com Paris, 7 A.M. Liza Wieland. Simon & Schuster, 2019. 333 pages. $26.99.

Some novels are poetic and this one certainly is, not only in topic but also in style. Meditative, introspective, and intuitive, Paris, 7 A.M. is a sensitive tribute to poet Elizabeth Bishop.

Part biographical, part speculative, Wieland successfully channels Bishop and affords readers an inner glimpse into the fascinating workings of a creative and tormented mind.

June 1937. Elizabeth Bishop, still only a young woman and not yet one of the most influential poets of the twenti-

eth century, arrives in France with her college roommates. They are in search of an escape, and inspiration, far from the protective world of Vassar College where they were expected to find an impressive husband, a quiet life, and act accordingly. But the world is changing, and as they explore the City of Light, the larger threats of fascism and occupation are looming. There, they meet a community of upper-crust expatriates who not only bring them along on a life-changing adventure, but also into an underground world of rebellion that will quietly alter the course of Elizabeth’s life forever.

Paris, 7 A.M. imagines 1937—the only year Elizabeth, a meticulous keeper of journals, didn’t fully chronicle—in vivid detail and brings us from Paris to Normandy where Elizabeth becomes involved with a group rescuing Jewish “orphans” and delivering them to convents where they will be baptized as Catholics and saved from the impending horror their parents will face.

Poignant and captivating, Liza Wieland’s Paris, 7 A.M. is a beautifully rendered take on the formative years of one of America’s most celebrated— and mythologized—female poets.

Liza Wieland is an American novel-

ist, short story writer, and poet who has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Christopher Isherwood Foundation, and the North Carolina Arts Council. She is the 2017 winner of the Robert Penn Warren Award for Fiction from the Fellowship of Southern Writers. Her novel A Watch of Nightingales won the 2008 Michigan Literary Fiction Award, and her most recent novel, Land of Enchantment, was a longlist finalist for the 2016 Chautauqua Prize. She lives near Oriental, North Carolina, and teaches at East Carolina University.

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About at Mardi Gras AT NOLA’S ROCKIN ARK AT BETTY’S | PHOTOS BY NOLA’S ROCKIN ARK TEAM

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SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Lords of Leather AT THE LORDS OF LEATHER BALL | PHOTOS BY DOUG ADAMS

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MOMENTS IN GAY NEW ORLEANS HISTORY Citing Our History: An LGBT+ Bibliography Frank Perez frankearlperez@gmail.com The following bibliography has been compiled by the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and is available at https://www.lgbtarchiveslouisiana. org/. The Archives Project website also contains bibliographies on special topics, including: Transgender Violence, HIV Newspaper Coverage, Religious Freedom Laws, Legal Issues, and others. The website also contains videos, timelines, interviews, and oral history transcripts. Full citations are available on the website.

PERIODICALS Alternative.

Ambush Magazine.

Big Easy Times.

Disstaff.

Headlines.

Impact.

New Orleans Gay and Lesbian Yellow Pages.

Sunflower.

The Pink Pages of Greater New Orleans.

The Rooster.

This Week Guide: New Orleans Entertainment in the Gay and Lesbian Community.

Times of Louisiana Communities.

The Whiz Magazine.

The Zipper.

BOOKS Allured, Janet. Remapping Second-Wave Feminism: The Long Women’s Rights Movement in Louisiana, 1950-1997. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press. 2016.

Bienville, Trey. Gay Gourmet: The Queer Cuisine of New Orleans. New Orleans, LA: Writers Club Press, 2003.

Carpenter, Donald. H. Man of a Million Fragments: The True Story of Clay Shaw. Self-published, 2014.

Chateauvert, Melinda. Sex Workers Unite: A History of the Movement from Stonewall to Slutwalk.

Delery-Edwards, Clayton. The Up Stairs Lounge Arson: Thirty-two Dead in a New Orleans Gay Bar, June 24, 1973.

Delery, Clayton. Out for Queer Blood: The Murder of Fernando Rios and the Failure of New Orleans Justice.

Ellis, Scott S. Madame Vieux Carre: The French Quarter in the Twentieth Century.

Ellis, Scott S. The Faubourg Marigny of New Orleans.

504.220.4701 G D O U G L A S A D A M S P H O T O G R PA H Y. C O M

Fieseler, Robert. Tinderbox.

Perez, Frank and Jeffrey Palmquist. In Exile.

Perez, Frank and Jeffrey Palmquist, Eds. My Gay New Orleans.

Smith, Howard Philips. Unveiling the Muse.

Smith, Howard P. and Frank Perez.

Southern Decadence in New Orleans.

Townsend, Johnny. Let the Faggots Burn.

BOOK CHAPTERS Coyle, Katy, and Nadiene Van Dyke. “Sex, Smashing, and Storyville in Turn-of-the-Century New Orleans: Reexamining the Continuum of Lesbian Sexuality.” In Carryin’ on in the Lesbian and Gay South, ed. John Howard, 54-72.

Fellows, Will. “Cherishing Old New Orleans and Louisiana.” In A Passion to Preserve.

Perez, Frank. “Gay Interest Walking Tour” in Treasures of the Vieux Carre.

Perez, Frank. “The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana as a Community Organizing Success Story.” In Queering Education in the Deep South, ed. Kamden Strunk.

Sears. James T. “Fire and Decadence.” In Rebels, Rubyfruit, and Rhinestones.

White, Edmund. “New Orleans.” In States of Desire: Travels in Gay America.

THESES Byrd, Robert D., Jr. “’When the Pretending’ Stopped?: AIDS Coverage in New Orleans’ Mainstream, Gay, and Alternative Presses from 1981-1991.”

Griffin, Gareth F. “Flames of Hate: The New Orleans Upstairs Lounge Fire, 24 June 1973.”

Olsson, Caroline. “Not All That Easy: Survival Strategies in Lesbian Bar Life in New Orleans, 1950-1970.”

O’Pry, Rachel. “Louisiana Social Workers: A Study on Attitudes toward LGBT Youth.”

Stuart, Mary Elaine. “An Examination of Tolerance in New Orleans: Voter Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gays.”

Thompson, Jelisa. “You Make Me Feel: A Study of the Gay Rights Movement in New Orleans.”

DISSERTATIONS Bartlett, Thomasine Marion. “Vintage Drag Female Impersonators Performing Resistance in Cold War New Orleans.”

Clark, Richard. “City of Desire: A History of Same-sex Desire in New Orleans, 1917-1977.”

David, B.M. (2016). “The Only Safe Closet is the Voting Booth: The Gay Rights Movement in Louisiana.”

David, Thomas B., Jr. “Perceptions

and Experiences of Growing Up Gay in Rural Louisiana: A Reflexive Ethnography of Six Gay Men.” Knopp, Lawrence M. “Gentrification and Gay Community Development in a New Orleans Neighborhood.”

Kulkin, Heidi S. “A Qualitative Retrospective Study of Lesbian Youth: The Journey toward the Resilient Self.”

Manuel, D.C. “We Are Able to Find Pride and Dignity in Being Gay: Culture, Resistance and the Development of a Visible Gay Community in Lafayette, Louisiana, 1968-1989.”

Prechter, Ryan B. “Gay New Orleans: History.”

JOURNAL ARTICLES Knopp, L. “Some Theoretical Implications of Gay Involvement in an Urban Land Market.”

Perez, Frank. “Dixie’s, Yuga and Gay Carnival.” French Quarter Journal.

Perez, Frank. “Gay Letters and Desire.” French Quarter Journal.

Perez, Frank. “Go Your Own Way: The Life of Barbara Scott.” French Quarter Journal.

Perez, Frank. “Queer Eye for Preservation.” French Quarter Journal.

Richards, Gary. “Queering Katrina: Gay Discourses of the Disaster in New Orleans.”

MAGAZINE ARTICLES “After Katrina: The Future of Gay New Orleans.” The Advocate.

Smith, Howard. “Golden Celebration.”

Smith, Howard Philips. “In the Kingdom of Queens: The Royal Krewe of Yuga and the Birth of Gay Carnival.”

Smith, Howard Philips. “The Krewe of Amon-Ra: Fifty Years and Counting.”

MISC. Bourgeois, Kevin M. “An Assessment of the Perceived Discrimination and Victimization against Gay Men in New Orleans and Baton Rouge.”

Harris, Dion. M. (2019, October 14). “Just for the Record,” Amistad Honored at Oracle Gala.”

Magill, Rich, ed. Exposing Hatred: A Report on the Victimization of Lesbian and Gay People in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Rickey, Robert. “Murder in Pirate’s Alley.”

United States Commission on Civil Rights, Louisiana Advisory Committee.

The Administration of Justice for Homosexual Persons in New Orleans.

26 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Lords of Leather AT THE LORDS OF LEATHER BALL | PHOTOS BY DOUG ADAMS

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SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Lords of Leather AT THE LORDS OF LEATHER BALL | PHOTOS BY DOUG ADAMS

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SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Lords of Leather AT THE LORDS OF LEATHER BALL | PHOTOS BY DOUG ADAMS

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INTERVIEWS FROM KEY WEST

Singer Tara O’Grady is a “Danny Boy” Aficionado Kevin Assam kevin-assam@hotmail.com Singer and songwriter Tara O’Grady is gearing up for her 2020 Celtic Quest Wellness Tour and upcoming album, Turquoise Ink. This Danny Boy aficionado is also an author, having written her memoir Migrating Toward Happiness: The Soundtrack to My Spiritual Awakening. Tara talks about her quirky style, her connection to Ireland, and that time she performed at New Orleans’s St.Patrick’s Day parade.

You successfully matched leopard print, floral headwear, greens, blues, and a smidge of red the night we met. I want to know what’s your single greatest online shopping hack.

Tara: I don’t shop online. I proudly wear dead women’s clothing. I prefer vintage to modern. If I can’t find something like that grey and turquoise leopard print top in a vintage store in Butte, Montana, then I will be mailed hats, dresses, and fur stoles from fans across the country. They know I will feature their deceased mother’s or grandmother’s clothing from the 1930s, 40s, 50s and 60s. I never liked the 1970s, so keep your brown bell bottoms.

What’s your elevator pitch when you describe your music?

Tara: It’s a mix of jazz, blues, folk, and Americana. I also take traditional Irish songs like Danny Boy and swing them like Billie Holiday with a horn section rather than flutes and fiddles. I am inspired to write songs about people, places, and things. This includes Michelle Obama’s arms, the New York subway as an opportunity to find love, and the muffuletta, which originated in New Orleans. I love olives. They put them in the bread there.

What did gender roles look like in your household early on?

Tara: Mom made me wear my brother’s hand-me-downs. I was a tomboy until I discovered dresses and Barbies. I always thought boys had it easier growing up. I sometimes wished I was a boy until I saw their limited wardrobe.

Was it that introduction to older fashion that sparked the fascination with decades-old music genres?

Tara: I was obsessed with the golden age of Hollywood as a teenager. Musicals were my favorite. So, yes, the fashion and music of early cinema

influenced me greatly. But my Catholic school uniform initially prevented me from expressing my style. And my interest in Madonna at the time limited me to lace accessories and rosary beads — the Material Girl, not the Virgin Mother.

People are naturally skeptical when younger individuals write memoirs. What was the deciding

point that made you think you finally had a story worth telling in Migrating Toward Happiness?

Tara: Good question. Everyone has a story to tell. A memoir is simply a slice of life, not a decades long biography. Each person on this planet has worth. And if they truly believed their worth, the world would be a better place. We are all here to learn life

30 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

lessons. Once you learn a lesson that others can benefit from, it is your divine duty to share that lesson and teach others. Humans of every size, sex, color, and age evolve on a daily basis. A ten year old can teach a ninety year old something by sharing a personal story and vice versa. Age is meaningless.

And folks like good stories.

Have you explored the New Orleans music scene?

Tara: Yes, I have performed in New Orleans many times. I was invited on a float in the St. Patrick’s Day parade singing my version of Danny Boy through the Irish Channel neighborhood. They throw Irish stew ingredients [except the meat] from the floats, which can get dangerous since a cabbage is deadly if one isn’t looking. I even have an album I wrote called Irish Bayou inspired by my time there. One song title came from a local DJ on WWOZ. He introduced me on air by telling his audience to ‘get yourself a heaping helping of Tara O’Grady.’ That’s the title of my song — Heaping Helping of My Love.

It even mentions the muffaletta. I also cover one of Louis Armstrong’s songs from 1926 called Irish Black Bottom, which is about a dance that year that was actually more popular than the Charleston. I used to work as a volun-

teer giving tours in the Louis Armstrong house in Queens, NYC where I live. It is frozen in the 1970s and has gold faucets and Italian marble in his bathroom.

You can feel Louis’s spirit in the house.

It’s as if he never left. He once said, “All music is folk music, I ain’t never heard a horse sing a song.” I put that on the cover of my New Orleans CD. My latest album is called Folk Songs: Songs About Real Folks because of his reference.

Tell me about your connection to the song Danny Boy. Tara: Danny Boy is probably the most recognized Irish song in the world, often performed at funerals or at the end of an Irish party when everyone is drunk. I was always asked to sing an Irish song at family parties, but I preferred other styles of music. I started singing Danny Boy with Billie Holiday’s intonation. Then I recorded an entire album of Irish songs in a jazz and blues style, which became my first album, Black Irish. Most people expect it to be solemn, but my version brings listeners joy. I swing it with a trumpet solo.

What is your 2020 Celtic Quest Wellness Tour and does it require crystals or a fresh deck of tarot cards?

Tara: I’m taking fans on a wellness tour to Ireland September 20–28th 2020. This will be a must for those who feel the need to rejuvenate in a mystical place that inspires their spirit. As I mention in my memoir, I want people to discover how Ireland can ignite their imagination, creativity, and purpose.

We will be nurturing ourselves in restorative spas and staying in luxurious castle accommodations in tranquil settings. I will teach how to awaken your senses through journaling, nutrition, meditation, yoga, sound healing, animal encounters, nature walks, the arts, visits to Japanese gardens, and sacred grounds. We all need to learn to bring balance to our life. We will connect with the land, the lakes, and the local wildlife on a deep level. Ireland is a place where the veil between worlds is thin, where the energy of the earth can transform your entire being, where ancient stones whisper their secrets, where you feel like you have finally come home. We’re even getting a private screening of the 1952 John Wayne/Maureen O’Hara classic The Quiet Man inside the five star luxury hotel, Ashford Castle, where John Lennon, Ronald Reagan, and Brad Pitt have all stayed. Their resident owl is trained to deliver love letters, but we

are meeting their hawks during a hawk walk, which will help us shift our perspective.

Has anything outrageously exciting happened on a recent tour?

Tara: I was teaching writing this autumn in Paris. The tour held workshops in the cafes where Ernest Hemingway used to write. Every day we wrote in a different cafe that he frequented. On the final night, the writing students followed me to La Closerie des Lilas. We couldn’t get a table inside near the bar, which has a plaque with Hemingway’s name. While sitting outside, the students asked me to sing Nina Simone and Edith Piaf songs. The waiter heard me and invited all eleven of us into the bar near the piano where the manager asked me to sing one jazz standard after the next. I felt like Ernest’s spirit was with us that night as we began swing dancing beside the piano. Music and literature have a way of bringing people together.

Photos by Richard J Velasco | For more information TaraOGradyMusic. com Interview has been condensed and edited for clarity

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About at Betty’s AT BETTY’S BAR & BISTRO GRAND OPENING | PHOTOS BY DWAIN HERTZ

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 31

HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS Understanding Coronaviruses Chenier Reynolds-Montz Director of Outreach & Development for Access Health Louisiana CReynolds@accesshealthla.org The Novel Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a worldwide health concern as more people test positive globally. While more than 100,000 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus around the world, less than one percent have tested positively here in the United States. Right now, it’s important to remain calm and most importantly educate yourself about the virus.

“The coronavirus is responsible for about 10% of our annual colds or influenza-like illnesses over a lifetime,” says Dr. MarkAlain Dery, DO, MPH, FACOI. “It’s very common, especially for someone like me who is 51 years of age, to have been infected several times by a coronavirus in the form of a cold or other virus that circulates around the community.”

Dr. Dery is an Infectious Disease physician with Access Health Louisiana. In fact, he spent time working for the World Health Organization as an epidemiologist during the Ebola

outbreak in 2014. “Coronaviruses are very common. SARS (Severe, Acute, Respiratory Syndrome), MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome) and COVID-19 are all coronaviruses and all emanated from an animal host.”

The process of an animal transferring a particulate virus to a human being host is called zoonosis. Dery says COVID-19, SARS and MERS originated from fruit bats. “SARS virus began in a fruit bat and moved into an intermediate host--a cat--and eventually transferred to a human host. MERS also started in a fruit bat, then moved into a camel intermediate host and then onto a human host. What we’re seeing for a third time is that COVID-19 likely began in a fruit bat and transferred into a human host. We don’t know what the intermediate host is currently, but we’re seeing a 98% match of a fruit bat as its initial host.” Dery says the fact that researchers haven’t been able to identify COVID-19’s intermediate host is concerning. “Until we know what an-

imal is circulating the virus, it’s still out there spreading the virus from Wuhan, China.”

The best thing that people can do to protect themselves from viruses like COVID-19 is practice good hygiene.

For example, stay home when you are sick and don’t return to work or school until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medication. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and face. Cover your cough and sneeze. Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you or someone you know has traveled to the following regions and exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath), they should contact a medical professional. High risk regions currently include: China, South Korea, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thai-

land, northern Italy, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Vietnam.

Maintaining good hygiene and staying away from work or school when you are sick are key to keeping your community healthy. Dr. Dery says people should also not be concerned about catching COVID-19 from imported products from China. For the most up-to-date information on how COVID-19 is being followed and monitored in Louisiana, check out the Louisiana Department of Health’s website at ldh.la.gov or the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov.

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

34 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 35

WELLNESS

“I just want to be happy.”

Dr. Andrew Watley Professional Counselor in the State of Louisiana That phrase is one that I hear more often than not as a therapist. It is a common feeling that most of my clients have despite their sexuality, their economic status, their age, or their ethnicity. Even if the phrase isn’t verbalized, I believe that it is understood that the search for “happiness” is the primary reason for all of my clients to seek counseling. My response to the phrase is twofold. The first thing I ask is, “What is it that makes you happy?”

The client’s response to this phrase is always, “I don’t know”.

How can we be happy if we don’t know what makes us happy? So many of us live our lives so robotically that we forget about the “me” in our search for the “MEaning” of life. If you’re anything like me, you base a lot of your happiness on how happy you can make others. For years I’ve struggled with losing myself in the smiles that I was putting on the faces of others. I majored in Theology in college because I thought it would bring my father and me closer.

I became a teacher because it would impress my mother. Hell, I even dated

girls because I knew that would please the family. Sure, those things brought me temporary fulfillment, but they didn’t make me happy.

It wasn’t until I changed my values that I started to have a different take on happiness. This time last year, I was working at a local charter school. What started off great, eventually turned sour, not because of any external influences, but because of myself. I would get to work early and sit in the parking lot until the very last minute, contemplating how I could either get out of going to work, or leave early. Happy people don’t think that way. I began to question myself. The money was great and the benefits were unbelievable but I was still unhappy.

Finally it hit me. I wasn’t free! I had a boss who told me what I should do and when I should do it and without question, I did it. Not long after this revelation, I worked on becoming the person that I wanted to be as a therapist and I can honestly say that I am now working in a job where I am truly happy. This is in no way a conversation

about quitting your job but it is one to help you look at what it is that you do and compare it with who it is that you are. If there is a conflict between the two, it will be hard to truly feel happy.

The second part of my response to my unhappy clients is, “What are you doing to keep yourself from being happy?”

It is easy for us to point fingers as to why we are not in the place that we feel that we need to be. It is not very often that we point those fingers back to ourselves. Sometimes the biggest obstacle that stands in the way of our happiness is ourselves. I look at so many people that I know who have dreams and aspirations of becoming someone great by doing something that they love, but they have gotten so distracted by the trials of life that they feel that their dreams are too far away to reach.

Many of us are in jobs, relationships, or environments that don’t make us happy yet we become complacent and do not make an effort to change it.

There is always something that we can

do to move toward happiness. There is always some type of change that we can make. It is easy for us to become complacent and just accept negativity as an active part of life.

Let’s change that outlook. Singer and songwriter, Bobby McFerrin, wrote lyrics that we can learn to live by: ”In every life we have some trouble but when you worry you make it double; don’t worry, be happy”. Let’s stop spending so much time trying to find happiness and put more effort into making it.

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.

36 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Lords of Leather AT THE LORDS OF LEATHER BALL | PHOTOS BY DOUG ADAMS

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 37

HOT HAPPENINGS UNDER THE GAYDAR New Orleans Hot Happenings Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com Mardi Gras has come and gone.

Now we head into our other festive holidays in March such as St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s Days; Let’s not forget about Easter and all the merriment that it brings with the Gay Easter Parade.

So keep your cottontail wagging, because there are so many hot happenings occurring in the city. Here are just a few of the things to fill your calendar.

(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) Happy Hour: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; bargain prices starting with draft beer or Schnapps for only $1.50—plus six more specials. Weekdays: Noon - 7 p.m., Weekends: 10 a.m, - 6 p.m. | Boys dancin’ on the bar

nightly 9 p.m. till close.

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.

Burlesque Bingo: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 6 p.m. Join Loose Hellfire to play Burlesque Bingo with Lefty Lucy— where everyone’s a winner! There is NO COVER for this sexy and silly game. Just buy a drink & Tsarina Hellfire will give you a Bingo Card. Each round winner gets a BUCKET of prizes. 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!.

NOAGE & Stonewall Sports Walk/ Run Club: Lafitte Greenway; 6:15 p.m. Join Stonewall Sports New Orleans and NOAGE starting at 6:30 p.m..

Meet for the walk/run at Bayou Beer Garden. 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.

Queer Meditation: Mid City Zen; 3248 Castiglione St.; 6:15 p.m. A queer and trans centered meditation group meeting regularly on Monday evenings. Practice includes sitting and walking meditation, as well as sensory and body based awareness exercises.

Open to all LGBTIQ+ people, and all folks interested in holding and sharing an intentionally queer-centering mindful space. Free/by donation.

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.

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.

Night of S.I.N.: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; from 9 p.m. till close. Get your S.I.N. (Service Industry Night) card from Ashlee to unlock Happy Hour prices every Monday night. | Boys dancin’ on the bar 9 p.m. till close.

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!

Queens Against RuManity: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St. Claude Ave.; 7:30 - 9 p.m. Welcome to Queens Against Rumanity, a new game night at Kajuns Pub with Laveau Contraire and some of her fabulous friends for a RuPaul’s Drag Race themed game of Cards Against Humanity! If you’ve nev-

38 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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

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

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 39

er played, it’s a fill in the blank game where each player tries to come up with answers using cards with iconic drag race quotes on them. Join them for Queens Against Rumanity featuring live drag performances, fun prizes and drink specials.

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 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.

Weekly Pool Tournament: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 8 - 11 p.m. Tuesday Night Pool Tournament! 8 p.m. with $5 buy-in, winner takes all. $3 Abita Brewing Company during the tournament! Hosted by Wayne Nettles. Afterward, stick around for Strip To Your Jockstrap Pool.

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.

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..

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.

Monster Movie Night: Dat Dog on Freret; 5030 Freret st.; 7:30 p.m.

Come get scary campy at Monster Movie Night every Wednesday on Freret, 7:30PM! Happy Hour deals (like $5 double wells and a menu of $5 ‘dogs) extended throughout the movie, in case things get too scary. Cocktail specials for each film.

Show Tunes Night: The Bourbon Pub; 801 St Ann St.; 8 p.m.- Midnight 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. Bingo with Bridget Tunnel: Dat Dog; 601 Frenchman Street; 9 p.m.

Biggest, baddest, brassiest Bingo with superstar Bridget Tunnel starting at 9 p.m. Prizes for every round to keep you drunk and fed.

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; 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.

Drag Race UK Viewing Party: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St. Claude Ave.; 7 p.m. Mama Ru’s in search of the UK’s very first drag race superstar. Prepare for the ride of your life! Join us every Thursday for Rupaul’s Drag Race UK Season 1 Viewing Party at Kajun’s Pub! Laveau Contraire has nvited some of her best squirrel friends to come give insightful commentary, sickening drag numbers, and a healthy dose of SHADE. Don’t get left at the starting line! See you every Thursday at Kajuns Pub for Rupaul’s Drag Race viewing on all 5 TV screens at 7pm!

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.; from 9 p.m. till close.

The Hits of the 80’s and 90’s. $3 well vodka drinks and $4 Long Island iced teas. | Boys dancin’ on the bar 9 p.m. till close.

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.

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.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 Viewing Party: Kajun’s Pub; 2256 St. Claude Ave.; 7 p.m. Mother Ru and VH1 have decided to air the race on Friday nights so kick off your weekends Laveau Contraire and a new cohost each week! Join Kajuns for the Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 12 Viewing Party with drink specials, drag queen commentary, and live performances each week!

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 Viewing Party: The Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; 7 p.m. It’s that time again! RuPaul and VH1 are airing Season 12 on Friday nights! What a fabulous way to kick of your weekends.

Join Vanessa Carr Kennedy and her guest cohosts each week at 7 PM at Crossing Bar for the RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 Viewing Party. There will be lots of fun, drag queen commentary, and drink specials!

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 Watch Party: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 7 p.m. Join everyone at Oz each week for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12.

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-

40 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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

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 · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 41

ALL THAT DRAG Weekly Drag Shows in New Orleans

TUESDAY

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

WEDNESDAY

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

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.

THURSDAY

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

FRIDAY FRID

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. Reservations are recommended.

Drag Brunch - 11AM & 1PM - Trinity Swing by Trinity in the French Quarter for a Saturday morning show starring the Ladies of Trinity.

Divas R Us - 10PM - Golden Lantern Hosted by Monica Synclaire Kennedy Illusions - 10:00PM - The Bourbon Pub The Queens of Illuisons offer up superstar female impersonation Showtime on Rampart - 10PM - GrandPre's 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturday,.Hosted by Moanalot Fountaine & Sable Starr

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.

Diva Drag Brunch at the Fillmore - 11:30 AM Weekly drag brunch featuring some of New Orleans best drag queens and fun themed shows.

The Reba Douglas 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

derfully weird drag show hosted every week by Apostrophe. Cover is $5.

New Meat Dance Contest: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 10 p.m. Amateurs and pros compete to win cash prizes ($100 winner, $200 if on the first attempt). Open call; guys register with ID (21+) by 9 p.m. | Boys dancin’ on the bar 9 p.m. till close.

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 Sinful Sunday: Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; 5 - 8 p.m. Drink & Drown, $15 well drinks or top shelf & bottled beer $25 - includes free burger cookout.

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!/It’s Raining Men: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 6 p.m.

Play for free to win prizes or bar tabs. | 9 p.m. Boys bouncin’ on the bar to the beats of gay anthems from DJ Barry Bareass.

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

42 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Oz New Orleans PHOTOS BY OZ STAFF

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 · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 43

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 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 3/10

Celebration & Change in LGBT+ New Orleans; The Presbytere; 751 Charters St.; 6 - 8 p.m. Come out for a discussion of LGBT+ celebrations and their part in shaping experiences, activism, and visibility in New Orleans.

Today, city hall flies the Pride flag, but the LGBT+ community was not always officially recognized or accepted. Hosted in conjunction with the current exhibition “Grand Illusions: The History and Artistry of Gay Carnival in New Orleans,” this panel will explore if and how celebrated traditions such as gay carnival and Southern Decadence changed policies and attitudes in the city. Leaders and scholars of the LGBT+ com-

munity will address whether an act of revelry can be an act of protest—one that effectively shocks the system and brings about change. Robert Fieseler will moderate the conversation with panelists Larry Bagneris, Michael “Fish” Hickerson, Alecia Long, Frank Perez, and Courtney Sharp. This program is FREE and open to the public.

Tied Up nTuesday: The New Orleans School of Burlesque; 1210 Japonica St.: 8 - 10 p.m. Donation encouraged $5-$10 (NOTAFLOF). Come explore the art of shibari with other rope enthusiasts. Tied Up Tuesday’s is a no pressure open format space where people come to share their rope skills and learn from one another. This space is open to all levels of practice. If you’ve just discovered rope or have always been curious, please join us and we will give you some info and pointers to get you started on your own journey. If you are more seasoned or in the process of learning, come join us to practice, share and socialize. Wear comfortable clothes which you are able to move in. This is not a formal class and it is not required that you bring a tying partner. People are more than welcome to ‘pair up’ at their discretion. If you do not have rope, we will have loaner rope available to be used during the night. Tied Up Tuesdays was founded by local rope practitioners, Chobani and Clyde James, both of whom will be in attendance and

will be more than happy to answer any of your rope questions or facilitate 101 instructions.

WEDNESDAY 3/11

Reckless Daughters - A Tribute to Joni Mitchell; Twilight Room at The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 7 - 10 p.m. Come enjoy a night of music, art, and drag celebrating the great Canadian songstress, Joni Mitchell. Produced by Siren and Scotty Perkins. Featuring the talents of: Helen Rose and Air Cool Jenny, Laveau Contraire, Dede Onassis, Christin Bradford, Hannibelle Spector, Enfant Terrible, Joe Hui, Versula Bottom, Beefcake, CC V Dementhe.

Hosted by: Siren. Doors at 7 - Show at 8 - $10 at the door.

THURSDAY 3/12

Secrets of The Sea: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8 - 10 p.m. Secrets of the Sea is a monthly show produced by Eros Sea and Poseidon Davenport. This months cast includes the talents of Eros S. Guillen, Poseidon S Davenport, Evangeline Laveau, Clay Mazing, Ramona Rose, and Expectra Patrone Dane Baxter. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8 pm. there is a $10 cover to see these amazing people do out of this world acts.

Golden Girls Trivia Night: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 9 11:30 p.m.

Bent - A Nonbinary and Trans Variety Show; The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 10 p.m. - 1 a.m. The cast of Bent are ready to serve each of the sixty four genders. No longer content to be pushed to the sidelines of a community our predecessors were vital in building, we are taking up space and serving our excellence through drag, burlyq, comedy, and variety. With the ALL STAR trans and nonbinary cast of: Ariana Amour, Queen Quan, Maryboy, Precious Ephemera, Roman Ellis, Elyse DaBeast, Qween Amor, Anjle, Mela Pelas. Hosted and Produced by Quinn Laroux. $10 Cover. No One Turned Away for Lack of Funds.

FRIDAY 3/13

Magic Lessons Benefit Reading for the LGBT Community Center: The LGBT Community Center; 2727 S. Broad Ave.; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Join Joe Sadusky, author of Magic Lessons: Celebratory and Cautionary Tales about Life as a (Single, Gay, Transracially Adoptive) Dad, in conversation with a special guest co-host. The evening includes Select readings from Magic Lessons, Q&A and book signing and Book sale to benefit the Center.

For more information: jmswordsmith. com.

Bryce Rabbits Art Show: Mimi’s; 2601 Royal St.; 7 p.m. March 13th

(Friday) will be the opening of the show featuring new art.

Sisters of St. Claude: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 9:30 - 11:30 p.m. Each episode of this monthly affair will gather together a few faces oh so familiar to the Allways stage and let them loose in a show that puts drag classics and golden oldies back in the spotlight! Hosted and Produced by: Dede Onassis & Siren. Admission is $10 at the door.

The Graduates: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; starts at 10 p.m. A monthly show featuring students and graduates of The New Orleans School of Burlesque.

Each show will featuring a rotating cast of current and past students who have studied extensively perfecting their craft and developing new acts! Doors at 10 p.m. Show at 11 p.m. $10 cover.

SATURDAY 3/14

NOAGE’s Coffee Talk: Crescent Care; 1631 Elysian Fields Ave.; 10 11:30 a.m. This month’s topic will be “Self-Review: Your opinion of yourself is the only one that counts!” Moderated by Dr. Catherine Roland. Location: 2nd Floor Conference Room at CrescentCare (1631 Elysian Fields Ave. ).

Parking lot can be accessed from the Derbigny Street side of the building.

From the parking lot, take the elevator to the 2nd floor, and we’ll be on the first door to your right.

Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch: Artisan Cafe; 2514 St. Claude Ave.; 11 a.m. Vanessa Carr Presents Mama Honey’s Drag Brunch at Artisan Cafe featuring an amazing menu and awesome entertainment! Come celebrate with the phenomenal talents of Vanessa Carr Kennedy and Friends! For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com.

NOLA Gaymers Party March: LGBT Community Center; 2727 S. Broad Ave.; 2 - 6 p.m. LGBTQ GAMERS OF THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS REGION - COME OUT! Join the fun at the LGBT Community Center to socialize, game and generally geek out! We will have board games, party games, card games, and snacks to share! Bring your own favorite games as well. Donations of $3 or more towards future Gaymer events will be split with the LGBT center. +1 Gaming will be our sponsor again and those who donate will be entered into a drawing to win a prize from their store.

City of Lights and Color Drag Night: Painting With A Twist (Gretna); 1900 Lafayette St. Suite 2A; 7 - 9:30 p.m. Come out for a fabulous night of Lights, Color and Drag! Special guest Monique Michaels-Alexander will be teaching this class, and slaying our stage all night long! Monique is excited to host at Painting With a Twist in Gretna, and hopes everyone is ready for a fabulous night of color, glamour, and fabulous art! For tickets, go to www.

44 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · 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 · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 45

paintingswithatwist.com.

Beer Bust Fundraiser: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 10 p.m.

- 1 a.m. Come support the New Orleans Rougaroux rugby team at their March beer bust fundraiser with our Title Sponsor The Phoenix!

Gimme A Reason with Alison Swing: Poor Boys Bar; 1328 St. Bernard Ave.; 11 p.m. - 4 a.m. Gimme A Reason is back with Super special guest Alison Swing! She is co-founder of Los Angeles’s Dig Deeper LA parties and resident DJ at the infamous Salon - Zur wilden Renate in Berlin. Joining Alison is local BB, Phoebus - DJ Baby and Bouffant Bouffant! Cover - $5-$10.

NOTAFLOF.

SUNDAY 3/15

Lords of Leather Rush Party; The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 1 p.m. Join the Lords of Leather RUSH PARTY for our 38th year! Come meet the Krewe, officers, and royalty, and learn more about what a year of Leather Love and Laughter can mean for you. They will have light snacks and entry is free - come get to know us!

Applications for membership will be available (and you can apply for only $25!) You don’t need to be present to join (but being there is a blast!). About The Krewe: The Mystic Krewe Lords of Leather is the only leather oriented Mardi Gras Krewe in the world. The Krewe is based in New Orleans and the Krewe’s home bar is The Phoenix (in the Marigny). As a leather oriented social club, the Krewe conducts special activities of interest to the leather community and to the community at large by promoting general education, public awareness and appropriate charitable fund raising activities related to issues of significance to the gay and lesbian community. However, the primary purpose of the Krewe is the presentation of a Mardi Gras Bal Masque for supporters, special guests, ticket buyers, and members of the organization, and, we spend the year raising funds to produce this extravagant event. The annual Mardi Gras Ball is planned, organized, and presented in royal traditions as defined further in our bylaws.

Carnival season 2020 marked the be-

ginning of our 38th year as a tableau Krewe. Bal Masque XXXVIII will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 8pm. More information is available via our Facebook Group (Lords of Leather Monthly Events) and http://lordsofleather.org Ali Wong: The Saenger Theatre; 1111 Canal St.; 7 p.m. Ali Wong Live in New Orleans! Ali Wong is back for The Milk and Money Tourin 2020. For tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com.

TUESDAY 3/17 – SUNDAY 3/22

Mean Girls: The Saenger Theatre.

The new musical comedy based on the hit film—will be coming to the Saenger Theatre. Tickets for Mean Girls start at $30. Tickets are available for purchase at BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone (800) 982-2787 or at the Saenger Theatre Box Office (1111 Canal St.). The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday - Thursday: 7:30 p.m.; Friday: 8 p.m.; Saturday: 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday: 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mean Girls features a book by nine-time Emmy Award winner Tina Fey, based on her screenplay for the film,

WEDNESDAY 3/18

NOAGE Potluck: St. Anna’s Episcopal Church; 1313 Esplanade Ave.; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Join NOAGE for the first potluck of the year at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church! If you are able, please bring a dish. We’ll need main dishes, meats, sides, soups, salads or vegan/vegetarian dishes, desserts, and beverages. 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. There is limited parking and an accessible ramp on the Marais Street side of the building.

Please consider bringing non-perishable food items for St. Anna’s Food Pantry.

Misti Gaither’s Spotlight Project: Carnaval Lounge; 2227 St. Claude Ave.; 8:45 - 10:30 p.m. Each month Misti will be inviting a different guest

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

to share the stage, collaborate and perform in this intimate setting. This month’s guests will be Jim Meadows.

Doors open at 8 p.m. Showtime 9:00, $5.00 @ door.

THURSDAY 3/19

Queer Root - Times Square: LGBT Community Center; 2727 S. Broad St.; 7 - 10 p.m. A punk rock film about being a queer, teenage girl rebelling against the world and thriving in the gritty fringes of society, this classic movie captures a time and place as much as the spirit of teen rebellion and became a cult dyke classic. Discussion and interaction with the film is welcome. Flagging encouraged. Don’t forget to bring a donation for the Center! Queer Root is Tylyn, Lizxnn, and Sally (just there to be hit on) sharing queer and trans cinema classics, hidden gems, modern masterpieces, and the occasional smut.

Talk To The Hand! 3rd Thursdays Totally ‘90s/00’s: GrandPre’s 834 N. Rampart St.; 10 p.m. Join the fun at GrandPre’s for their monthly Third Thursday Totally ‘90s (and early ‘00s) Dance Party! It’s gonna be a retrolicious rewind. No cover!

FRIDAY 3/20

Femme Church: Hotel Peter & Paul; 2317 Burgundy st.; 7 - 9:30 p.m.

This is part of a series celebrating femme and non-binary artists in New Orleans. It is donation based to keep it accessible. It is all ages, though we ask that you not bring small children as we promote a quiet listening experience. The show is seated. Doors are at 7 pm with music at 7:30. Show ends at 9:30. Zoe Boekbinder hosts the series and opens each show. Their songs are both bravely political and deeply personal. This month’s feature performer is free feral. free feral is a California raised, New Orleans-based string player, composer and interdisciplinary artist. Known for their work as the violist in Leyla McCalla’s critically acclaimed trio, free’s own songwriting explores psychic landscapes through blues and folk traditions utilizing an array of stringed instruments, vocal textures & looping. Their career has been wide-ranging, straddling a multitude

Seeking Self-Starters with Reliable Transportation for Magazine Distribution and Ad Sales

If you are looking for additional income, Apply Now! Send your CV to info@ambushpublishing.com

of musical and performative forms, including collaborations with filmmakers, poets, puppeteers, folk and contemporary musicians. An artist with a singular voice and focus, free is driven by a desire for justice, equity, and accountability in the music industry and beyond.

The Living Room - Where Stories Inspire Improvisation: Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge; 6621 St. Claude Ave.; 9 - 10:30 p.m. Big Couch is elated to present longform improvised comedy inspired by the experience of sitting around and talking about life, stuff, and bananas. Join them on Friday, March 20 to laugh with improvisers using their own stories and conversation to create comedic characters and absurd scenes in the moment. The show starts at 9 pm, but come early and stay late for drinks and snacks at the lounge and bar. Featuring: Scott Anderson, Carrie Moulder, David Hamilton, Maggie White, Samuel A Moodey, Andrew Bascle, Andy Ledford and Erica Carrington.

Eureeka’s Stupid Bitch Quest: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 11:30 p.m. The Magical Witch Ant Zelda Stumbled upon Ancient Tales and Adventures of Some Stupid Bitch Named “Eureeka”. Join Eureeka on her Monthly Series to help Eureeka on her Dumb Stupid Missions for you to choose and find where she is going and who she will meet on the way. Learn and listen to their Stories and Mythologies and performances, and maybe we will find Cake on the way. Guest Starring Characters for Episode 1 :MADAME WEST, QWEEN QUAN, LUNA REI and SISSY LATRINE. DOOR at 11:30; SHOW: MIDNIGHTISH ; 10$ COVER . For VIP Seating Contact Eureeka Media PN (504)-509-3064.

SATURDAY 3/21

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.

SUNDAY 3/22

Drag Diva Sunday Brunch - The Spice Girls Edition: The Fillmore; 6 Canal St.; 10:30 a.m. For tickets, go to http://www.fillmorenola.com/. It is always best for your group to purchase tickets together to ensure that you’ll be seated together. Large groups, please call 504.872.3303 or email FillmoreNOLABoxOffice@livenation.com for accommodations. Buffet Includes: Scrambled Eggs, Country Potatoes, Bacon, Sausage, Baked Chicken, Fried Catfish, Baked Macaroni, Asparagus Salad w/ Grape Tomatoes, Spring Mix Salad w/ Honey Basil Vinaigrette, and an Assortment of Pastries and Desserts.

Martin Lawrence Galleries Spring Art Auction: The Westin Canal Place; 100 Iberville st.; 12:30 - 4 p.m. Martin Lawrence Galleries Celebrates Spring

46 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Armeinius AT KREWE OF ARMEINIUS BALL AT MARDI GRAS WORLD | PHOTOS BY B. SANDS

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 47

with Nationwide Auction Showcasing the Finest 20th/21st Century Artists.

Auction to include works by influential American artists Keith Haring, Andy Warhol and Robert Deyber.

Armeinius Rush Party: The Crossing; 439 Dauphine St.; 2 - 4 p.m. Come out and meet the largest LGBT Carnival organization in the city - Krewe of Armeinius. Be a part of their 2021 Ball!

WEDNESDAY 3/25 – SUNDAY 3/29

The 34th Annual Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival: The Hotel Monteleone; 214 Royal St. The TWFestival returns to its home in the historic French Quarter for its 34th annual celebration of contemporary literature, culture, theater, and the works of Tennessee Williams. More than a typical book festival, TWNOLF showcases award-winning writers, actors, musicians, and other artists in over 150 events in the French Quarter and other New Orleans venues. See the 2020 Program on our site: http://tennesseewilliams.net/2020-festival-schedule/.

The 2020 Festival includes writing workshops, literary panels, theater events, a book fair, Tennessee Williams tribute reading and scholars conference, walking tours, music events, culinary events, interviews, and the Saints + Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival. Award-winning actress Kathleen Turner will be featured in a special

event on Saturday, March 28 at the Hotel Monteleone, “Taking the Lead: Stage and Screen Legend Kathleen Turner in Conversation” and will lead a Master Class on Thursday March 26 titled “How to Work with Actors: A Master Class for Writers with Kathleen Turner.” The Festival celebrates the literary arts in many forms, with events for readers, writers, theater and music lovers, foodies, history buffs, and more. TWNOLF has a long history of connecting readers to the artists they love. For tickets or more information, go to www.tennesseewilliams.net.

FRIDAY 3/27 – SUNDAY 3/29

Saints and Sinners LGBTQ Literary Festival: The Hotel Monteleone; 214 Royal St. Saints + Sinners, an annual LGBTQ literary conference, will run concurrently with the The Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, March 27-29 for its 17th year.

The Festival features a diverse array of artistic and educational offerings. SAS offers two full days’ worth of panel discussions, with topics ranging from publishing and marketing to retrospectives on the LGBTQ movement. As part of your SAS weekend itinerary, you can purchase tickets for our Saints + Sinners French Quarter LBGT+ Walking Tour ($25). The tour is led by LGBTQ historian Frank Perez, who relays the neighborhood’s queer history and its

rich literary heritage. For a complete schedule visit: SASFest.org. A SAS weekend pass ($150) includes our new Friday Master Class series; our welcome reception, “Glitter with the Literati” on Friday, March 27, at the historic Beauregard-Keyes House & Gardens; panel discussions; a reading series made possible by our premiere sponsor, the John Burton Harter Foundation; and the Hall of Fame Closing Reception. The pass also includes the Tenth Annual SAS Short Fiction Contest Book Launch Party in the Hotel Monteleone’s Vieux Carre Room. We received a record number of entries for our 2020 SAS Fiction contest from 32 different states and 8 countries. A SAS Partner Party Pass ($25) includes our welcome reception, “Glitter with the Literati,”the Book Launch Reading and Reception, and the Closing Reception.

Day Passes are available for $50, tickets to single sessions are available onsite, and SAS Student Rates are $25 for a Weekend Pass. For tickets or more information, go to www.sasfest. org.

FRIDAY 3/27

Dina Martina - Forgotten But Not Gone: Cafe Istanbul; 2372 St. Claude Ave.; 8 - 11 p.m. This tragic singer, horrible dancer and surreal raconteur, the hysterically funny Dina Martina debuted at Seattle’s Center on Contemporary Art in 1989, instantly gleaning reviews that dubbed her “magically warped”, “utter genius” and “unwittingly hilarious”.

Since then, she’s packed venues in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto and London and shared the bill with acts ranging from Alan Cumming to Nina Hagen to Margaret Cho. This is Dina’s fifth time performing in New Orleans and she has sold out each time!Recently, Dina Martina’s hugely successful shows in New York and Provincetown have made ardent fans of the likes of John Waters, Whoopi Goldberg, Matt Stone and Jennifer Coolidge. Martina has received nominations for the Alpert Award in Theater and two GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Off-Off Broadway Theater. She’s received two Seattle Times Footlight Awards and the Stranger’s 2012 Genius Award for Theater. Absolutely packed with ludicrous song, horrifying dance, overburdened costumes and sidesplitting video, Dina Martina’s shows are impossible to describe - other than that they’ve become synonymous with jaw-dropping pathos and mind-blowing comedy. For tickets, go to www.brownpapertickets.com.

I’m Listening: The Voodoo Lounge; 718 N. Rampart St.; 9 - 11 p.m. I’m Listening brings the best local and touring comedians to the stage for an evening of comedy and self-exploration. Top-notch stand-up sets followed by hilarious pop psychoanalysis.

FREE SHOW! Hosted by Dr. Isaac Kozell and Dr. Andrew Healan.

Sisters of St. Claude: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 9:30 - 11:30 p.m. Each episode of this monthly affair will gather together a few faces oh so familiar to the Allways stage and let them loose in a show that puts drag classics and golden oldies back in the spotlight! Hosted and Produced by: Dede Onassis & Siren. Admission is $10 at the door Bayou Boylesque: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 10 p.m. Bayou Boylesque is produced by Scorpio Boys Entertainment. Eros Sea and Poseidon Davenport have produced this show for 4 years. This month’s cast featuring Eros S Guillen, Poseidon S Davenport, Eddie DM Lockwood, and Ember Blaize. Showtime is 10 pm and only a $5 cover.

Jock Strap Lube Wrestling: The Allways Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 11 p.m. - 2 a.m. There will be the babes in jock straps, 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. 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 3/28

Big Easy Sister Bingo: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 6 - 9 p.m. $10 buy in gets you 5 starter bingo cards and special drink pricing. Drink specials, fabulous prizes and fun.

Queer Swing Dance Lessons: LGBT Community Center; 2727 S. Broad St.; 7 - 9 p.m. Free, no printer required.

SUNDAY 3/29

Drag Diva Sunday Brunch - Totally Awesome Eighties Edition: The Fillmore; 6 Canal St.; 10:30 a.m. For tickets, go to http://www.fillmorenola. com/. It is always best for your group to purchase tickets together to ensure that you’ll be seated together. Large groups, please call 504.872.3303 or email FillmoreNOLABoxOffice@livenation.com for accommodations. Buffet Includes: Scrambled Eggs, Country Potatoes, Bacon, Sausage, Baked Chicken, Fried Catfish, Baked Macaroni, Asparagus Salad w/ Grape Tomatoes, Spring Mix Salad w/ Honey Basil Vinaigrette, and an Assortment of Pastries and Desserts.

Drag Brunch: The Library; 3629 Prytania St.; 11 a.m. Drag Brunch starring Aubrey Sinclair and her friends.

Doors open at 11 a.m. and show starts at noon. Brunch buffet $35; Bottomless Mimosas $13. Reservations at 702813-1233. Day

Are we missing your events? Email Us at info@ ambushpublishing.com

48 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

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

TUESDAY

Gay Bar BINGO 9:30 & 11PM

THURSDAY

MONDAY

Service Industry Night

TUESDAY Karaoke

p.m. No Cover. Ladies drink half off

Ladies Night w/ Piano 6pm

THURSDAY

Movie Night with Chris 8pm

Drag Bingo & Show

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

PENSACOLA THE ROUNDUP

Amateur Drag Night 11PM

WEDNESDAY Rock n Roll Bingo 8PM

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

THURSDAY

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

SATURDAY

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

Midnight Drag Show

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

Karaoke

SEC Football

SUNDAY

Along the Gulf South BATON ROUGE MON-FRI

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

Upstairs Karaoke: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd; 9pm $1 Martinis 9-10pm

SATURDAY

MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

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

WEDNESDAY

LAFAYETTE BOLT BAR & PATIO

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

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

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

560 E Heinberg St

TUESDAY

THURSDAY FRIDAY

Drag Bingo with Monica Heart; 6 p.m.

- 8 p.m. Win cash and prizes

Funday with Karaoke

WEDNESDAY

WEDNESDAY

GALVESTON 23RD ST. STATION

1706 23rd Street Happy Hour every day until 7 p.m.

MONDAY

Texas Hold ‘Em 7pm

TUESDAY

THURSDAY FRIDAY

Live Entertainment 6pm

SATURDAY

Live Entertainment 9pm

SUNDAY

Sing Along Sundays w/ Piano 4pm7pm

RUMORS

3102 Seawall Blvd.

Happy Hour every day until 7 p.m.

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.

Tube-ular Tuesday with Jim 8pm

SUNDAY

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

$5 Fridays: The Park Pub & Patio; 4619 Bennington Avenue;

TUESDAY

Anything But Techno Tuesdays; 10

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 49

Party Down Tony Leggio ledgemgp@gmail.com Mardi Gras 2020 was another one for the record books. I love Carnival season, you may be dressed in a tuxedo one night and the next, you are in drag and covered in glitter. The chaos is the beauty of the holiday.

Speaking of drag, I began my first week at a celebratory event at the beautiful Ambush Mansion (home of Tomy Acosta) for the Krewe of Queenateenas, or better known as the King Cake Queen Party. Every year, Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain chose a drag queen in our community on whom to bestow the title of King Cake Queen.

She would reign supreme over gay Mardi Gras and it would culminate with the bead toss at their home on Bourbon Street.

Tomy has kept the tradition alive although the ball is now held at his gorgeous home in the University Section of New Orleans. King Cake Queen 26 is the wonderful Felicia Phillips, the Ruby Queen. The ball, which is more like a party, was a well-attended fete in honor of her royal highness with food, drink, and lots of merriment. Tomy has done a noteworthy job of continuing the tradition started long ago by past owners of Ambush, Rip and Marsha.

And Felicia was a gracious woman of the hour posing for photos with every guest as well as giving a moving speech. This event is the start of my Mardi Gras festivities which was exactly one week away.

And fun this year’s Mardi Gras was, but it also came with lots of unusual circumstances, like two unfortunate accidents involving tandem floats, people falling off floats, unexpected high winds and balconies collapsing which in many cases caused parades to be moved or cancelled. That happened on Thursday night, when I was to attend one of my favorite parade parties for Muses. They cancelled the parade at the last minute due to freakish high winds that night.

We found out like many people when we were on our way to the party.

Not to make a total bust of the evening, we decided to grab dinner and cocktails instead. We started with dinner at Dian Xin. Located at 1218 Decatur Street in the French Quarter, this popular dim sum eatery was opened by Hong Kong native, Judy Ceng. Everything at this place is delicious, but of special note were the five spice fried pork ribs, the bacon shrimp balls and

steamed dumplings. The food and service was exceptional. They also have a nice selection of sake; we tried several bottles.

Next, we decided to move to tequila, because that is a wise progression of the night and went to Luna Libre in the Bywater for their flaming margaritas. We had to drown the sorrows of missing the Muses Parade somehow.

Luna Libre is one of my new favorite hidden gems for food and drink. We had a pitcher of the flaming libation then moved to doing Mezcal flights. So obviously the night got away from me and ended up dancing to some band at the Hi Ho Lounge. So fabulously poor decisions were made that evening and I do not regret any of it. That is what Mardi Gras is all about. Your night starting out one way and then something happens and it takes a completely different direction but you still enjoy yourself.

Participating in a gay Carnival Krewe is one of the most fulfilling and memorable events of my year. I am a member of the fabulous Krewe of Armeinius and I enjoy every moment of the fellowship, tradition and gaiety.

Because of the remodeling of the Superdome and movement of the Endymion Ball to the Convention Center, we moved our ball to the Friday night before Mardi Gras instead of our normal Saturday night and it was such a better fit. I hope our guests liked it, because it will be on Friday night next year. But the Armeinius Ball was incredible, and yes I know I am biased. The theme this year was An Armeinius Paradox (or Time Ball). And everything was perfect from the costumes to the Tableau.

My costume this year was an Advent Calendar and I had a blast out on stage handing out gifts to the guests who punched my holes, in some cases literally. The incredible Mardi Gras dance troupe the Merry Antoinettes were by my side performing with me and the sexy Trey Ming was my escort.

I have to thank Daryl Dunaway (Countess C Alice) who made my costume and did my make-up and Moanalot Fontaine who created my wig. I was the perfect pin-up girl and loved my look. Captains Chad Brickley (who also created my fabulous back piece) and Barrett Church were wonderful leaders this year. Congrats to the entire krewe as well as King Ned Pitre and Queen Fatsy Cline for making our 52nd year so special. We also had a few stars of the big screen at the event from local Bryan Batt to the sexy James Franco, who was incognito. All hail Armeinius!

On Saturday, I got to attend an event I have not been to in years - The Endymion Extravaganza. This year it was at the Convention Center and it was refined chaos in my opinion. The black tie affair tends to be a drunken night of beads and bands. Unfortunately because of an accident only 13 floats were able to be a part of the festivities.

Side note - people be careful on the route, you want to attend many more Mardi Gras parties in the future. But even though the full parade was not part of the night, we enjoyed the three bands they had which were Train, Tim McGraw and Styx. I mean Styx, who doesn’t love the eighties bands? Mr. Roboto is the best! I love this event even though by the end it turns into a drunken adult frat party. But who doesn’t love a good frat boy who drops his inhibitions after a few cocktails. It’s a wonderful evening of great food, music, cocktails, and the floats I did see were gorgeous. Our float makers are truly artists in every sense of the word.

I ended my week with the Lords of Leather Ball on Sunday at the Alario Center. This year, the theme was “Whorrore.” I love scary movies so I was in heaven with all the costumes, like Trey as Jason from Friday the 13th (if he was gay, which would be so sexy except for that killing thing) and Joey

50 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

Landry as Pinhead from the Hellraiser movies to Kyle as Rosemary’s Baby.

And the Beetlejuice costume was just brilliant. Thank you to Daryl Dunaway and David Aranda for inviting me to be a guest at their table. The Lords should be very proud of ending our 2020 Gay Mardi Gras season on such a strong note. And kudos go to their new royalty - Lord King XXXVII, Chuck Coleman and Lord Consort XXXVII, Ed Azemas.

We started the week with Lundi Gras which was quite a busy day. I began by attending the Fat Monday Luncheon at Arnaud’s Restaurant. This event has a history steeped in tradition for our LGBT Community. It began humbly in 1949 when Bob Demmons was entertaining out-of-town friends at Mardi Gras. Since Monday was sort of a quiet time, he took his group of six to lunch at Brennan’s. Demmons surprised everyone at the table by producing a tiara and crowning one of his guests as Queen of the luncheon. And he presented the Queen with a bouquet of gladiolas then escorted his party to the street where a horse-drawn carriage was waiting. Gaily tossing gladiolas to astonished diners at Brennan’s, the Queen and his party exited the restaurant and proceeded through the streets of the French Quarter.

After that day, the party grew, and soon Demmons decided it was getting too expensive to host by himself, so eager participants agreed to pay their own way. Before long, the group expanded to 55, the largest number the private dining room at Brennan’s could accommodate. After Bob Demmons’ death, his good friend Jim Wynne took over the duties of coordinating the traditional Queen’s Luncheon on the day before Mardi Gras. Growing too

large for Brennan’s, the group began moving from restaurant to restaurant (with stops at Entre Nous, Cafe Sbisa, Restaurant Jonathan, and Menefee’s, all of which subsequently closed). In the early ’80s, Wynne decided to approach Arnaud’s Restaurant and met with sales director Lisa Sins (who was a lovely friend of mine up until her death a few years ago). At first he was nervous, unsure if she would welcome them, but after saying “We are a gay group.” There was a long pause. Then Sins looked Wynne in the eye and replied, “S-o-o-o??!” The event has been held at the restaurant ever since then.

The festivities, which Wynne renamed The Fat Monday Luncheon, have expanded over the years. Now two queens are crowned each year, “An Out-of-Town Queen and a Town Queen”. This year Barrett Church was named the in-town Queen and well-deserved for all the work he does for the organization and the community as a whole. After the three-course lunch the guests second lined to the Crossing for cocktails and fun. After a few drinks, I cut out and went to Spanish Plaza to attend Riverwalk’s Lundi Gras celebration where Rex meets Zulu. Zulu comes in by boat and Rex comes in by train and they meet at the stage on Spanish Plaza. Before their exchange, guests at the event were entertained by several bands ending with Cowboy Mouth. Jenny Says never gets old for a local.

The event was spectacular with the King of Rex greeting the King of Zulu and then handing over a Proclamation to Mayor Latoya Cantrell who grants him free reign over the city for the 24 hours of Mardi Gras Day. I highly recommend attending this event at

least once. It is a very cool time-honored tradition. The party ended with a fireworks show on the river capping off the incredible day for me.

Mardi Gras rolls in like a tidal wave.

You start your partying early and for those with tougher staminas range well into the night. I went to my first event at 8 a.m. Adikus Sulpiza and his husband David Chase always invite guests over to start the day off with mimosas, bloody Mary’s and a lovely breakfast.

I dressed in drag as a Metaire Housewife who was both desperate and real (real scary). There was so much wonderful food especially this unique dish Adikus was frying called scrapple, which seems like a Northern version of Spam, although I think this tastes better. I love the theme of Adikus’ group costume - Unicorns with a penis horn.

After a few glasses of champs, I strolled over to Laura Tennyson’s house also in the Marigny for her party. She also had quite a bar set-up and lots more food that consisted of fried chicken (delicious) and the best mac’n’cheese. The costumes of her guests were also very funny, many having political overtones. I love a good thought-provoking costume.

My third party of the day was at Robin Tate’s gorgeous home where I continued my champagne consumption. I love house parties, so by the time I arrived at the Bourbon Street

Awards, I was feeling no pain. This is one of the highlights of Mardi Gras Day. And congrats to the Krewes of Armenius and Apollo Baton Rouge who swept all five of the categories. Apollo won Best Leather, Best Individual and Best in Show and Armeinius won Best Group and Best Drag. Congrats to Debbie with a D for winning Best Drag and beating me, although I believe I was a shoo-in for Best Mess!

Next, I went to the Ambush offices for their first official Bead Toss with King Cake Queen Felicia Phillips.

Their offices are above the new Betty’s Bar located at 700 Burgundy Street.

For their first year, the event was a huge success and congrats to Felicia for doing an outstanding job.

After the bead toss, I went to Crossing for one final cocktail before making my long walk home to the Marigny. I have to admit that walking back home was more difficult than walking into the French Quarter especially in heels. As I close the book on another Mardi Gras, I am sure that I live in the best city in the world!

After Mardi Gras, I laid low for a few days finally going out on Sunday Funday starting with brunch at Nole Restaurant on St. Charles Avenue.

They have been jumping into the drag brunch game as of late, but this wasn’t one of their days. This venue was once Cheesecake Bistro and has been

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 51

repurposed with a new menu touting a fusion of Latin and Cajun flavors. The food was good, although the service was unfortunately lackluster; but we did get to see the filming of an episode of Married at First Sight. I mean a show like this makes you lose your faith in humanity. It was interesting to watch the characters, since literally they were everywhere in the restaurant and how this “unscripted” show films.

I understand everyone wants their 15

minutes of fame, but seriously, there has to be a better way to get it than being on an inane show like this. Just when you think that Southern Charmed New Orleans was our lowest point, a show like this comes out and says hold my beer.

Next I attended our post-Armeinius Ball meeting at the den where we relished in our successful event in addition to electing new board members.

For those interested in joining one of

the best gay Krewes in the city (yes - I am biased), come out to our Rush Party at the Crossing (439 Dauphine Street) from 2 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 22.

I ended the day by going to see The Invisible Man. If you are a fan of horror/thriller movies, this movie is amazing. Elizabeth Moss does an excellent job of building up the suspense of this new incarnation of the horror classic. The film was written and directed by Leigh Whannell. This con-

temporary adaptation of the novel of the same name by H. G. Wells follows a woman who, after the apparent suicide of her abusive and wealthy boyfriend, believes she is being stalked by him. She ultimately deduces that he has acquired the ability to become invisible. The movie was a cat and mouse game with lots of plot twists. So my two weeks started with thrills and ended with them; not a bad Mardi Gras at all.

BUSINESS FINANCIAL & BUSINESS Seven Ways to Clean Your Financial House This Spring Scot I. Billeaudeau, JD, LL.M. ADPA® s.billeaudeau@ampf.com Spring is on the way. For many of us, the increasingly longer days and warmer weather signify a chance to tidy up and start fresh. If you enjoy the ritual of spring cleaning, why not take time to spruce up your finances as well? The following list is a great place to start: Your goals. If you set New Year’s financial resolutions, now is a good time to evaluate your progress. If you’re on track – excellent! If you’re not where you hoped you’d be, recommit to your goals. Identify what obstacles are in your way and create a plan to overcome them. If you need help deciding what to do next or how to stay on course going forward, consider meeting with a financial advisor who can provide you with a second opinion and help keep you accountable to your progress.

Your portfolio. As you evaluate your financial goals, it may be helpful to also review your portfolio, as the two often go hand-in-hand. Take a look at your asset allocation and ask yourself the following questions: Are you

still diversified and invested according to your ability to withstand a potential market drop and the timeframe of when you need the money? And, do you understand why you are invested in the assets you have? Answering these questions can help you decide if you need to rebalance your asset allocation or make other adjustments to your investing strategy.

Your budget. There’s a good chance that your cash flow needs will vary in the summer months to come.

In addition to summer travel, you may need additional funds for things like child care or extracurricular programs while your kids are away from school.

Take time to plan ahead now so you can enjoy the summer fun while still feeling confident that you’re prioritizing retirement and other financial goals.

Your credit report. Did you know the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian and TransUnion – are required by law to provide you with one free credit report annually? Make it a habit each spring to check your credit report. Doing so is a good way to en-

sure accuracy, protect against identity theft, and help you prepare for what interest rate you may receive if you plan to make a big purchase soon (such as a vacation home or new boat).

Your protection needs. While de-cluttering, take time to review life, home, auto and disability insurance policies to make sure you are still satisfied with your level of coverage. If you’ve experienced any life-changing events, such as divorce or the birth of a child, it’s possible that your needs have changed.

Your benefits. Even though open enrollment is typically in the fall, spring is a good time to make sure the benefits you selected are being maximized.

Scheduling regular appointments with medical professionals, your eye doctor and dentist can be a great place to start. Also, check to see if you’re eligible for any elective benefits you’re considering, such as a new pair of eye glasses or orthodontic work.

Your estate plan. Estate planning is important regardless of your net worth. It’s never too early to create or update your will, health care directive,

beneficiaries and basic powers-of-attorney – all of which can help your loved ones make decisions in line with your wishes in the event of your death.

If giving assets to your loved ones and/ or reducing your tax liability are important to you, an estate plan can also help you with strategies to accomplish those goals.

As with many spring cleaning projects, it’s possible to get overwhelmed as you review your finances. If this happens to you, step back and take each task one at a time. A financial advisor in your area can also help you get “unstuck” and identify ways to re-energize your finances.

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.

52 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · 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 Available March: 3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 BLK Vets/Bonnebel. Newly Restored.

2 Min I-10. 10 Min Airport. Off street parking 6 vehicles, new appliances, 3 covered decks great for entertaining. $1,975/mo. Call “Chick” (504) 3303477

BARS & CLUBS

Betty’s Bar & Bistro, 700 Burgundy St, Bar: (504) 354-1376 Kitchen: (504) 354-1222 Bourbon Pub/Parade, 801 Bourbon St, (504) 529-2107, bourbonpub.com Café Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon St,

(504) 522-8397, www.lafittes.com

(504) 875-4976

St. Claude Ave

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

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

Cutter’s Bar, 706 Franklin Ave, (504) 948-4200

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

Crossing NOLA, 439 Dauphine St, (504) 523-4517 Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar, 3229 N. Causeway Blvd, (504) 8320659

Phillips Bar, 733 phillipsbar.com

Cherokee

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, Bourbon St, (504) 593-9761

St, 941

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 The Page Bar, 542 N Rampart St,

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

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 Martin Lawrence Galleries, 433 Royal St, (504) 299-9055, martinlawrence. com, Royal Street is the French Quarter’s crown jewel in terms of elegance, decorum and culture, which makes it the perfect location for our

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 53

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory flagship New Orleans art gallery.

The Chamber is a network of LGBT and ally business owners, corporate partners, and community leaders that support business development and equality.

Mission To promote an inclusive business environment by connecting LGBT-owned/operated and allied businesses in the Gulf South.

GROCERIES

Matassa’s Market, 1001 Dauphine St, (504) 412-8700, https://www. matassas.com

Krewe of Petronius, PO Box 1102, kreweofpetronius.net

GUIDES

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

HARDWARE

Respect Diversity Inclusivity

Equality Knowledge Community

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

The Mystic Krewe of Amon-Ra, PO Box 57783, kreweofamonra.com Krewe of Apollo de New Orleans, P. O. Box 770973, www.mkaneworleans. com Krewe of Armeinius, 433 N. Broad St, armeinius.org 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 Mystic Krewe of Lords of Leater, 1000 Bourbon Street #B415, lordsofleather.org Renegade Bears of Louisiana, PO Box 3083, renegadebearsoflouisiana@ gmail.com Crescent City Leathermen, 941 Elysian Fields Ave, crescentcityleathermen.org NOAGE, noagenola.org The Krewe of King kreweofkingarthur.com

Arthur,

HEALTHCARE

New Orleans Gay Men’s Chorus, www.nogmc.com

Odyssey House, 1125 North Tonti Street, ohlinc.org

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

Access Health Louisiana, 3300 South Broad Street, 234 Loyola Ave. Ste 300B, accesshealthla.org

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

UMC - HIV Outpatient Program, 2000 Canal Street, 4th Floor, 4C Clinic, (504) 702-4344, umcno.org/ infectiousdisease

Friday Night Before Mardi Gras, fridaynightbeforemardigras.com

CrescentCare, 1631 Elysian FIelds Ave, (504) 821-2601, crescentcare. org

MUSEUMS

gslgbtchamber.org

Rougaroux,

Robert’s Fresh Market, 2222 St. Claude Ave, (504) 207-0162, robertfreshmarket.com

Two Guys Cutting Hair, 2372 St Claude Ave #125, 215.519.5030, (504) 239-2397

Values

Crescent City rougarouxrugby.org

Stonewall Sports, facebook.com/ groups/stonewallneworleans

Official Southern Decadence Guide, southerndecadence.com

A society where individuals and businesses have equal rights, equal representation, and equal opportunities.

NOLA Softball League, nolasoftball. org

Quartermaster Deli, 1100 Bourbon St, www.quartermasterdeli.net

Official Pride Guide, neworleanspridefestival.com

Vision

565-8860, latransadvocates.org

Mardi Gras Museum, 813 Bienville St, (504) 523-5433

ORGANIZATIONS

Louisiana Trans Advocates, (877)

Krewe of Queenateenas/ King Cake Queen Royalty Club, gaymardigras. com P-Flag New Orleans, (504) 617-5987, alberto.oliver@cox.com Mystic Krewe of Apollo de New Orleans, mkaneworleans.com

PHARMACY

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

54 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory mumfreyspharmacy.com Avita Pharmacy, 2601 Tulane Ave Ste 445, (504) 822-8013 Access Health Louisiana Pharmacy, 843 Milling Avenue, Luling, (985) 7855826 *Free Home Delivery Available*

PHOTOGRAPHY

G Douglas Photography, LLC, Wedding and Portriat Photography, By Appointment Only, gdouglasadamsphotography.com Craig Fremin Photography, By Appointment Only, craigfremin.com Graham/ Studio One, By Appointment Only, grahamstudioone.com Parker Studios, By Appointment Only, halle.parker15@outlook.com

REAL ESTATE

Steve Richards Properties Latter & Blum, 712 Orleans Ave, (504) 2581800 Michael Styles Realtor, Engel & Volkers, (504) 777-1773, nolastyles. com, Michael specializes in helping first-time homebuyers and real estate investors find the perfect New Orleans properties.

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

RESTAURANTS

801 Royal, 801 Royal Street, (504) 581-0801, 801royal.com Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard,

eatnola.com

St, (504) 872-0360, whodatcoffee. com

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

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

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

Mr. Binky’s Boutique, 107 Chartres St, (504) 302-2095

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

819 Rue Conti, (504) 581-3866, broussards.com

Mona Lisa, 1212 Royal St, (504) 5226746, monalisaneworleans.com,

Cafe Sbisa, 1011 Decatur Street, (504) 522-5565, cafesbisanola.com

NOLA Poboys, 908 Bourbon, (504) 655-3312, nolapoboys.com

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop , 2309 N. Causeway Blvd, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans Ave, (504) 5231930, Orleansgrapevine.com

Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St, (504) 598-1010, www.clovergrill.com

Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal Street, royalhouserestaurant.com

Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa Street, (504) 945-0742, thecountryclubnreorleans.com

Santa Fe Restaurant, 3201 Esplanade, (504) 948-0077, santafenola.com

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

The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, (504) 577-2237, bombayclubneworleans. com

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

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

EAT, 900 Dumaine St, (504) 522-7222,

Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy

RETAIL

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 Washing Well Laundryteria, 841 Bourbon St, (504) 523-9955 Bear Hebert Yoga and Life Coach, bearteachesyoga.com NOLA Healer: Lawrence Gobble, nolahealer.com , Massage Therapy

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LGBTQ Owned & Friendly Business Directory A&B Errand Services, (504) 3197227, aandberrandservices.com

South Ste 225, (713) 592-0211, avitapharmacy.com

Brirmingham, (205) 703-9778, chapelbarinfo@gmail.com

Flambeaux CrossFit, 505 N Causeway Blvd, Metairie, flambeauxcrossfit.com

SOUTH LOUISIANA

Club 322, 322 N Lawrence Street, Montgomery, club322.business.site

Splash, 2183 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, (225) 242-949, splashbr.com

Icon, 516 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa

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

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

BARS & CLUBS

The Park Pub & Bar, 4619 Benningotn Ave, Baton Rouge, Facebook @ theparkbr Bolt, 114 McKinley St, Lafayette, (337) 534-4913, facebook.com/boltlaffy Crystals, 112 W. Broad St, Lake Charles, (337) 433-5457

CIRCUIT / EVENT

CAMPING

CIRCUIT / EVENT

Sexacola, May 23, Pensacola, FL, sexacolabeach.com

TBA,

Eagle Houston, 611 Hyde Park Blvd, (713) 523-2473, houstoneagle.com

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

The Spectrum Center, 210 S 25th Ave, Hattiesburg, (601) 909-5338

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

Krewe of Apollo de Baton Rouge, apollobatonrouge.com

Ripcord, 715 Fairview St, (713) 5212792, theripcord.com

Krewe of Apollo kreweofapollo.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

ORGANIZATIONS de

Lafayette,

PHARMACY

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

NORTHERN LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI & ALABAMA BARS & CLUBS

Houston Pride, June 22, pridehouston. org

Club Pink, 1914 Roselawn Avenue, Monroe, myclubpink.com

The Woodlands Pride, September, thewoodlandstxpride.wordpress.com

Central Station, 1025 Marshall St, Shreveport, (318) 222-2216

QFEST, Houston Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, q-fest.com

The Korner Lounge, 800 Louisiana Ave, Shreveport, thekornerlounge. 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

BAR 3911, 3911 Northview Drive, Jackson, (601) 586-1468, Open: Thurs & Fri 8PM–2AM, Sat 8PM–4AM Our Place, 2115 7th Ave Birmingham, (205) 715-0077

S,

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

CIRCUIT / EVENT

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

Acadiana Pride, acadianapride.org

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

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

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

JR’s, 808 Pacific Street, (713) 5212519, jrsbarandgrill.com

HEALTHCARE

Just Us Lounge, 906 Division Street, Biloxi, (228) 374-1007

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

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

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

Rumors Biloxi, 3540 Bienville Blvd, Biloxi, (228) 875-4131

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

Baton Rouge Pride, June 15, brpride. org

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

Cabaret, 101 S Jefferson Street E, Pensacola, (850) 607-2020

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

Rich’s, 2401 San Jacinto Street, www. facebook.com/richshouston

Date

Street, Pensacola, (850) 433-8482

ORGANIZATIONS

Krewe of Apollo mkabirmingham.com

Birminham,

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

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 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

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SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with Tony Leggio AT GAY MARDI GRAS BEAD TOSS & THE PHOENIX | PHOTOS BY TONY LEGGIO

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SNAP PAPARAZZI Out & About with the Krewe of Stars AT THE KREWE OF STARS | PHOTOS BY MARSHAL HARRIS

Our legacy is yours.

New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders (NOAGE) provides services and advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults in the New orleans metro area.

We host regular social events for LGBT older adults and their allies, and we provide cultural competency trainings for healthcare and other service providers.

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COMICS, PUZZLES & HOROSCOPES WORD SEARCH T I

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HOROSCOPES

Messages from the Oracle in New Orleans Dan Beck, #1 Astrologer in New Orleans dan@innermakeup.net Once upon a time, humans engaged with the possibilities of the future through omens, prophecies, and oracles. The art of astrology evolved out of these practices and now emphasizes your moment of birth, the celestial reflection of who you are. This combination of your birth chart and the usage of that document to divine the past, present, and future is here for your taking.

Astrology offers the LGBTQ community a chance to reclaim a space lost to modern science and religion. Ancient pagan cultures venerated divination and celebrated what we now recognize as modern gay elements. These horoscopes are for your entertainment, so let’s start the party that will take us to the stars!

Hopefully you’ve recovered from Mardi Gras. If you didn’t go wild, you would have been considered dangerous in the past. Why? Mardi Gras and Carnival-like celebrations were designed to have the hoi polloi let off some steam. Afterwards, the commoners would return to their duties. Think about your life, what you must attend to, and what pleasures you grant

yourself or are granted for completing those tasks. This is the nature of pain and pleasure. But if you abstain from decadence, you grant yourself time.

There are many myths that address this theme—forgoing pleasure in order to make progress in another area.

What pleasure will you give up in order to get something you’re really wanting?

There might be something to Lent after all.

ARIES

March 21 - April 19 Since mid-February, your career has heated up, so much so that there is a visceral, aggressive energy that emerges. This is the natural in Aries, but be careful your actions don’t end up imprisoning you. This is the devil inside kind of stuff. You do best to let these feelings and potential battles fall by the wayside. Either that, or you end up falling.

TAURUS

April 20 - May 20 You’re surprised by yourself over the next couple weeks. You are in a

loving mood. Watch out, though, where you put this energy. You might be itching for a romantic getaway, but this will deplete you. Stay local and find the nourishment you seek for a fraction of the cost.

GEMINI

May 21 - June 20 You have a subconscious, sexual desire that is the strongest it’s been in almost a year and a half. Carnal impulses are usually lumped into two categories: extreme decadence or pure chastity. Even still, one can lead to the other. Try thinking about what the desire is telling you about yourself, then proceed.

CANCER

June 21 - July 22 You have a deep need to be at home. However, this creates tension with the other sectors in your life. Enlisting the help of a wise partner is a good strategy to make this happen.

You will gain the added bonus of not being isolated.

LEO

July 23 - August 22 You have a need to get your mind in order. Fortunately the stars are aligned to help you with this, especially on the work front. Look to an older mentor or a feminine boss lady for help. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in a daze.

VIRGO

August 23 - September 22 Pain around joint finances is triggering an emotional need to balance your checkbook. It’s best to confront these feelings honestly. This probably has to do with giving too much money to a lover. That person is in a strong position, so there might be a fight around these issues.

LIBRA

September 23 - October 22 You have an emotional need to achieve balance, especially on a physical level. This is causing pain in a relationship. The best thing you can do is to clarify your daily routine. It’s even OK to dream a little bit about how you would like your day-to-day life to look.

SCORPIO

October 23 - November 21 A neighbor might be driving you nuts, especially an older one. You might have the upper hand in this fight, but tread carefully before going to battle. Winning a battle and losing the war

is never a good plan. And remember, the battle is won or lost before it is fought.

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 - December 21 Now more than ever your finances are being emphasized. This started at the end of last year but is now ramping up. The devil might get you, and you may act rashly. Enlist the help of your friends to make sure you don’t let the passions overtake you.

CAPRICORN

December 22 - January 19 The massive changes you’ve been experiencing will ramp up even more in the next couple of weeks. You experience this physically more than anything. Make sure to have your head on straight as your mind and body are in overdrive. Engaging in some creative dreaming or attending a local spiritual retreat will help you.

AQUARIUS

January 20 - February 18 Watch out that your ambition doesn’t get the best of you. At the root of the matter, this drive for success is based on a deep need for love. This surprises you. Once you attune yourself to this desire, you’ll experience sweet affection at home.

PISCES

February 19 - March 20 You get an unexpected message from a sibling or neighbor. This disrupts your plans, but it is a pleasant surprise.

You’re good at going with the flow, and this is no exception. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

Astrology was originally understood as omens, prophecies, and oracles. Whenever you go to a psychic, tarot reader, or astrologer like me, you’re engaging with the possibilities of the future. Modern astrology, however, is also the alignment of the heavens at your moment of birth that serves as the 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.

Thanks for reading. I’m Dan Beck, #1 Astrologer in New Orleans. Contact me for readings, parties, events, corporate trainings and more at dan@innermakeup.net or by calling 504-3138706. Visit http://www.innermakeup. net.

60 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com

SPORTS

LSU’s football mission is to prove it’s not a one-hit wonder Les East, Crescent City Sports LSU began preparing for the 2020 football season with its first spring practice Saturday.

It’s inevitable that the 2020 Tigers will be viewed in the context of what the 15-0 national champion Tigers of 2019 accomplished.

Perhaps the next LSU football team will finish 15-0 as the last LSU team did, win an SEC championship and a national championship as the last LSU team did and set a boatload

of records along the way, as the last LSU team did.

But it’s unlikely the 2020 Tigers can match what the 2019 Tigers did. It would be unfair to expect Myles Brennan to do what Joe Burrow did, or for a rebuilt offensive line to create opportunities the way last year’s line (recognized as the best in the country) did, or for the team to seamlessly replace eight key players that ran out of eligibility and nine other key players that

bypassed remaining eligibility to seek employment in the NFL. Nonetheless, the next Tigers team has a rare opportunity to do something special even if it doesn’t match the accomplishments of its most immediate predecessor.

LSU doesn’t want to be a one-hit wonder. Ed Orgeron’s mission from the time he became the full-time head coach after the 2016 season has been not just to win a national championship

– though obviously that was a big part of it. The bigger mission was and remains to build the Tigers into an elite program – a perennially strong contender to win the SEC championship and the national championship.

If LSU is going to remain comparable to Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Oklahoma – which are in the national-championship mix virtually every season – it has to be able to withstand CONTINUED ON PAGE 62

Tulane Spring Football: 10 players to watch Tulane spring football practice is in full swing, set to conclude April 14th.

A lot a ground will need to be covered in that time frame as a few players will need to step up in a major way at certain positions.

We’ll focus on those who have either not been starters or were part timers last season. The Green Wave hopefuls listed here will be afforded every opportunity to secure tarting roles.

First, they will have to prove they are worthy of additional reps.

1. QB Keon Howard (6-1,220) The senior made nine starts at Southern Miss before coming to New Orleans. While with the Wave, he has totaled 52 yards rushing while going 13 of 18 for 208 yards with a pair of TD’s and no interceptions in 2019. Howard is very athletic, but he struggled with ball security at Southern Miss. The job is his for the taking with no experienced competitors on the roster at the moment.

2. WR Mykel Jones (5-11, 188) The recent transfer from Oklahoma played in the shadow of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and CeeDee Lamb. He also caught passes from two Heisman winners, Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray. Jones brings experience and leadership to the clubhouse. He snared 33 passes for 495 yards and one score with the Sooners. Jones runs good routes and shows excellent hands but now he wants to show what he can do as a featured receiver. The departures of Jalen McCleskey and Darnell Mooney leave gaping holes in the Tulane lineup.

3. DB Larry Brooks (6-0, 195) The junior made 25 stops and snared four interceptions last season in part time duty as PJ Hall’s backup at strong safety. Brooks is ready for more responsibilities. He can run well and covers a lot of ground.

4. LB Kevin Henry (6-0, 240) A senior in his sixth year of eligibil-

Rene Nadeau, Crescent City Sports ity as a transfer from Oklahoma State, plays under control and does not overhe was a safety at Central High of Barun plays. He takes good angles to ton Rouge. Henry played played in 36 ball. He can have a big 2020. contests for Cowboys, displaying good 9. WR Jha’Quan Jackson (5-10, range while recording 80 tackles in 175) 2015. He’s a very physical tackler who A former option QB at Hahnville, wiil be counted on as a leader on that Jackson runs good routes. After playside of the ball. ing behind Mooney and McCleskey 5. OC Sincere Haynesworth (6-1, last season, he Would like to seize 315) the opportunity now. Early success will A sophomore who has excelgive him confidence. lent work ethic, Haynesworth Knows 10, DB Macon Clark (6-0, 185) all five offensive line spots. He has A hitter who will make receivers played guard but will move to center.

Haynesworth is one of the Wave’s best linemen. Very tough, smart and strong at the point of attack, he has heavy hands which serve him well.

6. RB Tyjae Spears (5-10,200) Pure explosive speed with a 4.35 forty and 10.5 hundred to his credit means he can make explosive plays happen. The backfield is crowded but watch out for Spears. He can separate himself from the crowd, having just scratched the surface in ’19 with 192 yards rushing and one score playing in just four contests. He flashed skills against Missouri State with an 88-yard catch-and-run, adding a 52 yard scamper later in the game. In his senior season at Ponchatoula, Spears tallied 920 yards rushing, 903 more as a receiver and 18 total touchdowns. He picks up the blitz and shows lots of wiggle in open field. Spears can be special in this offense.

7. OL Cameron Jackel (6-6, 280) The junior is a little light so he must add weight and strength. Jackel has a great attitude and high IQ. He has played guard but has the long reach to play tackle as well. The Archbishop Shaw product needs to show he can be consistent and play with a little nastiness.

8. LB Nick Anderson (5-11, 235) The junior is old school, a very physical, downhill tackler. He diagnosis quickly and fills the hole. Anderson

pay for entering into his area, the junior has made strides in the last year highlighted by 14 tackles and a pick six versus UConn. He was first team All State at Destrehan. With P.J. Hall and Will Harper graduating, he will be given ample opportunity.

I expect another grad transfer or two as spring concludes. Prospects will be seeking greener pastures, and Tulane will possibly pick up a QB and O-lineman.

www.GayMardiGras.com · www.GayEasterParade.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · 61

Pelicans stretch run could be as revealing as a playoff experience Les East, Crescent City Sports The push for a playoff spot will be a learning experience for Brandon Ingram the the New Orleans Pelicans.

The New Orleans Pelicans are in the playoffs.

Figuratively speaking.

Literally speaking, they still have an uphill climb to reach the playoffs – even after a desperately-needed 120107 victory at Minnesota on Sunday afternoon.

They have to hold off Phoenix, which is two games them, San Antonio, which is a game behind them, and Portland, which is a half-game behind them, as well as separate from Sacramento, which they are tied with, and catch and pass Memphis, which is four games ahead of them.

That’s a lot of heavy lifting, but it’s doable because the Pelicans have a series of quasi-playoff series awaiting them during their final 18 games.

They play Sacramento twice, beginning Wednesday night with their next game on this four-game road trip.

They also have three games against San Antonio and two games against

Memphis and one more against Phoenix.

They don’t necessarily have to sweep all of those games, though doing so certainly would make their playoff quest more achievable.

First things first: A win on Wednesday would be significant for multiple reasons. It would put them ahead of Sacramento and keep them in ninth place and guarantee them a split on the road trip, which concludes with a very difficult back-to-back against the Jazz on Friday and the Clippers on Saturday.

A split on this trip, including a season series-clinching victory against Sacramento, would be adequate.

When they return home to play Atlanta on March 16, they will be entering a 15-game stretch run that features one opponent (Philadelphia) that has a winning record.

They’ve lost their one game against the Spurs, so winning at least two of the remaining three games, the last of which is a road game in the season finale, would prevent a loss of the

head-to-head tiebreaker.

A sweep of Memphis is perhaps the biggest goal because of the fourgame gap between the two teams, but a split would guarantee them winning the season series, which they did against Portland by going 4-0.

But at this point a trip to the playoffs would be lagniappe. This stretch run is provides essentially the same experience.

A playoff berth would mean a firstround series against the top-seeded Lakers, who swept the four-game season series. It would be a fun series with Zion Williamson and the Pelicans facing LeBron James and former Pelican Anthony Davis.

The experience of competing against them would accelerate the development of Williamson and fellow key youngsters Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart.

But left’s face it: the stay in the playoffs would be very brief, perhaps even the minimal four games.

What we’re going to see in the next five-plus weeks is essentially the same

as being in the playoffs in terms of the stakes, the intensity and the overall challenge of trying to complete this uphill climb.

These remaining games – especially the ones against the fellow contenders – will accelerate the development of the youngsters.

How this group performs collectively and individually will tell us – and the Pelicans brass – a lot about the capabilities of this group as well as the individual youngsters going forward.

Williamson, Ingram, Ball and Hart all have met, if not exceeded, expectations. Seeing how they respond in the stretch run tell us even more.

A series against the Lakers would be interesting, but the rest of the regular season might as well be a post-season.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 61

es such as defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, passing game coordinator Joe Brady and others.

Step one for Orgeron was to build a national-championship team and he not only did that, he built the best team in LSU history and a team worthy of being discussed as perhaps the best team in NCAA history.

Step two and by far the bigger one is to build as good a program as there is in the country, to oversee the most successful era in LSU football history.

Paul Dietzel won a national championship in 1958, Nick Saban won one in 2003 and Les Miles won one in 2007. Orgeron has a chance to win more than one.

His second national championship doesn’t have to come in 2020 because he has time on his side. But if that second one – and perhaps others – are to come, it likely will require the 2020 team demonstrating the type of foundation necessary to be an elite program.

Brennan isn’t going to do what Burrow did, but he doesn’t have to. And he seems capable of coming closer to what Burrow did than nervous followers might expect.

It remains to be seen how well offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger is able to blend new passing coordinator Scott Linehan’s program into his scheme in the wake of Brady’s departure to the NFL. New defensive coordinator Bo Pelini begins his second stint in Baton Rouge with a unit in transition — not just from Aranda’s 3-4 scheme to his 4-3, more aggressive scheme but also with numerous relatively inexperienced players taking on much bigger roles.

Orgeron said this week that TK McLendon has moved from tight end to defensive end and Devonta Lee has moved from wide receiver to safety.

Programs that have the sustainable success to which LSU aspires have the talent and depth from recruiting and the teaching skill among its coaches to enable players such as McLendon and Lee to thrive under such circumstances.

Orgeron has had a few highly touted recruiting classes and if they live up to expectations – and if his most recent coaching hires prove to be as astute as his previous ones – the Tigers might have staying power.

The coach said he’ll be putting in longer hours, working harder and paying closer attention to details to set the tone for a program that won’t slip, though he was realistic.

“I can’t expect this team to be last year’s team,” Orgeron said this week.

“It’s a new team, but we still have high expectations.”

But there is one regard in which it’s appropriate to track the 2020 team’s accomplishments in comparison to those of the 2019 team: Does it perform in a manner that demonstrates that last season was an aberration – or in a manner that suggests last season was the launching point for a new era of LSU football?

the loss of 17 key players in a single season – not to mention coaching loss-

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

This article was originally published

by Crescent City Sports. For the most comprehensive sports coverage in the Big Easy, visit crescentcitysports.com.

62 · The Official Gay Magazine of the Gulf South™: www.AmbushMag.com · March 10 – 23, 2020 · Official Southern Decadence Guide™ · www.SouthernDecadence.com