Volume 36 Issue 01 Jan 2 · Jan 15, 2018 Facebook.COM/AmbushMag
Award Winning
King’s Day Celebration & Tricentennial Kickoff @AmbushMag
Celebrating LGBTQ Life, Music & Culture! Gulf South LGBTQ Entertainment/Travel Guide · 36th Anniversary 1982-2018 · For Adults Only
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The “Official” Dish by Frank Pizzolato, Publisher Email: frank@ambushpublishing.com
Well, 2017 is behind us, finally. The City is at once winding down from the food and booze bacchanal party that has come to be the Holidays in New Orleans. By most accounts, it was a successful and memorable time for locals and visitors alike. Reflecting on what was by all accounts a momentous year, 2017 laid the ground work for and gives us the great opportunity and challenge that 2018 will provide. We will meet that challenge, embrace the inevitable change, move forward, grow with it, make it our own, prosper from it, and leave our mark on it, as we do the only
thing expected of us-march onward and upward. The City has charted a course forward as a welcoming, inclusive international destination. Contrary to the mixed messages coming out of the current administration (or mis-administration) in Washington and even some in Baton Rouge. Our success, our place in the world depends on us standing firm, holding on to those values, that image and unfolding that BIG rainbow welcome sign so all can see, party with us, eat and drink with us, live and work with us, be yourself with us. You can do it in New Orleans when you
can’t do it anywhere else. Looking forward to 2018, the party season is just getting started. As soon as Christmas trees come down, Mardi Gras banners go up. An early Mardi Gras this year gives us hardly time to take a breath before Twelfth Night and the start of Carnival Season. Then Easter, French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest, Gay Appreciation Awards, and the list goes on and on. Our heartfelt wishes to each of you for a GREAT 2018, Happy New Year! Live long and prosper!
Inside this Issue of Ambush
AWARD WINNING: Saints & Sinners Literary Festival Hall of Fame/2015, Louisiana Excellence Award: Media & Internet/2014, New Orleans Print Media Award/2014, 25th NO/AIDS Task Force Humanitas Award/2013, New Orleans Print Media Award/2013, Krewe of Mwindo Media Honoree/2009, Krewe of Petronius Carnival Spirit of Gay Mardi Gras XLVIII Award/2009, Forum For Equality Acclaim Awards X Media Recipient/2008, NO/AIDS Task Force Prometheus “Torch of Truth” [media] Award/2001 Email: info@ambushpublishing.com
Snap Paparazzi
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Snap Paparazzi
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Commentary
9
Announcement
9
Under the Gaydar
13
Snap Paparazzi
15
Snap Paparazzi
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Gay Mardi Gras Ball & Lords of Leather Event Schedule
20
Mardi Gras Season Parade Schedule
20
Moments in Gay New Orleans History
21
Snap Paparazzi
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Upcoming at Oz
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LGBTQ Owned/Friendly Business Directory
Facebook.COM/AmbushMag Gulf South Entertainment/Travel Guide Since 1982 • Texas-Florida Official Gay Easter Parade Guide© Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide© Official Gay New Orleans Guide© Official Pride Guide© Official Southern Decadence Guide©
24-25
Snap Paparazzi
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Trodding the Boards
27
Snap Paparazzi
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Book Review
31 Gulf South LGBTQ Entertainment & Travel Guide Since 1982 New Orleans, Louisiana info@ambushpublishing.com
Job Opportunities Ambush Magazine is growing!
Freelance & Contributing Writers Wanted
We want to hear from you if you are a working or aspiring journalist interested in covering topics meaningful to the LGBTQ community.
Snap Paparazzi Photographer Wanted
Do you frequent the LGBTQ bars and events? We want to hear from you if you are interested in regularly covering the bars and events. If you are interested, please email your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to info@ambushpublishing.com
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ANNUAL READERSHIP OVER 1 MILLION: 260,000+ Print/780,000+ Online CIRCULATION: Alabama - Mobile Florida - Pensacola Louisiana - Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell Mississippi - Bay St. Louis, Biloxi STAFF: PUBLISHER/EDITOR/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Frank Pizzolato, New Orleans GULF SOUTH/NEW ORLEANS AD SALES Frank Pizzolato, New Orleans THEATRE/PERFORMING ARTS CRITIC Brian Sands AD REPS/JOURNALISTS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Misti Gaiter, Tony Leggio, Hubert S Monkeys, Felicia Phillips, Frank Perez, Rev. Bill Terry-New Orleans Miss Cie-Mobile, AL National Advertising Rep: Rivendell Media 212.242.6863 Ambush Mag is published on alternate Tuesdays of each month by Ambush Publishing. Advertising, Copy & Photo DEADLINE is alternate Tuesdays, 4pm, prior to publication week, accepted via e-mail only: info@ambushpublishing.com, except for special holidays. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual’s name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual’s sexual orientation. Letters, stories, etc., appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the Publisher or Staff of AMBUSH Mag. Subscription rate is $45 for 1/2 Year; $75 for 1 year. Sample Copy is $3 First Class Mail. ©1982-2017 AMBUSH PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS and PHOTOS.
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Snap Paparazzi Photos from Party in Patoutville & Oz’s Strip Off | Photos by Andrew Hopkins
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Snap Paparazzi From Oz New Orleans | Photos provided by Oz & Persana Shoulders
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Commentary by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
Trump Fatigue
make America great again kovfefe Muslim ban Mueller build a wall Pocahontas kovfefe huge crooked Hillary no collusion Omarosa liar winning Bannon largest crowd ever Nazi fake news ego grab ‘em by the pussy greed Jared Kushner delusional popular vote make America great again Michel Flynn rapist lock her up white supremacist if Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her Roy Moore corruption Sean Spicer I think the only difference between me and other candidates is that I’m more honest and my women are more beautiful nightmare make America great again Melania bigot I will make Mexico pay for that wall alternative facts pedophilia Paul Manafort art of the deal dreadful Reince Priebus tweet storm tax cuts rocket man Comey xenophobic Jerusalem adoptions kovfefe no transgender in military Kellyanne Conway terrifying Putin republicans good people on both sides I have a great relationship with the Blacks I’ve always had a great relationship with the Blacks Jefferson Beauregard Sessions kovfefe Black guys counting my money I hate it the only kind of people I want counting my money are little short guys that wear yarmulkes every day bleeding from wherever Obamacare soon very soon low energy Scaramucci racist sick puppy Sarah Huckabee Sanders kovfefe in the coming weeks make America great again misogyny Pence sexual harassment Christianity Russian hookers watersports big when
Mexico sends its people they’re not sending the best they’re not sending you, they’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bringing those problems with us they’re bringing drugs they’re bringing crime they’re rapists and some I assume are good people kovfefe make America great again sorry losers and haters but my I.Q. is one of the highest and you all know it alternative facts kovfefe you know it really doesn’t matter what the media write as long as you’ve got a young and beautiful piece of ass make America great again make America great again Muslim ban Mueller build a wall Pocahontas incredible kovfefe huge crooked Hillary no collusion Omarosa liar winning Bannon largest crowd ever Nazi fake news ego grab ‘em by the pussy greed Jared Kushner delusional popular vote make America great again Michel Flynn rapist lock her up white supremacist if Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her Roy Moore corruption Sean Spicer I think the only difference between me and other candidates is that I’m more honest and my women are more beautiful kovfefe nightmare Scaramuccimake America great again Melania bigot I will make Mexico pay for that wall alternative facts pedophilia Paul Manafort art of the deal dreadful Reince Priebus tweet storm tax cuts rocket man Comey xenophobic Jerusalem adoptions no transgender in military Kellyanne Conway terrifying Putin republicans good people on both sides I have a
great relationship with the Blacks I’ve always had a great relationship with the Blacks Jefferson Beauregard Sessions kovfefe Black guys counting my money I hate it the only kind of people I want counting my money are little short guys that wear yarmulkes every day bleeding from wherever kovfefe Obamacare soon very soon low energy racist sick puppy Sarah Huckabee Sanders in the coming weeks make America great again misogyny Pence sexual harassment Christianity Russian hookers watersports big when Mexico sends its people they’re not sending the best they’re not sending you, they’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bringing those problems with us they’re bringing drugs they’re bringing crime they’re rapists and some I assume are good people kovfefe make America great again Scaramucci sorry losers and haters but my I.Q. is one of the highest and you all know it alternative facts you know it really doesn’t matter what the media write as long as you’ve got a young and beautiful piece of ass make America great again make America great again Muslim ban Mueller build a wall Pocahontas incredible kovfefe huge crooked Hillary no collusion Omarosa liar winning Bannon largest crowd ever Nazi fake news ego grab ‘em by the pussy greed Jared Kushner delusional popular vote make America great again Michel Flynn rapist lock her up white supremacist if Ivanka weren’t my daughter, perhaps I’d be dating her kovfefe Roy Moore corruption Sean Spicer I think the only difference between me and other candidates is that
I’m more honest and my women are more beautiful nightmare make America great again Melania bigot I will make Mexico pay for that wall alternative facts pedophilia Paul Manafort art of the deal dreadful Reince Priebus tweet storm tax cuts rocket man Comey xenophobic Jerusalem adoptions no transgender in military Kellyanne Conway terrifying Putin republicans good people on both sides I have a great relationship with the Blacks I’ve always had a great relationship with the Blacks Jefferson Beauregard Sessions kovfefe Black guys counting my money I hate it the only kind of people I want counting my money are little short guys that wear yarmulkes every day bleeding from wherever Obamacare soon very soon kovfefe low energy racist sick puppy Sarah Huckabee Sanders in the coming weeks make America great again misogyny Pence sexual harassment Scaramucci Christianity Russian hookers watersports big when Mexico sends its people they’re not sending the best they’re not sending you, they’re sending people that have lots of problems and they’re bringing those problems with us they’re bringing drugs they’re bringing crime they’re rapists and some I assume are good people kovfefe make America great again sorry losers and haters but my I.Q. is one of the highest and you all know it alternative facts you know it really doesn’t matter what the media write as long as you’ve got a young and beautiful piece of ass kovfefe make America great again scaramucci
designed for students who have completed the Professional Tour Guiding 1 course, or a similar program. The class sessions consist of lectures, workshops, and guest speaker presentations, all used to assist tour guides in researching subjects of interest, and using the findings in building stories for tours. Previous guest speakers have included representatives from The Historic New Orleans Collection, Louisiana Research Collection, New Orleans Public Library, Louisiana State Museum, Newcomb College, and Amistad Research Center. The class meets on Tuesday evenings beginning February 20 from 6:00pm—8:00pm. Cost is $195.00. French Quarter History focuses on the history of the French Quarter as both the original city of New Orleans and its shifting role as the city’s flag-
ship neighborhood. While the French, Spanish, and early American periods are covered, the emphasis of the course is on 20th century history. Topics include, but are not limited to: architecture, historical preservation, colorful characters, the rise of tourism, literature and arts, drinking culture, crime and vice, and LGBT+ history. The last class meeting is a tour of the French Quarter. The class meets on Tuesday evenings beginning April 17 from 6:00pm—9:00pm. Cost is $249.00. All three courses are offered through the Workforce Development Department of the Division of Continuing Education. Registration is available at the Delgado Community College website: https://registration. xenegrade.com/delgado/search.cfm
Announcement by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
Frank Perez to Teach Professional Tour-Guiding and French Quarter History at DCC
Ambush columnist and local historian Frank Perez will be teaching three courses at Delgado Community College this semester. Professional Tour-Guiding 1 is designed to train and prepare students for the New Orleans Tour Guide Permit exam. It is also a great way to gain skills in the tourism industry as well as detailed knowledge of the city of New Orleans. Students participate in eleven (11) classroom sessions and two (2) field trips, plus one (1) additional class meeting with an opportunity to take the
exam for the Tour Guide Permit, which is granted through the New Orleans Taxicab & For Hire Bureau, at the final class meeting. The field trips consist of guided tours of the city, and the classroom sessions consist of instructor lectures, student presentations, and guest speakers. Previous guest speakers have included representatives from the Tour Guides Association of Greater New Orleans, the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, the Friends of the Cabildo, Save Our Cemeteries, and other groups. The class meets on Monday nights beginning January 22 from 6:00pm—9:00pm. Cost is $399.00. Professional Tour-Guiding 2 is
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Under the Gaydar by Tony Leggio Email: ledgemgp@gmail.com
In Memoriam
I started off the next week full blast on Monday with my company holiday party at the fabulous Bombay Club - best martinis ever, followed by the Ambush relaunch party at GrandPre’s. They had quite crowd of supporters who came out to meet the new owners of the magazine Tomy Acosta and Frank Pizzolato. It is great to be a part of the continuing saga of one of the oldest LGBT publications in the Unites States. On Tuesday, I attended the New Orleans premier of White Christmas at the Saenger Theatre. It was a sold out crowd of people celebrated the holidays with the Broadway Touring Production of this holiday classic. I had not seen the show before outside local theatre and to see this spectacular on a large stage was a treat. On Thursday I hosted a little gathering at my house. I have decided to start a new holiday tradition with this party. It is a great way to gather friends who you have not had a chance to connect with over this busy to time of the year. I also want to bring back my hunky Santa bartender who made holiday magic in his mixology. On Friday, it was all about the day drinking. For the second Friday in a row, I did Arnaud’s festive holiday lunch. It is like a total scene to be a part of this event and on both occasions, my table got chosen to sing one of the choruses of the 12 Days of Christmas (sic geese a laying, thank you very much both times). If you have never done the Friday holiday lunches at one of the classic historic restaurants in the French Quarter, then make your reservations for next year, because it is a memorable blast. Afterwards, I did the Moet party at Patrick’s Bar Vin, where the guests were sipping champagne directly from the splits. After copious amounts of champagne at both stops, some friends and I meandered to the gay section for a few more rounds before calling it a night. I love day drinking because I am home and in bed by nine for a full night’s sleep. Saturday and Sunday were more house parties. On Saturday, I stopped at Barbara Ella’s gorgeous home in the Parish and on Sunday, Christmas Eve, I attended Rj Buras and Rodney Thoulion’s soiree at their home on the West Bank. Each event gave name
the chance to sit down and visit with my friends making both very special evenings. On Christmas it was all about family and friends. I spent the day at my mom’s house with both my family and some friends opening gifts and cooking with my family. We cut up, drank, played games, watched television and just enjoyed being a family. That night, I wert to my friends Laura Tennyson and her husbands Gary’s house for a delectable home cooked meal with friends. Once again this was a peaceful gathering filled with food, love and music. That concludes my two weeks, I hope everyone had a lovely holiday. As always thanks for supporting Ambush Magazine and let’s come together to ring in 2018 and make it a fabulous year!
night had lots of wine and champagne along with craft cocktails and delicious I fully admit and own that my colpassed appetizers. If you have not had umns are lighthearted and frivolous the opportunity, check this place out. fun. But 2017 was a very tough year Wednesday was all about the and we lost some valuable members Land of Dance as Oz held their annuand allies of our gay community. I al Christmas Party and Show. There thought before we start 2018 off, we crowd was lively as they enjoyed food take a moment to recognize the memand open bar from 8 - 10 p.m. Guests ories and contributions of those who brought children’s toys for under their have made our city and gay communitree which they donate every year to ty a better place. (Please note if I have Toys for Tots. The show this year was missed someone my apologies). rollicking fun and moved quickly. It was • Kevin Donahugh - aka Cathy Foxx, tight, concise and entertaining. The Sister Cathi Terr of the Big Easy Siscast was a mixture of the Boylesque Hot Happenings ters and Drag shows and blended nicely to Happy 2018! I hope your cele• Kathy Wightkin create a social holiday show. Thank brated your New Year with a big bang. • Sister Marcy Romine you and congratulations again to Oz 2017 was a crazy year, sop let’s shake • Ian Michael Gasunas for another year of being a great partoff the glitter and jump right into the • Joseph Kizziah ner to the gay community. new year. And let’s not forget the start • Cleve Guillot On Thursday, it was another hospiof Carnival with 12th Night! Here are • Eva Las Vegas tality party hosted by the New Orleans just few of the hot happenings going to • Jane Pyle Convention and Visitors Bureau, the get this party started. • Jon Penton Robicheaux Hotel/Motel and the Louisiana Restau• Richard Thompson rant Associations. The event was held Wednesday, January 3, 2017 • Harry Greenberg at Masquerade inside Harrah’s. DeYou Better Sing Karaoke; Lafitte’s • Steven Guercio cember is such a busy month for evinn Exile; 740 Dauphine Street; 7 p.m. • Christopher Brent eryone, it is good to get together with Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they • John Huth your industry peers and wish each othplay Karaoke at Lafitte’s in Exile. Be• Rip Naquin er good tidings - over food and drink of hind the bar slinging your drinks for you • Heath Theaux course. Later that night, I was asked are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. • Errol Rizzuto to be a celebrity judge at the Cruisin Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon • Micah West in the Oaks Pageant for Charity at the Street; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag • Keith Harris Happyland Theatre. It was put on b y show is hosted by Persana Shoulders • Ronnie Kennemer - aka Georgeanna New Orleans Roundup helping fight and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Belle addiction int he LGBT community. Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastas• Andre de La Barre There were four contestants representcia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and • Larry Mercier ing the neighborhoods Marigny, BywaDominique DeLorean. • Marsha Delain-Naquin ter, French Quarter and Garden DisGame Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. trict. This tongue in cheek send up to Rampart Street; 7 p.m. Wednesdays Party Down pageants was hysterical. They still had are Game night with Honey Bee at 7 Christmas has passed but the parthe talent, questions and evening gown p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs. ty is still going as NOLA makes it way portions that we judged on but with a to 2018! My year end was filled with fun twist. This had to be the funniest Thursday January 4, 2017 parties, pageantry and a White Christsend up to pageant queens I have ever Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; mas. The parties were non-stop as seen, but still managed to convey an 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday we neared Christmas beginning with amazing message about community is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. Four the Meeting Professionals Internationand fellowship in the gay community. rounds with jello shots to the winner of al Gulf States Chapter’s holiday parThe next day, Ambush Editor each round and a Bar Tab to top perty at the Royal Sonesta on Tuesday, French Pizzolato hosted a holiday parson/team of the night. December 12. The fete had flowing ty in his lovely home. The staff of the libations, great food and an awesome Continued on Page 14 magazine was able to mix and mingle silent auction where I picked up a few with advertisers and special guests in a weekend stays in Biloxi and Baton warm and inviting holiday setting. Rouge. One of my resolutions for the This was the year of the house new year is to visit more places in Louiparties, on Saturday I attended Bon Visiana and the other Gulf States that are vant Cheryl Lemoine’s Christmas party easily drive able. The same night after at her home in Mid City. The theme the MPI event, I went to the New Orwas Ugly Sweater and there were so leans Magazine December Hobknobmany creative adornments such as bers holiday party at Curio. One of my stripper Barbie and Jingle Balls sweatnew favorite restaurants located at the ers. Cheryl’s house is decorated in retcorner of Bienville and Royal Streets. ro chic for the holidays with a sixties With a wrap around balcony, this new style aluminum tree with colorful Radio restaurant from Creole Cuisine Conornaments. There was great cuisine cepts is making quite a splash with loand always top notch wine as guests cals and visitors alike. The party that enjoyed the night. 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Continued from Page 13 Girl | Crush: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is bringing you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night. The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret; Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 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; 800 Bourbon Street; 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 o 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Friday, January 5 - Sunday, January 8, 2018 Official Wizard World of New Orleans: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; 900 Convention Center Blvd. Wizard World is bringing comics, gaming, film and all pop culture to NEW ORLEANS. For more information, go to www.wizardworld. com/comiccon/new-orleans Friday, January 5, 2018 New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis
Street; 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize. Katy Perry Live in New Orleans: Smoothie King Center; 1501 Dave Dixon Drive; 7:30 p.m. Katy Perry will be performing live in New Orleans as part of her new 2017-2018 North American Witness Tour! Buy your tickets here https://goo.gl/w8xqvs Saturday, January 6, 2018 Chris Owens 12th Night Party: The Museum not Costumes and Culture; 1010 Conti Street; 6 - 8 p.m. Join Krewe of Stars in a benefit for the hugely popular Chris Owens Easter Parade and Krewe of Stars Mardi Gras Show Ball! Come enjoy King Cake, Champagne and Live Entertainment featuring the Yat Pack and David Cook. There will be a special unveiling of costumes from Chris Owens and David Cook. You will also get a sneak peak at this years Krewe of Stars Show Ball with Queen Irma Thomas. Tickets are $30 in advance (see their Facebook page) or $35 at the door. Frank Perez’s 12th Night Party: Double Play Bar; 439 Dauphine Street; 7 p.m. The Lord of Misrule and his Mystik Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers command your presence at Frank’s Annual 12th Night Party. The doors open at 7:00pm. Procession of previous Grand Revelers and Coronation of the new Grand Reveler begins at 8:30pm. The Coronation of Grand Reveler IV
will be followed by the Meeting of the Courts of the Rue Royale Revelers and the Krewe of Queenateenas. $20 gets you admission to the party (includes dinner and an open bar), as well as a year long membership in the Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers. Admission pins will be available soon at my shop at 638 St. Ann. As usual, the party will feature lots of booze, delicious food, scantily clad eye candy, and great people. Phunny Phorty Phellows Roll: Parade to begin at Willow Street Car Barn; 8212 Willow Street; 6:30 p.m. The Phunny Phorty Phellows will once again take to the rails on Twelfth Night, Saturday, January 6, 2018. They will gather at the Willow Street Car Barn at 6:30. In 1982 the Phunny Phorty Phellows became the official heralds of Mardi Gras with their Twelfth Night ride in a traditional New Orleans streetcar announcing that, at last, the pre-Lenten season of “phun and phrivolity” had arrived. At 7pm there will be a Carnvial Countdown and cutting of the ribbon and the Phellows, all masked and costumed, will board the streetcar. They will ride the St. Charles Ave. Streetcar Route to Canal. We’ll conclude our ride at Willow Street Car Barn. The Phunny Phorty Phellows first appeared on Fat Tuesday, 1878, when they began the tradition of following the Rex parade. Since that time, the Phunny Phorty Phellows have distinguished
themselves as one of the liveliest additions to Mardi Gras with their hijinks and well-meaning mockery of the day’s events (one 1881 float depicted Rex’s traditional symbol, the Boeuf Gras, as a heifer). The original Phunny Phorty ceased parading and ultimately disbanded in 1885. In 1981, 83 years after their predecessors’ last parade, a new group of Phellows emerged to revive the irreverent tradition as members of the Krewe of Clones (the impetus of today’s wildly ribald Krewe du Vieux). Crush|sLick: SAidney’s Saloon; 1200 St. Bernard Avce.; 10 p.m. Some healthy, jello covered competition never hurt anyone. Meet for CRUSH’s Unofficial Krewe Jeanne D’arc Parade Afterparty and CRUSH’s First Annual Queen of The 7th Jello Invitational! Like all CRUSH events, this one is for female identified beings, transfolx, transguys, transgirls, transbaes, and their friends. Anyone else will need to be escorted by one of these lovely humans. Sunday, January 7, 2018 Lords of Leather Royalty Appreciation Party: Lafitte’s in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 2 p.m. The Lords of Leather’s annual reception honoring of current and past Mardi Gras Royalty! Enjoy wonderful people, light fare, and a cash bar! Wear your crown and sash Continued on Page 16
NEWCHEF NEWFOOD NEWVIBE IT’S A WHOLE NEW FEEL! 535 Franklin Ave., New Orleans, LA 70117 504-446-0040 feelingsmarigny@gmail.com 14 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com
Snap Paparazzi From The Oz Holiday Party New Orleans | Photos by Tony Leggio
GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 15
Continued from Page 14 to enter the reception (upstairs) ‘on us’; others are welcome as well but we are asking for a $10 minimum donation. You Better Sing Karaoke; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Good Friends Bar. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo with hosts Opal Masters followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest. Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean. Monday, January 8, 2018 S.I.N. Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis Street; Starting at 9 p.m. Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer or well drinks and $1.50 draft. Margarita Mondays: Grand Pre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. From 7 p.m. till close enjoy margarita specials with your bartender Michael. Tuesday, January 9, 2018 Country Dance lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8 p.m. Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8 - 11 p.m. Bourbon Boylesque: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 8:00 p.m. See the men of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests. Hosted by Trixie Minx. Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras: Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Avenue; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag.
Dominique DeLorean. Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Game night with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs. Thursday, January 11, 2018 Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top person/team of the night. Girl | Crush: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is bringing you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night. The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret; Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 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; 800 Bourbon Street; 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 o 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Friday, January 12, 2018 New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize. The Lords of Leather Carnival Season Beer Bust: The Phoenix; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 9:30 p.m. - midnight $10 bottomless keg beer with sodas, snacks, and of course, $1 Jello Shots all in support The Lords of Leather Bal Masque XXXV by participating!
ment for the Humanities in 2015. He lives in New Orleans.
Sunday, January 14, 2018 Soup and Salad Sunday: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 1 - 4 p.m. SOUP FOR YOU! Lord King 33, Kelley Saturday, January 13, 2018 Terry, is an amazing chef! But so are NOAGE Coffee Talk - Out for many of their supporters and memQueer Blood: The Healing Center; bers! Join the Lords of Leather for Kel2372 St. Claude Ave.; 10 - 11:30 a.m. ley’s annual “Feast” by submitting an In Room #250 of the New Orleans entry for the contest and/or coming out Healing Center. New Orleans author, to chow down! Not only have a great Clayton Delery will discuss his book, meal with wonderful people but for a Out for Queer Blood. great cause (Bal Masque XXXV)! This Wednesday, January 10, 2018 “On a September night in 1958, is a festival competition of soups, salNOAGE’s Potluck Dinner: The three New Orleans college students ads and breads. Tickets are $15 in adDrifter Hotel; 3522 Tulane Avenue; went looking for a gay man to assault. vance or $20 at the door and guaran6:30 - 8:30 p.m. January’s potluck will They chose Fernando Rios, who died tees you all the soup, salad and bread be at The Drifter Hotel! Come make a from the beating he received. In peryou can eat. You can also submit an friend, come network, come eat some haps the earliest example of the ‘gay entry into the competition. There is no bodacious food! There will be a cash panic’ defense, the three defendants entry fee to compete. For more inforbar. argued that they had no choice but to mation or tickets, call 504-913-5191. You Better Sing Karaoke; Lafitte’s beat Rios because he had made an ‘imYou Better Sing Karaoke; Grandin Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 7 p.m. proper advance.’ When the jury acquitPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they ted the three, the courtroom cheered. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Lafittes in Exile. BeThe author offers a detailed examinaplay Karaoke at Good Friends Bar. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you tion of the murder and the trial.” hind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. About the Moderator: Clayton Delare Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon ery, a retired teacher from the LouisiZingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. LouStreet; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag ana School for Math, Science, and the is Street; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo with show is hosted by Persana Shoulders Arts previously published The Up Stairs hosts Opal Masters followed by the and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Lounge Arson, which was named Book Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastasof the Year by the Louisiana EndowContest. cia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and 16 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com
Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean. Monday, January 15, 2018 S.I.N. Night: The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis Street; Starting at 9 p.m. Come drink with Ashlee. Get your SIN card and receive $2.50 canned beer or well drinks and $1.50 draft. Margarita Mondays: Grand Pre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. From 7 p.m. till close enjoy margarita specials with your bartender Michael. Tuesday, January 16, 2018 Country Dance lessons: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 8 p.m. Tuesdays are Country Dance lessons with dancing from 8 - 11 p.m. Bourbon Boylesque: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 8:00 p.m. See the men of Oz like you have never seen them before. The show stars Atomyc Adonis, Bobby B, Franky, Phathoms Deep and other special guests. Hosted by Trixie Minx. Tacos, Tequila and Tiaras: Buffa’s Continued on Page 17
steve richards __________________ properties 504 258 1800 steverichardsproperties.com ____________________ 504 948 3011 712 orleans new orleans, la 70116 licensed by the louisiana real estate commision Continued from Page 16 Bar and Restaurant; 1001 Esplanade Avenue; 8 p.m. Tacos, Tequila, and Tiaras is a one of New Orleans’ only family friendly drag shows! Join hostess Vanessa Carr Kennedy every Tuesday, have a taco or two, and learn a little bit about the art of drag. Wednesday, January 17, 2018 You Better Sing Karaoke; Lafitte’s in Exile; 901 Bourbon Street; 7 p.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Lafittes in Exile. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 10:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean. Game Night: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart Street; 7 p.m. Wednesdays are Game night with Honey Bee at 7 p.m. with free jello shots and Bar Tabs. Thursday, January 18, 2018 Honey Bee Trivia: GrandPre’s; 834 N. Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Thursday is Honey Bee Trivia at 7 p.m. Four rounds with jello shots to the winner of each round and a Bar Tab to top person/team of the night. Girl | Crush: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon Street; 9 p.m. Girl | Crush is
bringing you a weekly event for girls who like girls, and their friends! This flavor of CRUSH entitled DTF is exclusive to New Orleans’ #1 Dance Club, Oz and happens every Thursday night. The Jeff D Comedy Cabaret; Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 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; 800 Bourbon Street; 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 o 2nd PLACE - $50 Bar tab Coven: Santos Bar; 1135 Decatur St.; 9 p.m. - midnight COVEN is a New Orleans drag show like no other! Witches! Vampires! Voodoo! Ghosts! All the dark, creepy, sexy vibes that make this town the town we love! Featuring performances from our core cast members: Apostrophe, Franky, Garlic Junior, Visqueen and Haus DJ Vinsantos with Card Readings by The Mexican Witch and, of course, our EVOO stage kitten: Bennigan Applebee McFridayz. $10 admission Friday, January 19, 2018 Simply The Best - The Tina Turner Story featuring Anais St. John: Joy Theatre; 1200 Canal Street; 8 - 11 p.m. Joy
Theater and Jonathan Mares Productions are teaming up to present the debut of “Simply the Best: The Tina Turner Story” - a live tribute event featuring award winning singer Anaïs St. John. The follow up to producer Mares and singer St. John’s critically acclaimed Donna Summer Tribute which played at Joy Theater and Marigny Theater, the event will include performances of more than 15 of Tina Turner’s greatest hits, including What’s Love Got to Do With It, Simply the Best and Proud Mary. The event will also feature a 7 piece band, backup singers and dancers to help tell the dramatic story of the queen of Rock-n-Roll, Tina Turner. Anaïs St. John is an award winning vocalist, notable for her performances in her Donna Summer tribute. For tickets, go to http://bit.ly/SimplyTheBestNOLATix. New Meat Amateur Dance Contest: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Lisa Beaumann, anyone can enter - $100 cash prize. Gear Night: Rawhide 2010; 740 Burgundy St.; 9 p.m. It’s finally time to break out of the box, and bring your kinks to the front of of the line! There’s a $5.00 cover unless you’re sporting your gear (leather, rope, floggers, cuffs, heels, masks, etc.). They will open the bar to frollic in the dark with as many tools as you can carry. Sunday, January 21, 2018 You Better Sing Karaoke; GrandPre’s; 834 North Rampart St.; 7 p.m. Join DJ Kory and DJ Derek as they play Karaoke at Good Friends Bar. Behind the bar slinging your drinks for you are Jeremy, Ryan, and Tim. Zingo: Corner Pocket; 640 St. Louis Street; 6:30 p.m. Play Bingo with hosts Opal Masters followed by the Barry BareAss Dancer of the Week Contest. Oz Show Night: Oz; 800 Bourbon Street; 9:30 p.m. This popular drag show is hosted by Persana Shoulders and features Nicole Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Connie Hung, Anastascia Davenport; Chichi Rodriguez and Dominique DeLorean.
Community Spotlight of the Month
New Year and a new look for Ambush as it enters it’s new chapter. With this change my column is going to change focus slightly especially my Bartender of the Month section. I wanted to expand on my recognition of deserving individuals which will still include bartenders but also feature other service industry professionals such as waiters, hotel employees all forms of entertainers (not just drag - theatre folk, musicians), people in the non-profit world; basically anyone who makes a difference in our lives. Some of these people you may not recognize, some
will be popular choices. My choice for January is Daryl Dunaway aka Countess C Alice. Daryl hails from right outside Baton Rouge but now makes NOLA his home. Currently you can see him at the Four Seasons Bar behind the bar or on the stage performing as the Countess. He is also a very accomplished costumer, make-up expert and artist. He has designed countless costumes for Petronius, Armeinius, Satyricon and Lords of Leather. Working behind the scenes, Daryl has assisted so many people on their costumes, many times coming to the rescue at the last minute in order to help something perfect. His costumes (and make-up) have won awards both on Bourbon Street for Mardi Gras and for Halloween. He puts his all in everything he does and can make anything (and anyone) sparkle. As a performer, C Alice is fun and flamboyant and he recently helped land the city a big convention in 2018 by making a guest appearance at a site inspection for a LGBT group thinking about coming to NOLA in 2018. His added shine to the site gave the city the extra push to help us won the bid over our competition! So head out to Four Seasons and grab a drink or check out one of his shows, either way you are sure to enjoy meeting him.
If you want to make sure your upcoming event is listed, email the information to me at ledgemgp@ gmail.com.
GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 17
Snap Paparazzi From Ambush Magazine’s Relaunch Party at GrandPre’s New Orleans | Photos by Tony Leggio
18 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com
Southern Decadence 2017 Report
Submitted by the Southern Decadence Board of Directors
Snap Paparazzi
Photos by Jeremy from around New Orleans
All funds raised minus expenses will benefit the Official 2017 Southern Decadence Charities: NOAGE (New Orleans Advocates for GLBT Elders) and The Dodwell House (which will supply a permanent home for programs that will help reduce poverty and inequality, provide outreach to at-risk children, offer health and wellness resources, and maintain a cultural crossroads for the diverse population served by St. Anna’s Episcopal Church). Money Raised in 2017 The Organ Grinders
100.00
Decadence Goes to Gulfport
1,050.00
Southern Eagle
1,000.00
GrandPre’s Egg Contest
503.00
Palmquist and Mesa Soirée
2,000.00
Bourbon Pub Press Party
1,650.00
Four Seasons Exotique
530.00
Four Seasons Exotique
130.00
Mag’s 940 Bingo
240.00
Mag’s 940 Busted Underwear
50.00
Mag’s 940 Grand Marshall Show
423.00
Mag’s 940 Bellini Party
90.00
Mag’s 940 Measure Up
316.00
Mag’s 940 Bingo
259.00
Mag’s 940 Christmas in July
360.00
Sipp’s Gay Pride Show
134.00
Oz Boy Auction
6,769.01
Always Smatch Game
1,755.00
Phoenix Decadence Gets Dirty
315.00
QT Pie
500.00
Main St Lounge
85.00
Southern Decadence Gay History
380.00
Knights D’Orleans
680.00
Cutter’s Egg Contest
400.00
Double Play Burger Cook Out
790.00
Carl Walsingham
100.00
Krewe of Glitz and Big Hair
100.00
New Orleans Track Club
100.00
British Tourist Authority
250.00
Krewe of the Rolling Elvi
500.00
Voodoo Scoots Scooter Club
195.00
Golden Lantern Bar
2,414.00
Additional Monies Raised
1,422.08
TOTAL MONEY RAISED IN 2017
$25,590.09
Expenses in 2017 Costume Jewelry and Sashes
531.00
Parade PErmit
100.25
DJ for Parade
500.00
Police for Parade
1,864.50
Parade Insurance
4,139.31
Sanitation for Parade
507.77
Costumes for Grand Marshall’s
4,500.00
Filling Fee for the State
15.00
TOTAL EXPENSES IN 2017
$12,157.83
$25,590.09 (money raised) minus $12,157.83 (expenses) leaves $13,432.26
$13,432.26 divided by two charities = $6,716.13 raised for each GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 19
Gay Mardi Gras Ball Schedule
Visit www.GayMardiGras.com for More Information Saturday, January 6, 2018 Mwindo 20th Ball @ Sigur Center in Chalmette Saturday, January 20, 2018 Amon Ra @ Sigur Center Chalmette Friday, January 26, 2018 Krewe of Stars @ JPAS Metairie Friday, February 2, 2018 Petronius @ Pontchartrain Center Kenner Saturday, February 10, 2018 Armeinius @ Mardi Gras World Sunday, February 11, 2018 Lords of Leather @ Alario Center
Lords of Leather Events All-Krewe/Organization Royalty Appreciation Party, Sunday January 7, 2018. 2- 5 p.m. at Lafitte’s Upstairs. The Lords of Leather’s Annual Recognition of all Gay Carnival Krewes and organizations as we move into another Mardi Gras season. Current reigning royalty admitted free wearing crown/sash. All others invited and welcome, including past royalty for just $10. Light fare and cash bar. Let those rhinestones sparkle! Lords’ Early Carnival Season Beer Bust Friday, January 12, 2018 at the Phoenix. Starting at 9 p.m. and going until midnight on the patio, the Lords will be serving all-you-can-drink keg beer and soda plus snacks for just $10. Jello shots also on sale for just $1.00. Wear some leather or gear if it’s cool enough or come as you are. The season is short this year so let’s get the party started! “Soup and Salad Sunday” will be held at GrandPre’s at 834 N. Rampart on Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 1 - 4 p.m. Come out of the cold for some friendly festival competition to see which team makes the best bowl of soup! Salad and bread also served. Tickets $15 in advance from any Krewe member or $20 at the door. Let the Lords “warm you up!”
Job Opportunities Ambush Magazine is growing!
Freelance & Contributing Writers Wanted
We want to hear from you if you are a working or aspiring journalist interested in covering topics meaningful to the LGBTQ community.
Snap Paparazzi Photographer Wanted
Do you frequent the LGBTQ bars and events? We want to hear from you if you are interested in regularly covering the bars and events.
If you are interested, please email your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to info@ambushpublishing.com
Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
Visit www.GayMardiGras.com for More Information Saturday, January 6, 2018 French Quarter Krewe of Joan of Arc 6:00pm Société Des Champs Elysée 7:30pm Uptown New Orleans Phunny Phorty Phellows 7:00pm Saturday, January 27, 2018 Slidell Krewe of Bilge 11:00am Krewe of Poseidon 6:00pm French Quarter Krewe du Vieux 6:30pm krewedelusion Follows Sunday, January 28, 2018 Metairie Krewe of Little Rascals 12:00pm Slidell Krewe of Slidellians 1:00pm Krewe of Perseus Follows Friday, February 2, 2018 French Quarter Krewe of Cork 3:00pm Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Oshun 6:00pm Krewe of Cleopatra 6:30pm Mandeville Krewe of Eve 7:00pm Metairie Krewe of Excalibur Follows Saturday, February 3, 2018 Slidell Krewe of Paws 10:00am Krewe of Titans 6:30pm Westbank The Mystic Knights of Adonis 11:45am Madisonville Krewe of Tchefuncte 1:00pm Chalmette Knights of Nemesis 1:00pm Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Pontchartrain 1:00pm Krewe of Choctaw Follows Krewe of Freret Follows Knights of Sparta 6:00pm Krewe of Pygmalion Follows Marigny ‘tit Rəx 5:00pm Krewe of Chewbacchus 7:00pm Metairie Krewe of Caesar 6:00pm Covington Krewe of Olympia 6:00pm Sunday, February 4, 2018 Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Femme Fatale 11:00am Krewe of Carrollton Follows Krewe of King Arthur and Merlin Follows Krewe of Alla Follows Slidell Krewe of Claude 1:00pm Krewe of Dionysus Follows French Quarter Krewe of Barkus 2:00pm
20 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com
Wednesday, February 7, 2018 Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Druids 6:30pm Krewe of Nyx 7:00pm Thursday, February 8, 2018 Uptown New Orleans Knights of Babylon 5:30pm Knights of Chaos 6:15pm Krewe of Muses 6:30pm Friday, February 9, 2018 French Quarter Krewe of Bosom Buddies 11:30am Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Hermes 6:00pm Krewe d’Etat 6:30pm Krewe of Morpheus 7:00pm Slidell Krewe of Selene 6:30pm Metairie Krewe of Centurions 7:00pm Mandeville Original Krewe of Orpheus 7:00pm Saturday, February 10, 2018 Westbank Krewe of NOMTOC 10:45am Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Iris 11:00am Krewe of Tucks 12:00pm Mid-City Krewe of Endymion 4:15pm Metairie Krewe of Isis 6:30pm Sunday, February 11, 2018 Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Okeanos 11:00am Krewe of Mid-City 11:45am Krewe of Thoth 12:00pm Krewe of Bacchus 5:15pm Metairie Corps de Napoleon 5:00pm Krewe of Athena 5:30pm Monday, February 12, 2018 Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Proteus 5:15pm Krewe of Orpheus 6:00pm Tuesday, February 13, 2018 Uptown New Orleans Krewe of Zulu 8:00am Krewe of Rex 10:00am Krewe of Elks Orleans Follows Krewe of Crescent City Follows Metairie Krewe of Argus 10:00am Krewe of Elks Jefferson Follows Krewe of Jefferson Follows Covington Krewe of Lyra 10:00am
Moments in Gay New Orleans History by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
12th Night & the Mystik Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers
In the Roman Catholic calendar, January 6 is recognized as the Feast of the Epiphany—the day the three Magi visited the baby Jesus, thus representing Jesus’ revelation to the Gentiles. Because the Magi were thought to be kings (although the Biblical nativity stories never suggest this), the Feast of the Epiphany is sometimes called King’s Day. 12th Night, despite all the Christian symbolism associated with it, like most major holidays (including Christmas and Easter), has its origins pre-Christian, pagan cultures. Its roots can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival known as Saturnalia (which was an adaptation of the earlier Greek festival, Kronia). A common theme in both the Kronia and the Saturnalia was a reversal of the social order. Slaves, servants and peasants were honored by their masters and overlords, who served them at lavish banquets. Presiding over the festivities was the Lord of Misrule. Drunkeness, gluttony, and
sexual abandon were the hallmarks of these parties. In Britain, 12th Night celebrations date back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, what we now call Halloween. Most of the 12th Night celebrations were private parties in homes and estates. At these parties, a cake would be served that contained a bean and a pea. Whoever received the slices containing the bean and the pea would reign for the night as King and Queen. According to tradition, king cakes should not be served until 12th Night and never after Mardi Gras. 12th Night celebrations are also a modern incarnation of the Feast of Fools, a popular festival during the Middle Ages, particularly in France, in which a mock bishop or pope was elected, ecclesiastical ritual was parodied, and low and high officials changed places. In New Orleans, 12th Night marks the beginning of the Carnival Season, which culminates on Mardi Gras. Perhaps the best known 12th Night event in New Orleans is the streetcar ride of the Phunny Phorty Phellows. Although the PPP’s streetcar ride only dates
back to 1982, their tradition dates back to 1878, when they used to follow Rex. Also on January 6 is the annual Joan of Arc parade, but this is only because Joan of Arc’s birthday is January 6. In 1870, the Twelfth Night Revelers, New Orleans second official Carnival Krewe, debuted with a nine-float parade on January 6, followed by a ball at the French Opera House. As the King Cake was brought in, the Lord of Misrule announced that the cake would only be served to ladies and that whoever received the slice of cake with a bean would be named Queen. Prior to this, there had never been a “Queen” associated with Carnival. At that first ball, the court jesters who were to serve the cake were so drunk they sloppily dropped slices of cake in the ladies laps, or threw slices of cake at them, much to the horror and amusement of those in attendance. The slice with the bean was not found but the following year the jesters were better behaved and Emma Butler was crowned as Queen. Today 12th Night celebrations are common throughout New Orleans. Many people host King Cake Parties or other celebrations to herald the arrival of the Carnival Season. I began hosting my 12th Night party in 2014. I had moved into a new apartment the previous year and one of the reasons I leased it was because it was perfect for entertaining (spacious, wrap around balcony on the corner of St. Ann
and Royal). My previous apartment in the FQ was too small to properly entertain. The party was a huge success— open bar, live music (an opera singer), go-go boys serving hors d’ouvres, and great food. Roughly 150 attended the first party. For the 2015 party, I decided to add an element—the coronation of the Grand Reveler. I chose Jeffrey Palmquist, long-time bartender at Café Lafitte in Exile and a very good friend to be the first Grand Reveler. He in turn chose two lieutenants—Will Antill and Tim Kinzel. During the party, I got everyone’s attention and issued the following proclamation: WHEREAS THIS NIGHT MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE CARNIVAL SEASON, AND WHEREAS THE REST OF COUNTRY (WHICH, I UNDERSTAND, EXISTS SOMEWHERE ACROSS THE LAKE) IS SETTLING DOWN TO WORK AFTER THE HOLIDAY SEASON, AND WHEREAS NEW ORLEANS IS JUST GEARING UP FOR MARDI GRAS, AND WHEREAS MARDI GRAS IS THE MOST AWESOME DAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD, AND WHEREAS THIS 12TH NIGHT PARTY HAS BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT, I, THEREFORE, AS GRAND POTENTATE OF THESE FESTIVE PROContinued on Page 23
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Snap Paparazzi From the Holiday Parties of Cheryl Lemoine, Frank Pizzolato, RJ Buras, Rodney Thoulion & Others | Photos by Tony Leggio
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Continued from Page 21 CEEDINGS, DO HEREBY DECLARE THE CREATION OF A NEW CARNIVAL CUSTOM: BE IT RESOLVED AND LET IT BE KNOWN THAT I HAVE FORMED THE MYSTIK KREWE DU RUE ROYALE REVELERS, AND FURTHERMORE, LET IT BE KNOWN THAT ALL IN ATTENDANCE HERE TONIGHT ARE HEREBY REVELERS OF THE MYSTIK KREWE, AND LET IT BE KNOWN THAT EACH YEAR ON THIS NIGHT AT THIS JOYOUS CELEBRATION, I WILL DECLARE, NAME AND CROWN A GRAND REVELER TO REIGN OVER NOT ONLY THIS CELEBRATION BUT ALSO THE CARNIVAL SEASON. AND SO TONIGHT, REVELERS AND ASSORTED DRUNKS, PLEASE MAKE WAY FOR THE ROYAL FLAG BEARER AND LIEUTENANTS AS THEY PRECEDE HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, GRAND REVELER I, JEFF PALMQUIST. JEFFREY, FOR YOUR LONG-TERM SERVICE IN ENABLING OUR ALCOHOLIC IMPULSES, FOR BEING DECLARED A BOTTOM BY THE TIMES-PICAYUNE, FOR SPENDING $1,800 ON
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, FOR NOT KILLING COCA FOR SPENDING $1800 ON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, FOR SURVIVING QUADRUPLE OPEN BYPASS HEART SURGERY, FOR YOUR UNFORGETTABLE DRAG PERFORMANCE AT OZ, AND FOR BEING A DAMN GOOD BARTENDER AND ALL AROUND GREAT GUY, I HEREBY CROWN YOU AS HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, GRAND REVELER I After a few remarks by the Grand Reveler, I informed him: YOUR MAJESTY, KING CAKE QUEEN XXI, BARBARELLA, AND HER ROYAL COURT OF THE KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS HAVE PETITIONED ENTRY TO PAY THEIR RESPECTS TO YOU. DO YOU GRANT ENTRANCE? The Grand Reveler said yes, after which I said, BID THE BORGHESE QUEEN ENTRY At this point, Barbarella, the reigning King Cake Queen at the time arrived along with her successor, Aubrey Synclaire. A toast was made and thus began the tradition of the Meeting of the Courts of the Mystik Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers and the Krewe of
Queenateenas. Subsequent Grand Revelers were Will Antill (The Financial District Reveler) and Rip Naquin (The Award Winning Reveler). Who will be crowned Grand Reveler IV? Find out on January 6! Tickets are available at the Crescent City Tour Booking Agency (638 St. Ann). $20 gets you admission to the party (includes dinner and an open bar), as well as a year long membership in the Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers. Tickets at the door are $25. The party has outgrown my home’s capacity to host it. For the 2018 party, I have rented out the Double Play Bar. The doors open at 7:00pm. Procession of previous Grand Revelers and Coronation of the new Grand Reveler begins at 8:30pm. The Coronation of Grand Reveler IV will be followed by the Meeting of the Courts of the Rue Royale Revelers and the Krewe of Queenateenas. The Lord of Misrule and his Mystik Krewe du Rue Royale Revelers command your presence at Frank’s Annual 12th Night Party. As usual, the party will feature lots of booze, delicious food, scantily clad eye candy, and great people. A grand, gay time will be had by all so join us as we kick off Carnival Season!
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Upcoming at Oz Sunday, January 7 Oz will be hosting their first Sunday Funday Show Night with RuPaul’s Drag Race star, Chi Chi DeVayne. She will be performing alongside the Ladies of Oz for what is sure to be a fabulous show! This will be Chi Chi’s last appearance before she returns to the screen on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 3. The night has further cause for celebration as Oz celebrates the birthday of their hostess with the mostest - Persana Shoulders! Friday, January 12 Oz as a proud bar sponsor of the Mardi Gras Classic will be hosting the registration party for the tournament in their upstairs bar. Registration will go from 7 - 9:30 PM. Sunday, January 14 The Mardi Gras Classic will host their awards ceremony on the stage of Oz at 10 PM following an early Sunday Funday show starring The Ladies of Oz.
MARDI GRAS SHOW NIGHT Starring the Ladies Of Oz, hosted by Persana Shoulders, Wednesday @ 10:30! MARDI GRAS COMEDY CABARET Laugh at Oz for our special comedy show starring local comic, Jeff D, and fabulous special guests. Thursday @ 10 MARDI GRAS STRIP OFF Hosted by Persana Shoulders, Thursday @ midnight! $300 in cash and prizes for the winner! Sponsored by: Swiss Navy Our fabulous resident DJs (DJ Kyle D, DJ Tim Pflueger, and DJ JRB) spinning all weekend long! Sexy gogos dancing on top of the bar for your viewing pleasure! Weekend Hostess: SDGM XLIII: Persana Shoulders
Wednesday, February 7- Tuesday, February 13 Oz New Orleans presents MARDI GRAS 2018! We are very excited for a fabulous MARDI GRAS! Fabulous shows! GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 23
Business Listings
529.2860, Facebook.COM/GoldenLanternBar Good Friends Bar, 740 Dauphine St, 566.7191, GoodFriendsBar.COM GRANDPRE’S, 834 N. Rampart St., 267.3615, Facebook.com/grandpres KAJUN’S PUB, 2256 St. Claude Ave., 947.3735, KajunPub.COM MAG’S 940, 940 Elysian Fields Ave., 948.1888 OZ NEW ORLEANS, 800 Bourbon, 593.9491, OzNewOrleans. COM THE PAGE, 542 N. Rampart St., 875.4976 PHOENIX/EAGLE, 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264, www.phoenixbarnola. com Rawhide 2010, 740 Burgundy St., 525.8106, Rawhide2010.COM TROPICAL ISLE: Home of the Hand Grenade, 721 Bourbon St., 529.4109, TropicalIsle.COM VALIANT THEATRE AND LOUNGE, 6621 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, LA, 504.900.1743 Slidell, LA [985] BILLY’S, 2600 Hwy. 190 West, 847.1921 Biloxi, MS [228] CLUB VEAUX, 834 Howard Ave., 207.3271
bars
Mobile, AL [251] B-Bob’s Downtown, 213 Conti St., 433.2262, B-Bobs.COM Flip Side Bar & Patio, 54 S. Conception St., 431.8819, FlipSideBarPatio. COM GABRIEL’S DOWNTOWN, 55 South Joachim St., 432.4900 The Midtown Pub, 153 Florida St., 450.1555 Pensacola, FL [850] THE ROUNDUP, 560 East Heinberg St., 433.8482 Baton Rouge, LA [225] GEORGE’S, 860 St. Louis, 387.9798, SPLASH, 2183 Highland Rd., 242.9491, SplashBR.COM Lake Charles, LA [337] CRYSTAL’S, 112 W. Broad, 433.5457 Metairie, LA [504] FOUR SEASONS & PATIO STAGE BAR, 3229 N. Causeway, 832.0659, FourSeasonsBar.com
bookstores
New Orleans, LA [504] FAB - Faubourg Marigny Art & Books, 600 Frenchmen St., 947.3700
circuit/events
New Orleans, LA [504] 700 CLUB, 700 Burgundy, 561.1095, BIG DADDY’S, 2513 Royal, 948.6288 BIG EASY DAIQUIRIS, 216 Bourbon, 501 Bourbon, 409 Decatur, 617 Decatur THE BLACK PENNY, 700 N. Rampart BOURBON PUB & PARADE, 801 Bourbon St., 529.2107, BourbonPub.COM Café Lafitte in Exile, 901 Bourbon Street 522.8397, Lafittes.COM CORNER POCKET, 940 St. Louis, 568.9829, CornerPocket.NET COUNTRY CLUB, 634 Louisa St., TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM, 945.0742 CUTTER’S, 706 Franklin, 948.4200 THE DOUBLE PLAY, 439 Dauphine, 523.4517 THE FRIENDLY BAR, 2301 Chartres, 943.8929 GOLDEN LANTERN, 1239 Royal,
Aug. 30-Sept. 4, 2017, 46th Official Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture, end of Summer Blowout including the Southern Decadence Parade & loads of activities, bringing over 180,000 revelers to New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush & SouthernDecadence.com Oct. 20-22, 2017 Halloween 34, benefiting Project Lazarus, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by AmbushMag.COM, HalloweenNewOrleans.com Dec. 29, 2017-Jan. 1, 2018 Gay New Year’s in New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, GayNewOrleans.com Feb. 9-13, 2018, 69th Official Gay Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA, sponsored by Ambush, GayMardiGras.com Easter Sunday, April 11, 2018, 19th Official Gay Easter Parade, New Orleans, sponsored by Ambush, GayEasterParade.com
costumes
New Orleans, LA [504] QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633
galleries
New Orleans, LA [504] CASSELL-BERGEN GALLERY, 1305 Decatur St., cassellbergengallery. com, 504.524.0671
guides
AMBUSH Mag, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137; 504.522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; marsha@ripandmarsha.com
groceries/delis
New Orleans, LA [504] QUARTERMASTER DELI, THE NELLIE DELI, 1100 Bourbon, 529.1416
hair salons
New Orleans, LA [504] Two Guys Cutting Hair, 2372 St.
24 · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Official Southern Decadence Guide · SouthernDecadence.com
Claude Ave., Suite 125, appointments: Adikus 215.519.5030, Trent 504.239.2397
hardware
New Orleans, LA [504] MARY’S FRENCH QUARTER HARDWARE, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465
accommodations
New Orleans [504] AARON INGRAM HAUS, 1012 Elysian Fields, New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE: 504.949.3110, www.ingramhaus. com/xqey, e-mail us at ingramhaus@yahoo.com. Condos with queen-size beds, private entrances; located only six blocks from Bourbon Street and walking distance to most New Orleans attractions. Several favorite bars are within one block. [0118] BLUES60 GUEST HOUSE, 1008 Elysian Fields Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117, Phone: 1.504.324.4311, www.blues60guesthouse.com, info@blues60guesthouse.com. The Blue60 Guest House with 5 suites provides a peaceful retreat in the center of the Faubourg Marigny, just blocks from the French Quarter and Frenchman St. [1115] BURGUNDY BED AND BREAKFAST, 2513 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 70117, PHONE/FAX: 504.942.1463, Toll Free (Continental US only): 1.800.970.2153, www.theburgundy.com, E-mail us at theburgundy@cox.net. Gay owned and operated in newly renovated 1890’s double. Four guest rooms with private baths, guests’ parlor and “half-kitchen”, courtyard and half-open tubhouse with spa (hot tub/whirlpool). Clothing optional in sunbathing and hot tub area. Walking distance to French Quarter. Immediate vicinity of gay and lesbian bars/venues. [0815] The french quarter guest houses, 1005 St. Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, Phone: 1.800.367.5858, FrenchQuarterGuestHouses.com, email: Info@frenchquarterguesthouses.com. Four meticulously restored boutique inns located in the heart of the French Quarter’s most popular LGBT neighborhood. Each building’s individual character and charm provides an unforgettable authentic French Quarter experience!
media
New Orleans, LA [504] AMBUSH Mag, Official Gay Easter Parade Guide, Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide, Official Gay New Orleans Guide, Official Gulf South Guide, Official Pride Guide, Official Southern Decadence Guide, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, AmbushMag.COM; email: ripna@ambushmag.com AMBUSHonLINE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049, ambushonline.com, email: ripna@ambushmag.com
organizations
FOOD FOR FRIENDS, 504.821.2601 ext. 254 FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE MARDI GRAS (FNBMG), 504.319.8261, www.fridaynightbeforemardigras.com GAY APPRECIATION AWARDS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137; 522.8049; AmbushMag.COM/GAA GAY EASTER PARADE, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, info@gayeasterparade.com, GayEasterParade.COM GAY MARDI GRAS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, Gay-
MardiGras.COM GAY NEW ORLEANS, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, GayNewOrleans.COM HAART (HIV/AIDS Alliance Region Two, Inc.), 4550 North Blvd. Ste. 250, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, 225.927.1269, www.haartinc.org, offers a complete continuum of care to people living with HIV/ AIDS including housing, primary care, medications, case management, and an array of supportive services. In addition HAART provides HIV prevention education and FREE testing to the Baton Rouge area. HALLOWEEN IN NEW ORLEANS, INC., PO Box 52171, 70152-2171; halloween neworleans.com/ambush KREWE OF AMON-RA, PO Box 7033, Metairie, LA 70010, KreweOfAmonRa.COM KREWE OF ARMEINIUS, PO Box 56638, New Orleans, LA 70156-6638, kreweofarmeinius.org KREWE OF MWINDO, PO Box 51031, 70156; 913.5791, KreweOfMwindo. ORG, krewe@kreweofmwindo.org KREWE OF NARCISSUS, PO Box 3832, New Orleans, LA 70177. Contact: 504.228.9441 KREWE OF PETRONIUS, PO Box 1102, Kenner, LA. 70063-1102, www. kreweofpetroius.net KREWE OF QUEENATEENAS / KING CAKE QUEEN ROYALTY CLUB, 828-A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 522.8049, GayMardiGras.COM/KCQ LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, 1308 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA 70116, 504.475.7911, www.lgbtar-
chivesla.org MYSTIC KREWE OF LORDS OF LEATHER, 1000 Bourbon St #B415, New Orleans, LA 70116, www.lordsofleather.org MYSTIC KREWE OF SATYRICON, 2443 Halsey Ave., New Orleans, LA 70114, 504.906.7990 Todd J. Blauvelt / Secretary, krewe.of.satyricon@gmail.com, MysticKreweOfSatyricon.COM NO/AIDS TASK FORCE, 2601 Tulane Ave., Suite 500, 70119; 504.821.2601; NOAIDSTaskForce.COM PRIDE, NOLAPride.ORG RENEGADE BEARS OF LOUISIANA, PO Box 3083, New Orleans, LA 70177; renegadebearsoflouisiana@gmail. com SOUTHERN DECADENCE, 828A Bourbon St., 70116-3137, 504.522.8049, SouthernDecadence.COM ST. ANNA’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 1313 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 504.947.2121, stannanola.org
pharmacy
Mumfrey’s Pharmacy, 1021 W. Judge Perez Dr., Chalmette, LA 70043, 504.279.6312, www.MumfreysPharmacy.COM. Supporting & serving the LGBT Community for over 20 years. Local pharmacy offering personalized family-like service, automatic refills & free metro wide confidential pickup & delivery. Also offering shipping for out-side our delivery area. When you call us you speak to a person, not a machine. See our ad.
photography
New Orleans, LA [504] GRAHAM/STUDIO ONE NEW ORLEANS, by appointment, grahamstudioone.com
CAFE ISTANBUL, 2372 St. Claude Ave., #140, 504.974.0786, CafeIstanbulNOLA.COM
restaurants
New Orleans, LA [504] Gay New Orleans Walking Tour, Crescent City Tour Booking Agency, (LGBT Business of the Year) 638 St. Ann St., 568.0717. follow Gay New Orleans Walking Tour @ Facebook.COM
Metairie, LA [504] Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop & Pub, 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., 835.2022, GumboStop.com New Orleans, LA [504] The Bombay Club, 830 Rue Conti, 577.2237, www.bombayclubneworleans. com Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard, 819 Rue Conti, 581.3866, http:// broussards.com Cafe Sbisa, 1011 Decatur St., 522.5565, www.cafesbisanola.com Cheezy Cajun, 3325 St. Claude Ave., 265.0045, www.TheCheezyCajun. com Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., 598.1010, www.CloverGrill.com Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., www.TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com, 945.0742 Gene’s Po-Boys & Daquiris, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 943.3861, www.genespoboys.com Ilys Bistro, 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., 947.8341, www.Facebook.com/ILYSBistro Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails, 337 Chartres St. 598.5005, www.KinfishNewOrleans.com Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., 522.6746 Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro, 720 Orleans, 523.1930, www.OrleansGrapevine.com Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. , 529.1416, www.QuartermasterDeli.net Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., 528.2601, www.RoyalHouseRestaurant.com
tours
Get Listed
Want to see your business, organization, or event in our next issue?
Email Ambush info@ambushpublishing.com
real estate
New Orleans, LA [504] Engel & Völkers New Orleans, Michael Styles, Realtor — Michael specializes in helping first-time homebuyers and real estate investors find the perfect New Orleans properties. 504.777.1773, NolaStyles.com Latter & Blum, Steven Richards Realtor, 504.258.1800, SteveRichardsProperties.com New Orleans Relocation, Realtors — gay-owned boutique real estate agency for locals and newcomers. 504.273.0088 www.NOLArelo.com
retail/shopping
New Orleans, LA [504] BOURBON PRIDE, 909 Bourbon, 566.1570 COK (Clothing or Kinkl), 941 Elysian Fields, 945.9264 MARY’S FRENCH QUARTER KITCHEN & BATH, 732 N. Rampart, 529.4465 QT PIE BOUTIQUE - 241 Dauphine St., 581. 6633 XXXSHOP, 1835 N. Rampart St., 504.232.3063
services
New Orleans, LA [504] Formal Connection, 299 Belle Terre Blvd. LaPlace, LA, 985.652.1195
theatres
New Orleans, LA [504]
GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 25
Snap Paparazzi From Cruisin in the Oaks Pageant at Happyland Theatre | Photos by Tony Leggio
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Trodding the Boards by Brian Sands Email: bsnola2@hotmail.com
The Year in Review
When I reviewed 2016, the Anthony Bean Community Theater had discovered it needed more funds than expected to renovate its new location on Paris Avenue. After years without a permanent home, Southern Rep had just commenced an arduous journey to turn the long-vacant former St. Rose de Lima Church on Bayou Road into the Bayou Treme Center. Both situations continue but with sunnier outlooks. When I spoke recently with Anthony Bean, he expressed hope that additional funding would soon be available for his theater. And Southern Rep is deep in the midst of its renovations; if its new space doesn’t fully open this year, Producing Artistic Director Aimée Hayes exudes confidence that it will definitely happen by early 2019. More welcome news came from the Valiant Theatre and Lounge in Old Arabi which opened in the Fall of 2016 with a limited schedule; at this
time last year, I had yet to visit it. This past year, however, it housed a variety of worthy plays & musicals and took part in the InFringe Fest, and I happily discovered I can get to it faster than it takes to get to Tulane or Loyola for shows. Yet finding a venue here continues to be a challenge. In 2017, enterprising producers presented shows at a derelict former movie theater (On an Average Day at the Happyland Theater); a church (White Rabbit, Red Rabbit at St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church); a room adjacent to a pizzeria (Constellations and Beirut at Outlaw Pizza Company); a Bywater backyard (Chet’s Summer Vacation at Burgundy Picture House); a hotel room (Cowboy Mouth at the Frenchmen Hotel, Rm. 300); an outdoor public works recreational project (Cry You One at Mirabeau Water Garden); a country club’s dining hall (The Savannah Sipping Society at the Timberlane Country Club; a marina’s event
space (Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill at the Pontchartrain Landing Supper Club); and a vast art studio/ warehouse/krewe den (Caligula at Castillo Blanco). While I always enjoy going to such unconventional spots, the theater community might want to contact our new Mayor and mostly new City Council to encourage them to give tax breaks (or other supportive measures) to landlords and developers who will convert old spaces into theaters or include them in new residential and commercial buildings. Meanwhile, two new theater companies that debuted in 2017 appear to have staying power. Intramural Productions was the force behind both Chet’s Summer Vacation, a new play by Sam Mayer and Sam Shepard’s one-act Cowboy Mouth. (They also participated in InFringe Fest.) Chet, about a young man’s seduction by an AC unit(!), revealed an original and quirky theatrical voice; Jeremy Webber’s creepy sound design added to the fun. Being Artistic Director of Tulane Summer Lyric Theatre (TSLT) clearly didn’t occupy enough of Michael McKelvey’s time so he started The Storyville Collective which launched with two slam-bang productions that
he directed: Hand to God, in which John Fitzpatrick made an astonishing local debut as a teenager who may be possessed, literally, by the Devil in the form of an evil sock puppet, and the campy musical Reefer Madness, in a pitch-perfect production (featuring Eli Timm, Maggie Windler, Ken Goode, Luke Halpern, Janie Heck, Elyse McDaniel, Alex Wallace, Cameron-Mitchell Ware) that provided a better high than any chemically-induced one. Fitzpatrick and Timm combined in See ‘Em On Stage’s disturbing Thrill Me: the leopold & loeb story to give expert twin portraits of inexplicable villainy in this tale of power, entitlement and perverted sexuality. Like Reefer Madness, Thrill Me had had a forgettable local production a few years ago; this version, under Christopher Bentivegna’s precise direction, proved a memorable retelling of the “crime of the century.” Some of the other plays that thrilled me last year included White Rabbit, Red Rabbit at which each performance a different guest actor (I saw Kathy Randels; Nathan Lane and Whoopi Goldberg, among others, had done it in NYC) read the script which they saw for the first time as they stepped onstage. Iranian playwright Continued on Page 28
GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 27
Continued from Page 27 Nassim Soleimanpour’s solo show included audience participation and grappled with such social phenomena as power, obedience, and manipulation. Kudos to Poor Yorick, a new theater company, for offering this unique experience. Neil Simon’s Biloxi Blues didn’t wow me on Broadway. At The National WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen, it did. Victoria Reed’s astute direction evoked the proper feel of the WWII era and brought out the work’s comedy and drama with insightful, gratifying results. As a nebbishy intellectual soldier and the authoritative sergeant with whom he butts heads, Stephen Stanley and Patrick Ryan Sullivan, respectively, made these combatants an utterly winning team. Set in the oil-bust Houston of 1987, Horton Foote’s Dividing the Estate at Le Petit limned with a Chekhovian bittersweetness the maneuverings of the Gordon family siblings to insure that they maximize their forthcoming inheritances. The entire cast gave solid performances with Brenda Currin, as the family matriarch, and Carl Palmer, as her dissolute son, standouts. Emilie Whelan’s inspired direction enabled Albert Camus’ play about one of history’s most dissolute rulers to cast off its wordiness and prickle & seduce audiences with images of horror and beauty. As the wantonly insane Caligu-
la, the charming Ian Hoch made illogic seem logical as he ventured to conquer the existential universe wearing a satiny shirt and tighty whities. Aided by Evan Spigelman as the Emperor’s cagy mistress and Joshua Courtney’s rock’n’roll lighting, Cripple Creek’s production gave us a vision of a world we’d rather not know. (Hoch also distinguished himself as a nerdy would-be lover in Southern Rep’s Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley and in a number of small parts in The NOLA Project & UNO’s Urinetown.) In UNO’s small black box theater, Patrick Hunter produced Lobby Hero, Academy Award-winner Kenneth Lonergan’s 2001 morally complex drama set in the foyer of a Manhattan apartment building. Under Mike Harkins’ sensitive direction, the cast (Hunter, Thaddeus McCants, Garrett Prejean, Kristin Shoffner) wholly inhabited these four souls--two security guards and two police officers--you probably wouldn’t want to run into in real life. On Kevin Griffith’s austere set in UNO’s large theater, graduate student Ryan M. Decker’s inventive direction and Diane K Baas’ punchy lighting illuminated The Royale by Marco Ramirez about a black prizefighter modeled on Jack Johnson (a powerful John Charles II, impressively supported by James Compton V and Shanda Quintal), the first African-American
world heavyweight boxing champion. Like Lobby Hero, The Royale provided an absorbing, invigorating theatrical experience. Among the musicals that thrilled me was Caroline, or Change, a co-production between Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) and Loyola’s Theater Department. Tony Kushner drew on childhood memories of growing up in Lake Charles during the civil rights era to examine the life of a black maid and the Jewish family she works for. Director Laura Hope drew out the compassion and sensitivity of this singular musical (there’s a singing washing machine and bus). As the maid, Troi Bechet skillfully bottled her emotions until she let go with a searing 11 o’clock number. Whether for economic, aesthetic or educational reasons, such joint professional/university efforts flourished this year. If the aforementioned Urinetown made a dark show unnecessarily darker, The NOLA Project’s partnering with Delgado Community College for A Few Good Men gave us, under Jason Kirkpatrick’s stewardship, a crackling courtroom drama with A.J. Allegra as a smart but unambitious lawyer and Michael Aaron Santos as his nemesis, both adding yet another supremely accomplished performance to their resumes. Let’s hope such collaborations continue in 2018. In Voices in the Dark Repertory
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Theatre’s stunning Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, singer Sharon Martin delivered a tour de force account of the last days of the great, tragic jazz singer Billie Holiday. Tommye Myrick’s shapely staging kept Martin in motion, except for the more sober numbers, insuring that the overall visuals of this concert/drama never became static. The season’s absolute highlight came early last year with Rivertown’s remarkable presentation of Billy Elliot, one of the great musicals of this, or any, century. Kelly Fouchi’s production may have mirrored Broadway’s, but she tweaked it just enough to make it her own. Not only did Rivertown meet the physical demands of this challenging show, but its top-notch cast (led by Elizabeth Argus, Mike Harkins, Kevin Murphy, and the extraordinary Marcel Cavaliere as Billy) ensured that it not only entertained but touched audiences deeply and movingly. Other memorable musicals included TLST’s Annie Get Your Gun; Southern Rep & NOCCA Stage Company’s Fun Home; TLST’s Hairspray, The Company of St. Bernard (CSB)’s Hairspray (the former more polished, the latter more emotionally rewarding); Le Petit’s Jelly’s Last Jam; and NOCCA’s The Pirates of Penzance. Other memorable straight plays included Theatre Lab NOLA’s Constellations; Loyola’s The Christians; Continued on Page 29
Continued from Page 28 Southern Rep’s Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1,2 & 3) and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley; Gary Vandeventer’s Looped; The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans’ Not About Nightingales, the local premiere of this early Williams work; Mighty Lincoln Company’s Oleanna; Tulane Theater Department’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui; and NOCCA’s The Secret in the Wings. Of course, in a class by herself is a certain diva whose Varla Jean Merman Sings? explored “white music” particularly of the pop variety (“the kind you hear in an elevator”) with nods to Julie Andrews, John Denver, The Captain & Tennille, The Osmonds, etc. etc. Whether surreally dressed as a giant Saltine and playing a clarinet or appearing in a brilliant video as fellow performers Dina Martina and Miss Atlantic Richfield, Varla’s (aka Jeffery Roberson) fearless artistry has never been better. Other fabulous star turns included Jinkx Monsoon in The Vaudevillians and Randy Rainbow presented by Mark Cortale; John Waters, Diamanda Galas, and Bridget Everett & Murray Hill, all brought down by Daniel Nardicio; and Ed Asner in Ed. Weinberger’s A Man and His Prostate at Le Petit. The Saenger began the year with Disney’s magnificent The Lion King and ended it with Lincoln Center Theater’s sublime revival of The King & I. In between, it housed the surprisingly enjoyable Carole King bio-musical Beautiful, the campy fun of The Bodyguard, the no fun Finding Neverland, and the Broadway-bound Jimmy Buffett jukeboxer Escape To Margaritaville, which needs work but just might succeed if easy-to-please Parrotheads flock to it. Although New Orleans Opera did present the warhorses Faust and Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci, it expanded its repertoire with a decent traditionally staged Sweeney Todd and a delightfully reimagined version of Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld. Even better was its Chamber Series and its ventures into contemporary opera (the transgender-themed As One) and tango opera (Ástor Piazzolla’s Maria de Buenos Aires). I wish I could report that I attended a plethora of noteworthy original works, but with The NOLA Project’s last-minute cancellation of the highly anticipated The Battle for New Orleans by Jim Fitzmorris, that left only their co-production with NOMA of James Bartelle & Alex Martinez Wallace’s fanciful The Spider Queen; though it still needs work to be wholly successful, Jon Greene’s fluid staging propelled the story forward to make for a hugely entertaining 2+ hours.
An honorable mention goes to Transplant by Dante Anthony Fuoco that ran at The New Movement. His series of short scenes detailing his experiences as a transplant to New Orleans amused but could have been sharper; his acting throughout all of them, however, was outstanding. And at the risk of leaving somebody out, here are, in addition to those already mentioned, some other praiseworthy folks who trod the boards in 2017: Ashton Akridge, James Yeargain (Oleanna); Elizabeth Argus, Meredith Owens (Gypsy, TSLT); Greg Baber (Sweet Bird of Youth, Southern Rep); Sean Michael Bruno, Tucker Godbold, Aaron Richert (The Pirates of Penzance); Camille Burkey, Leslie Castay, Jason Dowies, Taylor Lewis (Fun Home); Keith Claverie, Ricky Graham (It’s Only a Play, Le Petit & NOLA Project); Vieta Collins, Jaleel Green, Brittany M. James, Alys Murray (Hairspray (CSB)); Jacqui Cross, Kali Russell (Hairspray (TSLT)); Julie Dietz (The Spider Queen); Robert Diago DoQui (Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1,2 & 3)); Bob Edes, Jr. (Gypsy, Hairspray (TSLT)); Rahim Glaspy, Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth, Matt Reed (Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play, Radical Buffoon(s) & Rockfire Theatre ); Jarrell
Hamilton (Ain’t Misbehavin’, Stage Door Canteen); Anthony Harvey (On the Verge, Tulane); Margo Hera, John Graham Parker (Dancing at Lughnasa, Tulane); Zeb Hollins III, Sean Richmond (Not About Nightingales); Katie Howe (Annie Get Your Gun); Idella Johnson (Jelly’s Last Jam, Once on this Island, Le Petit); Alcee Jones III (Xanadu, NOCCA); Jeff Mallon (Looped); Anja Mayer-Avsharian, Kristen Swanson, Brianna Thompson (Caroline, or Change); Javier Mederos (The Christians); Damien Moses (Jelly’s Last Jam); Christopher Ramage, Emily Russell (Constellations); Christopher B. Robinson, Carol Sutton (Camino Real, The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company); Christian Tarzetti (The Little Mermaid, Rivertown); Andrea Watson (Hand to God). Additionally, proving that there are “no small parts, only small actors,” I want to acknowledge three thespians who made the most of virtually single scene roles: Ellie Bono (Gypsy); Jess Podewell (The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui); and Adam Segrave (The Little Mermaid). And though the ZFX, Inc. & Fly Circus Space’s special effects for JPAS’ Tarzan breathtakingly allowed the Lord of the Jungle to swing through the trees, no special effect was more
dazzling than the transformation of 610 Stompers into lithe Fosse dancers and perfectly collapsing wooden soldiers in LPO’s Holiday Spectacular. Here’s hoping there’ll be many more such dazzling effects in 2018!
If you want your upcoming show reviewed, contact Brian at bsnola2@ hotmail.com.
GayMardiGras.com · GayEasterParade.com · Jan 2 - 15, 2018 · Facebook.com/AmbushMag · The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com · 29
Snap Paparazzi Pictures from the Corner Pocket | Photos by Jeremy
30 路 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.com 路 Jan 2 - 15, 2018 路 Official Southern Decadence Guide 路 SouthernDecadence.com
Book Review by Frank Perez Email: f.perez@sbcglobal.net
Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality: A Guide for Business Practice. Jeff Guaracino and Ed Salvato. Harrington Park Press. ISBN: 9781939594181. 2017. 190 pages. $45.00 Handbook of LGBT Tourism and Hospitality is essential reading for not only business owners who want to tap into the LGBT market, but also for LGBT travelers. The book includes sections on the foundations of LGBT tourism and hospitality, understanding the LGBT travel market, business opportunities, marketing, opportunities and challenges, trends and industry resources. To research this book, the authors traveled to six continents, interviewed nearly a hundred industry experts, and
analyzed multiple emerging trends among LGBT travelers. This book is an easy to read, practical, and relevant guidebook with a simple goal: to help marketing professionals, business owners, and allied professionals compete in the increasingly competitive global LGBT travel and hospitality industry. Jeff Guaracino is an expert in LGBT marketing and tourism. He led the Atlantic City tourism industry through the seaside resort’s most turbulent tourism period, and in 2016 he became President and CEO of Welcome America, Inc. He is also the author of Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing (2007). Ed Salvato is chief content officer for ManAboutWorld, a digital gay travel magazine for smartphones and tablets. He was previously editor-in-chief of Out Traveler and Out & About. He serves as the treasurer on the Board of Directors of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association.
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BY M E A L . BY D R I N K . BY WAT E R . The time-honored tradition of New Orleans neighborhood dining is alive and well at The Country Club. Think chef-driven cuisine meets casual elegance, and you begin to understand why this hidden gem of the Bywater is a local favorite for great meals, great company and for 40 years – an even greater time. 504.945.0742 | TheCountryClubNewOrleans.com | 634 Louisa St. MUST BE 21 OR OLDER