A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION CELEBRATING LGBTQ+ CULTURE SINCE 1982
VOLUME 42 ISSUE 1 AUGUST 26, 2024
T.J. Acosta
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Frank Perez
SENIOR EDITOR
Brian Sands
CONTRIBUTORS
Brian Sands, Tony Leggio, Misti Gaither, Cas Brown, Felicia Phillips, Charles Pizzo, Rev. Bill Terry, Hairy Bottoms, Jim Meadows
Jeffrey Palmquist
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tony Leggio, Dwain Hertz
AMBUSH Magazine is published bimonthly. 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.
Copyright 1982-2024 AMBUSH PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS, & PHOTOS.
Dear Ambush Nation,
We are excited to once again have AMBUSH Magazine in PRINT! I want to take this opportunity to thank all our readers who have followed us online for the last several years and welcome you back to our print edition. We will print six times a year to complement our online content. We look forward to being an invaluable source of information to the LGBTQ+ community. I also want to thank Frank Perez who spearheaded our return to print. Without the efforts of Frank, this would not have been possible. And many thanks to our advertisers who have been supportive of our return. I would encourage you to take the time to not only support but also thank our advertisers. They have been instrumental in getting this project off the ground. Again, a heartfelt thank you to Frank and our advertisers.
Thank you to all the advertisers who have made the return of AMBUSH to print possible. We appreciate your support!
For advertising rates and other information, contact Frank Perez at frankearlperez@gmail.com
From the Editor’
s
Desk Frank Perez
The return of AMBUSH in print bucks a trend. Most print publications, gay or straight, have gone extinct; digital media rules the world. But print media is not the only thing on the endangered species list gay bars across the nation are going the way of the Dodo bird as well. Except in New Orleans.
Ah, New Orleans. Stubborn, old-fashioned New Orleans a city that doesn’t like change and prefers things they way they were. This mindset is precisely what has made the return of AMBUSH in print possible. Ever since we went exclusively digital during the 2020 COVID pandemic, bartenders in gay bars have asked us when the print version was coming back. Apparently, a lot of bar patrons, visitors and locals alike, have been yearning for the print version. We get it. And now you get it.
New Orleans has always been a destination city for queer travelers. Before Southern Decadence, Mardi Gras was the premiere queer holiday in the city’s annual calendar. The city’s old-world charm and joie de vivre vibe has always been a draw. It’s also why a lot of locals stay. Ian McNulty once said people don’t live here because it’s easy, but rather because they can’t live the same way anywhere else. Closeted and sexually deprived queer people have always found sexual freedom and opportunity in New Orleans. Here, hedonism is not shunned, but celebrated. Thankfully, gay bars are alive and well in New Orleans.
That’s not to say queer bars have not changed in recent years. The city’s last lesbian bar closed in 2012, and the gay bars that remain have evolved into something barflies a generation ago would not recognize. Since society’s mainstream acceptance of queerness, many of these bars today could easily be mistaken for straight bars. Straight folks no longer have any qualms about going to a gay bar; in fact, many think of such patronage as a way to demonstrate they ally-ship.
Gay bars no longer serve the function they once did; namely, providing a place for gay people to meet and get laid. Before the internet and a shift in public attitudes, gay bars fulfilled a very real need, but that need no longer exists.
Gay bars may have changed, but they’re still here and their patrons have longed for a hard-copy bar rag they can touch, feel, and hold in their hands. AMBUSH is proud to give them what they want. And as gay bars gradually evolve, so will AMBUSH. In the meantime, you can scratch AMBUSH off the “Aint Dere No More” list. Happy perusing!
Events Tony Leggio
Monday
*NOAGE New Orleans Walking Group; Audubon Park; 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA; 7 p.m. NOAGE’s weekly walking group meets on Mondays at 6:00 PM. They start walking promptly at 6:00, so be sure to arrive a few minutes early. Please consult with your primary care physician before beginning any new fitness regimen, especially if you are not used to regular exercise.
*Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show; The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8 – 9:30 p.m. Betsy Propane & The Accessories are a Jazz Trio fronted by a female lead singer, who dabbles in the Ancient Art of Bump & Grind, and wants to share those powerful pipes through song & performance. Cover $20.
*LAZY SUSAN KARAOKE: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Mondays are, once again, a DRAG! See your favorite Queens! Sing your favorite songs! GET WEIRD! With a rotating cast of drag hosts.
Tuesday
*Trivia Night: Crossing NOLA; 439 Dauphine St.; 7:30 p.m. 5 Rounds of Ten Questions Plus a Bonus Round; Prizes for 1st, 2nd & Last Place; $3 Wells & Domestics ‘til 8PM; Kitchen Open til 10PM. Call the bar at (504) 523-4517 to Reserve a Table.
*George’s Tuesday Night Trivia; George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 7 – 9 p.m. Come play trivia every Tuesday with a different theme each week.
*Big Easy Stompers Line Dancing: GrandPre’s; 834 N Rampart St.; 8 – 9 p.m. The Big Easy Stompers have free dance classes every Tuesday at Grandpre’s. They have been giving dance classes to the LGBT community and general public for the last 26 years. Classes are free and start at 8:00PM and open dancing at 9:00pm. All are welcome and beginners are welcome.
*No Judgment Karaoke at Good Friend’s: Good Friend’s Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 8 p.m. – midnight. Come enjoy karaoke with fabulous hosts and a chance to win great prizes.
*Weekly Pool Tournament; Phoenix Bar; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 8 – 10 p.m. The Phoenix Pool Tournament is hosted by Jesse every Tuesday night! $5 buy in, winner takes all. Drink spe-cials begin at 7pm.
*Trivia Tuesdays; SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 8 – 10 p.m. Come out and enjoy Big Gay Trivia with Tara Shay Montgomery.
Wednesday
*Dance Cardio with NOAGE: Treme Recreation Community Center; 900 N. Villere St.; 6 p.m. Dance Cardio is a low impact dance cardio workout for active adults aging actively, set to high energy hip-hop, rock, R&B, blues and funk.
*Showtunes Sing-A-Long; Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 8 – midnight. With VJ Brendan Thompson. Grab a Cocktail and Sing – A – Long to some of your all time favorites.
*No Judgment Karaoke; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. – midnight. Come sing you heart out at the oldest Gay Bar in New Orleans.
*Drink & Drown: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 9 p.m. – midnight. Drink & Drown every Wednesday from 9pm –Midnight $15 all you can drink; Well single pour liquor drinks and Domestic beers 21+ to enter. Come sing your heart out.
*The Ladies of Oz Show Night; Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9:30-11:30 p.m. Featuring the Ladies of Oz and DJ Tim Pflueger.
*Queen’s Karaoke; George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 10 p.m. – midnight. Hosted every Wednesday by Alvin McGee starting at 10 p.m.
Thursday
*Karaoke at Pub: Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 7 p.m. – midnight. Sing your heart out every Thursday upstairs at the Parade. There will be a different special host each week. Choose form over 30,000 songs.
*The Van Ella Bordella: A Storyville Burlesque; The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8 – 9:30 p.m. The Van Ella Bordella, New Orleans’ Storyville spectacle, is back with an all new show, original music, and courtesans. Limited seating. Join Madam Lola van Ella and her courtesans for an evening of debauchery, scandal, decadent delights and Victorian era brothel history. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com.
*QUEERS OF COMEDY New Orleans: Oz; 800 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. A group of queer comedians performing comedy together.
*Oz Strip Off; Oz; 800 Bourbon St.; 10 p.m. – midnight. Come enjoy the Oz Strip Off contest sponsored by Swiss Navy and hosted by Persana Shoulders. Contestants in this male gogo com -petition can win $300 in cash and prizes for 1st Place.
*Clay’s Karao Kiki; George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 10 p.m. – midnight. Host-ed every Thursday by Clay Donadlson starting at 10 p.m.
*So You Think You Can Drag: B-Bob’s; 213 Conti St., Mobile AL; 11 p.m. Winner chosen by audience applause. (cont’d. on page 8)
Weekly Events Cont’d.
Friday
*Trixie Minx’s Tease the Season Burlesque Ballroom at The Jazz Playhouse, feat. Romy Kaye: Royal Sonesta; 300 Bourbon St.; 7 and 9 p.m. shows. Come join us for a modern spin on a clas-sic 1960’s Bourbon Street Burlesque Show with a rotating cast of soloists all performing classic strip tease to live music, bringing quality Jazz & Burlesque back to its original home on Bourbon Street. Get tickets at www.eventbrite.com
*Flamingo Night: The Four Seasons Den & Patio Bar; 1229 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA; 8 p.m. Tiffany Alexander hosts a night of crazy fun and games.
*Freaky Fridays: Oz; 800 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. Oz New Orleans is the place to be this Friday and all Fridays as Ivy Dripp and JoJo host “FREAKY FRIDAYS ,” featuring performances that are sure to amaze and delight! A show that celebrates glam and horror! Join us for this one of a kind variety show spectacular!
*Raw Dog Comedy: Ugly Dog Saloon; 401 Andrew Higgins Blvd.; 8 – 11 p.m. Raw Dog Comedy is a FREE weekly comedy show in the Warehouse District. The open-mic list often features the city’s best comedians, visiting comics, national
Touring acts & first timers. It’s FREE to attend, but tipping’s highly encouraged (comics gotta eat, too).
*Bayou Blues Burlesque: The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 10:30 p.m. Tickets available at eventbrite.com and at the door. An intimate night of live blues music accompanied by burlesque and variety acts. Drink specials by your bartenders and comfy seating to en-joy the art of the strip tease. Music by The Delta Revues Burlesque by Miss Oops C. (AKA Oops the Clown).
*Karaoke Night @ Sipps: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 9 p.m. – mid-night. Come sing your heart out.
*Flip’n Fridays: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge; 9 – 11 p.m. Splash pre-sents Flip’N Fridays! Flip a coin each round to see if you win a gift card equal to the value of that round! Featuring a performance at 10:30 where the queen flips a coin to see what she is per-forming that number!
*The Famous Corner Pocket New Meat Contest; The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 10 p.m. (Boys dancin’ from 7 p.m.). The country’s longest running all-male amateur dance contest (over three decades!) Hosted by Corner Pocket Emcee III Felicia Phillips and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal. Bring your sexiest, skimpiest, and tightest undies (but no jock straps) for a chance at a cash prize of $100 ($200 if it’s your first time in our contest). Open to all contestants over 21. New dancers encouraged.
*Dollz with Ballz: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 10 p.m. Come out and enjoy a great show with Taze-Ya-Ballz and cast.
*Guys Night Fridays: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m, Dance the night away at New Orleans’ #1 Gay Dance Club with DJ Tim Pflueger 15 X Winner GAA “DJ of the Year” / Adam Joseph / Orlando Ricardo. THE OZ GOGOs DANCING ON THE BAR ALL WEEKEND!
*Friday Night Drag: George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 11 p.m. Join us Fridays Nights @georgesplacebr for the area’s best drag entertainers.
Saturday
*Drag Brunch @ the Country Club: Country Club; 634 Louisa St.; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy de-lightful Drag performances and a delicious brunch! Reservations can be made at opentable.com
*Free Comedy Jam for Improvisers: Big Couch; 1045 Desire Street; 1 p.m. Just because improv is unscripted, doesn’t mean you can’t practice it! We welcome improvisers of all levels (cont’d. on page 11)
Weekly Events Cont’d. to join us weekly to hone their improv skills, learn new ones, and connect with fun folks. An improv jam is an opportunity for anyone to perform and watch scenes. You can have an awesome time while developing…
*Kingz & Corsets: A Sexy Studded Affair: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 8 p.m. Attention: Kings, Queens, and everyone in between! Oz New Orleans is thrilled to announce our newest show under the Oz Entertainment umbrella: Kingz and Corsets! “A Sexy Studded Affair” Starring: Justin Betweener. Hosted by: Paris Dee DeLorean. The show will feature weekly special guests.
*JEFF D BIG. GAY. COMEDY.: American Townhouse; 1012 N. Rampart St.; 9 – 10:30 p.m. Nationally touring stand-up comedian and actor Jeff D (Seen on Comedy Central, Hulu, FX) brings the FUNNY to American Townhouse EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT at 9PM. Tickets at door or available at eventbrite.com
*Dance Bitches Dance: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m. Dance the night away at New Orleans’ #1 Gay Dance Club with DJ Tim Pflueger. 15 X Winner GAA “DJ of the Year” followed by DJ Adam Joseph or DJ Orlando Ricardo.
*Show Night: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave.; Gulfport, MS.; 11:30 p.m. Come check out the fabulous Nicole DuBois and a rotating cast of drag performers each week.
Sunday
*Drag Brunch @ the Country Club: Country Club; 634 Louisa St.; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy de-lightful Drag performances and a delicious brunch! Reservations can be made at opentable.com
*Morning Worship: Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans; 5401 S. Claiborne Ave.; 10 – 11 a.m. Our worship services are best described as “Blended”. We recognize that many of our congregants come from different religious and spiritual backgrounds. We strive to incorporate elements from those various backgrounds so that all can feel a little more connected to our services. (cont’d page. 15)
Chop Chop Charles Pizzo
French Quarter Dining During Southern Decadence
New Orleans is a melting pot city steeped in culinary history. You can taste the influences of West Africa, Europe, and Native America in its cuisine. With an embarrassingly rich number of choices citywide far too numerous to list we’re highlighting a few spots in the French Quarter.
G.W. Fins: An upscale seafood restaurant modeled after a steakhouse. The fish is extremely fresh, and the variety is exotic (barracuda!). Recently, I enjoyed wasabi-crusted wahoo seared rare with sweet soy butter. On a previous trip, a trio of mini firecracker tuna tacos were outstanding. There are almost always meat or chicken options for the turf lover in the group. The wine selection is particularly well curated, and the house-made biscuits that flow from the oven are downright sinful.
Coterie: For oyster lovers, skip the better-known tourist places and head over to this hidden gem in the French Quarter. Raw oysters and beer help beat the summer heat, and there’s a selection of cooked oysters too. Boudin, a Cajun sausage made with seasoned pulled pork and rice, makes an appearance fried in boules similar to arancini. Alligator bites “taste like chicken,” fried or blackened (avoid the sausage found elsewhere, generally mixed with pork). The shrimp and grits are among the better versions, and there’s an abundance of Cajun and Creole standards (fish with sauce, etc.) so you can try local food.
Napoleon House: This historic building is loaded with old world charm and affordable local dishes. You can’t go wrong with red beans and rice, jambalaya (seasoned rice), or gumbo (soup). They also offer a warm version of the muffuletta*, a local specialty featuring Italian cured meats and cheese with olive salad on a round, seeded bun. This is also a good place to try a gin-based Pimm’s Cup, fruity with herbal notes and refreshing in this heat. (*The inventor of this sandwich, Central Grocery, remains closed at press time. Check their website for a list of purveyors selling prepared versions around town.)
Verti Marte: This perennial favorite offers reasonable eats 24 hours in the French Quarter. It’s a busy market that cranks out salads, vegetable dishes (the spinach and artichoke with cheese is recommended), po’ boy sandwiches, and even breakfast. While fried shrimp (okay, fried anything) is the local preference, you can get them grilled here (chicken breast too). The menu includes vegetarian-friendly options and wraps. There are no tables, so find yourself somewhere for an impromptu picnic. They now accept credit cards and offer limited delivery. Pro tip: it’s often busy, so phone ahead with your order.
Clover Grill: Sometimes, you just need to eat. Directly on Bourbon Street close to many of the bars is where you’ll stumble upon this throwback diner. It’s a place for burgers and breakfast 24/7 at rock-bottom prices. Tipsy? They won’t care. Lagniappe (bonus): their sassy attitude is legend.
Charles Pizzo is a native New Orleanian and PR professional. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and former chairman of IABC, the International Association of Business Communicators.
AMBUSH Magazine is published six times a year in August, October, December, February, April, and June. Email Frank Perez for advertising rates at frankearlperez@gmail.com
Know Your History Frank Perez
Origins of Southern Decadence
Southern Decadence began in 1972 with a group of friends who playfully called themselves the “Decadents.” This core group included Michael Evers, his boyfriend David Randolph, Frederick Wright, Maureen and Charlie Block, Robert Laurent, Tom Tippin, Robert King, Robert Gore, Preston Hemmings, Bruce Harris, Kathleen Kavanaugh, David Red, Ed Seale, Judy Shapiro, Jerome Williams, and others. All were young, mostly in college or recently graduated, and counted among themselves male female, black and white, and gay and straight.
Many people are aware Southern Decadence began as a going away party for Michael Evers and a welcome party of sorts for Maureen, but what is not as well known is that there were actually two parties. The “Decadents” met regularly at Randolph and Ever’s home in the Treme, which they dubbed, “Belle Reve,” after the plantation Blanch Dubois lost in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. Sunday card and croquet games were a staple of the Decadents’ social life, as was gathering at Matassa’s bar to begin a night of carousing in the Quarter.
As Labor Day, 1972, approached, Randolph had to leave town on family business. Wright was returning from Chicago to visit Evers. Maureen kept complaining there was nothing to do. An end of summer party was in order. The Decadents hosted a costume party on the Sunday before Labor Day. A few weeks later, Evers left to join Randolph in Michigan. Robert Laurent designed and sent out invitations that encouraged all to come dressed as their favorite Decadents to another party to say goodbye to Evers. About fifty people attended the party.
In 1973, the Decadents decided to have another party on the Sunday before Labor Day. Laurent suggested they all meet at Matassa’s and “parade” back to Belle Reve. This was the second Southern Decadence but the first parade. The party continued in 1974 with one notable change. The Decadents chose Frederick Wright to lead the parade. This was the beginning of the Grand Marshal tradition.
In Southern Decadence in New Orleans, Maureen Block observes, “Frederick simply had to be the first grand marshal. There was no question about it.” Though he did not live in the city, “he would always make time for a stopover in New Orleans for his job travels Everyone fought to pick him up at the airport. He was the guiding spirit of the group, a natural force. No one knew what he’d do next, the life of the party, but with a huge heart. Just a lovely man.”
By 1980, the focus of Southern Decadence had shifted from the house party to the parade. In 1981, the Grand Marshals’ Parade began at the Golden Lantern, a tradition that continues today. Since the advent of the internet in the 1990s, Southern Decadence has grown exponentially. Over 300,000 people are expected to come to Southern Decadence this year.
Founder Robert Laurent looks back at it all in amazement and exclaims, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!"
This year’s SD theme is Birds of a Feather Flock Together
Weekly Events Cont’d.
*Solemn High Mass; St. Anna’s Episcopal Church; 1313 Esplanade Ave.; starts at 10:30 a.m. We are a diverse congregation and our slogan is “All are welcomed. None are shunned.” Our worship style is ornate with deep ritual yet it remains warm and inviting. We are also kid and pet friendly. A real community church, St. Anna’s welcomes all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
*Sunday Drag Brunch: Barrilleaux Restaurant; 2000 Burgundy st.; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a rotating cast and show director. Bottomless mimosas. Call 504-609-6390 for reservations.
*WigSnatchers Drag Brunch: Marigny Brasserie; 640 Frenchmen St. , New Orleans, LA; 12 – 3 p.m. Located in the heart of historic Frenchmen St. comes the hottest Drag Show New Orleans has to offer. Hosted by Cosette LaFemme and Mistie Bonét, Drag Brunch @ Marigny Brasserie guarantees a welcoming and entertaining experience with some of Nola’s finest Drag Queens. Come enjoy performances of some of the most iconic artists of all time while you start the day with a space to have fun and express yourself.
Email marigny.brasserie@kfkgroup.com to inquire about special event offers and group pricing of parties of 5 or more.
*Sing-A-Long Sundays: Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 4 p.m. – midnight. Join Gay Appreciation Award Winner VJ Brendan for Sing-A-Long Sundays.
*Trash Disco; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 4 – 10 p.m. Come dance the night away at one of the best places to end your weekend of fun, Lafitte’s in Exile, home of the world famous napkin toss that happens every Sunday between 8:30 and 10 p.m.
*The PlayGirlz Show: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 5 –7 p.m. Come out and enjoy the show featuring Gia GiaVanni with Taze Ya Ballz and a special guest each week.
*Zingo!; The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 6 p.m. Zingo! with the boy’s pullin’ the balls. Can you say, O 69? Come play to win fabulous prizes and bar tabs (free to play). Corner Pocket Emcee III Felicia Phillips and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal hosts.
*SIPPS Drag Bingo: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave.; Gulfport, MS.; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Come play bingo for great prizes every Sunday.
*Drag Bingeaux; Oz; 800 Bourbon St.; 7 – 9 p.m. Hosted by Ivy Dripp with gogo boys. 11 games, no cover.
*The Opulence Hour: Maison; 508 Frenchmen St.; 8 – 9 p.m. The troupe that brought you “Talk Nerdy To Me: A Weekly Nerdlesque Revue” is putting on our Sunday best for this new burlesque and variety show. The Society of Sin Burlesque & Variety every Sunday at The Mai-son on Frenchman at 7pm. Every week there will be a different show filled with decadent cos-tumes, extravagant aesthetics, and big moods from our rotating cast of entertainers. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com
*Lipstixx Ladies on Parade; Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 8 – 10 p.m. Hosted by Miss Aubrey Synclaire and starring Mercedez L’Oreal, Tiffany Alexander and Miss Love La-tonia. Showtime 8pm Sharp! Reservations accepted on a “first come first serve” at 504-529-2107.
*Sunday Confession: Phoenix Bar; 941 Elysian Fields Ave.; 9 p.m. Hot gogo men on stage, every Sunday night.
*The Ladies of Oz Show Night; Oz; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 9:30-11:30 p.m. Fea-turing the Ladies of Oz and DJ Tim Pflueger.
Poppers Outlawed in Louisiana
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry recently signed a bill passed by the legislature outlawing poppers. Act 248 makes it unlawful for any person to inhale, ingest, use, or possess any compound, liquid, or chemical which contains butyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, secondary butyl nitrite, tertiary butyl nitrite, mixtures containing butyl nitrite, isobutyl nitrite, secondary butyl, nitrite, or tertiary butyl nitrite, nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas" or any amyl nitrite, commonly known as "poppers.” The law went into effect August 1.
Kenner Police have already made arrests at a retail outlet on Airline Highway. In the French Quarter, Bourbon Pride owner Joseph Duffy says the law will wipe out 10% of his annual sales. Bourbon Pride’s supplier, Novelty Distributors, supplies seventeen retail outlets in the state, and will take a 40% hit in annual revenue as a result of the law. The company is considering challenging the law in court. If an injunction is granted, enforcement will be suspended until the matter is settled in court.
Commenting on conservative politicians, Duffy says, “They came after trans people, they came after poppers, and they’ll probably come after Pride and marriage next.
Up Stairs Lounge Plaque Replacement Fund
The Up Stairs Lounge Memorial Plaque Replacement Committee is currently raising funds to replace the memorial plaque that was stolen on April 30. The New Orleans MCC is serving as the fiscal agent of the replacement fund. Donations may be made on the MCC New Orleans website. The original plaque was placed in 2003 on the thirtieth anniversary of the fire. The Up Stairs Lounge occupied the second floor of the building at the corner of Iberville and Chartres streets on the edge of the French Quarter. The arson claimed thirty-two lives and remains the deadliest fire in New Orleans history.
For more information on the Up Stairs Lounge, visit: https://lgbtarchiveslouisiana.org/the-upstairs-lounge-fire/
Curtain Up Brian Sands
One of our city’s biggest cultural events blows into town over Labor Day Weekend. The extravaganza known as Southern Decadence returns to the streets of New Orleans with as diverse a cast of characters as one could imagine.
There are some happenings that take place indoors, however, that are well worth checking out.
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars LIVE comes to the Mahalia Jackson Theater on August 25. Get ready for lotsa high kicks and low splits from such 9th Season All Stars as Angeria, Jorgeous, Plastique Tiara, Roxxxy Andrews, Shannel and Vanessa Vanjie in this show-within-a-show highlighting the charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent it takes for a Queen to be an All Star. Tickets are available online as well as the Saenger Theatre box office located at 1111 Canal Street.
The Radical Faeries' PoP [Prince of Perversion] Ball XX will feature entertainment by Debbie With a D, Aqua Mob Water Ballet, Quijote Duo, Ian Hoch & Alex Martinez Wallace, and more, followed by 80's alternative dance music. The theme is “No Fake Erections” and colors are “Red, White & Blue, but especially Blue.”
The PoP Ball takes place on Friday, August 30, from 7:00pm-midnight, with the collaring/sashing of the new Prince 7:45-ish, at 708 Touro Street (go thru the gate & down the alley). Suggested donation is $20; no one will be turned away for lack of funds, but an additional $15 is required to enjoy the open bar. Swimming pool is bathing suit optional but please bring your own towel.
And speaking of towels, don’t miss the 7th iteration of Bette Bathhouse & Beyond (Southern Decadence edition) on Sunday, September 1, beginning at 9:00pm at Café Istanbul.
NYC impresario (and erstwhile part-time New Orleanian) Daniel Nardicio brings Bette Bathhouse & Beyond back to New Orleans where singer/comedienne Amber Martin will recreate one of Bette Midler’s iconic shows done at NYC’s notorious gay bathhouse, the Continental Baths. Renowned DJ Johnny Dynell will be playing “Bathhouse Disco” from the era between Amber’s sets, while Drew Brody performs as “Barry M.” on piano to accompany Amber/Bette’s three 20-minute all-Bette song sets. Having seen Ms. Martin recently in NYC, she just keeps getting Bette-r and Bette-r with each BB&B.
The audience will be required to wear only towels, bathrobes, or underwear (bring your own towel, or rent one from the Bette staff for $3) to recreate the raunchfest vibe of the famed bathhouse and clothing is optional, so all Bette's are off!
Post-Decadence, more traditional entertainments shall return to our theaters.
Crescent City Stage presents Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House in a new version by Amy Herzog at Loyola’s Marquette Theater (6365 St. Charles Ave.), September 5-22. Jana Mestecky directs this classic tale of Nora whose seemingly perfect life unravels as secrets, hidden debts & societal expectations force her to confront the harsh truth that she's been living in a carefully crafted dollhouse, yearning for freedom. Doug Spearman, Michael A. Newcomer, Sue Jin Song, Douglas Streater, Rachel Whitman Groves, and Elizabeth Newcomer as Nora star in this regional premiere.
Bette Bathhouse and Beyond's Drew Brody and Amber Martin (photo by Koitz)
The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans will also be at Loyola with Penny Dreadfuls: The Remarkable Rooming-House of Madame Le Monde (Sept. 13-28 in the Lower Depths Theatre). Slapstick and horror abound in this night of grotesque Tennessee Williams vignettes set against a macabre funhouse, with a cast of bizarre and zany characters. No one knows what the Madame’s got in store in this shock show from the most hilarious and creepy corners of Williams’ imagination. I’m told it’s not for the faint of heart!
Everyone, however, should be able to enjoy Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock which Jefferson Performing Arts Society will be doing at its home on Airline Drive in Metairie; I certainly loved it when I saw it on Broadway. The musical pretty faithfully follows the successful film’s screenplay and, if parts of the script are a bit ridiculous, (Cont’d. on page 25)
Curtain Cont’d.
or improbable to say the least, its strong narrative thread, not to mention good humor and overall joyousness, will keep you involved.
If you haven’t seen SoR, it follows Dewey Finn, an out-of-work zhlubby rock singer/guitarist who pretends to be a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. After identifying musical talent in his uptight students, Dewey surreptitiously forms a band of fifth-graders in an attempt to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands.
Directed by Leslie Castay, School of Rock stars Nathan Parrish, Rachel Looney, Daniel Rubio & Melissa McKenzie, and plays September 13-22.
In October, at their Westwego Performing Arts Theatre (177 Sala Avenue in Westwego), JPAS offers Clue, a murder-mystery farce adapted from the 1985 film, based on the board game. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Led by Wadsworth the butler, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard race to find the killer as the body count stacks up (and up and up).
When 30 by Ninety did it a few years ago, I found it to be “a very funny piece of theater” and “entertaining summertime fare”; the national tour, which recently performed at the Saenger, however, played up the yuks and slapstick and silly jokes, so things felt more cockamamie and the final curtain left me more exhausted than amused. You can see what direction Director Jack Lampert will take October 3-13.
Speaking of the Saenger, Cirque du Soleil’s new country music show, Songblazers, comes there September 21 and 22. Songblazers employs acrobatics, aerial acts, and displays of extraordinary strength as it pays tribute to legendary and modern country & western trailblazers, and charts the journey of its two main characters who try to forge their own path to country recognition. (Cont’d. on page 29)
Astrological Love Matches Hairy Bottoms
“Virgo & Libra”
Earth and air meet in these two signs for a grounded relationship with the potential for beautiful vistas, but also dangerous pitfalls. Virgo’s penchant for analyzing everything can help Libras achieve the balance they so desperately crave. Libra, you probably initiated the romance because Libras tend to find Virgos fascinating. Your Virgo lover has excited your curiosity, but as the relationship develops, you must remember that while you’re both idealistic, your Virgo partner is also a perfectionist. This search for perfection can lead Virgos to freely point out flaws and be pessimistic. When this happens, realize this has as much to do with them than you. Virgo, you must remember that falling in love is a matter of the heart, not the brain. Get out of your head and stop overthinking everything. And if you want to keep your Libra, stop comparing them to former lovers. Libra, your robust sexual appetite may not mesh at first with Virgo’s aloofness in bed. If this is the case, focus on Virgo’s skilled sexual techniques. Communication is key, which should be easy since Virgo is ruled by Mercury the messenger and Libra values partnership. Virgo, remember Libra needs admiration more than constructive criticism. Libra, you must resist the temptation to take advantage of Virgo’s dedication and willingness to serve. Since Virgos strive for simplicity and Libras strive for grace, fights should be rare.
THE RUE ROYALE REVELERS WELCOMES BACK AMBUSH
Ask Felicia Felicia Phillips
Upon the return of AMBUSH, I’m thrilled to also return as a featured columnist. Unlike my former column “The Real Cheese,” this will be more of an advice / dish column, with questions submitted by our readers. The first edition will be Southern Decadence focused.
Dear Felicia: It’s my first time at Decadence with my partner, what should we expect? Brad and Chad
Dear Brad and Chad: It’s likely to go one of two ways: the most fun you have every had as a couple, spicing your relation up, or divorce. Plan for both scenarios.
Dear Felicia: To become a Southern Decadence Grand Marshal, should I offer money or sexual favors? C.
Dear C.: Over the years cash was king or queen for some, but hey, spreading love and legs would be worth a try! But verify the person you give it up to is actually a reigning SDGM! You could practice with some formers though. I’ll send you a list.
Dear Felicia: I’m planning or being nearly nude as much as possible at Decadence, should I trim or shave my pubes? Harry
Dear Harry: It all depends on where you plan on hanging out, if you’re at the Lavendar Line on Bourbon, definitely trim, maybe shave. And don’t forget the taint! But if you’re in the Marigny, grow that brush out full enough to braid!
So that’s it for the first edition, but in all seriousness, we welcome everyone down for this year’s 52nd Southern Decadence. Come prepared to pass good wild, but safe time. Although this column is meant to amuse, feel free to email me actual questions to fphillips1011@gmail.com. It is no surprise that queens of a more ‘mature’ age tend to share their opinions freely! And I can’t express how happy I am to see the return of AMBUSH in print and wish much success to Tomy Acosta and Editor Frank Perez! Til next time darlins, I’m Felicia Phillips with things to say.
Bob Dylan’s Girl from the North Country comes next to the Saenger, October 15-20. Set in 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota, it reveals how a group of wayward travelers’ lives intersect in a Midwestern boardinghouse. Written & directed by playwright Conor McPherson, Girl from the North Country reimagines 20 Dylan songs including “Hurricane,” “Slow Train Coming,” and “Like A Rolling Stone.” Seen on Broadway just before the pandemic shuttered theaters, I found Girl dreary and manipulative with too many stories packed in; maybe you’ll feel differently.
She is certainly never dreary, but she may manipulate your funny bone till you hurt. “She” is the one and only Varla Jean Merman whose Errors Tour touches down at Café Istanbul September 20 and 21. The Ditzy Diva (her words, not mine) has swiftly tailored The Errors Tour for her fans, The Mermies, and will take you through the Taylor Swift catalogue, creating hilarious hits and egregious errors. Jam-packed with classic bits, giant wigs, and over-taxed costumes, this tour-de-farce is certain to be an unforgivable, er, unforgettable evening of "Varla’s Version" of entertainment. At least, that’s what she says. And I believe her 100%.
A diva of a different sort will be onstage at the Mahalia Jackson Theater on September 27 and 29 when the New Orleans Opera Association (NOOA) presents Tosca. Puccini’s opera about love, passion, and political intrigue, set in the heart of Rome, tells the story of the fiery singer Floria Tosca, who finds herself caught up in a web of political upheaval and personal sacrifice. New York City Opera’s former Music Director George Manahan conducts. Soprano Melody Moore, making her NOOA debut, takes on the leading role of Tosca, emerging lyrico-spinto tenor Dominick Chenes portrays Floria’s love interest Cavaradossi, and baritone Reginald Smith, Jr. returns to the NOOA stage to reprise the villainous role of Scarpia.
And yet a different type of diva will be on the Mahalia Jackson stage on October 24 when Patricia Quinn, the original Magenta, greets fans prior to a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The evening will also feature a costume contest, a performance by the local Shadow Cast, and a memorabilia display with artifacts & costumes from the movie. (Cont’d. on page 34)
Community Focus Jim Meadows
An Interview with Kenneth Mitchell
JM: Hi, Kenn. Thank you for meeting with me. Could you talk a little bit about your early life?
KM: I was born and raised in New Orleans and grew up in the 7th Ward, and was one of ten children. My mom died when we were little, so my aunt and uncle stepped in to help my dad raise us. Most of us attended Catholic schools, which was one of my mom’s wishes. After graduating from high school, I got an undergraduate degree in psychology from Dillard, and a master’s degree in social work from Tulane. I was a school social worker in New Orleans public schools for over 30 years.
JM: What made you want to get involved with activism?
KM: Well, it was just the right time [1970s] for that. Anita Bryant was doing her anti-gay thing. And the Black community had gotten very organized and political and was gaining strength. So at the time, it just kind of gelled for me.
JM: You were one of the first members of LAGPAC (Louisiana Gay Political Action Caucus). What was that like?
KM: LAGPAC had a healthy mix of men and women, but not many people of color. At one meeting of the early meetings, a man named Alfred Doolittle blurted out: “Where’s the Black people?!”
JM: Was there an answer?
Kenneth Mitchell strikes a pose
KM: Well, it was obvious that there were very few Black people there. But that led to the birth of the Langston/Jones Society [named for Langston Hughes and Mary Jones], which was a wing of LAGPAC focused on African Americans in the gay community.
JM: What do you remember about the height of the AIDS epidemic?
KM: I remember losing so many friends. And being concerned about my own health. I remember how fearful people were of those who were diagnosed. For example, I took a friend of mine to an appointment at Charity. I dropped him off at the clinic on my way to work, and when I went to pick him up after work, he was in the same spot I left him. People were afraid to touch him, and that’s how people were being treated at the time.
JM: Were Black people being treated differently by AIDS service providers?
KM: I don’t want to say that they didn’t reach out to the Black community. I just know there was a need for culturally sensitive programs because whatever was being done wasn’t effective in the Black community. So [Black-led groups] would go to the bars to do outreach, not just set up a table somewhere. We would mingle with the guys, talk to them, and hand out condoms, and I think they appreciated that personal approach.
JM: Can you talk about what the bar scene was like in those days?
KM: It was just very disheartening to go to [predominantly White] bars and be treated differently. You’d have to have three forms of ID. If you didn’t, you couldn’t get in. And then the White guy behind you just walked through. And we had to pay different prices for the drinks. (Cont’d. on page 34)
