Paparazzi 17Th Purple Party Raises $3,555 for Gay Easter Parade/Food for Friends @ the Double Play ~ New Orleans

snap Leggio, Paul Melancon, Hubert S Monkeys ~ Photos by Tony paparazzi 17th Purple Party raises $3,555 for Gay Easter Parade/Food For Friends @ The Double Play ~ New Orleans

16 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • March 29-April 11, 2016 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com GayMardiGras.com • SouthernDecadence.com • March 29-April 11, 2016 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 17 of over 30 books of poetry, fiction, memoirs, website www.twtheatrenola.com, or call nonfiction, and plays at:504.264.2580. under the gaydar • J.M. Redmann, Lambda Literary winner for her mystery series featuring Saturday, April 2, 2016 New Orleans PI Micky Knight Bridge House/Grace House is proud by Tony Leggio Conference pass holders will receive to invite you to attend the Cochon Cotillion Email: [email protected] 20% off all Tennessee Williams/New Or- 20. Honoring as their royalty will be King Photo by: Larry Graham leans Literary Festival events, including James Carville and Queen Mary Matalin. special events such as the Tennessee This legendary event is a true parody of Williams Tribute Reading at Jaxs on on the traditional black-tie galas and of the more Bartender of the Month River featuring celebrities and authors: customary Mardi Gras Balls. For this very We are so spoiled in the Crescent City interviewer and raconteur extraordinaire special 20th anniversary, the illustrious and when it comes to bartenders, we have so Dick Cavett; Pulitzer Prize-winning play- prestigious former royalty will participate as many great people working in this industry. wright, Beth Henley; and actresses Estelle well. It is a virtual who’s who of New Orleans They understand key aspects of their job Parsons and Mary Badham, among others. finest citizens! like customer service, speed and just how Founded in collaboration with NO/AIDS The event will be at Blaine Kern’s to make a great drink. I especially am Task Force, Saints and Sinners (SAS) be- Mardi Gras World (Eastbank, 1380 Port of enthusiastic when I meet someone who not gan as a creative outlet to showcase the New Orleans Place) from 7 – 11pm. Along only has those three qualities, but embod- LGBT literary community and offer HIV/ with their amazing royal guests there will be ies Southern Hospitality perfectly even if AIDS information. Since 2003, Saints and a marvelous party with a live band, a mini they are not originally from here. My choice Sinners Literary Festival (www.sasfest.org) Mardi Gras parade, celebrity emcees, awe- for bartender of the month for April is Cullen brings together the who’s who of the LGBT some food from local restaurants, libations, Lawlor from Cafe Lafitte in Exile. Originally literary world. The Festival features panels a large silent auction and a raffle. This will from Boston, Lawlor has spent a little over and master classes by authors, editors, be the first ball of the 2017 Carnival season three years in our fair city and has worked and publishers for emerging writers and and promises to be terrific fun! For one at Lafitte’s for over a year. LGBT literature fans. For more information night, guests will be able to unwind and He moved to the city because of family or tickets, go to www.tennesssewilliams.net. party as only New Orleanians can. THE and fell in love with it. Cullen is one of those premier fundraising event for Bridge House/ master bartenders who works his bar pro- Friday, April 1, 2016 Grace House, where not only will everyone fessionally and with style. He is funny, Join the Big Easy Sisters for Sisteroke have an amazing time, but crucial funds will amicable and definitely easy on the eyes. Barterder of the Month Cullen at Tulane Avenue Bar (3813 Tulane Ave.) be raised. For tickets and more informa- But as we all know looks is what gets Lawlor @ Cafe Lafitte in Exile from 7 – 9:30pm. This fun evening will be tion, go to www.bridgehouse.org. people’s attention, but substance keeps here now the first Friday of every month! tion on Friday, April 1 at the historic Gallier them coming back for more. And this young Come sing w/ the Big Easy Sisters and then Sunday, April 3, 2016 House in the French Quarter. Panel discus- man has plenty of that. A favorite with locals stay after to see Vanessa Carr perform. The Louisiana State Museum presents sions, a reading series sponsored by the and visitors, he works his downstairs cor- a panel discussion addressing topics of J.B. Harter Trust, and the Seventh Annual ner of the bar efficiently. He loves making Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 17, gay culture in New Orleans, gay carnival SAS Short Fiction Contest Book Launch upscale drinks like Cosmopolitans, Man- 2016 and the formation of gay krewes, organiza- Party will round out the conference events. hattans and Martinis. Add to his proficiency The Tennessee Williams Theatre Com- tion of gay groups and AIDS, and gay Featured writers: at these craft cocktails, his fervor and pany of New Orleans in Conjunction with presence in traditional krewes. Howard Author and humorist Fay Jacobs will promptness with service are also among The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Lit- Smith, author of the forthcoming book “Un- present Aging Gracelessly: 50 Shades of his attributes. He enjoys bartending be- erary Festival Presents Two WORLD PRE- veiling the Muse: Gay Carnival in New Fay, her critically acclaimed one-woman cause he loves the environment, he makes MIERE Tennessee Williams Plays & A Orleans,” will moderate the panel which performance sharing stories from the LGBT his own hours and he gets to wear cos- Rarely Produced Gem in Tennessee Will- includes those who participated in the de- community on tackling life, liberty, and the tumes from time to time especially in New iams: Weird Tales. The show is a trio of velopment of organized gay carnival in New aging process. Orleans. surprising one-act plays including the world Orleans. The discussion will take place at Not Just Another Face will pair stories When he is out and about having premieres of Ivan’s Widow and The Strange the Old US Mint (400 Esplanade Avenue) and poetry with photographs of go-go danc- drinks, his favorite libation of choice is Play. Ivan’s Widow (c.1982) is the story of from 2- 4pm. Guests include Bill Woolley, ers taken by San Francisco artist Dot (Tom vodka, soda with lime. Cullen has also young woman who can’t face her husband’s Bill Crotty, George Wilson, Mike Moreau, Schmidt). Featuring the collection of non- created his own specialty shot entitled the death and turns to a psychotherapist whose Lou Bernard, Albert Carey, Don Bury, Russell fiction narratives, Crooked letter I: Coming Screaming Bachelorette (god we have a lot intentions are not entirely benign. In The Talluto, Gary Martin, Michael Hickerson, out in the South, will allow contributors to of those in town at any given time). It is like Strange Play (c.1939) a woman’s entire life Diane Dimiceli, and Wendell Stipelcovich. discuss the project as well as their experi- a twist on a Lemon Drop that has Pineapple flashes before our eyes as a macabre A small selection of the museum’s gay ences with sexual identity in Southern so- Juice, Malibu Rum, Midori and Lime Juice. spectacle in a French Quarter courtyard. carnival collection will be on display. At- ciety. So come out to Lafitte’s in Exile (901 Bour- Steps Must Be Gentle (c.1980) features tendees are encouraged to bring their own The three-day event also includes bon Street) and say hi to Cullen. I am sure poet Hart Crane and his mother Grace memorabilia of gay carnival for display noted speakers such as: he can create a concoction that will make returning from the dead to spar one last time before and after the panel discussion. The • Dorothy Allison, author of Bastard you scream even though you are not a at the bottom of the ocean. It’s a delightful LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana will Out of Carolina, a National Book award bachelorette. night of theater, showcasing the side of be co-sponsoring this FREE event. For finalist, and the novel Cavedweller Williams that is fanciful, visionary, musical, more information visit • Alexander Chee, author of The heartbreaking, and steadfastly poetic. LouisianaStateMuseum.org. Queen of the Night and Edinburgh Hot Happenings Tennessee Williams: Weird Tales is • Michael Thomas Ford, award-win- With the Spring holidays over, we turn Co-Directed by Augustin J Correro and Sunday, April 3, 2016 ning author of more than 60 books including now to Festival season. French Quarter Nick Shackleford and features Maggie Brunch Fest NOLA, benefiting the the forthcoming Lily Festival, Jazz Fest and an array of other Eldred, David Williams, Emily Russell, animals of the Louisiana SPCA takes place • Jewelle Gomez, double Lambda celebratory events will keep our calendars Alexandra Kennon, John Giardina, Chris- at City Park, in front of the New Orleans Literary Award-winning author of the vam- full this April. Here are just some of my top topher Grim, and Andrew King. All Shows Museum of Art. This FREE admission pet pire series The Gilda Stories, which is picks of things to do. are at 8pm. Performances are April 1-17, friendly fest features live music: The Messy celebrating its 25th anniversary Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Open- Cookers Jazz Band, Shades of Praise • Aaron Hamburger, author of Faith Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 3, ing Weekend Ticket Sales Partially Ben- Gospel Choir, and KinFolk Brass Band. for Beginners and the story collection The 2016 efits the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Dress in your most festive brunch attire or View From Stalin’s Head The 2016 Saints and Sinners (SAS) Literary Festival. The show takes place at costume and enjoy brunch-inspired restau- • Andrew Holleran, chronicler of gay LGBT literary conference will feature a 6200 St Charles Avenue. Tickets: (Patrons rants, breakfast style cocktails, beer and life in his prolific journalism, novels, mem- diverse array of artistic and educational Age 16 & Above Recommended/Adult wine, see LA/SPCA adoptables, shop oirs, nonfiction, and plays offerings in its 2016 program with guest Theme) unique fest vendors and much more! There’s • Michele Karlsberg, publicity and speakers including Dorothy Allison, $25 (General Admission); $20 (Stu- even the premiere Best Bloody Mary in marketing expert Alexander Chee, Jewelle Gomez and An- dent/Senior); $20 (Theatre Professionals); NOLA Contest! To enter as a Professional • Sassafras Lowrey, 2013 Lambda drew Holleran. The annual conference, $50 (Opening Night General Admission - or an Amateur, visit www.la-spca.org/ Literary Emerging Writer Award winner and which runs concurrently with the The Ten- Includes Champagne Toast and Signed brunchfestcontest for official rules and to author of Lost Boi and Leather Ever After nessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Souvenir Poster); $35 (Opening Night Stu- sign up. More info can be found at www.la- • Mark Merlis, Ferro-Grumly award- Festival, will take place at the Hotel dent/Senior/Theatre Professionals - In- spca.org/brunchfest. Outside food and winner and author of JD and An Arrow’s Monteleone. cludes Champagne Toast and Souvenir beverage prohibited. Flight SAS weekend pass holders will enjoy Poster); $15 (Preview Performances March • Felice Picano, acclaimed author a “Glitter with the Literati” welcome recep- 29-31). For more information visit the [continued on 20]

18 • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • March 29-April 11, 2016 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.com GayMardiGras.com • SouthernDecadence.com • March 29-April 11, 2016 • Facebook.com/AmbushMag • The Official Mag©: AmbushMag.com • 19 under the gaydar ...from 18 Sunday, April 10, 2016 vites you to the 2016 Glitter and Be Gay at tainers. It is always good to see the com- Join HRC for their first ever “Family 433 N. Broad Street welcoming all Krewes munity come together for a good cause and Sunday, April 3, 2016 Day” at New Orleans City Park from 2 – and Gay Organizations, specifically en- all these Easter events are just downright Please join Lambda Legal’s New Or- 5pm. Bring your family and friends out for couraging all Royalty and Officers to wear fun, each one a little different than the other. leans Leadership Committee for their 3nd a casual day of hanging out with the New their Crowns, Pins, Sashes and Mantles of After, I returned back to NOLA to catch the annual Crawfish Boil. The $50.00 ticket Orleans Steering Committee to meet and Authority. All guests are requested to wear drag show at the Double Play. In case you price includes: crawfish box, and two drinks celebrate our wonderful community! HRC dress attire. Music and beautiful decora- have not been lately, the whole vibe and (domestic, Abita, or sangria). Come learn Family Day Festivities will take place at tions and fabulous pieces of art will make crowd has changed. more about recent legal victories and how Shelter #1, this covered, open-air structure this a night to remember and an event not Saturday I went to Contessa Breaux’s you can help Lambda Legal make the case is located near the Carousel Garden Amuse- to miss. They are asking for a $25.00 new Uptown home right off of Magazine for Equality. Advanced ticket purchase is ment Park on Stadium Drive, and is equipped donation to attend. An amazing array of gifts Street to catch the Irish Parade. I love this required. For tickets and more information, with picnic tables, on-site restrooms and will be auctioned by silent auction that will parade mostly because it is all families and go to www.lambdalegal.org. lights. There is ample parking nearby. start closing at 9:30pm. The event time is friends who line the streets having fun, Special thanks to our sponsor, Delaney & 7 – 10pm. drinking and enjoying the good cheer. And Tuesday, April 5 – Sunday, April 10, Robb Attorneys at Law, for helping to make even though we were not on the Avenue, I 2016 this happen and for always being a wonder- Saturday, April 16, 2016 like this new route. And anytime I get a As part of their 50th Anniversary Sea- ful partner with HRC! Shining A Light on Anna’s Place NOLA: chance to attend one of Contessa Breaux’s son, the critically acclaimed and award- The 6th Annual Dodwell House Extrava- soirees I feel honored. The lady knows how winning Roundabout Theatre Company is Wednesday, April 13, 2016 ganza will be from 7 – 10pm at St. Paul’s to host a party. After the parade, I went proud to present, direct from Broadway, the Live Nation presents the Divas of Drag Episcopal School (6249 Canal Boulevard). home did a quick costume change and then national tour of Sam Mendes (Spectre, at the House of Blues (225 Decatur Street) The evening will feature local cuisine and was off to GrandPre’s for the Gay Easter American Beauty) and Rob Marshall’s (Into starting at 8pm. LRI Talent & Management, beverages, The Tom Cats, The Treme Parade Eggstravaganza fundraiser. It was the Woods and Chicago, the films) Tony FauxReal Entertainment and Choir, Live and Silent Auctions, Original packed in the bar as we enjoyed auctions Award®-winning production of CABARET, sbgProductions have teamed up with Live Artwork by Nurhan Gokturk and the event and performers and even got a chance to as part of the East Jefferson General Hos- Nation Entertainment to present the DIVAS is hosted by Tony Leggio and Elizabeth witness Ken GrandPre with Philip Anthony pital Broadway in New Orleans 2015 - 2016 OF DRAG. This tour stars reality television’s Bouvier. Tickets start at $100 and can be bring Sonny Bono back from the dead. And season. most popular drag queens including Latrice purchased at https://stannanola.com. Ken’s Cher was just special. All and all Randy Harrison, best known for his Royale, Alyssa Edwards, Trixie Mattel, Mimi another great Easter event that all leads up portrayal of Justin in the Showtime drama Imfurst, Milk, Jujubee, Yara Sophia, Party Down to the main event. “Queer as Folk,” will step into the role of the Kennedy Davenport, Laganja Estranja, Gia Sunday was Amon-Ra’s Playboy Bunny By the time you read this Easter has Emcee while Andrea Goss, a veteran of Gunn, Mystique Summers, Roxxxy Andrews, Reject event at Oz. This is always a popular already hopped down the Bunny Trail and Roundabout’s CABARET on Broadway will Stacey Lane Matthews, Tatianna, and fundraiser for the krewe. This year’s con- we are onto Festival season. Music, food return to the role of Sally Bowles. Joining Penny Tration. Vicky Voxx and Wendy Ho. testants gave it their all with Barbra Ella and culture are in our future for the month them are Shannon Cochran (August: Os- In DIVAS OF DRAG seventeen of America’s being victorious and obtaining bragging of April, so get ready. My two weeks prior age County) as Fraulein Schneider, Alison biggest drag superstars will kick, split, lip- rights as the winner of this year’s grand to Easter was full of exciting fundraisers, Ewing (Cabaret/Broadway,) as Fraulein sync and sing their hearts out in the biggest prize. Next, I stopped at Halloween New parades, parties and a little luck of the Irish, Kost, Mark Nelson (Picasso at the Lapin most fabulous drag revue ever! For tickets Orleans Host thank you party at Lazarus so let us get started. Agile) as Herr Schultz, Ned Noyes (You go to http://www.houseofblues.com/ House. Yes, we have started the Hallow- My week started off on Tuesday with Can’t Take It With You) as Ernst Ludwig and neworleans. een New Orleans fundraisers. You ever dinner with mom at one of my newest Lee Aaron Rosen (The Normal Heart) as feel like our holidays just blend right into restaurant discoveries, Marcello’s Restau- Clifford Bradshaw. Friday, April 15, 2016 one another. It was a lovely afternoon to rant and Wine Bar. I am obsessed with this John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Summer is approaching, and that hang out at the facility where all the monies place. We went to the one in Metairie, but Masteroff’s Tony-winning musical features means it’s time for “Sippin’ in Seersucker,” raised from Halloween New Orleans goes they also have locations in the New Or- some of the most memorable songs in an evening of Southern art, cocktails, live to. It was nice taking a tour and seeing all leans Central Business District and theatre history, including “Cabaret,” music, delicious cuisine, fashion and shop- the good things being done by this organi- Lafayette. Born in Sicily and raised in New “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” ping. A benefit for the Ogden Museum of zation. Orleans, the founders use the freshest CABARET is set in the infamous Kit Kat Southern Art, Sippin’ is in its twelfth year of On Tuesday the next week, I went to ingredients that reflect authentic Sicilian Klub, where the Emcee, Sally Bowles and collaboration between the Museum and the dinner at one of my favorite new restau- cuisine with a touch of Northern Italy. But a raucous ensemble take the stage nightly Shops at Canal Place. Attendees are en- rants in the city, Fogo de Chao. Now I know my favorite part is their wine selection. to tantalize the crowd––and to leave their couraged to don seersucker and celebrate it is a chain, but we desperately needed a Their wine concept is giving guests the troubles outside. the start of the summer social season in good Brazilian steakhouse in NOLA. Fogo’s choice to browse their racks and make their Tickets for CABARET start at $30 and style. Enjoy an evening of light bites, food and service was impeccable. Located selection from their value priced wines. The will be available at the Saenger Theatre Southern cocktails, shopping specials, in the JW Marriott, my mom and I were with wine pricing is slightly above wine boutique Box Office, BroadwayInNewOrleans.com, entertainment from some of the city’s best a group celebrating a friend’s birthday. All prices, but far below traditional restaurant all Ticketmaster outlets and by calling performers, and deluxe raffles. The evening I have to say is non-stop meat, cute exotic wine list mark-ups. And the food and ser- 800.982.2787. will culminate in a seersucker sartorial con- waiters and tasty Caipirinhas made for a vice is exquisite, definitely a must try res- test judged by L. Kasimu Harris and Tracee beautiful dining experience. Definitely taurant. Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Dundas! The event is from 6 - 9pm at The check this place out. The following day, I went to see Book Join the April commUNITY® speak out Shops at Canal Place (333 Canal St.). St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday was of Mormon at the Saenger Theatre. But as they host BreakOUT who seeks to end Dress: Southern cocktail; Seersucker, pre- filled with the luck of the Irish in the Marigny. before that a friend and I went to happy hour the criminalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, ferred! Entertainment: Live music from I caught the parade at the corner of Franklin at the Bombay Club. Hands down this is transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Luke Winslow King & Smoking Time Jazz Avenue and Royal enjoying cocktails at one of the best happy hours in the city. youth to build a safer and more just New Band. Contest: Best seersucker en- Cutter’s and Big Daddy’s. The parade with From 4 – 8pm they serve three dollar wine Orleans. BreakOUT builds on the rich sembles—the winners get a special prize! lots of green and drunk men who liked to and appetizers. And this is not just any cultural tradition of resistance in the South Raffle: Gift packages ranging from kiss, perfect combinations. It was a pleas- regular bar apps. This is incredible gour- to build the power of LGBTQ youth ages handmade craft items from the Center for ant night and the music in the parade, met light bites and good wine selections. 13-25 and directly impacted by the criminal Southern Craft & Design, to beer and wine people’s demeanor made it almost surreal. You can literally have an early light diner justice system through youth organizing, packages that will satiate your cravings for Dancing, drinking, conversing with friends, with drinks for under $25, amazing! Book healing justice, and leadership develop- months. Food: Refreshments will be pro- isn’t that what our city is all about. After the of Mormon was another home run for the ment programs. Come learn and see how vided by some of the city’s best restau- parade, my friends and I went over to Saenger. It was funny, clever and risqué. you can get involved. The event takes rants! Libations: Open bar included with Kajun’s Pub for an incredible margarita But I must be jaded because people were place at 741 Bourbon St. from 7 – 8pm. ticket. Shop: The Shops at Canal Place will served by Chris Wecklein, actor and singer warning me I was going to find several RSVP as seats are limited - https:// have special sales promotions; Parking: extraordinaire. That capped off the night things in it that were offensive. The fact that www.eventbrite.com/e/community-speak- Complimentary provided by the Berger and with a homemade true Irish meal made by nothing in the show offended me made me out-breakout-tickets-23010570235. Ogden Families. Gary, Laura Tennyson’s talented chef hus- cringe. Tickets: Advance tickets: $30 mem- band, at their Marigny home. Now this is On Thursday, I celebrated my friend Saturday, April 9, 2016 bers and $50 non-members. Tickets at the how you celebrate good fortune. Barrett’s birthday with dinner at Superior A celebration of the culture of New door: $40 members and $60 non-members. Saturday was quite the day, one of Grill which is still one of the best social Orleans with photographs by Arthur Severio Information and to order tickets: reflection as we said good bye to a dear places to have a margarita in the city. will take place on French Quarter Fest www.ogdenmuseum.org/events/sippin or friend of the community, John Brown. His Friday, I kicked off the weekend at the Four Saturday at Fee and Arts Revival Studio call (504) 539-9650. death was sudden and sent shock waves in Seasons with their Spring Fever Fundraiser (834 Chartres St.) from 11am – 1pm. This the community, but as so many things in life, for the Gay Easter Parade. It was a great show is entitled Straight Outta New Or- Saturday, April 16, 2016 evening in the patio with wonderful enter- leans. The Krewe of Armeinius cordially in- [continued on 22]