GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • Nov. 6-19, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 21 under the gaydar ...from 20 Travel Spotlight Friends. Rikki and DJ P know how to pack out lucky two nights in a row and figured it the crowds in, and there were plenty of all out and got the grand prize which I all Frolick in Dallas and Fort make your experience at Good Friends surprisingly good singers that night. You donated back to the krewe. It is refreshing Worth is just around the corner, pleasant. Good Friends is located at 740 need to check it out, because they always to see the krewes striving to do new and and it is assured to be a very Dauphine Street. Make it a point to stop by F have a lively group and from time to time interesting fundraisers. good time. Fall Frolick is a celebration of and let Jake quench your thirst. they give free shots out to the bar. Since it Sunday was the last Halloween host the gay lifestyle in the Big D and Fort Worth was also Night Out Against Crime, I made party before all the festivities the following areas. North Texas Council of Clubs hosts a few stops in my neighborhood to inves- week. It was at the palatial house of Jim Queer Shopping Ahead! this event November 16 - 18. tigate some of the events. Cutter’s and Mounger who probably has one of the best North Texas Council of Clubs is a he Krewe of Petronius is pre- JohnPaul’s both had decent crowds sup- art collections in the city. The party was group of organizations from Dallas and senting their Queer Bar Shop- porting the police. filled with lots of people ready for the big Fort Worth Texas. The first purpose of Tping Network event at the Phoe- On Thursday, my friends Nick, weekend. There were even a few costum- NTXCC is to provide a calendar of events nix on Saturday, November 17. This is Michelle, Laura and I attended the Reds, ers. There was plenty of vodka and the for all member clubs and support them in always a fun event and it is a great place to Whites and Blues party at the Pavilion of food was tasty, but personally my favorite their efforts in the community. Also a pick up those holiday gifts early. They Two Sister in City Park. Proceeds of the part of this host event is the fact I can get second purpose is to produce Fall Frolick have also been doing a giant raffle at the event, hosted by Gambit, supports the Big to see Jim’s incredible art. That is another each year. last few events and the winning tickets will Easy Foundation which presents the an- reason to become a host next year; you not This is Fall Frolick’s second year in be drawn this night. Winning prizes in- nual Big Easy Awards recognizing achieve- only get the four days of parties, but eight existence and from the lineup of locations clude three Caribbean Vacations to St. ment in music, theater and classical arts. additional host events at some pretty spec- and parties is pretty extensive. Things kick Lucia or Antigua, Spa Atlantis Gift Basket The foundation awards grants in support tacular places. off on Friday night in Fort Worth with the of Products & Gift Card, and a 32" Flat of area arts and education programs. The Halloween may not have been until opening reception and dinner at Club Re- Screen Television. Tickets are one for $5 night was just splendid mixing and min- the following Wednesday, but people cel- flections. Then on Saturday the events to five for $20. St. Lucia here I come. gling under the stars as we sampled over ebrated the holiday the week prior in style. move to Dallas. They have an entire day The event begins at 7pm and the 200 wines and dined at fare from some My festivities began on Wednesday night of activities planned starting with breakfast Phoenix is located at 941 Elysian Fields. delicious local restaurants. My favorite at the opening party for the Voodoo Fest on at Woody’s Sports and Video Bar, lunch at For more information, go to was the popcorn soup by Revolution which the rooftop of the Ritz Carlton. This was the Round Up Saloon, and dinner and hat www.kreweofpetronius.org. is the new restaurant in the Royal Sonesta. such an extraordinary night it is truly hard contest at The Dallas Eagle. Sunday will The only disappointment of this party was to describe how surreal it was to be danc- also be in Dallas with the lunch and Fall Time to get Sentimental I did not win the 200 plus bottles of wine ing and drinking under the stars at a cos- Frolick Follies at S4, then the official unof- raffle. Could you imagine, I would have tume party overlooking the entire city. here is another reason to travel ficial after party at the Hidden door, with been set for at least another month Songs like Thriller and other top dance to the Faubourg Marigny now. another event later that night again at The After the party we traveled to Lee tunes played in the background as guests TSentiments is a new wine bar Dallas Eagle. Circle to the quirky and quaint Circle Bar twirled on the dance floor in the nice crisp that has just recently opened upstairs in The complete schedule of events and for our friend Libra’s birthday party. Since weather. Time seemed to stand still for a the fabulous Feelings Café. To say that bars may be found by going to NTXCC.org it was my birthday month also, we all few hours as my friend Laura and I met all this is a romantic oasis is an understate- or FallFrolick.com. You can also register celebrated in style with live music and kinds of interesting new people. My favor- ment. Taking over the upstairs private for this festive weekend. I cannot wait to great friends. I hadn’t been to this bar in ite was the tall, dark piece of hot man meat dining area and the cozy tables along the play with those hot Texas boys again. balcony in the courtyard, Sentiments is years, but the vibe is still the same and it is dressed as a ringmaster. No shirt and red touted as a wine and cheese dive. But it is a cool place to catch great emerging and spandex tights showing off his best at- so much more, with small plates and French Party Down well known bands. tribute was enough to make anyone swoon. inspired events, this place is a gem for the all is in the air and the weather I kicked off the weekend right with the Thursday kicked off all the revelries neighborhood and the entire city. They has been amazing. And so has Mystic Krewe of Satyricon’s Let’s Make A for Halloween 29 with the Lazarus Ball at even have French classes on Thursdays, Fthe parties as the season has Haunted Round of Bingo at JohnPaul’s on the Ogden Museum. Guests were able to beginner from 6 – 7pm and advanced from kicked off in full force. My two weeks Friday night. As always, emcee Todd Thun- explore all areas of this world renowned 7:15 – 8:30pm. The price is $25 but also began on Tuesday night with the unveiling der was over the top and had the audience museum while they drank champagne and includes a wine and cheese paring. party of the Creole Queen which has just laughing non-stop. And his Vanna White munched on some great delicacies. But I am always fascinated about people’s gone through a complete renovation. looked especially lovely this evening since my favorite part is their silent auction, stories and I love the owners’ tale of how Constructed in Moss Point, Mississippi, giving birth to his devil child. This special which is truly one of the best at a fundraiser they came to open Sentiments. Nikki the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen took her themed edition of Bingo had lots of unique in the city. The Lazarus Ball is a great way Heathcock and her partner David Lee maiden voyage on October 1, 1983. She touches to get people in the Halloween to get to meet people coming in for the moved back from France last year. Nikki is an authentic paddlewheeler powered by mood, including a costume contest. Since weekend in a more relaxed setting where was there teaching English for almost three a 24 foot diameter paddlewheel and the I adore to costume, and I have a horribly you can talk to them easily. And, everyone years and David came for about seven most modern, fuel efficient GE diesel-elec- competitive nature, I went all out with my looks so dapper when they dress up. After months to learn about French cuisine. tric system ever installed in a boat of this dramatic interpretation of a “One Night the party I met up with friends in the Quar- When they returned to NOLA, Dale, one of class. It was a lovely evening as guests Stand.” And it paid off since I won the ter and partied till the early morning with the owners of Feelings Cafe, approached were greeted by theme models dressed in contest, and the prize was a huge score. my friend Josie Mae Cotton (the fabric of them about doing something in the space Southern belle outfits. We got a chance to The grand prize was a customized Brian your life) and her husband Rudy. It was upstairs. Peterson wig from Fifi Mahoney’s. I love it Josie Mae’s birthday so we spent our night Over the years the space had been so much; I am building my Halloween going from bar to bar drinking her free used for dining and private parties, but costume around it. bottles of champagne. I cannot even de- originally it was the wine bar, “The Wine The following day I attended a scribe the hangover I had the following Loft.” So they decided to come full circle fundraiser for Buzzy’s Boys & Girls at day. and create a wine and cheese bar. They Cutter’s. This was their annual art auction, The next event on Friday was when had an increased appreciation for wine "Art In The Hood," which included some the exhilaration for the weekend started. and cheese from living France. Their grand noteworthy pieces by some talented art- Our group danced the night away listening opening was fittingly on Bastille Day. ists. There was also a feast for guests to some incredible music from New York Adding to their growing number of included in the price of admission. DJ Corey Craig at House of Blues. He was special events, they are presenting “Din- After that, I bounced with my friend fantastic and kept the dance floor packed ner and a Movie” on Monday, November Michelle to another krewe’s soiree which all the time. The VIP room this year was 26 featuring “Midnight in Paris.” Chef was also in the spirit of the season. The also a lot of fun, as the hosts talked about David Lee will prepare a three-course Krewe of Petronius held a murder mystery their costumes for the following night. Fri- French inspired dinner with wine paring dinner, entitled “Death of a Drag Queen” at day is a great way to get your dance on, optional. The cost is $60 per person or $75 the home of Dr. Marc Behar. Talk about an and it was so much fun catching up with the with wine. Seating begins at 6:30pm. enjoyable evening, there was great cui- ever so enthusiastic premier photogra- Sentiments is located at 2600 Chartres see all the new changes improving this sine, flowing libations and dastardly drag pher Steven Forster who was snapping Street. For more information or reserva- wonderful venue. I know it is very touristy, queens handing out clues throughout the pictures for Halloween. This year the back tions, call 504.881.6529 or email them at but there is something magical about tak- night. Barbara Ella, Cookie St. Ann, Bootsie voodoo lounge was open and it proved to [email protected]. To check out ing a riverboat cruise on the mighty Missis- deVille, Princesse Stephaney and Lauren be the right spot to get away from all the their website, go to sippi River. I definitely recommend being Brown were all potential victims, but in the madness and talk to people. www.sentimentsnola.com. a tourist in your own city and checking out end it was Ms. Brown who bit the dust. I On Saturday, the day was all about the Creole Queen. It is also an excellent should know; I found the body; and it was the party. My friend and co-worker Chris Next Deadline: party space. nothing pretty. It was a clever game and came over to my house early to drop off all Tuesday, Nov. 13th After the party, Chris (aka Barbara everyone had an exciting time trying to Call 504.522.8049 Ella) and I stopped in to karaoke at Good piece the puzzle together. Again, I turned [continued on 25]

22 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Nov. 6-19, 2012 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM ambush paparazzi Oz's 20th Annual Halloween Horror Turn-A-Bout ~ New Orleans Photos by Rip Naquin 20th Annual Halloween Horror Turn-A-Bout Oz's

GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • Nov. 6-19, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 23 ambush paparazzi by Tony Leggio by Tony io, Rip Naquin Mr. Louisiana Leather Weekend @ the Phoenix, Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest @ Oz ~ New Orleans ~ Photos by Al & Dwain, Tony Legg @ the Phoenix, Mr. Louisiana Leather Contest Oz ~ New Orleans Photos by Al & Dwain, Tony Mr. Louisiana Leather Weekend Petronius’ Dinner & Death of A Drag Queen @ Behar Home; Satyricon’s Haunted Wheel Bingo JohnPaul’s ~ New Orleans Photos

24 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Nov. 6-19, 2012 • Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide • GayMardiGras.COM under the gaydar ...from 22 the final stuff for our costumes that night. After getting some office work out of the way, we journeyed to the breathtaking party house of Michael and Don called Mimiskido, for pre- game merriments. To say this place is a partygoers dream is an understatement, there is a pool, tennis court, basket- ball goal set-up and a television room/bar to die for. In fact this room is what my heaven will look like. There is even a margarita machine. After trying some specialty cocktails prepared by their flair bartender who knows how to gyrate her shakers, we came back to my place to transform into our alter egos for the night. I have to say Chris is a guru at costume and makeup design. Within two hours, we literally became Joan Crawford and Bette Davis from Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. We drove to the Contemporary Arts Center for the big Saturday night event and made our grand entrance as the “monster” divas of the silver screen. We even had props that night, a glittered wheelchair which Chris was able to be chauffeured around in all night, and a silver domed serving tray with a rat on a plate. In my world, props definitely made the costume and I became quite a pro at whipping around that wheelchair by the end of the night. This party was a total blast, I met so many great people and had so much fun, but lifting that wheelchair into that boxing ring was a challenge. But it all paid off at the end when we took home first place. Everything about this party was good times, from the bounce show to the hot guys undressing into their birthday suits at the entrance’s makeshift locker room. You know it is always a memorable party when they open up with nudity. I have to admit the thing about this night I appreciate the most is meeting so many interesting people. A special shout out needs to go to Chris and Travis from San Diego who were have been done before now. Then just maybe you could have done amps you up and there is very little things delightful, they made my night even more special than it this in stages. to do for your body in a car stuck in traffic. already was. So now that my morning drive has been extended, I think of new Get your coffee when you get to the office The last event is one of my high points of the weekend, ways to tackle road rage and find my Zen. I find some of these tips or try an herbal tea in the morning to start the Sunday brunch on the Riverboat Natchez. It is a relaxing are helpful, both in and out of your vehicle. your day off. They have little to no caffeine, way to end the festive four day extravaganza. The weather 1. If at all possible, try and reduce the number of reasons which then get your fill once you get to work. was gorgeous and the hearty fare of fried chicken, red beans can make you lose your cool. If you get in a rage because the slow 5. Understand the old adage to make and rice, bread pudding and jambalaya was just the right moving traffic is causing a delay in reaching your destination, then try lemonade out of lemons. Use the time to cure for all of us an all-night until the wee hours of the and leave a little earlier than you normally do. Leaving for your office catch up with an old friend or family mem- morning partiers. half an hour earlier would surely help as there would be less pressure ber you very rarely get a chance to speak The drinks were abundant as me, my newfound friends when the traffic begins to crawl at a slow pace. to. Set up talk times, chances are they are and the entire Ambush crew hung out and danced on the 2. Try to empathize with others; all the people in front of you are on their way to work too and can use the top deck to some great music. And the crowning moment stuck in the same traffic, so being understanding goes a long way to distraction. was when we docked and they announced the winners of the making both your worlds a lot better. 6. But most of all, limit your emotional contest. Chris and I were so excited to go away with one of 3. Focus on relaxation, whether in the car or dealing with a tough involvement. It is a drive to work, the other the top prizes for Best Costume. Congratulations to all those day. Play soothing tapes (or for me gay upbeat pop songs). Do deep people on the road do not know your name on the board and committees of Halloween New Orleans, breathing exercises, use this time to zone out, enjoy the solitude, and are not out to get you, Mr. Paranoia. they really put on a spectacular event this year. After the these days we rarely get these moments to ourselves. Lighten up, take it easy, both your psyche boat, Chris and I with our new friend in tow, decided to play 4. Cut the caffeine before you get in the car in the morning. It and your heart will appreciate it. in the Quarter and rejoice in our win. We stopped at Oz, Pub, Napoleon’s Itch, Good Friends and Lafitte’s. What an enjoyable time I had hanging out with friends new and old. After exploring the Quarter, I went to the Marigny and stopped at JohnPaul’s and the Phoenix, which was having a Lords of Leather play party. Those guys really know how to cap off the flawless weekend. And to think that Halloween is still not here yet at press time. Tony’s Tidbits of Gay Wisdom hoever came up with the saying “patience is a virtue” obviously has never lived in the WCrescent City post Katrina. Seven years after the big storm, and a few other annoying ones (Isaac you jerk), our city still has a long way to go. But we are moving in the right direction; let’s take all the road construc- tion in the city that has been becoming increasingly more difficult to maneuver every day. They close streets without warning and the entire French Quarter looks like a battle zone. Between almost the entire French Quarter being closed during the day, the construction for the streetcar both Uptown and Downtown virtually sealing off that area as well as bottlenecking Poydras and Canal Streets, to the lanes around the Saenger Theatre being closed off due to con- struction, my ten minute morning commute has turned into thirty-five. That is enough to work even the most stalwart person’s last gay nerve. They call it paths to progress; I call it a nervous breakdown in the making. Honestly, I would love to have five minutes alone with the guy who decided to do all these things at one time. Seriously, I understand getting the city ready for Super Bowl, but shouldn’t these things GayEasterParade.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • Nov. 6-19, 2012 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 25