ner. As Miss Mess sat inside of her nights at Jules are simply klassy with a giant cake and greeted the audience capital ‘K’. Jules has recruited two acadiana happens with her entertaining taunts, Macky held more DJs, Jarrad Delcambre and Jared a very large sheet cake right behind Vance. This gives even more reasons her. Before Miss Mess even knew why one should check out Jules. The by Joey Collins, Lafayette, Louisiana what was going on, Macky slammed best part is when bartenders jump out Email: [email protected] the entire cake right into her face. A the bar and start giving out the infa- Twitter: JoeyC_583 moment of shock followed by screams mous free shots on the bar. If you filled the entire club. I believe it took her haven’t experienced it then it’s a must. urrently dusting the sand Facebook, and YouTube and local a moment to realize what had hap- You just have to stick around because off the bottom of my feet; sponsors. Sponsorship is one of the pened. Guess the joke ended up on you never know when the shots will Chad to spend a vacation at most important aspects of the festival. Miss Mess. creep up on you. Don’t forget that each the beach in Mexico just so that I could In order to keep this a free festival I’m pretty sure the stunt is some- and every Thursday Night Blake Duhon relax, rest, tan, and ready myself for it is important to support local spon- where on YouTube or Facebook or hosts a very fun-filled karaoke night. one of the best cultural events around. sors. It’s also possible for attendees to something. Just search for Tonic or Who knew you could have so much fun I’m talking about Festival International do their part in supporting the festival Brodie Mess. Thanks to Miss Mess for with a gaggle of drunken gay guys de Louisiane. Yep, it’s finally that time by buying a festival pin, shirt, or any being a great sport and contributing to mixed in with some classy lesbians of year again so here’s the dish on what other memorabilia. Such pins and a very entertaining and memorable and the ever-supportive straight boys all should experience. shirts have become collector’s items moment. and girls who come to fulfill their curi- for many festival-goers. Pins often run osity? It happens all the time on Thurs- Festival International out very quickly and can be bought Bar Spill day nights at Jules Downtown. afayette’s time to shine is from the festival website or during the A special shout out to the newest festival at any festival merchandise s usual, if you have yet to each year in late April when experience Tuesday Night employees of Jules: Joey Chitwood, downtown lights up with Fes- tent. Gabe Andrews, and Tonya Hughes. L While at festival, don’t forget to Talent Show at Tonic then tival International. For over twenty A Side note to you three: Forget what- check out many other cultural venues you have no idea what you’re missing. years this FREE festival highlights a Well I guess you do but why sit there ever rules Darren and Justin have told plethora of worldly cultures. Partici- such as Cite des Arts, Acadiana Center you for there is only one rule and that is for the Arts, Blue Moon Saloon, and relive it second hand via some guy pants can expect to experience an sitting on a computer typing it all out for do NOT touch my glass. See you array of food, arts and crafts, jewelry, Artmosphere, and of course Jules around! Downtown. Jules will be extending its you to only read about in Ambush or at apparel, and music from around the AmbushMag.COM? It’s time for you Remember you can follow all of world. Each year over four stages hours to service the festival. Opening these venues and more on Facebook. at 11am each day from Wednesday to experience a fun-filled Tuesday night. simultaneously display free concerts Of course other things occur at Tonic Go to the fan pages of Jules, Tonic from several music genres from around through Sunday, Jules will be the per- Lafayette, Lafayette Lesbians, fect spot to take a break, cool off, have on a weekly basis. Monday night is the world. Beginning on Wednesday, Customer Appreciation Night with Lafayette Gay Men, and Ambush th a drink, and be a meeting spot for April 27 and lasting through Sunday, Steven Reed and Beer Pong Tourna- Magazine and don’t forget to check May 1st; over 300,000 people will de- friends. out AmbushMag.COM. Many thanks and appreciation ment with Brodie Lee Meche (Not to be scend to the downtown area and take confused with Brodie Mess). Wednes- part in everything the Festival has to goes out to the many festival volun- teers, sponsors, and staff who work day Night is karaoke with DJ Chad Closing Out offer. You’re lucky if you’re able to Evans followed by Thursday Night opefully I have persuaded experience everything that is featured. year round to help make each year a success. where for only $15 you can drink all you most of you, especially The best way to make sure that want and request all the songs you those from out of the area, you don’t miss a thing is by download- H Recapping a Night Cap want from DJ Point-N-Click. Ladies to attend Festival International. ing the Festival International app for Night then rings in the weekend each Whether you come for a day, after- your smart phone. Whether you’re an o you know how you plan a and every Friday night. noon, evening, or the entire weekend I iPhone user (good for you) or an An- big surprise for someone Jules is also the best venue when feel confident enough when I say that it droid user (not so good for you) there is Sbut then they end up plan- you’re downtown for either out at Down- will be worth your time. I look forward an app for that. If you so happen to lack ning an even bigger surprise on you? town Alive on a Friday night or espe- to seeing everyone in the downtown the tech savvy smart phone then you Then it kind of backfires on you and I cially as a nice cool break during festi- area. As always, drive very safely and can do things the old fashioned guess the joke ends up being on you, val season. Every other Friday Valerie do NOT drink and drive. It’s no secret way…go to their website right? Ugh, I hate when that Sugarbaker provides a drag show that that many have recently acquired an (www.festivalinternational.com) and happens…unless of course it’s not me gets many audience members excited OWI. Keep it safe, Acadiana! And as check out an official festival map and who is involved. Then it’s just funny. for the weekend. As always, Saturday always, keep the party going! festival schedule and then print it all out Such an event occurred recently at and bring it with you to the festival. Tonic. For many of you who were there Wow, when did that become the old to witness this, it was one of the best fashion way? Nonetheless, both the moments at Tonic and will probably be under the gaydar website and the app have tons of use- a memory which lives on for many ful information. For example, with the years to come. So here is the scenario. app you can create your own personal Brodie Mess, as selfless and by Tony Leggio schedule by choosing from the list of thoughtful that he can be (who knew), Email: [email protected] concerts on the main schedule. Even decided that he wanted to throw a Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM more fun is that you can go to the actual surprise party for both Macky Ray and website, create a personal schedule, Steven Reed. The two luckily shared a Let’s Get Lucky and then sync it to your mobile app. birthday and celebrated by taking a trip ew Orleans own Varla Jean In addition to Varla, the cast in- Sure beats printing out a schedule (the together to NYC. Lucky bitches! As a Merman has a new show cludes Sordid Lives standout Leslie old fashion way) and walking around birthday/bon voyage stunt, Miss Mess Ndebuting Off-Broadway en- Jordan, hotties Kyle Dean Massey and like a tourist lost in NYC. decided that he wanted to surprise the titled Lucky Guy. The new musical CW Newman, Savanah Wise and Jenn Also available within both the app two by jumping out of a giant cake comedy by Willard Beckham begins Colella with special guests stars The and the website; one can click on any during Tonic’s Tuesday Night Talent previews on April 28 and opens on May Buckaroos. Lucky Guy tells the tale item on the schedule and find detailed Show. All worked out as planned…so 19 at the Little Shubert Theatre located of an all-American singing cowboy and information about the particular artists. to say…and the crowd went wild. Both on 422 West 42nd Street. Tickets are a cast of hilarious characters in Nash- Details include a brief biography and Macky and Steven were very surprised. on sale now at a discounted rate for a ville, all chasing the same dream of description of music, photos and vid- Just when you thought there were limited time. Go to having a solid gold hit record. There eos of performances, and comments. no more surprises, one lurked just BroadwayOffers.com and use code are down home dreamers and low life Other information included is social around the corner. Well more so be- LGPBX310 or call 212.947.8844 and [continued on 38] media information such as Twitter, hind Miss Mess than around the cor- use code LGPBX310. 36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 26-May 1 2011 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide• GayEasterParade.COM GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • April 26-May 1, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37 under the gaydar ...from 36 it over the years as I met famous people. Ingoldsby. The Bombay Trunk was classics we love so much. Tickets are TL: Can you give me an example? originally done in in $30. Le Chat Noir is located at 715 St. schemers such as the Queen of Coun- FP: Someone had said once that 2002 and is sort of wacky with a seri- Charles Ave. For more information, try who lives in a 28 room trailer and a had never been inter- ous message. There are comedy and call 504.525.4498. fast talking wheeler dealer who sells viewed, but years ago when I was thrills. Ingoldsby is based on a short The Krewe of Petronius is having used cars to the stars. The score sa- much younger I actually did interview novel I wrote about time travel. The their Cocktails and Crowns party on lutes an array of music that includes her. This is when I had one of those action takes place between the 1940’s May 21 at the M Francis Gallery from 7 Vaudeville, Bluegrass, Country, Pop, life-changing moments. That is when and the present. It is another comedy – 10pm. This is a very fun event that Broadway and even Hawaiian music. I decided to go from being an artist to a and has a major gay character in it. includes food, free flowing cocktails For more information, go to writer. TL: Are you working on anything and a silent auction. People are en- www.luckyguythemusical.com. I can- TL: Your current book has many new? couraged to wear their best and most not think of another great reason to stories about the celebrities you have FP: I am working on a play called regal rhinestone studded crowns or visit The Big Apple this spring. known, are there many more not in- Falling which is a serious play, funny at tiaras. For more information or to buy cluded? times, but it has to do with 9/11. I had tickets, call 504.701.0631. Tickets are Interview: Felice Picano FP: There are lots more. I am in lived in New York, but at the time of the $30 and the gallery is located at 604 my sixties now, so the people I was event I was in LA and my friend called Julia Street in the heart of the Ware- he Saints and Sinners Liter- friendly with thirty years ago are finish- me early in the morning so I was expe- house District. ary Festival begins on ing off their lives. I begin to see their riencing everything in real time. Thursday, May 12. It is a T lives in perspective. When you live in TL: What are you looking forward four day event each Spring that fea- Play Ball , you are always bumping to doing when you come back to New tures panel discussions and master he Gay Softball League is into famous people; the streets here Orleans? classes on literary topics that provide a off and running this season are littered with them. FP: I cannot wait to eat, party and forum for authors, editors and publish- which is being touted as the TL: Any of the stories not pub- enjoy the literary festival. I love just T ers to talk about their work for the best year yet. They opened their sea- lished you can tell me about? visiting my favorite restaurants and benefit of emerging writers and the son on March 27 and will play through FP: I met Mickey Rooney at this haunts around the French Quarter and enjoyment of fans of LGBT literature. their final week of May 22. The NOLA dinner once and we were seated at the the Garden District. I also like perusing Recently I got the opportunity to speak Softball NSL, Inc. (the proper name of same table. He had just had cataract the many used book stores you have in with one of their most notable speak- the organization or NSL for short) is a surgery and needed help maneuvering the city. I find lots of weird 19th century ers this year Felice Picano. non-profit organization. The mission his way to the restroom. So basically I ones. Felice Picano is the author of 24 of NSL is to foster a positive environ- had to escort him to the restroom. So I personally am excited about this books of poetry, fiction, memoirs, non- ment for recreation and socializing in you never know. year’s Saints and Sinners Festival, fiction and plays. His work has been the LGBT community through amateur TL: A New Orleans famous son there lineup of speakers this year is translated into fifteen languages. An slow-pitch softball, while supporting Tennessee Williams is also mentioned outstanding. It is a wonderful chance honorary Saints and Sinner Festival NSL sponsors and our community’s in your book. for you to mix and mingle with your “Saint” Picano charitable organizations. NSL mem- FP: He had heard about me and favorite authors of LGBT works. For recently be- bership is open to all individuals, with- actually had a character in his play Out information on the events or tickets, go came a out prejudice. NOLA Softball League Cry based on me. His name was even to www.sasfest.org. Lambda Liter- plays by ASA (Amateur Softball Asso- Felice. So he wrote about me without ary Founda- ciation) rules and regulations. having yet met me. Years after he died, tion “Pioneer.” April Showers Bring The NSL is also a member in good his brother Dakin gave a memento of His recent standing of NAGAAA. NAGAAA serves his. It was a very sweet gesture. May Events publications as the national governing body for its TL: Tell me about ? pril showers do bring May include Art & FP: She is a fabulous, funny and flowers and the first gay Sex in Green- very smart lady. My high school friend AMardi Gras krewe event is wich Village th Jerry Black worked with her in her first all about flowers. Celebrating their 10 (2007) and a fifteen years of show business, before anniversary, the Mystic Krewe of new produc- she was a star. I met her through him. Satyricon is tying in all their events with tion of his third play The Bombay One thing I have to say is she is an one of the ball themes from the past Trunk, was a hit in Palm Springs. He extremely hard worker. nine years. Our first event is Satyricon guest-edited Volume 7 of the Paris- TL: Do you have a follow up sequel in Bloom, a delectable springtime bake based Van Gogh’s Ear magazine to this book? sale. The event happens on Saturday, (2010), and with Prof. Lazaro Lima The Geaux Cups FP: I could, I met so many people May 7 (just in time for Mother’s Day) compiled an anthology of GLBT Latino- member cities, which now includes over when I was young. But then I was from 1 to 5pm at Napoleon’s Itch. The American fiction for the University of three-dozen alliance members naïve and oblivious, I only paid atten- event will feature cakes and other baked Wisconsin Press, titled Ambientes. throughout North America. Various tion to things that affected my life. Like good auctioned off by celebrity auc- Chelsea Station Editions published member cities sponsor national invita- when I lived in Manhattan, one day I tioneers and led by Becky Allen. We Picano new collection, True Stories: tional softball tournaments throughout was trying to catch a cab with some will also be premiering our signature Portraits in the Spring of 2011. the year. NAGAAA also sponsors the friends and this woman tried to jump in Ken Cake series. TL: Have you ever been to New annual Gay Softball World Series in front of us and take our cab. So I So forget your easy bake oven and Orleans before? late summer/early fall that is hosted by shoved back and told her to get away come buy a scrumptious cake, pie or FP: Yes, many times, although it a different member city each year. lady and we got in the cab. As we were other dessert. They will make a great has been about three years since my The NSL plays every Sunday ex- driving away, my friend told me that I gift for your mother or you can just take last visit. I have been here for various cept Easter beginning at 11am on Field had just shoved Angela Landsbury. it home and enjoy the entire thing by conferences and one year the Tennes- 18 and at noon on Field 1 in City Park. TL: In addition to writing, you are yourself. Either way, you are support- see Williams Festival did one of my The teams include Avita Loca, Big Easy also a publisher and editor? ing a wonderful gay carnival krewe. plays. But I have not been to a Saints Bombers, Diktators, Master Batters, FP: I was publisher of the Seaorse Also in May, the Krewe of Satyricon and Sinners Festival since before Flaming Pink Flamingos, Pub Crawl- Press. I published books by authors is bringing back cabaret legend Karen Katrina. ers, Avita Lagniappe and Geaux Cups. such as , Doric Wilson, Akers on Thursday, May 26 at 8pm at TL: Your newest publication True Come out and support the teams, and Brad Gooch, Clark Henley, Martin Le Chat Noir. She will be performing Stories: Portraits is getting some great yes they serve cocktails. What self- Duberman and Robert Gluck. I also songs from her upcoming show begin- reviews, tell me about it. respecting homosexual would be handled Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song ning in September at the famous FP: These have been some of the caught dead on a Sunday morning Trilogy. Algonquin Hotel. This show will fea- best reviews I have gotten from one of without a Bloody Mary? And the men TL: Tell me about your plays? ture the songs of Rodgers and Hart, my books. Surprisingly, I was writing (and ladies) are hot and I mean scorch- FP: Two more popular plays of Irving , Sondheim and Cole Por- this book without really knowing I was mine are the Bombay Trunk and ter as well as the French language doing it. I have been writing pieces of [continued on 40]

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 26-May 1 2011 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide• GayEasterParade.COM ambush paparazzi

Chris, Keith & David catch DJ Pierre Fitch @ Club LAX Mr. Louisiana Leather Troy & Coca Milan & Mercedes Ellis Wayne @ Troy’s fundraiser to Loreal host Drag Brunch once a send him to IML month @ The Country Club

Kathleen & David @ Craftin' with the Countess

DJ Eddie & DJ Pierre Fitch @ Club LAX Richard & Maryamm @ the Halloween Host Party in French Quarter

Wendy behind the bar @ Kajun’s Pub

Lauren & Todd @ Craftin with the Countess

Club LAX’s Toby & Al with DJ Pierre Fitch @ Oz Halloween Host Party in French Quarter

Wood Enterprises Gary & David pop in @ Oz Excitement Reigns ~ New Orleans, Metairie Brent, Lui & Grey @ Petronius Patron Party

EGM XII Elizabeth & Lance @ the Corner Pocket Saturday night show Dusty DeBris & James @ at Oz Chacha, Justin & Spencer during the Easter season welcome you to Good Friends Bar

The Petronius Patron Party

Countess C Alice at her Craftin’ Club LAX’s Toby with DJ Pierre with the Countess Easter Bonnet Celebs @ the Petronius Patron Tony hops on a motorcycle in Fitch @ Club LAX in Metairie event @ JohnPaul’s Party front of Lafitte’s for a ride

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • SouthernDecadence.COM • April 26-May 1, 2011 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39 under the gaydar ...from 38

ing. Getting to home base never looked so much fun. For more information on the NSL, go to www.nolasoftball.com.

The Sun Never Sets on A Legend ...Marcy Marcell s most of you are aware by Alisha & Company enjoying The boys shake a tail feather on now, the great Marcy Spring Break the dance floor @ B-Bob’s AMarcell, dubbed as the Gay Pride Judge Jason Chambers Queen of Rampart Street, passed away with B-Bob’s Show Director on Monday, April 11, 2011. I met Marcy Miss Cie Marcell for the first time in 2002 when I went to Rusty LaRoux’s New Zoo Review at Big Daddy’s. She was intro- duced to me by my new friend Princesse Stephaney and I immediately liked Marcy. We were both very boisterous Italians so of course we hit it off. She had one of those personalities that were larger than life. She embodied everything festive and flamboyant about the French Quarter to me. DJ Chromactic spinning She in my opinion was a true New @ B-Bob’s Miss Valerie Hart performs @ Orleans lady, bawdy, ballsy and bra- Melanie, Louis & Jeremy having a B-Bob’s for College Night zen. I was always in awe of her perfor- blast on the dance floor mances. While all the other girls did a @ B-Bob’s number that lasted three minutes, mobile Marcy believed in showmanship and would do a medley of Irma Thomas’ paparazzi best hits that would last nine to ten minutes for her first number.

Jerry & Patrick enjoying the art Newly crowned Mr. & Miss Mobile performances Gay Pride Tyler Dupree & Camille Sherrington Stars, Tail Feathers, Gay Pride ~ Mobile, Alabama Stars, Tail

Marcy Marcell Back by Popular Demand ...PaPa Photo by Larry Graham Cherry returns to B-Bob’s But it wasn’t until we were grand Former Miss Continental & Miss marshals together for the Gay Easter Gay Universe Dana Douglas of Miss Mobile Newcomer Samoria Parade two years ago when we be- Gainesville, Florida performing Hale performing @ B-Bob’s came real close, realizing what a truly @ B-Bob’s special person she was. We were thrown together on many occasions during that time it seemed we were joined at the hip. I still vividly remem- ber the day Rip and Marsha asked me to come for a drink at Starlight by the Park to talk over a few things. Marcy was bartending and we all sat down and that is when he asked us to be grand marshals of the parade. It was one of those defining moments in your life that you always cherish. We all embraced, had cocktails and laughed B-Bob’s owner Jerry Ehlen & Happy Birthday Matthew ...we Mobile Gay Pride Assn. President Skylar & Jordan hanging out for [continued on 42] adore YOU! Jennifer Autry cocktails

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • April 26-May 1 2011 • Official Gay Easter Parade Guide• GayEasterParade.COM