36-40 - Ambush Mag

hot tails of red stick ...from 34 smile. There is that inner feeling of togetherness that was developed a long time ago. We clicked, and that is such a good thing. In our case, it was one of a bonding of love and respect that some people never obtain. We had it then, and we have it still.

Miscellanea

S

ome things change, but that is only natural as we go through life. However, when you visit Red Stick, some things don’t really change that much. You have to experience these places in order to really appreciate their importance. You can dance the night away at the best entertainment emporium in the Deep South - Splash, or you can catch some fabulous karaoke sessions at George’s. If these are not of your choosing, you have to do Hound Dogs. This one has a lot of hidden character and has become one of the best neighborhood bars you could possibly find anywhere. These are just three places that you have to experience. No amount of words can express the importance of these facilities for the gay and lesbian community here in Red Stick. The city has lots of restaurants for you to enjoy too, but sometimes you have to look really hard to find them. You can ask and find these places, but few will come forth and actually advertise for fear of losing the business of straight customers. I think it is the openness of business owners in San Francisco and Las Vegas that has impressed me the most. Las Vegas especially has a nice magazine, and when you visit there, you know exactly where the gay people hang out, and I don’t mean just the bars. To an extent, Key West and Provincetown are this way too, but unless you find the publications that devote space to the community as a whole, it is not an easy task to locate where to go and what to do. Bookstores at one time were the unwritten ties to better understanding the

communities of most major cities. The Internet has changed the face of the world. Now many of these book outlets have disappeared with only a few holding on for dear life. New Orleans, along with the Deep South in general, is fortunate to have a publication like Ambush to tell the story of gay life for locals and visitors. It is a publication with a purpose – to serve the community and to promote it thoroughly in all phases of its existence. Have a great Easter! And I’ll talk with you again soon.

Krewe of Apollo Brings Shirley Q. Liquor to Baton Rouge Little Theater

T

he Krewe of Apollo will host a fund raiser featuring a very special appearance by the Queen of Comedy, Shirley Q. Liquor, on April 18th at the Baton Rouge Little Theater. The show will be highlighted with appearances by Shirley Q. Liquor and Betty Butterfield. Chuck Knipp is a drag comedian best known for his controversial alter egos, the black-face character “Shirley Q. Liquor” and “Betty Butterfield.” Liquor, a is cariacature of a black southern woman. Knipp performs the character — an Ebonics speaking, welfare-collecting mother of 19 children. In addition to live performances, Knipp has produced several spoken-word CDs. Knipp’s “Daily Ignunce” morning radio routine, usually 90 seconds long, is syndicated and heard on radio stations throughout the United States. Most recently, the character of Shirley Q. Liquor made an appearance in cartoon form on the pilot episode of Laugh Out, the first interactive, gay-themed comedy show. Shirley often addresses people by saying, “How you durrin’?” In addition, audiences will be entertained with the Gaylord Family Gospel Hour, a musical presentation featuring the talents of Baton Rougeans Sharon James and Cody King. Come join the travelin’, gospel singin’ Gaylord family—Sister Vestabeulah, Daddy, Trey, Barry and Ben Gaylord—for a night of worshippin’, revivin’, and testifyin’ in the Roughneck Cabaret, “A Gaylord Family Gospel Hour.” The fund raiser will be used to support Apollo’s annual Mardi Gras ball slated for Saturday, January 16th at the Baton Rouge River Center Arena. This year’s ball theme is “HORROR.” Tickets for the April 18th fund raiser may be purchased starting March 27th through the Baton Rouge Little Theater box office at 225.924-6496. For additional information on “A Night of Ignunce,” visit website at www.apollobatonrouge.com. The Krewe of Apollo Baton Rouge is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 primarily to produce an annual Mardi Gras ball. Through this grand charity event Krewe members gather throughout the year to raise funds and awareness to support HIV/AIDS education and assistance. The Krewe of Apollo AIDS/Crisis fund, established in 1994, provides emergency assistance to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS who are unable to meet basic obligations for the necessities of life, such as medications, medical treatment, housing assistance and transportation. Most recently, the Krewe has partnered with the local organization HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two, Inc. (H.A.A.R.T.) by providing grants to the organization.

allons acadiana by Patrick Clinton Email: [email protected]

E

aster is upon us, which means two things; Lent is finally com-ing to and end, and Spring Break is here. And Sound Factory’s new look makes it the perfect place to celebrate. The Sound Factory and Back Side are Acadiana’s best place to be a part of the gay nightlife. They are number one in providing fun and entertainment to our varied and unique community. Besides hosting some of the most memorable events in Lafayette, they have weekly line-ups that are second to none. With their daily Happy Hour specials, they always make sure that every night of the week is its own special party. And since they are open seven days a week, they always have something incredible planned. Whether you’re looking for a quick drink after work or a wild night on the town, their separate weekly line-ups make even the most uneventful night fresh and new. From Show Night every Sunday and Karaoke on Tuesday to their unforgettable dance parties every Friday and Saturday, when you plan a night out at Sound Factory and Back Side, you know it’s going to be an adventure. And with ever changing drink specials, you’re sure to get a great deal. What more can you ask for? It’s two bars in one, and it won’t break you’re pocket book. The weather is already getting warmer; before you know it the temperatures will have three digits. Luckily Acadiana has the Sound Factory and Back Side to relax and cool off with great friends and a refreshing beverage. Until next time, have fun and be safe. I’ll see you downtown.

AMBUSH

MAG.COM 828

36 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 37

acadiana

paparazzi

Brian out & about at Sound Factory

Darius with his usual at Sound Factory Chris taking a quick break at Sound Factory

Nicholas, Chris & Jeff at Sound Factory John & Mark always working at Sound Factory

Corey visiting Sound Factory Reed relaxing at Back Side

Steven cutting up at Sound Factory Brandon enjoying karaoke at Sound Factory

Spence is all smiles at Sound Factory

Lil’ Mark & Macky at Back Side

Louis having a cocktail at Sound Factory

Kyle (aka Barbara) at Sound Factory

Mark working karaoke at Sound Factory Natalie ready for a wild night at Sound Factory

Rocky relaxing at Sound Factory

Travis cutting up at Sound Factory

Erin bartending at Sound Factory

Khory toasting at Sound Factory

38 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM

Karaoke, Cocktails, Smiles ~ Lafayette, Louisiana ~ Photos by Patrick Clinton

Steven working the door at Sound Factory

GayMardiGras.COM • GayNewOrleans.COM • Mar. 31-Apr. 13, 2009 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • 39

mobile

out & about in mobile

paparazzi

by Bob Brunson n spite of economy, this year the 2009 Mobile Alabama Pride Festival and Parade looks to be one of the most exciting LGBT festivals to be held in Mobile, Alabama. The weekend will kick-off on Friday, April 24th, with a fabulous opening party at the beautiful Skyview Lounge atop the Holiday Inn in Historic downtown Mobile featuring a lavish cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres and incredible entertainment by the one and only Tony Award nominee, Sharon McNight. Looking out over the entire city of Mobile

I

Bar Baron Jerry joins Amuka live at B-Bob’s Emcee Darwin Singleton & guest speaker Wilson Cruz cut up on stage at the AQUA Community Awards

years and only returning to my hometown here in Mobile 3 years ago, it never ceases to amaze me what the LGBT community of my beautiful hometown can pull off. You have to see it to believe it! What most people assume is small-town, USA is so much more and has so much to offer. Just a few weeks ago Mobile held its Community Unity Awards Banquet. The event was hosted by AQUA and proved once again to be one of the most beautiful events of the year. Over 15 LGBT organizations came together to award exemplary individuals in the community and the

Aqua Community Awards, Nightlife ~ Mobile, Alabama

Cody having fun

Mr. Louisiana Leather John Cauley presents B-Bob’s owner Jerry Ehlen with the Southern Renegades award

Pensacola’s Lauren Mitchell appearing at B-Bob’s

Vision’s Twist owner Sonja Sandal & Wilson Cruz show off his drink huggie Jennifer Holliday

Some of the girls at B-Bob’s

Mr. Louisiana Leather John Cauley presents Midtown Pub owner Darrel Foret with the Southern Renegades award

Cocktailin’ at B-Bob’s

Miss Cie loves her fans

and Mobile bay, you will experience a one of a kind show from one of broadway's all time greats. The following day, on Saturday, April 25th, at noon, the 2009 Pride Festival in the park will begin with vendors from across the country and entertainment all day long from noon until 6pm, right in downtown Mobile’s beautiful and historic Bienville Square. The entertainment line-up is exquisite and is opened by the Port City Men’s Chorus and includes some of Mobile’s very own talents such as Lisa Christian. Josh Zuckerman will bring you his awesome talents all the way from New York City and the afternoon will be headlined by the incredibly fabulous Tony Award winner and Two Time Grammy Award winner, the original Dreamgirl herself, Jennifer Holliday!!! You can’t beat this spectacular entertainment at even the largest of pride festivals in the country. On Sunday, April 26th, the Pride Festival in Bienville Square will continue with many vendors and the always awesome volleyball tournament. Many teams will compete and the fun is endless. After living in San Francisco for 25

event went off without a hitch. The emcee from WPMI, Darwin Singleton, with his innate style and wit, did an awesome job to ensure that the night rolled along very smoothly. The guest speaker, Wilson Cruise, had the entire crowds’ attention and the seemed to hang on his every word. Congratulations to all the award recipients and to AQUA for putting on such a great event. Go to www.aquahelps.org for a list of award recipients. Mobile is not holding back at all when in comes to making a change in the south and especially when it comes to the rights of the LGBT community. Come out, get involved and be a part of making a difference. It’s up to you to support these groups with their efforts as they work so hard to support our community. Your Rights, Our Rights, Human Rights!, is the theme of this year's Pride Festival and this theme says it all. I challenge you to take part even if just for a day. Who knows, you may even enjoy it. See you there. Pride will be April 24, 25 and 26 and you can go to www.mobilealabamapride.com to get the schedule and all the information on Pride Events.

40 • The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM • Mar ficial Gay Easter Parade Guide • GayEasterParade.COM • Souther nDecadence.COM Mar.. 31-Apr 31-Apr.. 13, 2009 • Of Official SouthernDecadence.COM