What's Hot? - Ambush Mag

what's hot?
Volume 22/Issue 14/2004

by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain
Visit their site: ripandmarsha.com

Show Bar Top 5 Finalists & 2003 Entertainer of the Year Bianca Del Rio Will Entertain at the 17th GAA Gala July 11th
New Orleans -The 17th Annual Gay Appreciation Awards (GAA) Gala will feature production numbers from Show Bar of the Year Top 5 Finalists: Big Daddy's, Corner Pocket, Cowpokes, Golden Lantern and Oz. Last year's Entertainer of the Year Bianca Del Rio is also slated to perform. The Gala is Sun., July 11th at Body & Soul, 535 Marigny at Chartres Streets. Doors open at 7pm and the show begins promptly at 8pm. The award category winners, those receiving the most public votes, will be announced during the gala. Cover charge is $10. All proceeds from the event will benefit the William Fanning Foundation, better known as Buzzy’s Boys & Girls. VIP Tables of 4 at $100 each are available. Please contact Rip Naquin-Delain to reserve your table, 504.522.8049, or via e-mail: info@ambushmag.com.

Donald "Donnie Jay James
2004 Lifetime Award Recipient
Photo©GrahamStudioOne.COM

Donald "Donnie Jay" James was will be honored as the 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient for his many, many years of dedication to this community.
The Top 5 Finalist in each category include:
Circuit Party/Event of the Year: Gay Easter Parade/New Orleans, Halloween/New Orleans, Memorial Day Weekend: Abracadabra, Wave, Sweat, Bounce, Forbidden, Spellbound, Fore Play, Climax/Pensacola, Night of the Black Mask/New Orleans, Southern Decadence/New Orleans
Hair Salon of the Year: Arthur's House of Glamour, Hair Asylum, Head Ink, Headquarters, Mickey Nolan's Salon /all New Orleans
Gay Carnival Ball of the Year: Krewe of Amon Ra, Krewe of Armeinius, Krewe of Petronius, Lords of Leather, Mystic Krewe of Satyricon /all New Orleans
Neighborhood Bar of the Year: Big Daddy's, Corner Pocket, Cowpokes, Golden Lantern, Phoenix /all New Orleans
Buzzy Fanning AIDS Award: Marty Curtin, Mike Murray, NO/AIDS Task Force, Harold Short (Ursuline Burgundy), Wally Sherwood /all New Orleans
Bitch of the Year: Bianca Del Rio, Glenn Fonte, Rusty LaRoux, Carl Meyer, Princesse Stephaney /all New Orleans
Show Bar of the Year: Big Daddy's, Corner Pocket, Cowpokes, Golden Lantern, Oz /all New Orleans
Performing Arts Award: Drama!, Hollywood Heaven, Murder at Movary Manor, New Orleans Gay Men's Chorus, Queerly Speaking /all New Orleans
Restaurant/Deli of the Year: Bywater Bar.B.Que/Lorenzo's, Petunias, Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, Quarter Scene, Verti Mart /all New Orleans
Dance Bar of the Year: Cowpokes/New Orleans, MatriXXX/New Orleans, Oz/New Orleans, Parade/New Orleans, Rainbow Cattle Company/Austin
Bartender of the Year: Brian Barbieri/Phoenix, Mike Farley/Oz, Allen Jones/Oz, Rex Romans/Cowpokes, Wayne White/Big Daddy's /all New Orleans
DJ of the Year: Joann Guidos/Big Daddy's-Golden Lantern, Tony Beverage/Phoenix, Raymond Mattix/Oz, Tim Pflueger/Oz, Mike Thomas/Cowpokes
Leather Bar of the Year: The Bear's Den/New Orleans, Chain Drive/Austin, Cowpokes/New Orleans, Phoenix/New Orleans, Rawhide/New Orleans
GLBT Business of the Year: Alternatives/New Orleans, FAB (Faubourg Marigny Art & Books)/New Orleans, Graham Studio One/New Orleans, Queen Fashions/Metairie, Second Skin Leather/New Orleans
Leather Person of the Year: Barth Cox, Timm Holt, Justin Manieri, Wally Sherwood, Jamie Temple /all New Orleans
Transgender of the Year: Regina Ann Adams, Vivica Devereaux, Rusty LaRoux, Crystal Little, Tonisha "TT" Thompson /all New Orleans
Lesbian of the Year: Cricket Adams, Pat McCardle, Red Hanson, Mina Hernandez, Mary Pappas /all New Orleans
Gay Man of the Year: Johnny Chisholm, Tommy Elias, Carl Ford, Fr. Nicholas Romans, Jamie Temple /all New Orleans
Entertainer of the Year: Austin Babtist Women/Austin, Bianca Del Rio/New Orleans, Adam Hawkins/New Orleans, Princesse Stephaney/New Orleans, Lady T/New Orleans
In addition to the various public voting awards, the Board will present the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Cheridon Comedy Award in memory of the late Sonny C. Cleveland, and the Fly Fashion Awards in memory of Ms. Fly including the Fly Fashion Glamour and the Fly Fashion Victim. The Marsha Delain Award of Excellence (the Drag Ambassador Award) will be presented by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain.
The Top 5 Finalist in special award categories voted on by the GAA Board of Directors include:
Cheridon Comedy Award: Austin Babtist Women, Scarlett O'Hara Butler, Blanche DeBris, Ricky Graham, Matthew Ragas
Fly Fashion Glamour: Bianca Del Rio, Opal Masters, Bobby Ramone & John John Parry, Lady T, Opal Vanderhurst
Fly Fashion Victim: Barry Bareass, Ursuline Burgundy, Phyllis Denmark, Eva Las Vegas, Kabrina Watson
The awards thanks those in the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender community who are many times not recognized for the outstanding services and efforts they perform. These individuals and businesses have made the GLBT community into the viable, successful and powerful community it is today across the Gulf South.
French Quarter personality Marcy Marcell founded the Gay Appreciation Awards (GAA) in 1987. Marcell turned over the reigns of the GAA in 1997 to Ambush.
Past Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include Jimmie Callaway, the late Dan Fountain [Betty Buttons], the late Andy Boudreaux, the late Buzzy Fanning, the late Dirty Dottie, Miss Fury, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain, the late Dan Romero, the late Miss Do, Louise McFarland, Dixie Fasnacht, Alice Brady and John Dodt, Gene Adams, Charlene Schneider, Steve Mettner, and Marty Curtin & Koo Gaffney.
Due to the generosity of corporate sponsor, Ambush Mag, all monies generated through door admissions and VIP table sales will benefit the evening’s charity, Buzzy’s Boys & Girls. Additionally, all stage performance tips will go to the charity.
King Cake Queen IX Lisa Beaumann and King Cake Queen X Teryl-Lynn Foxx are scheduled to emcee the affair.
The GAA Board of Directors includes Lisa Beaumann, Lance Ford, Teryl-Lynn Foxx, Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain and Toni J.P. Pizanie.
Ambush is proud to sponsor the Gay Appreciation Awards each year. For more info, visit www.AmbushMag.COM/GAA.
Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXII will be Presented at Coronation 2004 Sun., July 18th

SDGM XXXi Rusty LaRoux 2003

New Orleans - The Official Southern Decadence XXXIII's kickoff, Coronation 2004, is is set for Sun., July 18th at the Friendly Bar & Annex, 2301 Chartres St. Southern Decadence Grand Marshal (SDGM) XXXI Rusty LaRoux will name her successor, SDGM XXXII. Beginning at 8pm, the Coronation will feature will feature co-emcee's Rusty LaRoux and Donnie Jay along with the talents of SDGM XII Mumbo, SDGM XXV Miss Love, Adam Hawkins, Cassandra Phillips and other special guests. The new grand marshal will set the tone for Decadence with his/her own theme, colors and song.
2004 will be the 33rd anniversary of Southern Decadence. This will actually be the 31st year with a grand marshal [the grand marshal selection did not begin until the third year], but the new grand marshal will be the 32nd grand marshal [the two in 1978 were counted as grand marshals 5 & 6].
However, this is actually the 32nd parade [there was no parade the first year]. It all began in 1972 with a mixed party of gays, straights, blacks and whites, at Belle Reve, 2110 Barracks St. There was no parade. [The first invitation read: "Ya’ll Come to the Dress Up As Your Favorite Southern Decadent Party at Belle Reve, 2110 Barracks, late afternoon, Sunday, September 3rd." (1972)]
According to Southern Decadence historian and SDGM IV Robert Laurent, "Cheers to Southern Decadence! What began in 1972 as an end-of-summer party among a small group of friends has transformed itself into a Quarter-wide weekend celebration. The first costume party was a farewell to Michael Evers, who was leaving New Orleans. Now, 31 years later, his spirit, wit and sense of frivolity continue, transformed into a celebration of Laissez les bon temps rouler."
In 1973, an informal march began from Matassa’s bar to 2110 Barracks. There was no grand marshal yet.
The grand marshal selection began in 1974. Official Southern Grand Marshals include:
SDGM I Frederick Wright 1974
SDGM II Jerome Williams 1975 [deceased]
SDGM III Preston Hemmings 1976
SDGM IV Robert Laurent 1977
SDGM V Robert King & SDGM VI Kathleen Kavanaugh 1978
SDGM VII Bruce Harris 1979
SDGM VIII Tom Tippin 1980
SDGM IX Tommy Stephan 1981
SDGM X Don Ezell 1982 [deceased]
SDGM XI Danny Wilson 1983 [deceased]
SDGM XII Mumbo 1984
SDGM XIII Michael "Fish" Hickerson 1985
SDGM XIV Kathleen Conlon 1986
SDGM XV Olive 1987
SDGM XVI Jerome Lebo 1988 [deceased]
SDGM XVII George Goode 1989 [deceased]
SDGM XVIII Ruby 1990 [deceased]
SDGM XIX Jamie Temple 1991
SDGM XX Rhee 1992 [deceased]
SDGM XXI Ms. Fly 1993 [deceased]
SDGM XXII Alain 1994
SDGM XXIII Blanche 1995
SDGM XXIV Wayne White 1996
SDGM XXV Miss Love 1997
SDGM XXVI Robin Malta 1998
SDGM XXVII Errol Rizzuto 1999
SDGMs XXVIII Tony Langlinais & Thom "Smurf" Murphy [deceased] 2000
SDGMs XXIX Bianca Del Rio, Pat "Estelle" Ritter & Rick Thomas 2001
SDGM XXX "Irish" Mike Sheehan 2002
SDGM XXXI Rusty LaRoux 2003
SDGM XXXII ??? 2004
For more info, visit the original and only OFFICIAL Website of Southern Decadence, SouthernDecadence.COM, dedicated to the preservation of the history and traditions of Southern Decadence in New Orleans since 1972. It lists the 2004 Official Events and you can book discount hotel rooms, flights and cars.
D-Dance Returns to Southern Decadence Line-up Sept. 4th
New Orleans - Keep your cool in the New Orleans heat and enjoy the hottest music and mixes at D-Dance 2004. Back by popular demand, this year’s D-Dance promises to be the hottest ticket in town during Southern Decadence over the long Labor Day weekend holiday. The Official Southern Decadence Circuit Party is Sat., Sept. 4th, 11pm-4am.
The combination of DJ and producer Tony Moran along with a new venue, lighting and laser experience, makes this one hot ticket! The event is produced entirely by volunteers with two goals in mind: giving you one hell of a party, and raising funds for the NO/AIDS Task Force (100% of the event’s proceeds benefit the community-based AIDS service organization).
Sodecadent, Inc. has leased 735 Bourbon St. for the event. For tickets and additional info, visit D-Dance.COM.
D-Dance is proudly sponsored by Ambush Mag and SouthernDecadence.COM.
25th Anniversary New Orleans Pride Fest Update
New Orleans - As most of you know, the New Orleans Alliance of Pride has been raising funds to stage the 25th Anniversary New Orleans Pride Festival, set for Oct. 9th & 10th. The Alliance would like to take this time to thank all those who have made it possible. To the owners of the establishments where fund-raisers have been held, to the ones who have supported the Alliance's efforts, to those who have given raffle items, and to the volunteers and board members that have made it all happen, a super big thanks!
Murder at Movary Manor, starring Bianca Del Rio, Blanche Debris, Donnie Jay, Carlos Gonzalez, Matthew Ragas and Wally Sherwood raised loads of dollars at Cowpokes' Barn Theatre.
July is going to be a busy month for the Board of Pride. On July 10th, Pride will host a $5 beer bust at the Phoenix, complete with a 50/50 drawing, raffles and more.
On July 23rd, White Hot Night in Havana, will include a Copa stage show, Latin Music, costume contest and more at the Country Club.
Then to rap the month up on July 28th, the Bourbon Pub/Parade will be the site of the Mr. & Ms. Pride Fest contest.
For more information please call Tiffany Rose at 504.952.9244 or Donnie Jay at 504.523.0140.
As of today, over $9,000 has been raised. More must be raised to stage the festival which will cost around $55,000 to produce. Fund-raising events are still being scheduled, so if you would like to schedule a fund-raiser, please call Donnie Jay at 504.523.0140 or Shayne McClain at 504.947.0816.
Pride is looking for more sponsors as well. The Alliance would like to see the entire community listed as sponsors. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please call Shayne McClain at 504.947.0816 and he would be glad to send you a package or meet with you personally.
Listed below are the committee chairs names and numbers:
Membership, Thomas Taube-504.943.0990, Karbin Paul-504.214.0724
Fund-raising, Donnie Jay-504.523.0140, Shayne McClain-504.947.0816, Harold Short-504.283.1531, Jason Kirkpatrick-504.947.5852
Entertainment, Donnie Jay-504.523.0140, Harold Short-504.283.1531, Karbin Paul-504.214.0724, Tiffany Rose-504.952.9244, Shayne McClain-504.947.0816
Vendors, Thomas Taube-504.943.0990
Parade, Larry Bagneris-504.565.7916
Program, Publicity & Media, Shayne McClain-504.947.0816
Sponsorship, Shayne McClain-504.947.0816, Donnie Jay-504.523.0140
Pride also needs volunteers, more sponsors, vendors and advertisers in this year’s program. Please help make this year’s 25th anniversary a fabulous year. Get involved!
2004 Sponsors include:
Platinum: Ambush Mag
Gold: 7th Circle, Ninth Circle & Whiz Magazine
Silver: Sisterhood
Bronze: Cowpokes
MAC Seeks GLBT Community Input
New Orleans - On Sun., June 27, the Mayor's Advisory Commission on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Issues (MAC) hosted the first ever community forum in order to inform the GLBT community of its actions as well as seek input for current issues.
Among those in attendance of the forum, hosted by St. Mark’s Methodist Church, were members of the Commission, Mayor’s office, NOPD 8th District Captain Smegal and Lt. Anderson, Ambush Magazine, Forum for Equality, PFLAG, MCC, along with many other community activists and business owners. The MAC plans on hosting several of these community meetings and pledged to host the next one in the NOPD 5th District in the upcoming months.
The MAC meets regularly on the first Wednesday of every month at 5pm. For location information, contact the Mayor’s Office of Human Relations at 504.565.7916 or visit the newly developed website at www.glbtnola.com.

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