by Brad Benedict
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
Lords of Leather
Do American Bandstand
If you missed the Lords of Leather show June 16 at Body and Soul, located across
from the Friendly Bar, you missed one of the best shows to ever hit the Crescent
City. The extensive rain did not dampen the spirits of this group. They played to a packed house, and guess what? The price of admission included all your drinks at the open bar. Not many groups can do this and make ends meet. Well, this was success with several big dollar marks. And the decorations were excellent too.
Pat O'Rourke got things under way as emcee, and things never slowed down. Arethia did "Respect" and even the real Aretha would have been proud of this charming performance. It was so good, another run through the song was demanded, thanks mostly to a certain Mississippi leatherite who insisted on it. In fact, this was about the only period of the night when he had to use his hands for something besides penile manipulation.
Effie Marie did a fabulous Shania mix, but then this doll always comes through with great performances. I've followed this one for years, and she only gets better with age. She's a talented Spanish Town babe from the Red Stick.
The surprise of the night came when the Virgin Queen Bradleen came out. The song was so X-rated that I dare not give you the title or mention any of the words. However, when this one got going, the only thing to do was request another run through the song. The tips flowed like the rain that afternoon, and the crowd begged for more.
Miss Tootie Doll, another Red Stick babe, did "Harper Valley PTA" and, let me tell you, this one did it up right. She was the most beautiful babe of the night, and her talent was absolutely great.
Following Miss Tootie Doll's number was a dance period, which gave way to that fabulous Sonny and Cher number. Sonny got his babe again, and the babe was none other than that Tootie doll once more.
When Sharon Cox came forth, it was time to revive everyone again and this time it was with that "survive" of all songs, "I Will Survive." The Cox girl did arouse the audience again. You should have seen this one. She was a hoot. She was an even bigger hoot after the show when she showed up at La Peniche. This one was a head turner, I must say.
Miss Tanginishia and Company did "These Boots Were Made for Walking," and that's what they did. Goodness, I could hardly control my excitement. If that wasn't enough to get everyone to their feet, the Virgin Queen Bradleen and Company followed this act with "Looking for a City." I think they found it in a roller blading cutie that had the sister shouting and the choir mates in a state of sexual frenzy. Linnie and Samatha were just wonderful, and that darling child Jon-Jon was really a talented one. Roller blading will never be viewed in the same light again.
After that, it was a dance break before bringing back Effie Marie and a dynamic number by Danna who worked everyone's "Imagination." Now if this wasn't enough, Mama Cas-a-Roll did her famous "Monday, Monday" number and was just a delight to behold. She ruled the stage with her act. Next came Miss Tanginishia again with Larry Lorrie, a leather beauty, and "I Am What I Am."
Because of the popularity of the evening's performances, a repeat set of the first group of acts was done with a grand encore performance by the Virgin Queen Bradleen. The night was closed out with "We Are Family," with all performers joining in.
It was a delightful night and one that will go down in history as the best that this Mardi Gras krewe has ever done. However, when you know the Lords of Leather are in charge, it has to be good.
No, let me re-phrase that. When the Lords of Leather are in charge, it has to be FABULOUS!
