by Brad Benedict
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
Fireworks Time Again
Lots of things are coming up in July in Red Stick. The Krewe of Apollo is having their turnabout. Capital City Royal Order of Unicorn is staging their first Mr. and Miss CCROU pageant. Both events are taking place at Bogart's. And at Evolution, you have the best dance music you will find anywhere in the Deep South, while at George's, those luscious boys just have a tendency to dance all around that bar. It is such a thrill to see this.
In fact, there is never a dull moment in this part of the country. Minette has lots planned for her summer at the Hide-A-Way, and Hibiscus Bookstore is having a big sale on books. All hardcovers are 40% off, and softcovers are 20% off.
Topping all of this off is the big (by Baton Rouge standards) fireworks over the Mississippi display. I'm close enough that I can stand at my window and see the sky light up with multicolored splendor without venturing out in the heat. I celebrate by staying cool and watching the world go by from my front porch or reading and writing in the privacy of my home. Crowds at Mardi Gras in New Orleans are great, but puny little fireworks displays don't do too much for me. If I really want to see fireworks, I make my way up to Natchitoches in December for their Christmas Festival. Now THAT is a fireworks show!
Bogart's Packs Big Punch
Bogart's has added Friday dinners to their schedule. Wednesdays have been food nights for quite a while, but with the addition of another night, free food is a good reason to get out of the house and away from the stove. And as I mentioned earlier, the shows are coming your way in July.
The Krewe of Apollo is having their turnabout, Bogart's employees will also don the dresses, and CCROU is having a big contest for selecting their Mr. and Miss CCROU. That just about fills up Bogart's calendar of important events to the brim. Paul's always up front and out there with big plans, and he's just about outdone himself this time around. In fact, he may have to go back to Key West just to recuperate.
Hibiscus Happenings
Every afternoon, closings at Hibiscus are wonderful events. It's a hangout for some of the best guys in the whole world. After the camaraderie of the closeout, most of the group make their way to area restaurants to continue their jolly ways and later end up at George's, Bogart's, or Evolution. Of course, when you reach the age of some of them, the only way to go is home.
Lots of planning has gone into making July the biggest sale month in Hibiscus history. That history, by the way, is nearing another anniversary. The end of year 11 is drawing near, and year 12 is on the horizon. It doesn't seem that long for many of us, but I recall the days under the hill and how growth has been steady and most prosperous for all concerned.
Recalling the past wouldn't be complete without issuing a thank you to a couple of guys who are no longer with us, but, in the early days, they worked at the store and helped to establish it as one of the best in the country. I specifically recall a New Mexico lad named David, and I don't mean the David who now works on one of the gambling boats. This David and his lover owned a home behind that tower on Florida Blvd., and I spent many happy times with them. The other memorable guy was Bruce. Many of you remember him as Mona Littlemore. I recall him as a neighbor, as a friend, and as one of the bookman's employees. I miss all three of them and remember them often.
Sometimes when you are at Hibiscus, ask the bookman to point out the pictures from Mona Littlemore's career. This one will never be forgotten.
George's
Keeps
Pulling Them In
Whether it's pretty boys on the bar, the original karaoke (Cody King's way), or just a cold drink on a hot day, you don't get any better than the Dyke-man's place of business, George's. Richard is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, and he has done so much for the Gay community here. Not many business people can say this.
Richard, Guy, and Damon can be seen quite frequently enjoying quiet moments at their homes where they are all flower buffs, or in many cases at Christina's for her prize breakfast selections. Occasionally, they even make the scene at major restaurants for their nightly meetings. It's called friendship.
Be sure to check Richard's ads for the latest in what's going on at George's. He is a loyal Ambush advertiser and has learned that this is where most of the community goes when seeking out things to do. That advertising has paid off for him and has helped to make him the successful businessman he is today.
Miscellanea
Evolution is another business that has garnered much business from advertising. Of course, when you are the best of all the rest, you don't have to worry as much, but you still have to let people know what is being planned over a given period of time.
As far as nightlife in Baton Rouge is concerned, you don't find another club like Evolution. Otherwise you have to find your way to New Orleans and the wonderful world of Oz or the fabulous Gilland properties, Sound Factory in Lafayette, or Crystal's in Lake Charles.
Another place that is attracting lots of Baton Rougeans is Jules in Lafayette. I haven't made my visit there yet, but all indications are that it is one of the best. I have to add that I'm a fan of Mark and Brian, so that gets me out to Backstreet Men's Club in Lafayette a lot. When I'm in New Orleans, you might find me at Oz, Lafitte's, my sweet Eddie's Wolfendale's, TT's, definitely at the Phoenix, and also at the Friendly Bar. If I'm still standing, you might see me at the Mint, MRB, Big Daddy's or Ms. Fly's wonderful Corner Pocket. Anytime a trip to New Orleans is made, it's a bar-hopping bonanza.
A lot of the Baton Rouge community is finding El Rio Grande to their liking. That's great because Raoul makes the best drinks in the entire city. You've never had a Margarita this good. And several of my closest friends often make On the Border with me. The most gorgeous of all waiters is here, and if you don't ask for him you have missed the treat of your life. His name is Todd, and his eyes are the bluest of the blues, his body is sculptured to the max, and his personality just makes you want to jump up and grab him. Be still my heart! And everything else too!!!!
There have been lots more birthdays this period and several coming up. Kevin had his. Other half Elmer will celebrate while this is going to press. A certain Lord King will be 29 again soon, and I think his queen-in-waiting is about to add another year too.
And Anna, darling, hurry up and get that leg back in shape. The Hide-A-Way dance floor is awaiting you. I'm sorry you had to have surgery and miss Cher, but Edie thought of you during the entire performance. Right, Edie?
BC John had an injury too. This was not supposed to happen, but carelessness on the part of a someone did him in. As far as I know (since I didn't do a personal inspection), it healed without any permanent damage, but it made him decide that he would never have the reverse Prince Albert. John, darling, what can I do to help you out with problems such as this? You know I'm always there for you.
Sweet Patrick of the PA is a tremendous help at Hibiscus Bookstore. Every time I go there, he is just working his little buns off, and they are nice ones too. The other Patrick of several piercings missed that wonderful leather show in New Orleans even after his ticket was purchased for him. Ditto for Kiley and Jawn! However, Kiley came forth for his punishment. Now a certain leather man is awaiting the other two.
TTT of writing fame didn't realize that he was performing in a former church last week. He was horrified to know that he had done this. Never fear, darling, you've done worse things. At least performing in a former church got you out before midnight instead of 5 a.m. Did I say that?
A special thank you goes out to Matt for helping with my pictures this time. And I'm always grateful to Guy for all his help. Helpful thanks also need to go out to Mark's Michael and that Capitol businessman Kevin for all their many acts of kindness.
Get well wishes are also in order for Al, who had that car wreck a few weeks ago. We all love you Al.
Speaking of Elmer of leather fame, did I tell you about the time he went to La Peniche in drag? Oh, well, that's a story for another time.
