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SDGMs Press Party
Brings Out GMs In OPP Form
The Southern Decadence Grand Marshals' [SDGM] Press Party heralded the arrival of GMs XXVIII Tony Langlinais and Thom "Smurf" Murphy by super stretch black limo to Rawhide 2010. The Voodoo color guard, all dressed in brilliant orange Orleans Parish Prison [OPP] garb, exited the limo first, followed by "police woman" GM Tony tugging handcuffed OPP clad GM Smurf into the club sporting a sign around his neck which read "Go To Jail." This signaled the kickoff of a wild night of festivities hosted by Wood Enterprises.
The grand marshals chose to poke fun and show their sense of humor at an e-mail issued by Ken Grandpre in his weekly "Greetings From the Land of Wood Enterprises." The e-mail read: "Congratulations to Tony and Smurf, our new Grand Marshals for Southern Decadence. I heard that Errol chose two this year, because one of them will probably be in jail by the time Labor Day gets here. JUST KIDDING! Now that is going to get back to them, and they are going to be mad at me. [Just tell them than Ken Marino said it.] It does promise to be the best Southern Decadence ever."
Reaction to the statement by Grandpre prompted an apology in the following week's "Greetings From the Land of Wood Enterprises," which said, "In last week's e-mail, I made a joke about there being two Grand Marshals of Southern Decadence. I did not mean any harm by it, but I did offend a few people. I truly do apologize to anyone who was offended. I promise to be more careful of what I say in the future."
We have found, in our line of work, how, amazingly, the printed word often has a life of its own. Even though the author may make a comment in jest and believe it funny, many will not; so, you roll with the punches and weather the storm.
SDGMs Tony and Smurf got down to business, greeting revelers attending their press party. First on the agenda was the announcement of Bud Light as Official Beer, the Krystal on Bourbon St. as Official Delivery Restaurant, Larry Graham of Graham Studio One as Official Photographer, Petunias and Feelings as Official Restaurants, and Voodoo at Congo Square and the Corner Pocket as Home Bars.
The grand marshals also changed the theme from Taboo X 2: The Forbidden Treasures Tour to Taboo X 2: The Forbidden Pleasures Tour. Official Colors include Red, Silver and Black. Official Song is "Man I Feel Like A Woman" by Shania Twain. Smurf and Tony will lead the 29th Southern Decadence celebration Labor Day Weekend. The 28th SD Parade will kick off at 2pm, Sun., Sept. 3, outside of the Home of Southern Decadence, Golden Lantern, 1239 Royal St.
GMs Smurf and Tony's Proclamation read, "By th Powers invested upon the Grand Marshals XXVIII, a Declaration that the annual tradition of Southern Decadence shall officially commence upon the date of the thirty-first day of August in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and for four days and nights, Bacchanalia & Merriment shall reign supreme as the inhabitants of our hamlet celebrate with events of debauchery and endless revelry, climaxing upon the fourth day of September.
"It is the desire of the Grand Marshals that all members of our fair community shall participate in the gaiety of the season, and in keeping with cultural continuity, the option of masking and costuming shall enhance the festivities.
"By Decree of Thom 'Smurf' Murphy, Tony Langlinais, Grand Marshals XXVIII"
The grand marshals' appearance schedule so far includes, Aug. 13/9pm-Grand Marshals' Cocktail Party/ Footloose; Aug. 17/8pm-Grand Marshals honored at Magnolia Cotillion XXVI/Ambush Headquarters; Aug. 26/2pm-Grand Marshals Brunch & Run; Aug. 29-Grand Marshals visit 735; Aug. 31/9pm-New Grand Marshals Meet former Grand Marshals/Golden Lantern; Sept. 1/10pm-Annual Southern Decadence Drag Show/Golden Lantern; Sept. 1/midnight-Grand Marshals visit Leather Decadence Block Party/Phoenix;
Sept 3/10am-Southern Decadence Day Breakfast & Make-up Party/Phoenix; Sept. 3/2pm-Southern Decadence Parade kick off/Golden Lantern; Sept. 3/4:30ishpm-Annual Grand Marshals Bead Toss/Ambush Headquarters; Sept. 3/5pm-Annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Bar-B-Que/MRB; Sept. 3/10pm-Grand Marshals Private Party: Welcome to the Garden of Good and Evil/Voodoo at Congo Square; and, Sept. 4/11am-Come as You Are Party/Corner Pocket. Some events are open to the public, by admission or by invitation only.
Ambush Mag has for years served as Official Southern Decadence Guide, while AMBUSHonLine's www.southerndecadence.com as Official Southern Decadence Web Site. The Web site attracts over 100,000 unique visitors each year, garnering some 25,000 e-mail requests on Decadence info.
9th Charity High Heel Pool Tourney in Full Swing
The 9th Charity High Heel Pool Tournament is in full swing with team play practically every Wed. at 7pm in weekly host bars. The annual event has, in its first eight years, raised over $35,000 benefiting many community charities.
Each team, playing in high heels, picks a favorite charity, and their standing at the end of the tournament season dictates how much money that charity will receive. Some $1,384 has been raised so far this year. Ambush Mag has been exclusive media sponsor since its inception.
Teams and charities this year include Angles-Project Lazarus, Another Corner-Belle Reve, Cafe Lafitte in Exile-MCC/Living Room, Country Club-Lesbian & Gay Community Center of New Orleans, Footloose-Brotherhood Inc./Trinity House, Four Seasons-Jefferson Parish Health Unit, Friendly Bar-Buzzy's Boys & Girls, and Voodoo at Congo Square-Food For Friends.
Tourney play remaining includes Aug. 9-Another Corner, Aug. 16-Footloose, Aug. 23-Country Club, Sept. 13-4 Seasons, with Finals Sept. 24/5pm-Body & Soul. The Awards Banquet follows Oct. 1/5pm at Angles.
Find & Dine
Lucky Cheng's new manager, Timmy "Juicy" Bordelon invited Ambush in to sample this popular restaurant's brand new menu. Some of the old favorites remained, but the menu accomplishes several new culinary feats.
The appetizer Asian Gravlax for $8 is a steal of a deal with delicious two-day citron cured salmon, pressed with Asian herbs and tobiko caviar complete with cream cheese and all the fixings served with crisp toast points.
The Cajun dim sum combination plate at $7.50 per person is another appetizer not to be missed, including Imperial Rolls, Shrimp Batons, Spinach Rangoons and Japanese style Satay. Wow, what a sampling of delights!
It was definitely hard to make a selection of entrees since there are so many appealing choices. The Crabmeat Surprise at $25 boasted jumbo lump crabmeat topped with sesame/chive/mayo caviar gratinee stuffed in a large scallop shell. It proved to be an incredible choice served with Asian sweet potato fries and a bed of herb-tossed salad greens with a hint of fresh ginger.
However, the Mongolian BBQ Pork Tenderloin at $21 practically melted in your mouth. The sweet and tangy Hoisin BBQ sauce did a number on these medallions of tender pork, making you want to scream out "I've died and gone to Heaven!" The dish was accented with cheddar mashed potatoes and this one with a bed of herb-flavored watercress with a hint of ginger.
Waitress Paloma talked us into trying the restaurant's most famous dessert, Imelda's Shoe at $35. The size 10 Ghiradelli solid dark chocolate pump was filled with whipped cream and fresh assorted berries and kiwi. When Paloma took out the meat clever, it signaled the placing of napkins in front of each diner to prevent the splatter of chocolate chunks, cream and fruit. Once Paloma finished the deed, it was time to devour this outrageous finale to an incredible dining experience.
Let's not forget the evening's entertainment. The Cheng girls, led by emcee Delicious, put on one hell of a show dragging up willing participants into their web of shenanigans. One young man was so enthusiastic that he even stripped to the waist to join in the festivities.
Lucky Cheng's, 720 St. Louis, serves dinner 6pm til nightly, accepting all major credit cards. Reservations suggested, 504.529.2045. Private dining/party facilities are available on the second floor.
The Latest on Halloween XVII
Halloween XVII: Vamps & Voodoo is getting in high gear announcing the latest lineup. It all begins on Thur., Oct. 26, 7:30-11pm with Velvet: Dinner & Silent Auction hosted at the Ritz-Carlton. $75 admission, open bar, cocktail attire.
Fri., Oct. 27, 10pm-3am, Gypsies, Vamps & Thieves: Welcome Party is set with location to be announced. $30 admission, open bar, casual attire.
The big night is Sat., Oct. 28, 10pm-4am, Vamps and Voodoo: Costume Dance Extravaganza featuring DJ Manny Lehman of Los Angeles at the Municipal Auditorium. $50 admission, open bar, costume required.
Sun., Oct. 29, 1-5pm, brings Grits & Gris Gris: Gospel Brunch at Generations Hall. $30 admission, casual attire, w/bloody marys, screwdrivers, mimosas, daiquiris and beer.
Halloween has raised over $1million for Project Lazarus. Corporate sponsors include Miller Lite, United Airlines, Oz, Genre Magazine, Ambush Mag and AMBUSHonLine.
According to Voodoo Chronicle, the newsletter of Halloween XVII, July, 2000, under Economic Impact Study, "Last year, working under the guidance of University of New Orleans' economic guru Dr. Tim Ryan, Bruce Gallassero and Jenny Calzada developed a survey to measure the economic impact of visitor spending associated with Halloween.
The results were quite impressive. Based on a sample of 356 attendees, the total economic impact of the 1999 event was $12.8 million! Visitor spending generated state and local tax revenues of over $621,000.
Guests also booked over 5,000 room nights in New Orleans hotels. An astounding 82% of the attendees are from outside the New Orleans area.
To become a host at $350, or for more info., visit halloweenneworleans.com.
Pansies & Dirt
18 And Legal In Most States kicked off the Phoenix's 18th anniversary weekend blowout. The Sat. show brought Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XXVIII Thom "Smurf" Murphy and Tony Langlinais to the stage as emcees. Sounding off with an official blow - of SDGM whistles - the massive crowd was electrified and ready for a night to remember. Miss Temple, as in Jamie, hit the stage and, after a little tech difficulty, kicked off the evening's festivities. It would signal some of the most dazzling talent presentations seen in this town, not to mention unusual fashion statements.
Entertainer/Transgender of the Year TT was up next and did her number silent movie style as only TT can do when improvising. We got to see some of the Phoenix favorites. There was Kitty Kat, Daphne and Trixie Delight, along with Red Velour straight from Martini Wednesdays. And we can't forget Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XV Olive and Footloose showgirl Connie Marcelle. There were many more, but other stops on this busy Saturday would send us on our way.
It was also Angles' giant anniversary weekend complete with three days of activities. Friday night brought the Illusions show to the stage with Oz showgirl Raquel Chevallier. Revelers also got their choice of $2 Absoluts or $1 Pucker Shots.
Lady Magic was up next on Saturday bringing to the stage many of New Orleans' top women performers.
The weekend closed out with free cocktails on Sunday along with mgr. Robert's all home prepared buffet. Isn't that right, Robert?
Thursday rolled around and it was off to a late night trilogy of entertainment extravaganzas. This is one night revelers can definitely get their fill of hot acts, all in a three-hour interval.
First stop was 735 to see Symone Devereaux's latest Unladylike night. The bigger than life star brought Wolfendales' Divas R Us hostess Allegra White to the stage, along with Nikki Narcisse. Hot little Jon was behind the bar slingin' cocktails, and we even got to see mgr. Tom and honey Brian.
Then it was off to Oz where new Calendar Boy hostess Lisa Beaumann was examining the attributes of the hot Calendar Boy contestants. Lisa replaces Stephanie Williams who is off on a stint of stardom in Las Vegas. The audience really liked the contestants this night with so close of a call that the top two had to be brought back to the stage three times before the audience response registered a winner. It finally ended with Buddy taking top honors and $200 cash, followed by runner-up Chris.
A quick dash to Rampart landed us at Club Wolfendales. Miss Gay Louisiana USofA Aysa Alexander was already in the midst of Star Search bringing many talents to the stage with contestants vying for $100 cash. Mgr. Rhyn and Tracy were behind the bar with Jewel and Tiara welcoming revelers. Oh, and DJ Dan was spinning crowd favorites.
Resurrection is bringing revelers out every Sunday to The Parish at the House of Blues. Spank, a fetish extravaganza, was the latest Resurrection blast featuring a fetish peep show courtesy of Second Skin Leather. DJ Mary Pappas did the honors and kept dance enthusiasts on the floor. Each week it's something different!
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