by Phyllis Denmark
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
www.thebigdiva.com
The Storm blew in and the Storm blew out, and Southern Decadence was a great success. Record numbers of people were out on the street having fun and spending money. Uncle Andy and I decided to stay at the Astor Crowne Plaza. The only thing to damper the holiday was the heat. We got to see many people who come every year, along with our many friends who live here. I do want to thank the New Orleans Police Department for making sure we had a safe and fun party. Grand Marshal Rusty LaRoux looked fabulous with her entourage, with a beautiful headdress and back piece designed by Donnie Jay.
Returning to work will be very boring after partying for 5 days. We started off the party Wednesday at Oz. I judged the 3rd Annual Miss Queen Fashions Pageant which was won by the lovely Opal Masters.
Afterwards we tipped over to the Parade for Rusty’s fund-raiser show for United Services for AIDS. I took some great pictures, then it was back to Oz for the Chicago Show. Don’t ask me how I ended up on Rampart Street but when I down loaded the pictures it told quite a story.
I made it to 735, Ninth Circle, Voodoo and 7th Circle. By the time I made it to the last stop I only had half a face on. Pictures don’t lie, just please tell me where I left the other half of my face! Thank goodness for my designated driver Scott G. He kept this elderly drag goddess out of trouble.
Friday we had the pleasure of attending the Royal Cafe’s Extremely Happy, Happy Hour. Manager Chelsea, along with Larry Bagneris as guest bartender, played host. They had Charles Grant and Stevan Marz entertaining the crowd with their cabaret review "Me & Josephine."
I had never seen Charles perform before, and he was fabulous along with Stevan on the piano. The place was packed, and we also had a very special appearance by SDGM XXXI Rusty LaRoux. Past Grand Marshals Estelle, Irish Mike and Miss Love were in attendance, along with Tom Conners and Bob Boher of Satyricon fame.
Uncle Andy and I escorted the lovely Rusty LaRoux to the next stop on her journey, the signing of the Grand Marshal posters at Ninth Circle. Photographer Roberto Rincon poster designer James Tompkins, was on hand with Rusty LaRoux to sign the posters and the cover of the Whiz. I parked at the bar and entertained myself.
The next stop was the Southern Decadence Drag Show at Lucille’s Golden Lantern. I must confess I was partying outside the bar, but did peek in from time to time to see who was onstage. The power went out for a second during Rusty’s number. We just figured it was God giving his blessing on Southern Decadence! We twirled down Bourbon Street after our appearance at the Lantern. The crowds in the street were something to see. I have not seen this many people at Decadence in years. I think all the drama in the news only served to bring more people to town.
We did make a stop at 735 on Friday night, and it was hopping with dance music and lots of pretty people.
I don’t think we missed a lounge during Southern Decadence. I even made it to Elysian Fields Wednesday night to see my baby Kim at Kims 940. I must confess it was 2am, and I was drunk!
Starlight by the Park gets the award for the coolest bar! And no, Javier, I am not going to take a shower on the back deck!
It is hard to track our trip because there were so many places and so many hot men out. The Corner Pocket was packed all weekend with boys dancing on the bar. The Double Play had a nice crowd and I got to chat with Chuck.
Saturday night we attended the Grand Marshal’s show at Body and Soul. The lovely Olive wowed the audience along with past Grand Marshal Mumbo. It was a star studded affair. The show was the brain child of SDGM XXXI Rusty LaRoux to benefitted and raised $1,500 for United Services for AIDS. We went from there to Chet’s for the return of Amy Armstrong & Freddy Allen. I loved me some Amy Armstrong. I love a girl who can entertain and isn’t a size 6.
Sunday was a beautiful day for a parade. In spite of Grant Storm, and in spite of a tropical storm in the gulf. I hit the streets with neon hair, along with Marsha Delain and Uncle Andy and Rip. Now I think I just might have created a monster. Rip nearly knocked me down to make sure he was in every picture. You put a wig on a man and they turn into a "Diva". I am going to keep an eye on him. We were very cute in our multi-colored wigs and show girl outfits. Miss Marsha looked a lot like "little Phyllis". I have to confess when I do anyone’s makeup they tend to look like me. Next time I’m going to put her in a red wig and we are going as the STEPFORD Phyllis’. The parade was great fun with Rusty LaRoux starting promptly at 2pm. Her entourage included past grand marshals, along with a few wanna be’s. They were all beautiful with costumes full of color and feathers. Noteworthy costumes; the Boys with the Sheep, Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride, and of course, Amanda Takehometomother from San Francisco.
The parade was followed by the Grand Marshal’s Bead Toss off the balcony at Ambush Headquarters. The Grand Marshal and her entourage tossed beads and fans, along with Coors T-shirts and Pride T-shirts. Special thanks to Derek's Costume Headquarters for his donation of fabulous beads and Pride t-shirt throws.
The Ambush girls were, as always, perfect hosts. I set up court in the sitting room, and let the guests come to me. After the bead toss we cooled down and talked about how successful this year's Southern Decadence was.
I want to offer a special thank you to Captain Louie Dabdoub and the 8th District, along with Mayor Ray Nagin. I am so proud that they had the courage not to bow down to a few radical protesters.
I also want to thank all of our advertisers who helped make Southern Decadence 2003 a success, Tropical Isle and Earl Bernhardt in particular, H&R Block, Ralph and Kacoo’s, Crescent City Camera, 735, Queen Fashions, Harrah’s Casino for again being the Official Casino, Royal Cafe, Hair Asylum, Gargoyle’s, Paradise Video, Cody Media, Kims 940, Deanies Seafood, Mickey Nolan's Salon & Boutique, Royal Cafe, Jack Dempsey's, Elipse Hair & Body Studio and all of our wonderful advertisers. If I forgot to mention you, I still love all of you.
A quick reminder of a few upcoming events. Miss Gay Louisiana America will be held Sept. 18 through the 21 at Sound Factory in Lafayette. I am planing on being there Saturday and Sunday for the crowning. New Orleans Pride Festival 2003 will be October 4 and 5 at Armstrong Park. And last but not least, Halloween Twenty will present "Spectacular Spectacular" October 23-26. To purchase weekend passes on the web www.halloweenneworleans.com, and remember this is a benefit for Project Lazarus.
For ad info call me at 504.220.6407. Ambush is the best way to reach a diversified audience.
PS: Thank you to all our out of town guest who didn’t have sex in the streets. I will return the favor when I visit your hometown!
To keep up with me and everything in New Orleans, you can go to AmbushMag.COM year round!
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