by Phyllis Denmark
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
www.thebigdiva.com
Southern Decadence is over and the streets have had a good douching and all that is left is me with a room full of wigs and drag all over the floor. So lets talk about Halloween 2002! I am just kidding but it will be here before we know it. As any good queen knows we live from holiday to holiday. The rest of the year is going to fly by. Halloween then New Year’s Eve then Mardi Gras all over again.
I hope that everyone had a safe and good Southern Decadence. Of course all that is on TV is how evil and decadent we were. It amazes me that a bunch of bible waving Ministers that don’t live in Orleans Parish can cause such a stir. I am not saying that the gay community was not at fault for some of the madness. But if the police are going to crack down on Southern Decadence then they also need to address Mardi Gras, the Sugar Bowl, Super Bowl and Essence. What is good for one is good for all. If the girls are going to show boobs in the front of the Quarter then the boys should be able to show birds in the back of the Quarter. As far as public sex, that is down right tacky and should be addressed. Ok I am off my soap box. Meanwhile I think we should plan a trip to the trouble making ministers church in DRAG on one of these Sundays. I can’t believe that in 2002 that hate mongers are still allowed to exist.
Now on to something lighter. Andy and I and the Ambush girls had a fabulous decadence. If you saw me then you know I was MISS AMERICA all decked out in Red , White and Blue. Kinda sounds like my feet by the end of the day. My friend Laura of Royal Rags, 627 Rue Dumaine designed my costume. My hair was done by Michael of FiFi fame. We did all the good stuff. From the Official Southern Decadence Drag Show to the parade and bead toss. Andy and the Ambush girls were Irish "Escargot" Fairies in vivid Kaftans. My sister Kristina Kanasta of San Francisco joined us on Saturday and we had a blast. Of course the boys of TT’s will never be the same.
The parade was very nice. There didn’t seem to be as much drag this year but the streets were packed with people waiting to see us. We got to see so many of my fans. And speaking of which I gave out the first Big Diva hand fan. Next year I am going to sell those babys. All this glamour costs a fortune and face it girls, no one wants to see me dancing on the bar at the Corner Pocket for extra money. And that bitch Princesse Stephaney, I gave her one of my fans and she glued a picture of herself over my face. I’m only bitter cause it sounds like something I would have done. I guess she figured with her face on it there would be more hot air LOL. And girl can we talk about coffee table editions! I am not even going there.
We LOVED the official drag show at Lucille’s Golden Lantern. The bar was packed and it was hot as hell. My white chocolate pussy lolly pop melted while I was on stage and Rip was sweatin' like a country ham. I really enjoyed having him and Marsha MC the show. They have been the hostesses for the Official Drag show for many years. The highlight of the show was the lovely Eva Las Vegas, Olive and Miss Rotunda. Girl, I think she had every chicken feather in the tri-state area on that dress.
Before we went to the official drag show we stopped in at two of my favorite digs. The Marigny Brasserie, at 640 Frenchmen Street and Belle Forche’. Owners Jed and Roland, of Marigny Brasserie were not around. Someone told me Jed was having trouble with his CAT and no I don’t want to know what that means. They do make a fine Martini at the Brasserie.
Afterwards we twirled thru Belle Forche’, 1407 Decatur Street. I had to have a few cocktails and terrorize Raoul. He is sooo cute. But promises me he will never give it up. That won’t stop me. Both the Marigny Brasserie and Belle Forche’ are fine dining restaurants with great food, good service and a well stocked bar. They are the treats of the Faubourg Marigny!
Some of my favorite costumes at the parade were: the Taliban Girls with their mini skirts, tube tops and beer bellys. The wireless girls "Can You HEAR ME NOW", and the Lovely Fairies with Miss Olive. They were colorful and pretty. Grand Marshal "Irish Mike" stunned the crowd as the biggest Fairy of them all. He was beautiful with shades of purple and gold and huge wings. The parade was great fun. We even got to see the lovely Ginnifer Flowers hanging out of her club on St. Louis St.
Now would y’all like some gossip. Pepper’s, 2105 Hancock St. in Gretna, has closed. Miss Pepper, " Johnny Deocampo" called me and told me he sold the bar and made a fortune. I guess now she can pay me that $5.00 she has owed me for 6 months. She is looking for another location to open another club. Stay tuned for more info. It seems like clubs on the Westbank have a hard time staying open!
I do have to tell y’all that I have severed my relationship with the Krewe of Armeinius. Due to lack of time to spare and way too much drama I decided to devote more time to Ambush and to my honey Andy.
I do encourage you all to support the gay mardi gras krewes so they can continue the tradition. Which brings me to the Krewe of Amon Ra. They will be having a fund raiser at Le Chat Noir on Sept. 26th at 7:30pm. It will be a special production of the smash musical review, The Black and White Blues. Tickets will be $20.00. For tickets contact a member or stop and see my friend Ann at Queen Fashions, 907 Bourbon St. They will also be holding a Country and Western Dance on Nov. 16. Location has not been announced.
I do want to thank all of our advertisers for making Southern Decadence a big success for the City of New Orleans, Ambush Magazine and The Big Diva. Special thank you’s to The Marigny Brasserie, Belle Forche’, Aquarians Restaurant, The Visitor’s Center, 617 Daiquiri Deli, Hair Asylum, Gargoyle’s , Club 360 , Deanie’s Seafood, Royal Blend, H&R Block, Jack Dempsey’s and all of our wonderful advertisers.
Remember Halloween is next and only 3 issues before Halloween. Deadline for Pre-Halloween/Halloween XIX issue is Oct. 8th. Call me! 504.220.6407 Phyllis wants YOU! to advertise.
PS. Thanks Mayor Nagin, you’re doing a great job!
