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by Brad Benedict
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA

George's Continues Excellence

It's been a busy period in Baton Rouge since we last talked. My buddy Richard has been attacked again by some no-good ass-wiper(s), who tried to vandalize his place of business again. This is not supposed to happen to such a nice person, but the damage is being repaired, penetration to the interior was not successful, so this latest attempted rape on George's must have left the perpetrators totally perturbed. That's good news. The sad news is that Richard had to go to a lot of expense to repair and re-secure the building. Don't you butt-sniffers have anything better to do? Try getting a job like everyone else, and you might be a lot happier.

Aside from this incident, Richard still brings the Baton Rouge Gay and Lesbian community a great place to carry on excellent communicative camaraderie. My relationship with everyone at George's has always been nice and dates back to a certain older gentleman who brought forth the fine standards we know today.

I was grieved to learn about the exit of Mark from the bartender status here. Last week was his final duty time, but this is one young man who knows where his future is best suited-in the realm of photography. His excellence will be there wherever he goes, and if you need his services, just let me know and I'll be happy to put you in touch with him. Don't settle for less when you can have the very best.

It is Richard's expertise in sincere and knowledgeable management that the karaoke craze has hit our capital city. Thanks to Cody King, this excellence continues on a weekly basis each Thursday. Fridays usually bring on the dancers, but I rather like the community spirit I find whenever I make the wonderful happy hours here. Without the friendly and wonderful demeanor of this man, George's would be just another bar. It is now simply a place where a Baton Rouge tradition survives-good friends, good times, good drinks, good memories.

Bogart's Brings Zing Back To Third Street

Paul and Michael have restored something that has been a part of the Baton Rouge scene for many years. I won't mention the name of that former bar because it died a timely death with a door closing that can never be re-opened, but Bogart's is totally new, totally inviting, and totally refreshing in its approach to bringing a fine drinking establishment to the capital city.

The opening of Bogart's is something to definitely celebrate. It's a return of one of Baton Rouge's favorite and most popular bartenders who is now in the driver's seat. Paul is a natural for this role. His personality and sincerity just seem to ooze out all over the place. He and Mike are redesigning the interior of the building, and it all looks to be a great improvement over the existing setup. When it's complete, it will be a restoration of the spirit of what is lost forever but resurrected in the glory of great memories. For Gerald, S.J. and all those other fantastic people from our past, let Bogart's into you entertainment agenda. It's a worthy creation and definitely an asset to the happy community of Red Stickers and their followers from other cities.

Time Zone Zooms In

Main Street is alive and well in the form of two long-time bar barons, James and Kyle. Lately, the place has been packed with new faces. Of course, the regulars are still there, but some are straight neighborhood types and are all just a part of the woodwork. It's those new ones who seem to be bringing new life to this part of our city, and their karaoke Wednesdays are busy ones.

James and Kyle are also back in the antique business over on Government St. The Time Zone reflects their expertise in this field with all the nice decorations. Some people might call it junk, but if you check around, you will find some treasures that you hadn't expected. This same attitude toward valuable older items has proven to be successful to many businesses in Key West. Treasures are found in a number of ways, and with this couple of entrepreneurs, you find it in fine drinks and valuable antiques. This combination is a good one.

Check out the atmosphere you find at the Time Zone. It's a cool place with an aura of antiquity among the progress of the future. I had a wonderful time there last week with one of my oldest and dearest friends. I don't mean old as in old, but I mean oldest in relationships. Did I say that right, Ken darling? After all, being 39 forever is a drag, isn't it? And we've both been there, done that, and come away much better individuals. I'm very thankful you stepped into my life so many years ago. It's still refreshing as if we only just met. That's what friendship is all about.

Blue Parrot Duo Do Good

I am always pleased when I take in the Blue Parrot. Steve won't be around much anymore since he got that full-time position with the Federal group, but there's Greg who can keep me happy any old time he pleases. Of course, without Don and Tom, my two favorite redheads, the place wouldn't be the same anyway. They've brought about some very good changes to the management of this bar.

The atmosphere here is certainly a nice one. Whether it's indoors or out of doors in their gorgeous patio, this couple of lively entrepreneurs always make you feel so much at home away from home. Their huge TV screen is an asset here, especially during their karaoke sessions. There's always a good bunch of performers to keep you entertained, especially Hanley, and Sondra and Michelle do a bang-up job bringing in such a fine program for the community.

I'm looking forward to fall when the patio will be a much more inviting place to be. This year's heat has been atrocious, and the lack of rain hasn't helped. However, with fall just around the corner, there will be some happy times taking place in this magical little patio. Who knows? Maybe Alexx will bring her strikingly beautiful blue hair and slinky red dress to the outside area and thrill us all with her tongue tricks. Now, darlings, don't get me wrong here, but you do promote this appendage a lot.

Evolution Rings In New Season

With the beginning of the new school term at LSU, South ern and other area schools, the sights around Evolution have changed tremendously. It's time to take notice of all those beautiful faces and bodies that glide in and out of this bar on a weekly basis. This dance emporium is the finest you will find anywhere in the South. This statement is not meant to take anything away from any other establishment, but I happen to know for a fact that George, Jim, Obry and their krewe of happy people furnish this city with the very best dance music available.

I've seen a lot of places that would like to think they are as good as Evolution, but you're going to have to show me to convince me. Of course, that works in a number of ways, but we won't go there in a family newspaper column. Last week, I dropped by to see what was going on and found that same amiable atmosphere that I've always found there. Of course, as an older member of the community, I hang out more upstairs, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate what goes on downstairs. I enjoy the music, the people, and the friendly atmosphere. I just enjoy the chitchats with Jim in a more subdued environment.

Hide-A-Way Worth The Effort

I don't usually go to the Hide-A- Way on Thursday nights, but I thought I would try it this time so that I could catch Minette in one of her pool tournaments. I did just that. This is one of the finest community members you will find and is probably one of the most underrated. Many people would enjoy the fine atmosphere here if they would take the drive out to Exchange Place. Don't tell me it's too far out when you will drive to Lafayette or New Orleans to party. That excuse doesn't hold any truth to it.

As far as women's bars are concerned, this is the best of all the rest in this or any city. And I'll have to say that when it comes to leather, these ladies know how to do it up right. At a recent leather night, I saw some fine lookin' women in some fine lookin' clothes. Whether it's leather, a dance marathon, or just sippin' a cool one, the Hide-A-Way is one of the finest establishments on this planet. This is due to the continuing support Minette has given to this city and to this area. I think she's absolutely wonderful.

Southern Decadence Extravaganza

While in New Orleans during Southern Decadence, I managed to accompany three other illustrious Red Stickers to several bars, but it was at the Corner Pocket that I had such a great time. Two of George's most popular entertainers, Atilla and Fermin, made it a worthwhile evening, but I have to admit I kinda fell for Chicago Billy. This one is extremely handsome in all the right places. I didn't get the names of every one of the dancers, but Ms. Fly must have worked overtime to come up with this talented bunch of hot hunks. In fact, I didn't see her. Perhaps she was still interviewing the merchandise.

There were Red Stickers all over the French Quarter on this particular night. I had no sooner opened the door at the Corner Pocket when I met a smiling Red Stick face and got a wonderful hug from that fantastic Scott. On the street and in the bars, I saw so many faces I know from our community in Baton Rouge. It was a welcome sight to behold.

Earlier in the evening, I took pictures of the Mr. Louisiana Leather 1999 contest held at Le Petite Theatre du Vieux Carre and witnessed our own Gregory Cain coming away with the first runner-up spot. I really do like the leather community, and I'm glad to see that Tom and Don push this for their Friday nights at the Blue Parrot. Of course, they were in the audience at this function as well as quite a few others, including Don, Sam, Gene N., Roger and his TTT, Howard of steak fame, Carroll and his bunch of lovelies, Jeannie and lots of Gregory fans (and terrific Tony too), and one I can't mention because his closet door got jammed about a hundred years ago. Sorry, darling, I just had to say that! The same applies to that Ark-La-Tex teacher. Oh, my! I best better not go there either.

Jared, George, Danny, Ernie, and all you other Lords of Leather(ites) are due a big hand for the fine program this year. The Knight d'Orleans and other leather groups are also mainstays in the community, and they too deserve praise for their efforts in bringing forth such a fine image to a group of misunderstood and wonderful human beings. Mr. International Leather 1998, Tony Mills, said it right in his speech, and the audience agreed. That beautiful man just took my breath away, or was that just his profession I was thinking about. He sat right in front of me, and I lusted all evening.

Speaking of beautiful human beings, I don't think you will find them any finer than Frank Nowicki. His beauty is both inner and outer, and that purple and black leather combo just made me want to run out and get my leather contact to order me an outfit so we could be twins. Well, that's not possible, but I can make Frank an offer he can't refuse. Frank darling, I know you want to tour the plantation country and even come to Baton Rouge for a visit. All you have to do is let me know when you are available, and I'm all yours-as a tour guide, of course.

And I have to mention the wonderful voice of Jay Cooper and the sweet dedications made by Danny Alford prior to his songs. They were both wonderful in all respects.

Scott Garrett, who some of you non-attendees may know from Oz, was the winner of this year's title, Mr. Louisiana Leather 1999, and he should do the state proud in future competitions and in meeting the public. In fact, I rather thought all five made a good showing, but, forgive me for being so partial, but Gregory is my friend, and I think he needs to come back next year and take this title. He definitely had the most beautiful butt of the five. Gregory. Gregory. Gregory. You are the MOST!

Before leaving the Crescent City area, I made a stop in Metairie at Four Seasons. This facility is very nice, and I love their patio and outside bar. I snapped a few pictures, chitchatted with Kelly and Robert who were arriving as I was leaving, and then headed back up the interstate. It had been a lovely evening and the climax to a fine day's activities. Southern Decadence 1998 was over for me.

Holiday In The Capital City

Decadence is not a word that can be applied to the capital city of our illustrious state. We are subdued and only celebrate on special occasions, like when a new governor comes into office or when Woody gets his comeuppance in print. However, things do happen here, and I just had to tell you briefly about this day of days.

For those Red Stickers who weren't still boozed out in the Crescent City, there were wonderful foods being served at George's and Bogart's. No cooking was done at the Blue Parrot because Tom and Don were still cookin' up something in New Orleans, but Greg and Roger were carrying on in grand style at this neighborhood bar. It was quiet all around the city with holiday observances being taken by the Time Zone, and, of course, the Hide-A-Way and Evolution are not ever open on Mondays. Believe it or not, Hibiscus Bookstore was packed with New Orleans no-shows, which just goes to show that there are a lot of literate people out there who have never heard the term Southern Decadence.

I had a wonderful time and plan to have an even more rewarding experience with Guy (who is so sexy when he sweats so much). And the rain added to the touch of sexuality, but Sir Richard had his troops out in force. I especially loved my conversations with several hunks at George's, and I had just as much fun when I made it on up to Bogart's. Not being that much of a drinker, I was feeling no pain, just pleasure, by the end of the evening, or was that night? Whatever! Red Stick was alive and well, and everyone had a great time.

Miscellanea

And in closing, let me remind you that Hibiscus Bookstore is your Baton Rouge leather connection, with a special display at the main store on Main St. and at the Blue Parrot. Lots of rings and things are there for you, and special orders can be taken at any time. Of course, for magazines, books, film, jewelry, lubes, and giftables, there's no better place to be than Hibiscus. This store is also a Baton Rouge tradition, offering fine merchandise and a cozy atmosphere for shoppers for ten years. Women will find their merchandise on hand also at the Hide-A-Way.

One final thought for you. Let me just add that a community that works together, stays together. Red Stickers are good at working and staying together. That's what it's all about. Let's all do our part to make it work.

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