by NO/AIDS Task Force Move
Sparks Controversy
The NO/AIDS Task Force will close down its longtime French Quarter location at 1407 Decatur Street on Jan 13. Doors will open that same day at 2601 Tulane Ave. at Broad, Suite 500. Many are distressed to see the Task Force move from the community in which it was founded, and that supported it, for the past 15 years. These same individuals believe it is a bad idea to move to Tulane and Broad, an area where most won't go during the day, let alone at night.
According to Director of Operations, Noel Twilbeck, the NO/AIDS Task Force Board of Directors has been actively seeking a new location for the past two years. Problems with repairs, upkeep and space availability at the 1407 Decatur St. location led to this search. The Tulane and Broad location is much larger, giving Task Force officials the room they need to expand services.
The location was also chosen based on the changing direction of those directly affected by HIV/AIDS says Executive Director Shauna Dunn. Over 50% of those affected come from the heterosexual and/or minority communities in the greater New Orleans area now. Of those clients serviced by NO/AIDS, 50% are African American and 3% Hispanic.
NO/AIDS Task Force is currently looking into security issues at the Tulane and Broad location. A security guard will be on hand during evening operations and a secured parking lot is available for clients, staff and volunteers.
Even with all of this almost in place, it has been reported that "staff are resigning," and "volunteers have made it clear that they will not move to this location." Executive Director Shauna Dunn is alleged to be unpopular with many of these individuals who accuse Ms. Dunn of "running the Task Force into the ground." These same individuals say it is "a bad idea, not well thought out and possibly the end of the Task Force."
At various cocktail parties last week, when the Task Force move came up, several long time supporters made it clear that they would no longer support the NO/AIDS Task Force, either financially or through volunteerism.
Signed letters and comments, both pro and con are welcome. Send to Ambush Letters, 828-A Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA 70116-3137 or E-mail: webmaster@ambushmag.com.
Christine Cheridon
Will Reign As KCQ VI
New Orleans' own Christine Cheridon [Sonny C. Cleveland] will lead the Krewe of Queenateenas [KOQ] festivities as King Cake Queen [KCQ] VI. Cleveland is the Managing Editor/Sales Manager of Ambush Mag, Webmaster of AMBUSHonLINE and Cochair of New Orleans Alliance of Pride.
"Czars, Czarinas & Queenateenas" is the 11th chosen theme of the 1999 Mardi Gras celebration of the KOQ. KCQ VI Christine will reign as "Czarina."
The King Cake Queen is chosen from those revelers participating in last year's Carnival bead toss at Ambush Headquarters, 828 Bourbon St. The individual exhibiting the most enthusiasm and expertise in balcony show and throw techniques is chosen to reign as KCQ.
The Krewe of Queenateenas kick off festivities with the 3rd Annual KCQ Bar Run led by reigning KCQ V Liz Simms. Liz will introduce KCQ VI-Elect Christine Cheridon on Tues., Jan. 19, exactly one month before Carnival. Watch for the KCQ shuttle coming to a Big Easy bar near you, beginning at 7pm.
The 6th Annual KCQ Coronation Bash will take place Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, exactly two weeks before Carnival. Hosted at Ambush Headquarters, the by invitation only bash will launch the reign of KCQ VI, Christine Cheridon.
And, of course, the 11th Annual KOQ Bead Toss will begin at 1pm Mardi Gras, Tuesday, Feb. 16th. KCQ VI Christine Cheridon will lead the Krewe of Queenateenas from their world famous Bourbon St. balcony.
Former King Cake Queens include KCQ II Jay Loomis, KCQ III Smurf Murphy, KCQ IV Reba Douglas and KCQ V Liz Simms.
Dashing Through The Quarter
Quartermaster's own Berta won the first Miss Lower Quarter Lantern Trash Pageant. Hosted at Lucille's Golden Lantern, Berta faced some stiff competition. Rusti took 1st runner-up while Matt came in as 2nd runner-up. The lovely and talented Miss Tompson was celebrity emcee for this decadent affair.
Then it was off to MRB and "Fantasies in The Night." Rayne, Fernand and all the MRB Dancers always put on a hot show. Whether they dance on stage or on the pool table, there are no bad seats in this house. Lisa Beaumann is celebrity emcee for this gig every Friday and Saturday.
Thanksgiving rolled around with many holiday buffet treats from various drinking establishments. From MRB, Golden Lantern and the Roundup to Footloose, no one went hungry this festive holiday. After a balcony feast and short nap, it was off to Footloose at 6pm. Todd, Craig and staff laid out an incredible spread with the assistance of several bar patrons, including Andrew Jaeger's own Donnie Jay and Regina Ann, as well as Mother Bob's Harold baking some delicious pumpkin pies. David and his crew from Rooster's stopped in for the goodies along with most of the Rampart Street patrons.
Ms. Fly is back on the scene after a fabu Hawaiian getaway. New Meat Night goers were not disappointed as Fly brought some hot new hunks to the Corner Pocket bar top. Hosted every Friday night, the winner of this dance contest gets a fat $100 cash prize. SDGM Robin Malta was on the scene as was newly crowned Miss LeRoundup Felina Colby Shane and buddy Lawanda.
Harold and crew brought back 1-MB, Mike Barnes 1 Man Band to Mother Bob's Thanksgiving weekend. Mike keeps the floor full as he plays old and new favorites for party revelers. It's a great time to dance with your favorite honey or Rampart St. celebrity.
Wolfendale's was packed for the annual Bayou Classic affair. Revelers poured in from all over the country making this the number 1 GLBT dance spot.
Lady Charles and Clifford have given their patrons more of what they crave. Yes, TT's now has hot male dancers on Saturdays 8-11pm. This follows TT's successful male dancer gig on Fridays 5-8pm.
Mark and Collette played host to a packed house at their popular St. Louis St. pub, LeRoundup. Bar patrons travel from all over the world to this legendary watering hole. You might see a television newscaster here, an actress or actor and, of course, all of the drag divas from the Big Easy.
Transgender of The Year nominee Jamie Gender and Brenda LeChat make a great team behind the bar. Talk about entertainment!
Lobster, lobster, lobster! If you lobster lovers out there want the best deal in town, then look no further. For only $7.95, you can treat yourself to a 1 lb. lobster with drawn butter every Monday and Friday. Andrew Jaeger's X-Ray Oyster Bar, 339 Chartres St. is the place.
The lovely Ms. Verona was there treating Ted for his ?!? birthday. Verona partakes of this incredible special as often as he can.
Try the turtle soup too. You won't be disappointed.
Metairie Hot Spots
Host Great Acts
Popular night spot Angles practically has live entertainment every night of the week. From Zelda Rose and Jack Fowler to Sherreece, you will find some of the hottest acts in the Big Easy. Legendary Mary Griffin, who made her big screen appearance in Studio 54 is set to hit the stage Dec. 18. She The Band featuring Daphne MuShatt of Born Diva's fame is set for Dec. 19.
Metairie's newest club, Ridgelake Cafe, has Karaoke with Roger & Elsie every Friday night. The popular duo play many of the clubs throughout the metro area. Ridgelake also features great live entertainment most weekends including Robin E. Band, Becky Eymard and Sherreece. The return of the Janice Medlock duo is set for January.
Pensacola Is Great Getaway
A short three hour drive from the Quarter will land you in Pensacola. Most of the clubs are located in the same downtown area. There is a variety of hotels in which to stay.
Emerald City is the newest club in town, brought to you by the folks from Oz New Orleans. DJ Dwight Barkley is a hit with the dance crowd. New Orleans' DJ of the Year Tim Pflueger spins your favorite disco hits from the 70's and 80's every Thursday for Studio 54 night.
New Year's Eve is sure to be the tea as Sweet Pussy Pauline hits the Emerald City stage.
The Riviera is Pensacola's huge party palace featuring hot male dancers and special entertainment venues. New Year's Eve revelers will be treated to Riviera's 2nd Anniversary Gayla New Year's Eve Party. With Lisa Zanghi as its opening act, the Riviera will present special guest star Martha Wash.
Riviera's own Greg has been nominated for Queen of Priscus for '99's Mardi Gras celebration. He will be seeking votes from all of the Gay bars in town. It is about time Pensacola Mardi Gras has come out of the closet. Your support will be needed in the voting and will be deeply appreciated.
Elizabeth Is Extravagant
The new movie Elizabeth is an extravagant production with some marvelous musical scores. Costuming and set location enhance this action-packed film.
Cate Blanchett plays the lead, Elizabeth I, to perfection, giving the audience an insight into Elizabeth's inner being.
