AUSTIN, TEXAS

Tales of Steers and Queers from Texas

Howdy from the Capital City of the Lone Star State. Super Bowl Sunday is this Sunday, January 25. Shees, it seems like we just started 1998 and now we have another New Year coming up. The Chinese Lunar New Year starts on January 28 celebrating the year of the Tiger! If you were born under the following years, this is your year! (1914 - 1926 - 1938 - 1950 - 1962 - 1974 - 1986). For more information on the Year of the Tiger, visit a great web site - www.dae.com/cny.

I have heard so many rumors of the events in Austin over New Year's while I was lost in the Big Easy. Some of these rumors are true. Momma's Restaurant has closed its doors. Area 52 Nightclub has also closed but is reopening soon under a new club/owner rumored under the name, Polyester. Meanwhile, other great clubs have come into existence: The 1920's Club, Rhythm House and Twist. More on the clubs below. Since I was not in Austin for the New Year's festivities, let me bring you the ambiance in a taste of the events another state over.

1998 in N'awlins rang in with the disco ball dropping down atop Jax Brewery by Jackson Square before thousands locally and millions via VH1 Satellite, with fireworks ablaze over the Mississippi. It was all about the anticipation and excitement of a New Year while leaving the old behind. The year also rang in with sex, drama, hundreds of 7 / 7's, the dancers (mostly from Texas), the fog off the river, Florida State Seminoles winning over the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Christmas decorations still up and Mr. Bingle all intertwined into 1998. There was also the great food and the Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, resounding and permeating throughout the Quarter, the clubbing till 6/7 am, the wild parties and all this in mostly one night! Happy New Year!

Yes, N'awlins is always fun and I would do it all again. A special New Year's wish goes out to all here in Austin and a big thanks to those friends back in N'awlins that made it very special: Walt, David, Tommy, Braxton (Madam X), Sonny, Freakboy, Mark, and Johnny at the great Oz. Over at the Bourbon Pub/ Disco there is Jonathan, Yvette, David, Tony, Ms. Brenda, and Noberto. There is Seth, Woody, and David at Good Friends where, Ms. Debbie from the Bourbon Orleans and friends holds court weekly. At Cafe Lafittes in Exile, there is Kurt and Kyle can be found across the street at Clover Grill. Within the city there are too many people to mention, however one very special (boy) is good old Bruce Gallassero who turned 39, January 3, 1998. Lastly, it was great to party with the staff members of Ambush Magazine 2000 and love and kisses go out to Rip and Marsha, George and Toni and oh yes, that master of mischief and entertainment, Sonny. Thanks All! It was a sweet and sour memory and I'll be back.

In and around Austin, the new and elegant 1920's Club has opened its doors. Located at 918 Congress Avenue, owners Farhad and Jacqueline Bordbar invite all to travel back to the Roaring 20's in their unique converted upscale Chicago 20's Cafe. 1920's Club serves drinks, specialty Martinis and food in an atmosphere complete with a wall-mounted 1924 Chevy truck, authentic Thompson machine gun and original prints from the era with jazz background music. 1920's is a place to relax and meet your friends in their comfortable bar or cozy mezzanine loft. Hours are Monday through Friday, 4 pm til 2 am and Saturday from 6 pm till 2 am. They are closed Sundays. Check out their own unique web site at www.1920s.com.

Come hang out at 'Bout Time. Come out this Sunday to their Super Bowl Party and watch your team to victory. On Tuesdays, festivities begin, with weekly Dart Tournaments for prizes at 9 pm. Also on Tuesdays, 'Bout Time gives away cash to lucky winning patrons. Thursday is the weekly Pool Tournament starting at 9pm for cash prizes. OPEN at 7am everyday Monday-Saturday and 2 pm on Sundays. Come on out at 'Bout Time.

Let 'er rip over at Chain Drive. Coming up on January 30, 31st and February 1st, it's their Lunar New Year Party celebrating the year of the Tiger and other fun events. See their advertisement in this edition for more details. Tuesdays at the Chain are $1 Well and Snapps all day and night long. While at the Drive, don't forget to visit the Leather Chest inside, Open Weds - Sat 8pm - 1am for all your leather and playtime needs.

Check in at Charlie's for fun. Charlies Super Bowl Party is this Sunday, January 25 with door prizes and some free food. Charlies does request, however, for you to bring a cover dish to share with all while watching your team on their big screen. Tuesday's at Charlie's, is Steak and Chicken Dinner Night from 6-8 p.m. Don't miss out on their flawless Drag Shows Thursdays with Ms. Nacha Type at 12 midnight and Sundays at 11:30pm with Ms. Lauren Taylor.

Come out and live at The Edge. Mondays it's Camp Lounge Night featuring Retro spun and Happy Hour all day long. Tuesday's is Karaoke Night from 7-11:30 as well as 'Beat the Clock'. Happy Hour Specials. Wednesdays it's their Classic Disco Party with Happy Hour all day. Thursdays offers Retro spun all day. Friday & Sat. gets hopping and patrons get down with Dance music by Don Engle. Sunday's, The Edge features a High Energy Dance Party.

Boot scoot and boogie at Country Edge. It's their Grand Opening this Friday Night with Free Limo Service to their door, fun events and door prizes. Check their advertisement in this edition for more details. They are closed on Mondays, but gear up Tuesday - Saturday from 3 - 2am and Sundays from 2pm to 2am. On Thursdays it is Classic County with $1.50 domestics and well and free pool. Friday and Saturday is Dance Night at County Edge.

Do it at The Forum. Welcome Circuit Boys this Saturday where DJ Darin Arrowood from Atlanta will rock the house in Ben Parsley's & Slash Productions Circuit Night Austin. Every day is Happy Hour with $2 well, $2 domestic and $3.50 calls from 2-9pm 7 Days a week. On Fridays, Happy Hour is extended til 11pm Wednesday Night, It's "Back to the Boathouse," Night with great drink specials. Welcome new Bartenders Greg and Biff.

Change your attitude at OilCan Harry's. January 22-25 is Oilcan Harry's 7th Anniversary Weekend Party kicking off with a Customer Appreciation Party on Thursday during Happy Hour. The fun continues through the weekend through Sunday, for Hangover Harry's Tea Dance and Super Bowl Sunday with Mimosa's for a buck and Bloody Marys for only two dollars from 2-7. It's a party every night for 4 days. Every Wednesday Night is MaleBox Nite.

Two step over to the Rainbow Cattle Company, where they will host their Super Bowl Party on Sunday, January 25th. Coming up on February 1 at 9pm, it's a 'Night with Dolly, One for a Friend,' to benefit HIV Wellness and Pediatric Aids League. Tuesdays feature free County Dance Lessons beginning at 8pm, with dancing at 9:30pm. Wednesday's feature weekly Karoake at 8:3opm. It's Steak and Grilled Chicken Night on Thursdays from 6pm - 8:30pm. Don't Forget that RCC features Shuffleboard, Pool and Darts for your entertainment.

Rhythm House, a Tapas Bar, is located at 624 West 34th Street between Guadalupe and Lamar. The House features live music almost nightly with Jazz, Rhythm and Blues and Flamingo Music. Lunch is served Monday-Friday from 11-2pm and Dinner from 4-10pm. Happy Hour is from 4 -7pm. Come out and snuggle up to their indoor/outdoor fireplaces and enjoy the moments.

Twist, located at 505 Neches is open 7 days a week from 5 pm. til 2am. Twist is a Classy Art Deco Bar, with furniture and railings reminding one of an exclusive New York underground bar. Complete with 16 Video Screens featuring top music videos and B-Movies, Twist is the place. There are pools tables for play but it's the nights when Twist really gets hopping. On Saturday nights, local DJ Dig'm spins the hits always to a packed crowd. A great specialty at Twist is their $2.50 Martini Pints til 10pm. Live Jazz is featured during the week.

The Gentlemen's Club is at Midtowne Spa. Experience it! This Saturday the 24th, it's the 'Return to Atlantis Party' from 8pm til 2am. Every Tuesday is 'Chicken Night' where 18-25 year olds will receive Free Lockers. On Wednesdays, all patrons receive half price rooms and lockers. On Friday and Saturday's, Midtowne suggests that you come and get your room(s) rented early before 11:30pm because they always get 'packed'. In and Out Passes are available.

Ambush Magazine 2000 is distributed bi-weekly throughout Austin and the World with a distribution to its readers of over 650,000 and fantastic web sites with over 1.5 Million Hits a month at Ambush onLINE @ www.ambushmag.com. You may reach me at Ambush Magazine 2000 calling 1.800.876.1484 or email at OzParade@aol.com for any and all updates, comments and feedback. WRITE! The deadline for Austin for the February 6 - 20 (Valentine's) 1998 Edition is by the end of Monday, January 26, 1998.

Until then, Hasta La Vista Baby, Eric