current issue | main page | infotainment | past editions | special events | classifieds...a-l | classifieds...m-z | feedback!

by Sonny C. Cleveland

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

Happy post Mardi Gras and I hope everyone came out OK! This was once again a fabulous holiday with lots of new people around to meet and greet!

Unfortunately, there were some casualties, as every holiday has, which included: fighting lovers (the UHBS, "usual holiday breakup syndrome"); car wrecks (please don't drink & drive & do drugs (no one can make you stop doing drugs but you can sure as hell be responsible enough to use them properly!) As I have said before, you are all family and I really don't want to lose any more of my family.

Anyway, this was the best Mardi Gras I have ever had. Between playing with all the boys and most of my friends, I was like a little bee flying around the bars and flirting. It was especially fun watching all of you buzzing around too! Everybody looked as though they were having a great time.

To help kick off the Mardi Gras season, the Bourbon Pub/Parade held their Big D__k Contest. Scarlett O'Hara Butler as Mae West and Mardi Gras Madame Dixon as the "official," did a great job hosting the show. Six contestants entered and bared their best assets to the eagerly awaiting crowd. With Glory Holes and Mardi Gras masks and ribbons, the presentation was fabulous. Scarlett did the witty patter and Dixon did the measuring. The crowd roared with each new contestant and out of the six, they were all pretty--some soft and some raging!

After the first presentation, each contestant continued to prime his display til round two! Then it was up to the crowd to decide the winner, who was determined by measurement and crowd response. Number three took 1st prize in the measurement category, but number six had a surprise for his second round presentation that left the crowd screaming for more. If you weren't there...you missed out!

Sunday Night of Mardi Gras Oz had another DIVA on stage known as Joi Cardwell. She sang "Run For You," "Soul To Bare," "Jump For Joy" and her ever popular "Love and Devotion." She was quite the entertainer and very much in the Mardi Gras spirit of things. Come to find out...she's "OUT!" Yes she is family on top of being a fabulous singer & entertainer. She sent the crowd into a tizzy upon announcing this fact. After her her two songs, the crowd screamed for more, at that point she went into some accapella and made them scream even louder. She let 'em have it and had 'em bouncing on the dance floor. Good job!

Now let's talk about PrideFest '98! We are running a little bit behind with information because the board has been trying to iron out some issues as to the move to Armstrong Park. We have been surveying and still have a little more to do. The survey was to get a general consensus on the thought of moving Pride to Armstrong. So far it has been overwhelmingly in favor. The board has lots of new things they've been wanting to add to the weekend event but as of now Washington Square has reached her limits. Plus the idea that our 20th Anniversary is coming in 1999 and we'd like a little experience with the grounds and technicalities at Armstrong Park. With much research, discussion and thought about the move, the board feels we can offer more for the PrideFest event.

The dates have been bumped back a couple of weeks to the last week in September on the 26th & 27th. This is to kickoff October as National Gay History Month. This year's theme is "Planet Pride." The weekend will be dedicated on Saturday to Stonewall and Sunday to National Coming Out Day.

The Pride board will be offering lots more this year for the celebration, such as: a long awaited "Speakers Hill,"a Country & Western section, Volleyball, Drag section, Disco section, Laz Fest & their carnival items, a kids area and lots more.

Things to be thinking about are the Pride Parties (theme= Heavenly Bodies), parade preparation, booth rentals, those interested in entertaining on the main stage, and anyone interested in being a sponsor. Contact the pride board immediately.

At present the Alliance has openings for those interested in working on the following committees: Booth, Security, Parade, Volunteer, Fund-raising, Public Relations and any other committees that we may form for the event. Interested? Call the PrideLine at 504.949.9555 and leave your name and number.

current issue | main page | infotainment | past editions | special events | classifieds...a-l | classifieds...m-z | feedback!