Roller Soul at Cafe Istanbul In my 2022 Year in Review column, I lamented that a certain “NOLA quirkiness” had been missing from the season just ended. If Intramural Theater’s CAVE restored some of that quirkiness to NOLA’s theater scene as 2023 began, then Roller Soul, seen last month at Cafe Istanbul, threw us big beads of delicious eccentricity just as Carnival kicked … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards February 22, 2023
Articles
UpStairs Lounge Fire 50th Anniversary Commemoration Activities Announced
A coalition of local organizations spearheaded by the LBGT+ Archives Project of Louisiana will present a weekend of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the tragic 1973 UpStairs Lounge fire. The events will take place in various locations in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans on June 23, 24 and 25, 2023. In addition to the Archives Project, the other … [Read more...] about UpStairs Lounge Fire 50th Anniversary Commemoration Activities Announced
Trodding the Boards February 7, 2023
Sistas the Musical at Teatro Wego! through February 12 If you want some entertainment this weekend but prefer to avoid Mardi Gras parades, head to JPAS’ Teatro Wego! in Westwego for Sistas the Musical. You won’t catch any beads or cups there, but you’re likely to have a good time. Set in St. Louis, Sistas introduces us to three Black sisters, the teenage daughter of one, … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards February 7, 2023
A Treasure Trove of Vintage Gay Mardi Pictures
In 1963, Arthur Jacobs came up with a great idea to drum up business for his Bourbon Street diner, The Clover Grill. He would host a costume contest on Mardi Gras, late in the afternoon after the Rex parade. Because the Clover Grill was located in the “gay” section of Bourbon Street, directly across from Café Lafitte in Exile (the city’s oldest gay bar), the contest drew … [Read more...] about A Treasure Trove of Vintage Gay Mardi Pictures
Alfred & Stewart: A Love Story that Made History
The pick-up line was direct: “You can fuck me, and I’ll suck you.” That’s what Alfred Doolittle whispered in Stewart Butler’s ear on the night they met. The pair left Lafitte’s and immediately went to Stewart’s house. On the way there, Alfred remarked, “You’ll probably throw me out in the morning like the rest of them.” But Stewart didn’t throw him out. The two fell … [Read more...] about Alfred & Stewart: A Love Story that Made History
Trodding the Boards January 24, 2023
CAVE at The Backyard Ballroom through January 27 In my 2022 Year in Review column, I lamented that a certain “NOLA quirkiness” had been missing from the season just ended. Well, leave it to Intramural Theater, which once gave us a play about a young guy sexually involved with an air conditioner, to start the new year off with some of that quirkiness with its newest … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards January 24, 2023
Under the Gaydar (February Event Calendar)
It’s Mardi Gras, y’all! Parades and Balls and Parties–Oh My! Hold on to your seatbelts, it is going to be a bumpy month. Have a fabulous and Gay Carnival. Here are just some of the hot happenings in January to put on your “Gaydar.” If you want your event listed, send me an email at ledgemgp@gmail.com. Weekly Events Monday: * NOAGE … [Read more...] about Under the Gaydar (February Event Calendar)
The 71st Miss Universe Pageant
R'Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe 2022 at the New Orleans Convention Center on January 14, 2023. She is the ninth Miss USA to be so honored. With a bearing reminiscent of a young Audrey Hepburn, at the press conference following the contest, Gabriel, after what must have been a very long day, was absolutely gracious as she answered each question from the media in … [Read more...] about The 71st Miss Universe Pageant
Trodding the Boards January 10, 2023
The Wedding Party Experience at the Margaret Place Hotel through February 3 If you’re looking to enjoy a three-hour “dance party” in a beautiful Lower Garden District courtyard while savoring some yummy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, then by all means check out The Wedding Party Experience at the Margaret Place Hotel, a new stylish venue. If, however, you want to partake … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards January 10, 2023
Bartender Spotlight
I love when a new gay bar opens in the community, or technically an old new gay bar. I went to an opening event at the Silver Fox (740 Burgundy St., formerly Rawhide) as they premiered their new craft cocktail menu and discovered my bartender spotlight there. Fernando Rodriguez is a wonderful addition to the bartending scene in NOLA. Originally from Houston, … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
