(Sometimes) Father knows best. When I was a kid, my grandfather gave me a slingshot for my birthday. It wasn't the usual, ‘Y’-shaped, wooden, piece of crap, slingshot you could pick up at Time Saver. This one was "professional." It was made of aluminum alloy rods and shaped in such a way that the handle extended backward into a wrap-around support bar for the wrist that would … [Read more...] about Weapon of Glass Destruction
Articles
26 Years at Oz: An Interview with Tim Pflueger
Tim Pflueger recently marked 26 years in the VJ booth at Oz New Orleans—quite an accomplishment in an industry where the average bar employee’s tenure is two years or less. I recently had a chance to interview Pflueger about his career, how the gay bar scene has changed, and the devastating effects of the pandemic. FP: Tell us a little about yourself. How did you end … [Read more...] about 26 Years at Oz: An Interview with Tim Pflueger
You Say You Want A “Resolution”
Happy 2021! The terrible year that was 2020 has ended and so far 2021 is shaping up to be another rollercoaster ride. But with each incoming year comes new hope and a fresh outlook, hence why people love making New Year’s resolutions. We have all done them - I am going to lose weight, have a better work/life balance, stop drinking; there are a million of them we tell … [Read more...] about You Say You Want A “Resolution”
Mardi Gras 2021: A Lesson In Pivoting and Partying
Having lived in New Orleans my entire life, I have discovered two very important things about our city and its citizens. We love to party. And we are resilient beyond all expectations. Like the old Air Supply song, we New Orleanians know about “Making Love Out of Nothing At All.” So when the COVID threat forced parades, balls and parties to shut down completely during Mardi … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras 2021: A Lesson In Pivoting and Partying
The Gay Carnival That Wasn’t
Months ago, New Orleans city officials announced that the 2021 Carnival Season would be different. They weren’t kidding. By the time Twelfth Night arrived, the community had adjusted to the fact there would be no parades this year. Yet many were saddened by the absence of so many traditional features that herald the arrival of Carnival—King Cake parties, Joan of Arc riding … [Read more...] about The Gay Carnival That Wasn’t
Book Review and Interview: The Axe Woman of Bourbon Street
The Axe Woman of Bourbon Street. Jane Delacour. Gonzo Publications, 2020. In a fascinating new book, local historian Jane Delacour recalls the glory days of Bourbon Street and recounts the story of one the street’s legendary performers, Kitty West, also known as Evangeline the Oyster Girl. Along the way, Delacour provides not only some amazing insights into Bourbon Street’s … [Read more...] about Book Review and Interview: The Axe Woman of Bourbon Street
Trodding the Boards February 10, 2021
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest at Jefferson Performing Arts Center One may wonder who’s crazier: the inmates of a State Mental Hospital who populate One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest or Jefferson Performing Arts Society (JPAS) for putting on this complex play with its large cast? It may not matter as, nowadays, it seems like everyone’s a little bit crazy...or more. At a … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards February 10, 2021
Parklets: The New Outdoor Gay Space
New Orleans is a city whose foundation is based on its culinary and cocktail scenes. But in the past 10+ months since COVID hit, these industries have taken a severe beating resulting in unprecedented business closures. And even though we have increasingly made strides in bouncing back, it has been quite the uphill battle. How are the city and several LGBT+ businesses … [Read more...] about Parklets: The New Outdoor Gay Space
2020 Hindsight
We can all breath a collective sigh of relief that 2020 is in the rear-view mirror. And while we’re not out of the woods yet, the new year does offer hope. 2020 was a year I think most people want to forget; nevertheless, I can’t help but reflect on that annus horribilis at least one last time. Personally, the year began on a great note—my Twelfth Night Party was … [Read more...] about 2020 Hindsight
Tomy’s 2020 Year in Review
Dear Ambush Nation, With 2020 in the rearview mirror and we look forward to better times in 2021, it's important to reflect on the last twelve months. I’ve tried to write this column several times, but for some reason, I just couldn’t do it–in part because I’ve been busy, but also I didn’t know exactly what to say. The year 2020 has been unlike any year any of us has ever … [Read more...] about Tomy’s 2020 Year in Review