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
Articles
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
Trodding the Boards January 12, 2021
Alex Brightman and Wayne Brady/The Seth Concert Series through January 24 Neither Alex Brightman nor Wayne Brady had ever done a live concert with Seth Rudetsky prior to their appearances on The Seth Concert Series, its first and second shows, respectively, of 2021. Both fell under the spell of theater at an early age and both came off as extremely nice, likable gents. They … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards January 12, 2021
New Orleans Returns to Modified Phase One
Orleans Parish reverted back to a modified Phase One on Friday, January 8. The return to Phase One, which will last at least three weeks, was triggered by increasing COVID-19 positivity rates. The positivity rate in New Orleans doubled in one week, going from 5.5% to 10.4%. The new restrictions began at 6:00am on Friday and … [Read more...] about New Orleans Returns to Modified Phase One
Trodding the Boards December 29, 2020
Year in Review I don’t think anyone will be sorry to see the curtain coming down on 2020. In this year-like-no-other, theaters and other performing arts venues throughout our area were forced to shut down in mid-March. For about two months after that, it seemed as though the light that usually shines so brightly on the arts here had gone off as local artistic directors … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards December 29, 2020
