Key West’s wildly popular festival celebrates its 40th year of creative masterpieces and whimsical debauchery. This year’s theme, “In Tune But Off Key,” ushers in a season full of musical jaunts and genre-bending displays. Here is your guide to the second half of this costumed extravaganza. Masquerade March Oldtown Oct 25th | 5.30PM It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No. … [Read more...] about Your Guide to Fantasy Fest 2019: The Second Half
Articles
American Things
Before Trump was even elected there was talk that something funny was going on with Russia. Bob Woodward writes about it in his book, Fear: Trump in the White House. It’s first mentioned almost in passing as some far-off threat that might not be anything serious. But as soon as James Comey began his investigation, people on the left started making allusions to the … [Read more...] about American Things
The Cat Cracks
A crack formed in the porcelain of the Cat Lady’s mind as she drank in Johnny White’s. Or maybe it had been there for years, laying dormant—waiting for the right word from the right lips to birth the tectonic tremor that broke the dish. (But let’s also be real, the Lady’s blood type was and is psilocybin; the Pangaea of her consciousness had long split into drifting … [Read more...] about The Cat Cracks
Hard Rock Hotel was Controversial from Start
The dramatic collapse of the Hard Rock Hotel in New Orleans re-opens a can of worms. The proposed development was controversial from its inception. 1031 Canal Street for decades was the site of Woolworths, a five’n’dime department store whose lunch counter was ground zero for civil rights protesters in 1960. When it was proposed the Woolworths building be … [Read more...] about Hard Rock Hotel was Controversial from Start
Halloween Reading: LGBT-Related Horror Fiction
It’s that time of year again: the temperatures have plunged into the bone-chilling 70s, pumpkin spice has been suffused through all known matter, and Halloween decorations have haunted shelves since August. All you need now is a good, scary book. Come along with me, and I’ll take you on a dark descent through the history of LGBT themes in horror fiction. Late Nineteenth … [Read more...] about Halloween Reading: LGBT-Related Horror Fiction
Louisiana Governor’s Race
The results of the Louisiana Governor’s race on October 12 were disappointing but not surprising. Incumbent John Bel Edwards (D) will face Eddie Rispone (R) in a run-off election on November 16. Primaries in Louisiana are unique in that if no candidate gets over 50%, the two top vote-getters, regardless of party, face each other in the run-off. Governor … [Read more...] about Louisiana Governor’s Race
Wembley Arena! Carnegie Hall! NOLA at the Orpheum!
One night Bianca Del Rio was performing in storied Carnegie Hall. The next night she was in Pittsburgh at a venue with folding chairs. But rather than complaining, Roy Haylock, Bianca’s alter ego, said in a recent interview, “It keeps me real.” Recalling her sold-out evening on NYC’s 57th Street and 7th Avenue, Haylock stated “It’s insane on so many levels. Being a little … [Read more...] about Wembley Arena! Carnegie Hall! NOLA at the Orpheum!
Holding Out for a Hero
Last weekend, Comic-Con descended upon Gotham City. The visitors and residents of midtown Manhattan never felt safer as there seemed to be a superhero on every corner. Comic-Con is an event that I think everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. It’s one weekend of the year where comic book fans of all ages can geek out and let their freak flag … [Read more...] about Holding Out for a Hero
Trodding the Boards October 22, 2019
The Sound of Music at Jefferson Performing Arts Center through Oct. 27 The Sound of Music??? “Been there, done that, seen the movie version,” you might respond. In these topsy-turvy times, however, a trip out to Metairie for JPAS’ highly satisfying revival of this enduring classic might be a welcome respite from the daily headlines. In case you’ve been in the desert … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards October 22, 2019
New Class Explores French Quarter Underbelly
Did Governor Earl Long really live in an apartment on Bourbon Street with a stripper? Did the Sicilian Mafia in America start in the French Quarter? Did Tennessee Williams regularly play with his dick in open view at Café Lafitte in Exile? Did a gay porn pioneer leprechaun really live on Saint Peter Street? Did Walt Whitman cruise the French Market looking for … [Read more...] about New Class Explores French Quarter Underbelly