The neighborhood bar holds a significant place in the cultural fabric of New Orleans, especially when it embraces an LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, as exemplified by The Friendly, where my bartender spotlight, the remarkable Butch Sager, works. A native of Michigan, Butch is a returning New Orleanian, having experienced life in the city both before and after Hurricane … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Arts & Culture
Trodding the Boards March 6, 2026
HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr at the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen March 13-15 [HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr returns to the WWII Museum’s Stage Door Canteen March 13-15. The following are excerpts from my June 2021 review of it.] HEDY! The Life & Inventions of Hedy Lamarr, Heather Massie’s one-woman show, made it to … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards March 6, 2026
Under the Gaydar (March 2026 Event Calendar)
Mardi Gras is over so now we turn our attention to upcoming events for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter as well as a host of other celebratory events. Here are just some of the hot events in March. If you want your event listed, send me an email at ledgemgp@gmail.com. Weekly Events Monday: · NOAGE New Orleans Walking Group; Audubon Park; 6500 Magazine … [Read more...] about Under the Gaydar (March 2026 Event Calendar)
Trodding the Boards February 24, 2026
Curtain Up Now that Mardi Gras is just a happy memory, it's time for theater to move back indoors again. Through the beginning of Jazzfest, lots of shows will be debuting on local stages all around town. Hope you'll be able to check out some—or all—of the following. New Orleans doesn't often see the world premiere of a new musical, but, down in the Bywater, Goat in … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards February 24, 2026
NOMA’S TEEN ART COUNCIL HOSTS AN EVENING OF PROGRAMMING
On Friday, February 27, 6–9 pm, the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Teen Art Council takes over the museum for a night celebrating youth, creativity, and connection. Inspired by the exhibition Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity, this year’s event—with the theme “Sound and Color”—features opportunities for teens to engage with the exhibition, relax with friends, and connect with … [Read more...] about NOMA’S TEEN ART COUNCIL HOSTS AN EVENING OF PROGRAMMING
Mardi Gras Memories and a Pink Glitter Tribute
Written by Mike Sullivan I met Rip and Marsha a few years after I moved to New Orleans in 1981. We were neighbors on Bourbon Street and worked together at the old Petunia’s restaurant. We remained close friends until their deaths in 2017. In the 30+ years we knew each other, they published Ambush Magazine and became fixtures in the French Quarter. Every Mardi Gras … [Read more...] about Mardi Gras Memories and a Pink Glitter Tribute
Trodding the Boards February 6, 2026
Water for Elephants at the Saenger Theatre through February 8 If you want to get into the Carnival spirit by watching high-flying acrobatics and spectacular circus acts from the comfort of a seat, by all means head to the Saenger Theatre where Water for Elephants is playing through Sunday, February 8. On the other … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards February 6, 2026
The Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide (February 2026 Event Calendar)
It’s Mardi Gras time in New Orleans and that means beads, balls and, of course, parties galore. Here are just some of the hot events in February. If you want your event listed, send me an email at ledgemgp@gmail.com. Weekly Events Monday: · NOAGE New Orleans Walking Group; Audubon Park; 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans; 4pm. NOAGE’s … [Read more...] about The Official Gay Mardi Gras Guide (February 2026 Event Calendar)
Bartender of the Month – January 2026
I began January with a brief visit to Navarre Beach, and during one of the nights I spent there, I visited the remarkable LGBTQ+ bar in Pensacola known as The Roundup. I cannot express enough positive things about this bar and its staff. The hospitality extended by everyone, from the security personnel at the entrance to the owners, was exceptional. I was particularly impressed … [Read more...] about Bartender of the Month – January 2026
Trodding the Boards January 23, 2026
Fat Ham at Dillard University's Cook Theater through February 6 Forsooth, get thee to Fat Ham, the brilliant Pulitzer Prize-winning dramedy being given its regional premiere by The NOLA Project at Dillard University's Cook Theater. Playwright James Ijames has reconfigured Hamlet so that its famously dysfunctional … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards January 23, 2026