Lots of people like going to their favorite bars and while I believe that people do visit bars they like, I also think that an equal amount of people go to see their favorite bartenders. A really good bartender can increase a bar’s business substantially. My newest Bartender Spotlight is on one of those star bartenders at The Phoenix. Jeff Seaver is hospitality … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Arts & Culture
Moments in Queer New Orleans History: Remembering Donnie Jay
I recently attended the annual Hookers Ball. It was a fun evening and a very successful fundraiser for Southern Decadence. Kudos to Todd Blauvelt for putting together such a wonderful event. While the performances were great and it was fun seeing friends, the highlight of the show for me was a vintage video of Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XXXII, the late … [Read more...] about Moments in Queer New Orleans History: Remembering Donnie Jay
Drag Queen Profile: Passion Armani Cassadine
Where are you originally from? I am very proud to say that I am a true New Orleanian from birth! How long have you been doing Drag? Well, I started on the original drag queen’s birthday (Halloween) in 1998. I did it on occasion for a while until I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2002. That’s where my career took flight. I did it more regularly and was in … [Read more...] about Drag Queen Profile: Passion Armani Cassadine
Before Southern Decadence Became Super Gay
I recently spent the afternoon with Maureen & Charlie Block and Robert Laurent at their beautiful antebellum home on Magazine Street. Those names may not ring a bell, but they should. These three people, along with a handful of their friends, started Southern Decadence in 1972. Back then, of course, they had no idea a simple house party would evolve into the … [Read more...] about Before Southern Decadence Became Super Gay
New Music from Kynt! Plus Thriller 2022 Flash Mob Classes
Kynt is New Orleans’ premier songwriter, recording artist, and performer of house music. Since the 1990s, his songs have been produced and remixed by some of the biggest names in the DJ world, including Erick Ibiza, André Grossi, Mauro Mozart, Edson Pride, Cesar Vilo, Fred de France, and Alain Jackinsky, among others. Last December saw the release of Club Electronica, … [Read more...] about New Music from Kynt! Plus Thriller 2022 Flash Mob Classes
Official Southern Decadence Event Guide & September Event Calendar
Something Decadent this way comes! It is Southern Decadence in NOLA, one of the largest LGBTQ+ holidays in the country. There are lots of parties and events the first weekend as well as the rest of September. So fasten your seatbelts, it is going to be a bumpy month! Here are just some of the hot happenings in September to put on your “Gaydar.” If you want … [Read more...] about Official Southern Decadence Event Guide & September Event Calendar
Trodding the Boards August 23, 2022
Gay Appreciation Critics’ Choice Award Blame it on Covid brain or just because we got out of the routine after no Gay Appreciation Awards (GAAs) since 2019, but I and my colleague Tony Leggio neglected to bestow a Critics’ Choice Award on any production from the past year or so at the recent GAAs. To make up for that, we’d like to announce the following nominees, all of … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards August 23, 2022
Trodding the Boards August 15, 2022
Dusa, Fish, Stas & Vi at Bryant Park Nola through August 18 It’s always a good sign when a new company joins New Orleans’ theater scene, but especially so after the past couple of years of pandemic challenges. So, a hearty welcome to Artistic Director Andrea Watson’s Fat Squirrel whose initial season features a mix of new and classic plays. For its second outing, it’s … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards August 15, 2022
Bartender Spotlight
The summertime may be slow for other businesses, but it seems that the bar industry is always busy. There is no better place to escape the brutal heat of a New Orleans summer than relaxing in a bar drinking a cool beverage and chatting with fascinating people. My bartender spotlight is the fabulous Andy Savage who can be found slinging drinks at Betty’s Bar & … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Under the Gaydar (August 2022 Event Calendar)
I know it’s August and so very hot, but as we get closer to Southern Decadence, things are really going to start heating up. Here are just some of the hot happenings in August to put on your “Gaydar.” 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 … [Read more...] about Under the Gaydar (August 2022 Event Calendar)
