Curtain Up Given that, as I write this, the last four weeks have included Easter, French Quarter Fest and Jazzfest, local stages have been relatively quiet. With things now back to normal (or what passes for normal here), the boards have lit up with a variety of shows all over town including the West Bank and North Shore. Here’s an overview of the productions that will be … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards May 17, 2022
Arts & Culture
Trodding the Boards May 3, 2022
Varla Jean Merman's Little Prick at Café Istanbul Varla Jean Merman returned to Café Istanbul recently and I'm calling the police! Why? Because her new show assaulted me! After her Little Prick performance, my face hurt, literally, from grinning for 90 minutes. Oh Officer! Accurately dubbing herself a “Superspreader of good cheer”, Varla (I’d refer to her as “Ms. Merman” … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards May 3, 2022
Bartender Spotlight
I have always felt bartenders are very underrated for many reasons, but one of the main ones is they have many jobs rolled into one. They not only have to serve beverages to their customers, but they also have to be, at times, management, food server, referee, bouncer, therapist, tour guide, liquor/brand representative, storyteller, and probably many more. One … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Under the Gaydar (May 2022 Event Calendar)
Spring is now in full force, but no matter the season, New Orleans is a fabulous place to have fun. Here are just some of the hot happenings in May to put on your “Gaydar.” If you want your event listed, send me an email at ledgemgp@gmail.com. Weekly Events Monday: * SAGE New Orleans Walking Group; Lafitte Greenway; Rainbow Plaza by on Norman C. … [Read more...] about Under the Gaydar (May 2022 Event Calendar)
Drag Queen Profile: Vanessa Carr Kennedy
Where are you originally from? I am originally from New Orleans. Born and raised How did you end up in New Orleans? I was raised in New Orleans but moved to California after graduating from Xavier University in May 1986. I moved back to New Orleans in 2001. How long have you been doing drag? This is a good question. Prior to meeting … [Read more...] about Drag Queen Profile: Vanessa Carr Kennedy
Trodding the Boards April 19, 2022
Fairykind at The AllWays Lounge’s Twilight Room through May 2 As New Orleans’ theatrical landscape comes back to life, for those of us who love musicals in particular, it is heartening that we’ve had not only such regional premieres as Head Over Heels (at Loyola) and Shaina Taub’s Twelfth Night (Hahnville High School), but the world premiere of a new “Musical … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards April 19, 2022
Trodding the Boards April 5, 2022
For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls at Loyola's Lower Depths Theater through April 9 In March 2020, The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans (TWTC) had been just about to open its production of Williams’ In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel when the world changed and things shut down. They then hoped to return to the stage that fall with For Whom the Southern Belle … [Read more...] about Trodding the Boards April 5, 2022
Bartender Spotlight
Whenever I travel, I love visiting gay bars in other cities. And one of my favorite bars is very close to New Orleans in Gulfport, Mississippi. Sipps is a fabulous LGBTQ+ venue with a relaxing atmosphere, great events and some of the best bartenders. My bartender for the month of April is Jacob Simmons. Originally from Cleveland, Mississippi, Jacob has lived in … [Read more...] about Bartender Spotlight
Under the Gaydar (April 2022 Event Calendar)
April is a gorgeous time in New Orleans with so many great things to see and do. One noteworthy event is the Gay Easter Parade and the weekend of events that happen with it like Bunnies in the Big Easy and The Marigny Bunny Hop. Here are just some of the hot happenings in April to put on your “Gaydar.” If you want your event listed, send me an email at … [Read more...] about Under the Gaydar (April 2022 Event Calendar)
Drag Queen Profile: Coca Mesa
Where are you originally from? How did you end up in New Orleans? Terrytown, LA, but I reside in NOLA. How long have you been doing drag? Since the year 2000. How did you select your drag name? Collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia. Do you hold any titles? If so, which ones? Southern Decadence Grand Marshal XLIII, 2017 plus Miss New Orleans America, 2004. … [Read more...] about Drag Queen Profile: Coca Mesa
