I recently spoke with Randy L. Schmidt, author, and editor of various books on popular 20th-century American singers. Little Girl Blue, his widely acclaimed biography of Karen Carpenter, was published in 2010. His new book, Carpenters: An Illustrated Discography Discography (192 pp., Mascot Books), features a team of authors, musicians, journalists, and others discussing the … [Read more...] about Voice of the Outsider: The Afterlife of Karen Carpenter
Profiles & Spotlights
Ivy Dripp of New Orleans Captures 2019 Miss Gay Louisiana America Title
A little over a week ago, drag queens and fans traveled from across Louisiana to Splash Nightclub in Baton Rouge to take a trip “Around the World” for the 2019 Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant. View photos from the 2019 Miss Gay Louisiana America event on Facebook. The Miss Gay Louisiana America Pageant System began in 1991 with Tiffany Alexander being crowned Miss Gay … [Read more...] about Ivy Dripp of New Orleans Captures 2019 Miss Gay Louisiana America Title
Bartender of the Month Aaron Yaeger
This column affords me the opportunity to meet many bartenders in our LGBT community. But with my schedule and well over a dozen venues, it is hard to meet every one of them especially when you factor in schedules. So when a good friend of mine called me up raving about the personable bartender who treats him so wonderfully, I made it a point to visit him. My … [Read more...] about Bartender of the Month Aaron Yaeger
An Interview with “Photographer of the Year” Arthur Severio
I first became aware of Arthur Severio’s talents when he decided to convert his French Quarter hair salon into a fully-functioning art gallery to exhibit local artists and develop his own skills as a photographer. Over the years, his persistence has paid off and won him many accolades including selection for the Louisiana Contemporary exhibition in 2016 and more recently … [Read more...] about An Interview with “Photographer of the Year” Arthur Severio
The 2019 New Orleans Pride Run+Walk: An Interview with NOTC’s Chloe and Casey
This past week I met with Chloe Nicolosi and Casey Urschel to talk about the 2019 New Orleans Pride Run and Walk, which will be held on Saturday, August 31, in Crescent Park. Chloe is the New Orleans Track Club (NOTC) Executive Race Director, and Casey is the president of the NOTC Board of Directors. Last year was the first Pride Run in New Orleans, and also my first 5K. OK, so … [Read more...] about The 2019 New Orleans Pride Run+Walk: An Interview with NOTC’s Chloe and Casey
The Presbytere
Designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square, the Presbytere stands today as a beautiful reminder of both Louisiana’s singular past and its vibrant present. The Presbytere, originally called Casa Curial or “Ecclesiastical House,” was built on the site of the residence, or presbytère, of the Capuchin monks. The building was used for … [Read more...] about The Presbytere
Michela Carew-Murphy Is the Resilient Voice of Provincetown’s Iconic Sal’s Place
Michela wears too many hats at the historic Provincetown eatery, Sal’s Place. She can often be found chained to the line at her family restaurant and scheming to fulfill her dream of becoming a stay at home aunt. She managed to peel herself away from eggplant lasagna and desperate messages from her ex – probably – to talk seasonal romance, the magic of Sal’s deck, and the now … [Read more...] about Michela Carew-Murphy Is the Resilient Voice of Provincetown’s Iconic Sal’s Place
TV Executive Quinn Taylor Doesn’t Eat In Bed But He Just Bought Ptown’s Café Heaven
Was Belinda Carlisle referring to Provincetown’s Café Heaven in Heaven Is a Place on Earth? Former television executive Quinn Taylor might think so. His Lobster Ravioli is pretty divine. As is Taylor’s witty observations on tackling modern-day love. Just how did a fateful phone call end up minting a new restaurateur? Do television executives eat in bed? Why is the three-day … [Read more...] about TV Executive Quinn Taylor Doesn’t Eat In Bed But He Just Bought Ptown’s Café Heaven
An Interview with Red Truck co-owner and director Rachael Cronin
Just as we were getting accustomed to the eclectic mix attending the Oleander On Royal openings, it had to go and disappear on us. But fret not! The space is still a go-to for all the same Queerdo art you found there before–it has just merged with the neighboring art gallery Red Truck. Back in June, several employees along with former Oleander owner Jake Thomas purchased Red … [Read more...] about An Interview with Red Truck co-owner and director Rachael Cronin
Bartender of the Month: Kyle Simmons
This is my second in a series of Bartender of the Month spotlighting bartenders at Sipps Bar in Gulfport. Kyle Simmons has been a part of the Sipps team for two years. Unlike many stressful jobs he has had in the past, Kyle says being a bartender at Sipps is wonderful. He is part of a community and family. He fell in love with the place and the city. … [Read more...] about Bartender of the Month: Kyle Simmons