Dear Ambush Nation,
Thanks to everyone who made it such a successful Halloween weekend in New Orleans. Halloween New Orleans (HNO) did an amazing job with their weekend line-up of events. The venues were great as the Board of Trade hosted the Friday night black-tie event, and The Filmore hosted the Main Event Saturday. The HNO events ended with a Sunday tea at Crescent Park along the Mississippi River. Everyone I spoke to had a great time at all the HNO events.
There were also many parties and costume contests at the bars in the French Quarter, Marigny and Bywater over the weekend and on Halloween night. Thanks to all the bartenders, barbacks, entertainers, managers, security staff and DJ’s who made it such a fun weekend. And now, in typical New Orleans fashion, it’s on to the next event and holiday weekend!
NEW GAY BAR @ 700 BURGUNDY
As some of you know by now, I’ll be taking over the lease at 700 Burgundy (currently, the 700 Club) on January 1, 2020. The current bar is closing on December 15 and we plan to have the new bar up and running as soon as possible after the 1st of the year. Also, the kitchen known as Faubourg Bistro will remain in the new bar. I’ve wanted to own a bar for many years and when the opportunity to take over the lease at 700 Burgundy became available, I jumped at the chance. I think it’s important to keep the space in the LGBTQ community and look forward to seeing you there soon. There is a more detailed announcement in this issue of Ambush.
NOAGE GALA NOAGE IN THE ENCHANTED WOODS
NOAGE will hold their 5th annual Gala “NOAGE in the Enchanted Wood” on Friday, November 22nd from 7 to 10 pm in the Cajun Ballroom at the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit. The event will feature live entertainment, an open bar, delicious food, a silent auction and the presentation of the 2019 NOAGE Trailblazer Awards to Dr. Jody Gates and Marilyn McConnell. Suggested attire for the event is fairy tale fabulous. All proceeds from the event will benefit NOAGE and tickets can be purchased at NoageNola.org. NOAGE provides services and social events for elders within our community including a monthly potluck dinner and a weekly walking group. They also have other social functions throughout the year including movie nights, ice cream parties and coffee talks. This is a terrific event to support a tremendously worthy cause and you may even make some new friends. Hope to see you there!
WINTER WONDERLAND VIII
Winter Wonderland VIII, a benefit for PFLAG of New Orleans and St. Anna’s Episcopal Church of New Orleans, will be held at Capulet on Sunday, December 1, from 5 to 8 pm. Please join Winter Queen and King III, Andrea Halstead and Jeffrey Palmquist in helping to raise money for these wonderful causes. The event features a silent auction and several drag performances for your entertainment. For tickets contact Misti Ates at mistimichelleates@gmail.com.
ART AGAINST AIDS THE RED RIBBON GALA
The Red Ribbon Gala will be held on Saturday, December 7, from 8 pm to 11 pm at Club XLIV on Champions Square. This is a wonderful event and a great way to support those living in our community with HIV and AIDS. This has become CrescentCare/NO AIDS Task Force’s signature fundraising extravaganza. The evening will offer food, an open bar, and well over 200 auction items to bid on. Auction items include art, trips, jewelry and more. There will also be a holiday boutique where you can pick up some last minute Christmas gifts. I’ve gone to this event the last several years and it has become a highlight of the holiday season! This is a ticketed event and the easiest way to purchase tickets is to search Art Against Aids – The Red Ribbon Gala on Facebook. Parking is free for the first 200 guests.
Chasten Buttigieg in NOLA
Meet Mayor Pete’s husband Chasten on Sunday, November 17th with special guest Mandy Moore. Chasten focuses on education and performing arts–both how it was transformative in his life and how he advocates for educators and students on the road. For tickets, RSVP Here: www.p4a.us/CB-NEWORLEANS & Tickets for Young Professionals and Retirees starting at $25.
