6-10 - Ambush Mag

King Cake Queen XXII Aubrey Synclaire Welcomes
All to Gay Mardi Gras with Official Proclamation
"Her Imperial Majesty sends greetings and announces with pleasure her invitation
for all to gather from near and far and join in the many celebrations under the Rainbow
Banner of the 67th Gay Mardi Gras leading up to the 29th Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss
February 9, 2pm, at the Ambush Palace, 828 Bourbon Street." - by Queen of the Opera:
Act II Aubrey Synclaire
Celebrating the 67th Gay Mardi Gras, the 29th Annual Gay Mardi Gras Bead Toss
takes place from the world famous balcony at Ambush Mansion located between Oz and
Bourbon Pub Parade, and Cafe Lafitte in Exile and Clover Grill.
The official photographer of the King Cake Queens, Larry Graham, has produced
three portraits this year reflecting the true meaning of Mardi Gras: PURPLE representing
Justice, GREEN Faith, and GOLD Power.
The 22nd King Cake Queen of Gay Mardi Gras is the first in history to continue her
reign into a second year returning as Queen of the Opera: Act II. Co-Captains of the Krewe
of Queenateenas added this interesting twist to this short Carnival season due to private
family obligations which require the co-captains to remain out of town for much of the
season.
Only 50 guests are invited to the Bead Toss each year, 10 from the reigning queen,
and 40 from the co-captains. The King Cake Queen is chosen from those revelers
participating. The individual exhibiting the most enthusiasm and expertise in bead toss
techniques is chosen to reign as King Cake Queen the following year.
KCQ XIII: The Diamond Queen, Raven
The King Cake Queen Royalty Club
includes:
Kennedy/2006,
KCQ XIV: The Fantasy Queen,
KCQ II & KCQ Emeritus: Jewel of the
Nile, Jay A. Loomis/1995,
Princesse Stephaney/2007,
KCQ XV: The Fleur de Lis Queen,
KCQ III: The Rainbow Queen, the late
Marsha Naquin-Delain/2008,
Smurf Murphy/1996,
KCQ IV: Pearl of the Sea, Reba DouKCQ XVI: The Grandee Queen, Tami
Tarmac/2009,
glas/1997,
KCQ V: The She Devil, Elizabeth
KCQ XVII: The Parisian Queen, Opal
Masters/2010,
Simms/1998,
KCQ XVIII: The Chrysthemum Queen
KCQ VI: The Czarina, the late Christine Cheridon/1999,
Rona Conners/2011,
KCQ VII: Sex Goddess, Stephanie
KCQ XIX: The Samba Queen, Nicole
DuBois/2012,
Williams/2000,
KCQ XX: The Platinum Queen, Dusty
KCQ VIII: The Peacock Queen, Phyllis
Debris/2013,
Denmark/2001,
KCQ IX: The Freedom Queen, Lisa
KCQ XXI: The Borghese Queen, BarBeaumann/2002,
bara Ella/2014, and
KCQ XXII: Queen of the Opera, Aubrey
KCQ X: The Voodoo Queen, TerylSynclaire/2015.
Lynn Foxx/2003,
For additional information, visit
KCQ XII: The Amazon Queen, Sawww.GayMardiGras.com/KCQ.
vanna DeLorean/2005,
celebrazzi
Mystic Krewe of Satyricon's 14th Bal Masque
The introduction of Queen and King Satyricon XIV Carl Mack and Darric Cavalier brought to a climax the Mystic Krewe of Satyricon’s
14th Bal Masque "Le Bal des Beaux Arts: A Night at the Museum," The queen portrayed Erte's Symphony in Black. Hosted by mega
star Varla Jean Merman, the ball was held at Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center in Chalmette. For additional information, visit
www.mystickreweofsatyricon.com. (Photo by Hubert S Monkeys)
6 • The Official Mag©
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Mega star Varla Jean Merman host
Mystic Krewe of Satyricon's 14th Bal
Masque. (Photo by Tony Leggio)
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a community within communities
by The Rev. Bill Terry, Rector St. Anna’s Episcopal Church,
New Orleans
Email: fr.bill@stannanola.org
Mardi Gras then Lent
What can possibly be said about Mardi Gras that hasn’t been said by so many
others for so long? It’s unique, enchanting, dirty, festive, drunken, family friendly,
girl friendly, gay friendly, dangerous, “the greatest free show on earth” and a
dozen other observations and slogans.
Briefly, this is what I like about these balls. Yes, like everyone else I
Mardi Gras. I like to enter the Quarter am critiquing the costumes and remain
from Esplanade Avenue. Fewer crazies amazed at the creativity and beauty of
and much more fun when I hit Bourbon it all. Gay balls are the best ever as far
and St. Ann. I like people watching on as I am concerned. I would far rather
the fringes much more than the stan- go to Amon-Ra than Bacchus or other
dard parades. I was raised here and hit of the big show krewes. I suppose that
puberty here so the parades lack some- is why I like Krewe du Vieux for my
thing for me now; heh I’m almost 65. parade going pleasure. Nothing like
What I also enjoy but don’t see much hanging out at the Friendly with friends
are the wonderful marching clubs that and watching the bawdy spectacle unwander about with no destination in fold.
It is a wonderful day to enjoy so
mind. When we lived in the Bywater
there was also a marching group that many things…or even just to relax with
would wander by just making wonder- a good book or maybe a movie. Then
ful music and having a blast. I like the my life takes a dramatic change. I hope
that yours will as well.
little stuff.
Once the party is over and once
I like being asked to do the Invocation at Gay Balls. There is just some- you’ve had your Tylenol or Aspirin the
thing about me, a traditionalist by some next day it is time to think about what
measure, a main line denomination of- has past and what is present. In New
fering prayer just before the tableau Orleans that means ‘getting my ashes.’
begins that is fun and really an honor. I The season of Lent begins with these
love the running commentaries during words, “From dust ye came to dust ye
spotlight features
Top 10 Tips & Tricks for Gay Mardi Gras
If you’ve never been to Mardi Gras, you have a lot to learn! What follows is
some advice gathered from locals that will help you get the most out of your
carnival experience.
1 - The Weather: Weather in New
The main streets like Bourbon are
Orleans is unpredictable. Bring clothes usually shoulder to shoulder. For quick
for every possibility.
escapes and in order to move about the
2 - Walking The Streets Of New French Quarter during Carnival use
Orleans: During Mardi Gras, cars are side streets. However, always walk
not allowed on the streets of the French where it is well lit and there are a lot of
Quarter. So, plan on doing a lot of people.
walking. Comfortable shoes are a must
[continued on 10]
for the serious Mardi Gras reveler.
the "official" dish ...from 4
mile-ish fun run in just their undies to raise
awareness and fund the research of neurofibromatosis (NF) through Children’s
Tumor Foundation.
This year, Cupid’s Undie Run, the
world’s largest organized undie run sponsored by Sock It To Me, will take place in 36
cities across the United States. To-date,
this must-do Valentine’s Day event has
raised nearly $8 million for CTF.
The hundreds of volunteers behind
this 501(c)3 non-profit are further committed to the fight against NF after the recent
passing of Drew Leathers – the younger
brother of Chad Leather, co-founder of
Cupid’s Undie Run, and inspiration behind
the event.
Cupid’s is a party + 1 mile fun run at
your own pace + more party. "We encour-
age undies, but we get that it’s not for
everyone – so just come out and have fun
and raise some money for NF research!"
You can start a team for your friends,
join a team, or run solo. For each friend you
sign up, we give you $25 towards incentives and they’ll get 25% off their registration fee. It all begins at Masquerade Night
Club (inside Harrah’s New Orleans) with:
Noon, Feb. 20 – Doors open & the
party starts!
1pm – Awards ceremony
2pm – UNDIE RUN
3:30pm – Earned open bar closes
4pm – Bag check closes, Cupid’s
officially ends
For run registration forms and information, visit http://www.cupidsundierun.com/
city/new-orleans/. For information on
Children's Tumor Foundation, visit
www.ctf.org.
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shall return.” The ashes are smeared
on the forehead as a sign and symbol
of what we believe. Of course it’s New
Orleans and such is almost a cultural
custom as much or more so than a
religious ritual. A couple of years ago
we processed through the tough parts
of the 7th Ward…just a few of us and a
cross…in vestments. I remember being chased down by a couple of “working girls”, “Hey Pastor can I get me
some ashes?” Of course they can. We
did a Eucharist with ashes under the I10 over pass on N. Claiborne. A huddle
mass we were of maybe ten folks,
“gotta get me some ashes.” I suppose
for some those ashes are like a talisman warding off some unseen danger.
Ash Wednesday is the start of
Lent. Lent is a period of 40 days and 40
nights (excluding Sundays) in preparation for Easter. It is generally recognized in both Western and Eastern
Christianity and dates back to the very
earliest days of Christian history. But
what is it all about? How can it possibly
do any good at all? How might you
access this season to make it something meaningful?
First, consider the opening words
to Lent, “From dust ye came to dust ye
shall return.” In a more 21st century way
we might say that this simple sentence
says that:
a. We are all a part of nature. Our
very being is made up of star dust, our
person is part of the cosmic enterprise.
We are composed of elements and our
DNA is an imprint of nature itself, “From
dust ye came…”
b. So, when our course is run,
likewise, we are “recycled” it is our
natural pattern to return in forms of
elements to that which created our
substance.
c. The overall essence is this, you
only have one life to live, you only have
so much time. Time, believe me, is
sacred. It is that measure of our span
and what we will do with it.
So, Lent is set aside for us to
regroup, consider who and what we
are, and perhaps more what we want
to be and how we will cherish this
sacred gift that we have. If things are all
screwed up it is a time to un-screw
them. If you think life is just not a joyful
experience, maybe you are right, but
maybe you can find some light to hang
your hat on. Do we really take time to
just take a fearless spiritual inventory
of ourselves? Some don’t most should.
If you have a life that is basically pretty
satisfactory do you cherish it and not
take it for granted. Lent is a time to give
thanks.
So, if you “get your ashes” just be
mindful that when the words are spoken it is not a condemnation nor is it a
threat. The words and symbol are a
reminder of how connected we are to
one another and all creation and that
we have a gift and that is the sacrament
of time. How will you use it? Nothing
more and certainly nothing less.
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the real cheese
by Felicia Phillips
Email: fphillips1011@gmail.com
Photo by Hubert S Monkeys
Carnival Time
Since catching up with pre Christmas goings on in my last column, I can
assure you all there have been a multitude of events I attended that have
been more than noteworthy with a little
crazy and maybe even a few scandals
thrown in.
Among them the first annual SallyFly Cheesy Early New Year's Eve Bash
at GrandPre’s. This was done for those
well aged and seasoned members of
our community (senagers - senior teenagers), complete with party favors, a
plethora of cheese and cheesy dishes,
and of course, a champagne toast at
the 6pm countdown! Not only were we
gay New Orleanians able to toast at the
same time as our brothers and sisters
in gay Paris, (it was midnight there!) but
we were able to be at home, bengayed up and in bed by 10pm, our time!
I have no doubt this will become a
tradition for generations to come! I
must mention though that some of the
most aged and well seasoned of us all,
including myself some how still man-
aged to bring in the New Year into the
wee hours at The Corner Pocket, enjoying the Ballet they have there, and
investing into the younger generations
futures!
There was also the evening at The
Golden Lantern that saw all 5 (yes,
Mary there were 5, get over it) SDGMs
2015, present their record breaking
donation to all their chosen charities.
Nearly 40k after expenses! I am happy
to report there were no food nor fist
fights, no shoes, sashes, pins nor
crowns thrown. Just a great night had
by all, making all the trials and tribulations of being involved in all it takes to
now pull off a Southern Decadence
celebration well worth it.
There have been other nights that
will forever be in my memories, but I
must say out of them all leading up to
Carnival, that we are now eyeballs
deep into, was my fellow columnist
Frank Perez’s much anticipated sec-
10 tips & tricks ...from 8
Gras, carefully follow this advice:
1) Parade Route Parking
Parking along a parade route is
prohibited 2 hours before and 2 hours
after a parade.
EXAMPLE: If a parade is scheduled to roll at 6pm, parking anywhere
along the route is prohibited at 4pm.
2) Neutral ground Parking
The “neutral ground” is what New
Orleanians call a median. You know,
that strip of grass in the middle of a
road. It is always illegal to park on the
neutral ground. During Mardi Gras,
you’ll see a lot of people doing it. It
seems legal. It’s not. Believe me, they’ll
tow as many of those cars as they can
as quickly as they can. The tow companies make a lot of money during Carnival.
3) Temporary Signs
Never believe the street signs during Carnival. Be on the lookout for
cardboard signs posted inconspicuously
throughout the city. Hunt for and read
all the signs in any area you park. If in
doubt, don’t risk it.
4) The French Quarter
On-Street parking within the French
Quarter and vehicle access is restricted
in the areas bounded by Iberville,
Decatur, Dumaine, and Rampart. Towing is strictly enforced. If you are staying in a hotel in the French Quarter, ask
the hotel for a “PASS.” Usually, you can
get a pass that will allow you back and
forth to the hotel garage.
New Orleans is a city of neighborhoods. Like all large cities, the Big
Easy does have some trouble spots.
Always walk with others, never alone if
possible. Don’t wander about the city.
In New Orleans the neighborhoods
change, literally, when you cross a
street. Always use a map on your cell
phone. The French Quarter can be
confusing. Safe streets are Decatur,
Royal, Bourbon up to the 800 block on
any day. Use good judgement. Generally, stay on streets that are well travelled. If a street looks deserted, its
probably not safe to walk. Stay with the
crowd. If you’re drinking, don’t go stumbling about the French Quarter. Locals
know that the people who encounter
trouble are usually the ones who have
been drinking.
Unfortunately, Mardi Gras does
attract some people who are out for
more than a good time. When you walk
the streets, don’t bring your wallet.
Take the cash you need and some sort
of identification and put them in a pocket
that no-one can slip their hand into.
Don’t wear expensive jewelry. Basically, don’t take anything with you that
you would have a hard time replacing if
it gets lost.
3 - Parking: Parking is difficult and
expensive during Mardi Gras. If you
can manage without a car, you’ll be
better off. If you bring your car to Mardi
[continued on 12]
If your car is impounded it will cost
you about $200 bucks plus whatever
else the city decides to tack on. Your
car can be retrieved from the City Auto
Pound, located in a dangerous area of
the city, 400 N. Claiborne Avenue. This
will spoil a good time.
4 - Cabs or Uber: Cabs will be
difficult to get during Carnival. In addition, many Cab companies enforce a
“special event rate.” This means that
you’ll be paying a premium for a taxi
and, sadly, many cabbies take advantage of people during Carnival. The
best bet is Uber for quick and efficient
service, and you know exactly what
you will pay before you're off to your
destination.
5 - Liquor Laws: People are allowed to drink on the streets in New
Orleans. However, you must use a
“geaux cup.” (A “go cup” is a plastic
cup.) Glass and cans are not allowed
on the streets for safety reasons.
Mardi Gras is a long holiday and
bars in New Orleans are open 24 hours
a day. Pace yourself. If you are going
to drink during Mardi Gras, take it easy
and slow. Most important, it’s easy to
get caught up in all the excitement and
forget to eat. If you want to make it
through Mardi Gras, solid food is a
necessity. Of course, New Orleans is
world famous for its food and is part of
a complete New Orleans experience.
6 - Toilets: Clean bathrooms are a
difficult thing to find during Mardi Gras.
Every business closes their facilities to
everyone but paying customers. If your
hotel is far from the action, take care of
the more important business before
you hit the streets. If you need to, plan
on buying lunch or dinner and using the
restaurant’s bathroom before you pay
the check! There are “port a lets” scattered throughout the city. However,
they have long lines and can be quite an
experience.
No matter how “bad” you have to
go, do not urinate in the streets. This is
a fine way to end up in central lock up
and people who are arrested during
carnival sit in jail until the courts re-open
after Fat Tuesday. Besides, it’s not
polite. Listen to your body. Get in line
before you really have to go. By the
time you're crossing your legs, you
might be at the front of the line.
7 - Catching The Parades: Parades roll all over the state of Louisiana. On Mardi Gras day parades roll
from early in the morning until late in the
evening. There is so much going on
during Carnival that it can be a difficult
deciding what to do and see. What
most people do is spend the Sunday
before Mardi Gras at the parades.
Several parades roll in New Orleans on
Sunday and most people camp out and
make a day of it.
Throw Me Something Mister...!
Unlike parades in other cities, Mardi
Gras parades require people to become participants. In fact, the crowd
during Mardi Gras is as much a part of
the action as the floats and bands.
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Maskers on floats toss people in the
crowd “throws.” Throws are bead necklaces, doubloons, plastic cups, panties
and lots of other stuff that are thrown to
the crowd. People do all kinds of things
to catch things. Some people create
elaborate nets with targets on a pole,
other people show body parts. It’s all
very entertaining.
Anything goes when it comes to
catching stuff. One very important word
of caution, NEVER pick up a throw off
the street with your hands! If you do,
your hand is going to get stomped on.
If a throw ends up on the street, quickly
put your foot over it and when the
crowd settles down, pick it up. Barricades (temporary fences) are there for
your protection. It can be tempting to
run out to catch throws from a passing
float. Floats weigh a whole lot and
people have been seriously hurt because they just had to have that plastic
charm. Stay behind the barricades.
Often, two or more people will
catch the same throw. This is a give and
take situation and requires a little carnival etiquette. Basically, the first person to “catch” a throw should be allowed to keep it. However, you’ll find
some rude people out there and its
best to let something go than make an
issue out of it. Besides, there’s plenty
for everyone.
8 - What You Can Get Away
With: During Mardi Gras you’re bound
to get an eye full. Public nudity and
public sex is not allowed and the obscenity laws are still on the books. You
need to use your better judgement on
this stuff. It is possible to get into
trouble by showing too much when you
“bargain” for beads, and again, people
who are arrested, sit in jail until the
courts re-open after Mardi Gras, which
will cost you much more than $200.
9 - “I Can Tell Youse Where You
Got Dem Shoes!!!” Beggers, panhandlers and con artists of all persuasion will be looking to scam the unwary
and especially drunk visitor. If some
con walks up to you and says “I can tell
you where you got dem shoes,” you
reply “YEAH ! On my feet on Bourbon
Street!” before he can con you out of a
fiver or more. “If you play ya gotta pay.”
If you want to have your boots
polished, do it yourself. Never Take out
your money (Remember- you left your
wallet and other valuables in the room.)
to pay for anything on the street. Of
course, the PHOENIX bar has a really
hot guy that will really put a shine on
those boots. And, there might be a few
people there that will do it for free.
10 - Play Safe: Mardi Gras is a big
party. People drink and are having a
good time. It’s easy to forget that there
is a real world during Carnival. Many of
the bars offer free condoms and there
is no excuse. Don’t allow the party to
overwhelm your better judgement. We
want you to come again.
Visit www.GayMardiGras.com for
more information.