A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION CELEBRATING LGBTQ+ CULTURE SINCE 1982
VOLUME 44 ISSUE 2 April 1, 2026
Easter Issue
Thaihey NOLA
AMBUSH is published six times a year and has a print circulation footprint across the Gulf Coast. For ad rates and other information, email frankearlperez@gmail.com or camzimmerman504@gmail.com
T.J. Acosta
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Frank Perez AD SALES
Frank Perez, Cam Zimmerman
CONTRIBUTORS
Brian Sands, Tony Leggio, Jim Meadows, Felicia Phillips, Charles Pizzo, Kelly Schexnaildre, Cas O’Brien, Frank Perez
LOGISTICS COORDINATORS
Jeffrey Palmquist, Ryne Stoned, Chris Trentacoste, Dwain Hertz
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tony Leggio, Dwain Hertz
COVER DESIGN
Ryan Leitner
AMBUSH Magazine is published bimonthly. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims of advertisers and has the right to reject any advertising. The inclusion of an individual ’s name or photograph in this publication implies nothing about that individual ’s sexual orientation Letters, stories, etc appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.
Copyright 1982 2025 AMBUSH PUBLISHING LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NOTHING HEREIN MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER INCLUDING AD LAYOUTS, MAPS, & PHOTOS.
The Of ficial Dish TJ Acosta
Dear AMBUSH Nation,
Easter is right around the corner! The 25th Annual Official Gay Easter Parade is less than a month away. The parade is on Easter Sunday, April 5, and will start at 4:30 pm at the corner of St. Ann and Rampart Streets. We expect this year ’s parade to the biggest in our 25 year history.
Each year the parade is used as a fundraiser for charity and this year is no different. All money raised pay for the expenses associated with the parade and the surplus funds are donated to Food for Friends, a division of CrescentCare. If you would like to be a sponsor for the parade, you can email us at info@ambushpublishing.com. We have a series of fundraisers leading up to Easter Sunday and details can be found on our Facebook page @AmbushMag under events. Since 2003, The Official Gay Easter Parade has raised $394,594.54 for Food for Friends.
Congratulations to our Grand Marshals, Felicia Phillips and Jeffrey Palmquist. We are glad you are both part of this event which raises funds for Food for Friends. Enjoy your ride on Easter Sunday and we hope to see everyone at the parade! Happy Easter from everyone at AMBUSH Magazine!
SAVE THE DATE: The Gay Appreciation Awards will be held this year on Saturday, July 25 at The Marigny Opera House.
From the Editor’s Desk Frank Perez
Visibility Matters
As we roll into Spring and election season (the mid terms will be here before you know it), it ’s important to remember that queer visibility matters. At AMBUSH Magazine, we are renewing our commitment to be out and proud and more visible than ever. To that end, I am happy to report we have expanded our circulation footprint to Florida. The print version of AMBUSH is now distributed from Baton Rouge to Pensacola!
I am also happy to report that in recent months I have spearheaded an effort on behalf of the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louis iana to open a Queer History Exhibit Space in the French Quarter. The exhibit will feature a timeline of local queer history a s well as informational panels and photographs that document that history. The space, located at 311 Burgundy Street in the French Quarter, is slated to open on Saturday, April 11, with a Grand Opening / Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The exhibit will be open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will be free and open to the public. The space will also house an administrati ve office and serve as a digitization center. The organization currently has a backlog of materials that need to be scanned and uploaded to its website.
Both AMBUSH Magazine and the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana are dedicated and resolved to resist the onslaught of attacks by the right wing to erase us and render us invisible. To learn more about the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana and the new exhibit, visit https://lgbtarchiveslouisiana.org/
Weekly Events Tony Leggio
Monday
NOAGE New Orleans Walking Group; Audubon Park; 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA; 5 p.m. NO-
AGE’s weekly walking group meets on Mondays at 4:00 p.m. at the Magazine Street entrance to Audubon Zoo. They start walking promptly at 5:00, so be sure to arrive a few minutes early. Please consult with your primary care physician before beginning any new fitness regimen, especially if you are not
used to regular exercise. PLEASE NOTE: The walking group will be AUTOMATICALLY CANCELED in the event of inclement weather.
Cooking with Monica: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St., New Orleans, LA; 5 p.m. Come enjoy delicious food cooked by Monica every Monday at 5 p.m. and stay and enjoy cocktails with her till her shift ends at 2 a.m.
Game Night: The Roundup; 560 E Heinberg St, Pensacola, FL; 7 p.m. Poker Tournament starts at 7 p.m, pool tournament starts at 8 p.m. Also enjoy Cornhole, darts and pinball.
Monday Night Madness Pool Tournament: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 9 p.m. – midnight. $5 per person winner takes all.
Betsy Propane’s Smoke Show; The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8 – 9:30 p.m. Betsy Propane The Accessories are a Jazz Trio fronted by a female lead singer, who dabbles in the Ancient Art of Bump & Grind, and wants to share those powerful pipes through song & performance. Cover $20.
Mondays at the Den: The Four Seasons Den & Patio Bar; 1229 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA; 8 p.m. Come check out the hot men dancing every Mon day night.
LAZY SUSAN KARAOKE: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Mondays are, once again, a DRAG! See your favorite Queens! Sing your favorite songs! GET WEIRD! With a rotating cast of drag hosts.
Tuesday
Drag Bingo: The Country Club New Orleans; 834 Louisa Street, New Orleans, LA; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Gia Giavanni performs and calls bingo for a fun night of entertainment and prizes.
Sing A Long Karaoke with DJ Slay: Flip Side Bar and Patio; 213 Conti St., Mobile, AL.; 7 – 11 p.m.
Trivia Night: Crossing NOLA; 439 Dauphine St.; 7:30 p.m. 5
Rounds of Ten Questions Plus a Bonus Round; Prizes for 1st, 2nd, & Last Place; $3 Wells & Domestics til 8:00 p.m.; Kitchen Open til 10:00 p.m. Call the Bar at (504) 523 4517 to Reserve a Table.
George’s Tuesday Night Trivia; George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 7 – 9 p.m. Come play trivia every Tuesday with a different theme each week.
Bitch Bingo: Wifey’s; 1943 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA; 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. Hosted by Kiki Kinx.
No Judgment Karaoke at Good Friend’s: Good Friend’s Bar; 740 Dauphine St.; 8 p.m. – midnight. Come enjoy karaoke with fabulous hosts and a chance to win great prizes.
Weekly Pool Tournament; Phoenix Bar; 941 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA; 8 – 10 p.m. The Phoenix Pool Tournament is every Tuesday night! $5 buy in, winner takes all. Drink specials begin at 7 p.m.
Trivia Tuesdays; SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 8 – 10 p.m. Come out and enjoy Big Gay Trivia with Tara Shay Montgomery.
Open Talent Night: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Hosted by Debbie with a D.
Wednesday
Showtunes Sing A Long; Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 8 – mid night. With VJ Brendan Thompson. Grab a Cocktail and Sing – A – Long to some of your all time favorites.
No Judgment Karaoke; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. – mid night. Come sing you heart out at the oldest Gay Bar in New Orleans.
Men At The Den: The Four Seasons Den & Patio Bar; 1229 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, LA; 8 p.m. Join the Four for an evening of gogo dancing!
Wednesday Night Variety Show: The Page; 542 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA.; 9:15 p.m. Hosted by Simone Rishard. $5 entry fee and drinks specials all night.
Big Gay Game Show; Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 8:30 p.m. Audience members have the chance to compete with their favorite Drag Super Stars for chances to win some fabulous prizes in this all new show. Games include: Lip Sync 4 Your Life, Are You Smarter than a Drag (Cont’d on pg. 12)
Weekly Events Cont’d.
Queen, Guess the Key Word, What ’s in the BOX, and much more. Weekly Rotating Hos. Featuring the Ladies of Oz and Many More of New Orleans Drag Entertainers. Show Time 8:30 p.m. Featuring the Ladies of Oz and DJ Tim Pflueger.
Queen’s Karaoke: George’ s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 10 p.m. – midnight. Hosted every Wednesday by Alvin McGee starting at 10 p.m.
Thursday
Karaoke at Pub: Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 7 p.m. – mid night. Sing your heart out every Thursday upstairs at the Parade. There will be a different special host each week. Choose from over 30,000 songs.
The Van Ella Bordella: A Storyville Burlesque; The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 8 – 9:30 p.m. The Van Ella Bordella, New Orleans’ Storyville spectacle, is back with an all new show, original music, and courtesans. Limited seating. Join Madam Lola Van Ella and her courtesans for an evening of debauchery, scandal, decadent delights and Victorian era brothel history. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com.
QUEERS OF COMEDY New Orleans: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St.; 8 p.m. A group of queer comedians performing comedy together.
Jezebell’s Jukebox – With a Twist: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave, Gulfport, MS.; 9 p.m. Join us Thursday at 9 p.m. at Sipps Bar for an unforgettable night of music, sass, and surprises with the fabulous Jezebell Sin! Singing hits from all genres and eras. Happy Hour from 4 –6 p.m. – $2 off everything alcoholic.
Oz Strip Off: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m. – midnight. Come enjoy the Oz Strip Off contest sponsored by Swiss Navy. Contestants in this male
go go competition can win $300 in cash and prizes for 1st Place. Karaoke Night; George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 10 p.m. – midnight. Hosted every Thursday by Cassini starting at 10 p.m.
Friday
Drag Bingo: The Roundup; 560 E. Heinberg St, Pensacola, FL; 6 – 9 p.m. No cover. 9 games with prizes, last game blackout.
Trixie Minx’s Burlesque Ballroom at The Jazz Playhouse: Royal Sonesta; 300 Bourbon St.; 7 and 9 p.m. shows. Come join us for a modern spin on a classic 1960’s Bourbon Street Burlesque Show with a rotating cast of soloists all per forming classic strip tease to live music, bringing quality Jazz Burlesque back to its original home on Bourbon Street. Get tickets at www.eventbrite.com
Whiskey & Rhinestones: The Original Nite Cap: 1300 St. Bernard Ave., New Orleans, LA; 8 p.m. Whiskey & Rhinestones returns in its new forever home The Original Nite Cap! Nestled upstairs in the historic 7th Ward of New Orleans overlooking St. Bernard Ave burlesque dancers invoke the spirit of his tory and celebration of the city while you enjoy incredible cocktails and a smattering of delicious food options to enjoy during the show. The Original Nite Cap operates under the direction of local burlesque legend, Bella Blue, and strives to create a guest experience that is unparalleled in both hospitality and quality entertainment. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you are celebrating a special event. 7 p.m. doors. 8 p.m. showtime. $20 cover. Featuring a rotating cast of local and traveling burlesque entertainers! Tickets are at Eventbrite.com and at the door. We open to the public at 9 p.m.! You're welcome to stay after the show and continue to hang with us!
Freaky Fridays: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 8 p.m. Oz New Orleans is the place to be this Friday and all Fridays as Ivy Dripp and JoJo host “FREAKY FRIDAYS,” featuring performances that are sure to amaze and (Cont ’d. on pg. 14)
Weekly Events Cont’d.
delight! A show that celebrates glam and horror! Join us for this one of a kind variety show spectacular!
Wigsnatchers Drag Show: The Maison; 508 Frenchman Street, New Orleans, LA; 8:30 p.m. The Wig Snatchers Drag Show features some of New Orleans’ best drag artists performing comedy, dance, and musical numbers every Friday and Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. in The Penthouse upstairs at The Maison. While the show is no cover / first come first served, they do offer the ability to guarantee seating for your group by reserving a VIP section.
Fab Friday Show Night: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA; 9 p.m. Splash ’s Show Night is BACK, and it's about to be EPIC! Join us every Friday for the hottest drag show in the capital city! Get ready to be dazzled by the fabulous Bombshells of Baton Rouge, plus a surprise special guest each week! Hosted by the fabulous Miss Thing, who ’s serving looks and laughs all night long! Whether you ’re a drag aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, this is the place to be! Don’t miss the chance to live your best life with us!
Bayou Blues Burlesque: The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret; 2240 St. Claude Ave.; 10:30 p.m. Tickets available at eventbrite.com and at the door. An intimate night of live blues music accompanied by burlesque and variety acts. Drink specials by your bartenders and comfy seating to enjoy the art of the strip tease. Music by The Delta Revues Burlesque by Miss Oops C. (AKA Oops the Clown).
Karaoke Night @ Sipps: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave. Gulfport, MS; 9 p.m. – midnight. Come sing your heart out.
Fab Fridays Show Night: Splash Nightclub; 2183 Highland Rd., Baton Rouge; 9 p.m. Join us every Friday for the hottest drag show in the capital city! Get ready to be dazzled by the fabulous Bombshells of Baton Rouge, plus a sur prise special guest each week! Hosted by the fabulous Miss Thing, who ’s serving looks and laughs all night long! Whether you ’re a drag aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, this is the place to be! Don’t miss the chance to live your best life with us! $4 well drinks before 11:00 p.m.
The Famous Corner Pocket New Meat Contest; The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 10 p.m. (Boys dancin ’ from 7 p.m.). The country ’s longest running all male amateur dance contest (over three decades!) Hosted by Corner Pocket Emcee Felicia Phillips and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal. Bring your sexiest, skimpiest, and tightest undies (but no jock straps) for a chance at a cash prize of $100 ($200 if it ’s your
first time in our con test). Open to all contestants over 21. New dancers encouraged.
Guys Night Fridays: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m, Dance the night away at New Orleans’ #1 Gay Dance Club with DJ Tim Pflueger 15 X Winner GAA “DJ of the Year” / Adam Joseph / Orlando Ricardo. THE OZ GOGOs DANCING ON THE BAR ALL WEEKEND!
Friday Night Drag: George’s Place; 860 St. Louis St., Baton Rouge; 11 p.m. Join us Fridays Nights @georgesplacebr for the area’s best drag entertainers.
Terrioke: Le Caberet; 834 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA; 11:59 p.m. Come sing karaoke with Terri Aqui.
Saturday
Drag Brunch @ the Country Club: Country Club; 634 Louisa St.; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy delightful Drag performances and a delicious brunch! Reservations can be made at opentable.com
Free Comedy Jam for Improvisers: Big Couch; 1045 Desire Street; 1 p.m. Just because improv is unscripted, doesn’t mean you can’t practice it! We welcome improvisers of all levels to join us weekly to hone their improv skills, learn new ones, and connect with fun folks. An improv jam is an opportunity for anyone to perform and watch scenes.
LGBTQIA+ Youth Drop Inn Nights: New Orleans Pride Center; 2762 Orleans Ave., New Orleans, LA: 3 5 p.m. Every Saturday from 3 5pm, LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13 24) can join us at The Pride Center for different activities including movies, arts, journaling, and more! FREE to attend!
Wigsnatchers Drag Show: The Maison; 508 Frenchman Street, New Orleans, LA; 8:30 p.m. The Wig Snatchers Drag Show features some of New Orleans’ best drag artists performing comedy, dance, and musical numbers every Friday and Saturday night at 8:30pm in The Penthouse upstairs at The Maison. While the show is no cover/first come first served, they do offer the ability to guarantee seating for your group by reserving a VIP section.
Drag Me To The Lantern: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m. Drag show starting at 10 p.m. with revolving cast.
Dance Bitches Dance: Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 10 p.m. Dance the night away at New Orleans’ #1 Gay Dance Club with DJ Tim Pflueger. 15 X Winner GAA “DJ of the Year” followed by DJ Adam Joseph or DJ Orlando Ricardo.
(Cont’d. on pg. 17)
Weekly Events Cont’d.
Show Night: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave.; Gulfport, MS.; 11:30 p.m. Come check out the fabulous Nicole DuBois and a rotating cast of drag performers each week.
Sunday
Drag Brunch @ the Country Club: Country Club; 634 Louisa St.; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Enjoy delightful Drag performances and a delicious brunch! Reservations can be made at opentable.com
Morning Worship: Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans; 5401 S. Claiborne Ave.; 10 – 11 a.m. Our worship services are best described as “Blended.” We recognize that many of our congregants come from different religious and spiritual backgrounds. We strive to incorporate elements from those various backgrounds so that all can feel a little more connected to our services.
Solemn High Mass; St. Anna ’s Episcopal Church; 1313 Esplanade Ave.; starts at 10:30 a.m. We are a diverse congregation and our slogan is “All are wel comed. None are shunned. ” Our worship style is ornate with deep ritual yet it remains warm and inviting. We are also kid and pet friendly. A real community church, St. Anna ’s welcomes all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
WigSnatchers Drag Brunch: Marigny Brasserie; 640 Frenchmen St., New Or leans, LA; 12 – 3 p.m. Located in the heart of historic Frenchmen St. comes the hottest Drag Show New Orleans has to offer. Hosted by Cosette LaFemme and Mistie Bonét, Drag Brunch @ Marigny Brasserie guarantees a welcoming and entertaining experience with some of Nola ’s finest Drag Queens. Come enjoy performances by some of the most iconic artists of all time while you start the day with a plate of New Orleans, a drink in hand, and a safe space to have fun and express yourself. Email marigny.brasserie@kfkgroup.com to inquire about special event offers and group pricing of parties of 5 or more.
Writing Across the Rainbow: New Orleans Pride Center; 2762 Orleans Ave., New Orleans, LA; 2 5 p.m. Writing Across the Rainbow is our new ongoing monthly LGBTQIA+ workshop focused on all aspects of writing, spanning how to get your first words on paper, to getting published and sharing your work with the world! Award winning publisher, editor, and writer Sorella Smith will host this event which will also feature other writers as guest presenters. This is an ongoing workshop, so you can attend as many meetings as you want! This is a free event, but everyone should bring their own pens, notebooks, computers, and tablets. Everyone has stories to tell, fictional, factual, or otherwise. This workshop will assist
you with such concepts as: World building, Plotting, Character creation, Continuity maintenance, Editing, Sharing constructive criticism of work, The journey forward, either to publishing or wherever you want to take your writing. All prose types are welcome, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction, etc. We hope to see you there!
Sing A Long Sundays: Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 4 p.m. – mid night. Join Gay Appreciation Award Winner VJ Brendan for Sing A Long Sundays.
Vanessa Carr: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St., New Orleans, LA; 3 – 5 p.m. Come see Vanessa Carr Kennedy sing your favorite songs.
Trash Disco; Cafe Lafitte in Exile; 901 Bourbon St.; 4 – 10 p.m. Come dance the night away at one of the best places to end your weekend of fun, Lafitte’s in Exile, home of the world famous napkin toss that happens every Sunday between 8:30 and 10 p.m.
The PlayGirlz Show: The Golden Lantern; 1239 Royal St.; 5 – 7 p.m. Come out and enjoy the show featuring Gia GiaVanni with special guests each week.
(Cont’d. on pg. 42)
F Felicia Phillips and Jeffrey Palmquist Named Easter Parade
Grand Marshals
Jeffrey Palmquist and Felicia Phillips have been named as Grand Marshals for the 2026 Gay Easter Parade. Both long time French Quarter residents and celebrities, Palmquist and Phillips have strong ties to the queer community, having both worked in gay bars, both serving as royalty in Gay Carnival, both serving as Southern Decadence Grand Marshals, and both contributing to numerous charitable fundraisers.
Originally from Mitchell, South Dakota, Palmquist is a graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University. After living briefly in Hawaii, he worked as an intern athletic trainer with the Denver Broncos and also in the airline industry. After visiting New Orleans a few times, Palmquist chose to make the city his home. He bartended at Café Lafitte in Exile for twenty years and won numerous Gay Appreciation Awards for “Bartender of the Year.” He also spearheaded the bar ’s annual charity fundraiser, the Red Party for several years. In addition, he has also raised money during Pride for the New Orleans Police and EMS Departments. In 2015, he was named the Krewe de la Rue Royale Reveler’s first Grand Reveler and in 2016, he was one of four Southern Decadence Grand Marshals (along with Phillips). Palmquist is also involved in the LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, serving as the longtime chair of one of its standing committees. He is also the co author of Café Lafitte in Exile: Queer New Orleans and the Story of America ’s Oldest Gay Bar and the co editor of My Gay New Orleans, an anthology of personal essays. H e also co hosted with Misti Gaither the popular on line talk show, “Lez Talk About It.” For the last several years he has worked as a real estate agent.
Originally from Beaumont, Texas, Phillips majored in theater and then turned to the art of female impersonation at an early age. Her early titles include Miss Gay Golden Triangle and Miss Gay Beaumont. She was the longest running show director in southeast Texas, booking entertainers from all over the country and overseeing the casts of four clubs over a span of nearly three decades. Phillips thought she was leaving drag behind when she relocated to New Orleans, but drag followed her. After reemerging on the drag scene in New Orleans, Phillips was named Southern Decadence Grand Marshal in 2016, as well as Grand Reveler IV for the Krewe de la Rue Royale Revelers in 2018. Dubbed “The Cheese Queen ” by Ambush Magazine founder Rip Naquin, Phillips wrote a column in the magazine entitled “The Real Cheese” and currently writes an advice column. Phillips also serves as the third emcee of the Corner Pocket’s legendary “New Meat Contest” (the first two emcees were Ms. Fly and Lisa Beaumann), as well as the host
of the bar’s Sunday Zingo game. Phillips also bartends at the bar. 2026 marks Phillips’ 46th anniversary as an entertainer.
The Gay Easter Parade, now in its 25th year, is produced by AMBUSH Magazine and serves as a fundraiser for Food for Friends. The Gay Easter Parade rolls on Easter Sunday, April 5 at 4:30 pm in the French Quarter.
AMBUSH is published six times a year and has a print circulation footprint across the Gulf Coast from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Pensacola, Florida. Thousands more access the magazine on line from around the world. For ad rates and other information, email frankearlperez@gmail.com or camzimmerman504@gmail.com
AMBUSH was founded in 1982 by Rip & Marsha Naquin Delain and is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ themed print publications in the world.
Felicia Phillips and Jeffrey Palmquist (Photo by Craig Fremin)
Chop Chop Charles Pizzo
Quality Comes at a Price: Padrona and Thaihey NOLA
“Is this food worth the price?” No one can answer that for you. The value proposition is personal. We all know there is a difference between casual and fine dining.
With that in mind, I set out to find operations that offered quality in unexpected settings. What I found is that you can locate quality in places you might associate with low prices, such as ethnic restaurants or food markets. But real quality does come at a price.
Both Padrona and Thaihey demonstrate this point. At both, the quality was so high that I overlooked the fact that prices are not low.
Padrona serves Italian food in the St. Roch Market. The market has undergone a welcome transformation, and the quality is better for it. I ordered the Eggplant Blossom Parmigiana. A whole eggplant was cut right in front of me into the crisscross shape familiar to anyone who ’s ordered the similar dish made with onion. It’s battered and fried; when plated, it looks like fries sprouting into the air. They ’re served on a pool of house made pomodoro classic tomato sauce with strong herbal notes of basil. Grated cheese is sprinkled atop, and it ’s garnished with house baked focaccia and sprigs of basil.
The eggplant was buttery tender, expertly cooked and seasoned. Eggplant can be mushy, rubbery, or bitter. This was none of those things. The pomodoro brightens the eggplant, its acidity balancing the oily exterior. The focaccia, leavened bread, was slightly chewy with something possibly cherry tomatoes baked into it. It was sweetish, nutty, and excellent. It’s a vegetarian friendly dish that comes together beautifully and is very satisfying.
It wouldn’t be an Italian meal without having spaghetti. On a second visit, I tried Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp & Black Garlic. There are two options: with the previously sampled red pomodoro or black squid ink sauce. Feeling adventurous, I opted for the latter. Before trying anything else, I tasted the sauce with a spoon. It was smooth and milder than expected. The sauce is thin, with a slight taste of the sea and surprisingly it is on the sweet side.
That sweetness comes from the black garlic, which is aged for weeks. There are several cloves tossed with the squid ink pasta, which is also black. Like the sauce, it ’s milder than you might assume, and slightly nutty due to the wheat. Perfectly cooked shrimp are mixed into the sauce; the black hue they
take on can be a little disconcerting, yet the taste is normal. There are also red cherry tomatoes on the plate, which is crowned with arugula. Its bitterness is a perfect foil for the sweetness of the sauce once stirred in.
One note: it’s called ink for a reason. The sauce stained my hands for days (from peeling the tails off the shrimp). You’ll want extra napkins with this dish and be careful with your clothes.
Close to Canal Street is Thaihey, which bills itself as “novel Thai.”
There are many expensive options not usually seen on ethnic menus, including ribeye steak, short ribs, lamb, and frog legs. Unfortunately, none of these novel proteins were available during my visits.
Perhaps the most well known dish in the Thai repertoire is Pad Thai. It arrives somewhat deconstructed, with the tamarind sauce infused noodles on the bottom, topped with shrimp, strips of egg lightly flavored with saffron, shredded cabbage and carrots. Crushed peanuts are served on the side, as was chili pepper to spice it up even more (by request). I like spicy food, but the server said that mild here has a hefty kick (true; you can request no pepper). My first impression was that it’s a small serving, and the noodles seemed dry. After I mixed it all together, it turned out to be a very good dish. However, don’t expect to take any home.
Unexpectedly, the best dish I had here was the fried okra. I know many people turn their nose up and call it slimy. If so, let Thaikey re introduce you to okra done right. They are deep fried with a light coating to a crackling crispness (likely by using rice flour). The trick is not to cut the pods open, which releases their mucilage. Again, these are whole pods, small and tender. Their so called “secret spice” was salt and (Cont’d. on pg. 38)
Eggplant Blossom
Fried Whole Okra Pods
Squid Ink Pasta with Shrimp
LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana Announces 2026 Programming Events
The LGBT+ Archives Project of Louisiana, a non profit organization dedicated to preserving queer history, has released its 2026 programming schedule.
April 11 Grand Opening of the group ’s new Queer History
Exhibit Space. The new space will feature an exhibit on New Orleans’ rich LGBT+ history and include a timeline, informational panels, and photographs. The new exhibit space is located at 311 Burgundy Street in the French Quarter. The Grand Opening will kick off at 3:00 p.m. with a reception at 318 N. Rampart St. (The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture). At 3:30 p.m., the group will second line around the block to the new exhibit space. The space will be free and open to the public and offer complimentary queer history walking tours on the weekends.
June 4 Annual Membership Meeting. The annual membership meeting will take place at the Marigny Opera House (725 St. Ferdinand St.) in the evening. The meeting will feature refreshments, an update of the Archives Project ’s progress over the last year, the presentation of the Stewart
Butler / Alfred Doolittle Award for Contribution to Queer History, and a keynote address on the New Orleans chapter of the Daughters of Bilitis. The meeting will serve as the launch of the organization’s annual programming focus: lesbian history.
June 5 Reception at the Queer History Exhibit space (311 Burgundy St.) in the evening.
June 6 The Sapphic Fleur de Lez: A Symposium on New Orleans Lesbian History. This day long program will take place at the Williams Research Center (410 Chartres St.) of The Historic New Orleans Collection and feature key note speakers and panel discussions on the history of lesbian activism and bar history.
October 14 Oracle Honors. Each year for national LGBTQ History Month, the Archives Project honors an individual or an organization that has donated a significant collection of material that chronicles queer history. This year the group will honor Arthur Roger, who has recovered, restored, and donated decades worth of footage of the Lazarus Ball. the Williams Research Center (410 Chartres St.).
November 28 Winter Wonderland. Details to be announced at a later date
Cur tain Up Brian Sands
What with French Quarter Fest and Easter and Jazzfest, there isn ’t as much theatrical activity, especially on the Southshore, going on this April. Still, there are quite a few shows worth checking out on both sides of Lake Pontchartrain this month and next.
Le Petit Theatre continues its 109th season with Yasmina Reza ’s 2009 Tony Award winning play God of Carnage translated from the French by Christopher Hampton. In this comedy of bad manners, a play ground altercation between two eleven year old boys brings together both sets of parents for a meeting to resolve the conflict. At first, diplomatic niceties are observed, but as the discussion progresses, the liquor flows, tensions emerge, and the gloves come off as Reza asks “ How ‘civilized’ are we, really?”
A.J. Allegra, fresh off his Guys & Dolls success, will direct this dramedy which runs from April 30 through May 17. Neighbors behaving badly? What could be more fun!
The folks in God of Carnage may behave badly but they got nothing on Medea who, well, no spoilers here (though the tale has been around nearly 2,500 years). The NOLA Project will close out its 21st Season by paying tribute to the Ancient Greeks with Medea, Euripides’ depiction of one woman ’ s quest for vengeance which may be more timely now than ever.
Joining forces, Directors Leslie Claverie and Tenaj Wallace, who have helmed outstanding productions of Frankenstein and Fat Ham, respectively, will use a translation by Alistair Elliot which bought a Tony Award to Diana Rigg when she starred in this tragedy on Broadway. Natalie Boyd plays the title role in this Medea at Greenway Station (436 N. Norman C. Francis Parkway) which plays May 15 30. I suspect she shall be as equally award worthy as Dame Diana.
Want another tragedy to distract you from the news? The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane will present King Lear, the Bard’s most nihilistic work, May 22 June 7. Don’t know too much about this version yet, but with its vain 80ish year old monarch slowly going mad, well, sound like anybody you know?
Prefer something lighter, with supernatural overtones, to distract you from the headlines? Check out Last Night at the Rue Bayou, a new immersive musical experience that will serve up gumbo, drinks, and a Southern Gothic love story, plus a ghost or two. Set inside a juke joint at the crossroads between the living world and the spirits of the bayou, Last Night tells the story of Miss Ilean Durand, the club ’s matriarch who must fight to save the establishment from the advances of a corrupt local official. The show features an original score inspired by traditional Jazz, R&B, Cajun, Zydeco, Blues, Second Line
rhythms, and Bounce.
Last Night at the Rue Bayou is scheduled to run April 16 –May 3, and a ticket includes two drinks. Performances will be at the Storyville Music Hall, located in the space formerly home to BB King’s and Margaritaville (3 French Market Place/1104 Decatur Street).
If you’d like your music mixed with a little tragedy, head over to the Saenger Theatre (April 14 19) for the return of SIX, the musical in which the six wives of Henry VIII battle, American Idol style, for the position of lead singer in their heaven set band. How will this be determined? Whomever had the worst experience at the hands of Henry, wins.
Yeah, it’s kinda trauma porn but each Wife sings her tale in the style of a different pop diva (Beyoncé, Adele, Britney and other such one named wonders), so entertainment rules. Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’ tunes may all sound more or less the same, fading from memory with amazing rapidity, but their lyrics are witty, sharp and even occasionally moving. I’m not sure if I’d give SIX a 10 (probably more like a 7.5), but, as a 20something friend put it “I felt like I was in a history lesson taught at a pop concert!” There are worse ways to spend 90 minutes.
Following SIX, The Book of Mormon comes to the Saenger again May 12 17. This Tony award winning musical about Mormon missionaries in Africa is by South Park’s Trey Parker && Matt Stone and AvenueQ/Frozen’s (Cont’d on pg. 32)
"The cast of SIX (photo by Joan Marcus)"
Gulf Coast
Curtains Up Cont’
Robert Lopez. Its humor tends to elude me until midway through the second act, but after that point I find myself laughing unconditionally.
If Queens and Mormon missionaries are too real for you, journey to the Northshore April 17 May 3 for Slidell Little Theatre’s Shrek the Musical in which an ogre, a donkey, a princess and a small multitude of other fairy tale characters fight for justice. Inspired by the 2001 Oscar winning movie, the last time SLT did Shrek, in 2016, I wrote that “while the first act lags in its mid section as exposition is ladled out, the second one is a complete delight,” and, with a large cast 71! all fabulously costumed, I described the production as a “pinnacle of community theater.” Here’s hoping things will turn out happily ever after again.
Alas, we know that things do not turn out happily in The Laramie Project. This groundbreaking play draws upon hundreds of interviews conducted by members of the Tectonic Theatre Company in the aftermath of the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard with the citizens of Laramie, Wyoming, as well as published news reports and company members ’ journal entries, to depict the events surrounding the murder of Shepard, an openly gay college student.
While admittedly a talky piece as we hear from a wide variety of folks, some intimately involved with the slaying and some just on its periphery, it may well put a lump in your throat. You can see for yourself at Mandeville’ s 30 by Ninety Theatre April 18 May 3.
Loss and humor co mingle in Chapter Two, Neil Simon’ s 1977 semi autobiographical play that follows George Schneider, a recently widowed writer, as he navigates a whirlwind romance with Jennie Malone, a recently divorced actress. Encouraged by his brother Leo and Jennie's friend Faye to re enter the dating world, the couple must overcome their respective grief, insecurities, and the fear of starting over.
Chapter Two hasn’t been presented in this area for a long time so you well might want to consider taking a trip to Covington to see this humane comedy when Playmakers Theater presents it May 2 17.
Back on the Southshore, Jefferson Performing Arts gives the local premiere to Jagged Little Pill, the Alanis Morisette musical with a book by Diablo Cody that explores the cracks beneath the surface of a seemingly picture perfect suburban family. Jack Lampert directs the show which runs April 17 26 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center in Metairie.
And May brings two versions of Cinderella to the area for lots
of happily ever afterness.
First up, New Orleans Ballet Theatre ’s glorious production of Cinderella returns to the Orpheum Theater May 9 10. When it debuted in 2019, I wrote “With new choreography by Gregory Schramel, Carlos Guerra, and Marjorie Schramel to Sergei Prokofiev’ s gorgeous music, Cinderella was consistently beautiful to look at and, in its retelling of this classic fairy tale, even touching as we observed its heroine’ s liberation from her oppressive home life. The choreographers employed clear staging to advance the story while filling it out with elegant dance.”
Next will come Rodgers + Hammerstein ’s Cinderella at Rivertown May 15 31, featuring seven classic R&H songs and Douglas Carter Beane’ s updating of Hammerstein ’s original book, which adds contemporary references, revamps one of the stepsisters into a dorky but nice gal, and makes Cinderella a more conscious shaper of her own destiny.
Wishing everyone a happy ending in the coming months!
U Haul Diaries Kelly Schexnaildre
Why New Orleans Must Be a Sanctuary
It has been a wild and scary time for queer and trans people since January 20, 2025. Nationally, we have seen a blitz of executive orders defining sex as a binary birth assignment and the scrubbing of LGBTQ+ resources from federal websites surgical strikes designed to disrupt and erase us from American life. Louisiana, a red state with a long history of discrimination, has ramped up these efforts. From the Restoring Biological Truth Act (HB 578) to expanding Don ’t Say Gay
restrictions and increasing penalties for private insurers covering HRT, the violent wilderness is encroaching. Even our local judicial landscape feels the weight with the confirmation of Anna St. John who has built a career fighting our protections to the U.S. District Court of Eastern Louisiana.
As a result of this state legislation, it is vital that New Orleans be designated a sanctuary city. On March 8, 2026, about 40 protestors marched on the Hale Boggs building, asking the City Council to create a legal firewall. This designation would achieve a critical right of refusal: the city would bar local resources from being used to enforce state level bans and protect our data from being weaponized by Baton Rouge.
New Orleans, with its Indigenous American roots and European influence, has long been a refuge for queer life. We are the sequins in its heavy silk; the city ’s uncontained authenticity is our doing. New Orleans would not be what it is today without the Southern Decadence festival, the historical preservation of the French Quarter through landmarks like Café Lafitte in Exile, and the revolutionary Bounce music scene.
The rising tide of Christian Nationalism a movement that has
citrus forward with some chili pepper. The fried okra was bright and flavorful basically addictive.
Pumpkin Curry Catfish is a novel preparation I ’ ve not seen in other Thai restaurants. A generous and well fried fillet of catfish is perched above a bed of mild coconut red curry. There are numerous thin slices of Kabocha pumpkin, a Japanese varietal, in the sauce. It is sweet and starchy; I almost mistook it for a potato. It’s topped with fried Thai basil, which adds an earthy quality to the dish. Like many of the dishes here, the sum is better than the parts. When you get a bite with all the elements, the dish fuses together. Fragrant Jasmine rice is served on the side.
My dining partner opted for the Lobster Ravioli Tom Kha, which usually refers to a soup. But here the “soup” is a coconut milk based sauce flavored with herbs. Delicate ravioli filled with lobster meat sit in this pool. They are quite dainty and delicious.
bastardized the message of Jesus to serve patriarchy has conservatives grasping for a scapegoat, mirroring the dark history of 1930s Germany. Just as the National Socialist movement pinned economic unrest on a common enemy to distract from the failures of unregulated power, we have become the target today alongside our foreign born brothers and sisters. This ideology, which emerged in the mid 20th century as a reaction to civil rights, uses religious language to mask a fascist playbook: identify a minority, blame them for economic hardship, and legally erase them.
Making New Orleans a sanctuary city is the duty of a Council whose city would not exist without the queer souls that shaped it. We expect this ordinance to be introduced at the March 26 meeting, beginning a sixty day window where our presence at the gates will determine if this refuge becomes reality. By protecting us, the city secures its own vibrancy; safety is the prerequisite for the civic participation and economic drive that benefits all citizens. Government must serve every New Orleanian without exception, honoring the source of this city's magic by finally reflecting our light in the law.
The menu says it’s served with a claw, but on this day, it came with a slightly overcooked lobster tail and maitake mushrooms. It’s a luxurious dish, to say the least, and rich in two senses: for its creaminess and price.
Both restaurants have dishes ranging over $25 and further north. High quality made them worth it. Value, to butcher a phrase, is in the eye of the beholder.
Padrona, 2381 St. Claude Ave in the St. Roch Market, Open Sunday –Thursday 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (Friday–Saturday till 10:00 p.m.). @padronanola /Instagram www.strochmarket.com
Thaihey NOLA, 308 Decatur St, Open Monday 11:30 a.m. –3:00 p.m. then 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (Tuesday–Sunday till 10:00 p.m.) (504) 354 8646 @thaiheynola /Instagram www.thaiheynola.com
Charles Pizzo is a native New Orleanian and PR professional. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and former chairman of IABC, the International Association of Business Communicators.
Chop Chop Cont ’d.
St. Patrick’s Day & St. Joseph’s Day
Community Focus Jim Meadows
NOAGE Events, Programs, and Services
Since 2015, I’ve been involved with one of the best organizations in the New Orleans community: New Orleans Advocates for LGBTQ+ Elders (NOAGE). Whenever I ’m out and about, people tend to ask me, “How are things with NOAGE? ” So for this issue of AMBUSH, I ’m answering that question.
NOAGE’s mission is to improve the well being of LGBTQ+ older adults in the New Orleans metro area. To that end, we host a variety of services and programming. Here ’s a summary of what’s going on now, and what we have planned for the rest of 2026.
Annual Spring Party & Board Elections: On April 22, we’ll be hosting our annual Spring Party at the beautiful Uptown home of Jeff Morgan (our current board president) and Jason Waguespack (NOAGE ’s founder). It’s a great opportunity to meet members of our board of directors, as well as our constituents. We also will be holding the board election at this event. The event is free to attend, but only Supporting Members (individuals who have donated $25 or more to NOAGE in the past year) are eligible to vote in the election. To become a NOAGE Supporting Member, you can either donate online at noage.kindful.com or at the event. To RSVP to attend the party, please email us at info@noagenola.org
NOAGE Social Groups and Activities: While NOAGE’s focus is on supporting older adults, adults of all ages are welcome to participate. We appreciate and encourage intergenerational connection and support. The following groups and activities are free for all attendees.
We’re looking forward to participating in the Gay Easter Parade. It’s always one of the most fun events of the year, and we would love for you to join the NOAGE group, which will be walking in the parade. Congratulations to this year ’s grand marshals, Felicia Phillips and Jeffrey Palmquist!
Our most popular recurring event is our annual potluck dinner at St. Anna’s Episcopal Church parish hall, which is held on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 8:00PM. If you’re able to bring a dish, that ’s fantastic, but even if you can ’t, please come check it out. It ’s a great way to meet new friends, network, and feel a sense of fellowship and community. It’s nourishment for the body and soul.
Another popular NOAGE event is Coffee Talk. We meet twice a month: once in person at CrescentCare, and once online via Zoom. The group is moderated by one of New Orleans ’ absolute best humans, Brian La Bella, LCSW. We usually start with a check in, where attendees get an opportunity to talk about
about how they ’re doing, followed by a discussion. There ’s no rigid structure to it; sometimes we have a specific topic (occasionally we have guest speakers), but other times we talk about current events or New Orleans related activities. Coffee and snacks are provided courtesy of Petite Clouet Café.
On Mondays at 5:00PM, the NOAGE Walking Group meets at the Magazine Street entrance to Audubon Park. People of all fitness levels can participate; there ’ll always be someone to walk along with you at your pace. (The group is automatically canceled if the weather is bad.)
On the second Tuesday of each month (6:00 8:00PM), the New Orleans Pride Center hosts our Intergenerational Game Night. We have board and card games on hand, but feel free to bring your own games and your friends!
The NOAGE Book Club is another great group hosted by the Pride Center. The group meets every other month on the last Tuesday. Usually, the books we read have LGBTQ related themes and authors. Our most recent read was Dancer from the Dance, by Andrew Holleran.
Buddy Program: We’ve just recently launched a “Buddy Program,” which aims to match volunteers with older adults who need extra support (friendly visits, transportation to medical appointments, etc.). If you ’d like to volunteer, or if you or someone you know might benefit, please get in touch with us for more information.
Cultural Competence Training: Another area of focus for NOAGE is providing education and cultural competence training to healthcare and other service providers. Throughout the year, we present our HRC Long Term Care Equality Index approved curriculum to professionals who work with older adults. But we also host an annual day long symposium on LGBTQ+ health and wellness. The next one will be on May 16, and will feature speakers giving presentations on a variety of topics of interest to both the LGBTQ+ community and the professionals who provide care for them.
Website, Newsletter, and Social Media: The best way to stay informed about NOAGE programming, events, and services is to subscribe to our e newsletter, which I send out about once a week. To subscribe, visit our website (Cont ’d. on pg. 42)
Community Focus Cont ’d.
at noagenola.org. And be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@lgbteldersnola). You can also reach us by email at info@noagenola.org, or by calling (504) 517 2345.
Weekly Events Cont’d.
The Roundup Review: The Roundup; 560 E Heinberg St, Pensacola, FL; 5:30 p.m. No cover. Great drag show every Sunday. Zingo!; The Corner Pocket; 940 St. Louis St.; 6 p.m. Zingo! with the boy’s pullin’ the balls. Can you say, O 69? Come play to win fabulous prizes and bar tabs (free to play). Corner Pocket Emcee Felicia Phillips and former Southern Decadence Grand Marshal hosts.
Minx Burlesque: Howlin Wolf; 907 S. Peters St., New Orleans, LA; 6 p.m. Minx Burlesque is LIVE at the Howlin ’ Wolf. Featuring a rotating cast of per formers for a new and exciting show each week. From classic strip tease, to circus acts, to comedy Queens, Minx Burlesque has something to please and tease every audience member. For tickets, go to https:// www.ticketweb.com/events/org/13741?pl=howlin
SIPPS Drag Bingo: SIPPS Gulfport; 2218 25th Ave.; Gulfport, MS.; 7 p.m. Come play bingo for great prizes every Sunday.
Drag Bingeaux; Oz; 800 Bourbon St.; 7 – 9 p.m. Hosted by Ivy Dripp with go go boys. 11 games, no cover.
The Opulence Hour: Maison; 508 Frenchmen St.; 8 – 9 p.m.
The troupe that brought you “Talk Nerdy To Me: A Weekly Nerdlesque Revue” is putting on our Sunday best for this new burlesque and variety show. The Society of Sin Burlesque & Variety every Sunday at The Maison on Frenchman at 7 p.m. Every week there will be a different show filled with decadent costumes, extravagant aesthetics, and big moods from our rotating cast of entertainers. For tickets, go to www.eventbrite.com.
Lipstixx Ladies on Parade; Bourbon Pub & Parade; 801 Bourbon St.; 8 – 10 p.m. Hosted by Miss Aubrey Synclaire. Showtime 8:00 p.m. Sharp! Reservations accepted on a “first come first serve” at 504 529 2107.
The Ladies of Oz Show Night; Oz New Orleans; 800 Bourbon St., New Orleans, LA; 9:30 11:30 p.m. Featuring the Ladies of Oz and DJ Tim Pflueger.
News Briefs
Trump Administration ’s Attempt to Deny Trans Care for Minors Blocked by a Federal Judge
A coalition of states recently sued Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ’s decree that gender affirming care for minors does not “meet professionally recognized standards.” HHS previously dictated that hospitals which receive federal funding through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children ’s Health Insurance Program could no longer provide gender affirming care for minors. Sever states sued HHS, arguing the policy effectively created a new national standard of care in violation of the Administration Procedure Act. Judge Kasabhai agreed and vacated Kennedy’s declaration. The decision is likely to be appealed.
Louisiana Legislature is in Session
The regular session of the Louisiana Legislature convened on March 9. Louisiana Trans Advocates, an advocacy group, is tracking a number of “bad” bills, not the least of which is HB 578, a redundant anti trans sex definition bill. The group has also identified a number of “good” bills, including HB 293, which provides employment discrimination protections to LGBT+ people. Visit https:// www.latransadvocates.org/lege tracker to follow the progress of these and other bills.
2026 Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Named
The outgoing Southern Decadence Grand Marshals recently named their successors. The announcement party was held at Oz New Orleans on February 28. For the first time in its history, Southern Decadence will have six grand marshals this year: Rachel and Romy Thompson, Bobby Wagstaff, Sarah Manowitz, Sam Smith, and Milan Nicole Sherry. The 2026 Southern Decadence Parade will take place on Sunday, September 6.
