New Orleans - Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters have been selected as

Transcription

1 in the spotlight Orlando Aloe & Safonda Peters to Lead 9th Gay Easter Parade New Orleans - Orlando Aloe and Safonda Peters have been selected as Easter Grand Marshals IX, and will lead all of the festivities for this year s celebration. The Official Gay Easter Parade is Sunday, March 23 beginning at 4:30pm sharp. Both Aloe and Peters have participated for years in the parade and its fund-raisers. Aloe is proprietor of Society Page, a popular French Quarter club and Peters is a member of the Krewe of Amon Ra and was Queen Amon Ra XLI. The parade minus expenses benefits Food For Friends, a vital service of the NO/AIDS Task Force. Past parades have raised over $35,700 for charity. Fundraisers including the 9th annual Purple Party will be announced in the next edition of Ambush. Past Grand Marshals include EGMs I Rip and Marsha Naquin-Delain, EGMs II Larry Bagneris and the late Miss Do Moreland, EGMs III Timm Holt and Teryl- Lynn Foxx, EGMs IV George Simons and Electra City, EGMs V Brett Messmer and Princesse Stephaney, EGMs VI James Swire and Lisa Beaumann, EGMs VII Doc Reed and Opal Masters, and EGMs VIII Michael Elias and Tom Rona Conners. Opal Masters and Rona Conners have joined the Board of Directors which oversees the parade, its events and fund-raisers. Sponsorships are available at $1,000-Platinum, $500-Gold, $250-Silver and $100-Bronze. Carriages for the parade are available and carriage prices are as follows: 2, 4 and 6 passenger-$285; 8, 10 and 12 passenger-$350; and 15, 20 and 25 passenger-$540. Prices include parade entry fee. Entry Fee for car, truck, float, bike club or marching/walking group is $15. Deadline for entering the parade is Friday, March 14. You can get your entry/sponsorship form on-line at GayEasterParade.COM or by contacting Rip Naquin-Delain, or info@gayeasterparade.com, or picking one up at Ambush, 828-A Bourbon St. 10am-4pm Monday through Friday. one last song...from Expose-4 the closed bathroom door. Why would he be laughing to himself he wondered. But the thought left him almost as fast as it had arisen. The sex between them had been great, no, not great but phenomenal. It had been to long for him, to long since he allowed himself to let go with another human being. To be held, to hold another person. And why was that? Was he somehow holding onto the dream that Mark would return, a changed person, the person he had fallen in love with and committed his heart and soul to? Now he laughed silently to himself. He heard the shower starting up and with renewed energy surging through his body, jumped out of bed and headed toward it. Entering the bathroom, he could see Carlos through the glass shower doors, soaping up his body, slowly, sensually. Without thinking twice, he entered the shower. Carlos turned, leaning in towards him, wrapping his arms around Jim s neck. Carlos slowly ran his tongue across Jim s lips and then just plunged it deeply inside. Jim s head was spinning, he felt like he was going to lose his balance, but he stood steadfastly, re- turning the kiss. Why in the hell had he waited so long to react to Carlos advances? He had always found this young man sexually attractive and he had always made himself known that he was available for Jim. Well he had let himself go completely this morning, now only the future holds the answers to where this will go. Later that afternoon, as Carlos was finishing up his work in the gardens, Jim approached him. Carlos looked up at him from the flower bed he was attending, shielding his eyes from the glaring afternoon sun with one gloved hand. Hello Senor, he smiled, his white teeth gleaming in the sun. Senor, it sounds so formal after what took place between us this morning. It s only proper. I suppose so, but it seems strange somehow. I was just wondering what you might be doing for dinner tonight. Are you asking me out? Well, I guess so. Hell no, I mean yes, yes I am. I am asking you to go to dinner with me, what is so odd about that? You wouldn t feel funny being seen with me around town, your employee? Tongues will be wagging you know? All the locals, that is, they ll be saying I m your escort, or worse, a paid companion. My cousins, I m sure you know, have this reputation. I know all about your cousins, hell the entire gay community of the Keys and South Florida is much too familiar with them, I think between the two of them they ve just about bedded all the others. They waste no one s time, their's or anyone else s. But you're not really like them, sure you ve been on a few dates, we all know that, but not in the way they do. Besides to tell you the absolute truth, I sir, would be proud to be seen on your arm. How could I possibly turn down such an eloquent invitation? You can t. And how should I dress? Wear a dinner jacket; I would love to go some place chic and expensive, to show you off. Any thing you wish. Underwear of course will be optional. Of course, as you desire, how would you prefer me, caged or free as the wind? That sir, I would say, is a personal decision. And with that Jim blew him a kiss, Carlos grabbed and planted it on his lips. Jim turned and went back into the house; Carlos grinned to himself and started humming a snappy Latin tune. Mark was packing a few things to take south with him in the morning, he didn t want to pack much stuff, most of what he needed he determined he could purchase on the island once he was there. He had intended to make the reservation using his Christian name, but for some reason, at the last moment actually, he decided against it. After all he would be in a place he had never been before, and who knows what would pop up? He, himself questioned his decision, when he realized just what he had done, but then resigned himself to the obvious fact that he had not heard a single word from or about Jim in over a year. That came from an actual mutual friend of theirs, one of the few they had both known before they had become the model gay couple. That couple who had everything that caused so much envy between the others they socialized with. The friend told him that Jim had confided in him that he was seriously considering moving down South later, more than likely, after summer. Mark remembered now, that he was sure Jim was just trying to maybe put a scare into him, but a few weeks later, the same dude informed him that he had been trying to get in touch with Jim to no avail. He had gone to his apartment and the landlord informed him that Jim had indeed moved on, leaving no forwarding address at all. Just thinking about it now caused Mark to mist up, what an ass he had been, and such a fool. Mark sat down on the edge of his bed to gather his composure, thinking ahead to the coming weekend he envisioned all kinds of exciting things taking place. Manny whistled, loud and long, as his cousin walked into the front room of the B and B. Carlos, whom he had to admit was one hell of a looker, was radiant this evening, dressed impeccably in all white, setting off his dark Latin bronzed skin and jet black hair. His chocolate brown eyes shined brightly, only as those who knew that love was about to enter their lives do. If you weren t my cousin amigo, I d try to bed you myself. You ve already tried that Manny, more than once. Not seriously enough I think. Carlos laughed with good humor, Manny stood up and he embraced his family member. You do look good enough to eat, you know that yes? Thank you. So tell me, who s the lucky guest? It s not a guest. Senor Jim has asked me to accompany him to dinner tonight. Well it looks like my little cousin has greater aspirations than even I. No? No. I really like Senor. Manny gave a sly knowing laugh. Come on Manny, I do. Don t you have any feelings at all for the men you date except for what s in their wallets? Sure I do, I have plenty of feeling, every time I get an erection, he laughed. This is no joke for me, I really do have feelings for this man, and I do truly care for him. Sounds like you re trying to convince yourself, if you ask me. I didn t ask you. Don t be so touchy. Just then a distinguished gentleman came down from the second floor, walking directly over to Manny. You are looking sharp tonight, my young friend. Carlos recognized the man, he had been with them almost two weeks now, but he had no idea of the man s name. The man eyed Carlos with less than prurient interest. And who pray tell is this fine looking specimen? My cousin, Carlos, Senor. Would Carlos care to join us for a bite to eat, a few drinks and some heavenly play afterward? I could make it worth your while, and I would be delighted. I don t think I ve ever had cousins, at the same time anyway. I m afraid I have to decline your generous offer, but I m awaiting my dinner companion now. Perhaps some other time then. Perhaps, Carlos smiled, as Manny took the gentleman s arm and escorted him out the door and into the evening. Carlos rose from the chair he had been sitting in and walked over to the desk they used for checking in the guests. He certainly did cut an impressive figure in his linen suit. The suit fit him like a glove, the pants especially, and he wore nothing under them, allowing the outline of his ample manhood to be seen from time to time, as he walked. He hoped that this is what Jim had wanted when he had made the statement to fly free, he was sure that it was. Well he would know shortly for he heard his date coming down the third floor stairway, and there was nothing else on the third floor but the owner s suite. It didn t take but a minute or so before Jim entered the room. He smiled brightly at Carlos, causing his manhood to flare up just a bit. Carlos walked out from behind the desk and held his arms out with his palms turned up, he tilted his head as if asking Jim for his opinion of him. Beautiful, was all Jim could say. As you are, as well, Carlos replied, walking to him and taking him into his arms. They stood there swaying as if they both heard ONE LAST SONG, playing to end the evening at a night club. Carlos kissed him gently and led him into the night of their date, the exciting building within the two of them simultaneously. To be continued. You may contact me at donniejay@hotmail.com. EXPOSE'-6 of 64 Jan. 29-Feb. 11, 2008 AmbushMag.COM GayBars.COM GayMardiGras.COM GayNewOrleans.COM SouthernDecadence.COM

2 Apollo s King John Sallinger with Lady Rhonda & Stephen red stick paparazzi Josie, Debbie & Mickey at the ROU ball Bar barons Jeff, Richard & Cory Maybeth & Randy at Hound Dogs ROU ~ Lafayette, The Capital City ~ Baton Rouge photos: Brad Benedict Phil & John at the ROU ball Sam & Damon with Clyde in the background Dynamic Dan at Splash Beautiful Miss Apollo Nicole Foxx Splash s lovable & sexy Lance Richard & Nicole Foxx Just out having fun Happy duo enjoying night out Paul & Ronnie at George s Cutie with the red drawers Dustin serving great drinks at Hound Dogs Acadiana s pride & joy Kenny Hebert Jennifer Marlow, Joe Boniol & Buffi Monet Mark, Jim & Michael at George s Ex-Red Sticker Walter in for a visit Working the door at Splash GayAustin.Net GayHouston.COM GayBatonRouge.BIZ GayPensacola.COM GayAmerica.COM Jan. 29-Feb. 11, 2008 EXPOSE'-7 of 64

3 More Things ROU hot tails of red stick by Brad Benedict With such a short season of revelry, clubs and individuals are crowding in as much as they can in the way of fun activities. It s almost too much of a good thing because of the desperate attempts to do as much as possible in such a short period of time. Red Stick guys and gals are doing their best by not only doing the local things but heading out to New Orleans and Lafayette for balls and festive activities. That was apparent last weekend when the Royal Order of Unicorn presented their latest bal masque. The trip across the Atchafalaya was crowded with partygoers making their way to the Martin Luther King Center on Cora Street in Lafayette for the ball with many staying overnight to party more at the Sound Factory with Acadiana friends like John Gilland and also Mark and his friends at the Back Side. One of those friends is none other than the extremely sexy Macky, who I photographed with his leather outfit several years back. The John/Mark combo entertainment facility is truly Lafayette s super-nice place to experience. It s worth the drive over just to meet, greet, and sit a spell so you can really absorb the magical wonder of this magnificent place on Jefferson Street. I ve spent many happy times there, and I m ready to do it again. I prefer the warmer weather, and I skipped out on last Saturday night because of the cold. Oh, I suppose I could have warmed up after getting to the Sound Factory, but I hadn t planned to spend the night, and Red Stick beckoned me back. With all the nice Red Stickers at the ball, it was a good time to chat and compare notes on the season. Josie, Debbie, Mickey, John Wayne, Phil, Sam, Joe, Les, Corey, Joan, and Effie Marie were at my table. Acadiana stud and good friend Kenny Hebert always positions me so that I can take pictures of the ball for Ambush, and this is definitely appreciated. ROU has always been kind to me, and one of the nicest guys you will ever meet is Clyde Schroeder III, who is just as charming now as when we used to meet and party at the old Mirror Lounge here in Baton Rouge. Out of all the places I ve known, this is one bar that I miss the most. Of course it changed over the years and finally met its demise in less than glorious fashion. Oh how the memories from that gay landmark linger on and on long before I met Clyde. It was here that my friend Leonard worked years ago when it was located on North Boulevard and run by Ms. Hatch. However, I believe I first met Leonard at the old Cock and Bull, one of Kyle and James first bars here in the city. I mention Leonard because I had planned to take him with me to the ROU ball, and I feel his spirit was there enjoying the festive atmosphere. Now that he s gone, I miss the times we made the rounds here and in Lafayette and New Orleans. There is a void here, and it can never be filled. There is just no replacement for his friendship. Friends do matter, and I experienced another very nice greeting at the ROU ball from Ron Doherty (Lady Rhonda), who came over with John Sallinger and Stephen to tell me how much they appreciated the article I did for the Apollo ball. It showed a kind of class that you don t experience that often, and it was so nice to know that this compliment came from these friends. That had happened a couple of weeks before when the gracious and gorgeous Stephen and Ty of Splash fame told me how much they appreciated my comments about them in a previous issue of Ambush. These were simple gestures of thanks, but they meant a lot because of how they handled the situation. I admire them all for going out of their way to do this, and, just for the record, Lady Rhonda is just one great and classy dame, and that s the truth. Now that I m on the subject of class, I ll have to mention a couple of no-no goodies, which you may or may not agree with, but it all goes down to having no class at all. Both items of this non-class category came during the performances of one of the singers and a major costumer. You just absolutely don t come up to the runway, run you hand across a crotch, and then proceed to lick it. My mouth must have come open at that one. How tacky! How utterly tacky! I trust I never have the pleasure of seeing this happen again - or the individual who did it. The other moment came during another presentation of a major costume. I think an announcement should be made at the beginning of the program that no tipping be allowed except for invited performers. I won t name the person who started this during the Etch-A-Sketch performance, but you don t go stuffing dollars in the crotch or butt crack during a walk down the runway. That is something that could have waited for a bar dance, but nevertheless, it happened, and it was embarrassing when I recognized who started this tacky little diversion directed at a very sexy and marvelous performance. It was an embarrassing display of unprofessional behavior. Macky should have kicked her in one of her false tits. I missed a couple of people at this ball, namely a former King XXI and Mr. ROU John Abshire, and I didn t notice his name on the membership list either. That s not right, sweetie. You need to get back to the group that supported you so much, and even if you can t participate, you can at least lend your support with a membership. After all, how else am I ever going to get to gaze upon you again? The other missing person was that cigar-smoking babe from Spanish Town, the rockin and sockin Claudette, who had a great excuse a flu bug, or something like that. At any rate, her contagious laughter and candid remarks were missed. I hope you are feeling better now, sweetie. There are lots more people I could mention that were from Baton Rouge, but I don t think I would have room in this format to do that. I will have to say, however, that it was good to see TTT out of the hospital. I guess he got that hand fixed up properly. Hmmm. And it was good to see Acadiana s Roland, Jean, beautiful Stephanie, Emile and his significant other, Pamalia, Garland, Ken and Bryan, Linda and Lucy, Fred, and a multitude of other Acadiana friends. It was just a fabulous gathering of friends, something that needs to happen more than once a year. Oh, by the way, where were Robin, Chris, Victoria, Shayla, and Taylor? Inquiring minds need to know. More Notes MG As we go down to the wire for Fat Tuesday, there are still so many things to do and such a short time to get all these things accomplished. I ve only had time for a couple of king cakes, and that could be a good thing weight-wise, but I may have to freeze one or two so I can imagine Mardi Gras coming later, like in March. I guess I ll be going to some of the parades this year if the weather holds out, but I will say that there aren t too many Hollywood types I would want to view this year. Now if you bring Jake Gyllenhaal down for a big one, I ll be right there frontrow center, or as close as possible. I think he s the only one that could make me brave the cold, so as you can see, if it ain t warm, I won t be in attendance. That s why I m hoping for warm nights for Sparta, Muses, and maybe another one or two. Otherwise, I ll just read about them. I haven t been to too many parades in a number of years, mainly because I was involved in all the activities of the Lords of Leather. That just about knocks out parade gazing, especially Bacchus, and this year, I ll be photographing and writing up their annual bal masque for Ambush at Rip s request. I m really looking forward to this ball because I know all the hard work that Ernie and his krewe members put into this effort. Hopefully, I ll run into Kevin Chesnut, Mina Baby, and handsome Rich sometimes during the main holiday weekend. Like I say, if the weather cooperates, I ll participate. Otherwise, I ll be sitting in my easy chair away from the madness and not really enjoying myself, but at least staying warm. I did hear from Kevin the other day, and he brought me up to speed on things. I really have missed seeing him, and it may well have been last Mardi Gras that we last met across the street from Oz, I believe. We need to do this more often, sweetie. I also need to catch up with Desmond and Darren again. Here again, it was last year when I found them standing in the doorway to the Pub. I had been checking out things at Good Friends and was making my way back to Lafitte s when I ran into them. There has got to be more time between each Mardi Gras day when we can get together. I ll have to look into that. Of course, with the season this year being so short, balls were on top of balls on the schedule. Goodness! That sounds erotic! Whenever I think of New Orleans and Mardi Gras, I recall so many happy memories at Oz, Good Friends, Lafitte s, the Phoenix, MRB, Rawhide, Corner Pocket, and Cowpokes. I can tell all about these good times when I check into my photo files and see all those friends and acquaintances that I met and enjoyed so much. Mardi Gras day with Rip and Marsha are also in this collection, and it brings back so many nice memories of good friends, fine food, lovely views, and great conversations. It makes you wish that this holiday could go on and on. However, I think sheer exhaustion would take over so the rest between is good and actually appreciated by our bodies. Rest for the weary comes only after the fun has stopped. Sometimes, I think it never ends, and that in itself is a very good thing. More About ST The Spanish Town Mardi Gras Parade promises to be another wild one. Splash is already planning on a big booth and big sounds. These guys really know how to have a great time, and with all those sexy bartenders to hang out with, the good times are going to be even better. Last year, their tent drew lots of visitors, and I plan to be there early. Of course, early means having Dwayne hang out on the Spanish Town street sign, maybe with Little Corey, an annual tradition when it comes to photographing the parade. It just seems to be the right thing to do. The corner of Spanish Town Road and Seventh Street is the happening place to be. Even though the street is narrow, lots of people think there is no other place to be. I really think the best time can be had toward the end of the parade, less people, more beads thrown, but that s just my opinion. I know lots of people who do this instead of fighting the massive crowds at the beginning. Thank goodness all the work around the Capitol Complex is about finished. This is where the floats are always parked, and it looks like things will be back to normal when parade time gets here. I ll keep you posted on what happens. For those of you who have never experienced this satirical float parade, you really have missed a fun time. In fact, one of these years, I ll have to go to the Spanish Town Ball. It has grown from such a small affair to now being held in the River Center that you wouldn t know the beginning ever existed. It s called growth. This will be the first year that Brandon and Robert will experience all this madness. I think they are going to be greatly surprised. They started out by going to the ball, and I only wish I had a picture of Robert s outfit. I have a feeling he stood out loud and clear. That s the spirit, my friend. Keep it up, and have a great time. After the parade, many happy people will end up at George s and Hound Dogs to complete the holiday tradition with fun and games. And that will include Splash too as soon as they can get their equipment cleared out and returned to home base. If you think Canal Street is cluttered on Fat Tuesday, you can see a small version on Spanish Town Road and throughout the downtown area. It s just a great and big messy mess. For some of us, we will have to wait until the crowds clear out so we can make our way to the Baton Rouge Little Theater for Steel Magnolias. I m looking forward to this as well as the other great plays on this year s schedule. I plan to have Sam join me for this front row viewing. And I m looking forward to more dinners with Gerry and Trace. We always enjoy our times together. I think Richard and Guy have been off [continued on Expose-10] EXPOSE'-8 of 64 Jan. 29-Feb. 11, 2008 AmbushMag.COM GayBars.COM GayMardiGras.COM GayNewOrleans.COM SouthernDecadence.COM

4 GayAustin.Net GayHouston.COM GayBatonRouge.BIZ GayPensacola.COM GayAmerica.COM Jan. 29-Feb. 11, 2008 EXPOSE'-9 of 64

5 allons acadiana by Patrick Clinton It is just one week until Mardi Gras day, and if you haven t already made plans for one of the most festive times of the year, then you have probably already missed quite a few events. But it s not too late. The last week of Carnival is always the best, so get out there and have some fun. With Mardi Gras this early, you don t want to spend the rest of the year regretting missing it. The Sound Factory and Back Side have a lot planned for the big day. They ll open their doors at 8am for breakfast and cocktails. And let me tell you from experience, there s no better way to begin the celebrations than with mimosas and Mark s unforgettable home style cooking. And since they're only one block from the parade route, the Sound Factory and Back Side are the perfect place to relax and regroup while you take a much needed break from whoring for beads. So mark your calendar and put on your wildest, most outrageous outfits, because all your friends are gonna be there, and so will my trusty camera to capture the most festive ensembles. Remember, this is the one day of the year when just about anything is allowed; so you better take advantage. And it all starts in the early morning hours at Back Side. I can honestly say, I m curious to see just how many people can make it all the way until 2am. And between now and then, it ll be like one non-stop party with the pinnacle at midnight on Mardi Gras. All I can say is I hope you re well rested because for the next week there s no time for sleep. And after it s all over, the good times don t have to end. Sound Factory and Back Side will still offer the best weekly lineup the gay community has to offer. They are open seven days a week and always have something going on. Tuesdays are Karaoke Night at Sound Factory, hosted by the ever popular Chad hot tails of red stick...from EX-8 on another trip, but I don t know the complete details, so I ll have to follow up after Mardi Gras. I ll also check in on Kyle and James and see how things fell together for their holiday activities. They never take down their Christmas tree. It just stays by the door and becomes a Mardi Gras tree. I hope to find time afterwards to sit down with the guys and gals there and catch up on things. And I ll see if I can t drag George s Luther out to dinner and tell you more about him. He is just one dynamic and sexy man. That smile just makes me weak in the knees, the right position for anything that might come up. Don t get me wrong. I would never do that. Now - do you believe in snow at the equator? Have a great and safe Mardi Gras. And watch out for the religious do-gooders. Be exceptionally nice to them when you meet them in the bars after their elders have released them from sign-carrying duties. After all, they may welcome the kindnesses of anonymous strangers. Whoopee! TOYS: ROU Schwarz - A Fabulous Bal Masque in the spotlight by Brad Benedict bradhottails@hotmail.com Ilook forward each year to attending one of Louisiana s greatest Mardi Gras events, the Royal Order of Unicorn Bal Masque in Lafayette. Held on Saturday, January 19 at the Martin Luther King Civic Center on Cora Street, this 24th ball for this krewe turned out to be one of the most entertaining I ve ever attended. Of course, the best part for me is the reunion with friends, some that I seldom see except at this Mardi Gras ball. I always get to the event early so I can more or less greet people early before it is so crowded that it is difficult to move about in the auditorium. This ball was performed before a full house of happy Mardi Gras revelers, and it was a delight to talk to friends and acquaintances leading up to the magic moment when the lights went down and the ball started. Fred Acosta is the founder of this group, and he came up with something good here. It s a group that I wish I had joined years ago, but I didn t feel I could do the participation in events justice because of the distance between cities and the other schedule of events passing across my daily roster. At any rate, for Fred and all the other wonderful members and supporters of this group, I salute you on another fabulous bal masque, and what better way to execute this occasion than to come forth with great costumes representing some of our favorite toys. Toys: ROU Schwarz was truly a fabulous ball. ROU is a unique krewe. As soon as the lighting of the crest takes place, all the members and their invited guests are presented in their tuxedoes and evening gowns followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the welcome by the president. From this point on, it s Kofi to the rescue, and she once again shared her talents with this special occasion. The one thing I did notice this year was a more subdued Kofi, but when you can dance like she does and look so fine in red, then you know you have chosen the right Mistress of Ceremony for the evening. Evans. Chad has as much personality as he does talent. His charisma really breathes new life into the karaoke experience. And he doesn t limit the kinds of music he offers. He has everything from oldies and country to dance and rap. And the rest of the week at Sound Factory and Back Side is just as entertaining. Between karaoke on Tuesday nights and Show Night on Sundays, they pack each night with everything from kickass contests to drag shows and pool tournaments. And scattered throughout are fabulous drink specials and the unforgettable dance music spun by DJ Huggies. And unlike many other dance clubs, Sound Factory has a quieter more relaxed side, the Back Side, where you can take a break from the loud music and socialize with your friends, or make some new ones. And when the conversations wear thin, all you have to do is walk around the corner to dance the night away. Mardi Gras is the wildest time of year here in South Louisiana, and thanks to bars like the Sound Factory and Back Side, the Acadiana gay community has a place they can begin and end the celebrations right off the parade route in the heart of Downtown Lafayette. Come by and show your support; let them know that you care about the establishments that care so much about you. Until next time, have fun and be safe. I ll see you around town. MC Kofi Things always get under way with the introduction of the three winners of the Mr., Ms., and Miss ROU contest held about mid-way through the year. Bryan Mouton was introduced as Mr. ROU , followed by the delightful Pamalia Mosa as Ms. ROU and Ambrosia McNeil, Miss ROU Then it was time to welcome back to the stage, King and Queen ROU XXIII, Ken Pontiff and Chelsea Stevens. When they took their places on their throne of the night, it was time to begin to open all those toys. Joel Theriot was Captain of Bal Masque XXIV with able assistance from a multi-costumed co-captain Blaine Guidry. Theriot had some very good dancers occupying the stage with him, and Guidry came forth with the Scooby Doo gang. It was a rousing introduction into what was to follow. Kristopher Hebert s Old Maid was a charming addition to the stage as she cleaned the runway with speed and accuracy - and in high heeled shoes too. Now the first major costume was ready to be unveiled, and I can t think of any couple that can get things going with highvolume enthusiasm any better than ROU s King and Queen XIX Clyde Schroeder III and Pamalia Mosa. This is just one super couple when they are on stage, and they don t have to be together to display this enthusiasm. In fact, I think this was the first time they did a costume together since they shared the stage as royalty. At any rate, as Raggedy Ann and Andy, they really got the ball rolling. ROU founder himself, Fred Acosta, came forth with the next costume representing kites. It was colorful, and you could tell that Fred was enjoying this moment in time. Bryan Mouton then made a return to the stage as a darling Teddy Bear, and he s just a sweetie that you could easily snuggle up too - but alas, that might upset a certain royal partner. I loved the use of the gay and leather flags, and Bryan always looks great in or out of leather. Did I say that? The next costume was a simply great unveiling of a beautiful Masquerade Barbie, none other than one of my favorite Acadiana friends, Miss Stephanie Stevens. I had a chance to talk with Stephanie before the ball, and she was looking forward to this moment, and she graced the stage with glamour and pride, a memorable moment in this fantastic ball. Mrs. Potato Head (Bobby Jo Raggio) was a nice addition to the stage, and all those other spuds added a touch of togetherness, something that this krewe is known to exhibit. However, it was my wonderful buddy and long-time friend who followed with perhaps the best costume to ever be presented at an ROU ball - and I ve seen some great ones. As Lincoln Logs, this modern-day Paul Bunyan carried a log cabin that towered above his head, and he swung a mighty ax that glittered in magnificence. The one thing I can say about Kenny is the fact that when it comes to balls, he always manages to display the biggest and the best - costumes, that is. I love this guy. The next costume was nothing to be sneezed at and it was ROU President Linda Huval s turn at creating something big and powerful. It was Transformers, and she was joined on stage by others representing this classification. This tiny sweetheart with the big heart always manages to display her rare form of humanity in wonderful and creative costumes. This is just another of her great creations. Angie Clause had an unusual costume. In fact, it was so big that it couldn t be moved downstage. It was a Big Wheel, and it was a masterpiece of building magic. My goodness! My goodness! When I saw that the Sound Factory was doing the Etch-A-Sketch, I knew it would be sexy, original, and outstanding, and I even guessed that Macky would be involved. After all, I photographed this cutie several years ago before he ever started working at the Sound Factory. Well, let me tell you, all eyes in the audience were on this magnificent specimen of manhood, and he showed it all off to perfection. It was absolutely the costume that brought everyone to their feet and some to the edge of the stage just to visualize the perfection at close range. It [continued on Expose-18] EXPOSE'-10 of 64 Jan. 29-Feb. 11, 2008 AmbushMag.COM GayBars.COM GayMardiGras.COM GayNewOrleans.COM SouthernDecadence.COM