Every week I will spotlight fabulously fun and gay happenings that you may be interested in doing in and around NOLA. This week is the anniversary of Katrina, when our lives in the city were forever changed. There are many events marking this occasion (a few are mentioned here). But know that we have never stopped being who we are, a city where the party never ends.
#1. Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Dinner does not have to be a drag anymore. Second and fourth Tuesday night of the month, the Country Club (634 Louisa Street) presents Drag dinner starting at 7 p.m. This fabulous dinner show stars Nicole Lynn Foxx and emceed by Persana Shoulders. Each show features special guests, this Tuesday the guest performers include Lana O’Day and Miss Gay Four Seasons USofA, Dominique DeLorean. For dinner reservations call (504) 945-0742.
#2. Friday, August 28, 2015 and Saturday, August 29, 2015
The Joy Theater and Jonathan Mares Productions present KATRINA: MOTHER-IN-LAW OF ‘EM ALL, a stage play by Rob Florence to commemorate Hurricane Katrina’s 10th anniversary at The Joy Theater (1200 Canal Street), an area which was ground-zero to so much of the Katrina experience. Since 2006, several versions of this docu-theatre piece have been produced to acclaim on substantial stages around the country (see below). Set in the Mother-in-Law Lounge, this play depicts the real-life Katrina experiences of six survivors: Antoinette K-Doe, Sylvester Francis, Rudy Rasmussen, Arthur Raymond Smith, Sidney Smith, and Jenny Lynn Waters. Each story is interwoven with one another, with each player telling portions of the tale in a loose, round-robin fashion. The cast features Troi Bechet, Zeb Hollins III, Troy Poplous, and Janet Shea, and two actors who will performing as themselves in their own actual stories: Rudy Rasmussen and Sidney Smith. A pre-show titled 1927 FLOOD: SONGS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME, will be a performed by Bruce Sunpie Barnes who just spent the last two years touring the world with Paul Simon and Sting. The Joy Theater’s lobby will also host Tom Neff’s photography exhibit, HOLDING OUT AND HANGING ON: SURVIVING HURRICANE KATRINA. For tickets go to www.thejoytheater.com or call (504) 208-1180. Show times are Friday at 8:00PM and Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM. Ticket prices range from $25-$35.
#3. Friday, August 28, 2015
Join a fun night of brews with your sisters at the Phoenix (941 Elysian Fields Avenue) for the Big Easy Sisters Beer Bust. The Big Easy Sisters will charge $10.00 all you can drink draft beer on the patio of the New Orleans Phoenix from 9 p.m. until midnight. You never know what to expect from a night of drinking with these “ladies.”
#4. Saturday, August 29, 2015
It has been ten years since Katrina changed the lives of New Orleanians forever. To thank the many Hispanic immigrants who helped rebuild our City on this 10th anniversary of Katrina, Casa Borrega is hosting Gracias Latinos: A Free Katrina Anniversary Concert. The musical lineup features the Alexis “Papo” Guevara Afro Cuban Trio and Javier Gutierrez & VIVAZ! Speakers are scheduled as follows: 4pm – Councilmember Stacy Head; 5pm – Luis Fernando Reyes, Delgado Community College; 6pm – Sarah Fouts, Tulane Center for Latin American Studies; 8pm – Carolina Hernandez, Puentes. Casa Borrega is located at 1719 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard.
#5. Saturday, August 29, 2015
It is never too early to celebrate Carnival in New Orleans. The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus is rolling strong in a favorite summertime parade… the Krewe of O.A.K.s Midsummer Mardi Gras starting at 6 p.m. Midsummer Mardi Gras is a sweaty, festive romp in the Riverbend with a beautiful mob of dance teams and costumed freakazoids all paying homage to our good friends, the Krewe of Outrageous And Kinky. It’s going to be wet, weird and wild on Oak Street Uptown. $10 covers your marching fee and gets you wristbanded access to the ice-cold IKOC keg. To pay, go to http://chewbacchus.org/shop/chewbacchus-rolls-in-midsummer-mardi-gras/. All festivities begin at the corners of Oak Street and Carrolton Avenue. After the parade, there’s an all night after-party located inside of the Willow (8200 Willow St). Your $10 marching fee will go towards the entrance with your Chewbacchus Krewe bracelet. We’ll keep it going until 5:00AM!
#6. Saturday, August 29, 2015
Join the Nola PaH (Puppies and Handlers) back at The Phoenix (941 Elysian Fields Avenue) for their monthly Beer Bust with a Twist from 9 p.m. to midnight. This is not your normal doggie play date, so be warned. $10 gets you all you can drink beer; $5 if you strip down to your Underwear and a Free jello Shot if you are in a Jock. Clothing Checks Provided.
#7. Saturday, August 29, 2015
Katrina affected everyone in our city including our pets. The Gratitude Gala is an evening to celebrate the largest animal rescue mission in history. Calling all animal rescuers to join the gathering to mark the 10-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which set in motion the largest animal rescue ever accomplished in world history. They will be commemorating the success of our mission and offering thanks in a special event at Boomtown Casino (4132 Peters Road in Harvey) from 6pm-10pm. The Vieux Carre Band will perform and there will be auction items, food and a cash bar all for only $10 at the door benefitting Jefferson SPCA, SpayMart, Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO) and the Humane Society of Louisiana. The dress is casual. There will be a special appearance by Tia Torres of Pit Bulls and Parolees and filming by Animal Planet. If you have photos you would like to share for our slide show, please email them to katrinaanimalrescuepics@gmail.com. Need a room for this event? Call 1-855-805-5596 and ask for RSPCA15 to book your room at a discounted rate of $99.00 Thursday, $129 Friday and Saturday.
#8. Saturday, August 29, 2015
Like gag me with a spoon. It is time for another installment of GAG:Imposter at the Allways Lounge and this time it’s getting out of control! They will have the normal players (Vinsantos, Eureeka, Besame, Neon) but none of these players will be playing themselves. Who will be doing who? Try to guess who they are. Also, living legend Clorox Bleachman will be guest starring. Doors are at 9:30 p.m. with the show at 10:30 p.m. sharp. Cover is $10. Allways is located at 2240 St. Claude Avenue.