Happy New Year! As we usher in 2016, I would like to wish everyone a Happy 12th Night. Yes, ladies and gentleman it is Carnival Season in New Orleans which means tat there are going to be so many festively gay things to do you will not know what to do with yourself. Here are just a few of them to enjoy. Happy Mardi Gras!
#1. Monday, January 4, 2016
Your favorite board-game-turned-feature-film is finally getting the staged reading it deserves as the NOLA Project presents Clue. The 1985 murder-mystery about a group of guests invited to a secluded mansion has been enjoyed on the big and small screens for more than three decades. Now, The NOLA Project brings the hilarious whodunit to life for two nights only! Directed by NOLA Project ensemble member Kali Russell, and featuring some of the city’s funniest folks, this staged, costumed reading is sure to entertain long-time fans of the film as well as first-timers looking for a laugh. The event takes place at The Theatre at St. Claude (2240 St. Claude Ave ) starting at 7:30 p.m. TICKETS: $10 | Available online at www.nolaproject.com or at the door.
The cast includes: Mrs. Peacock – Natalie Boyd; Miss Scarlet – Kristin Witterschein; Mrs. White – Leslie Claverie; Mr. Green – A.J. Allegra; Colonel Mustard – Andrew Larimer; Professor Plum – James Bartelle; Wadsworth – Keith Claverie; Yvette – Cecile Monteyne; Mr. Boddy – Richard Alexander Pomes; Everyone Else – Logan Faust
Join this delightful group of talented performers as they celebrate the 30th anniversary of arguably the greatest cult-classic comedy of all time!
#2. Wednesday, January 6, 2016
The Mystic Krewe of Satyricon presents their 12th Night Ball featuring the New Leviathan Oriental Fox-Trot Orchestra Cafe Istanbul (2372 St. Claude Avenue) from 7 – 10 p.m. Kick off the Carnival season with this very special 12th Night spectacular. You’ll be introduced to King and Queen Satyricon XIV, and dance the night away to a performance by the New Leviathan Oriental Fox-Trot Orchestra. We’ll also have a king cake and crudités, a stellar silent auction, the official announcement of Satyricon’s bal masque theme, and the crowning of the King and Queen of 12th Night (chosen by a drawing from among the attendees)! Black tie or costume preferred. Tickets are $20. There will be a cash bar.
#3. Thursday, January 7, 2016
Mark your calendars and kick off 2016 right at the Four Seasons Bar (3229 N. Causeway Blvd.) at the return of the monthly “T’ Show: Thursty Tranny Thursday w/ Jasmine SX!! Her special guests include- Bambi and Devon Bextor. It’s a Bextor Invasion. Spotlights include Infinity Antonio Rubin. Come out and spread Your T! The show starts at 10 p.m.
#4. Friday, January 8, 2016
This is not your last dance. Join the disco fun for an unforgettable night of soul, dance, and musicianship. Last Dance: A Tribute to Donna Summer featuring Anais St. John is unlike any other tribute show you’ve seen before. This high energy dance show will take you back to the days when Disco reigned supreme and Donna Summer was the Queen. The event takes place at the Joy Theatre (1200 Canal Street) starting at 8 p.m. Special guest DJ Soul Sister will start the night off with an equally noteworthy vinyl set starting at 8pm. This night is all about honoring the late, great Ms. Summers, so make sure to come dressed to impress in your best disco, groovy attire. Tickets are available at http://bit.ly/DONNASUMMER.
#5. Friday, January 8, 2016
Its Mardi Gras time and the Lords are having a King Cake Beer Bust at the Phoenix (931 Elysian Fields Ave.) starting at 9 p.m. Come out and enjoy their famous Jell-O shots along with some good ol’ King Cake. And if you’re the lucky person you could win two table seats to the highly anticipated Ball Masque XXXIII if you find the baby. So kick off your Carnival season and have a beer or two with your favorite Lord.
#6. Saturday, January 9, 2016
Do not miss this month’s commUNITY® Speak Out – Health Insurance Coverage and the LGBTQ+ community. Come join them as Out 2 Enroll answers all your questions about how to enroll for health insurance coverage for the 2016 year. The seminar takes place at 3:00 p.m. at the New Orleans Healing Center, second floor classroom 250. After the Q&A session you will be able to set up an appointment at your convenience to sit down with and have an enrollment specialist help you through the process of enrollment. Know of any one that is in need of health insurance coverage? Bring them along. If you plan to attend, please RSVP at the ticket link provided as space is limited. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-speak-out-healthcare-coverage-and-the-lgbtq-community-tickets-19969574535
#7. Saturday, January 9, 2016
New Orleans Pride presents their 6th Annual Masquerade: The Black & White Ball on from 7 -11 p.m. at Canal Place Mall’s 3rd Floor (333 Canal Street). There will be Food, cash bar, Live Entertainment and Huge Silent Auction. The event will be hosted by IML 37 Patrick Smith. Dress Code: Black tie and masks requested. You must be 18yrs or older to attend. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the door. VIP Tables of 8 are $210. Tickets will be available at: www.NewOrleansPrideFestival.com. If you have any questions, you can email festival@prideneworleans.com.
#8. Saturday, January 9, 2016
Come to Tulane Ave Bar & Grill (3813 Tulane Ave.) for the Broads at Tulane as they bring you their first show of 2016. Performers include your hostess Natasha Sinclair with cast members Lauren Brown, Beauty Bella and this month’s special guest Scarlet Michaels. The show starts at 9 p.m.
#9. Sunday, January 10, 2016
The Big Easy Sisters Are Gonna Throw You Something Mister at Sister Gras 2016! Please join The Big Easy Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for this annual Mardi Gras time Fundraiser at GrandPre’s (834 North Rampart St.) from 4 – 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for all you can drink beer. There will be Entertainment, Raffle, Prizes, Auction and course King Cake galore. Also you can be a part of The Sisters First Ever Sister Gras Parade led by New Orleans’ only Female Bone Gang Skinz N Bonez! The line-up starts at the corner of St. Ann/Bourbon at 2:30 p.m. and steps off at 3 p.m. All Proceeds From This Fundraising Event Go To The Big Easy Sister Sisters Grant Fund To Benefit Local New Orleans Charities. For details, our mission, or how to join The Big Easy Sister visit us at https://www.facebook.com/TheBigEasySisters