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on Monday, October 7th. The eventwill help raise funds for the VCCFoundation’s lighting study, all whileenjoying an evening celebrating theJewel of New Orleans art, architectureand cuisine. The patron party begins at6pm and features Allen Toussaint. Therewill also be a live auction that includesexclusive trips and other fun local items.The gala begins at 7pm with RockinDopsie as the entertainment as well asa New Orleans legend as a specialguest. For tickets call 504.342.4760,email info@vccfoundation.org or go towww.vccfoundation.org.

Check Out Concerts inthe Courtyard

Now in its sixth year, The HistoricNew Orleans Collection’s Concerts inthe Courtyard offers a fun, casual wayto kick off the weekend with live out-door performances by Louisiana musi-cians. The fall series line-up continueson Friday, October 18th, with KristinDiable and cocktails provided by BayouRum and Friday, November 15th, withHot Club of New Orleans and bever-ages provided by Vino Wholesale. Theconcerts are from 6 – 8pm with doorsopening at 5:30pm.

Admission to each show in the fallseries is $10, free for THNOC mem-bers, and includes three complimen-tary beverages. All shows are held at533 Royal St., and The Collection’scurrent exhibition and gift shop areopen for extended hours during theconcerts. For more information, call504.523.4662 or visit www.hnoc.org.

Acclaim AwardsCelebrates 15 Years

The Forum for Equality is present-ing the Acclaim Awards XV on NationalComing Out Day, Friday, October 11th(my birthday BTW) at the Westin CanalPlace. Cocktails and the silent auctionstart at 6pm with dinner, entertainmentand award ceremony at 7:30pm. The2013 Acclaim Awards recipients arePolitical Activism: Lloyd Bowers, NewOrleans; Political Leadership: Rep.Patricia Smith, Baton Rouge; Health:Dr. Tammy Jones, GO CARE, Monroeand Chairs’ Award: Jason P.Waguespack, New Orleans.

This year Max Major will be theMaster of Ceremonies. Major is amagician living in Washington, DC. Hisperformances, which combine Magic,Mentalism, and Hypnosis, are featuredat corporate events across the coun-try. In addition to his studies as amagician, Major relies heavily on hisskills at reading body language, whichhe has honed over the course of 2000live shows. Major recently hosted atravel show for MSN calledRe:Discover, where he gave viewersa tour of some hidden gems of Wash-ington and currently stars as “The Magic

Man” on Season 4 of Love Games:Bad Girls Need Love Too on theOxygen Network. He is also a majorhottie, just had to toss that observationin. He is accompanied by the NewOrleans talent of Dominique LeJeuneand Christophe Jackson, PhD.

Tickets start at $130, for moreinformation or to purchase tickets, goto www.forumforequality.org or call504.569.9156. The Westin Canal Placeis located at 100 Rue Iberville in NewOrleans.

Frank MarinoComes to NOLA

I never get this excited about manyperformers but get your tickets nowbecause the incomparable Vegasshowman Frank Marino is coming toHarrah’s New Orleans October 24th –27th. Marino brings to the CrescentCity his Divas Las Vegas show alongwith his appealing male dancers aptlydubbed the Mardi Gras Boys. This 75-minute energetic show starring LasVegas’ longest running headliner FrankMarino as comic icon Joan Rivers fea-tures an all-star cast of superstar fe-male impersonators who not only rec-

reate but almost uncannily duplicatethe likenesses of stars ranging fromBritney Spears to Cher and Diana Rossto Beyonce even Madonna and DollyParton have been known to stop by.Meanwhile, Marino in his role as theshow’s emcee and star changes be-tween every act bringing an interna-tional whirlwind of couture to the stagewith each spectacular entrance. NewOrleans is so lucky to have Marinobring his talents to our city. My parentstook me to see his show on my first visitto Vegas and I was enthralled. So it is

their fault I am a drag follower today.This entertaining celebrity was hon-

ored in 2005, when Las Vegas MayorOscar Goodman proclaimed February1st, to be “Frank Marino Day.” Frankalso received a Key to the City, has astreet, Frank Marino Drive, named af-ter him, and is forever immortalized inthe sidewalks of the neon jungle with astar that bears his name on the LasVegas Walk of Fame. In 2009, Marinowas named Las Vegas’ “Entertainer ofthe Century” and after performing toover 10 million people, he is GuinnessBook worthy of having the most perfor-mances on any Las Vegas stage. Ihave yet to see Tami Tarmac Drive orOpal Masters Boulevard yet, but onecould hope.

For tickets go towww.harrahsneworleans.com. Tick-ets levels are $29.99 - $39.99 plus taxand fees.

Sauerkraut AnyoneIt is that time of the year again for

the Krewe of Armeinius to presentOktoberfest on Saturday, October 12thfrom 7-10pm at Carl Mack Presents(across from Friendly Bar), 535 Marigny

Street at Chartres in the Marigny. ThisGerman themed event is one you don’twant to miss. Filled with food, beer,entertainment, games, and of courselots of... Lederhosen. There is a showhosted by international superstar HerrHans and German street tramp SchwulaSchwein. Come join Armeinius as theyput their own twist on a German tradi-tion. Your admission includes a bottom-less beergarden and three tickets tospend inside (more tickets will be avail-able at the door for purchase). Tradi-tional German Bratwurst dinner is made

available along with other favorite bonbons such as divine pretzels. Gamesand raffle will also be there to enjoy thisyear. Tickets are a discounted $20 ifyou get them before the event and $25at the door, so save some money andbuy early this year. For more informa-tion or tickets, check them out onFacebook or go to www.armeinius.org.

Cocktails For A CauseThat is the best way to enjoy cock-

tails when there is a good cause behindit. The ReNEW Charter Schools isholding its annual fundraiser on Octo-ber 4th. The Future Takes Flightfundraiser is to raise funds to supple-ment the summer college visit programthrough which ReNEW takes 500ReNEW students chosen on a perfor-mance-basis to 5 cities country-wide tolearn about the college application pro-cess and requirements, and, as nearlyall potential 1st generation collegegraduates, come to envision themselveson a college campus.

So break out your Mad Men 60s-mod costume, in support of results-focused, college-track public educa-tion innovation that is helping over 3,200ReNEW School students throughoutNew Orleans build a strong future. Theevent will take place at ReNEW Cul-tural Arts Academy at 3128 ConstanceStreet, in the Irish Channel, with thePatron Party from 6-7 and the primaryparty from 7-10. Honorary Co-Chairsare Tulane University President Scottand Marjorie Cowen.

Costumes are optional but encour-aged; guests will feast on everythingfrom Nuevo Italian to Spanish to Louisi-ana Creole, and sip on beers fromAbita and hand crafted cocktails andmartinis courtesy of their sponsor GreyGoose. Entertainment is provided byjazz songstress Jayna Morgan and theSazerac Sunrise Jazz Band while youbid on silent auction items that includeover $12,000 worth of items in auctionpackages including Woman of theWorld, Work Ready, Ladies Who Lunch,The Evening Wanderer, New Orleansby Neighborhood, and many more.

Tickets to the main party are $65and can be purchased online atwww.renewschools.org/FTF. PatronParty at Founder and CEO GaryRobichaux’s house, 2 blocks fromReNEW, is $250 per person. ReNEWis making system-wide change in theNew Orleans pk-12 public educationsystem, currently serving 3200 stu-dents in schools in the Uptown, IrishChannel, Lower Garden District andNew Orleans East.

Festigals PromotesBreast CancerAwareness Month

Festigals along with the CaféAdelaide and the Swizzle Stick Bar is

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Frank Marino & the Mardi Gras Boys

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obituary

In Memory of Dr.Winston Grant GrayAug. 20, 1931-Sept. 9, 2013

A wonderful "bigger than life" per-sonality, and French Quarter icon,Winston's wit and humor will be missedby his many friends and family. (Photoby Rip Naquin taken at his 81st Birth-day Party in 2012 at The Golden Lan-tern, New Orleans)

hosting a wonderful event on Wednes-day, October 9th from 5-7pm to cel-ebrate the courageously strong womenwho are fighting or who have defeatedbreast cancer. This is also a booksigning for New York published authorMelanie Young new novel GettingThings Off My Chest: A Survivor’sGuide To Staying Fearless and Fabu-lous in the Face of Breast Cancer.

There will be complimentary horsd’oeuvres and creative cocktails & wine.This is a free event. Proceeds of booksales will benefit the Cancer Associa-tion of Greater New Orleans. CafeAdelaide and The Swizzle Stick Bar islocated at 300 Poydras Street, NewOrleans.

Amon-Ra Behindthe Mask

John S. Zeringue III - King Amon-Ra XLVIII, has requested the honor ofyour presence on Friday, October 11thfor dinner, dancing with Celebrity DJ“DOM”, and a special viewing of thehistory of Amon-Ra by Gar Williams inAmon-Ra Cavalcade 1" and “Amon-RaCavalcade 2.” I never saw the first one,did not even know there was a sequel.The event will take place at the FrederickJ. Sigur Civic Center Ball Room at 3220Jean Lafitte Parkway in Chalmette.Costume or mask is required. Therewill be a cash bar. For more informa-tion, emailjjohn@mardigrasdesigns.com or call985.641.7301.

Party DownNow that the lazy days of summer

are over it is time to get this partyseason started. Labor Day has comeand gone and we all survived Deca-dence. But that is just the tip of theiceberg, because this season prom-ises more parties, theatrical eventsand fundraisers than ever before. Sodust off that ball gown and let’s getstarted. I laid low for a few days afterDecadence but started right back up onThursday with the Mystic Krewe ofSatyricon’s opening night performanceof the Renew Review RetirementParty at Mid-City. Once again RickyGraham and the gang are back againto strut their stuff on the stage providinghumorous songs and anecdotes aboutlife in the Crescent City. If you havenever seen one of his Renew Reviewshows, you need to check it out.

On Friday, Beaux, Barrett and Itraveled Uptown to check out Philip’sBar and celebrate our friend Josh’sbirthday. The patio was open and theweather was gorgeous as were themen. I am not sure who these gays arethat go there but I never see them in theQuarter. So if you feel like you havemet all the gay people in the city,broaden your traveling circle. Satur-day, a group of us did the Art Walk onJulia Street which had a really nicecrowd. There were some good exhib-its and I even bought some art, now Ijust have to find the wall space in myhouse to hang it.

The next week I picked up the paceon Wednesday with the National Asso-ciation of Caterers and Events CulinaryDinner and Fundraiser to benefit theNew Orleans Fire Department. It wasalso the launch of their tasty new 2014calendar. This was one scorching hotevent where the firefighters actuallyserved the dinner and bartended. Thedinner itself was spectacular; a fivecourse meal pared with wine, eachcourse had a different chef. CutieDerek Kevra and Katie Moore fromWWL emceed the evening’s festivities,but the crowning moment was whendessert was served and the firemencame out in what they wore (or lack ofit) in the calendar. Now that is what Icall a sweet ending to the night.

On Thursday, there were severalhospitality parties happening. First Iwent to the open house for the Board ofTrade, St. James Hotel and the Chop-house (all located next to each other).All three places have gone throughrenovations and look amazing. TheBoard of Trade located in the CBD onMagazine Street is a model spot foryour wedding or corporate event with agorgeous fountained courtyard. Nextdoor was the St. James Hotel and theChophouse Restaurant. The hotel’srestored guestrooms and suites areimpressive and the food at the Chop-house just divine. Afterwards, I wentover to Harrah’s hotel for their open

house showing off their facilities forholiday events. I love the fact that thiscity has so many places to throw par-ties, making it one of the most popularwedding and convention destinations.

Saturday was a day of celebrationand love as my mom and I attended Ripand Marsha’s wedding reception atMichael’s on the Park. My trip to NewYork for their wedding was incredible,but many people could not make it. Sothis was a perfect way to gather theirfriends together to rejoice in their union.It is remarkable to see a gay couplethat has the love, commitment andloyalty as Rip and Marsha. Forty yearstogether and still going strong. It wasa true honor to go to the Big Apple andwitness their marriage on their 40th

anniversary. Congratulations to both ofthem and I wish them forty years ofwedded bliss. Leonard (aka Deja DéjàVu) handled many of the details of thereception which also included a delec-table two tiered wedding cake. Aftermany toasts, I met up with some friendsand bar hopped to Lafitte’s, GoodFriends, Oz, Pub and ended up at thePhoenix for the Mr. Phoenix Leathercontest. All I have to say is thank godI have a camera so I can tell where Iwas the night before.

I ended my two weeks on Sundaypretty laid back, except for the excite-ment of the Saints game. I meanseriously, that is some Must See TV.My heart was racing from that closegame. Also because some friends andI were watching the game at the Hal-loween New Orleans Host Party thatwas thrown at Booty’s in the Bywaterand I was surrounded by lots of hot gaymen jumping up and down and scream-ing. The testosterone in that room waspalatable. We ended the evening witha very laid back dinner with good friendsand great conversation at AlbertCarrey’s fabulous condo. That was mytwo weeks, hope yours was just aseventful, see you at the parties.

Tony’s Tidbitsof Gay Wisdom

October 11th is right around thecorner and it is a wonderful day for me

for two reasons. The first it is mybirthday and the second is it is NationalComing Out Day. It seems that I sharemy birthday with the good company ofother famous gay or gay friendly alliessuch as Eleanor Roosevelt (who I be-lieve to be one of the most brilliantwomen of her time), Matt Bomer andJane Krakowski, just to name a few.

So my birthday falling on NationalComing Out Day seemed like destiny.But the 11th was not always consideredthis holiday, so I decided to delve intothe history behind this now fabulousday. Like of all the days of the year,why this day and who exactly decidedto create this special date.

God I love wikipedia. NationalComing Out Day is defined as an inter-nationally observed civil awareness daycelebrating individuals who publicly iden-tify as bisexual, gay, lesbian,transgender, or asexual—coming outregarding one’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity being akin to a cul-tural rite of passage for LGBT people.NCOD was founded in 1988 by RobertEichberg, a psychologist from NewMexico and founder of the personalgrowth workshop, The Experience, andJean O’Leary, an openly gay politicalleader from Los Angeles and then headof the National Gay Rights Advocates.The date of October 11 was chosenbecause it was the anniversary of the1987 National March on Washingtonfor Lesbian and Gay Rights. The firstheadquarters was located in the WestHollywood, California offices of theNational Gay Rights Advocates. Eigh-teen states participated in the firstNCOD, which was covered in the na-tional media. In its second year, theheadquarters moved to Santa Fe, NewMexico and participation grew to 21states. After a media push in 1990,NCOD was observed in all 50 statesand seven other countries. Participa-tion continued to grow and in 1990NCOD merged their efforts with theHuman Rights Campaign Fund.

Ladies and gentlemen, that is yourquick little history lesson on NCOD.And all this time I thought they chose itbecause it was my birthday. Have agreat time celebrating the 11th.

under the gaydar ...from 12

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