Ihave to say, writing this column

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1 spotlight feature by Tony Leggio Photo by: Larry Graham, GrahamStudioOne.COM Tommy Elias Ihave to say, writing this column has been very inspirational. I have known most of the people I have spotlighted in my articles for years, but never really got to appreciate them, to understand their history and achievements. So I find myself very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn more about the amazing people that make up our gay community. My spotlight person for this issue is someone who I have admired for a long time, and up until recently, I never knew what a wonderful talent our community has in its midst. I am talking about Tommy Elias, one of the driving forces behind Oz nightclub. But knowing Tommy as associated with Oz, is only scratching the surface. Tommy was born in Laurel, Mississippi, which is where he spent his formative years. When he was 19, he started visiting his brother Michael, who was attending Tulane, in New Orleans. He would not come often, only when his brother was having a fraternity party. (I wonder if that is where college night at Oz developed all those years ago.) He received a BA in Fine Arts, and Tommy s passion has always been musical theatre. So it is no wonder that his preferred style of music was show tunes along with big band and swing. He is a self taught guitar player who formed bands as early as 12. In college, Tommy was inspired by a famous fraternity brother of his who he used to listen for hours play jam sessions. And when Tommy was in San Diego performing, he heard one of his favorite songs, Come Monday, on the radio and he knew that his friend Jimmy Buffet had made it. Another local celebrity was also part of Tommy s bands from the early years to recently. Barry Bareass has known Tommy since they were kids growing up in Laurel. Their first Beatle-esque inspired band together was called Weejuns, named after the shoes they all wore. In 1970, Tommy was part of a three month USO Tour that entertained the troops in Japan, Korea, Okinawa, Taiwan, Philippines and Guam. After college, he went on the road with his band and visited New Orleans sporadically, but soon his love of the city grew and he was determined that this was to be his home base. So he decided to go to the Marriott Hotel on Canal Street and pitch his band performing in their River Queen Showroom on the top floor. After listening to their tape, the management offered Tommy and his band the gig and was given a one month contract for October. The name of the band was Fancy Music and the time was So this column comes at a great time since it is the anniversary of Tommy s first long standing musical job in New Orleans. After the month was up, they extended his contract for another six months. Once the Marriott job had ended, Tommy returned to the road playing venues from New Orleans to Cape Cod. While back in the Crescent City before he went back out on tour, Tommy went to dinner with some friends Rita and Buddy Sheffield and Buddy s brother David, who wrote all the skits for Eddie Murphy when he was on Saturday Night Live. Buddy and David had written a Broadway show called Cleavage and wanted Tommy to be a part of it. Tommy left his band and started rehearsals in New York. The show traveled to a few cities before finally opening on Broadway. Unfortunately, it only played for short time, but Tommy remained in the Big Apple for one more year working as a singing waiter at a place called Something Different. In 1983, the lure of the Crescent City was too much and he returned home. For the next two years, he actually sold cars at Lesson Chevrolet on the Westbank, but performing was in his blood, so he went back on the road with a new band. After finding that band not the ideal fit for him, Tommy moved back to Hattiesburg to deal with family matters. While there, he opened up a supper club called the Ritz Café and Showclub with his brothers Michael and Paul. Many readers may know Michael as the owner of the Corner Pocket and Paul is an award winning pro bass fisherman who will actually be in New Orleans this February to compete in the Bass Masters Classic. The Ritz Café was a glamorous venue with four tiered seating, large dance floor and expansive stage for a ten piece band. The club was popular on weekends, but was hard to sustain during the week, so after a year it was closed. They took all the equipment out and invested in a new club in Hattiesburg, called Sharky s Shuck and Jive. The club was a success, so it was decided to put one in New Orleans called Gator s Shuck and Jive and from there clubs were opened in Baton Rouge, Atlanta, Tennessee, New York and Orange County, California. Tommy managed and booked all the entertainment for the clubs. It was then that he was approached by Johnny Chisholm and Doyle Jaeger to open a club on the Gulf Coast. After a few meetings, Johnny approached Tommy about a club he was opening in New Orleans. They were in the process of applying for a liquor license and wanted Tommy to come on as general manager. After some negotiations, Tommy did come on, but as part owner of Oz. On Mardi Gras 1993, Oz opened its doors, and the rest is history as they say. Actually that is just the start. Oz was not an instant success and it was very difficult their first year to prove themselves. But soon with Tommy s and Johnny s marketing savvy, the business started to grow and the weekends became busy. So Tommy started back from there and began adding shows during the week. And in 1994, the first drag performers hit the stage of Oz. This became a very expressive outlet for Tommy to spotlight his talent. He personally auditioned the performers and directed the group numbers. His performers are one of Tommy s June Bartender of the Month Blake Truss & Oz GM Tommy Elias (Photo by Devin Black) greatest achievements. He helped find and cultivate such amazing talents of Teryl- Lynn Foxx, Lisa Beaumann, Bianca Del Rio, Nikki Rich and Raquel Chavalier, which all performed in his show. Oz soon became the city s top show and dance bar, mostly because of their global marketing and the fact they advertised, it seemed, in all the right places, even straight radio and of course Ambush Magazine. In 1996, two incredible things happened to Tommy both professionally and personally. He met the love of his life, and now, his partner in life, Carl Geleno, and that same year Johnny Chisholm and Oz decided to start one of their most inspiring philanthropic efforts in the city. AIDS had practically devastated the gay community in New Orleans, so when they saw and opportunity to help, they seized it. Halloween New Orleans which benefits Lazarus House was in need of a sponsor and since no other gay bar in the city had stepped up to the plate, Oz became that sponsor. To this day, Oz is proud to say that it is the only alcohol and bar sponsor of Halloween. I can t tell you how many times I hear people complain that the gay bars in this city do not give back to the community. Here is a prime example that they do. Oz /letters Friday Night Before Mardi Gras Announcements Dear FNBMG Friends and Supporters, Friday Night Before Mardi Gras is now accepting Extravaganza XII grant applications from HIV and AIDS charitable support organizations. Please pass the word along to all eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. As a result of FNBMG s Extravaganza XI (Cirque du Sogay at the Tea Room) this past Mardi Gras season, FNBMG was able to award a total of $17,000 to the following HIV/AIDS related charities: AIDSLaw of spends thousands of dollars each year donating the liquor to this event which now brings people from around the world to our city. The bar even sponsored the event the year after Katrina. To date the event has raised over $4 million for Project Lazarus. Katrina did throw a minor wrench in Tommy s world, when he briefly had to move to Austin, where he managed Oilcan Harry s for one year. But he came back to Oz to help Glenn Fonte, who was the manager of the bar, get the bar back on its feet. Glenn also happened to be the second person Tommy hired when Oz first opened. Tommy, Glenn and staff have worked very hard over the last three years to build Oz back up to being one of the premier clubs in New Orleans. He would like to personally thank the gay community for all their support over the years. If there is one word to sum up Tommy Elias, it is entertainment. He is a consummate performer whether in his professional career at Oz, or his singing career, which this summer he recently brought back to the stage at Oz. So go by Oz and say hi to Tommy, where it is always showtime. Louisiana, Belle Reve of New Orleans, Buzzy s Boys and Girls, Forum for Equality Foundations, NO/AIDS Task Force, Project Lazarus. FNBMG also donated $500 to the LGBT Community Center of New Orleans as a result of its over-the-top volunteer assistance during Extravaganza XI at the Audubon Tea Room. The deadline for all 2011 grant applications is November 1, Interested organizations should visit the FNBMG web site to learn the specifics on how to apply for an FNBMG grant. That web site address is: [continued on 32] 26 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM Oct. 26-Nov.. 8, 2010 Official ficial Gay Mardi di Gras Guide GayMardiGras.COM

2 Gay EasterParade.COM GayNewOrleans.COM SouthernDecadence.COM Oct. 26-Nov. 8, 2010 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM 27

3 snap paparazzi Bartenders Shawna & Aletha welcome Lafitte s Bartenders Spencer & Blake welcome Good Friends Bar Billy does the Saints game Double Play Bartender Frank welcomes you to Saints The Corner Pocket Bartender of the Year Jeff serving up his own Lafitte s Oktoberfest Accordionist Renee plays Lafitte s Oktoberfest Charlie Mildred Bear & bartender Curt join Rawhide Bartender RJ welcomes you to Rawhide Ramon gives free procto exams during Saints Double Play Pete samples the Saints game Double Play The cute boys come out for the Saints 700 Club French Quarter Suites Blake & Velda take in the Saints 700 Club Oktoberfest, Saints Game, Birthdays, Flu Dat ~ New Orleans The Chicken Man meets giant "St. Pauli Girl (Tutu Sugar Good Friends Bar Golden Lantern bartender Josh joins La Mina Sterling s Poncho & Good Friends Oktoberfest Glenn & Double Play bartender Will pop in for Corner Pocket s Saints game blowout Manager Lance & bartender Josh show off bartender Jimmie s b-day Tubby s Golden Lantern Amon-Ra's Kenny & Jerry take in Good Friends Bar Bartender TJ welcomes Saints fans to Double Play Kitty in Halloween mode with bar baron Corner Pocket Saints game Nurse Diana gives Tittie-Baby Jo her Flu Dat shot complements of St. Anna JohnPaul s 28 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM Oct. 26-Nov.. 8, 2010 Official ficial Gay Mardi di Gras Guide GayMardiGras.COM

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5 chop chop 3-Layer Carrot Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon St. (ad page 31) New Orleans Muffuletta (generous helping of ham, salami, provolone and olive Restaurant/Deli of the Year Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St. (ad page 32) Garlic Shrimp Pasta (jumbo shrimp with garlic butter sauce over angel hair Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place Red Velvet Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St. Occo Buco, braised veal shank in a garlic, thyme and white wine demi with asparagus & Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St. Tumblin Dice Seared Tuna & Watermelon, center cut yellowfin tuna, seared with fennel pollen, cubed with local watermelon, tossed with 7 spice togarishi, avocado oil & 9th Ward The Green Goddess, 307 Exchange Place Alley Glazed 10 oz. Pork Chop with Steen's Cane Syrup & Creole Mustard served with duck fat potatoes & green The Country Club, 634 Louisa St. (ad page 11) Gourmet Sliders with Onion 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St. (ad page 9) Special Combo Pizza (pepperoni, Italian sausage, ham, onions, mushrooms, green peppers & black olives with jalapenos & anchovies Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St. (ad page 32) by Rip & Marsha Naquin-Delain marsha@ripandmarsha.com New Orleans Restaurant Guide 700 Club Restaurant, 700 Burgundy St., , 700ClubNewOrleans.COM, is serving sliders, paninis, quesadillas, and more at the popular club in the French Quarter. Restaurant hours are 7pm til Wed.-Sun. with extended Decadence hours. Bywater Restaurant, Deli & BBQ, 3162 Dauphine St., , is noted for its gumbo, barbeque, pizza, sandwiches and specials serving lunch and dinner. Now under the direction of Executive Chef David Duvall, the restaurant is open 11am-10pm Mon.- Tues., Thurs.-Fri.; 9am-10pm Sat.-Sun. with brunch 9am-3pm, closed Wed. MasterCard/ Visa accepted. Cafe Amelie, 912 Royal St., , CafeAmelie.COM, offers romantic courtyard or indoor dining along with both eclectic culinary creations and cocktails. Open Wed.- Sat. with lunch 11am-3pm, dinner 6-9pm, Sun. brunch Candy Bar, 908 Bourbon, CANDY, is a new upscale dessert & specialty food store, open 7 days & weekends 24 hours. Best in desserts, snacks, cheeses, crackers, candies, NY bagels & knishes, po-boys, wraps & sandwiches. PLUS PLUS PLUS many organic, all natural & gluten free items, also DOG TREATS. Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon St., , CloverGrill.COM, is open 7 days and features breakfast including build your own omelettes. But let s not forget their fab burgers grilled right under a hub cap and then there s all those sandwiches, sides, desserts and shakes. Cooyon s Cajun Cooking! 1100 N. Peters St., , CooyonsCajunCooking.COM. C est Bon! This new open air restaurant in the Historic French Market is the perfect place to enjoy some of the best Cajun cooking. Come get U some! Country Club Restaurant, 634 Louisa St., , TheCountryClubNewOrleans.COM. Under the direction of Chef Coy LeBeau, he has taken attention to detail and ingredient, and focused on a more contemporary menu at an even more affordable price point. Still the best food, but at even more unbelievable value! Serving 7 days 11am-10pm and Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm. Creole Cuisine Restaurant Concepts, CreoleCuisine.COM. Creole Cuisine offers fresh seafood to New Orleans specialties, Cajun classics and breakfast delights in its numerous restaurants in the French Quarter including Chartres House Cafe, 601 Chartres St., ; La Bayou Restaurant, 208 Bourbon St., ; The Original Pierre Masperos, 440 Chartres St., ; Royal House Oyster Bar, 441 Royal St., ; Cajun Cabin, 503 Bourbon St., ; Cafe Fleur de Lis (breakfast eatery), 307 Chartres St., ; Pier 424 Seafood Market Restaurant, 424 Bourbon St., ; and Primo's New Orleans Cuisine, 541 Decatur St., The Green Goddess, 307 Exchange Place Alley, , GreenGoddessNOLA.COM, opened in May 2009 with a progressive menu that blends New Orleans sensibilities with a globetrotting sampling of ingredients, all emanating from the small open kitchen where chefs Chris DeBarr and Paul Artigues make it happen. Krystal, 116 Bourbon at Canal, Open 24 hours, it's one of the best stops for fast food with tasty burgers, hot dogs and breakfast. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen, 95 French Market Place, or visit LouisianaPizzaKitchen.COM, is famous for its wood fired gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads and appetizers. Open 7 days from 11am-10pm. Little Vic's Gelateria, 1912 Magazine St., , is a gay owned and operated family labor of love in the works since owner Vic Caracci learned at age 11 to make real Italian gelato from his family, three generations of Sicilian-Americans who first immigrated to New Orleans's French Quarter in Pulling from almost a century of family experience in the food industry, Vic, 23, enlisted the help of his uncle from Messina, Sicily to train he and his cousins in the detailed and fine art of gelato making. Little Vic serves over 40 inventive flavors of gelato, including stracciatella, amaretto, bacio de gama, and limoncello, as well as fresh-made panino, pastries, and Lavazza espresso. Open 11am-10:30pm 7 days. Maximo's Italian Grill, 1117 Decatur St., , MaximosGrill.COM, features New Orleans inspired Italian cuisine along with a wonderfully assorted wine selection. Experience Maximo s open kitchen and watch Chef Thomas Woods prepare his extraordinary dishes. Open 6pm 7 days a week. Moms Mini Mart, 902 Poydras, , is a quick stop in the CBD for hot dogs, nachos, snow balls, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, Icees and groceries. Open Mon.-Fri. 6am- 7pm, Sat. 7am-7pm, open later & Sundays during special events. Mona Lisa Restaurant, 1212 Royal St., , features Italian specialties including salads, pizzas, sandwiches and both lunch and dinner entrees. Lunch 11am- 5pm Thurs.-Mon., Dinner 5pm-10pm 7 days. Quartermaster: The Nellie Deli, 1100 Bourbon St., , QuartermasterDeli.NET, voted Restaurant/Deli of the Year, is open 24 hours 7 days. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night menu, the deli offers free delivery. Who Dat Coffee Cafe, 2401 Burgundy St., , offers Fair Trade gourmet coffees, teas, cupcakes, scones, coffee by the pound, gift baskets, art & merchandise by local artists, stamps & mail box rentals, along with outdoor seating & Wi-Fi. Open 7am-10pm daily. 30 The Official Mag: AmbushMag.COM Oct. 26-Nov.. 8, 2010 Official ficial Gay Mardi di Gras Guide GayMardiGras.COM