43rd Southern Decadence Welcomes over 150,000 Revelers to "The City That Care Forgot"
Get ready for the invasion as over 150,000 revelers are expected to descend on New Orleans for the giant 43rd Southern Decadence Celebration of Gay Life, Music & Culture August 27-September 1. Hosted every Labor Weekend, Southern Decadence is the 5th largest event in the city following Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Fest, and French Quarter Fest. Last year brought in over 150,000 participants generating some $180 million for the local economy.
Kick off the weekend with Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas and Aubrey Synclaire Thursday with events at both the House of Blues and Masquerade in Harrah's Casino; and on Friday at the Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern. Get in on all the festivities celebrating the official theme: "Under The Big Top: Welcome to the Gayest Show on Earth;" colors: canary yellow, turquoise blue & pearl white; and song: "Work: Bitch" by Britney Spears.
Some 100 events will celebrate the end of summer bash bringing in mega stars, international DJs, porn stars, dancers, and more. You will find mega stars the likes of DJ Lady Bunny and JuJubee at Masquerade inside Harrah's Casino; Lauren Foster and Sister Roma at Oz; Detox, Willam and Candi Samples at House of Blues; Amy DeMilo at Four Seasons & Patio Stage Bar in Metairie; and CoCo Montrese, Billy Francesca and Rhea Litre at Bourbon Pub and Parade.
And catch the hot men all over town with Lucky Daniels, Ryan Rose, Jessie Colter and Trent Ducati at Oz; Andrew Christian, Brian Prince Roman and Pablo Hernandez at the Phoenix; Playgirl's Andy Lane, Jack Sargent and Joe Diamond at Cafe Lafitte in Exile; Hans Berlin at Bourbon Pub & Parade; Dolf Dietrich and Drew Sebastian at Rawhide 2010; and boys from around the world at The Corner Pocket.
You can get ready to dance with circuit great DJs Joe Gauthreaux, Hector Fonseca and Roland Belmares at Oz; Kidd Madonny, Derek Montiero, Mike Bryant and Sean Michael at Bourbon Pub & Parade, and Manny Lehman at House of Blues.
Official events you won't want to miss include:
Thursday, August 28th...
7-9:30pm, Official Southern Decadence 2014 Kick-off VIP Gala hosted by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire with open vodka bar, hors d'oeuvres, special performances & live auction, benefiting the official charity, PFLAG-New Orleans, advance tickets $50, $65 at the door @ House of Blues New Orleans
Second Line to Harrah's
9:30pm-3am, Harrah's New Orleans presents Southern Decadence Kickoff Party featuring music by DJ Lady Bunny with special guest performance by JuJubee, with special appearances by Southern Decadence Grand Marshals XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire. $5 admission with all door proceeds benefiting the official charity, PFLAG-New Orleans. VIP reservations are available by calling 504.533.6673 @ Masquerade inside Harrah's New Orleans
Friday, August 29th...
10pm, Annual Southern Decadence Grand Marshals Drag Show with SDGMs XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern
Sunday, August 31st...
2pm, 40th Southern Decadence Parade led by SDGMs XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire begins @ Official Home of Southern Decadence: The Golden Lantern
4ish pm, 21st Annual Official Southern Decadence Bead Toss led by SDGMs XL Chad Boutte, Reba Douglas & Aubrey Synclaire, hosted by Rip & Marsha, sponsored by Ambush Mag &www.SouthernDecadence.COM @ Ambush Mansion Balcony, 828 Bourbon St.
