by Rick Delaup
ACCOMMODATIONS | ART
| BOOKS | BURLESQUE
| CRIME |
DRAG_QUEEN_REGISTRY | ENTERTAINERS
| FILM_AND_TV |
FOOD | MARDI_GRAS |
MUSEUMS | MUSIC |
NEW_ORLEANS |
PERSONAL_SITES | PUBLICATIONS
| RECREATION |
RICK_DELAUP’S_SEAL_OF_APPROVAL
| SOUVENIRES_&_GIFTS |
THEATER |
WEDDING
Eccentric New Orleans has selected some
websites that may be of interest to our readers. If you know of a cool website
relating to this site, let us know. We also appreciate reports of broken links
or outdated information on this page.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The Dive Inn http://www.thediveinn.com
(Never stayed here, but this place looks great! It’s a former scuba diving
school. Take a peek inside the aquatic-themed rooms. The colors and photos on
this site are beautiful.)
Royal Street Inn & Bar
http://www.royalstreetinn.com
(On the edge of the Quarter, this former 1890’s corner store houses theme
rooms like the “Deco Delite,” with art deco bed, vanity set, and artwork. The “Bukowski,”
is named in honor of the author. The “Storyville” has a second floor balcony,
antique wrought-iron bed with red velvet cover and leopard accents. The R Bar is
located on the ground floor, and has a local clientele.)
India House
http://www.indiahousehostel.com
(A Youth Hostel for those young adventurous travelers. Inexpensive rooms,
and near a bus stop for a short ride to the French Quarter. Cable TV, swimming
pool, and 3 pet alligators!)
ART
Funky New Orleans
http://www.funkyneworleans.com
(Local New Orleanian Ian Campbell’s photographs documenting “the outward visual
expressions, often signage, of the colorful, indigenous culture of the city of
New Orleans.”)
Jigsaw Junction
http://geocities.com/jigsawjct/
(Fun technicolor site of comic artist Caesar Meadows. His headquarters is The
Jigsaw Junction, located in the sleepy river town of Reserve, La. It’s a “one
room prairie schoolhouse filled with comix and pop culture knick-knacks.” Caesar
specializes in cool mini-comix that fit inside a cigarette pack. To find out
more visit his site.)
John Lawson http://www.lawsonworks.com
(Imaginative artist who creates art from plastic Mardi Gras beads. Wildly
creative, John even did a portrait of Ruthie the Duck Girl.)
John Stinson Fine Arts Gallery
http://www.johnstinsonfinearts.com
(A fine art gallery in the Warehouse District. Why is this mentioned on the
eccentric New Orleans website? Go meet John Stinson! This is also the official
gallery of the Mother-In-Law Lounge)
LEBO http://www.leboland.com
(David Le Batard is one cool artist. Beautiful site. A Florida resident,
Lebo has made his mark on New Orleans by painting the Mother-in-Law Lounge with
giant cartoons of Ernie & Antoinette K-Doe and Quintron & Miss Pussycat. He also
painted Tee-Eva’s praline shop. Other clients include Ricky Williams.)
Lionel Milton http://www.elleone.com
(This former Ya-Ya artist received lots of attention after appearing on
MTV’s “The Real World New Orleans”. His work was also featured on P. Diddy’s MTV
show, “Making the Band II”).
Rocket Man
http://www.deluxerocketships.com
( Jimmy “Rocket Man” Descant’s deluxe rocketships are made out of vintage
vacuum cleaners and other odd parts. A well-designed site with great photos of
his work. And what a friendly guy, too!)
BOOKS
Cajun Sexy Cooking
http://www.angelfire.com/la2/cajunsexycooking
(A truly bizarre cookbook filled with bikini-clad young ladies hunting,
fishing, and mostly posing out on the bayou. It’s “Playboy does Survivor” plus
cajun cooking recipes. The author of this book, Dana Holyfield, is a little dish
herself. Check out the photo of Dana cooking “Drunken’ Chicken.”)
A Life In The Balance: The Billy Wayne Sinclair Story
http://www.billysinclair.com
(Angola lifer Billy Sinclair co-wrote this book with his wife about his
prison experiences at the Louisiana State Penitentiary from the mid-Sixties to
present. Sinclair, a convicted murderer and prison activist, was once on Death
Row – a sentence that was commuted, but played up for publicity on this website
with images of an electrified electric chair. One photo is of Billy posing with
“Ol’ Sparky.”)
BURLESQUE
Exotic World
http://www.exoticworldusa.com
(The website for the Exotic World burlesque museum in Helendale, California.
This bizarre little museum is run by former stripper Dixie Evans, the “Marilyn
Monroe of Burlesque.” Located out in the middle of the wind-whipped desert,
Exotic World hosts a Miss Exotic World contest every June. Looking among the
cluttered exhibits, New Orleans is represented by a Blaze Starr corner, and also
random photos of Lilly Christine, TNT Red,Linda Brigette, and Sandra Sexton.)
Nita and Zita http://www.nita-zita.com
(Nita and Zita were two sisters who were exotic dancers in the 1930s. Their
lives have fascinated many people who want to know more about the eccentric and
reclusive ladies who died in the 1980s. Nita ad Zita have been the subject of
posters, t-shirts, art, and even theater productions.)
CRIME
A Life In The Balance: The Billy Wayne Sinclair Story see Books
Angola Prison Rodeo www.angolarodeo.com
(A very plain and boring site for an event known as the “Wildest Show in the
South.” But this site gives you all the info, dates, and directions you need to
attend the inmate-turned-gladiator spectacle. Don’t miss this annual October
rodeo! The site could use more photos.)
Free the Angola 3
www.prisonactivist.org/angola
(Learn more about the three Black Panther members unjustly incarcerated at
Angola, and what you can do to help. All Power to the People!)
Louisiana State Police http://www.lsp.org
(Search the sex offender and child predator registry by zip code to see
which deviants live in your neighborhood! Warning: the photos are absolutely
frightening, and so clear that they’re practically in 3-D! Crime stories and
bios would make this a much more interesting site.)
Wilbert Rideau
http://www.wilbertrideau.com
(Just about everything you want to know about the man labeled, “The Most
Rehabilitated Prisoner in America” by Life magazine. Lots of solid information
about his case.)
DRAG QUEEN REGISTRY
Asya Alexander
http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/Square/4727/
Lisa Beaumann
http://www.gayamerica.com/lisabeaumann/index.htm
Ray Bourbon
http://www.coolcatdaddy.com/bourbon.html
Jessica Daniels
http://hometown.aol.com/jesdaniels/index.html
Reba Douglas
http://www.gayamerica.com/rebadouglas/
Teryl Lynn Fox
http://www.gayamerica.com/teryllynnfoxx/
Varla Merman see Entertainers
ENTERTAINERS
Taylor Horn http://www.taylorhorn.com
(Is Taylor the next teen pop queen from Kentwood? This 11-year-old took
voice lessons from the same man who trained Britney. Taylor sings at charity
events, nursing homes, fairs, festivals, fundraisers, beauty pageants, and
restaurants. She’s been featured on Access Hollywood, and has even made the
supermarket tabloids!)
Britney Spears
http://www.britneyspears.com
( The Kentwood, La. native’s official website. Visit “Lynn’s Corner” to read
her mother’s online diary. “Brit bought me a new Porshe today.” The site is
filled with photos, news, tour dates, and so on, for all the Britney fans.)
Chris Owens http://www.chrisowens.com
(The official website of the eternally youthful, Miss Chris Owens, star of
stage, screen, and television. Known as the “Queen of New Orleans nightlife,”
Miss Owens lists many of her accomplishments, including the ‘Entertainer of the
Year’ award from the Kenner Businessman’s Voter League. Read her reviews from
not only Variety, but from the American Football Coaches Association and
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Little known fact – Miss Owens had a role in the
local film, ‘The Wacky World of Morgus the Magnificent.’ On the down side, this
website lacks substance. It could use an interview or biography, and more photos
from the past and present. But we love it anyway. And her show is fantastic!)
Elvis Impersonator
http://www.randyelvis.com
(By day, he’s the “Appliance King” of low prices in Metairie. By night, and
on weekends, he’s New Orleans’s own King of Rock-N-Roll, ELVIS PRESLEY!)
Glitter N Gold see Music
Peter Bennett http://www.glassharper.com
(French Quarter street musician. Plays numerous instruments including glass
harmonica, the "pursed-lip" whistle, hurdy gurdy, guitar, string bass, autoharp,
harmonica, and piano. Appeared on “That’s Incredible!” and “Real People”.)
Varla Merman http://www.varlaonline.com
(Drag Diva Varla Jean Merman (star of stage and screen) got her start in New
Orleans, took New York City by storm, and returned to the Crescent City. You can
monitor Varla’s career take off on this beautiful website.)
FILM AND TV
Chris Sak http://www.sakblabbath.com
(Former King of Cable Access, Chris Sak brings his sick and twisted humor to
the internet.)
Morgus the Magnificent http://www.morgus.com
(Beautiful site on everything you care to know about Morgus, the mad
scientist who entertained generations of New Orleanians hosting late-night
horror movies on local television. One of Ruthie the Duck Girl’s favorite TV
shows!)
FOOD
Chicken Box www.chicken-box.com
(Look out Popeyes! Chicken Box is a newest fried chicken chain taking
inner-city New Orleans by storm. Their slogan is “Taste Like Mamma’s!”
Interesting website featuring a small photo of Colonel Sanders eating chicken
with a customer! Read about their Chicken Eating Contest. The record holder ate
31 pieces in a hour!)
Clover Grill www.clovergrill.com
(It’s always an experience eating at this Bourbon Street joint. It’s a
colorful after-hours diner frequented by colorful, bar-hopping gays. Don’t be
offended when you order a burger and the waiter asks you, “How do you like your
meat?” Read the menu online.)
Sporting House Café
www.SportingHouseCafe.com
(A former house of prostitution, now a restaurant. Menu items include
“Christopher Blake’s Pussy Fingers,” “Oysters Orgy”, “S&M Chicken,” and “Menage
A’ Trois.”)
Tee-Eva’s Pies and Pralines http://tee-eva.net
(Colorful site that will make your mouth water for Tee-Eva’s jambalaya,
gourmet pies, or any of her New Orleans delicacies. That red snowball looks as
though you could grab it off the computer screen. Although her pralines are
outstanding, there ain’t a single photo of them to be found on this site. I
guess you’ll just have to head on down to Magazine Street or order them online
to discover what a treat they really are. Only in New Orleans.)
MARDI GRAS
Chip’s Mardi Gras Web Sites
http://www.mglinks.com
(What Mardi Gras nut put this together? This site contains practically every
link to a Mardi Gras website ever created! Find out what Chip, a resident of
Nashville, does for Carnival, and read his annual report. Sections include
‘Mardi Gras Outside of New Orleans,’ ‘Dogs at Mardi Gras,’ and ‘Mardi Gras
Personal Pages.’ A very simple site – it’s all links – but a must for Mardi Gras
fanatics!)
Mardi Gras Unmasked
http://mardigrasunmasked.com
( An excellent Mardi Gras site. History, news, quotes, schedules, and more.
Don’t pass up the “colorful characters” of Mardi Gras page! We loved reading the
stories of ‘the (grocery cart) Queen of Mardi Gras,’ Coleen Salley, and The Drum
Buddy Show’s Anne Marie Coviello.)
Miss Mardi Gras
http://www.missmardigras.com
(Miss Mardi Gras is as cute as a button. She’s one of the ‘Two Jesters.’ Who
knows where she’ll turn up next. Check out her photos and stories. There’s also
a listing of the day Mardi Gras falls on for the next 20 years. Why doesn’t Miss
Mardi Gras have her own children’s show or line of books? She deserves it.)
Two Jesters http://www.twojesters.com
(Plenty of clowns, jesters, and mimes to offer you for your convention,
party, or special occasion. The costumes are exceptional. These are the Official
Jesters of the City of New Orleans, but don’t expect Officer Rudy and the mime
cops to get you out of those parking tickets! The site is basically a catalog of
services.)
MUSEUMS
UCM Museum
www.seelouisiana.com/ucm/
(Called “Louisiana’s Most Eccentric ‘Museum,’” the “you-see-em mu-se-um”
contains an incredible and bizarre miniature Southern town with push-buttons to
activate the animated displays. It is definitely worth the trip to Abita
Springs. Make sure you stop by the Abita Brewery café located nearby. This
mini-museum was created by artist and ultimate pack-rat, John Preble. $3
admission)
West Gate Necromantic
http://www.westgatenecromantic.com
(Too scared to enter the purple Death House on Magazine Street? Then check
it out from the safety of your own home. This gigantic website focuses on
necromantic art and literature. Wanna learn how Death can become your lover?
Visit the site, and don’t be afraid to visit the Westgate Gallery in person.
Leilah and Daniel won’t spook you. In fact, they’re card-carrying members of the
Better Business Bureau.)
MUSIC
Bobby Marchan http://elvispelvis.com/bobbymarchan.htm
(The obituary of the eccentric rhythm and blues artist who had a hit in 1960
with “There Is Something On Your Mind” Marchan was a premier female impersonator
in the 1950s, as well as a bandleader. In the 1990s, he was a key player in the
formation of Cash Money Records.)
Damien Storm http://www.damienstorm.com
(Masked metal head from Chalmette, Damien Storm is a solo project that
combines horror concepts with heavy metal music. All of his songs are centered
around horror themes. Played the Spellcaster Lodge 2002 Halloween party.)
Ernie K-Doe http://www.k-doe.com
(The Official website of the Emperor of the Universe! Mr. Mother-In-Law
himself, Ernie K-Doe! Great site designed by Web Wizard Dave Cash.)
Frankie Ford http://www.frankieford.com
(An explosive site from Page One. Frankie Ford, a native of Gretna, is
world-famous for his chart-topping song, “Sea Cruise.” He appeared in the film
“American Hot Wax,” and can be seen on tour around the country. Check for tour
dates and read the biography of this wonderfully flamboyant performer.)
Glitter N’ Gold
http://members.tripod.com/GLITTER_N_GOLD/
(If Bourbon Street was located in Las Vegas, Glitter N’ Gold would be a
headline attraction! These Mardi Gras lovin’ Westbankers perform at schools,
parades, charity benefits, and anyplace in between. They are also featured in
Miss Pussycat’s Christmas video, “North Pole Nutrias.” Put them on a double bill
with Chris Owens, and wow, would you have a high-energy show! This site is full
of info and music, but needs more photos.)
Hunter Hayes http://www.hunterhayes.com
(This little blond Cajun boy is a marvel on the accordian. Read his bio and
listen to some cuts off of his new CD. Hunter has been on numerous TV shows, and
had bits parts in the films, “The Apostle” and “My Dog Skip.” Also to his
credit, he was crowned “Little Master Pincher of Lafayette” in 1995 and 1997. An
easy and well-designed site. Check out his photos. What other 10 year-old
Louisiana boy has had his picture taken with the likes of Farrah Fawcett, Robert
Duvall, Lee Ann Rimes, Rosie O’Donnell, and Billy Ray Cyrus?)
MC Trachiotomy
http://www.mctrachiotomy.com
(The official website of the bizarre, white 9th Ward rapper, MC Trachiotomy.)
NEW ORLEANS
Friends of New Orleans Cemetaries
http://www.fonoc.org
(FONOC preserves and restores the above-ground tombs in New Orleans’s unique
“Cities of the Dead.”)
Historic New Orleans Tours
http://www.tourneworleans.com
(This website features information on different walking tours of New Orleans
that take you to haunted houses, Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s tomb, a real voodoo
temple, Anne Rice’s house, Trent Reznor’s house, and different movie locations
from some of your favorite N’Awlins movies!)
New Orleans Public Forum
http://www.endsound.com/nopf/
(An independent non-commercial media project, organized to ensure public
access to the varying news and events that happen in and around the city. This
project aims to bridge the gaps between communities by providing a forum for
groups and individuals to share information and ideas. Check out the article,
“Ruthie the Duck Girl and Changes in the Quarter” by Rachel Breunlin)
Nola http://nola.com
(News from the Times-Picayune)
Southern Yat Hysterical Society
http://www.whereyat.com
(This site features an online dictionary of yat-speak, a yat exam, recipes,
and what the SYHS believes to be the last photo taken of Jayne Mansfield before
she was killed in a car accident on the way to New Orleans.)
PERSONAL SITES
Big Ray’s New Orleans home page
http://www.sstar.com/ray-jone/nola.htm
(This taxi driver and author knows a lot about the city. A simple no-frills
website, but with lots of links. A great place for tourists to ask a friendly
local for information and recommendations before coming to the city)
Star Lady www.starlady.com
(Excellent and beautiful site! This intuitive astrologer and comedienne is a
true French Quarter eccentric. A site both locals and tourists will enjoy. Find
out everything is there is to know about Star Lady. Check out the FAQ, the list
of her favorite restaurants, her rant on meter maids, and her hilarious and
often risque articles. Titles include “Beyond Crotch Watching,” “Revenge Is A
Dish Best Served Cold,” and “Why Can’t My Kids Be Gay?” Star Lady’s services are
also available.)
PUBLICATIONS
Gulf Coast Arts & Entertainment Review
http://www.gcartsreview.com
(Covers all visual and performing arts along the Gulf Coast.)
RECREATION
Indian Hills Nudist Colony
http://www.geocities.com/indianhillspark/
(Bored with Six Flags? Try this “theme park,” whose motto is “Happiness is
no tan lines.” Barbeque naked, and enjoy the swimming pool, fishing ponds, game
room, and volleyball court. Located in Slidell, Indian Hills says it’s “perfect
for parties and family gatherings.” Plan your family reunions now!)
House of Shock http://www.houseofshock.com
(The infamous 12,000 square foot spook house located under the Huey P. Long
Bridge opens in October. Check the site for day, time, and location.)
Swinger’s Club
http://www.coletteneworleans.com
(This alternative lifestyle club is located in downtown New Orleans. For
international visitors, the site has a translation in German, French, and
Spanish.)
Swingers Convention
http://www.neworleansinnovember.com
(This annual November alternative lifestyle convention is a gathering of
open-minded couples who are interested in the swinging lifestyle, fetish and
BDSM. If you are a swinger, polyamorist, voyeur, or exhibitionist, this is the
event for you!)
RICK DELAUP’S SEAL OF APPROVAL
The Advocacy Center
http://www.advocacyla.org
(The Advocacy Center is Louisiana's protection and advocacy system to
protect the rights of persons with mental or physical disabilities. Provides
legal assistance to people residing in nursing homes in Louisiana, as well as to
residents 60 years and older of Orleans, Plaquemines, Allen, and Calcasieu
Parishes; and to advocate for the rights of group home and nursing home
residents. Among the diverse services offered are legal representation,
information and referral, outreach and training.)
Ain’t It Cool News
www.aint-it-cool-news.com
(Hollywood news, gossip, and reviews created and written by real movie
fanatics with the inside scoop. A great source. Warning: There’s so much to read
on this site, it can be quite addicting.)
Moratorium Campaign
http://www.moratoriumcampaign.org/
(Sister Helen Prejean, the author and subject of “Dead Man Walking”
continues her crusade to abolish the death penalty)
Roger Ebert
www.suntimes.com/ebert/ebert.html
(Who has time to waste seeing a bad Hollywood movie? Find out what Ebert
says before you decide.)
Salon http://www.salon.com
(Good online magazine)
The Smoking Gun
http://www.thesmokinggun.com
(Confidential, classified, top-secret information you’ll want to know.)
SOUVENIRES & GIFTS
Saints for Sinners
http://www.saintsforsinners.com
(Which saint should you pray to? Read the list of saints and select a
hand-painted medallion that fits your needs. Check out the “Who’s Wearing Who”
page, a gallery of young, good-lookin’ guys wearing saint medallions. Is this
‘Saints for Sinners’ niche market?)
Sideshow
http://home.twcny.rr.com/kotzin/sideshow.htm
(Devoted to freakery and sideshows. Owned and operated by
actor/magician/showman Harry Anderson and his wife, Elizabeth. Look for the
statue of our own Ruthie the Duck Girl in the window. A must-see store for
French Quarter visitors.)
THEATER
Lew Lew http://www.whattalewlew.com
(The home of Lewis “Lew Lew” Routh’s outrageous gender bending camp
comedies. Lew Lew says, “I'm not just a ham, I'm the whole hog, honey!”)
WEDDING
French Quarter Wedding
http://frenchquarterwedding.com
(Now you can get married quick and easy in the French Quarter. Reverend Tony
will make your wedding memorable, with many packages to pick from. Ceremonies
can be broadcast live over the internet!)
Weddings-A-Go-Go
http://www.weddingsagogo.com
(Get married on Bourbon Street! Crazy and unusual packages such as Drive-Up
Weddings, Fantasy Weddings, Vampire Weddings and more. They also accommodate
alternative lifestyle unions.)