Decadence with Chi Chi LaRue

This weekend, New Orleans continues its comeback with the annual Southern Decadence Celebration. Southern Decadence started 25 years ago as a friendly costume party amongst a group of friends. In the following years, the party became an annual tradition and turned into a parade. For the last 10 years, porn director and DJ Chi Chi LaRue has been a key part of the festivities.

Chi Chi has directed many award-winning popular gay porn movies and runs Channel 1 Releasing. Chi Chi is one of the most recognized personalities in the industry directing for multiple studios as well as his own. He has received numerous awards for his films: “Bolt,” “The Back Row,” and the 2006 GAYVN Best Picture Award for “Wrong Side Of The Tracks.” Over the years, he’s discovered stars like Joey Stefano, Alex Stone, Johnny Hazzard, and Zak Spears. Now, Chi Chi is DJing at bars and clubs around the globe and spends his time running his company and performing live around the world at safe sex benefits and nightclubs.

Chi Chi is heading to New Orleans for this year’s Southern Decadence, so we caught up with him by email to learn about his latest project, his new club night in LA and why you should plan your trip to Southern Decadence.

Thanks for joining us, what are you working on these days?
I just released my biggest movie ever, “Link: The Evolution.� I’m now working on finding a new star for my next project “Powertool 3�.

We hear you are DJing at your own club night “Dirty Deeds” at Fubar in LA?
Well, it’s a year old and really fun…and dirty. Very underground and sleazy. Lots of sexy boys and all kinds of music – everything from rock to pop to punk.

When you aren’t going out to your own club nights, where do you go?
To bed!!!!….LOL.

“The gays take over Bourbon Street.”

You have long been associated with Southern Decadence in New Orleans, what keeps you coming back?
This will be my 10-year anniversary doing Southern Decadence. I love the city, I love the people and I love the food!

How would you describe New Orleans’ gay scene to a first time visitor?
Hot, sweaty and fun, fun, fun no hang ups.

So what’s the deal with Southern Decadence?
Think, gay Mardi Gras. The gays take over Bourbon Street. Everyone should go and support this great city and have lots of fun!

Do you have a favorite restaurant there?
I love a good catfish sandwich from this one particular corner market…I can’t remember the name of the place, but I know how to find it.

Well, I guess we’ll have to follow you there. Is there anything that you never miss when you get to New Orleans?
Well, I never miss the Corner Pocket in the French Quarter and you must never miss the Big Dick Contest at the Bourbon Pub that I host on Thursday night. This year, I will be DJIng on Friday afternoon at the Pub so come on by and say “Hiâ€?…you don’t want to miss me!

What is the biggest misconception you think people have about New Orleans?
That it’s all about booze and getting fucked up. It is SO fun to shop in the quirky little shops and eat the amazing foods. I bought my mother and sister some great Christmas gifts while I was there last year.

It seems like your job has you traveling a lot these days, does it wear you out?
I am worn out while writing this to you….LOL…yes, but I love it.

You do gigs in a lot of bars & clubs, and I’m sure you go out on your own as well, do you have a favorite one?
You know, I love so many that it would be hard to answer. I really love the dive bars like Fubar in L.A. and the Rawhide in N.O. They get down and dirty and that’s what I like.

Someone who travels as much as you has to have some amazing travel tips, can you share a few?
Get to the airport early - that is my number 1 tip. My friends think I am crazy that I want to get to the airport hours early, but trust…it won’t fail you…OH and pick up a copy of OK and Hello Magazine from the UK…good reading.

Thanks so much for your time, before we go, tell us your your top 5 restaurants or bars in New Orleans…

1. The Gumbo Shop
2. Red Fish Grill
3. The Bourbon Pub
4. The Corner Pocket
5. And that market that I can’t remember…LOL

Thanks Chi Chi, we’ll see you in New Orleans!

• Visit our Gay New Orleans Guide (Bars, Hotels, Restaurants)
• Check out Chi Chi’s profile
• Visit ChiChiLaRue.com