APRIL 1976

HIGH GEAR

CLEVELAND'S BAR PERSONALITIES

By Jerry Juszczyk

While sauntering through the local bars and discos recently, I was struck with the distinctly individual identities of the crowds who patronize each business. No doubt, the types of people who support enterprise often reflect the management's policy toward its customers. I thought it might be fun to analyze the Cleveland bars as personal constructs by characterizing the individuals who frequent them. Because baths and restaurants serve alternate functions for the gay community, they are not

included. Other cities are also not mentioned (at least this month) as they are understandably different scenes. Located on Cleveland's east side, the Shaker Club is an habitual haunt for gays living in Cleveland Hts., Shaker Heights, South Euclid, Mentor, Chesterland, and Pepper Pike. There exists a broad age spectrum with a mean of about 26-27 years, mostly male, though lesbians are welcome. The average. Shaker Clubber is a college graduate (most likely established in some profession); has artistic inclinations and enjoys an evening out in a subtle "sophisticated" but funky

ner. S/he may be somewhat an East Side snob; but emits confident aura which is hard for anyone to resist. Always on the lookout for intellectual exchange as well as a sexual encounter, Shaker Club patrons often come to know each other well. This lends an air of community to the disco as a whole.

Closer to downtown, Twiggy's features a multi-colored potpourri of gays. Whoever or whatever you are, you're welcome at 2537 St. Clair. The Twiggy patron is usually younger; average age 21-22 and as likely to be a woman as a man. She is typified by a tolerant attitude toward other minorities; drags, straights, bikers, etc., and loves to party hard and strong. Fashionably conscious, some of Twiggy's crowd are remnants of the glitter era. Trendy college students, independent high school grads, and occasional sightseers make

up an average night out here. The Zanzibar located on Payne Avenue is one of the two newest bars in town. Formerly Jo Ann's and then Rikki's, the bar is open to everyone and attracts a diverse range of people. Michael has already experimented with bringing a country-western band in and has done substantial remodeling. Because the bar is

so young, it has yet to establish a distinctive identity. Still, there is an air about the Zanzibar all its own.

Many local Clevelanders, perhaps unfairly, have often referred to downtown's 620 on Frankfort as a "meat rack." All male and boasting a wide variance of ages, the 620 is no doubt the cruisiest bar in town. This club's loyalist is difficult to characterize. He may be the richest entrepreneur in Cleveland, an unemployed 60's peace freak, an insurance salesman, or a leather enthusiast. What most of these men have in common are two. things; First, an interest in an exclusively male social

environment, and second, a drive for a night of mutually satisfying sex.

If the 620 is the cruisiest bar in town, the Bayou Landing comes up a close second. Still a relatively new disco, the Bayou is just now solidifying an identity. Appealing to both east and west siders, lesbians as well as macho gay men, the Bayou person is entertainment

oriented. S/he is interested in the N.Y. disco sound, national gay talent, and the latest trend in whatever. Interestingly, at first, the Bayou patron was once high-fashion conscious; print shirts, lots of jewelry, etc.; but since the opening of the leather oriented Lower Landing downstairs, the move is markedly toward denim. The Bayou person appears to be financially secure and in hot pursuit of change.

Nestled neatly in the old Slovenian neighborhood of E.. 63rd and St. Clair Godmother's I was originally considered by many a woman's bar. This is not the case, for all are welcome and there's a nice mix on any

given night. Owned by Nikki and Mikie. two lesbian entrepreneurs, Godmother's II is in an all gay neigneighborhood bar should be. The patrons are down to earth, know each other well, andare friendly (without being too aggressive) to newcomers. Godmother's II frequenters also have some social consciousness. In the past Cleveland's women's troupe. Oven Productions, D.Y.K.E. and C.A.L.F.A. have presented quality entertainment with potent themes.

Sandwiched in between Cleveland's gay extravaganza, the West Ninth Street Baths and the old Adonis Theatre, Vaults is a relatively recent addition to the Settler's Landing landscape. The clientele here relate to at homey, open atmosphere (i.e.. the Sunday brunch and Julie's Mass). They prefer audible conversation with music serving as a background over the raucous sounds of a disco. A slightly older crowd, (average age, late twenties) the people are mellow, level-headed and direct.

The newest bar, soon to pecome disco, in town is After Dark on Broadway Avenue in Garfield Hts. So many changes are in store for this enterprise, it would be next to impossible to characterize the crowd just yet. One thing is for certain though, it's not as far as some of you might think.

Exclusively. male and frequently billed a members only club, the Leather Stallion is for butch men who generally don't like to dance, get off on cruising, and may belong to biker clubs. Though the Stallion may sound intimidating to novices, its patrons are congenial and straightforward. There are a few real S and M enthusiasts; but the ones in town can be found here.

Moving back to E. 9th Street, one ventures upon The Rainbow situated next to the gay owned and operated Studio Two. Since remodeling, the Rainbow has attracted a wide spectrum of Cleveland's gay community. Different people have different perceptions of the crowd. One friend mentioned, "Oh yeah, I hear that's where all the roughtrade types go." Another commented, "It's the only place

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I ever see 'regular' gays talking to drag queens." And still one more; "I like it. There's all kinds of different people." One thing. for sure, if you're Polish, you owe it to yourself to stop in and say Dobra Noc to owner Vince Los. Who knows, maybe the Rainbow will become the gay ethnic bar of the city.

As one can see, Cleveland's bar scene has a little something Ito offer everyone from the macho leather butch to the starlit drag people: from the thirsty eclectics to the brainstarved intellectuals; from the

ever

present tourists to the . 'entertain me sport-seekers.

People who complain about the drabness of available bars here just haven't opened their eyes to the people around them. Before you don't go to a particular bar because someone recommended you against it, try it anyway. After all, the best judgment is the one that's firsthand.

High

Gear

THE GAY SWITCH BOARD WORKS WHEN YOU DO

696-5330

Gay Pride Week

CLEVELAND Preliminary work has already begun on the 1976 Gay Pride Week celebration here in Cleveland. Although it is more than two months away, organizing has started for what could be a week of widely varied activities for Cleveland and all of Ohio. Among the several possibilities which have been discussed are a community dance, a talent show, a local gay

art exhibit, and a gay pride march followed by a picnic. People who would like to help in organizing these and other activities are urged to contact the gay hotline (696-5330). If you have any expertise in any of these areas or you would like to participate in the talent show or submit work to the art exhibit contact the hotline or write Gay Pride Week P.O. BOX 6177 Cleveland, Ohio 44101.

Send $5.00 check or money order to

HIGH GEAR P.O. Box 6177 Cleveland, Ohio

44101