DECEMBER 1976

audience and attained the necessary outreach missing from the input of an organized Akron gay group.

Also in April, due again to the efforts of an Akron University professor, the Ohio Educational Association adopted a comprehensive statement on the rights of sexual minorities at colleges and universities. A number of OEA members tried to overturn that position claiming "it is still not clear to us whether or not such 'aberrant' behavior is a healthy, proper way of releasing the sexual drives all human's But the resolution possess." remained and helped to propel a similar move by the Akron chapter of the American Association of University Professors to urge the national body of AAUP to also censure discrimination on the basis of sexual preference (that motion passed in June, 1976.)

individual spheres of influence and into group activities resulted in student Mike Anderson's placement of an ad in The Buchtelite in June of 1975. The Akron Gay Alliance actually didn't come into being until the late fall. Co-moderators included Cheryl Bennett and Marjorie Bartram, as well as Anderson. Dr. Sheppe acted as a faculty advisor. Among the undertakings. of AGA were a speaker's bureau, "Project Dorm," to clear misconceptions among straight AU dorm students, a survey to measure campus attitudes homosexuality and "Project: Opinion Recognition," on-thespot interviews with students. Shortly after formation in October, 1975, three members of AGA protested a student newspaper review of a Dr. Hook and the Medicine rock concert. Specifically, AGA was disturbed by a cheek-to-cheek picture of Dr. Hook and a band member. The photo's caption read, "Doesn't it look obscene, perverse, disgusting and youckums? It's all part of the Dr. Hook act."

on

Attacking the depiction as a"queer joke," the protest provided ammunition for straight students to accuse AGA gays of being paranoid and "sensitive to innocent sarcasm." As well, one writer complained about the plight of the gay being "rammed down our throats," adding "the majority of people aren't against you, they simply don't care what you do, so stop being pushy and just enjoy our apathy."

AGA continued an active profile and held a 2 hour forum on November 18 at Summit Lounge. The presentation

attracted over 200 people. This was followed by other accomplishments, a literature table at A.U., speaking to university classes and convincing the coordinators of the General Psychology course to revise the course book's treatment of homosexuality.

Sadly, in the spring of 1976, AGA folded. In a letter printed in the Buchtelite Mike Anderson commented, "I have not found the gays ready to join together

and put forth the personal conviction and dedicated effort

it would take to pbtain a place for us on this campus."

No report on recent gay Akron history would be complete without a look at

the

Metropolitan Community Church. The longest running gay group in Akron, MCC in October of 1975 established The Concerned Committee for Gay Rights, which in effect attempted to question and investigate the positions of mayoral candidates Ballard and Kapper on gay rights. Neither candidate responded to MCC inquiries, but a supportive citizens list professionals publicized.

of

area

was widely

Since March of 1976, Akron MCC has provided a couples group for interested participants wherein a professional

counselor in the field helps same-sex couples confront their problems. As well, in August of this year, a new sub-division, dubbed Christian Social Action deals directly with the problems of sexism and racism. Many Akronites can also receive referral information from 2538388 on lawyers, doctors, and psychologists in tune to gay needs in the area.

Many valiant efforts have been made to produce constructive gay activism in Akron, but outside of MCC, the longevity of such organizations has been limited. Fortunately, KGLF took on the August '75 Akron police harassment of Mother's bar when patrons were being ticketed for "jaywalking," and more recently in May of 1976 when KGLF effectively demonstrated at Akron's Court House over selective police harassment of gays at local discos for "weak, mufflers and parking on public property."

But the need to close the widening gap in The City's attention to the gay issue persists. Akron desperately requires a cohesive, secular organization which at the least provides community services and at the most is a politically motivated comprehensive force for change. It only takes a handful of people (in fact, only one or two) to organize a rap group. Are there any Akron readers willing to meet the challenge?

Chargers

By David B. Akers

HIGH GEAR

By Frank Savage

ON VINYL

Ports of the Heart, Jimmy Spheeris, Epic Records. Jimmy Spheeris, sounds remarkably like Steve Grossman, the gay artist who produced Caravan Tonight, which the gay community never really supported. Even the music is similair largely acoustic and of the Jackson Browne magnitude.

While Grossman dealt

however,

directly with gayness, Spherris writes of sexual ambiquity. Not in a "chicdecadent" sense, but in a manner where his love objects drift undetermined. He wails of Captain Cold and scattering bar crowds, the emotional vacuum left in the futility of monogamy. And Spheeris reflects a growing trend of artists recording nonoriginal materials Cliff Richard's "It's All in the Game" and Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry."

-

There aren't many complex melodies herein electric rock touches here and there, mostly softer high production treatises. Spheeris exemplifies a musicopoetic universal ideal for this reviewer. As a proud gay, it becomes increasingly difficult for me to relate to openly heterosexual songs. Musicians like Spheeris provide a venue where gender and orientation are not important, where people relate to emotional situations, simply because they're people. Is this, perhaps, not one goal of our Movement? If for no other reason, I recommend this album.

Lasso from El Passo, Kinky Friedman, Columbia Records .... Flicker mane, the chargers, Who else but Kinky Friedman foaled

Aloft a laughing thunderhead, Dionysian cavalries

Of golden-flowing scimitars, In solemn morning ceremonies Consummate the dawn; the

avatars

Of wrath, in writhing revelries Then fall to earth, the little dead Fallen into dreams of red and gold.

would have Ringo Starr's voice showcased as Jesus in "Men's Room L.A." a song about toilets and statues? Who else would feature a children's chorus singing "Ol' Ben Lucas" who's got a lot of mucous running from his nose, or "Catfish" a disco-like paean to million dollar baseball pitcher, Catfish Hunter? This album is National Lampoon

country style.

First Night, Jane Olivor, Columbia Records.. One reason many gay males enjoy the work of certain female vocalists is because they sing of loving men (and perhaps closetly women) in a hyptonic, heart-tearing manner. Jane Olivor sparked her career at the Gay Baths and clubs of New York City, particularly the Continental Baths and Brothers and Sisters.

Olivor's style and range amplify Midler-Streisand. Her selections are intriguing, the old Fleetwood's standard, "Come Softly to Me," "Some Enchanted Evening" (from the musical South Pacific) and a Frenchley version of "L' Important C'est La Rose." Cue Magazine critic Chip Orton speculates, "Musically and emotionally she fills the void left in the music world by Edith Piaf." Said Chicago Tribune's Aaron Gold, "She uses her voice like a cello what clarity.. what beauty and what an electrifying yet unassuming presence." What I more can be said?

IN THE KEY OF LIFE

By Van Ault

...

In what has to be the most glowing example of public fidelity to a performer, Stevie Wonder has scored an instant sensation after a two year absence from the record market, with his current release, "Songs In The Key Of Life". Although he had been warned by colleagues that his popularity might slacken during the two years of this album's production, Stevie Wonder took his time in polishing this two record set; and its monstrous reception, which catapulted it into the number one position in its first week, proves that the musical genius' following is as loyal as it is universal. But although the sales figures scream "huge success", public reaction to the Ip's musical content has been mixed. While many reviewers ecstatically proclaim it to be the

Page 25

happening of the year, just as many fans seem to be expressing dissappointment at what they unreservedly refer to as a "boring" record. It all depends on who one talks to about it, but apparently, the Ip has its divided strengths and weakenesses.

con-

After preparing a mammoth amount of materials, Stevie finally settled on the 19 songs he released on "Songs". However, some of this material deserves reconsideration. Side one, in particular, is a dismally dull length of didactic descension that includes the yawn-provoking "Love's In Need Of Love Today", the preachiness of "Have A Talk With God" ("...he's the only free psychiatrist known throughout the land"), the boring triteness of "Village Ghetto Land". (Stevie's "Living For The City" said it better), and some others as easily forgetful. The worst of "Songs" was assimilated on side one, which makes it easier to avoid listening to.

Side two contains the best of the compositions, and each one is distinctively different. In the upbeat "I Wish", Stevie reflects on his childhood with nostalgia, then describes romantic infatuation in "Knocks. Me Off My Feet" (he plays all the instruments in this piece), and makes some thoughtful comments in "Pastime Paradise", which is buoyed by the complex background vocals.

Although Stevie is most recognized as a songwriter, producer, musician, and creator of his whole musical experience, it must be noted that he is truly an accomplished vocalist, and of all the cuts on "Songs", none showcase his lucid vocal abilities more than the beautiful "If It's Magic", that features only his voice and the shimmering sounds of the harp and harmonica. Another highlight is "Joy Inside My Tears", a lush ballad which stands out among most of the other selections. Then, too, there is the intriguing "Saturn", and the earthy "All Day Sucker".

Supporting artists who assisted in the production of "Songs In The Key Of Life" include such talents as Minnie Ripperton, Susaye Green, Deniece Williams, Syretta Wright, Shirley Brewer, and, of course, Stevie's own group,. Wonderlove. All of these are acknowledged in the hefty 23 page booklet of lyrics, thank you's, and commentary which is reminiscent of Stevie's rambling discourses on the Grammy Awards presentation. Somehow, this seems to indicate an obtuse sense of self-obsession, but regardless of whether one is as impressed with Stevie as he appears to be with himself, "Songs In The Key Of Life" remains, nevertheless, a striking endeavor that commands respect and attention.

And that's one assertion his devout following would obviously confirm.

"