June 1976

HIGH GEAR

Page 19

By Aaron Ross

(Bits of thisa and thata about our gay social strata).

More places, more faces, more good and gay times. But why does the "entertainments" sometimes have to be so tacky. Don't gay males have vocal chords? Do all gay entertainers have to lip synch to records? I'd rather hear a real voice (even if it's not a good one) singing than have to hear Miss Bassey's. And if we want to hear the original recording, we can put on our home stereos. And not "mimed" by some gay guys who want an excuse to dress up and play "star". In an area noted for fine theatrical talent there is no reason why gay clubs have to import "shows" of such inferior quality. There are exceptions. Craig Russell's great act at the Bayou Landing where he imitated the VOICES and the gestures and appearances of legendary female stars will never be forgotten. He follows in the great tradition of impersonators like Jim Bailey, T.C. Jones, Charles Pierce who have transcended the tranvestite labeling of such acts to be accepted for what they are great all-around entertainers with the artistry to gain world-wide acceptance from all people gays and straights.

Yes. We have the local talent here. We have the writers, directors and theatrical craftsmen to produce entertainments worthy of our attention. Then why the shoddy pap we've been getting? Because it's being done in a gay bar? Consider the entertainments that were offered in New York's Continental Bath which made a star of Bette Midler. And visit some of the gay watering holes in New York, Chicago and

California where live music, great comedy and wonderful gay-oriented material is constantly offered. I'd like to see our gay bars offer a talent night each week inviting local guys and gals to perform. Not drag contests. Not go-go boys, but aspiring pianists, singers, actors, comics, who would welcome the opportunity to appear before a live gay audience.

Now that we have gay bar and club competition with a choice of many places to go we can be selective and choose the ones that offer the most for our

dollar. Decor. Important! Cruising. The clientele determines that! And what better way to attract the right clientele in great numbers than to offer entertainments of taste, quality and value. Discard any notions of doing still another imitation of Garland, Streisand and Bassey. Get yourself some albums of Broadway and off-Broadway shows that feature great gay material from "A Chorus Line", "Let My People Come," "Boys in The Band," "Oh Calcutta", etc. Or perform the great gay tunes by David Bowie, Steven Brossman, Patti Smith, Fresh (in their album "Out of Borstal").

For comedy material how about routines by Lenny Bruce, Harrison & Tyler from their album Wonder Women or anything from the Julius Monk revues from New York's "Upstairs At The Downstairs". And what about a Gay Theatre. With plays like "Butley", "Oscar Wilde," "The BalconyAnd plays by Edward Albee, Tennessee Williams, Hugh Wheeler, Christopher Isherwood ("I Am A Camera" which became ((Cabaret") and William Inge. The list is endless. Need help? Write me in care of High Gear. I'll do what I can.

High Gear Recommends

Club Zanzibar

1630 Payne Ave. Cleveland, Ohio

SPECIAL EVERYDAY 6 pm 'til 9 pm

As a local community newspaper, High Gear often must look to other publications for current national news. Among our exchange subscriptions are a group of non-sexist, extraordinarily high quality newspapers. We wish here to acknowledge them and urge our readers to support their efforts for a higher gay consciousness. We wish also to thank these journals for sharing occasional news items with us:

Gay Community News, only national gay weekly. Subscriptions: 52 weeks, $15.00, 25 weeks, $8.00, 12 weeks, $4.00. Excellent national news coverage, some politics, gay art scene, forums, literature, profiles, and some of the best gay features available in print. Write GCN Subscriptions, 22 Bromfield St., Boston, Mass. 02108.

Chicago Gay Life, bi-weekly, Subscriptions, one year $10.00, six months, $6.00. Comprehensive news coverage with special emphasis on the Midwest, entertainment, movie reviews, theatre, art, astrology, poetry, features. Write Chicago Gay Life, 343 S. Dearborn, Suit 1719, Chicago, Illinois 60604.

GPU News, monthly newspaper-magazine from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Subscriptions, $5.00 per year. Primary focus on gay literary efforts. Book reviews, literature including gay fiction, poetry, and profiles on those in the arts. News summaries from other publications and special features included. Write GPU News, P.O. Box 92203, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202.

The Blade, monthly publication from Washington, D.C. Subscriptions $5.00 for one year. The Blade is known for national news scoops and excellent news coverage of the federal scene. Profiles, book reviews, D.C. entertainment news, varied features, and running satire and humor make for a well-rounded paper. Write Blade, 1724 20th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20009.

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