HIGH GEAR, MARCH, 1977

AKRON BAR SCENE FOR A CHANGE

By Jerry Juszcyk

Situated almost directly in the heart of Northeastern Ohio, Akron is easily accessible from Cleveland (45 minutes via Rt. 77 which is now complete), Youngstown and Warren (35 minutes via Rt. 76) and sister city Canton (15-20 minutes on Rt. 77). For a smaller city, Akron's bar scene is relatively broad three full scale discos and two neighborhood bars, one which periodically features live music. It is the perfect (and most inexpensive) place to go to find those always sought after new faces.

Introduced about 2 1/2 years ago as an alternative bar, The American Hotel and Restaurant has developed into a mainstay of the Akron disco scene. Located at the corner of Lakeshore and Kenmore Blvds., (1-253-0264), the American's clientele is predominantly male and the young-businessmanstudent type. Within the coming months, the Eagle's Nest, an offshoot of the original bar, will become more pronounced as a leather and western haven. The huge dance floor complements both disc jockey Dennis Cox's on-target vinyl spins and the ever improving light system. According to manager Steve Skrobot, Fridays at the American are

"new person night" and Saturday is "social night." There is a $1.00 cover on Friday and Saturday, at $1.00 minimum on Sunday and no covers the rest of the week.

The Gentlemen's Pub, located at 1104 S. Main St. at Miller, is the newest Akron disco. In the past the Pub encountered some difficulty in obtaining its complete liquour license (due largely to the fact that it is located in the same building complex as The Ohio Youth Commission) but now the Pub has won its appeals and has full scale service. Boasting two dance floors, the spacious bar is decorated in light, airy colors and focuses on a central statue of David shrouded in foliage.. Memberships are required for in and out privileges. Though the bar is too young still to paint an accurate picture of its clientele,, no doubt, once the weather breaks and peoples' tastes

become firmer, a sonality will emerge.

Pub per-

The third Akron disco is the Stage Coach at 259 E. Market St. 1-434-4314 and can be best described in the words of a recent visitor as the "Twiggy's of Akron." Employing an open admissions policy, the Stage Coach welcomes all, including drags, women and "rough trade." Recently, the bar has been remodeled, incorporating an expansive seating area with large leather sofas. All games have been moved to the second floor, thus increasing the available cruising area. Membership cards can be purchased for $1.00; thereafter on weekends patrons pay a $1.00 cover charge.

Under new management and soon to become a private key club, The Hayloft (77 N. Adams St. off E. Market St. 1-434-9794) is an intimate "smaller neighborhood bar" segment of the Akron bar scene. About 800 square feet in size, the bar displays Western decor and is on par, said our visitor, with the Vaults in Cleveland. The Hayloft clientele is mixed and seeks a quieter change from the goingons of the discos.

Predominately a women's bar and frequently featuring live women's music periodically on weekends, Satan's Den (839 S. Arlington, South of 1-77) meets the needs of a distinguished clientele. Said our correspondent about the bar: "Satan's Den is a female version of Cleveland's 620 and it's just as cruisy." Decor-wise, Satan's Den unveils a very modern interior with red wallpaper and red carpeting, reminiscent of a contemporary cocktail lounge. Everyone is welcome at Satan's and there's no cover.

So there you have it, a brief synopsis of the Akron club scene. Increasingly, this writer is amazed at the number of Northeastern Ohioans especially Clevelanders-who've never ventured to Akron. To have a comparatively large city with a whole new set of faces within a 45 minute druve and to not take advantage of it, indeed, seems ludicrous. Why go to New York when you can go to Akron? It's a hell of a lot cheaper and you still feel like you're out of town.

Gay Canton Pageant

By Leon Ball

On January 15, 1977 the First Annual Miss Gay Canton Pageant was held. Miss Vicki SinClair was the special guest MC. Besides hosting, Vicki did two special numbers.

Star, 3rd runner-up, Miss Nicki DeRue, 4th runner-up, Miss Karen Kay Kresge.

Special guest performers were Melissa Ross, Miss Cleveland; Denise Monet; and Gaye West. Next year's Miss Canton will be held in October.

Donations totalled $200.00 and proceeds were sent to Molly Stark Hospital. Letter of recognition is available

The winners are as follows: Miss Gay Canton: Miss Terri Martins, 1st runner-up, Miss Jenneth Jones, 2nd runner-up, request.

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