Mr. Backstreet

BY SERRASCO

On June 21, 1981 The Backstreet' sponsored the second annual "Mr. Backstreet contest in the popular disco bar located in the shopping mall at Joy Road and Greenfield. The contest featured fourteen participants competing for prizes ranging from a Windjammer cruise for two or $500.00 along with free cover at The Backstreet for a year all the way down to a third place prize which included $50.00 in free drinks. Contestants appeared in a "self expression outfit of their own choosing as well as a formal outfit and swim wear. Several hundred spectators who jammed into the bar to watch the contest were treated to a wide variety of both costumes and personalities. As the contest ended

photographer Mike Ivan surprised everyone present by adding to the prizes the opportunity to be a Centerfold for In-Touch Magazine as well as a $100.00 photo session.

The winner of this year's contest, Rick Boffman, can be accurately described as "more than just another pretty face." Although contestants Gene Lissarrague (who ultimately won third place) and Jeff Catarino of Southgate seemed to have many fans in the crowd of spectators, Boffman impressed the judges with his poise as well as his masculine appearance. When asked during the contest what magazine he would choose to be if he could be any magazine, Boffman hesitated and then answered "Playgirl" to the delight of the audience. Rick is a senior at Wayne State and is currently seeking full time employment in his field of advertising design. He plans to take the cash option rather than the Windjammer cruise, reflecting a business-like practicality, and he commented he intended to use the money simply to pay off some bills. Although Rick is unattached at present het said he had a friend whom he intended to invite to accompany him for two nights of fun and relaxation at Saugatuck (anothe rpart of the prize). Rick has never done any professional modelling but he did win the "Mr. Menjo's" contest in 1977. He is interested in entering the Mr. Michigan contest which is coming up this fall.

When asked what it took to enter a contest like the Mr. Backstreet contest Rick

said some encouragement from other people and a lot of guts. It can be tough going out there in front of everybody... especially in a bathing suit. You feel kind of like you're out there in your underwear." Rick also had a suggestion for the 1982 contest. "I think it would be good if the contestants had to dance, at least while the judges are doing the scoring."

The runner-up in this year's contest was Jim Knapp of Ann Arbor. Jim, a Gemini, opted for a gray pin stripe outfit during the formal wear competition while winner, Rick Boffman, sported a navy blue vested suit. with Yves St. Laurent tie and shirt.

While many of the contestants were nervous during the competition, all receive our congratulations on doing a fine job and demonstrating an outgoing and gutsy character. Photos will be in Metra's next issue.

Fran Jeffries Stars In One-Person Show

BY TRACEY MARTIN

The program announced: "Thank you for. this opportunity. Entertainment is my life, and it is only made possible through all of you.

And opportunity it was indeed, as Fran Jeffries, in her first one-person show, cavorted enthusiastically at Todd's on June 21st before an appreciative paid audience of some 90 people. Appropriately entitled 'Dreams, Miss Jeffries' performance was solidly based on impressions of Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight. "Background" was provided by Stephanie Powers, Tempest, Steve Hobie and Tom Maxwell, and Duane Bradley contributed a spirited rendition of Celebration. A special treat was Fran's impersonation of Jennifer Foxx, done before a more than moderately amused Emcee named Bobby Bruno.

The current Miss Menjo's was also marking an anniversary 9 years in show business, performing at such clubs as Todd's, Bookie's, Gigi's, the Gold Coast and the Underground as well as in Toledo, Flint and Lansing.

Helping Fran celebrate as members of the audience were current title holders Fantasia, Miss Gay Detroit, Tim Roberts, Mr. Gay Michigan, and Burt Robinson, newly crowned Mr. Gay Detroit. Other performers announced as present included Elaine St. Jacques, April Summers, Cindy Simpson, Michael Swazey and Peter Taylor. Robbie Bernstein, of Newbern Productions, attended also.

Backdropped by a greater-than-life-size head and shoulder sketch of Fran herself, the show started delightfully close to on time. Extremely long intermissions, however, forced the early departure of some patrons. Watch for photos in Metra's next issue.

Larry Loren Revue at "Louies" (June 10 & 17th) starred Lady Loren, Ashley Ames, B.V. Horn, Joey Sherwood, Toni Richards, Bruce Neil, Wanda Simone, Doug Dennis, Choreographer: Pat Glynn, Sound Topaz, and LightingRoger. Photo John Davey

Well... Lady! Photo John Davey

Bobby Who? Photo John Davey

Vaunda Lee in Hospital

Vaunda Lee, one of the best loved and thoroughly entertaining performers in the state of Michigan, was admitted to the hospital Thursday evening, June 25th. Vaunda is believed to be suffering from diabetes, and in fact was in a coma for a while.

Medical expenses are expected to be substantial for so serious a problem. Plans for benefit events to help Vaunda with these expenses are being discussed. Check with the Glass House or METRA for details and final plans. C

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Vaunda Lee has given us so much. It's time now for our community to return some of that love and hard work by helping Vaunda meet her medical expenses. We love you, Vaunda.)

M.R.

The Revue Photo John Davey

Interesting Things In The Backpocket

BY ANTHONY SERRASCO On Friday, June 21 "The Backpocket'' sponsored a highly successful grand opening night. "The Backpocket" is one of the newest bars opening in the Detroit area. Billing itself as "a quality cruise bar", the establishment reflects the confidence that it will be around for a long time by including a banner under it's logo which reads "since 1981. The grand opening party was by invitation only and owners (Paul and Mike) said that over a thousand, invitations were mailed out... several hundred recipients

responded by attending the free-drink, freefood event that went on for several hours on a hot Friday evening. The eight bartenders who were tending to the needs of thepatrons during the grand opening were in constant motion serving free liquor. As the music played on to liven up the evening patrons commented that "It's a nice bar.... I'll be back to see it on a less crowded night. One visitor (Ralph) commented that if there were a suggestion box, he would suggest that the air conditioning be kept on high...lots and lots of hot men" he said. The Backpocket is located just across the street from The Backstreet and offers an opportunity to get away from the dancing into a quieter and smaller environment and cruise.

METRA MAGAZINE 23