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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

April, 1990

Review

Erasure

Music Hall February 23

by Bob Boone

When a concert starts out with pterodactyls and volcanoes, one can safely assume it's going to be wild. Wild is indeed what Erasure's February 23 concert promised and delivered. From a florescent world of giant Venus flytraps, vocalist Andy Bell and synthesizer player Vince Clarke filled the Music Hall with music, energy and a message.

When the house lights finally blackened at about 8:30 that night, the mostly high-school-age crowd quieted for just a moment. Then the stage was transformed into a prehistoric land of smoking volcanoes and swooping pterodactyls. The screams of the audience mixed with claps of thunder and bursts of lightning that only hinted at the energetic storm that was to follow. The curtain fell and the backdrop exploded into countless dots of stars as the world of Erasure was born before the eyes of the sold out crowd.

For the next two hours, Andy Bell sang and danced and performed with the music and sound effects of Vince Clarke. All the while the back-up singers in sparkling turbans, Emma and Val, and backup dancers Clifton and Farooq, fed the kinetic energy building on stage, even though at times Clifton and Farooq seemed like a couple of mismatched, dried-out synchronized swimmers. Still, performance was the word as at different points balloons cascaded from the ceiling, the entire cast donned space outfits and plastic bubble helmets, and Andy Bell contorted his athletic body into a variety of poses seemingly choreographed by a sadistic fan of Esther Williams and Mary Lou Retton. Altogether it was the circus, the wonderland, and the wild that the names of some of Erasure's albums had promised.

Unlike so many other performers, however, through the charisma and the

showmanship was a message, blunt and self-respecting. It was a message of personal integrity and pride and revelry. With the lyrics of "Hideaway," Andy Bell sang of a young boy coming out as being gay. With "A Little Respect," he touched the acceptance and the admiration that every individual deserves. Accenting this message with humor, he parodied a familiar Doris Day tune, joyously singing, "Gay sera, sera, Whatever will be, will be." Later he appeared in a platinum wig and flowing skirt that seemed to define flamboyance. Throughout the concert, Bell spoke of being gay with self-assurance and respect, without betraying the humor and the charisma that paints his character. Both to the performance and the message the audience responded with enthusiasm. The few unsuspecting voices that did shout jeers of "Faggot!" were deservedly drowned out by the delighted screams of the more enlightened members of the audience.

The British duo of Erasure formed in the mid-80's when former Depeche Mode and Yaz member Vince Clarke was auditioning for singers and connected with Andy Bell at Trident Studio in London. The two joined to create such hits as "Oh L'Amour," "Stop!," "Who Needs Love Like That,” and “Chains of Love."

Erasure opened about two and a half years ago for Duran Duran at Blossom and played last year at the Phantasy to an enthusiastic crowd. They promise to return yet again to Cleveland this summer, undoubtedly to perform before another sold-out and well-satisfied crowd. There should be no shortage of people to fill the seats of whatever venue Erasure plays. The band has decidedly earned the adoration of countless musicloving individuals, with a self-respecting frankness lacking in all too many popular musicians. Andy Bell has earned the admiration of the gay community, to which he has dedicated more than a little respect.▼

Just Jocks

Bowling competition heating up

by K. D. Mahnal

The North Coast Bowling Association (NCBA) Sunday league is approaching the conclusion of its ninth season. The league bowls at Ambassador Superior Lanes, 1500 Superior Avenue, starting at 1:00 p.m.

Now in the second half of their season, the competition is heating up. Only Flying Fruit Fantasy of the first half winners are in command of their division. NCBA rolloffs to determine the league champions will be held in May and could include as many as seven teams. The league has 30 teams with seven members each and four divisions.

Leading the league in High Handicap Game are: Flying Fruit at 1,028, Sonya's at 963 and More Loose Ends with a 953-pin total.

Best in High Handicaps Series (three game total) are: Flying Fruit with a 2,840, Dolly's Playmates at 2,706 and Smurfs with a 2,675 pin count.

Individual honors for the High Scratch Game for the men go to: Bob Nusser (Sonya's) at 268, and George B. (Flying Fruit), Chris Albert (Sonya's), and Wayne Lang (Easy Pick Ups)-all tied with a 257 pin total.

The women's leaders for High Scratch Game are: Jan Kozarik (Sonya's) at 246, Pam P. (Sonya's) at 221, and Tina Berkey (Fuss Balls) with a 215.

Leading in the league in High Scratch Series (three game total) for the women are: Kozarik (Sonya's) 601, Val J. (Nibbles & Blips) 581, and Pam P. (Sonya's) 557.

Taking league honors in High Scratch Series for the men are: Nusser (Sonya's) 667, Tony W. (Flying Fruit) 646, and Lang (Easy Pick Ups) and George B. (Flying Fruit), both tied at 643.

Top individual averages for the women are: Pam P. with 168.3 and Kozarik with 165.2, both from Sonya's and Berkey (Fuss Balls) at 161.7. Men's leaders are: George B. with 196.2 and

Tony W. with 183.9, both from Flying Fruit and Nusser (Sonya's) 182.7.

The NCBA is sanctioned by the International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO), which also sponsors tournaments in the U.S. and Canada. Upcoming IGBO tournaments include: IGBO X in Los Angeles, May 24-28; Rosebowl Classic VI in Portland, June 2-3; G.I.F.T. in Cleveland, June 8-10; Chicago Pride Week Invitational, June 22-24 and B.A.S.I.C. in New York, June 25.

For more information on the NCBA or IGBO contact Bill Harrison at 2282296.

NCBA Standings as of March 3: WON LOST

TEAM NAME

DIVISION A

3. Smurfs

222222E

1. Ez To Bed Quik To Rise

35 21

4. Sonya's

6. Easy Pick Ups

7. Jon Brittain's Florist

8. Memoirs Strike Force 2. Legends

5. Millie's Boys

DIVISION B

9. Flying Fruit Fantasy 15. Dolly's Playmates

13. A Better Place

20 36

14. Over The Rainbow

10. Alley Oops

11. Club Body Center 12. Leather Stallion I

DIVISION C

16. Mike's Casualities 20. Attraxtions

2222222

CLNT2000

SXXNKRET

17. Nibbles & Blips 23. More Loose Ends

21. Farmer's Daughters 18. Three C.C.s

19. Leather Stallion II

22. Veranda Liberation Front

DIVISION D

25. Johnny's Hair Works 26. Keys

30. Cleveland Country Dancers 24. Tower City Corps

27. Wizards Of Odds 29. First Class Male 28. Fuss Balls

833333

4232232

Send all sports inquiries and scores to: The Chronicle, K.D. Mahnal, P.O. Box 556,

GIFTS OF ATHENA

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On Saturday April 21st The Women's Coffeehouse Collective Is exten-

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Anne E. DeChant

ding an invitation Community to join evening of great Fine Food; Lots of Fun

Appearing with Bobbie and Alex Antes.

These three women have entertained and thrilled our coffeehouse audiences in the past and are returning for your listening pleasure. Mitchell Smith

Franklin Ave. Circle Church (corner of Franklin & Fulton) 1688 Fulton Road, Cleveland Call 281-8167 For Information or Work Exchange

A singer/actor with a vibrant voice and sensual stylings will perform an epicurean repertoire of song which will include Jazz and Pop Ballads, the Blues and Show Tunes.

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