MAY 20, 1994 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 5

The Grid: Clean bathrooms

and a whole lot more

Wow!

by Tony Murdock

When you enter the Grid for the first time that's probably what your response will be. Wow!

You won't be able to help yourself. Especially if you remember the various gay watering holes that have occupied 1281 West 9th Street in the past. With its lasers and lights and TV screens, you'll think you fell into a cruisy video arcade.

Electrical madman Jerry Szoka and his partner David Kaminski have brought the future to Dr. Frankenstein's lab. The Grid offers a high-tech look that captures the industrial past of the warehouse district while looking to tomorrow's technology.

The bar that once sat flat against the north wall has been dramatically thrown into the center of the front room. Drink rails designed by carpenter whiz John Hovekamp are staggered along the walls, very useful for prolonged hours of cruising. Throughout Hovekamp created terrific architectural details, some real, some deceivingly real.

Exposed brick walls and open ceilings take a similar industrial look seen at neighboring Numbers Niteclub further by adding what is easily the most exciting dance floor now in Cleveland, gay or straight. TV screens glow beneath your feet with an endless video meld, while a laser dance show can be achieved from the dj's lair that floats above. Szoka glows like an over-heated light board when he talks about the music. "My energy comes from a full dance floor. Then I get going. I want us to become known as the bar that debuts up-and-coming dj's, the new kids that need a break." He promises a healthy blend for all dance tastes, "House, High NRG, Tribal, Classic Disco."

It's the Grid's basement that's causing all the talk. Gone are the distant smells of urine, poppers and whatever that patrons of the now-practically-forgotten Vaults will remember. The basement is now a slick, stone-walled rec room you'd love to call home. A pool table, pin-ball machines and a special beer bar keep the area packed all night. Szoka says it won't stop there. He's

"looking into virtual reality games that people can play, interactive video. Video bowling and softball games, too."

Szoka and Kaminski bring years of club experience to the Grid. Between the two of them they've been connected to most of Cleveland's major queer dance halls: Chaps, Dimensions, Berlin, the Ritz, and Traxx. Szoka sees the Grid as different, offering the cutting edge. The big news is the return of a Sunday Tea Dance, something not seen in Cleveland in years. They've brought back a Happy Hour with buffet and a dj who takes requests. The lighting is so versatile it can be adapted to fit any need. Somewhere down the road there are plans to fire up the Grid's kitchen and offer lunch during the day. Szoka says what will keep the bar hopping and new is "Listening to what queers like. That's important. If someone has an idea and it works, why not use it? I don't want to ignore good ideas."

If there's a complaint to make it's the need to see more women and people of all colors at the Grid. With the segregated scene that currently predominates in Cleveland, another club for white men is not what we need. Szoka says that the Grid won't play that. "You come here and see. We let everyone in. You've got two bucks, we'll let you in." But he does admit that his experience in the club business has been limited to entertaining men. “I'm not keeping women out,” he says. “We know gay men. I don't know anything about entertaining lesbians. I'm not going to pretend to know what interests women." The bottom line though, says Szoka, is b.s. “I got sick of the b.s. in Cleveland. The complaints that I would hear from customers. I decided I didn't want any of that in my club. I've told the employees here, if you give b.s. or you give attitude to the people, you're out of here."

While the Grid is a hot stop on the clubbing scene that is already inspiring other Flats club owners with ideas, it's more than just a bar with a new attitude. Laughs Szoka, aware of the power of his words, “We're a bar with clean bathrooms."

Softball team is 'racing' to New York

Looking for a fun evening out? Want to help send some Cleveland athletes to New York to play in the Gay Games? You can do it all on the same night when you go to "An Evening at the Races," Saturday, June 4.

The Just Us Co-ed Softball Team is pumped up and ready to play their hearts out... all they need is about $6,000 to cover the costs of travel and lodging in New York during the week of Unity '94.

One of their best fundraising ideas has got to be this race event. For a $10 donation (adults only) you get to be at a video race track-ten separate races during the evening complete with live announcer. Who are the horses? Well, businesses, bars, individuals and groups have been sponsoring them (10 horses are in each race) while making their contributions... you can too as long as there are slots available. All horses must be sponsored, no mount is left at the gate. The winning horse "owner" in each race wins a trophy.

Imagine the fun of cheering on the horse of your favorite bartenderor your own nellie nag as they head into the final stretch. Your donation gets you more than horse races; there are free refreshments including beer throughout the evening, door and table prizes, raffles, and a dande party following the free buffet. Get a group of your favorite sports buffs together—you can wager that you'll have a great time.

You'll need your ticket in advance. Look for them at area bars and bookstores. There will also be a table set up at U4ia's "Let the Games Begin" evening on May 29 (see story on page 6). Or you can call team manager Ken at 226-2987 for more information.

The doors open at 6:30 and post time is 7 pm, , at AmPol Hall, 4737 Pearl Rd., on June 4. Support a proud (and darned good) softball team on their way to New York. And see you at the races.

GAY GAMES IV & CULTURAL FESTIVAL

JUNE 18-25, 1994 NEW YORK CITY (212) 633-9494

HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN FUND

Dinne

SATURDA

1994

NEW ALBANY COUNTRYLUB

An evening of opulent celebration & commitment to civil rights for gay men and lesbians with keynote speakers:

MEL WHITE

DEAN, CATHEDRAL OF HOPE UFMCC IN DALLAS, TEXAS

LEE FISHER AORNEY GENERAL, STATE OF OHIO

DINNER & DANCE $150

TE NIGHT DANCE ONLY $50

SAND TICKET INFORMATION,

-885-1827

DESIGN CONCEPT: BRYAN DELAE 436-7351

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