JULY 22, 1994 GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE 5

Tenth 'Dancin,' at new location, is largest yet

by Charlton Harper

The verdict is in and it's all thumbs up for this year's Dancin' in the Streets '94. The

previous years. "More than 5,000 people paid admittance and we grossed approximately $71,000," he says. "After everything's over and bills are paid we'll net around

JEFF NEARHOOF

$50,000. It's certainly the largest Dancin' ever."

the

Michael Readinger, president of the Taskforce board of trustees, was still charged and excited the following Monday morning. He knows money raised at Dancin' will ease his work a bit. "It's great that now we won't have to go to our major donors for this money. The money will help us fund direct services and daily operating expenses. Next to the AIDS Walk, this is our largest fundraiser of the year."

Three makes a crowd. Bridget Havrilla, Edele Passalaqua and Sandy Borelli enjoyed the park-like setting of Dancin's new location.

now legendary and larger-than-life fundraiser for the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland celebrated its silver anniversary July 17 with more than 5,000 people turning out for a daylong, non-stop stomp and grind in the sun.

Initial fears that a change in locationfrom the slightly more visible but confined space of West 9th Street, to a more secluded but roomy site on Erieside Avenue just north of Municipal Stadium-would keep folks home was turned to Dancin's advantage with the largest crowd seen in the ten year history of the event. Bill Green, treasurer for the Taskforce and final arbiter of all things fiscal, says that this year's attendance and gate receipts were both up about ten percent over

Both Green and Readinger acknowledge there were the usual rowdies and one fight, but no major problems overall. Organizers made an extra effort this year to make sure all people buying beer were at least 18 years old. "This year was pretty hassle-free for Dancin' in the Streets," says Readinger with a hint of relief. "We had a few people who were selling merchandise who shouldn't have, but really nothing out of control."

Green says that the increase in space provided by the location may lead to an expansion of Dancin' and its offerings. "Dancin'

really continues to build an audience. We had people all the way from Toledo and Columbus. Now with the location change and the increase in space we'll be looking at the restrictions we've placed on vendors and consider lifting them so that we can add more people to the event. If we can make this more of a community event, the Taskforce will benefit also."

The high point of the day for many was an exhaustive selection of raffle prizes generously donated by area merchants. Included were hair care supplies and services by Chaz Hair, biking equipment from Shaker Cycle, massage therapy from Mark Davidson and Massotherapy Professionals, flowers by Heights Floral, tickets to the Cedar Lee Theater, merchandise from Norka Futon, a stereo donated by U4ia, two open-ended round-trip plane tickets, and the grand prize of a diamond. No word yet on raffle winners.

JEFF NEARHOOF

These guys won't break a sweat. E-Z, Steve and Perry check out the crowd and enjoy the music.

The word about Dancin' is spreading beyond Ohio and the Midwest. Jeff Nagel and his buddy Steve Miller flew in for the weekend from Baltimore to check things out. They'll be heading back to the east coast with raves of Cleveland. "Well, I wouldn't say that we came just for this, but it helped," says Nagel, beer in hand and waiting out a few jams after a long stint on the asphalt. "We got these round-trip plane tickets from Baltimore and said why not go? Then when we got here all we heard was 'you have to check out Dancin'

in the Street.' So here we are and we think Cleveland is great."

Bill Green says to look for Dancin' in the Streets at the same location next year. "We definitely will try to have it there again next year. The response shows us we're doing the right thing. Beyond next year it's hard to say since the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will be open by then and we're not sure the city will let us close the streets like we did. But for now that's the place to be."

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Gay and Lesbian Comedy is Here!! Welcome "Comic Genius" -KPFA Maureen Brownsley on Wednesday July 27th

August 3rd Performer to be announced on the Gay 90's with Buck Harris

Doors open at 8pm • Show starts at 9pm After the Show, Dancing 'til 2am!

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10630 Berea Road

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216/631-7111

Comedy With an Attitude!