HIGH GEAR

July, 1975

The Bayou Landing: A Shot In The Arm For Cleveland

On July 3, 1975 the city of Cleveland is to be presented with what promises to be the finest discoteque in the state of Ohio, if not the Midwest. The Bayou Landing, located at 1012 Sumner Road off of East Ninth Street, has a potential holding capacity of 1500 people. Jerry Batal, President of the Bayou Landing Incorporated and Peter Zelmer, architect and manager, are two of the masterminds behind the Bayou enterprise. Their planning has resulted in quite an extravaganza. The first floor, to be completed and available for use by August 1st will feature a coffee shop, a deli bar offering sandwiches and chins, and a cocktail lounge. Gang planks and an additional dance floor will also add color to the surroundings.

The second floor which is ready to go now boasts a 25' by 16' drinking bar that is computer based, the setting for a drink being slightly higher than a 3/4 shot, no less than 5/8ths. According to a Bayou Landing spokesman, prices of drinks are compatible with those of a competitive business, ranging from $.65 to $1.50. "hree light shows boggle the eyes of the beholder. "he first is composed of overhead module seal-beamed bulbs on a nine channel chaser system underneath which spins a fifty-two year old mirror bulb. The wall module is programmed on a computer built by Joe Costa and lies upon a twenty-seven channel chaser system. It contains over 650 lights. "he third system comprises nine relay spots scattered around the room that pinpoint on the mirror bulb. Still to come are surface mounted top hats hooked up to a cross fader which will display a rainbow patern producing a multitude of pastel colors. The sound system bursts unparalleled quadrophonic disco music that echoes out on a dance floor which is padded with a foam rubber base that actually moves while being trampled on. If one wishes to hide away from the throbbing music and dance floor atmosphere, he has a choice of two attractively secluded lounge areas and separate game rooms where pinball machines and a pool table await the patrons' pleasures. Should you need to go to the rest room, remember that. Hooters are for the men and Susies for the women, both labels coined by none other than iffany Jones.

The Bayou Landing is open to all of those 21 and over. Thursday through Sunday there is an entertainment charge of $2.00. Every hursday and Sunday live entertainment will feature the likes of Gay artists such as Charles Pierce, Sev Incorporated, Kichael Greer, and presently "iffany Jones. Cleveland will be treated to comedians, singers, ventrilcquists, and various impersonations. From all indications, thanks to the Bayou Landing as well as our other fine Gay enterprises, this will be an extraordinarily "hot" summer for Gay Clevelanders. So let's enjoy, enjoy!

Peter Barr

Photos By Robert Keith