BARtab :: Nightlife

50 years in 50 Weeks 1977; Drawn to It

50 years in 50 Weeks 1977; Drawn to It

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • May 19, 2021

The B.A.R.'s June 23, 1977 illustrated cover, an ad for The Balcony bar, took a macho cartoonish focus with art by Chuck Arnett, who was known more famously for his mural on the wall of the Tool Box bar.

Drive & Drag at Southland Mall — photos by Steven Underhill

Drive & Drag at Southland Mall — photos by Steven Underhill

  • by Steven Underhill
  • May 11, 2021

Drag fans enjoyed fun shows at Hayward's Southland Mall May 7-9, as 'RuPaul's Drag Race' stars and their hunky backup dancers put on a series of shows for fans in cars and at up-close outdoor VIP tables.

50 Years in 50 Weeks; 1975 - Empress and an elephant

50 Years in 50 Weeks; 1975 - Empress and an elephant

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • May 4, 2021

1975 was a great year for B.A.R. covers, but the most legendary image of the year is assuredly that of Empress Doris riding an elephant down Polk Street for the annual Gay Freedom Day Parade. How did it happen? And why?

Bare Chest Men 2022 Finals are May 8

Bare Chest Men 2022 Finals are May 8

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • May 2, 2021

Without fundraisers in bars for the past year, the annual Bare Chest Calendar men have faced challenges. But the finals for next year's calendar, an alumni edition, will go on, May 8, on Twitch.

50 Years in 50 Weeks: April 1974: Undies at The EndUp

50 Years in 50 Weeks: April 1974: Undies at The EndUp

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Apr 29, 2021

As advertised in the April 17, 1974 'Bay Area Reporter,' the EndUp's Jockey Short Contest, immortalized by Armistead Maupin in his best-selling 'Tales of the City' series, took place frequently at the South of Market nightclub.

Popular SF Oscar party scrapped due to pandemic

Popular SF Oscar party scrapped due to pandemic

  • by John Ferrannini
  • Apr 16, 2021

The stylish crowd that usually enjoys watching the Oscars at the Academy of Friends gala in San Francisco won't be noshing on hors d'oeuvres or sipping bubbly this year.

Homing's In April 16-25, 2021

Homing's In April 16-25, 2021

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Apr 15, 2021

Plenty of outdoor and distanced events are worth joining this, week. But you'll pardon our recusal from 4/20, the marijuana party. Now that's legal, it's not so radical, and more like Muffin Monday. Going to bars feels more speakeasy-esque these days.

Eagle building still for sale

Eagle building still for sale

  • by John Ferrannini
  • Apr 14, 2021

The building that houses The Eagle, a South of Market leather-themed LGBTQ bar, is still for sale, according to one of the real estate agents.

50 years in 50 Weeks: May 17, 1972 Chaotic Cowboy Contest

50 years in 50 Weeks: May 17, 1972 Chaotic Cowboy Contest

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Apr 9, 2021

The Covered Wagon bar hosted the 1972 Mr. Cowboy contest, but things didn't go well, as reported in the B.A.R.'s May 17 issue. Many in attendance were "stirred into a frenzy of accusations, charges and counter-charges of fraud, fake fix and cheat."

That's (adult) entertainment: veteran editor & columnist on the B.A.R.'s erotica true connection

That's (adult) entertainment: veteran editor & columnist on the B.A.R.'s erotica true connection

  • by John Karr
  • Mar 31, 2021

Our veteran erotica reviewer reminisces about the early glory days of gay porn on film, vintage B.A.R. coverage, and porn's rise, (ahem) in popularity before changes made into VHS and online formats.

Working for words: a B.A.R. writer reminisces

Working for words: a B.A.R. writer reminisces

  • by Mark William Norby
  • Mar 30, 2021

A former assistant editor and current freelance writer, Mark Norby recalls his first days working at the B.A.R.'s 9th & Harrison office.

The bars that brought us the B.A.R. - from the Tavern Guild to the Bay Area Reporter

The bars that brought us the B.A.R. - from the Tavern Guild to the Bay Area Reporter

  • by Michael Flanagan
  • Mar 30, 2021

The Bay Area Reporter first published on April 1, 1971, two years after the New York Stonewall Riots. But the paper's emergence grew not out of activism, but from San Francisco's growing gay bar scene.

Juanita MORE! to run for Empress

Juanita MORE! to run for Empress

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Mar 26, 2021

Local nightlife icon and community organizer Juanita MORE! this week announced her candidacy to run for Empress of The Imperial Council of San Francisco. If elected, MORE! would become the 56th Empress.

Homing's In March 26-April 4, 2021

Homing's In March 26-April 4, 2021

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Mar 25, 2021

Face it, you're itching to get out. With more museums, galleries, move theaters, bars and restaurants opening, you're allowed. Mask up, get out, have fun.