A memorial for Ron Lanza, the co-owner of two pioneering gay comedy clubs in San Francisco, will be held at El Rio, 3158 Mission Street, Saturday, June 15, the day before what would have been Mr. Lanza's 77th birthday.
Mr. Lanza died of colon cancer April 9.
A former schoolteacher, Mr. Lanza was instrumental in the operation of the Valencia Rose in the early 1980s and Josie's Cabaret and Juice Joint in the 1990s. Both served as performance spaces, launching the comedy careers of many a comic, including Whoopi Goldberg, Margaret Cho, Lea Delaria, Tom Ammiano (now a state assemblyman), and Marga Gomez.
After Josie's closed, Mr. Lanza worked as a limo driver. A lifelong dog lover, Mr. Lanza always had a few stray dogs at his side.
In the spirit of Mr. Lanza's comedy clubs, the memorial, which runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will have an open mic format. People are asked to share a story, a song, or a remembrance and to bring a potluck dish and photos or other memorabilia. Attendees must be 21 and over.
For Mr. Lanza's obituary that was published shortly after his death, see http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=68711.
(Photo: Dirk Alphin)