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THE BARB -7 ■ George & Don Make It Happen In Memphis Memphis, Tn. - In a recent interview with George and Don, owners of George’s Theatre and Lounge in Memphis, they told us that Memphis has come a long way since 1970 when they purchased a run down beer bar, with a seat ing capacity of less than forty people, with falling plaster, leaky plumbing and broken down equipment. “You can imagine what we were in for when we bought the old “Famous Door’’ for the total price of $1,700 back in 1970’’, George said. After maintaining that place for a year, they were able to get one next door, and using their capital, with the help of their many friends, they managed to make the place look fairly decent. Three years later, after major remodeling, Geor ge’s has become one of the most popular night spots in Memphis, with a seating capacity of more than three hundred people. There is a cruisy piano bar that seats thirty-four persons, a se parate show bar with rais ed levels, a huge dance floor and complete dining facilities. You may order your favorite cocktail be cause they are licensed for liquor and beer. The place is at the point of being ele- WmkM Laura, Joan, Liz, Michelle, And Michelle Danielle Sab rina Miss George’s gant, but Don and George wants to maintain a casual atmosphere. Although Don and George own George’s, they feel it really belongs to their many customers and friends who have been be hind them all the way with their support, making it what it is today, Memphis’ finest night spot. Like most of us Don and George have had their set backs. In 1971 when police harassment was prevalent, they were raided because of a drag show, and the entire cast including George was hauled off to jail for the evening their friends and custo mers heard about this, it caused a ruckus, around town. The corridors of the jail were packed with a lot of supporters, including many of the bar owners. All of them were freed on bail and the trial was set for a month later. This resulted in a front page news story, with follow up articles and interviews with two members of the cast on one of Memphis’ most polular talk shows. To their surprise, they found many supporters, both straight and gay. The New George’s Theatre And Lounge THE COVE ^ f fm n ^ MH'e// presents SHOWTIME special GUEST PEARL BAILEE with Mickey Ma rti n a nd Mic ke y Day as regulars SHOWTIME 10:00 & 12:3 0 e v e r y n i g h t it ALL DRINKS Vi price Monday - Thursday 12:00 p.m. till closing time GREAT D.l. - great dancing and STILL great cruising! * DELICIOUS BUFFET at 3:00 p.m. every Sat. afternoon COCKTAIL Tl ME a nd c oc kta il price s start at ONE each day COCKTAILS 75< BEER 25< till 8p.m. 586 Worchester Drive, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia They were advised by their Attorney to discon tinue drag shows until after the trial, which almost re sulted in bankruptcy for them. Once again, their many friends and suppor ters, including beer sales men and even the exter minating men, joined to gether with donations for attorney fees, etc. After the trial (you really couldn’t call it a trial be cause no one showed up to prosecute) the case was dismissed, and George’s resumed the shows and bar activities. Because of all the free publicity, it was even bigger and better, with no more harassment. The nickname, “Geor ge’s Truck Stop and Drag Bar’’ has been tagged on for obvious reasons. Most every night you will find a couple of semis parked at the curb. . . George recently an nounced with pride their holding of the exclusive rights to the “Miss Gay Tennessee’’ pageant this year to be held December 7th and 8th. It will be a major happening in Mem phis, with well known en tertainers Shawn Luis, the Miss Gay America 1975, Lady Baronessa, and Norma Christie, the two former Miss Gay Americas, on hand for the crowning. George’s shows are both entertaining and exciting, as well as most of the clien- tel, and features such greats as Laura, Joanne, Michelle Danielle, Sandi Dale, Melina, KareyDenis, and of course the infamous Lily Christine. They alsc welcome guest artists frorr other clubs throughout the country. Every effort is made to make George’s comfortable, casual and exciting place, and one to be proud of by George, Don and the Memphians. When in Memphis, don’t miss the fun and gaiety. Go by George’s Theatre And Lounge at 1786 MadL son Ave. You won’t regret it. La ura