Pearls’ Passion

Paul Olsen

Pearls Bar: Vermont's bar of alternative lifestyles, the first, and for
some the only, bar that many newly out lesbians and gay men go
to, the sometimes target of Burlington area homophobes, the place
where lovers are met and lost, and the place we often love to hate.
Affectionately referred to by many as the “Palais de Moo Moo”,
Pearls Bar has been an important part of Vermont's lesbian and
gay social scene for over ten years.

Pearls Bar was opened in 1983 by Nancy Barnett, Ed Packin,
Jimmy Moyer, and Barbara Volz. While Nancy, Ed and Jimmy
remain owners they recently hired a new manager in an attempt
to bring new energy and creativity to Pearls. Barnett cited
increased outside interests and burnout as the reasons for
decreasing the owners’ role in the day—to—day operations of
Pearls. “Planning a party seven days a week for over 10 years
gets tired” Barnett said. In response to questions regarding the
potential sale of Pearls Bar, Barnett indicated that “Pearls is for
sale but we want to sell it as a gay bar”.

General Manager Robert Toms has big plans for Pearls Bar.
Toms explains that he has been working with community groups
and organizations including Vermont CARES, Vermont Gay
Social Alternatives (VGSA), and UVM's Gay, Lesbian &
Bisexual Alliance (GLBA) on joint social activities. UVM's
GLBA now sponsors the weekly Wednesday night juice bar.
“I’m open to anyone approaching me with ideas regarding
Pearls” said Toms. Other changes at Pearls Bar include a cabaret
on Sunday nights, alternative music on Thursdays,‘ regular Men’s
Tea Dances, a smoke free environment downstairs, and a large
outdoor event planned for Pride Day on June 4, l994.

Pearls Bar is attempting to make positive changes to meet the
needs of Vermont's diverse lesbian and gay community. With
their energy, creativity and commitment to making changes at
Pearls, Robert Toms and his staff truly demonstrate that Pearls
Bar is about “community”. V

  

  
   
  

May1994
FRESH WHOLESOME ORG.q

Fresh, Wholesome
Organic &
Conventional Foods

Featuring
the Best, Freshest
Produce in the Area

and not for
members only

274 North Winooski Ave.
Burlington 863-3659
M-S 9:30-7:30
Sunday 12 to 5

5000:! 'l\'INOI.LN3I\NOO ’8 OIN

  

“Ask me
how to save on car
insurance.”

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savmponyomflktatemrkiananmpohcyjtstgivemeamflabwtthenllstam

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Call Ellen Hetherington - 863-3808

  
 
 

Daily at 7:30

239 Passion,-.
 3-.
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Sunday May 1 Swmna'isG7ming $3.00 6pm — 9pm
VT CARES Benefit
Mon., May2 Tamah Free 9pm-l 1pm
Original acoustic performer
Friday, May 6 Women ’s Dance $6.00 5pm — 9pm
Sat, May 7 Spaghetti Dinner 7pm — 9pm
Benefit ——Gay Men’s Volleyball Team for the Gay Games
Sun., May 8 Big Band Night Free 5pm —9pm
& Pearl’s Cabaret $3.00 9pm-l lpm
Open microphone 10——11
Sun., May 15 Men ’s T-Dance $3.00 5pm —9pm
VGSA Sponsored
Sun., May 22 Pearl ’s Cabaret $3.00 9pm-1 lpm
Different Show every time
Sun., May 29 Beach Party Free 5 ’til close
Mondays Free Pool 7:30 ’til close
Tuesdays $1 Bud Night 7:30 ’til close
Wednesdays‘ Juice Bar $3.00 8pm — lam
Outright presents Juice bar starting 5/11/94 $2.00 w/college ID

Downstairs no smoking 0 Smoking upstairs

135 Pearl Street 0 Burlington, VT 0 863-2343