JBL L100 Century, ca. 1973
Every time I drive north from Indian School Road on 7th Street, I let out a quiet sigh as I pass Devonshire Avenue. On the southeast corner of the intersection there used to stand one of the most loved gay bars in Phoenix: The Connection. Back in the late 70s and early 80s I spent many a Friday or Saturday night (and quite a few Sunday afternoons) at the establishment.
Unfortunately, upon my return from San Francisco in 2002, learned it had closed several years earlier with the death of its owner, and was torn down. (Considering what went on within those walls I’m surprised the locals hadn’t burnt it to the ground, but I digress.)
Over the course of my time there, I met many wonderful men who were to enrich my life in one way or another. Sadly, like the owner of The Connection, very few of them are still with us.
In August 1983, the bar held a benefit auction to raise money for AIDS services. One of my paintings was being auctioned off, so I took my camera along to get some pictures. A camera? at a gay bar? in 1983? Scandalous!
I had a secret crush on he guy standing directly under the stop sign.
Jack Long (right)
My housemate, Steve (left) and his boyfriend
The barback that everyone had a crush on
Bartender Donnie
Donnie in his finest
Bartender Brent and the dance floor/DJ booth
The infamous semi that was parked inside the bar. I never spent any time in the cab, but I heard stories…
The disco group St. Tropez performing lip-synching at the benefit.
See it. That is all.
…that I had bought an iPad. I was on the bus and a lady asked what I could do with it. It was then I realized, “not much,” and wished that I’d brought my MBP with me instead.
This pretty much sums up how I feel about the thing. It’s pretty, and shiny and—OMG, it’s an Apple product, for chrissake—but that doesn’t change the fact I have absolutely no use for one.
I do, however, think it would’ve been perfect for my Mom.
Oh, that I could do this at work…
