(re:the
Squelch photos) Squelch played at the Aragon. It was across
the street from the old Aragon Ballroom on W. 25th south of
Clark Ave. An odd venue for a gig, the Aragon wasn't really
a "strip" bar because the "entertainers"
didn't actually remove any clothing (thankfully). The bar was
divided into two rooms. In one half, Squelch played (including
a twenty-five minute cover of Bowie's "Panic in Detroit").
Driven from the safety of the band room by thirst and Jim Krane's
deafening improvised stand-up comedy routine, we dared venture
to the other side - there, a torturous display of "real"
near west side culture. On a small stage decorated with christmas
tree lights, sagging middle-aged hillbilly women wearing several-sizes-too-small
gym shorts and shredded Harley-Davidson t-shirts writhed to
southern rock for tips and drinks. Occasionally one of the "girls"
would coyly wink and slowly lift her shirt exposing her beer
gut, then quickly flash her breasts. I watched in horror as
Cheese drunkenly copped a feel from one of the lumpen lovelies
as he was tipping her. (Then, feeling soiled, I left the bar
to go shower repeatedly.)
Bathroom Waldo |
