Club Quarter

Last updated
Stearns Square in 2012 Stearns Square, Springfield MA.jpg
Stearns Square in 2012

The Entertainment District [1] is located in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the Metro Center district surrounding historic Stearns Square. [2] Stearns Square is bordered by Worthington Street to the north and Bridge Street to the south; however, the Entertainment District extends for several city blocks north, south, east and west of Stearns Square. For over 100 years, this area of Springfield, surrounding Stearns Square and Springfield Union Station have been home to the city's most prominent clubs, restaurants, bars, music venues, movies houses, and coffee houses. [3] Currently, there are over 75 restaurants, nightclubs, and bars in Springfield's Entertainment District, making it the largest entertainment district between New York City and Montreal, Canada. The Entertainment District is a primary reason why Springfield was recently ranked among America's Top Ten Best Cities for Singles by Yahoo and Sperling's Best Places. [4] [5]

Contents

Venues surrounding Stearns Square

Petra Hookah Lounge 270 Worthington Street, Springfield MA.jpg
Petra Hookah Lounge

One constant in Springfield's Entertainment District since 1902 has been Smith's Billiards, which has long hosted professional pool matches, as well as a mix of young and old virtually every-night. [6] Another constant is Theodore's Blues Club - it has been in operation for nearly 30 years and has, on several occasions, been named the best blues club in the United States. [7] The Mardi Gras is yet another Springfield institution - it is the largest and most elaborate gentleman's club north of New York City and south of Montreal, (including Boston.) With over 300 "Gras girls" on monthly rotation and its own magazine, the Mardi Gras is not one's average strip club.

The Shadow Lounge attracts a younger crowd with a "swanky" atmosphere. [8] Shakago's is a martini, jazz, and piano bar on Hampden Street. Alumni is geared toward the college and post-graduate scene, with live rock music and DJs; however, one can also play games like Keno there. Fat Cat Bar & Grille is a dive bar that attracts a younger crowd and usually plays punk and industrial music. [9]

Glo Ultra Lounge is a popular club on Saturday nights, with a swanky atmosphere and light show. Petra, next door to Glo, is Springfield's only hookah bar. The Pub Lounge was, until very recently an LGBT bar; however, now it has shifted its focus to a sports bar. Adolfo's is an Italian restaurant serving fine cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients - with an outdoor bar that features a DJ and dancing.

Growing LGBT nightlife

Springfield's LGBT nightlife has grown exponentially since the Massachusetts Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in 2004. In 2011, the City of Springfield celebrated its first gay pride week, with rainbow flags adorning nearly every flag post in Metro Center, Springfield, Massachusetts and in 2010, The Advocate named Springfield one of its Top 15 gay cities. [10] According to the 2010 Census, Springfield, more than any other major Massachusetts city, has been greatly impacted by the recent influx of LGBT residents. Boston, Cambridge, Northampton, and Provincetown were long-considered gay-friendly destinations before the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling; however, Springfield was not. At the time when gay marriage was legalized in Massachusetts, Springfield featured low real-estate prices, a housing and condominium stock full of extraordinary architecture, and an (at that time just) budding bohemian arts and entertainment scene. This combination attracted many LGBT residents who stayed in Springfield and have made its gay nightlife one of the most worthwhile between New York and Montreal. Currently, Springfield features five full-time gay bars and clubs, and numerous other bars and clubs hosting gay nights. [11] As of 2011, Springfield is widely considered a highly "gay friendly city," with two openly gay city councilman. Recently, the New England gay publication The Rainbow Times declared Springfield, "suddenly gay."

The Paramount Theater also known as The Hippodrome

The Hippodrome in 2012 The Hippodrome, Springfield MA.jpg
The Hippodrome in 2012

Since 1926, an entertainment venue has occupied the site of The Paramount Theater, (most recently known as The Hippodrome,) at 1700 Main Street next to Springfield's famous Gothic railway arch. Built at a cost of over $1 million in 1926 dollars, The Paramount Theater was the most ornate movie palace in Western New England during its glory days from the 1920s-1960s. It remained a movie theater until the 1960s when it began to find use as a mixed center for movies, concerts, and live performances, (including especially memorable performances by the Velvet Underground, Eric Burdon and the Animals, and Alice Cooper.) The theater was also once run by Western Massachusetts Theatres which at one time owned almost all of the single screen palaces in the area including The Rivoli and The Bing in Springfield, and The Calvin in Northampton.

It was not until 1999 that the theater found a stable operator again. It was purchased, underwent a $1.3 million make-over, and converted into a lavish night club and performance space, known as The Hippodrome. The main floors seats were removed, but the 1,100 balcony seats were retained and restored. The original organ was restored and the marquee was changed to reflect the "Hippodrome" name. During its time as the Hippodrome, the venue became one of the Northeast's centers of the "rave scene," drawing thousands every few months with elaborate raves. When that scene eventually died down, The Hippodrome became more of a hip-hop/novelty club, featuring performers like RuPaul. In 2010, the Hippodrome was purchased by the New England Farm Workers' Council and renamed The Paramount Theater. Currently, the Paramount is in the midst of a $1.725 million renovation.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gay village</span> Geographical area within a city that is inhabited or frequented by LGBT people

A gay village, also known as a gayborhood, is a geographical area with generally recognized boundaries that is inhabited or frequented by many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBT) people. Gay villages often contain a number of gay-oriented establishments, such as gay bars and pubs, nightclubs, bathhouses, restaurants, boutiques, and bookstores.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Sasson</span>

Andrew Jacques Sasson is a British-American entrepreneur, hotelier, and real estate developer. With Andy Masi, he is the co-founder of The Light Group, which owns several restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, mainly in the New York City and Las Vegas areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metro Center, Springfield, Massachusetts</span>

Metro Center is the original colonial settlement of Springfield, Massachusetts, located beside a bend in the Connecticut River. As of 2019, Metro Center features a majority of Western Massachusetts' most important cultural, business, and civic venues. Metro Center includes Springfield's Central Business District, its Club Quarter, its government center, its convention headquarters, and in recent years, it has become an increasingly popular residential district, especially among young professionals, empty-nesters, and creative types, with a population of approximately 7,000 (2010.)

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paramount Theater (Springfield, Massachusetts)</span> United States historic place

The Paramount Theater is an historic theater located at 1676-1708 Main Street in Springfield, Massachusetts. Built in 1926 out of part of the grand Massasoit House hotel at a cost of over $1 million, the Paramount Theater was the most ornate picture palace in Western Massachusetts. As of 2011, The Paramount is in the midst of a $1.725 million renovation to once again become a theater after decades as a disco and concert hall,, when it was the center of Springfield's club scene. In 2018 the building's owners, the New England Farm Workers Council, announced plans to redevelop it in tandem with a new adjacent hotel building. In a push to renovate the Paramount along with Holyoke's Victory Theater, in October 2018, the administration of Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced a $2.5 million grant to assist the project, on top of a $4 million federal loan guarantee. Pending finalizing funding for the combined restoration and new hotel, no construction timeline has been presented as of 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Birmingham Gay Village</span> LGBT district in Birmingham

The Birmingham Gay Village is an LGBT district next to the Chinese Quarter in Birmingham city centre, centred along Hurst Street, which hosts many LGBT-friendly businesses. The village is visited by thousands of people every week and has a thriving night life featuring clubs, sports bars, cocktail bars, cabaret bars and shops, with most featuring live entertainment including music, dancing and drag queens.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CC Slaughters</span> Pair of gay bars and nightclubs in Portland, Oregon and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

CC Slaughters is a gay bar and nightclub located in Portland, Oregon, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The Portland bar is located in the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, and the Puerto Vallarta bar is located in Zona Romántica.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT culture in Philadelphia</span>

The development of LGBT culture in Philadelphia can be traced back to the early 20th century. It exists in current times as a dynamic, diverse, and philanthropically active culture with establishments and events held to promote LGBT culture and rights in Philadelphia and beyond.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT culture in Portland, Oregon</span>

LGBT culture in Portland, Oregon is an important part of Pacific Northwest culture.

The city of Shanghai, China, a global center for finance, technology, manufacturing, and transportation, has a presence of LGBT people.

Austin, Texas, has one of the most prominent and active LGBT populations in the United States. Austin was acclaimed by The Advocate in 2012 as part of its Gayest Cities in America, and was recognized by Travel and Leisure as one of America's Best Cities for Gay Travel. Much of Austin's gay nightlife scene is clustered around 4th Street. LGBT activism groups Atticus Circle and Equality Texas are headquartered in Austin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT culture in Baltimore</span>

LGBT culture in Baltimore, Maryland is an important part of the culture of Baltimore, as well as being a focal point for the wider LGBT community in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Mount Vernon, known as Baltimore's gay village, is the central hub of the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.

Central Station and Three Monkeys (Moscow) are a set of gay clubs managed by the same team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nightlife in Ponce, Puerto Rico</span> Aspect of life in Ponce, Puerto Rico

Nightlife in Ponce, Puerto Rico includes government and regulatory aspects, societal and cultural attitudes, and age- and gender-centric issues relative to adult and family life after dark in the city of Ponce. It focuses on all entertainment that is available and generally more popular from the late evening into the early hours of the morning. It includes activities like parties, bands and live music, concerts, and stand-up comedies, and venues such as pubs, bars, cabarets, nightclubs, cinemas and theaters. These venues and activities are often accompanied by the serving and drinking of alcoholic beverages in addition to non-alcoholic drinks for the family. Nightlife venues often require a cover charge for admission.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Industry Bar</span> Gay bar and nightclub in Manhattan, New York City

Industry Bar, or simply Industry, is a gay bar and nightclub in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. Owned by Bob Pontarelli, it is a sister establishment to Barracuda, a gay bar, and Elmo, a restaurant. Industry opened in 2010 and caters primarily to a crowd of young gay men and tourists. Its musical selection is mostly pop, and its live entertainment consists of a number of weekly drag shows, many of which are hosted by internationally recognized drag queens. New York City nightlife journalists frequently note Industry as one of the top gay venues in Manhattan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barracuda Lounge</span> Gay bar in Manhattan, New York, U.S.

Barracuda Lounge, or simply Barracuda, is a gay bar in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. Opened in 1995, the bar is known for its nightly drag shows. It is a sister establishment to Industry, a nightclub, and Elmo, a restaurant. Barracuda is home to "Star Search", the longest-running bar show in New York City, which began in the early 1990s and may have served as an inspiration for RuPaul's Drag Race. In the 1990s and 2000s, Barracuda was a popular celebrity hangout, and it was frequently the site of promotional events for new music and Broadway plays. While closed for much of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue underwent a major renovation. It reopened in June 2021. Critics generally praise Barracuda for its intimate, relaxed and entertainment-focused atmosphere, which was unusual at the time of its creation, and some credit this with revolutionizing the concept of gay bars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Cock</span> Gay bar in Manhattan, New York City, US

The Cock is a gay dive bar in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. It is noted for its exhibitionist atmosphere and popularity as a cruising destination. Opened in 1998, the venue has been described by them. magazine as "a rarified taste of old New York and the cruisy gay scene that existed [there] in the '80s and '90s". In the late 1990s and early 2000s, it experienced frequent police raids under Mayor Rudy Giuliani's anti-nightlife crackdowns. The Cock has relocated twice, and its 2015 move along Second Avenue was met with opposition by nearby residents and Manhattan Community Board 3. Two other attempted moves, in 2014 and 2021, were blocked by the community board. Critics characterize the bar as "filthy", "seductive", and "alluring", noting that it is an unusual find in the United States and bears resemblance to European red-light district establishments.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Local Lounge</span> Defunct gay bar in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Local Lounge was a gay bar in Portland, Oregon, operating from 2010 to 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Annie's Paramount Steakhouse</span> Restaurant in Washington, D.C., U.S.

Annie's Paramount Steakhouse, also known as Annie's, is a restaurant in Washington, D.C., known for its role in the city's LGBT culture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santé Bar</span> Bar in Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Santé Bar is an LGBT-friendly bar in Portland, Oregon.

References

  1. ↑ Shooting in Entertainment District Masslive.com. Retrieved on 2016-11-23.
  2. ↑ Restaurants & Nightlife | Greater Springfield CVB - Springfield, MA. Valleyvisitor.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
  3. ↑ Springfield-First Archived 2012-03-27 at the Wayback Machine . Springfield-First. Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
  4. ↑ America’s Best (and Worst) Cities for Dating. Bestplaces.net. Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
  5. ↑ Yahoo! Homes - Home for Sale and Rent, Makeovers, Design and Décor, Real Estate Archived March 14, 2012, at the Wayback Machine . Realestate.yahoo.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
  6. ↑ Home. Smiths Billiards (2013-01-24). Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
  7. ↑ Theodores | Blues Booze & BBQ. Theobbq.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
  8. ↑ Springfield, MA. Shadow Lounge. Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
  9. ↑ Fat Cat Bar & Grill - Springfield, MA. Yelp.com. Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
  10. ↑ Office of Planning and Economic Development Archived August 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine . City of Springfield, Mass.. Retrieved on 2013-08-21.
  11. ↑ Great houses at great prices in a GLBT-friendly city | Springfield, Massachusetts. Glbtspringfield.com (2004-05-17). Retrieved on 2013-08-21.

42°6′15.3″N72°35′32.2″W / 42.104250°N 72.592278°W / 42.104250; -72.592278

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.