mixology Today it’s still the place to see live bands perform,
both local and touring, but recently the venue has “revisited” its gay roots…So to speak. Beginning in January, The Merrow along with Adam & Eve, the adult novelty store, has teamed up to create Back Alley Gear Night, a weekly leather/gear/kink event. Paul Smith, owner of The Merrow explained, “We want to create a friendly, fun environment where all are welcome, as long as you are over 21. Back Alley is the first, weekly gay event at this venue since the ‘80s.” Gear Night is for everyone: Boys and girls, sirs,
subs, pups, piglets, ABDL’s (you’ll just have to look it up), regressionists, kinksters and play things to name just a few—there is something for everyone. Watch or experience the fun in a relaxed, positive drama-free night out. Bryan Lovering, Adam & Eve’s store owner explained further, “Gear Night at The Merrow is absolutely open to everyone, however they identify themselves within the kink community. Our mission is to not only provide a safe, sane, consensual, kink space for all, but also a place to explore the new and unfamiliar, without judgment.” Back Alley sponsors plan to pull out all the stops, featuring DJs, demos, moshes, dances and end of the month parties to show and encourage the spirit
by kevin plautz
BRINGING THE LGBT BACK A HILLCREST LANDMARK REDISCOVERED THE MERROW’S BACK ALLEY GEAR NIGHT
For over 50 years, this Hillcrest venue, tucked away at 1271 University Avenue, has quietly grown and evolved into one of Hillcrest’s best kept secrets. Back in the ‘80s, it was the home of Peacock Alley, one of the neighborhood’s most popular gay bars. Bartenders served up giant fishbowls of Long Island Iced Teas as dancers rocked to Queen and Culture Club on the dance floor. The ‘90s brought financial hardships and in ’94 the location became Hillcrest’s first and only sports bar, The San Diego Sports Club. Thevenue was enlarged and a stage was installed as the Ruby Room landed in 2008 and the site’s most recent reincarna- tion, came in 2013, reimagined as Hillcrest’s premier live entertainment club,The Merrow.
of exploration. Every Sunday will offer different themes, with different aspects of the leather/kink community and new ways to get frisky, dirty and kinky no matter your interests. Neoprene, rubber, leather, fur suits, ABDL’s, pup play and any other critters or materials are highly encouraged, so don your gear! Adam & Eve merchandise will be on hand for purchase as well, just in case you want to enhance your look! Sunday’s participants will also have the chance to
win amazing raffle prizes provided by Adam & Eve. “Since we started the event, we have already given away over $500 in merchandise,” saidThe Rage Monthly’s Kevin Plautz, the event’s promoter. We have also teamed up with Jägermeister and Svedka to provide everyone with discounted drinks.” No cover and though gear is not required, it is
highly encouraged. Check out The Merrow on any given Sunday and see what you’ve been missing.
BACK ALLEY Gear Night takes place every Sunday at 7 p.m. and is a 21-plus event. The Merrow, is located at 1271 University Avenue. For more information, check out their Facebook page: @BACKALLEYSD.
For more information on other events at The Merrow, visit their website
atthemerrow.com.
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RAGE monthly | | MARCH 2017 MARCH 2017
peacock alley, circ. 1985
SUNDAY EVENTS AT BACK ALLEY GEAR NIGHT IN MARCH: March 5: Break Out Your Gear; Show Us What You’ve Got
March 12:Wild Things; Puppy, Furry Animal Safe Space
March 19:Power Play, Let’s Get Ruff; Show Us Your Dynamic
March 26: End Of Month Free-For-All
event photos by kevin plautz peacock alley photo c.1985, courtesy the merrow
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