While working in an intensive care unit in a Waukegan hospital, Flint visited Chicago and, as he told Windy City Times, 'fell in love' with the city. After a four-year stint in the Navy-during which he was a drum major and, yes, twirled a baton-he returned to Illinois. Surrounded by new developments, including upscale restaurants, boutiques and chain stores, the Baton and its owner/founder, Jim Flint ( photo by Samual Worley ), are institutions of a gay life in Chicago intricately tied to the city's history.Įstablished in the era of Stonewall, a survivor of the 1980s HIV scourge and the immense pressures of gentrification, the Baton celebrates its fortieth anniversary this week with new shows and appearances by old performers who have used the space to hone the art of 'female impersonation.' Returning performers include Kelly Lauren, Chanel Dupree and Cezanne, representatives of each decade that the Baton-one of the oldest venues of its type nationwide-has been in business.įlint is a native of Peoria, Ill. The Baton Show Lounge might be one of the few businesses on its stretch of North Clark Street-between Hubbard and Grand-that were there years ago. This article shared 8011 times since Wed Mar 18, 2009
