Baton Show Lounge celebrates 50 years in River North, readies for move to Uptown

Chicago, IL - The Baton Show Lounge celebrated its 50th anniversary in Chicago's River North neighborhood on Thursday, Feb. 21. The celebration was bittersweet as the iconic club and its owner Jim Flint prepare for a move to the Uptown neighborhood.

The Baton Show Lounge, known for setting the standard for female impersonation, has been at the River North location on Clark Street since 1969. It's moving due to rising rent prices in the area.

"As the years have passed, the River North Area of Chicago has become one the hottest areas in the city and I am thankful to have been a part of that growth," Flint told the Windy City Times. "Unfortunately, the area has surpassed us, and after 50 years, I felt it time for me to move on."

According to LGBTQ historian Owen Keehnen, cast members over the years have included Shante (Alexandra Billings), Mimi Marks, Chilli Pepper, Leslie Rejeanne, Wanda Lust, Sheri Payne, Peaches, Dina Jacobs, Kelly Lauren, Maya Douglas, Monica Munro, Tajma Hall, Cezanne, Sasha Colby, Victoria LePaige, Dana Douglas, Tasha Long, Audrey Bryant, the incomparable Ginger Grant, and many others.

The new Baton Show Lounge will open March 1 at 4707 N. Broadway, once the home of burlesque venue Uptown Underground.

View full photo gallery