Interview with Bradley Picklesimer, June 25, 2012

Interview Summary

Bradley Picklesimer briefly talks about growing up in his father's cocktail bar. He talks about owning and managing the bar Club Au Go Go with his siblings. Picklesimer talks about the tradition of diverse crowds at shows and bars in Lexington due to its small size and how he wanted all types of people at his clubs. He talks about cultivating a wild atmosphere at the club and talks about how people reacted. Picklesimer talks about how the lack of clothing options for men led him to dressing in women's clothing. He talks about how he enjoyed it because of the attention and the power it gave him. Picklesimer talks about the lack of venues for punk shows in Lexington in the 1970s and describes the culture in Lexington at the time. Picklesimer talks about famous drag performer Divine's show at Café LMNOP and announcing that the club would be closing the next week. He talks more about the camaraderie at Café LMNOP and describes some of the interesting employees and clientele of the bar. He talks about controversy and opposition to the bar. He talks about how Café LMNOP was a place for outsiders to fit in and feel accepted.

Interview Keyword

Underground culture Underground scene Café LMNOP Club Au Go Go LGBTQ+ community The Thrusters (Musical group) Clientele Camaraderie

Interview LC Subject

Bars (Drinking establishments) Lexington (Ky.) Punk culture. Punk rock music--Philosophy and aesthetics. Drag performance Gay bars Gay community Nightclubs Sexual orientation. Bands (Music) Musical groups. Punk rock musicians. Punk rock music. Drag shows Drag queens

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Interview Usage

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