“The crowd - it’s wall-to-wall people in here. “I’ve performed all over the Northeast, and this is the best place I’ve ever performed in my life,” she said. Longtime performer and Blackstones entertainment director Danielle Dior, a transgender woman who is known for her Liza Minnelli, Madonna, and Lady Gaga impersonations, said Blackstones is her favorite venue. Patrons call Blackstones the “gay Cheers,” a neighborhood bar that welcomes regulars and newcomers alike. “People can actually see that we’re normal people, just playing pool or listening to music and drinking,” Caron said. Patrons don’t feel cut off from the world outside, and passersby can realize the once-boarded-up bar is actually a fun, welcoming place. “It feels like we’re not in a dungeon anymore,” he said.
Jerry Caron, 72, who runs the tournament, welcomed the bright, open feel.
On Tuesday, late-afternoon light poured into the bar as its twice-a-week pool tournament got underway. Rusty Wilcox (center) enjoyed a beer near Blackstones’ new windows.
