By Justin Boltz

Sick of the redundant weekend romps on the Halsted scene? Need to mix it up a little? The gay rock gods have heard your cries and delivered in the form of a variety smash, "The Flesh Hungry Dog Show". Part satire, part queer rock cabaret, the FHDS is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise tired gay nightlife scene. I sunk my teeth into the show's creator, Gary Airedale, and got a taste of this unique show and what's to come.

Justin Boltz (JB): How did The Flesh Hungry Dog Show originate?
Gary Airedale (GA): I was singing in a band called Flesh Hungry Dog and we were looking for places to perform. As four gay men writing songs and singing lyrics that would mainly speak to the gay community, we decided to forgo the usual hetero rock clubs, and take a more direct route to our audience. I developed the concept for a queer rock and roll variety show called The Flesh Hungry Dog Show. We did a couple shows at The Underground Lounge, but, we didn't like their business practices, so I approached Jackhammer about hosting the show. Jackhammer welcomed us with open arms and it's been a love affair ever since.

JB: What sets the show apart from any other variety shows?
GA: We're all about the live bands and the groovy vibe. I don't know of too many other live rock shows that have consistently aimed for a queer audience. Our shows are a little chaotic, and have an incredible vibe that transcends a simple rock show that you can see at any other bar. We have our own DJs that play before and between the bands and they play music you won't hear at other gay clubs. We give away goofy prizes. We have surprise strippers, poets, musicians, jugglers and belly dancers! What more could you want?

JB: Tell me about the cast of homo rock lovin' performers you have each month.
GA: Well, first we have our DJs, Mercedez Ben and DJ Sky; they bring a very funky and unique style to each show. Then of course they are the myriad of bands. My current favorite is "The Joans". They're a band based on the concept of "Giving Joan Crawford the Rock and Roll Voice She DESERVES"! We've also teamed up with "The Fleshtones Burlesque", and we never know what kind of act they're gonna bring, but you can be sure that your mother would not approve.

JB: How do you feel about the gay nightlife scene here in Chicago? Do you think it's missing more shows like this to mix it up?
GA: I think gay nightlife in Chicago is like a homecoming queen who's now 49 years old and never changed her wardrobe or hairdo. We've done club music and show tunes to DEATH. I've seen better gay bars in cities half this size. I've seen cooler and hipper straight bars. Most of the gay bars in Chicago seem to be stuck in a time warp. There's no creativity, and they seem to have this attitude that they're doing you a favor charging you 8 bucks or more for a Cosmo. Screw that, I can drink and cruise at home. A club had better give me a better reason to come out and park my ass there and give them my money.

The Flesh Hungry Dog show takes over Jackhammer once again March 7th. For the full interview check out my blog at JustinBoltz.ChicagoPride.com.