By Sukie de la Croix

This week in...

1976 The Baton Show Lounge, 436 N. Clark St., plays host to the “Gay Oscars,” with awards given to outstanding entertainers, bars, organizations and others in Chicago’s gay community. Among the awards are Jan Howard and Dina Jacobs who tie in the “Entertainer of the Year” category. The Best Men’s Bar award goes to the Gold Coast and the Best Women’s Bar is His & Hers. Ikey at His & Hers is voted the Best Female Bartender and Ricky at Little Jim’s the Best Male Bartender.

1980 Of lesbian interest this week is the Lesbian Community Center fundraiser at the Frog Pond, 2917 N. Sheffield, with food, fun and prizes for your $2 entrance fee. A Women’s Open House in South Elgin is a get-acquainted meeting for women interested in joining Fox Valley Gay Association, and there’s the grand opening of lesbian bar Déjà Vu, 2559 N. Southport.

Two hot gay bars catering to African Americans on the South Side are Martin’s Den, 56th and State, and Jeffrey Pub, 71st and Jeffery. Martin’s Den is owned and operated by Henry Martin and features up and coming disco DJ WaKu, who spins Thursday through Sunday. Jeffrey Pub is a swinging disco cocktail bar with mixologists Randy, Eddie, Sarah, Don and Curtis, and the DJs are Michael and Eugene “Spuddie.”

1991 The Illinois Supreme Court upholds the conviction and death sentence of Richard Nitz, a Carbondale man who pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated kidnap and robbery of Michael Miley after Miley complained to him about his harassment of gays at a nearby lake.

1996 The founding meeting of the Chicago Area Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce takes place at Ann Sather’s, 929 W. Belmont.

It’s the Mr. Manhole contest to find the bar’s representative for the International Mr. Leather contest. It takes place at the bar, 3458 N. Halsted, now Hydrate.

2000 Vicky DiProva steps down as executive director of the Lesbian Community Cancer Project after a two-and-a-half year tenure.

2002 Of lesbian interest this week are the heavy metal power trio 1/2 Mad Poet at Girlbar, 2625 N. Halsted, and the Chicago Kings drag king troupe First Birthday Bash at Circuit, 3641 N. Halsted St.

“Skate Gay at the Rainbo Rink,” 4836 N. Clark St., is hosted by Sarabia, with music by DJ Mario. The $7 donation benefits the Leather Archives & Museum.

The Top 5 Play List of DJ Eric Hernandez at Jackhammer, @mosphere and Madrigals is 1) “Denmark” by Chemical Brothers; 2) “Silver Screen Shower Scene” by Felix Da Housecat; 3) “Take Me To the Disco” by Fantas the Plastic Machine; 4) “Bongoloid” by Basement Jaxx; and 5) “Shake It” by Jack Prongo.

Gentry owner David Edwards celebrates his 49th birthday at North End, 3733 N. Halsted St.

Thanks to the Gerber/Hart Library at 1127 W. Granville for the use of their collection and archives.