JBear bids goodbye

The man who found a voice and a community at Manacle will bid goodbye to the venue with a special show at the end of this month.
JBear, who for the last two years has entertained audiences at Sydney’s only leather club, is preparing a massive farewell CaBEARet show on 27 September.
“This is going to be a very special performance – I’ll be doing highlights from the last two years, plus there will be some special numbers and some very special guest artists,” he said.
“With no set date or location for Manacle to reopen, I want to make sure I give the club a really big send-off.
“It was the place that gave me my first big break when I arrived in Sydney in June/July 2005. They offered me a gig and opened up so many contacts and doors for me that I feel I have to give something more.”
JBear said he was disappointed the club would be closing its doors on Monday 1 October.
“I have a real affection for the club because it has done so much for me,” he said.
“But it is the only place like it in Sydney – and it is going to be embarrassing for me to have to tell people it is closed when they ask after it. Manacle is Sydney for me.”
A bevy of community groups and figures are expected at the club for the final performance, including representatives from Harbour City Bears, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir, Homotones and the Luncheon Club.
CaBEARet is on 27 September, 9pm at Manacle. Entry is free. Details: www.manacle.com.au