EDGE Chicago

When your friends call you to tell you one of their favorite bars is on fire, they’re usually talking in hyperbole about the atmosphere inside. Unfortunately there were no patrons keeping the party going at Scarlet Bar at 7:15 a.m. on the morning of February 27. It was actual flames and smoke that packed the popular Boystown bar. Nearly 115 firefighters responded to the fire destroyed the establishment and the residences that occupied the second and third floors of the building.

Now, nearly a month later, the community has rallied together and staged a number of fundraisers to benefit those who lost their homes and Scarlet. First, Hydrate stepped up to the plate and hosted a fundraiser on Sunday, March 1 of which all proceeds went directly to the individuals who were displaced by the fire.

"To say that this was a sad day in the Boystown community, is an understatement. Scarlet was not only a popular bar, but a number of people living in that building have been displaced and the livelihood of those people is in jeopardy," said Bill Pritchard, Senior Vice President, Community Affairs for Chicago Pride on his blog.

Cocktail and Cell Block quickly followed Hydrate’s lead with fundraisers for fire survivors and employees of Scarlet respectively. The fundraising even reached out of Boystown pocket, on March 10 Andersonville bar Wild Pug donated half the proceeds from sales to buy food and toiletries for residents who lost everything in the fire.

"Our goal is to be open for Pride, hopefully sooner. A lot has to happen, but that is the plan we are working towards," Scarlet co-owner Paul D. Cannella said. Currently Cannella is seeking a permit to tear down the top two damaged floors and construct a new roof for the bar.

Fundraisers like those held earlier in the month and upcoming events will work towards that goal.

On Monday, March 23, Roscoe’s will take the baton and host yet another benefit for the employees of Scarlet. The list of performers and special guests is astounding, featuring some of the Windy City’s best and queerest: Frida Lay, Amy Armstrong, Naysha Lopez, Kelly Lauren, Miss Foozie, Mercedes, Honey West, Jade, Aurora Sexton, Maya Douglas, Teri Yaki, Victoria Le Paige, Marilyn Black, Bill Pritchard, The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus and more. This show is a definite "not-to-miss."

"Scarlet was such a nice place to go on weekdays after work. Laid back, good location, good people. Boystown is definitely missing something without it," Boystown resident James Bilsen said.

Scarlet was located at 3320 N. Halsted and hopes to reopen at that prime location. The bar is modeled after the gay and lesbian scene in the Chicago of the early 20th century. The name comes from the 1920s, when members of the gay community wore a scarlet article of clothing to identify themselves to others in the community. Before Scarlet, the Halsted Street building housed Gentry, a popular nightspot known for its piano cabaret performances.

More information about the March 23 benefit can be found at www.roscoes.com and information on Scarlet or donations can be found at www.scarletbarchicago.com