Oz

Emerald City's hottest nightclub wholeheartedly embraces the local ties to The Wizard of Oz to a wonderful, campy, and somewhat creepy excess. Scarecrow and Tin Man bartenders, a Munchkin wait staff, and “Pay no attention to the DJ behind the curtain!” are all on the regular bill of fare. OZ also reflects the city’s mosaic-like populace, as it caters to the area’s large lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender population (roughly 12% of Emerald residents, by best estimates). Since its opening in 1979, OZ has managed the minor miracle of simultaneously serving a diverse subculture, resisting periodic homophobic assaults, and remaining a fun, happening place to be.
During its existence, OZ has gone from being the subject of periodic police harassment to tourist brochure features. These days, non-LGBT patrons frequent the club simply for the anything-goes atmosphere and its DJ’s who are rightly recognized as the city’s best. While not all of the gay community embraces these “intruders” on their scene, most see their presence as welcome proof of the growing acceptance of LGBT people in the larger society.

Type

Dance club