The unassuming storefront of Andersonville's Cattle Call (just a stone's throw west from the corner of Clark and Bryn Mawr) belies the flamboyant dance/party activities occurring therein. Seven nights a week, themed events like country dancing and drag shows, oldies and retro hold court; providing a neighborhood gathering spot and nightclub in one.

Cattle Call attracts both guys and gals from the GLBT demographic populating the 'hood. Incidentally, the name of the venue stems from its country music and dance element, and from the cattle call auditions theater folk patrons regularly endure.

Purple and burgundy walls and a shiny dance wooden dance floor with disco ball flanked by two granite counter bars takes the business of schmoozing, drinking and partying to a serious level. Drinks range from bottled beers along Miller and Bud lines, and usual cocktail culprits.

On an early Sunday evening, guys and girls dressed in the purple Cattle Call softball uniforms mill about. It could be any bar in the city, but Lady Marmalade on the stereo, and the video of the same song flickering on nine flat-screen TVs establish that it's a long way from Wrigleyville.

Nightly events would make Bette and Barbra jealous. Tuesdays, two steppin' comes alive, and country reigns on Friday and Saturday. Wednesday hosts the drag show, Cattle Call Revue, and Monday-Friday offers Afterwork Rewind (4-8:30 p.m.). Cattle Call Mix and Pop and Dance on Sunday provide reason enough to keep partying until it's time to go to work.

Centerstage Reviewer: Marla Seidell