Odyssey (Beverly)

Alternate Names
Odyssey Beverly
First Documented
1977
Last Documented
1984

Odyssey 1
8471-77 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
United States

Abstract
The Odyssey was a popular nightclub that primarily served young residents of the Hollywood area. Located on 8471 Beverly Boulevard, the club openly welcomed gay and lesbian teenage patrons and provided a space for them to explore their sexual identities. The decline of the establishment was due to community backlash due to its reputation for informally serving alcohol to the underage, the selling of infamous club drugs such as quaaludes and the increase of crime and commotion.
the odyssey .jpg

the odyssey .jpg

the odyssey .jpg
Citations

Furillo, Andy. “Police Commission Cancels Teen Dance Club’s Permit.” Los Angeles Times. 20 February 1985.

Data-Boy '78-'79  Super-Men, "Bob Damron's Address  Book 1979-82, 84", Bob Damron's Address  Book 1977, Los Angeles Free Press 1977, Los Angeles Bugle 1977, Cruise V4N8 79, Professional Network 1984 [map], Data-boy 369-85

William-Ross, Lindsay. "LAistory: The Odyssey, The All-Ages Dance Club Owned By a Famed Criminal That Mysteriously Went Up in Flames." LAist, August 17, 2012. 

Related Content

Odyssey (Beverly)

The Odyssey was a popular nightclub that primarily served young residents of the Hollywood area. Located on 8471 Beverly Boulevard, the club openly welcomed gay and lesbian teenage patrons and provided a space for them to explore their sexual identities. The decline of the establishment was due to community backlash due to its reputation for informally serving alcohol to the underage, the selling of infamous club drugs such as quaaludes and the increase of crime and commotion.

Circus Disco

One of Los Angeles’s most famous and longest-running discos, Circus Disco was a huge club with a focus on Latinx people. Located originally at 6648 Lexington Avenue in Hollywood, like many gay spaces, it was slightly outside of the heart of Los Angeles, but attracted thousands of gay men nonetheless. 

Studio One

Abstract
Studio One Disco Nightclub in West Hollywood was one of the most iconic discos in Los Angeles. Open from 1974-1993, it was one of the longest-lasting establishments of the disco era. Located at 652 LaPeer Drive in West Hollywood, it was open seven days a week from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and touted itself “L.A.’s Biggest and Best!” Complete with erotic dancers, Cabaret, "Backlot" entertainment, themed parties, dining and theater, the Studio was a fixture of the Los Angeles gay scene. However, Studio One also gained infamy for it's ongoing discrimination against certain would-be clientele for matters such as race and social class. 
Sylvester Performing at Studio One Halloween at Studio One, 1988 Studio One Facebook Page

Catch One

Abstract
Catch One was one of the most prominent discos in Los Angeles. Located at 4067 West Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles, not far from many of the other discos and gay clubs populating West Hollywood, Catch One was an institution for black people and other people of color at a time when they were often unwelcome at other places — such as Studio One, a prominent disco with problematic ID policies. The club was owned by a black lesbian named Jewel, and as such it was sometimes referred to as Jewel’s Catch One. Clientele engagement was big at Catch One; they had their own magazine that included lists of popular music, matchmaking services, classifieds, and a myriad of events, which included happy hours, theme parties, boys’ nights, girls’ nights, fundraisers and pageants, among other things. The legacy of Catch One suggests its importance as a socially-conscious institution with something for everyone.

Circus Disco

Abstract
One of Los Angeles’s most famous and longest-running discos, Circus Disco was a huge club with a focus on Latinx people. Located originally at 6648 Lexington Avenue in Hollywood, like many gay spaces, it was slightly outside of the heart of Los Angeles, but attracted thousands of gay men nonetheless. 

Odyssey (Melrose)

Catch One

Catch One was one of the most prominent discos in Los Angeles. Located at 4067 West Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles, not far from many of the other discos and gay clubs populating West Hollywood, Catch One was an institution for black people and other people of color at a time when they were often unwelcome at other places — such as Studio One, a prominent disco with problematic ID policies. The club was owned by a black lesbian named Jewel, and as such it was sometimes referred to as Jewel’s Catch One. Clientele engagement was big at Catch One; they had their own magazine that included lists of popular music, matchmaking services, classifieds, and a myriad of events, which included happy hours, theme parties, boys’ nights, girls’ nights, fundraisers and pageants, among other things. The legacy of Catch One suggests its importance as a socially-conscious institution with something for everyone.