Oilcan Harry’s takes a daring new approach to put the “hump” back in Hump Day.

The crowd mills around the dance floor, slim cameras and picture phones in hand. One guy grips his drink leaning against the bar in anticipation. Others whisper to one another and smirk at what they see unfolding in front of their eyes.

The space inside Oilcan Harry’s usually reserved for dancing or as a stage for the lineup of weekly drag is now home to a shadow box. Inside stands porn star Barrett Long.

The shadow cast on the white cloth outlines a dancer who begins to stroke more than his ego. Mouths drop as the medium-sized crowd realizes what is really going on. The music is appropriate; hard beats building to an apparent climax – pun intended – late into a Wednesday night.

In what is probably the most ballsy move by a Austin gay club in recent years, OCH has sexed up the midweek with Club Popular; a cocktail of hard liquor, really loud music and increasingly provocative performances by adult film stars. The evening is capped off with body shots where the guest star lays on his back while patrons pour liquor on his stomach then proceed to get their ‘tip’s worth.’

The creation of Bad Metal Productions, Club Popular has generated some buzz on 4th street and has given new life to Wednesday nights at one of the oldest clubs in Austin.

The roster of performers is like a Who’s Who of adult gay entertainment; Lady Bunny and Matthew Rush are just a few of the big names slated to or have walked through the doors. Rush, an adult actor and Falcon Exclusive, has branched out as a booking agent, placing porn stars in clubs throughout the country. It is his stable that is supplying Club Popular with man candy.

“I feel so naughty being here,” a patron says to me as we watch Long’s show. A sentiment I can relate to when, for the second time that night, Barrett Long has ‘finished’ his performance. So this is what it’s like to be popular.

More info on Club Popular at www.oilcanharrys.com

Tags: Clubs Bars