Finocchio's (San Francisco, California)
Finocchio’s Club was a legendary San Francisco nightclub known for its glamorous female impersonation performances. It began as a speakeasy in 1929 when Joe Finocchio, inspired by a performer imitating Sophie Tucker, envisioned a venue where men could perform with the elegance and showmanship of sophisticated women. The name "Finocchio" comes from the Italian word for fennel. Historically, it has also been used as a derogatory term for gay men. While the exact origins of this slang are unclear, it reflects how language has been used to label LGBTQIA+ people. Despite this, Finocchio’s nightclub reclaimed the name, becoming a famous venue for female impersonation performances in San Francisco.
After Prohibition ended in 1933, the club moved to 506 Broadway in the North Beach district, becoming a well-known entertainment hotspot. Marjorie Finocchio, Joe’s first wife, played a crucial role in shaping the club’s success. She managed the entertainment, booked top-tier performers, and promoted the venue locally and internationally. Under her leadership, Finocchio’s gained a reputation as a unique tourist attraction, drawing celebrities such as Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, and Tallulah Bankhead. Performers showcased diverse acts, including ethnic dance styles and elaborate impersonations of Hollywood stars.
Despite occasional police raids and military restrictions during World War II, the club remained a fixture in San Francisco’s nightlife. In the 1950s, psychologist Evelyn Hooker visited Finocchio’s before conducting groundbreaking research that challenged stereotypes about gay men. After Marjorie’s passing in 1956, Joe married Eve Finocchio, who continued to run the club until its closure on November 27, 1999, due to rising rents and declining attendance.
Finocchio’s Club was a symbol of LGBTQIA+ visibility in entertainment for over six decades. From its underground beginnings to its status as a celebrated institution, it provided a stage for performers to express themselves in an era when LGBTQIA+ representation was limited. The club’s legacy remains a significant part of San Francisco’s queer history.
Performers
This is an incomplete list of the many talented performers who entertained audiences at Finocchio’s over the years.
Bobby de Castro
Carroll Wallace
Carroll Wallace was a well-known performer at Finocchio’s, a celebrated nightclub famous for its female impersonators. Described by David de Alba as exceptionally beautiful in his youth, Wallace later became known for his refined and elegant stage presence. His signature song, "I'm A Singer Though I Haven't Got a Voice," was written especially for him, and he regularly welcomed audiences with a memorable introduction: "Welcome to Finocchio’s, the house of the fabulous female impersonators. In New York, Mr. Ziegfeld glorified the American girl… Here at Finocchio’s, we glorify the American boy." Wallace was also one of the few performers still using glue-on lace human hair wigs, often styled in a French Twist, and occasionally performed a parody of singer Sophie Tucker.
Wallace was also known for his generosity toward fellow entertainers. De Alba recalled being introduced with warmth and enthusiasm as "the warm and charming personality of Mr. David de Alba!" His presence at Finocchio’s was marked by camaraderie, humor, and a dedication to performance, making him a memorable figure in the club’s history.
