Jacques   

You don't have to hop the ferry to Provincetown to escape the Puritanism of Boston's founders -- an oasis of "tranny, drag and high femme" exhibitionism can be found in the Brahmin stronghold of Bay Village. Touted as the city's oldest gay bar, Jacques Cabaret wages an upbeat assault on patrons' inhibitions, blindsiding bachelorette parties with vigilante lap dances and proving that female impersonation is the best form of flattery for divas from Celine Dion to Janet Jackson. Disco's obituary was never acknowledged by the denizens of this campy clubhouse, where weekly features like "Dragapalooza" and "Trani Wreckage" celebrate the enduring allure of sequins, hotpants, copious cleavage and pastel velour. Those in search of a less dated soundtrack can visit Jacques on weekends, when it opens its "Underground" to alternative rock bands like The Ramoniacs and 28 Degrees Taurus.