The Palm Cabaret Celebrates a Quarter Century of Glamour

From Bingo Hall to Cabaret Icon, Mark Rome's Visionary Legacy

BY ZIA AHMAD

IT’S THE RAZZLE-DAZZLE, THE VIBRANT COSTUMES, IT’S THE MESMERIZING PERFORMANCES IT’S THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PALM CABARET.

For more than two decades, its patrons have witnessed the infectious enthusiasm of the entertainers as the lights dim and the music starts to play. The electric energy filling the atmosphere creates an immersive experience that transports the audience into a world of glamor and excitement. With each act more dazzling than the last, The Palm has become a haven of artistic expression and pure entertainment, leaving the audience in awe and longing for more.

But as this milestone approaches, it’s a time to reflect on the journey The Palm has taken over the years and its humble beginning—much of which is owed to Mark Rome’s unwavering dedication and passion for the arts— the brain behind The Palm.

Rome has had a fascinating history that led to his pivotal role in the creation and transformation of

The Palm in Puerto Vallarta. After spending 24 years as a process operator for an oil company in Canada, he took a sabbatical and landed in Mexico, circa 1999, and never left. His initial encounter with a lesbian couple led to him becoming a sperm donor and forming a close friendship with them.

“Having lived through the AIDS crisis era and losing many of my friends to the pandemic, I decided to help bring a new life into the world,” Rome shared with me the day I sat down with him for an interview.

Today he is a proud father of a daughter who graduated as a veterinarian in July 2024 in Queretaro.

And just as fascinating is the concept behind The Palm. Rome and his lesbian friends initially planned to open an evening BINGO hall to support local charities. However, before its opening, they learned they needed an expensive gambling license.

At that time, upon suggestion from one of Rome’s visiting friends to transform the venue into a gay bar, the owners redesigned the space, painting the white walls red, adding palm tree-like beams, and creating a small stage. The Palm then became a gay video bar.

Months later, when a drag queen visiting from Ottawa, Ontario, asked to do a show—the owners agreed—unaware that it would become a regular feature on Fridays and Saturdays. After the performer returned home, inquiries about the show persisted.

Soon, Dirty Bitches in Town, a set of drag queens with legendary names like Diva Divine and Angelica began evolving the cabaret through their performances. Next came Ida Slapter, Carrie Chesnutt, and Kim Kuzma, who helped pave the way for live entertainment in PV.

But behind being a vibrant LGBTQ+ venue and a pillar of the Puerto Vallarta community today, The Palm has tales of challenges and obstacles Rome and his team had to overcome.

“They didn’t want the gays out on the street to be seen by the public eye,” I stopped taking notes and traded looks with Rome when he said that, sitting across from me.

During its early years, The Palm faced pushback from the community when it sought to build a terrace. At the time, an association of women voiced opposition to the terrace construction, expressing concerns about the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community.

They were apprehensive about having the gay community on display for the public to see. Despite this resistance, The Palm received support from the City Hall and found a way to navigate through the challenge. Ultimately, they proceeded with the construction, building the terrace over a long weekend and agreeing to accept a fine as part of the resolution. Another piece of interesting history.

Since then, over the years, The Palm has undergone several changes in ownership with the business being sold and resold. However, amid these transitions, Rome has gradually distanced himself from owning the business and remained a consistent and dedicated figure in managing its operations. With each unsuccessful transition—owing to unwanted renovations, themes, and discontinued shows, Mark—who’d moved to Ajijic, would receive a call from the then landlord.

“You’re ready to take the keys to The Palm back? The voice on the other end of the line would say,” Rome recalled smilingly. “And I would, at times reluctantly.”

His unwavering passion for the arts persuaded him to return to The Palm when Gustavo, the deceased landlord’s son—and his wife Adriana—the now owners of The Palm, visited Rome in Ajijic during the Covid pandemic.

Today, through his visionary leadership and hands-on approach, Mark, as a profit-sharing partner, oversees the hiring and scheduling of the acts and tries to keep many intelligent, sensitive, and demanding artistic personalities happy.

When I chimed in that, “With art comes some ego naturally,” we both chuckled.

As we celebrate this milestone of 25 years of this iconic venue, we honor the enduring spirit of inclusivity, creativity, and love it has provided to the diverse talents as they create unforgettable performances.

Here's to many more years of dazzling shows, vibrant energy, and cherished memories at The Palm Cabaret.

Encuentra nuestra versión en español en: outandaboutpv.com