Remembrances from Garage Patrons

Remembrances

from Phreek3@aol.com Email: Phreek3@aol.com
Wow. The Paradise Garage. Two simple words to some, a life changing experience to others. I was 17 years old when my friends from the Lower East Side said to me "there is this place you just have to go." And so I went, that weekend and every weekend thereafter for the next seven years. The butterflies in my stomach were always present when I approached King Street even until the Garage's final day. Did it change my life? Oh yeah, the Paradise Garage changed my life forever. I was in love.
I have many memories but the ones I that are still vivid are of the shows, the special events and the times I went on Saturdays (gay night). Saturdays was special to me, it wasn't the girls night out, it reserved to for me and one of my "boy" friends. One Saturday night a gay guy came up to me and mine and complimented us on our dancing, he said ' we looked great together.' I was in love.
I remember when me and my girlfriends tried to sneak a bottle of champagne in (it was someones' birthday) and we got busted, Noel said "you girls should know better." After the embarassment we explained the birthday situation and after much begging he relented, shhh. Noel, The Marlboro Man, was always a gentlemen, I was in love.
I remember seeing Grace Jones, Chaka, Lace, Unlimited Touch, The Peech Boys, Mr. Fingers just to name a few. Grace had a double come out, a man that looked exactly like her, the music was throbbing and the crowd was frenetic, when she finally came out the crowd went so wild and she hadn't even start to sing yet, just her presence made us all feel like we knew her. Unlimited Touch performing "Searchin" the lights, the people, I was on someone shoulders and I bugged out thinking what if this was the "real world."
I remember one Thankgiving party they had live turkeys walking around the lounge, and the Halloween parties with all the spider webs and decorations. There was no other place like the Garage. The beach parties, the pajama parties, the roof top, the punch bowl.
It was at the Garage where I learned to be sexy and uninhibited. It was at the Garage where people of all different backgrounds came together to be beautiful, and beautiful we were. All of us, with our half naked and dampened bodies sharing the love and spirit of the music. We were all open.
The Paradise Garage, throughout my lament I have always I wanted you back. Please.
from Jay Email: dj@dj2.com Web site: www.dj2.com
I remember a person who used to dress up as a indian or in a indian outfit. He used to have a long feathered headress on which was really cool. Stephanie Mills "Put Your Body In It" was the first song i danced to in the Garage. And i remember the indian.Peace Jesus Quintana de Lower east side...

from puresoul@ctv.es Email: puresoul@ctv.es
I'm a dedicate follower of garage, house and disco music and your page it¥s a serious way to know more a bout that music. I like to make a question (THE BIG ONE!) i just have read in the classic house list about a song from Hanson and Davis, the title of this son it's "Tonight". I don't know a bout that song, even i really don't know how it goes, but i had a Frankie Knuckles tape recorded in Sound Factory Bar about 5 years ago, the song it's almost a cappella and say something like "Tonight we're having a party..." then in the refrain thay say "spread a little loving tonight" i'm not sure if those are the real words... but i'm madabout that song since the first time i've heard it. Please can you tell me more about that song? i asked in specialist records shops all around the world but no one knows about the song.
Thank you,! I really love your work.
Fly the flag Pure soul.
from MIKE BARNES Email: M-BARNES@ISP.COM
MY BEST MEMORY ABOUT THE GARAGE(THECLUB) WAS JANUARY OF 1986 WHEN THE COLONEL WAS THERE, LARRY WAS ROCKING THE SPOT HARD PLAYING JOINTS LIKE DOUBLE CROSS(FIRST CHOICE),OVER LIKE A FAT RAT(FONDA RAY) MY LOVE IS FREE(DOUBLE EXPOSURE)CAUGHT UP IN A ONE NIGHT LOVE AFFAIR (JOCELYN BROWN), THAT WAS MY BEST NIGHT THERE AND THE LAST TIME THAT I WOULD GO TO THE CLUB.
from Ayon Walters, Lane Decatur, GA Email: cocodish@bellsouth.net
I'm 37 years old. Back in 1977, when I was 15 or so I used to go to the Loft. Shortly there after I went to the Garage for the first time.
The thing I remember the most was the sound system. We traveled by bus and train from Jamaica, Queens to party downtown. It would take us an hour and a half to get there but it was always worth the trip.
from Greg E. Jamison, Email: jamiso49@marinemwr.or.jp

Thank you first of all for having this remarkable web site. I live in Japan now but I want to share with you my experience of the Paradise Garage.
I have to thank Merlin and Timmy for expanding my horizons as it relates to life and music. 78/79, the first time I went to a club, they took me to Melons. This in itself I thought was the greatest. Well soon after I was introduced to the Garage. I did Fri/Sat for a long time and weekdays if there was a party, I would leave the club somedays and go to school. I want to thank all of the beautiful people that I met and partied with.(Julie/Courtney, Derek, Steve)
I was a member and faithful follower of the Garage. How many of you still have your tee-shirts, sweat shirts ? I still have mine. I would to get mail about upcoming parties and my mother would ask me why was I did I leave on a Fri and return on Sunday afternoon. I would look at her and just smile. I did Better Days, Bonds International, ONES, Melons, LOFT, and many others to name a few, but I did not feel it like I got in the Garage. I can remember dancing with my friends for just simply hours or even by myself.
It didn't matter. The music pierced my soul and I will always be grateful for that. The day I met Larry Levan changed my life truly forever. He was in Japan on tour and I went to where he was playing. I went to the DJ Booth and after meeting him I thanked him for his GOD given talent to the world. He responded with a thank you and I love you for that. It was very emotional for me. I went to enjoy myself as he proceeded to work the dance floor. Party people, I witness his last performance and to this day I will always remember Larry Levan and the Paradise Garage.
The place, the walk up the ramp, the movies, the roof, the oranges, chips, Grace Jones, Peech Boys, Sylvester ( I need you), MSFB. If you were ever there then you knew Love was definitely the Message. Thank you for allowing me to bear my inner soul with those who can understand this feeling. It is all over my face and I just love dancing.
Paradise Garage, it was and always will be the Greatest Club life had to offer.
Greg E. Jamison - A true New Yorker
from PAZ, Email: (TBA)
   I would like to thank you for putting together a site that keeps the memories and spirit of what the Paradise Garage and Larry Levan was all about. You can't mention one without the other.
In my mind, they were both one and the same and both represented a "Love of Music". Anyone who set foot inside the Garage will tell you that the most important thing about the place was the music.
It was a spiritual thing for me to see a mass of people jumping and swaying to the sounds that Larry laid down. There would be moments when you could not even see the dance floor because everyone in the club was shaking their bodies. No other club has matched the energy that the Garage gave me. This was the only place that kept me dancing till 10:00 in the morning.
Although I was only a member of the Paradise Garage for one year ('86 to '87), it made a lasting impression on me. I was a sophomore at NYIT and had heard about the Garage for some time but hesitated in going because of it's "gay club" status. I wasn't so open minded then but under the insistence of my best buddy was convinced to go. From the moment I walked up the garage ramp to the coat check I knew this was going to be something special. That night I realized that all people: Blacks, Whites, Straight or Gay can live in Harmony if they find one thing they truly Love. For me it is House Music.
I guess Colonel Abrams said it best....................Music is the Answer.
I have two young kids now and they also sway to Garage Music. When they are old enough to care I will tell them about the Greatest DJ from the Greatest Dance Club.     I am currently working on putting up a webpage with music 'just' from the Paradise Garage. I am an ex-DJ and have lots of records from that era.
Until then you can check out some of my mixes at http://members.xoom.com/djpaz/ Editor note: This link doesn't work and I lost the letter's author's email address. Could "Paz" write back? Thanks. (nyc10026@aol.com)
Peace.
from P.D.COBB, Email: COBBPD@CI.RICHMOND.VA.US
I'M IN A PLACE THAT DOESN'T KNOW WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SAY PARADISE AND COULDN'T UNDERSTAND IF THEY DID KNOW, IT IS SOOOOOOOOOO.GOOD TO SEE SOMEONE REMEMBER "HOME." YOU'VE BROUGHT JOY TO MY HEART PLEASE SEND ME THAT LISTNG OF SONGS FROM THE "PLACE." IF YOUR WEBSITE EVER GOES DOWN. Editor: Heh!!!, blasphemy (smile) AND PRINTING UP GARAGE SHIRTS AND MAKIN THEM AVAILABLE FOR OLD DOGS (LIKE ME) COULD'NT BE WRONG.
MUCH PEACE MUCH LOVE NEVER FORGET IT REALLY HAPPENED LOVE ETERNAL OUT!!!!!!!

from Julie A Delgado, Email: jadelgado@CBS.com

Well, I just wanted to say that I am a seventies child -- born just a little too late to take part in the beauty and love that was the Garage.
I came into house music through disco-fiend older cousins and Drag Queen friends that became my sisters (since I had none). Funny thing is that when I was very young, I always felt like I was missing out on something really important as I watched kids from my balcony b-boying on the corner (I was too young and a girl -- which made me even more determined to get down).
I was initially turned out by some tapes that were given to me by friends and being taken out to Sound Factory (after it was already more of a gay joint) when Jr. used to play deep, the Bar, and Shelter the First Time Around. It was over for me -- as a dancer, I came to meet more and more folks (mostly dancers - all older than me) who schooled me on what the Garage and Loft were (since the closest I ever came to ecstasy was @ Factory b4 Jr. started playing hard).
I've heard the COUNTLESS stories that only served to make me wish I was born 10 years earlier (I'm 24 and a Shelter reg). Through dancing, I began to want to play my own music and taught myself by listening to the maestros play (grabados o en vivo) and have been doing all I can to collect the music I grew up on.
Anyway, my point is that I was delighted to find your site and even more delighted to see that Ms. Paul has decided to link her shots to your site. You mentioned somewhere that you have a copy of that BLS Tribute to the Garage and would REALLY appreciate it if you could tell me if or how I could get a copy of this from you. As you might imagine, it would be GREATLY, DEEPLY appreciated
from Stewart Celini, Email: swp@clara.net

I have been reading your site for the past 10 months now, enjoying it time and time again. Not only Coqui's record list (he changed his name), which is absolutely awesome, but reading people's stories about the nights they had at The Pardise Garage.
It's funny people talk about the Garage changing there life forever, well I can say that this web site has changed my life.
I lived in New York for three years going out to clubs, hearing DJ's, playing and writing music myself. A year ago I moved back to the U.K. to open a bagel store. I worked nights at a bank and during the day I would research opening up my shop.
During these nights I would avidly read the new stories from your site. It was so exciting to read these stories, and for a moment I was out of my job, out of the bagel shop and in the Paradise Garage dancing the night away.
I went to New York in the Summer and visited Body and Soul for Larry's B-Party. A great time. I finally realized that I didn't actually want to set up a bakery, on that dancefloor I realized I wanted to give music to people.
So now Im currently writing material to get published. Im 150% happier and maybe someday, you'll hear some of my stuff, and thing the lad came good from my web site.
It was my life line to a better future.
Thank you.
p.s. I realise a lot of people ask for Larry tapes, well I've found a site that's got some good one's on. Maybe you and this guy could do something special. http://www.biostat.wisc.edu/~rose/house/wbmx.htm
from Frankie Cruz, Email: toyrolla@geocities.com
My most memorable time was when "Let The Music Play" was first released. NOBODY had it and it wasn't with that "commercial" vibe that you get when it's played in its "cut up" radio version. Larry took that record and mixed the HELL out of it. I CAUGHT MAD FEVER. To add to it, Larry got the just released track of the Peech Boys (Dance Sister). I only have ONE of them and I'm trying to find another one. Then to top it off, Grace Jones and the Pointer Sisters happened to be hanging out there with the crowd and simply DECIDED to perform. I LOST MY MIND!
To go dancing from midnight until 11am and get hit by sunlight when you walk out is an EXPERIENCE!
To me, Studio 54 wasn't SHIT, and could NEVER hold a candle compared to the Garage. To me, the Paradise Garage was the ONLY TRUE CLUB of New York. It set the standard that still holds today. The place, the atmosphere, the DJ (LARRY!!!) and the equipment is the epitome of NY clubbing.... Everything else right is nothing but BULLSHIT!!!!
Right now, I work around the corner where the Garage used to be. If I had the money, I'd BRING IT BACK!!!!
RIP - Larry Levan (My Inspiration to mix). Gone but NEVER forgotten.
from Pepsi , Email: KCODAAT@aol.com
I remember the Saturday night I took 9 women to the Garage. Noel let us in. The Garage was EXTRA strict on Saturday nights. I called earlier in the week and made a reservation and they honored it. It was the best. My girlfriend came with me that night for the first time. When the first notes of Instant Funk "Got my mind made up..." came on, I whispered in her hear "wait to you hear this". By the end of that record, she was dancing on top of a speaker. Larry rocked that record viciously. Dan Hartman and Lolleta Hollaway performed Relight my Fire that night. Larry used to play the tape of that performance it was the best.
I also remember when First Choice was at the Garage. All night they had the stage blocked off with a sheer curtain hiding something. At times, whoever was working the lights would give us a glance but like everything with the Garage it was like a dream. When the show finally started, you heard over the SYSTEM, FIRST CHOICE. I shit you not the curtain pulled back and it was a giant replica of a King Tut head that opened and there was Rochelle Fleming and company dressed in very erotic Egyptian outfits. I went crazy.
That was the thing I liked about the Garage. Larry Levan was definitely a musical genius. Also Mike Brody was a promotional genius. Mike made sure we had the best of everything in the club. I remember going in his office to buy my membership one year and seeing a couple of Billboard Awards for Best Sound System and Best Lightshow. GQ magazine did a piece rating the best clubs (this was around 1980). You knew that Studio54 and Zenon would be there because they were commericial clubs. I actually felt proud when I saw Paradise Garage listed. It was the best club in NY but because it was multicultural and gay it didn't get the publicity.
The Garage didn't need the publicity. We had the greatest sound system of all time, the best DJ ever, the best management, and the greatest people. I really believe that Club music refers to the Garage, because it was the CLUB. If you were in NYC and you said you were going to the club, that meant you were going to the Garage.
from "TUNE UP KID" , Email: tvk4lwe@slic.com
My name is Tony. My friends call me Brock.
The GayRage, the name we so-called heteros lovingly called PG, holds memories that are dear and fond to me. Although I was a dedicated LOFT dweller, I did frequent the Garage. Every time I went the experience was truly uplifting.
Being that the LOFT opened on Sat night, that left Friday's for the Straight crowd. HOWEVER, one Sat night, I was invited as a guest of, none other than Gracie (Grace Jones. Long Story there. Anyway, I went. WOW!, the differences in SAT and FRI was like night and day.
My early years of dancing was shaped and developed by TEE SCOTT, and the BETTER DAYS' crowd. Again, a long story there. Moving on, I arrived a little after 12 and waited on line like every one else. Special passes didn't mean special priviledges. Just meant you would get in. The walk up the ramp for me this night was the beginning of a religious experience.
Dians Ross' Love Hangover was playing in it's intro as I approached the entrance. The slow melodic music stirred memories of a club gone by in Better Days and the seductive song of Lady Di began a goose pimple rush. Once I entered, almost as if on cue, Double Cross, by First Choice, SLAMMED those speaker like I never heard before. And the mix from, OOOOVER-DUNALA, DUNULA, DUNALA...-OOOOVER, the place went black, then white, then colors I hadn't seen in a long time. The crowd literally JUMPED and, seemingly, danced together in one mass of movement.
That moment was truly something for me. And what made this night even more thrilling was that the "Dynamic Duo" was playing. LARRY LAVAN AND TEE SCOTT. Two legends together. What more can a man ask for in one night? NOTHING! That night, the night I didn't go to the Loft, was the nite two DJ's save life my with a song. First Larry, then, TEE, then Larry again. Damn, I wish I could go back to that night. The smoke, the fog, the stuff falling from the sky.....Damn!!! I miss it.
When Larry had passed, the Loft played a Three Day Tribute to LL. Hearing the tapes brought back those memories of that night. And the other night I spent in PG dancing the night away into the morning. I recently went back to King St. I sat down in front of the GAYrage and played a 100 min tape of Larry's music from my boom box. Believe it or not, six people came by and danced with me. Six people who all had experiences with the Paradise Garage. Six people, including myself, who won't let the memory of a glorious time die.
Damn, I am missing it. LOVE SAVES THE DAY
from : CARLYLE7@aol.com
My recollection of the Garage was a cold Saturday night in NYC on December 7, 1985. This was my 30th Birthday and three of my closest friends were t o come together in NYC on this night. I started the evening off with one friend at the Palladium -- at that time it was a wild and crazy scene with backdrops, balloons, confetti, and what have you falling all over the place (night before we were at Area with another friend -- Leon). At 2 AM, we to ok the taxi to King Street to find this place everyone told us we MUST go to. Being from SF, all we ever knew was Trocadero Transfer as disco heaven...
After the cab dropped us off on the corner we walked past the folks trying to sell everything to us to get the line at the door. We had no idea what we were in for -- we didn't even know it was a membership club -- we get to the do or and luckily, they let us in cuz we were from out of town and had ID to prove it -- the poor people before us could not get in at all -- I think they were too dressed up or something like that.
I will never forget the walk up the long ramp to the door with the flashing lights up the ramp -- I can still hear that bass pumping louder as we approached the door -- it was like Close Encounters -- exciting, new adventure -- and we opened the door to the greatest sound system in all the world and the place was going off -- Larry was pumping Stevie Wonder's "Do I Do" -- and gave it a whole new meaning. That was it, we checked our back packs and snow gear in and reminded ourselves to be sure to be at the coat check just prior to 7 AM cuz the sign said so and that if we missed it, we would have to come backthe next week. That night, we met up with the other friends who took the train in from Philly and we all just had a wonderful time
There were two songs which had just broke that month and he was playing these to death -- Val Young -- If You Should Ever Be Lonel y and Phylllis Nelson -- I Like You -- baby, he worked these songs over and over -- as well as You Don't Know -- Serious Intention, Skipworth and Turn er, Captain Rapp, "You Can Do It" -- Al Hudson, "Underwater" -- Harry Thurman, -- "Only You" -- Teddy P, Is it All Over MY Face -- Lo oze Joints, and Jean Carn's "Was It All It Was" . But the songs that brought the frenzy back up was Steve Arrington's "Dancing in the Key of Life" and Tramaine's "Fall Down" and Jennifer Holliday -- No Frills Love (?)
The PA for the evening was a group named Hanson and Davis (?) -- what did I know except I was in disco heaven. That night we met this woman and her brother and danced with them and their party the whole evening. At 6:45, we went to get our coats and stuff and we were all ready to leave, and Larry throws on Geraldine Hunt, Can't Fake the Feeling. The three of us look at each other and off came the clothes and the back packs went under the stage. At about 9 AM, the dance floor was filled with new people too.
Finally at 10:30 we all said ok, one more and he threw down "You Know Ho w To Love Me" - Ms. Hyman and that was the topper -- it was so beautiful to hear voice just wail all over that sound system --" there's no de nyyyyyyin" -- Finally, we said that's it and proceeded to walk down the ramp to the street and we can hear "And The Beat Goes On - The Whispers" start up and we looked at each other and went back in for more til Noon.
That was a memory none of us will ever forget. Needless to say, we all had to take anot her week off to recover. Thanks for the memories. I look for those times even now and the closest I have ever been has been recently at Body and Soul on Sundays at Vinyl and earlier at the Catch One in LA with DJ Billy -- he's got similar flavor as Larry -- though haven't been in a long while.Thanks for this site and for allowing us the memories! I can still feel them when I think about them.
Let Yourself GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
from Donald Bennett, Email: sahholde@duke.edu
I only when to the garage a couple of times and it changed might life forever. I was only seventeen back in 1987 and I went with my brother. The music just took over my body and Larry was the puppet master and I was the puppet on a string. I can remeber this beauiful sexy sister just dancing by herself. Her vibe was so strong and she was just feeling that music. I could have married that woman that day and still be a happy man. I saw her at Wild Pitch parties, Choice, and at the Shelter year later. But, I was alway to scared to say something.
The PG changed my Life with songs like Patti Labelle-Music is My Life, Kellee Patterson-Turn Down the Lights, Heaven & Earth-I Really Love You, and many others. I have about four Larry Levan tapes If someone would like to trade for any tapes or viedos.. it dosen't have to be larry levan tapes. kiss or wbis is cool. I love this page.
Peace and GO BANG!!!!
from : basil_at_mstone@moonstone.com
I was visiting from Miami back in 1986, I made the trek down to King street one Saturday night. I'd been clubbing all over the city the entire night, I was tired and drunk. yet I remember feeling as though it was my obligation to bring back a garage trip story to my friends in Florida (house music was on the rise, the garage of course being the cradle in which it was nurtured).
So it's six in the morning, and I'm dressed up in my smart Armani suit, wool. As soon as I get in and realize what I'm inside of, I start feeling out of sorts. Instead of my smart suit, I feel as though I should be in satin running shorts and some ancient pumas. But I'm not. so I lose any clothes that I can and get down to business. now, understand that the songs that were played at the garage were not terribly obscure-they wre, for the most part, relatively popular songs within the dance club scene of the time. so the music was charged by an understanding of the garage dj that was other-wordly.
I've been out in the clubs since 1978, and truly exceptional dj's are not something that happen very often. Nevertheless, the ideas being put down in sound at the Garage were similar to the proverbial snake charmer, luring the snake out of the basket as the hours ticked away, I would dance, for sure. But I did a lot of standing around, shaking my head in disbelief. The people's understanding of what they had there, their absolute trust in the experience.
THAT'S what we want to experience out there. I don't question that there's somewhere that is giving a group a similar experience today, but it's not my scene. I just want to say thanks to all of you for letting me come in from the rain that Saturday night in March and keep on keepin on, yall.
from Paul Gerace; Email: PGerace@aol.com
As a young "straight" white jewish guy from Brooklyn who was always into soulful dance music, discovering the Paradise Garage was a revelation. I can recall arriving at the Garage one Saturday night only to find out that I needed a membership wrench to get in. Still determined, I waited outside long enough for the guy at the door to feel sorry enough for me to let me in. As I walked up the lighted ramp and heard the pulsating bass of the music I felt this great rush of excitement fill my body.
Once inside I saw all these people dancing with an energy that I had never seen before. It was also the first time that I had seen guys dancing with guys & girls with girls. At first I thought that I was in over my head- this was all very new & exciting. But seeing the total joy being displayed by the people who were caught up in the beat of the music made me feel at home. I even danced with a guy for the first time in my life and I didn't stop dancing all night!
One of the first shows that I remember seeing was First Choice and they tore it up. Other great performances that I experienced were Jennifer Holiday (who sent chills down my spine), In Touch (Without You), Freeze (aeiou), Sylvester ( Mighty Real), Grace Jones (who pulled several people up to her bumper), Two Tons of Fun (I've Got The Feeling), & Gwen (Peanut Butter, J-O-B, Hopscotch, Should've Been You, Seventh Heaven) Guthrie. Some of my favorite songs were Spank, Is It All Over My Face, Set It Off, Odyssey, Behind the Groove (which Lar ry did an outrageous extension of the bass intro), and of course Love Sens ation (with its climactic release of confetti).
One of my best memories was when the Garage was renovating their lighting system & everybody showed up and danced with different types of flashlights. If any one remembers me I was the cute white guy who used to show up early and sit up on the stage in the direct center. I would sit there so I could here that great sound system with all those hanging trebles.
I was fortunate enough to get to meet Larry Levan and Michael Brody and Jaime and Noel and was very sad when the Garage closed. I still have not found a worthy successor to that club. I look back now & realize that I was happiest when I was dancing the night away to the best music with the best sound and with the people who felt the same way as I did. It was truly a magical connection between body and soul.
Thanks for the opportunity to share and relive those memories again.
from patricia; email: ortiz@ogilvy.com
First I want to thank you for your efforts in putting this Paradise Garage site together. It has been about 4 weeks now that I have been hip to it and I just can't get enough. I partied there, every weekend from my 17th birthday (9/80) to its final weekend. Everytime I read these postings I still come to tears as I am doing now while writing this to you. Of course I have my stories to tell also......but I can't seem to make an entry yet, I always start to think of my friends that I have lost and start crying. I'll get there one day though.
from annonymous
I remember the first night I ever went to the Garage, my best friend Fred used to tell me I would love it, I remember standing on line to get in on a Saturday night, and once I got in, the music, Larry Levan, the sound system, the music felt like it was traveling through my body, It was like I was in a trance, feeling Hugh Masekela's "Dont go.......Dont go lose it baby!!!!!! Remember "Ice Ice Ice Ice (walking on thin ice by yoko) I remember dancing on the rooftop, and when it was time to leave, being amazed that It was 12 in the afternoon!!!!
from NICKEY, Email: RWa5533349@aol.com
Scrolling online I found this valuable web site,THE PARADISE GARAGE....just the name alone bring chills to the true heads who experienced the magical,mystical journeys larry would take us on.The Garage was more than a party,the Garage was a way of life.
You literally lived to go to the G.My memories of the club is the night that larry unveiled his mixes of Inner life's "make it last forever"or the night larry introduced the raw version of "Somebody else's guy.....WOW!!!! I just had a garage flashback!! Keep this web page alive.Now that I know it exists I will spread the news to my Garage buddies.....
LOVE IS THE MESSAGE......NICKEY
from Edwin Rosa, Brooklyn: Email: None

Hello my name is Edwin Rosa and I'm 33 years old. I started going to the Paradise Garage at the age of 16. My brother was a member of the club, so I would tag along with him. At that time I was attending high school and made it my priority to have a part-time job so I would be able to take care of my vice which was the Paradise Garage. I would go to the club every Friday then later on I started experimenting with Saturday nights which used to be pumping.
Words cannot express the gratitude and enjoyment you have brought me with your Paradise Garage website. It seems as though the Garage will always live within us always. I read a bit about you and I commend you for helping and giving to the inner urban youth. I must admit I was a bit surprised when I read that you are a native Californian. Are there many club going Californians who are knowledgeable about the Paradise Garage? Editor's note: I came to New York just after High School, and was a card carrying member of the Garge.. of course!(smile)
from Jamie Trow, Email: JTrow@worldnet.att.net
I remember the time (late 1981) Larry played Chazz's "Dancin' shoes" in instrumental and a long line started back by the stage. These Garage members did the "Slide" all the way in the opposite direction. Baby powder lined the floor.
I also miss "Rapper, Dapper, Snapper" with the Close Encounter's sound effect behind it. In 1981, Taana Gardner's "Heartbeat" played for the first time. When the "break" came, the heartbeat played, Boom-Boom Kish!, Boom-Boom Kish!- Larry Played a real heartbeat sound effect. The red lights flashed with each increment of beat. When he mixed it in, the "heartbeat" slowed down and stopped dead! This lasted for at least a minute or so. We screamed and yelled for more!
Another time, Larry played Herbie Hancock's "Chameleon". Everyone just lined up on the outer border of the dance floor, and observed the light show. That was a trance-like mission. Same way that I went crazy for "Take a Chance" by Pleasure. (RealPlayer sound file of Take a Chance (130k))
WHEN YOU LOOK INTO MY EYES, SEE THEM THROUGH MY MIND.
FEEL THE ENERGY, SEARCHING ELEC-TRIC-ITY.
STEP INTO MY SPACE, LET IT TAKE CONTROL.
FEEL LOVE IN YOUR HEART, FEEL LOVE IN YOUR SOUL
TAKE A CHANCE AND GIVE YOUR LOVE TO ME, GO HEAD, GO HEAD
YOU'LL FIND MY LOVE IS DEEP...

That jazzy groove was the Bomb! What about "Odyssey" by Johnny Harris. Nowhere could you have felt that pumpin' bass except for in the Paradise Garage. You also can't forget the powerful fog machine, that with the combination of lights, mirror ball spurting its rays through it and a particular track selection, would hypnotize you. For instance, I heard Larry play "Transdance" by Nightmoves, within this realm of fog, and nearly lost my mind.
I just loved those moments when Larry would decide to freak everyone out.
God bless everybody and to this "Garage" site for reliving the happier times of our lives.
Until then-see you soon!
from Cisco Frisco, Email: ciscofrisco@yahoo.com
I just wanted to thank u all for your PG remembrances... It's so hard to find real good disco informations on the net. Well, i'm 25 old and i'm a disco fan, u know the disco era reminds me when i was really young, it reminds me my first all souvenirs maybe my best ones when i use to see the world in pink (i was maybe 6 old !). Disco certainly influenced me forever: i'm djing and trying to produce my own music in using disco samples (Candido, Patrick Adams, Taana Gardner, Phreek)...I collect all disco 12" (West End, Prelude, Salsoul,) and i collect all informations concerning disco for my own knowledge.
I've been so emotionalized in reading the PG remembrances that i fell as if i had missed something... I just wanted to say to all the disco fans that a lot of artists try to perpetuate these feelings in their music and i guess that people who hear it share (in a certain way) the same kind of emotions than those who used to go to the PG...
Francois Kevorkian, Paul Simpson, Tony Humpries, Frankie Knuckles...you certainly know these names, the HOUSE Nation know them and will be eternally gratefull to DISCO music like a child to his mother...
In the beginning, there was Jack,
and Jack had a groove...
And from this groove
came the groove of all grooves.
And while one day viciously
throwing down on his box,
Jack boldy declared,
"Let there be HOUSE!"
and house music was born.

from Kathie Stecher, Email: NYCkat5@AOL.com
I remember the first time I walked into Paradise Garage. It was the winter of 1980. Teena Marie's "Behind the Groove" was blasting on the best sound system in the world. It was a feeling that I can't totally describe, except to say that I truly felt at home in mind, body and soul. The nights I shared with friends and family were so sweet. I had so many wonderful times that I could go on for hours. These are just a few of those times:
The weekend that Marvin Gaye died. Larry waited until almost everyone left, approximately 9:00 AM, and he played one magical hour of Marvin. Those of us who were there, we danced, we sung and we cried from heartache.
Keith Harring's birthday party. Keith had painted the ENTIRE Garage with his artwork. It was, I believe, Madonna's second time performing at Garage. Of course, she sang rolling seductively on a bed. The night was amazing!.
The ha lloween party where I dressed as a cat. The one and only time I danced on the stage. I can still see, in my mind's eye, the people dancing on the floor below. I think of that time every halloween.
One night Patty Austin performed. It was my first time seeing her. She was magnificent. I remember asking my mom if I could go to Paradise just for the night, and that I promised to be back in the morning. With her blessing she told me to go. My mom passed away 3 days afterward from cancer.
The bus trip to Fire Island. When my friend Michele just had too many Blue Whales and kept screeming on the beach, "my knees are too fat!!!".
The man I use to dance with every Saturday night. A BIG, TALL, bald man with a head band and shorts He always wore the same type of outfit all the years I knew him. I never knew his name, but we had some wonderful nights dancing together.
The membership sign up day. There I was standing on line to talk with Mike Brody about renewing my membership when someone yells at him , "Mike, when are you going to have Chaka back." The reply was short , "Chaka who?". Of course, Chaka Kahn never was invited back after she fell off the stage supposely after indulging too much.
Of course, the last night of Garage. What I really remember is everyone saying good -bye as they left one by one. Knowing that probably they would never see many of these people again in their lifetimes. Like the man in the headband and shorts.
Life must and will go on, but Paradise Garage will be a part of who I am forever. I kept the invitation to the last party and the following is what it read:
THE SANDS OF TIME
Every so often, something beautiful in our lives passes on. We find sadness in this because we can no longer see it, or feel it, or be near it. However, we must remember that these things live on in our memory, and in spirit. We have sad news to share with you. The lease of Paradise Garage officially ends October 1st, 1987. Paradise Garage will come to an end at that time. We have had 11 beautiful and crazy, fun-filled years with you, which I and the staff will never forget. There is not a moment of regret. Our final weekends will be:

Fri., September 11th, 1987 Sat., September 12th, 1987
Fri., September 18th, 1987 Sat., September 19th, 1987
Fri., September 25th, 1987 Sat., September 26th, 1987
The spirit of the Garage will always be there, and possibly one day in the future, we'll all be partying together again.
In love and hope,
Michael Brody and The Staff of Paradise Garage.

from Stephonie de Leon, Email: stephied@earthlink.net
I first heard about the Paradise Garage through a friendly mail clerk I periodically see whenever I have to send out my ten minute short to various festivals, etc.
One day, I came in severely sore and tired after having danced an eleven hour marathon at Junior Vasquez', Juniorverse at Twilo. All it took from him was to ask me, "How are you?" And the rest is history. I expressed to him how happy and invigorated I was, despite being sore.
Then he proceeded to tell me about a time when he endured the same physical and spiritual fulfillment at a club in the late seventies (through 1987) called the Paradise Garage. Two months and many epiphanies later, I am now about to direct a documentary feature on the Paradise Garage. ...
Editor's Note: ... to read more about Stephanie's Documentary and her request for stories... read on
from: Calvin Michael, Email: urbangenius@acninc.net
The Garage was one of the most critical turning points in my life. I remember being introduced to the Paradise Garage for the first time in 1985 by my best friend Dave in college. I'll never forget the "butterflies" I got in my stomach when I walked up the long runway before you actually entered the main area of the club, where there was this huge neon sign of the (now famous) man with the tamborine shining in front of you.
There was no way I could of known that he was actually leading me into "paradise". That night and every night after, that I spent at the "G" shaped my entire young adulthood. I have never and will probably never come across anything nightclub that has duplicated it. From the total loving family atmosphere of the party enviornment, to the punch bowls and tables full of fruit in the back lounge.
Larry Levan kept the crowd constantly in a spiritual frenzy by spinning records which are now classics. It still remains the only club I've seen where you dress down in the club to party.
There were nights when I thought God himself had come down and brought heaven down to that dance floor. The energy was so electric and spiritual from the vibes that Larry Levan spun way into the early morning. I will never forget the Paradise Garage and will probably spend the rest of my life trying to recapture that "G" feeling. It lives in me forever, anyone who ever went to the "G" knows exactly what I'm talking about.
from: Len
What I remember about 'The Garage' was the line to get in and then on ce you were in waiting at the bottom of the ramp dying to get in because the s ound system was 'out of this world.' The only sound system that has come close was the 'Shelter.' And of course, when Larry was doing his 'Tha ng.' Getting there at 2:00am then enjoying the groove until it was time to relax in the Amphitheatre at around 4. Then Larry would play the 'soulful classics' until 6 or 7. Before you knew it was time to leave at 10 or 11am.
from: Ralph Dorsinville, Email: dorsinville@yahoo.com
I got an email from a brother today who I had told me about this site [although I had already seen it]. His response was "...move on, there are new worlds to conquer." I agree, tru dat, and all. I told him to go get layed anyway. Let me enjoy what I can of the 'G'!
You know last night I wasn't trying to read every single friggin' post on that page, but I stole some downtime today to print it all out off my laptop and took the hardcopy on the A train with me from 125th to Utica Ave. I read ALL 20 pages, Rich! Man, what a trip! Especially the one brother who heard "I Wanna Go Bang!" for the first time! Oh shit, I remember when I heard that female singing "Go bang, go bang, go bango, etc."!!!! Wow that was the B-O-M-B! I use to stand in one spot to that song and just reverberate. "I wanna see all my friends at once...I wanna go bang." Daaaaammmmmnnnn!
Peace!
from: Adrienne Henry, Email: adrienne.henry@lovellwhitedurrant.com
I remember going every Friday night to dance the night away. Larry would have the beats thumping and my booty would be bumping. It saddens me to think that kids today will never know the joy and fun we had at the garage. It was all about the dance not how good you looked or what your rap was. It was all about the beat. It was all about genuine fun.
from: Charles Holt, Email: BruhRock68@aol.com
Yo!! I just found this site today, much props to you for creating t his website!!I'm originally from Brooklyn (currently livin g in D.C.) and was, am, and will always be a child of the PARADISE GARA GE.
Wanna know how to tell a true GARAGE person? Look at their fa ce when they're talking about the club. It takes on a glow, like they were reliving a religious experience.LARRY could send the crowd into a trance almost at will. Remember how we would lose it while dancing to Eddie Grant's "Time Warp/Nobody's Got Time" and following with the original version of "Weekend" (the one with the awesome piano solo at the end). You would be physically drained when it was over but you couldn't leave the floor.
I guess one of my fondest memories was the night Chaka Khan fell into my arms. By now I'm sure everyone has heard about the night she "fell" offstage. The story has been distorted to the point that it's unrecognizable. This is the real deal.
I'm a Chaka fanatic and the night she was performing my boy and I stayed in front of the stage all night to be sure we would be in the front row during her performance (how many of you remember doing that!). Chaka opened singing "Gotta Be There" and obviously in an altered mind state. at the end of the song she was supposed to hit one of her famous high note and LARRY in anticipation tuned the volume down on the tra ck catching her off guard, the results were disasterous!
It was during her performance of "I'm Every Woman" while she was shanking hands witth he crowd that I guess she got the notion that all the hands could support her weight. She stretched her arms and let herself fall forward. I was standing directly in front of her and she landed into my arms. I caught her by the armpits C her face inches from mine. I kissed her and with the help of my boy lifted her back on stage.
A couple of years ago while visiting my parents in Brooklyn during the Xmas holiday heard of a reunion party at the now defunct SOUND FACTORY BAR. The party was fantastic, I saw many peeps that I remember from back in tha day. Even though we didn't know each other personally we greeted and hugged each other as if we were long lost friends. I kept getting "I remember you from the Club" or "It's good to see some of us old heads are still around." It was the closest thing I've ever attended since the GARAGE closed.
Yo Peeps, if anyone has a copy of the WBLS' tribute and a copy of GARAGE closing video please let me know.
TO ALL MY PARADISE GARAGE FAMILY.....AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH, AINT NO VALLEY LOW, AINT NO RIVER WIDE ENUFF...PEACE
from: (anonymous) Email: AceRaptor@aol.com
Studio 54 was a pretentious farce- all People Magazine facade, unrespected as a genuine club by cognoscenti. It existed as locus for the namedrop industry and regarded as a snickered joke among denizen of the international club circuit.
In NYC during the late '70s "golden age" of disco there were two exclusive oases who's names were uttered with awe- The Saint and the true eternal mecca of uber-clubs, Paradise Garage.
The Saint was prime headquarters for thousands of buffed, too-handsome white GQ clones who suffered daily at their gyms after working on Wall Street to look flawless among their elite throbbing mass fraternity of arrogant partyers. They were there not to cruise for sex but to dispense pure undiluted attitude in ectoplasmic waves of male pulchritude. The Saint remains famous for annual theme parties that continue to this day.
But the Garage... ah, the Garage...
Occupying a hefty chunk of King Street, one of those industrial-size blocks south of the Village, just to get to the entrance window of this Lost Horizon of discos you had to hike up an endless conveyor ramp corridor lit/designed straight out of Star Wars.
Once at the window you better be a member or vouched by one, cuz otherwise- and here's the difference with 54- no matter how cute or famous, you don't get in. Like The Saint/54 it was members and guests only but unlike the other two big-name joints, this was where hunks and hunkesses of color were most at home. Celebrities were there every night, but nobody was unduly impressed by them, noone had time for 54's namedropitis. To be fierce at the Garage, you had to "pee" at that moment. Your look, your moves, your style, your spirit. Everybody was grading everybody else for points and trophies in a 360 degree planetarium of non-attitudinal funked up celebration. What other club could boast having what was universally acknowledged as the best sound system in the world- it's gargantuan main hall covered wall to wall and completely across the ceiling inch-by-inch with humongous top-of-the-line super speakers.
Garage DJs were the hottest spinners on Earth; definers, refiners and originators of the art of turntable mixing- before the advent of rap. Established disco stars- Patti LaBelle, Loleatta Holloway, Chaka Khan, Phyllis Hyman, Grace Jones etc partied there and frequently appeared on stage performing at a moment's whim. Wannabe recording artist Madonna made her first public appearance there before her name ever hit the airwaves. And the crowd was always the most drop-dead physically gorgeous and the most sinuous hardcore dancers anywhere.
Among it's many cul-de-sacs the Garage was famous for it's restaurant, full- sized pre-video era real movie theatre (where a complete viewing of a film like "Sunset Boulevard" could separate and refresh two halves of an all night inferno of dancing), and my favorite, the Buddha Room- another huge chamber, this one serenely quiet with a giant statue of meditating Buddha at it's center surrounded by sculpted reclining areas where couples enjoyed romantic quality time and singles meditated on thoughts far from the thump of the beat of any other intruding stimulation. A totally peaceful room and one of the greatest Zen spaces ever.
Ironically another King Street, this one in San Francisco, is the address for an authentic spawn of the Garage. SF for decades was known for three definitive mega-clubs, Trocadero, Dreamland and I-Beam and one "church" mini- club, the infamous Endup, immortalized in "Tales of the City". In the '80s Colossus and The Box joined their elevated status, but in the '90s a true Garage-child was born- Pleasuredome. Also taking a huge chunk of an industrial block named King, the 'Dome continues Tradition in 1998 and will be pumping beat when the millenium arrives.
For the record, musicologists cite Esther Phillips recording "What a Difference a Day Makes" as the first disco-genre hit. My opinion: Loleatta Holloway's "Relight my Fire" is the ultimate disco single and Phyllis Hyman possesed the most beautiful voice of the era.
from Joseph Thomas; Email: tizonia1@sprynet.com
Let me first say that I am a native of Newark, NJ. Having lived there for the first 21 years of my life, I feel like I am an NYC native. Having moved from the area in 1979 for a job, I always enjoyed coming back to enjoy the nightlife.
My most memorable night at the Garage was my first night there. I don't remember the year, but it was early 80's. As always, the music was outrageos. Saturday nights always had a mixed crowd. About 2AM, Larry stopped the music and was going to introduce the guest entertainer for the night. He said her first hit was going to be broadcast the following Monday on the NYC radio stations. The lights went down, and out came the performer. The music started and everyone started to dancing to "Dance and Sing" by Madonna!
This was the first public appearance by Madonna. I will alway remember this night, and the other nights I spent at the Garage. If anyone out there can remember the same night, keep the vision. Dance music will never be that same!
from Robyn Turner; Email: Discormt@aol.com
Your website brought tears to my eyes..... So rare is it that I find ANYONE that can relate to my taste in music......If you know Love Bug Disco Juice and Back to my Roots..... you're alright with me. Larry Levan and his entourage definitely live on in Timmy Regisford. Thanks for keeping disco among the living
from Bobby Surillo ATL. GA; Email: SURILLR@MSM.EDU
Hi New York City. My name is Bobby Surillo. I now live in Atlanta, Georgia. I was a member of the Garage when Larry use to play in the crystal room. I sure do miss that place. I was wondering if any body has a copy that I'm willing to pay for of the last party at the Pardise Garage that was filmed on vhs tape. My friends tell me that i was all over the tape. I now go to the Shelter (at Hudson and Hubert, below Canal Street, aka Body and Soul and Vinyl) when I'm in nyc. Please keep up the good work with the web site. This is truly great.
LOVE TO ALL YOU GARAGE HEADS LIKE MYSELF.
Editor's note: If anyone out there can review other parts of this tribute, it would be enhanced by any pictures, video clips, and sound files I could add. If anyone is in the NYC with video, or has photos or sound clips they'd like to email, it would help us all keep the magic going. PEACE!
from Michael P Johnson ; Email: mikejo@us.ibm.com
I am another profound, emotionally-attached, intimate cult follwer of Larry Levan and the spirit of the Paradise Garage.
I am currently living in the Washington, D.C. area and I DeeJay weekly at a spot called "The State of the Union". I am a member of a group called "Grits & Gravy" and we specialize in playing the classic vinyl ONLY! Everything from classic disco, soul, and R&B to classic Hip Hop and oh yes -- strictly classic House Music that was played by the great one, Larry himself.
There are many people in the D.C. area who know of my team and know how intense we are when it comes to our NYC musical range. I will be putting my experiences out on your website soon along with the rest of my team.
Remember the name "Grits & Gravy Entertainment Group, Inc." and my name "DJ KatEye" (other members: Chris Hawk, DJ A.J., & Les Taylor).
Mike Jay
from Michael A Walker ; Email: MWALKER6@prodigy.net
Hey there...I have to honestly admit, I am a true 'Club Zanzibar' head!! I loved it there. I have however had the 'Child Birth Experience' of being at the PG! It was only one time, but that was all it took for me to be able to understand the emotion and melding of The Garage!!!!!! I can at least say that I have 'been there...did...DO IT'!!!!!!!! It was later in time that I got there, but I did!!!! And I loved it to the point that I am always thinking of it!!!!! The PG experience that is.
I recently saw a program on VH1 about 54. 54 was a spot...but it can't hold a candle to The Paradise!!!! I have been, am now, and will always be....a Zanzibar head!!!! I will never deny 'Zanz'!!
I am though, a current member and a devoted head of, THE SHELTER. Long live The Shelter!!! We can never forget Larry!!!! But let's keep in our club minds the talents of 'T-Scott', God rest his soul!
I talk to folks about clubbing, and some don't understand the likes of Jean Carn, Stevie Wonder, Mass Production, The Tramps, Grace, Chakah, Cher, Yoko, Carl, Sylvester, Dianah, Donna, Lenny Williams, The Jackson 5 ('I Am Love - 12/23/74), need I go on?!!?? I could!!
Let's keep IT ALIVE!!!!! Thanx for this Opportunity to vent with other heads that KNOW!!!
Mike Walker
from Allie; Email: AKBINT@aol.com
Honey, I remember Paradise well. I was a late bloomer ( only enjoying the experience for about a year) but ooohhhhh what a f eeling. Listen, one of my favorite tunes was called "without you" by I think the group was Touch ( Gota get you back into my life, got a get you, get you, get you back - into my life. My life feels so empty, like a puzzle you're the missing piece. It's hard trying to make it, w ith out you oohh You're the missing link, baby. Like 1 and 1 make 2. Girl I can't live without you, got to get you back into my life. I don't kn ow what i'll do etc)
Anyway, I have been unable to locate it anywhere. Could you help a sistah out? I'll take it on tape, CD whatever media C but I must have that song. Please respond
Love ya, Allie
Editor's note: Yes, the song is Without You, by Touch. I have an unopened copy of it . . . at a friend's house!! Guess I better call them. (smile). That song and many of Larry's favorites were played last Sunday at Body and Soul for his still held birthday party. Larry would've been 44 years old this year (1998). Rest in Peace, our brother. And thank you sooooooo much! We love you.We feel love.
from Orcin Odabas, Switzerland ; Email: e7odabas@twi.ch
PARADISE GARAGE was the most popular garage club in the world. It will stay like a underground garage tempel in the hearts of groove lovers.
- Orcin Odabas
from Jamie Trow JTrow@worldnet.att.net
One time, back in the summer of 1982, going up the purple Aero-lit ramp, the rumbling sound made my heart pump. I thought I was missing something. As I entered the dance floor, Larry was playing "Home Computer". If you want a dictionary terminology for "hypnotize", this was the track.
As I looked to my left, Sylvester was there, upstairs in the V.I.P., was Robert Kasper (Peech boys) looking down. I had on my green chemical warfare pants, Garage shirt, thin black sunglasses. As Larry was mixing it into "Bostich (nes't pas)", the crowd was chanting "Lar-ry!!!"
Later I went to the Movie room, they were playing "Whatever happened to baby Jane" with Betty Davis, What a Trip!!! I got so sweated up and a bit tired, (4.a.m.) that I found myself in the coat room, sitting on the floor. Even there, they had a little cassette radio playing "Numbers". Back on the dance floor, "Can't shake your love" by syreeta was thumpin'. As the track faded out completely, there was silence.
All of a sudden Larry played "Living on the Front Line". These two members started dancing ballet. One on top of the others shoulder. The crowded dance floor parted like the red sea. We stayed until 11:30 a.m. & went to Washington Square Park to wind down. I have about 99% of all Garage records. Very rare indeed!! I still D.J., making tapes like crazy, I have a Hot List with many selections. People have what I need, and I have what people need. I also have the WBLS tape with the Tribute to the Paradise Garage. (Editor's note: I Got that tape!!!) Does anybody remember in 1983, KISS-FM played from different clubs each week? It might have been from "Tantrums" or "The Funhouse". I'm looking for the one "Live" from the Garage, hosted by Yvonne Mobley I believe. If anyone out there has this please let me know. I'll trade one of my private "Garage" tape collections for a copy.
Well, this has been a pleasure talking about the "Garage", if I have extra time I'll write some more wonderful memories. Thanks!!
- Jamie Trow
from HAVOCTKA@aol.com
Amen to the person who made up this web site.
my first night i think the peach boys played not too sure it was 11-27-82i remember going up the ramp and hearing the music the place felt like a earthquake!!!!then we went into the bug out room and they had a tepee and people was in it smoking pcp!!!. They also had a live turkey hanging in a cage from the ceiling. I thought this is the club. It blew my mind away
i remember hitting the dance floor with a fine ass sister who was 22 (I was 17) the music change my life forever. I remember going to school (I was still l in high school) and telling people about the garage,they all thought i w as nuts!!! the funny thing a couple off years latter they went to the Garage rage and they all turned nuts!!!. I went to the last party on friday nite it was so sad I could not even dance. we just hung out on the roof and watched the crowd on king street when we left about 8 in the morning people was o ut side asking us how it was. The best night at the garage? All of them!!!
From Michael T
HELLO BROTHERS AND SISTERS OF THE UNDERGROUND, I LOVE THIS WEB PAGE I VISIT IT EVERYDAY JUST TO SEE IF THIER WERE ANY NEW ADDITION'S.
BACK IN THE LATE 70'S EARLY 80'S I WAS CONSIDERED TOO YOUNG TO HANG OUT IN DISCO'S OR CLUB'S BUT I GREW UP IN JERSEY AROUND THE CORNER FROM 3 DISCO'S SULTAN'S 2001, EL CASTLE, THE VOLCANO, OH YEA AND CHARLIE'S WEST, ALL IN EAST ORANGE, N.J. I WAS NO MORE THAN 14 YEARS OLD AND USED TO SNEAK OUT MY WINDOW JUST TO HEAR THE THUMP OF THE BASS I HAD BEEN COLLECTING RECORD'S 12" DISCO SINGLES AND A LOT OF THEM HAD THE NAME LARRY LEVAN ON THEM.
ONE OF MY OLDER BUDDIES HAD TOLD ME THAT LARRY WAS THE D.J. AT THIS CLUB IN N.Y.C. AND IF I COULD GET OUT THE HOUSE HE WOULD TAKE ME THERE (HE WAS A MEMBER) AT FIRST I HAD A PROBLEM GETTING IN BUT MY BUDDY KNEW SOMEONE THAT WORKED THERE AND I GOT IN.
"UNBELIEVABLE," WAS THE FIRST THOUGHT THAT WENT THREW MY MIND. "ALL THESE PEOPLE OF ALL RACES DANCIN' TOGETHER IN PEACE" IS WHAT I SAID TO MY BUDDY.
THE SOUND SYSTEM WAS GREAT!!! I FOUND OUT LATER IT HAD A NAMED (ZUKI)! CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT WENT THROUGH ME THAT NIGHT SHAKING THE HAND OF THE MAN WHOSE NAME WAS ON MY RECORD AND I GOT A GIFT A 2 RECORD SET OF TANNA GARDNER WHITE PROMOS OF WHEN YOU TOUCH ME, PARADISE EXPRESS, WORK THAT BODY,...
CHECK THIS OUT. YEARS LATER, I GUESS IT HAD TO BE AROUND 1992, I WAS A GUEST D.J. AT A BAR IN N.J. AND TANNA GARDNER WAS IN ATTENDANCE. I TOLD HER THE STORY ABOUT THE ALBUM I RECIEVED FROM LARRY AND SHE AUTOGRAPHED THE COVER FOR ME.
MAN I MISS THOSE DAYS SO MUCH!!! AND BY THE WAY THE LAST TIME I HEARD LARRY PLAY LIVE WAS AT THE SHELTER AND HE PLAYED I AM LOVE BY THE JACKSON 5 I DANCED WITH MY FIANCE THEN AND IT WAS THE RECORD WE HAD OUR FIRST DANCE TO AT OUR WEDDING RECEPTION.
I AM STILL PLAYING MUSIC EVERY FRI&SAT NIGHT IN JERSEY AT ST.JOHN'S MASONIC TEMPLE IN EAST ORANGE THE FRONT ROOM STRICKLY UNDERGROUND AND CLASSIC'S. I COULD GO ON FOREVER BUT I WILL CLOSE NOW AND SAY (KEEP LARRY'S MUSIC ALIVE IN ALL OF YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS
D.J. MICHAEL T.
from:SERFATY Vidal, Email: vidal.serfaty@culture.fr
I read in a french magazine (CODa) that mel cheren and kenton nix where back on the west end business and that they let hear during the miami winter conference that they were looking for a place in NYC to re-create a paradise garage. Even though i'm sure that it will never be the same, I will take a flight to NY for the opening, the things I read on your site are so amazing and I love the salsoul/prelude/West End music. When I'll have a little time, I'll send you the lyrics of a song by K.nix feturing Taana gardner called "paradise express" about the garage(1979).
from:Aaron Kirby, Email: AKirby946@aol.com
I moved to NYC in 1984. I had been DJing in Dallas for years and was playing import/DOR electrical stuff. I went into the Garage to have my notions of dance music exploded under a barrage of incredible energy. All my friends enjoyed the Saint...for me there was no longer any comparison. The Garage was and is still the best dance experience yet offered. The syncopation of "Where Did Our Love Go?" by E'lyssa...my life was changed. The spirit was present at Larry Levan's memorial service when "Love Is The Message" swirled after the last of the moving eulogies. I try not to talk of the Garage to people who weren't there. It is impossible to convey the total experience. Let all of my friends worship the Saint...you'll find me out in the Garage.
Editor's Note: Amen.
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