Remembrances


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Posted Feb 7 2017

from Frances Santana

Hi  I  remember when  D TRAIN preformed at the Garage Musicians played two instruments each I was fascinated I started going to the Garage when I was only 16 1/2 never forget first time it was 10 girls our friend Daryal through his brother Brian RIP told us about it anyway went their Noel did not want to let in 10 girls in no way lol but guess what he let us in found it strange crowded but than Larry the music sound system kept me going back the other girls didn't go back as much as I did it became home met people from all walks of life artist Djs singers dancer than I meet Hector matas we became friends whom worked their he would comp me sometimes other times I paid Noel grow to like me and I grow to like him he made me feel at home  we would talk beautiful RIP person Larry definitely tought me about house music imports the record polls and Vinyl mania where most of the djs would buy their imports from their. I am very greatfull to that I would hang out mostly with the guys from the lower east side chino 3  conrad  carlos sonny son George. I also remember meeting Maria punk rock Maria we became close friends she's interduced me to David Depino Mel John Keith Haring danced with boy George one night  so many more people  Good experience but than the decease aids happened so many friends died never forget the last two night I was their I stayed the music with white candles us dancing and crying in a circle saying goodbye to the garage :( never will their be another place like the Paradise Garage


Posted Feb 7 2017 (sorry for long delay)

from Brian Lu

Hi There, 

Thank you so much for maintaing the Paradise Garage website!! It's so valuable to have it as a resource for what may have been the best club experience in history.  I've been DJing for over 15 years.  2 years ago I quit my job to pursue DJing full time.  I moved to New York to go to Dubspot and connect with the scene out there as much as possible. I feel like there are few places that still have that same vibe.  Danny Krivit's 718 sessions comes to mind.  

I'm back in the Bay Area now but I continue to learn as much as possible so I can provide that level of experience and atmosphere to my community.  

Best, 
Brian Lu
soundcloud.com/djbluz


Posted April 17 2011

From Paul Romano

It's strange, my memories are so intense and so detailed, it's hard to believe my attendance there really lasted only like five years, 79 to 84.And the 80 to 83 era I recall as being the most incredible. Walking up that ramp, my heart would be POUNDING, my feet fairly ACHING to dance. All week long, THAT was where I longed to be. It permeated my very being; no matter where I was or what I was doing, for many, many years, my head was always at the Garage.

And when all was said and done, it was entirely due to the music. Those songs, the way they sounded on that incomparable sound system, they are burned into my soul. To this day, just a few notes of Double Crossed, or My Love is Free, or of course Love is the Message and my soul SOARS. That marvelous breathless feeling when Larry started playing Weekend, just when you were about to take a break, and now, well no way in hell, no resting now. And how it went on that way until the next afternoon (I was ALWAYS one of the last to leave).

It's one of the things I am most grateful to God for, for having allowed me to have been a part of such a Very Special Time and Place. It was unique then, yet somehow we knew it, and knew we had to take advantage of it. I couldn't bear to miss a single weekend there.

For me, though, it all began to change around 83. The music (the new stuff) didn't have the same sound as the earlier songs, which were now looked on almost reverently as "Garage Classics". It wasn't so much the crowd I found different - they still partied just as hard. But the new songs, most anyway, just didn't send me like the old ones did. Funny, I came across some YouTube tracks of the Garage from 83 (I think) and from the last night in 87. I found myself in a frenzy listening to the earlier one, and somewhat out of sorts at the second one. Exactly how it was for me in real life.

Anyway, the Garage will always be my Real, True Church, and I will forever be a Disciple of that High Priest of Disco/Dance Larry Levan. In fact the truth is, the only heaven I ever hope to go to is one where it is forever a Saturday night at the Garage circa 1981...

Thanks for the website, and offering a forum to post my memories,


Posted Thursday, May 14th,2009
From Kenneth Leslie < >

I am now 54 years and everytime I think about my times at the Paradise Garage I get misty eyed. I tell young kids today about the Garage and some of them don't believe. They think they're having fun and partying today, BUT WE PARTIED!!!.

My heyday was 1978-1982. I never owned a membership card ,but I got in everytime I went. I usually traveled alone and I would just go to King st. and ask one of the members if they could take me in with them (members were allowed to take in 6 people on their card). There was a look you had to have and if you didn't have it ,you didn't get in. One night I went down to the club dressed as " The Unknown Comic" ( He was very big during the late70's from appearances on the " Gong Show" ,he cracked one-liners and wore a brown paper bag on his head.) One of the members just looked a me and said " This guy has to get in" . I remember the first time walking up that ramp with the lights on the sides ,it felt like I was going up into a space ship. I couldn't wait to hand over my money,because there was dancin' to be done and music was being wasted .

The sounds were incredible. I always had a eye for the ladies and I always said, if you did not see your fantasy woman in the Garage she simply did not exist. It was one of the first places I have gone where the women would come up to you and take you to the dance floor. It seemed like every lady I asked to dance never refused. it was not unusual to dance through 8-9 LONG dance cuts. I always remember coming out at about 8: 30 in the morning and having the sunlight hit me in the face. And as far as going to the Garage.the night simply did not start until 1AM. Nobody really went anyplace worth going to before 12 Midnight. Watch " Saturday Night Live " jump in the car and head to the Garage. We would always meet the people going to church on Sunday Morning as we were just getting in from a night of dancin'.. I always saw that as a rather odd site.

And I almost forgot my white Capezio dance shoes. No just any shoes would do. I didn't wear them to the club, I changed into them at the club.You had to have a dance outfit because you went to sweat and dance.Usually a cut-up t-shirt ( loose of course ) and maybe some shorts or baggy nylon parachute pants." The Paradise Garage " was the best party experience of my life. There will never be another like it and it will never be duplicated. To the young people of Today" Sorry you missed it,it was a helluva ride"


Posted Friday, May 8th 2009
From Kal < kaligula59@sbcglobal.net >

Amazing! I lived with 2 of the most unique, gay boys in NY. We lived together in Alphabet City and worked at Mano A Mano, in Soho, from 80 - 83. I'm straight and learned everything from them! Changed my life completely, and i hope they see this and are still ok. Anyway, i have 2 older brothers that married high school sweethearts. Saw both of them, while i was tripping as usual, on separate occasions, having affairs at the PG!! Shocked the fuck out of me at first, but the dance together was so much more important than the drama that it didn't matter.
That's what was so very cool about this place - it didn't really matter.
I remember not missing alcohol at the "bar," because booze would only intercept your "high." Loved the strange and wonderful indie flicks in the little theater, and recall running downstairs to dance, by myself, to the Isley Bros and cuming in my pants to "Hope you Feel Better Love." No shit!
Rarely have i danced and expressed myself like at that place, and i do still shake it till this very day - always with the fondess memories. Just got my tix to see Miss Grace at the Hollywood Bowl (July 09) Can barely wait.

"Don't make wait, another nite ... tonite i want to love you."

Love you all! RIP - Ronald.


Posted Sat Nov 1st 2008
From:
Mark Spillers > backtoourroots@yahoo.com

On a Saturday nite in the Crystal room, I was talking with Mick Jagger while we toke and joke, a friend of mine that I brought for the first time around, said "You know Mick Jagger?" I lied, "We're old friends, just like family"

Another nite is when I just came in from the Red Parrot (57 street) on a Friday nite, Saturday morning around 6am, and the party was so dead, and then I saw Larry going to the restroom in the lobby. I asked Larry, being a Core Member, why doesn't he play some music like he does on Saturday nite? (Patti, You+ Me, Sylvester and so on) Well, when he went back to the booth, ...... He played those artist songs in THE order I mentioned them! and then Saturday nite classics for the rest of the nite. He put the spot lite on me and my friends, We all were Core Members.

One time, talking with Keith Haring as he was telling me how he started drawing by doing graffiti on the trains ... another time hanging with Cheryl "Call Me on theTelephone" another time Talking with Liz Torres ... meeting Nu Shoes, hanging out with her during the week. Seeing Madonna (Everybody)...the nite Larry play Sharon Redd LOVE ITCH... --Lace...Walking On Sunshine....and so many, many more I could write a book........

The Spirit is and Always will be Alive.......


Posted Fri Oct 26, 2007
From: Freddie (MixGreat@aol.com)

One of my fondest memories of my youth was being able to listen to Larry play live. I would sneak out of my window around 2am & take the N train from Brooklyn. The first couple of tries were unsuccessful, but I managed to get in on a July night. I went right to a corner and just went into a trance. Larry's mixes were seamless. I didn't know what I loved more, the system, the reaction of the crowd or his mixing. The next day I went to another NYC DJ that was living next door to me, Jimmy Florio. I asked him how he mixed the way he did, Jimmy looked at my radio shack mixer & said this is the first place I would start. Get a knob mixer. I looked at him like he was crazy. The next week he took me to the garage & then I understood, lol. A long summer job, a few paying gigs and a little help from my parents. I was then able to go to AST & buy a urei. The rest is a small piece of history, my first paying gig was on Fire Island, and then I played at roxy, limelight & at a few united skates. Not to mention clubs that were in Brooklyn and yes the high school dances. I stopped playing in the mid 90's. I remember playing in limelight's shampoo. Playing techno & saying to myself this music sucks. I just walked away; I loved disco, house & freestyle. I couldn't deal with music that I felt had no heart. It seems that all DJ's can now understand the art of mixing like Larry did. He was a true pioneer & will never be replaced. Thanks Larry.


From: Tanya/td.ferguson@hotmail.com

Oohh my god, were do I began, I started going to the garage about 1979, I was only... well I'll just say that I was really young when I was introduced to such a grand place. I would actually start jonesing for the weekend, I would go to bed around 10pm and wake up about 1:30am to go over and wouldn't leave, couldn't leave until there was about maybe a handful of die hards left on the dance floor, we were so bad that they would start turning on the lights, we kept dancing, Larry kept playing, they started sweeping the floor, we kept dancing, Larry kept playing, Larry would even sometimes stop playing we would start yelling out songs for him to play, sometimes he would go back into the booth and start playing, sometimes he wouldn't, I didn't get out of there until maybe about 10:30-11:00am by the time we got out of there. I remember one time it was about 7 :00am in the morning and Larry threw on the blackbirds, it was like I was in a trance, ( for anybody who went to the garage dam near every weekend likeI did know what I mean when I say that I was in a trance, chuckling) anyway he threw on the blackbirds and I just like, just stood there, I couldn't even dance, the song was soooo appropriate all I could do is stand there with this look on my face and just dig the song his was rocking. One of my all time favorite songs he played so wonderfully was WEEKEND!!!, I could be in a middle of a conversation and hear the song coming on and run right in the middle of someone talking to me onto the dance floor. Larry played that song so well all I could do is cartwheels but really couldn't because it was too many people on the floor(laughing) what memories. There is none like it thus far I must say and I won't even talk about Halloween, Christmas and New Years.

Anyway, after the club closed down I had not been back out in at least a year maybe a little longer and when I did go to some little spot I really didn't enjoy myself because I was sooo much of a garage goer that nothing else did me the way that place did and really ended up just not going anywhere else till this day, I think it was the paradise along with the disco era that I soooooo much long for again, I would do anything to re-live that time in my life. Whoever missed that era missed a GOOD TIME. I remember when I first saw Ms. Grace Jones I was scared out of my skin because I didn't know if she was a man or a woman (laughing, hey I was young, didn't know any better but soon found out what was what and blended right in). I LOVE IT, IT WAS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME.


Posted Sat. Oct 19, 2002

from: Mike Alexander Email: MAlexand@cablevision.com

I can recall singing "Don't make me wait" in the hallways in High School, fiending for Friday night to hit the G!Ê There was a crew of us that would pile into my van and roll into Manhattan from Queens.Ê Everything from the acapellas of Loleeta, to the basslines of ESG (moody, yeah-yeah)...there has never, and will never be another Garage.Ê

Larry would drive us all night, we wouldn't (couldn't) sit, just sweat.Ê Forget the profiling of the "discoteques,"Ê the Garage was au natural - come as you are and feel what you feel (Can you feel it...Life is something special).Ê I loved the change in music (around 5-6am) when Larry would clear out the wanna-be's, and start it right back up through Saturday. I've travelled around and been to the clubs that claim to be "Garage-like", but the sound system, the music, the non-commercial feeling of love and sincerity as we danced our souls away, whether you were high or not...was ectasy (and I don;t mean the drug).Ê If ever there was a "natural high,' the Paradise Garage embodied the epitome of that phrase. Today, I still have the vinyl, still have the 1200's, still play the music, and lose myself in its groove.Ê My wife appreciates (and lets me be) the pleasure I get from the rugged sound of "bring down the walls" to the soulful sounds of Patti (on anything she sings - The Spirit's in me...).Ê

My kids don't understand, but they are singing along with the sounds - they've heard them enough.Ê One day they will, as they too ask me to play their favorite trax. All I have as a physical reminder is the little pink button that was given out on the closing weekend, but the place it holds in the hearts and minds of all it's followers will never (and I do mean ever) be replaced by another club. Love to all - see you up on the deck later....someone bring the juice!


Posted Sat, 21 Sep 2002

from: J.Rosario Core Member since '85 Lancaster,Pa JRTruckside@aol.com

I'm 39 yrs old and still feel the excitement when I think of the PG. I first went in '84 and lost my mind! I thought I was a DJ (hahahaha) Larry showed me how to love the art of DJing. I used every means to get the music he played and then some. I had giant stacks of speakers in my basement and black lights and played my ass off to records like Love is the Message or Dancing in Outterspace or Bra to name a few. I'd play until 12 midnite then rush up to King St........from Baltimore!!

I was stationed there from the military. I was born and raised in NYC and was a Garagehead without question. I gave up playing music because my beloved collection was lost to fire andÊ the music today is nothing more than a fast buck to some no name producer and I cannot justify spending money on. I wish there was a place like Vynolmania or Dance Traxx still around.They had all the Garage classics and more. Wherever I lived be it Baltimore or Los Angeles I always made time to travel to the DJ's mecca of instruction....The Paradise Garage. Larry was indeed the greatest of all time period. I have one question before I close.......

Why can't there be another Paradise Garage?

Why can't we honor what was good for all people to be what they wanted to be?

I know for a fact that there is someone or a group out there like me (garageheads) who have vast resources of income who remember every nook and cranny of a place that was so legendary that the Paradise Garage can be re-incarnated with all due respect to the late Michael Brody and the late great Larry Levan. Larry spawned off many talented DJs out there that remember what he did. NO.....there will never be another Larry Levan, but I know New York City will have one hellava great time trying to find one.Tell me what you think. Let us remember some of the best times of our dancing lives. PG lives forever!! If anyone knows where I can pick up Garage Classics let me know.

<editors question: Even if the building was purchased and re created, would the city grant it a dance hall license?>

The one nite keep going back to in my mind was trying to catch a flight from Baltimore and as we were making our approach over the Big Apple I can feel the anticipation growing in my stomach knowing I was going to make my stop at Ma Dukes for some dinner and a nap. Get up around 1am and make my stop at Washington Square Park for my party favors and head to the PG. When I got there it was The Hawaii Beach Party....

Man what a treat!! The mix of the night was a marching drum band beat with Can u shake to the rhythm of the latin groove and the house nearly exploded as the canfetti came raining down!!!, or when he played a jam called Jezebel's Spirit as they had the scenes from the Exorcist on the large video screen. I can name many more but no time , all I can say is I've been spoiled....no club can get my juices going any more. One day I will open a private club and in order for you to get in you must show your old Paradise Garage membership card because I know you like me were part something that todays club goers know nothing about!! Larry,Noel and Michael R.I.P


Posted Sept 20, 2002
from DATDAMNDJ@aol.com

WE ALL KNOW THAT THE PARADISE GARAGE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AS ONE OF THE MOST HISTORICAL CLUBS OF ALL TIME. BUT WHAT ARE ALL OF THE ELEMENTS THAT MADE YOU COME BACK FOR MORE? ONE WAS THE MUSIC SELECTION. SECOND, THE FACT THAT YOU CAN BE WHO YOU ARE WITHOUT BEING JUDGED BY SOMEONE ELSE. BUT THIRD, MY MAIN CONCERN OF MINE IS THE SOUND SYSTEM! THAT SYSTEM WAS THE HEART OF THAT CLUB. I KNOW THAT RICHARD LONG WAS PART OF THAT, BUT NO ONE HAS TOUCHED ON WHAT COMPONENTS WERE IN THE CLUB. INQUIRING MINDS WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT TURNTABLES, MIXERS AND AMPS PLUS SPEAKERS WERE USED IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THE GARAGE. PLEASE RETURN THIS MESSAGE AND YOU INFORMATION WOULD BE GREATLY APRECIATED.


Posted Sept 10, 2002
From:carlos perez Email: carlos perez

When I first walked up those taxi cab ramps Love is The Message was playing and I never wanted to get on the plane back to Chicago. So I returned often until the closing party in which the last song was Where Do We Go From Here.

There were some unforgettable moments at the garage. At the closing party my girlfriend and I danced ourselves into our own pool of sweat during the extended version of "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" by Inner Life. It never occurred to us that we were seriously dehydrating, we just decided we needed more "bumps" to fill our puddle deeper with sweat. I usually went to the garage with a girlfriend, my soul sister who was more fun to be with than most of my otherÊfriends. My "sister" and I went to the garage to dance.

There was a man who would set up his complete drum set on the dance floor just underneath the deejay booth and he would beat on those drums all night long. There were the "dollar whores," as we called them; androgynous-looking, happy people who made fans from dollar bills and fanned themselves "serving up" attitude as they strolled past you.
One night a record ended and we were left in hot, sweaty and silent darkness for ten seconds or so. Then the sound of rain started. A thundercloud or two burst out of one speaker responded by another thunderclap from the speaker on the opposite side of the room; then torrential rains. Before you knew it there was a tropical thunderstorm going on above and around us while a freezing winter wind blew outside the building; that fortress in which inside you were safe. And we were in this safe haven expressing ourselves. All of us reaching up; celebrating the joy of the sound of rain. Then "Clouds" by Chaka Khan started with its own thunder and that was it. The place went up in ecstasy, when he turned the volume down during the chorus; the entire dance floor was humming along, exactly on the beat, in unison, and in harmony.
Another fabulous evening featured Grace Jones and her amazing circus sideshow. She finally came on; very, very, very late, but hey, that’s Grace! She was ranting and hissing, bending over to pull the "children’s" hair as she spat on them. They loved it.Ê After the show, Larry began his set with silence. As usual, subtle signs of a "piece of work" beginning to unfold started. In the dark silence the sound of smoke being released hissed from above our heads and the smoke had pink colored lasers shooting through them. Then the smell of roses was pumped through the ventilation and after all the preliminaries were set "La Vie En Rose" by Grace Jones began to play from those wonderful speakers. It was stuff like this and three turntables, reel to reels and a mixing console with the capacity to mix live and create brand new tracks inspired by instinct and the intuition of what the crowd was feeling that made The Paradise Garage King of the Dance Hall Award.Ê I'm at carlmic_tsop@yahoo.com

Posted Sept 10, 2002
from: Mildred Navarro Email: sweetdreams12a@yahoo.com
As I listen to my classic music collection I can't help but flashback to the garage........wow............I'm feeling homesick...it was the place where the beat and I becameÊone....a giant home party......a place where the music literaly took me higher.....(I think the punch had a hand in it too) ...8-) .....the garage was a place where I was able to dance all my cares away.......a place where yu knew yu were going to have a great time..........each ride...Ê I can remember my first time there..1977...I went with a friend...from high school........we satÊin one of the lounge areas...after a while she was asked to dance and said she'd be back...well after an hour the chick was'nt back...so I was on my own....when I reached the dance floor and saw all the people....just dancing to that beufiful beat .....the feelings that ran through me was just undescribable... I walked through...the crowd..andÊlet my body just groove to the music............the rest ....of course is history.....the chick...well..I did'nt see her again till monday morning....lol.........
I wish IÊcould go home................

Posted Sept 10, 2002
from: Richard Tucker Email: richmoves@attbi.com
I was a dj and lighting operator at 12 West and The Saint 1977-87, NYC. I am now a 42 yr. old tv producer. I just thought I'd share a memory or two.
I remember taking a friend to PG in 1977 and Larry had the room peaking over "Runaway Love" by Linda Clifford and "You and I" by Rick James. I remember when Yoko Ono brought a test pressing of "Walking On Thin Ice" to PG a week or so after Lennon was killed. Larry pumped it so fiercely, with such love...the room was completely turned out. It was a moment I will hold dear forever. Like hearing "Padlock" for the first time ever, in that room, with that sound, and Larry...nuff said! Or "I Know You, I Live You" at 8:30 in the morning! Damnnnn....lol.
As time goes on and times seem to be getting darker, I feel all the more blessed to have been a part of the Garage experience first hand. A time never to be repeated.
For All Those Who Were There...
Deepest Love

Posted Sept 10, 2002
From: "LightNMild " Email: ightnmild@blackplanet.com
I am only 24 and first heard of the Paradise Garage at the 25th Anniversary celebration this Summer at Central Park... But, after hearing all the positive stories about how good the music was and how it didn't matter if you were gay or straight, black or white and I wish I was old enough back then go that I could have gone to the Garage and enjoy that experience... The 25th Anniversary Celebration was great... there was this strong feeling of love and peace in the air.. and considering all that is going on in this world today, being at the Paradise Garage 25th Anniversary Party was like being in a safe haven, away from all the troubles this world has... not to mention... Grace Jones WORKED IT OUT!!!!!!!!!! -

Posted Sept 10, 2002
from: n/a Email: Seek518@aol.com
Hi, my name is Adarro and I'm an addict. I didn't get high today.Ê Cool huh.Ê I just had to say that in case there are other brothers, like me who are stayin clean "one day at a time.Ê I remember how hard it was being an undercover, confused 18 y/o gay mman in Jamaica, Queens.Ê The only "sissy" in the hood was Raymond G.Ê And, I did not see myself as he saw himself.Ê Ray was very very gay.Ê Mad femme.Ê So I pretty much stayed away from him.Ê Thankfully he did not stay away from me and one day, while his "GAYDAR" was really workin he asked me out.Ê Not on like a date he just said a friend of his worked at a club in the city, and did I want to go.Ê
The following Saturday at 1a.m. i snuck out and met Ray at his house.Ê In truth, I didn't think he was gonna take me to a party.Ê I thought the party was at his apartment(lol)Ê But I was wrongÊ ( and a little pissed...he had a fat ass)and off we went to the "E" train.ÊÊ Those of us who came to the club from the outer boroughs will probably agree that the ride to the club was a big part of the fun.Ê This was before Guiliani so we could sit in the last car of the train at 1:30-2 in the morning smokin weed and listening to some homeboys boom box.Ê Cute homeboys who I would be surprised to find later dancing right next to me at this awesome party.Ê This Gay Party.Ê See ya'll, I thought gay meant one thing.Ê Soft ,femme, bitchy, cunty.Ê And, in truth; it can mean that but I found out that nite that guys that looked like me , carried themselves like me, you know....real guys and shit.Ê We're out there, livin there lives. Unashamed unafraid and loving one another.
When I got up the ramp, through the crystal room to the dance floor I was blown away to see all these hundreds of cats just dancin....smilin....greeting each other.And the music.ÊÊÊ Damn. nothin like it. Thanx to Mike Brody, Larry Levan, Noel and all the other cats and kittens I danced by in an acid induced trance, for creating a safe place for me to find myself, and learn to accept others just as they are.
I've been to "The Warehouse" and I ain't hatin....thy do their thing but.....whenÊ "THE GARAGE" closed in 87.Ê It was the unfortunate end of an era and the beginning of a new sad ugly one.Ê Many of our friends fell victim to the ravages of AIDS......or Crack.Ê My Friend Raymond included.Ê But we Pray.Ê Remember him fondly.Ê And, move forward.
By the way peoples.Ê I often travel for my Job.Ê Would love to hear where the party at, even if it ain't the Garage or it Ain't N.Y.C.
For instance I heard about, then went to "The Paradox" in Baltimore.Ê It was hot....They Actually have a basketball court In The Club....and mad cute lil(underage...be careful)niggas walkinaround with the baggy jeans....u feel me. Hi, my name is Adarro and I'm an addict. I didn't get high today.Ê Cool huh.Ê I just had to say that in case there are other brothers, like me who are stayin clean "one day at a time.Ê I remember how hard it was being an undercover, confused 18 y/o gay mman in Jamaica, Queens.Ê The only "sissy" in the hood was Raymond G.Ê And, I did not see myself as he saw himself.Ê Ray was very very gay.Ê Mad femme.Ê So I pretty much stayed away from him.Ê Thankfully he did not stay away from me and one day, while his "GAYDAR" was really workin he asked me out.Ê Not on like a date he just said a friend of his worked at a club in the city, and did I want to go.Ê
The following Saturday at 1a.m. i snuck out and met Ray at his house.Ê In truth, I didn't think he was gonna take me to a party.Ê I thought the party was at his apartment(lol)Ê But I was wrongÊ ( and a little pissed...he had a fat ass)and off we went to the "E" train.ÊÊ Those of us who came to the club from the outer boroughs will probably agree that the ride to the club was a big part of the fun.Ê This was before Guiliani so we could sit in the last car of the train at 1:30-2 in the morning smokin weed and listening to some homeboys boom box.Ê Cute homeboys who I would be surprised to find later dancing right next to me at this awesome party.Ê This Gay Party.Ê See ya'll, I thought gay meant one thing.Ê Soft ,femme, bitchy, cunty.Ê And, in truth; it can mean that but I found out that nite that guys that looked like me , carried themselves like me, you know....real guys and shit.Ê We're out there, livin there lives. Unashamed unafraid and loving one another.
When I got up the ramp, through the crystal room to the dance floor I was blown away to see all these hundreds of cats just dancin....smilin....greeting each other.And the music.ÊÊÊ Damn. nothin like it. Thanx to Mike Brody, Larry Levan, Noel and all the other cats and kittens I danced by in an acid induced trance, for creating a safe place for me to find myself, and learn to accept others just as they are.
I've been to "The Warehouse" and I ain't hatin....thy do their thing but.....whenÊ "THE GARAGE" closed in 87.Ê It was the unfortunate end of an era and the beginning of a new sad ugly one.Ê Many of our friends fell victim to the ravages of AIDS......or Crack.Ê My Friend Raymond included.Ê But we Pray.Ê Remember him fondly.Ê And, move forward.
By the way peoples.Ê I often travel for my Job.Ê Would love to hear where the party at, even if it ain't the Garage or it Ain't N.Y.C.
For instance I heard about, then went to "The Paradox" in Baltimore.Ê It was hot....They Actually have a basketball court In The Club....and mad cute lil(underage...be careful)niggas walkinaround with the baggy jeans....u feel me.

Posted Sept 10, 2002
from: Melanie Email: Almad@att.net

Oh my God! I can’t believe I’m back again. Memory lane like a mutha’! I brought my son on the last weekend and just stood in front of the G with him. It was the second day of the last weekend and I never wanted it to end. I partied from that Fri to Monday. He was only 4. It was Saturday morning. I just had this urge that he had to see it and I left the club and went to get him. Of course, he didn’t care. But that was where it all began. He was a Paradise Garage production. After I took him back to his grandma’s I rushed right back to the club. They were allowing everyone to come and go that weekend. Grab a 40 at the deli around the corner and come right back. Every now and then I can catch a whiff of all the smells in that club. Mmmmmmm. I could catch a contact from just the memories.
Wow. I never wanted it to end. How about Larry and Keith Harring on the dance floor. I have great pictures. And Grace Jones that time she had Keith Harring paint her body and she had those tube on her boobs. Homegirl made us wait about an hour between each song! How about George Krantz and “Din da da.” That was a crazy white boy. How about baby powder on the dance floor! I thought I could breakdance. And the unisex changing room with everybody packed in there. I still have my gas pants (back then I called them baggy pants). I thought I was Flo Jo with my cut-offs. One sleeve long, one sleeve short, one no sleeve….Damn, I was a fashion diva with a scissors. And a bandana around my head!! I thought I could dance ballet in the morning to “the Morning Workout”. And what did Kenny put in the punch all those years. I saw Texas Chain Saw Massacre” for the first time in the movie room.
Talk about BUGGING OUT!! How about how we never knew anyone’s real name but felt like we knew them a lifetime? Oh my gosh!! Thank you Larry. Thank you Mike Brodie…Thank you soooo much. There will never be another phase in my life quite like “My Life in The Paradise Garage”. The Paradise Garage WAS my life. The G is so much a part of who I am now and will always be forever. I have been blessed

Posted July 4, 2002
From: khris lewis Email: biglou13@hotmail.com
i remember when my co - worker told me about the garage he was lik eits no need for fancy clothes just come as u r -- as like naw -- i need to put on my best stuff -- he was like naw its not that type of party -- i was like listen - maybe a nice - funky suit jacket with some jeans aka -- the 80s -- he was like listen brother i am telling you come as u are - bet it was on -- so -- the first timeÊ - i got in the ------G---- as we use to call it -- was -- the bogus way -- i pas thru all the mess pushers -- and asked someone cud i get in on they membership -- its was no problem - its - was - like - yeah young brother i am going to reallyÊ -show u some - love theyÊ g way -- once i went in i was hooked -- after that night - and - every for every day after i learned -- to love people for - them selves -- gay black white-- deep down inside we -- have - something thats in common --LARRY --Ê if in heaven u can read this - i thank you for opening a true inner citty ghetto boy - into a international -- person of love -- i thank you- for - bringing a soul to my heart and a beat to my feet - a passion for the arts - for those nights -- when - u did your thing it was truely an art -- u gave me passion and soul -- and the MOST IMPORTANT THING THAT U HAVE GAVE A MANY BROTHERS FROM THE 80S---Ê IS HOW TO HUG ---Ê when i see people -- for the g --- the hug is automatic --- larry --- i hope when i see u -- you will have those turntables pumping -- until we screaming your name like the god that u r ------and please -- fill my locks we the paper from the the paper maching up above --- because ----- I KNOW WHEN U DID THAT WE MADE U HAPPY --- for sure bro when i see u in heavenÊi want a hug g style and -- i want my eyes to burn like its - was - 6 am - and - my stomach to be empty --- and my ears to be full ------ - enjoy your day -- :)-----smile ----its all goood

Posted July 4, 2002
From: Caroline Calderon Email: Cary61@aol.com
How much do I miss the Garage... Let me tell you, my first experience at the club I bugged.. I left at like 3:00am..lol did u ever! I don't know what happen that night but I wasn't into it at all. I was like these people are all nuts. Well, I decided to try it again with my best friend Diane and let me tell you we close the place down...lol. We started going there around 82-85 non stop every weekend. We met so many people there it was incredible. We would start off Friday evening with dinner and a nap. We later on started going on Saturdays. We would wake up around 12ish or 1 and take showers, get dress and hop on my little putt putt of a car and head on down to the club. Of course we would stop and pick-up a little somumsumum and continue on downtown. At first Noel would give us a hard time to get in but then we got to know some of the workers like Louie, Eric, Angel etc. we had some pull there. Walking up that ramp started our blood going the music was INCREDIBLE!!! we did our usual routine rounds like who's here and who's not. Had a little punch and then partied until 8am.. Larry was the Best, Although he was a little jealous with the women who entertain his workers but... "whatever" lol.... I still loved him. I will be going this Saturday to Central Park for the 25th Anniversary and I'm hoping to see a lot of familiar faces there. Well, also I just heard about the club called Shelter, I can't believe I just heard about it, damn I'm behind things. I'm hoping to become a member in the near future. Hey thanks for reading.. and "THE GARAGE LIVES" forever in my heart!!!!
Posted July 4, 2002
From: clubpghpri@aol.com
I am in my 40s now. I danced and played at the Paradise Garage perhaps only a dozen times. I traveled to New York every time I could scrape together the cash, and these are the most glorious memories of my youth: The girl clearing the dance floor with her exotic moves to "Jungle Fever", the ribbons attached to the fans smacking my acid high face as the Stones sang "Missing You", and the crowd going wild to the line "NO BLACKS, NO JEWS AND NO GAYS" in "There But For The Grace Of God"and the religious love of the music. These young children have no idea. They have missed the best. And I was there. I WAS THERE!

Posted July 4, 2002
From JOEL SERRANO AKA D.J MAD ONE "MY 2ND HOME THE GARAGE" Email: seria959@aol.com
ÊÊ TODAY IS JUNE 19TH 02 IT'S BEENÊ 16YRSÊ SENCEÊ THE CLOSEING OF THEÊ GARAGE . I WAS JUST REMINCEN ABOUT THE PAST AND REALIZE HOW MUCH I MISS THE GARAGE & LISTING TO LARRY SPIN THOSE CLASSICÊ LIKEÊ LOVE IS THE MESSAGE & STANDING IN LINE. BACK IN THE DAY'SÊÊÊ WHEN I FIRST CAME FROM PUERTO RICO IN THE EARLY 80'S MY BROTHER USETO GO TO THE GARAGEÊ WITH HIS FREIND'S AND INVITED ME TO COME WITH HIMÊ ONE NIGHT WHEN I WENT INÊ MY FIRST IMPRESSION WAS THATÊ THIS PLACEÊ & PEOPLE WERE INSANE I NEVER EXPERIENCE ANYTHING LIKE THIS IN P.R AND I WENT TO A LOT OF CLUB'S IN THE ISLAND. FROM THAT TIME ON I KEPT ON GOING GOT MY MEMBERSHIP AND NEVER LOOKED BACK . BECAUSE OF LISTENÊ TO LARRY I MY SELF BECAME A DJ AND WORKED INÊ CLUBS INÊ NY LIKE THE WORLD IN APHABET CITY WHERE THE INFAMOUS LARRY LEVAN WORKED ALSO. I REALY MISS THE GARAGE THE SOUNDSYSTEM ZUKI . I CAN ONLY SAY A FUE CLUBS CAME CLOSE TO THE GARAGE LIKE THE SOUNDFACTORY & JR VASQUZE & TWILO& DANNY TENAGLIA BUTÊ NEVER A NOTHER GARAGE. I STILL DJ ONCE IN A WHILE BUT I AM LOOKING FOR AÊ RESIDENCY IF ANYONE KNOW'S A NIGHT CLUB LOOKING FOR A CLUB DJ PLEASE LET ME KNOW MY E= MAIL AD IS SERIA959@AOL.COMÊÊÊÊ &Ê MY PHONE#973-566-0367 . LATER ALL YOU GARAGE FIN'S OUT THERE KEEP THE MEMERIES GOING OK LOVE FROM ATRUE GARAGE HEAD J.SERRANO FROM JERSEY CITY NJ BY!ÊÊ

Posted July 4, 2002
From: Gary Ratliff, Email: Gary.Ratliff@HaymarketMedia.com
Hi, Ê First of all let me say how glad I am to find that there are others, just like me, who feel like that void that was left after the Garage closed is still there 15 YEARS LATER! To say I loved the Garage would be an understatement. It wasÊtheÊplace to be and members were the people to know. There was a vibe there, from the time you walked up the ramp, to the time you left the next morning. A formidable part of my life was spent there and I believe I am better for the experience. Like all my Garage compatriots I tried all those otherÊ venues after our home was shutdown but none of them ever came close to repeating the magic. Ê I'm glad I came across this site at least now i have a support group to fall back on..:)

Posted June 11th, 2002
From: Lesismore5113907@aol.com
I knew larry personally if I were to play word association and somebody mentioned lawrence philpot jr aka larry levan passion would be the only word that would come to mind.funny thing is my freinds used to tease about hanging out in a "gay club"they just didnt get it it was always all about the music funny thing those same people were knocking on my door every friday night asking me to hook them up i never thought it would end the arrogance of my youth refused to let me believe that one day we would be evicted from what was a second home to us all even up until the last night l was stil in denial i kept wondering why larry kept playing devotion over and over again that final weekend for those who never experienced the garage it is up us "dinosuars " to pass the knowledge for the music cannot ever die RIPlarry i know u got all the angels working up there

Posted June 6th, 2002
From: Eric Adamo; Email: e_adamo@hotmail.com
Hi, I was fourtunate enough to have gone to the Paradise Garage and hear Larry play many times. To this day the Garage is unsurpassed. I'm a DJ andÊmy garage record collection was stolen years ago. IÊhad veryÊrare garage music even on the Garage Record label. Thanks to various download sites I've been able to replace 98% of it, still looking for a handfull of raritys. I've created a club on www.audiogalaxy.com called "84 King Street" and am invitingÊ anyone who wants to exchange garage music or just chat even. Friends who have seen my collection have said I shouldn't share it, but I beleive that it should be shared with the world. I Think Larry would have wanted it that way.

Posted June 6th, 2002,
From: Cruzin613@aol.com
My place of solace was where I let go of the trials and tribulations that tried so hard to seep into my veins to reach my soul.Ê Often I will arrive home with baggage and leave home with some more.Ê But along my travels on Fridays and Saturdays, I knew that I was going to a place that God and my angels have guided me to RELEASE whatever boggled my mind and lay heavy on my heart.Ê
Trance, as I would start my journey to my man in my haven. Riding the "L" and than the # 2 train, where transformations would occur.ÊÊ As I switched trains, I also switched mindset.Ê As I walk along that long tunnel from the "L" to the # 2, I couldn't help but to stay focus and control my knees from shaking and my anxiety from converting into a panic attack.Ê Once on that platform, I felt like running on the tracks to the club.Ê WHERE IS THAT # 2 TRAIN? JESUS CHRIST, I WANT TO GET THERE ALREADY, couldn't wait until those headlights appeared.Ê Great, here it comes.
As I would get on the train my dancing spirit would emerge into a whole new individual with its own persona.Ê As that train arrived at DA STATION!Ê I felt like a little girl watching people walking towards the turnstile from my previous missed train.Ê Suddenly, there I see some members of my Garage family.Ê I would knock on the window and say, "HEEEEEEEEY," bango, bango, bango! The doors opened. My spirits are lifted and as I approached that last step of the stairwell my next step would be tapping away from the beat I would here throbbing underground and it was certainly not the train.Ê I prayed, oh God please don't let there be a long line and just like that, I was in.Ê
As I walked up the ramp I would get this overwhelming sensation to cry, I mean break down, cause I knew Larry was inviting me when I would here OUTER SPACE, AIN'T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH and oh my God!Ê CIRCUS I would snap out of that damn state of SEDATION and enter into an experience of bliss and solace. There, I released all of my trial and tribulations and dropped those damn baggage while my mind was completely immersing into that state of mind,
THE ZONE
If God blesses me with a long life, I hope, I will never lose my mind.
THANK YOU LARRY FOR BEING A SUCH A SPIRITUAL HEALER WITH YOUR GOD BLESSED TALENT and HOPE YOU, MIKE AND THE BOYS ARE PARTYING IT UP AT YOUR PLACE OF SOLACE!Ê Miss Uâ€

Posted June 6th, 2002
From: Ju Soong Sun; Email: j.sun2@verizon.net
My Name is Ju Soong Sun better know to others as Chino 3 from the LES. Ê Well, it was early 1980 and my friend Vic NelÊkept going on and on about "The Club" andÊfinally I decided to see what the hoopla was all about. I was alreadyÊgoing to the many of the pre-garage clubsÊand my appetiteÊfor the night life was in full gear, BUT never in my wildest dreams was I prepared for one of the greatestÊexperiences of my life!Ê We grew up in Manhattan's Lower East Side and it was a breeze to go there, catch a cab straight up Houston Street, left on Varick and bearing right, we were there. If I was to go into it (details I mean) I would probably here for a long-time. I believe that I was blessed to be able to go there. Michael Brody turned me down for a Friday membership because I was not old enough (I was 20 yrs old then) But I managed to get it every time even if it meant waiting until he would leave the entrance. I want to thank all of the persons involved in the making and maintenance of the club , especially the staff.ÊMy appreciation for Larry go without having to say anything, He knows R.I.P.ÊThanks to Dave Depino as well.ÊAs for those who know me, It was MY pleasure sharing the dance floor with you. PEACE, Ê JSS/Chino-three of the LES

Posted June 6th, 2002
From: Hector M., Miami; Email: tripphouse@hotmail.com
First of all I would like to say hi, My name is Hector M., I am a House Dj, from Miami. I never got to see the Famous Paradise Garage,(since i was born in 1978 in Cuba) but i have read a lot about the Garage and the man "Larry Levan". Your site is incredibly amazing! I love to read about the Garge and i would love to give anything to go back in time, to see it, and experience the magic for my self. I recently made a shirt, Saying "Larry Levan, Lives in House". I took it with me to a 12 hour Marathon set, with One of my Heroes Danny Tenaglia, (knowing that Larry Levan, is one of Danny T's Heros, While Growing into the Dj, that he is know). During his Set, Singing with the crowd, I rised my shirt in the and he shined his light on it, takeing his time to read it, he looked at me and smiled, with a look on his face like saying, That's Right brotha, That's Right!. Wow what a night. Reading about the remixes that Larry Laven made, is so inspiring. I have a copy of Seventh Heaven, just to let you know i love that song!!! I also put on my Walpaper the picture you took of the Garge Kids. That picture saids it all, Unity, Love and Great Music! Thank you again for Inspiring me with you site, and thank you to larry Levan, R.I.P., for Giving the world of music a Hand to hold on to.....Please keep in touch, and Thank you Again!!!!

Posted June 6, 2002
From Yaxkin, Mexico, Email: djyaxkin@hotmail.com www.djsworld.com.mx or http://zor.org/retrodisko www.mxmix.com ICQ 37255272
I was into dj scene since 85 im now 26Ê but always in my search of new things and the things that was going on before my generation i found all this culture around paradise garage, I was lucky this time in Miamis WMC, When I know about the paradise party an Level, Ê I had a great time listening classic tunes and joining with more clubbers who feel the same respect and reverence to all this culture that born from this particular club. Thanks all for being part of it.

Posted June 6, 2002
From Roy "wizard" Simmonds, Email: 3joys@bellsouth.net
Heh! Here I am, 42 years old now, married with children and living in Daytona Beach and the Paradise Garage still rolls through my mind like it was yesterday. I still go crazy when I hear the Peach boys on the radio.I still long to walk up that ramp just one more time.Ê My friends and I spent 8 years of Fridaysand saturdays on king street,and although I've been fortunate to have partied all over the country, I have never ever been anywhere that matched the intensity of Larry Levan and th ecrew. Do you remember Noel at the door? or Grace Jones in the gorilla suit ? the beach parties ? How about the grey room before it became the crystal room . and where did they getthat fruit from? I swear either I was trippin[which i was] or they had the biggest fruit I ever saw.
I still try to collect all the music I can that Larry used to play and my friends still call and reminice about all the CRAZY times we had there. So even although Larry is gone as is Noel and Mike Brody, I still feel their presence in my mind, body and soul .A'int no no mountain high A'int no valley low A'no river wide enough baby...ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊI'm a core member 4 life.........

ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ
Posted March 23, 2002
From Dan, Email: klanx171@yahoo.com
What a great site! I was born in 72, and my father always played the radio. I grew up to the sounds of Disco and the 70s music. But as I got older and went out clubbing I forgot about that and started listening to new music!
Now im coming full circle and more, discovering Music like Garage and House and peole like Larry Levan have really influenced me. I always made mix tapes as a kid and so going into DJing was always a logical progression, but it was listening to and reading about Larry Levan that really made me think and realize that it's more than just stiching together some songs, it's about getting to people, the same way one single song can key off a certain emotion. Well DJing is like that but doing it with many songs like they say "speaking to people" or story telling! Larry Levan's album of his set from 79 at the Garage has touched me in some way that I dont know. I listen to it and it really does touch me in a way that no other DJ has (dont get me wrong. There are many great DJs) and I think that is beacuse he was more than a DJ. Music was just the medium, maybe in another time it might have been a different way, but in NY at that time with the world as it was I suppose that music was the way!
I listen to the larry levan album and track down all the other music realated to the Garage (plus many others, I love all music) and try to put it together, make something more than just some songs or a good beat or groove. Larry has been my inspiration and though I may never been as good as him he is that to which I aspire, love is what i feel when i hear that set on that album. I feel Larry across time talking to me. It's so obvious what he's trying to do, yet it's so much more. I envy those who had a chance to see it for real and don't just have to listen to the CD and dream! So a site to the Garage and Larry is great!!!! I hope you get lots of support for what you've done.
By the way I live in New Zealand which is a long way from NY yet it's gotten even to here. Larry Levan and the Paradise Garage have spread far and wide, to a small town in a small country which only ever gets the most obvious effects of fashion and trends, What more of a testamant to the magic could you think of, maybe an undiscoverd tribe in a deep jungle perhapes? Anyway enough blabbing, I just want to say its awesome and keep up the good work! Cheers Dan PS Maybe I am blind, but I couldnt see any Crown Hights Affair in the discography section of Disco/soul Classix, Maybe Im blind but if not please include, if not for Dreaming a Dream, Say a Prayer for Two and you Gave Me Love But also for that Classic Galaxy of Love! Please let me know if I missed it, coz I think that CHA are sweet!

Posted March 23, 2002
from Wendy, Email: amewzd@mac.com
I am 37 now and remember it like it was yesterday, now that was living! That was my world at that time. ROLLIN till dawn and then ROLLIN some more and then ROLLIN in the door and then some more. Usually with all the new friends you felt like you knew your entire life, you had just met that evening. DANCING until sweat soaked my hair and my clothes, and whatever rements of makeup were left on my face could be rearranged in any sort of matter, and I could not have cared less, nor could anyone else. But always took hours beforehand getting my look just so.
I was part of that "something special", that was the GARAGE, it was a lifestyle, a whole existence and community of it's own, should I dare compare it to a religion? Well I won't go that far. At least that is what I told MOST of the guys that HIT ON ME, WHICH MADE ME SELF CONFIDENCE SOAR. For my friends and myself we were the stars, or at least we thought we were! and wherever you loOked you saw familiar faces. Kind of like cheers, you know a place where everyone knows your name. WEEKENDS< WEEKENDS< WEEKNDS!!!!!! Live for those weekends!!!!!! I relive them pretty often, and wish there was still that special place, we all could go to feel we are part of something EXTRODINARY. Well my life now, is pretty good and I can't complain, you got to love life and everyone in it, and cherish every moment your alive, but nothing compares to the GOOD TIMES at the GARAGE, IT TRULY WAS PARADISE!!!!!

Posted Feb 14, 2002
From Herve Timothe, Email: saejanus@hotmail.com
Where do I begin? First, let me thank you for this site. It brings back many memories every time I visit. I was a member of the 'G' from 1982 till 1987. I remember the night my friend Bryan first took me there. He told me in advance that it was like no other club I'd been to before, but I was a little skeptical. A nightclub was nightclub, right? After leaving at 9AM Sat. morning, I knew that I'd found my home. I started going almost every friday night, and after a while when that wasn't enough, I started coming on Saturdays. I managed to pass Michael Brody's rigorous interview & get the coveted CORE membership. From then on holiday weekends were a treat. Friday, Saturday, & Sunday parties! Who could want for more!
The friends I made there are friends to this day. The music I heard & danced to there, I groove to to this day. My favorite memory goes back to 1984 (I think). It was the club's anniversary party, and Larry had some video screens set up on the stage. He had the music in synch with whatever he was showing on screen. What he did with the ALIEN video blew my mind. As the years have passed, I've wondered how much of that was real, & how much I embellished in my mind. I could go one much longer, but that's for another time. I'm just thankful that I had the opportunity to be part of something that was truly special during that brief moment in time. It has made me appreciate that life is truly something special! Not bad for a disco, huh? God bless you all!!!

Posted Feb 14, 2002
From Joaquin Trujillo, Email: jtrujillo@kpmg.com
ESTATIC MEMORIES OF PARADISE GARAGE
HEY HEY--I'M SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE COME UPON THIS SIGHT-INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M A FORTY-FIVE YRS YOUNG AND I CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE THE ENERGY,PASSION,AND SENSE OFCOMMUNITY ONE FELT AT "THE CLUB". I STARTED GOING TO "THE CLUB" IN 1978. I REMEMBER THE AWESOME MURAL AND THE HAY ON THE FLOOR-TALK ABOUT A "HOT" MURAL!!! REMEMBER??
IN THOSE DAYS-NICKY SIANO WAS KICKING BUTT AT THE GALLERY ON HOUSTON ST.- IT WAS THERE THAT I BEGAN MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH HOUSE MUSIC. AS A GRADUATE OF THE GALLERY,THE GARAGE WAS LIKE GOING TO GRADUATE SCHOOL-LARRY LEVAN WAS THE PROFESSOR EMERITUS IN DEMAND. WHO CAN FORGET -THAT INCREDIBLE MIX OF AFRICAN,LATINO RHYTHMS-''JINGO,IS IT ALL OVER MY FACE", LOVE IS THE MESSAGE-AND MY FAVORITE-CAN'T PLAY AROUND(LACE) THERE ARE SO MANY INCREDIBLE NIGHTS THAT I HAD THERE THAT IT'S HARD TO ISOLATE JUST ONE-GRACE JONES AND MISS PHYLIS HYMAN DEFINITELY ROCKED THE HOUSE. THE ONE NIGHT THAT STANDS OUT IN MU MEMORY WAS THE NEW YEAR'S PARTY WELCOMING THE 80'S. THERE WAS CHAMPAGNE FLOWING EVERYWHERE AND A HUGE 1980 SIGN LIT UP THE STAGE- I HAD ONE OF THE MOST INCREDIBLE TIMES OF MY LIFE.- I ALSO REMEMBER THE NIGHT BOY GEORGE WAS THERE HANGING OUT. IT WAS SO STRANGE BECAUSE I REMEMBER HIM AS BEING QUIET AND VERY ALOOF. ALMOST SHY.
I COULD GO ON AND ON. RIGHT NOW I JUST WANT TO REMEMBER MY GREAT FRIENDS NOEL, JAMES,NELSON, LOUIE, EDDIE AND OF COURSE MIKE BRODY. I 'M SO GRATEFUL THAT I WAS ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE "GOLDEN AGE" OF HOUSE. AND THAT AGE WAS WAS BORN ,BRED, AND NURTURED AT THE PARADISE GARAGE-I CAN'T EVEN FOCUS ON THE REST OF THIS PIECE BECAUSE I'M GETTING ALL EMOTIONAL ANYWAY-GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSE WHO LIVED THAT AGE. MUCHO AMOR-JOAQUIN

Read MANY more postings from readers
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A query: The last days of the Garage went continuously from Friday night on Sept. 18, 1987, all the way until Monday morning, Sept 21, 'til about 2 AM. A reader asks, "What was the last tune played at the Garage?? Was it "Where do we go from here?" and did Larry get a bit carried away and play it 10 times? Or, was it "Where were you when the lights went out" or "Ozo?"


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