Garrick Cinema facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Garrick Cinema |
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Garrick Cinema (vintage image)
(New Andy Warhol Garrick Theatre) |
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and early 20th century American movements, other |
| Location | 152 Bleecker Street New York, NY 10012 |
The Garrick Cinema was a small movie theater in New York City. It was located at 152 Bleecker Street in the Greenwich Village area. This theater was also known by other names, like the New Andy Warhol Garrick Theatre.
In the late 1960s, famous artist Andy Warhol showed many of his films here. These included movies like Bike Boy and Flesh. The Garrick Cinema was an important place for new and experimental films.
Below the theater, in the basement, was a popular nightclub called the Cafe Au Go Go. Many famous musicians and comedians performed there. In 1967, the band Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention played at the Garrick Cinema almost every night for six months.
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Andy Warhol's Creative Hub
Andy Warhol was a very famous artist. In the 1950s, he started as an artist who drew pictures for advertisements. He often worked with helpers to create more art. Working with others was a big part of his style.
In the 1960s, one of his main helpers was Gerard Malanga. Gerard helped Warhol make silkscreen prints, films, and sculptures. They worked at Warhol's studio, which was called "The Factory". This studio was famous for being decorated with shiny aluminum foil and silver paint.
Warhol also had a group of creative friends. He called them his "superstars". These included people like Nico, Joe Dallesandro, and Edie Sedgwick. These friends often appeared in Warhol's films. Many of these films were first shown at the New Andy Warhol Garrick Theatre.
Warhol also worked with other important artists and filmmakers. He supported young artists too. Some teenagers he worked with, like photographer Stephen Shore, became famous later on.
Frank Zappa's Long Performance
The musician Frank Zappa and his band, The Mothers of Invention, needed a place to play. They found the Garrick Cinema in New York City. It was a small theater with 199 seats, right above the Cafe Au Go Go.
They first played there for a short time in March 1967. Then, they returned and played almost every night from summer until September 5, 1967. Their show was called "Pigs & Repugnant." It was a mix of music and funny, unusual acts.
The band was officially performing songs from their second album, "Absolutely Free." Other musicians also opened for them during this time. These included Tim Buckley, Richie Havens, and Eric Andersen.
The Famous Cafe Au Go Go
The Cafe Au Go Go was a very well-known nightclub. It was located in the basement of the Garrick Cinema building. The club opened in February 1964 and closed in October 1969.
Many famous music groups, folk singers, and comedians performed there. It was the first place in New York City where the Grateful Dead played. Richie Havens and the Blues Project often played there every week.
Other famous artists who performed at the Cafe Au Go Go include:
- Jimi Hendrix
- Van Morrison
- Joni Mitchell
- Judy Collins
- Howlin' Wolf
- Muddy Waters
- John Lee Hooker
- Jefferson Airplane
- Cream
- The Doors
Before rock bands became popular there, the club was a place for jazz music, comedy shows, and folk music.
What's There Now
The Garrick Cinema and the Cafe Au Go Go buildings are no longer there. They were taken down in the 1970s. Today, at 152 Bleecker Street, there is an apartment building. There is also a Capital One bank branch on the ground floor.
See also
- Bleecker Street Cinema – nearby at 144 Bleecker Street (1960–1991)
- 55th Street Playhouse – another theater showing Warhol films
- List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets
- National Register of Historic Places listings in New York County, New York
- The Factory – several blocks north of Garrick Cinema
