Gerde's Folk City facts for kids

Gerdes Folk City, sometimes spelled Gerde's Folk City, was a famous music club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City. It was first a restaurant called Gerdes, owned by Mike Porco. Soon, it started having live music. The club opened at 11 West 4th Street and later moved to 130 West 3rd Street in 1970. It closed its doors in 1987.

On January 26, 1960, Gerdes became a music spot called The Fifth Peg. This was a partnership with Izzy Young from the Folklore Center. The first performers were gospel folk singer Brother John Sellars and Ed McCurdy. Mike Porco and Izzy Young later disagreed. So, on June 1, 1960, Gerdes Folk City officially opened. Its first show featured folk singers Carolyn Hester and Logan English. Soon, Logan English and folk fan Charlie Rothschild (who later managed Judy Collins) booked the acts.

Gerdes Folk City quickly became one of the most important music places of its time. It helped start the careers of many famous musicians, from Bob Dylan to Sonic Youth. It showcased many music styles, like folk and alternative rock. It was one of the most influential American music clubs. Sadly, it closed in 1987 because it lost its lease. Rolling Stone magazine once called Folk City one of the top three music venues in the world. The others were The Cavern and CBGB.

History of Gerdes Folk City

Folk City officially opened on January 26, 1960, in Greenwich Village. It became a hub for many music styles. These included folk music, rock 'n' roll, folk rock, punk, blues, and alternative rock. It brought artists like Pete Seeger and 10,000 Maniacs to the world. Singer and poet Logan English and Carolyn Hester performed on the opening night.

Many musicians who shaped modern music played there. These included The Weavers, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, Judy Collins, and Rev. Gary Davis. Doc Watson played his first solo show at Gerdes. It was even recorded as Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City. Simon & Garfunkel and Peter, Paul & Mary performed early in their careers at Gerdes. Peter, Paul & Mary's first official show as a trio was at Folk City.

Bob Dylan's Early Days

Bob Dylan played his first professional show there on April 11, 1961. He opened for John Lee Hooker. Logan English helped Dylan get this first chance. Logan's wife, Barbara Shutner, shared the story:

My husband Logan English and I met Bob Dylan at Bob and Sid Gleason's house. One night, Woody [Guthrie] told this kid on the couch to "Play something." The kid was Bob Dylan, and he sang beautifully. So Logan said, "I work at Gerde's as the MC. We'll get you to play there." That Monday night, Bob came and did his first set.

A review of Dylan's September 29, 1961, show appeared in The New York Times. It was written by Robert Shelton. After this review, Dylan's fame grew. Gerdes was also where Bob Dylan first performed "Blowin' in the Wind." It was also the place where Joan Baez and Dylan met for the first time. On October 23, 1975, Dylan's Rolling Thunder Revue held a practice and their first real concert there. This was for Mike Porco's 61st birthday. The Revue started its national tour a week later.

In May 1976, folk legend Bob Gibson and his manager Doug Yeager held a special week-long event. It honored Mike Porco and Folk City. More than thirty of the club's early star performers came to celebrate. Folk City was where many folk-rock artists of the 1960s and singer-songwriters of the 1970s started. Future stars like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Mamas and The Papas, the Byrds, The Lovin' Spoonful, the Youngbloods, Emmylou Harris (who also worked there), Joni Mitchell, Phoebe Snow, and Loudon Wainwright III played there.

New Ownership and New Sounds

In 1978, Robbie Woliver, Marilyn Lash, and Joseph Hillesum started booking acts. They officially bought the club from Mike Porco in 1980. Under its new owners, Folk City had a fresh start. It brought back folk legends like Odetta, Arlo Guthrie, Ewan MacColl, Eric Andersen, and The Band. It also welcomed new singer-songwriters. The club expanded its music to include more rock, especially alternative music.

Artists like Richard Thompson, Pentangle, Elvis Costello, Sonic Youth, The Bongos, Yo La Tengo, the Replacements, and 10,000 Maniacs played there. A new group of singer-songwriters also found a home at Folk City. These included Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, and Lucinda Williams.

Comedy at Folk City

Folk City wasn't just for music. Comedians also performed there throughout its history. Many comic actors and comedians got their start at the club. These included Martin Mull, Andy Kaufman, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kathy Kinney, Carol Leifer, Richard Lewis, Mary Kay Place, Larry David, Jim Belushi, and Steve Buscemi.

Actress and comedian Jane Brucker helped make improv and comedy popular. She introduced new acts like Adam Sandler and Kathy Kinney. Actor and director Matt Mitler created "Theater Night at Folk City." Here, performer Fran Maya introduced Steve Buscemi and Mark Boone Jr.. They became popular regulars. Other artists who performed on "Theater Night" included John Kelly and David Cale.

The 1980s Revival

In the 1980s, the club had another exciting period. It featured a new generation of singer-songwriters. It also expanded its music to include more rock. This was thanks to its alternative Wednesday night series called "Music For Dozens." This series featured David Johansen, Sonic Youth, Yo La Tengo, Alex Chilton, the Minutemen, The Smithereens, Violent Femmes, The Replacements, and 10,000 Maniacs.

New singer-songwriters like Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, and Lucinda Williams also found a place at Folk City. In 1982, Kevin F King and the Seven Letters performed in one of the final "Best of the Songwriters Series."

In 1985, the club held a special 25th Anniversary Concert. It was part of the NYC Pier Summer Concerts and sold out quickly. The club lost its lease and closed in 1987. This happened at the peak of its popularity.

However, the former owners have continued to produce Folk City concerts. They feature artists who played at the club and new rising stars. A musical play called Folk City was also created. It is based on the club's history and a book by Robbie Woliver. The play won many awards.

Performers at Gerdes Folk City

Gerde's hosted performances by many artists, including:

Recordings from Gerdes Folk City

Some live albums recorded at Gerde's Folk City include:

• Reverend Gary Davis at Gerde's Folk City, February 1962
• Big Joe Williams at Folk City, February 26, 1962
• Doc Watson at Gerdes Folk City
• Jean Ritchie and Doc Watson at Gerde's Folk City, 1963
• Richard Thompson – Small Town Romance