8BC
| Location | Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
|---|---|
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| Owner | Cornelius Conboy Dennis Gattra |
| Type | Nightclub, Art gallery |
| Genre(s) | Punk Contemporary art |
| Opened | October 31, 1983 |
| Closed | October 22, 1985 |
8BC was a nightclub, performance space, and art gallery located in the East Village neighborhood of New York, New York. Founded in 1983, the space was closed by 1985.[1]
Contents
History
In 1980 co-founder Cornelius Conboy purchased the building with the intentions of opening a theatre. During his time working on Theatre Row, Conboy became aware of the lack of experimental performance support in the area. He came across the space, a former farmhouse,[2] in an area described as "Little Dresden" due to the large quantity of burnt out and abandoned buildings. Eventually, he decided to open a performance-oriented club space, intending to create a casual environment without the restraints of sitting in a theater environment. Dennis Gattra was co-partner; a member of a traveling circus and road manager for The Flying Karamazov Brothers.[3]
The space opened on October 31, 1983 with Ucci's Circus Romanus; a four-hour variety show.[2] The small space had a capacity of 200 people and a very large stage, which was longer than the main room of the club, and allowed for large performances. Large murals decorated the exterior and interior, and rotating exhibitions were held showcasing local and regional artists. The space relied solely on cover charge and bar sales, paying its performers a percentage of the admission revenues.[3] The space was awarded a Bessie Award for their contributions to the local art community in 1985. That year the space was closed due to improper zoning use. The closure made the front page of the New York Times on October 28, 1985. In 1999 the Smithsonian Institution's request that archives from the club be donated was granted and items have appeared in related exhibitions at their physical facility in Washington D.C. as well as online in their Archives of American Art.[citation needed]
Performers
During its first year the space showcased over 650 performances ranging from punk rock bands to cultural performances such as Japanese Buto. Notable performers include: Karen Finley, Steve Buscemi, John Zorn, They Might Be Giants, Leisure Class, Ethyl Eichelberger, Holly Hughes, Charles Busch, Rhys Chatham, XS: The Opera Opus,[3] and the Wayfarers.
In popular culture
8BC is mentioned in the song "La Vie Bohème" in the musical RENT.
References
Notes
Bibliography
- Adler, Norma. "Jo Andres' "Liquid TV" at 8BC." The Drama Review 29. 1 (1985): 36-38.
- McCormick, Carlo, Marvin J. Taylor, Lynn Gumpert, et al. The Downtown Book: The New York Art Scene 1974-1984. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2005. ISBN 0-691-12286-5
- McCormick, Carlo & Walter Robinson. "Slouching Toward Avenue D." Art in America 72. 6 (1984): 138, 158.
