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This concert history of the Cafe Au Go Go is the result of three decades of research and interview work by Bruno Ceriotti, but without the significant contributions by other kindred spirits this gig list would not have been possible. So, I would like to thank all the people who, in one form or another, contributed to this timeline: Debbie Goodman, Corry Arnold, Marc Skobac, Deena Canale, Christopher Hjort, Al Kooper, Steve Katz, Richard Lewis, Greg Russo, Charles Urlich, John Einarson, Richie Furay, Stephen Stills, Barry Drake, Billboard, Village Voice, Variety, Rolling Stone, and The East Village Other.
Friday, February 7 - Sunday, March 15, 1964: Professor Irwin Corey
Professor Irwin Corey is an American comic, film actor and left-wing political activist, who is often billed as 'The World’s Foremost Authority'. Lenny Bruce once described Corey as "one of the most brilliant comedians of all time”. From February 7 to March 15, Corey introduced his unscripted, improvisational style of stand-up comedy at the newly born Cafe Au Go Go, a coffeehouse with room for 300 to 400 people (very large by coffeehouse standards), owned by the great late Howard Solomon and his lovely wife Elly, and localed in the basement of 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York.
Tuesday, March 17 - Sunday, March 22, 1964: Grecco and Willard, Vikings Three
American comics and film actors Vic Grecco and Fred Willard formed a comedy act that was funny and successful enough to earn them an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show and a week of shows at the Cafe au Go Go. The Vikings Three were a popular Florida folk group.
Wednesday, March 25 - Sunday, March 29, 1964: Josh White Jr.
Josh White Jr. is a successful American singer, songwriter, guitarist, actor, educator and social activist, since the age of four, when he began performing with his legendary father Josh White senior.
Tuesday, March 31 - Tuesday, April 7, 1964: Lenny Bruce, Shawn Phillips, Tony Hendra and Nick Ullett
Alfred Schneider, better known by the stage name Lenny Bruce, was a Jewish-American comedian, social critic and satirist. Shawn Phillips is a famous American folk-rock singer, songwriter and guitarist. Tony Hendra is an English satirist and writer that in 1964 moved to America, where he worked as a comedian, sometimes teamed with English comic actor Nick Ullett. Lenny Bruce was arrested before the 10am show on Friday, April 3, and again on Tuesday, April 7. On both occasions, he was arrested after leaving the stage, by an undercover police detectives in the audience. The complaints were pertaining to his use of various “obscenities”. A three-judge panel presided over his widely publicized six-month trial, prosecuted by Asst. Manhattan D.A. Richard Kuh, with Bruce and Cafe au Go Go’s co-owner Howard Solomon both found guilty of obscenity on Wednesday, November 4, 1964. The conviction was announced despite positive testimony and petitions of support from, among other artists, writers and educators, Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, Jules Feiffer, Allen Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, William Styron and James Baldwin, and Manhattan journalist and television personality Dorothy Kilgallen and sociologist Herbert Gans. Bruce was sentenced on Monday, December 21, 1964, to four months in a workhouse; he was set free on bail during the appeals process and died before the appeal was decided. Howard Solomon later saw his convinction overturned. Bruce, who died before the decision, never had his conviction stricken in his lifetime. On Tuesday, December 23, 2003, thirthy-seven years after his death, Bruce received a full posthumous gubernatorial pardon for his obscenity conviction by New York Governor George Pataki, following a petition filed by Ronald Collins and David Skover with Robert Corn-Revere as counsel. The petition having been signed by several stars such as Robin Williams. It was the first posthumous pardon in New Yok state history. Pataki said his act was “a declaration of New York’s commitment to upholding the First Amendment”.
Monday, April 6, 1964: Jazz on Monday with Helen Merrill, Mike Zwerin Quartet
Helen Merrill is an American jazz singer. Mike Zwerin was an American jazz musician.
Friday, April 10 - Saturday, April 11, 1964: Lionel Shepard
Lionel Shepard is an off-Broadway actor, director and playwright.
Monday, April 13 - Thursday, April 16, 1964: Professor Irwin Corey, Tony Hendra and Nick Ullett
Friday, April 17 - Monday, April 20, 1964: Jimmy Witherspoon
Jimmy Witherspoon is a famous American jump blues singer, who is often billed as 'King Of The Blues'.
Tuesday, April 21 - Sunday, May 3, 1964: Jimmy Witherspoon, Coleridge Parkinson Trio
Coleridge Parkinson is an American composer, pianist and conductor.
Friday, May 8 - Wednesday, May 27, 1964: The New Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto, The Comedy of Adam Keefe, George Carlin, Selma Marcus, Toby Reynolds
Stan Getz was a legendary American jazz saxophone player and his then girlfriend Astrud Gilberto is a Brazilian samba and bossa nova singer, well know for the Grammy Award winning song 'The Girl From Ipanema'. Adam Keefe was an American comic and film actor. George Carlin was a legendary American stand-up comedian, social critic, actor and author, who won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums. Selma Marcus is a Broadway actress. Toby Reynolds is a comedian. On Friday night, May 22, Stan Getz’s performance was recorded for his 1964’s album: 'Getz Au Go Go' (Verve V/V6 8600).
Thursday, May 28, 1964: The New Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto, Ben Webster
Ben Webster was an influential American jazz tenor saxophonist.
Friday, May 29 - Sunday, May 31, 1964: The New Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto
Tuesday, June 2 - Wednesday, June 3, 1964: Bob Gibson, José Feliciano, George Carlin
Bob Gibson was a folk singer who led a folk music revival in the late 1950s and early 1960s. José Feliciano was a famous blind Puerto Rican singer, virtuoso guitarist and composer.
Thursday, June 4 - Wednesday, June 10, 1964: Bob Gibson, José Feliciano
Thursday, June 11 - Friday, June 12, 1964: Bob Gibson
Sunday, June 14, 1964: Benny Powell Quartet
Benny Powell was an American jazz trombonist.
Tuesday, June 16 - Sunday, July 12, 1964: Mort Sahl
Mort Sahl is a Canadian comedian and actor. He was on the cover of Time magazine in 1960 where they called him 'the patriarch of a new school of comedians'.
Tuesday, July 14 - Wednesday, July 22, 1964: Vaughn Meader, Toby Reynolds, Eduardo Sasson
Vaughn Meader was an American comedian and impersonator whose achievemet of fame with 'The First Family' album spoofing President John F. Kennedy was equalled only by his obscurity after Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.
Thursday, July 23 - Saturday, July 25, 1964: Vaughn Meader, Toby Reynolds, Eduardo Sasson, The Mandrell Singers
Eduardo Sasson is a singer. The Mandrell Singers were a New York folk group.
Monday, July 27 - Tuesday, August 4, 1964: George Carlin, Toby Reynolds, Eduardo Sasson
Monday night, July 27, was billed as 'Ed McCurdy’s Hootenanny'.
Wednesday, August 5 - Wednesday, August 12, 1964: Vaughn Meader
Thursday, August 13 - Wednesday, September 2, 1964: Vaughn Meader, The Au Go Go Singers
The Au Go Go Singers was a New York folk group managed by Howard Solomon (he gave them that name, of course!), which included future Buffalo Springfield’s members Stephen Stills and Richie Furay, both on vocals and acoustic guitar. A review of the group’s set appeared in the November 4th edition of Variety, a popular American weekly entertainment-trade magazine.
Thursday, September 3 - Wednesday, September 9, 1964: Bill Evans Trio, Nancy Harrow, George Carlin
Bill Evans was a legendary American jazz pianist. Nancy Harrow is an American jazz singer and songwriter.
Thursday, September 10 - Sunday, September 27, 1964: Bill Evans Trio
Tuesday, September 29 - Sunday, October 18, 1964: Bill Evans Trio, Oscar Brown Jr., Stan Getz (6 only)
Oscar Brown Jr. was an American singer, songwriter, playwright, poet, civc rights activist, and actor. He ran for office in the Illinois state legislatre and U.S. Congress, both unsuccessfully.
Tuesday, October 20 - Sunday, November 8, 1964: Vaughn Meader’s The Populace featuring Renee Taylor
Renee Taylor is an American comedienne actress featuring in Vaughn Meader’s revue 'The Populace'.
Monday, November 9, 1964: Alison Knowles
Alison Knowles is an American visual artist known for her soundworks, installations, performances, and publications. Knowles was very active in the Fluxus movement, and continues to create work inspired by her Fluxus experience.
Thursday, November 12, 1964: Anita Sheer, Adam Keefe, Lydia Wood
Anita Sheer was an American singer, pianist, acoustic guitarist, songwriter and theatre director. Lydia Wood is an American singer and songwriter.
Saturday, November 14, 1964: Alison Knowles
Tuesday, November 17 - Sunday, November 22, 1964: Muddy Waters and his Blues Band featuring Otis Spann
Muddy Waters was an American blues musician, generally considered the 'father of modern Chicago blues'. A major inspiration for the British Blues explosion in the 1960s, Muddy was ranked #17 in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the '100 Greatest Artists Of All Time'. His long-time musical partner Otis Spann was an American blues pianist, generally considered the 'leading post-war Chicago blues pianist'.
Tuesday, November 24 - Wednesday, December 2, 1964: Olatunji
Babatunde Olatunji was a Nigerian drummer, educator, social activist and recording artist.
Thursday, December 3 - Sunday, December 6, 1964: Clara Ward Singers, Olatunji
Clara Ward was an American gospel singer and arranger who achieved great success in the 1940s and 1950s as leader of the Clara Ward Singers.
Tuesday, December 8 - Thursday, December 31, 1964: Oscar Brown Jr. with The Floyd Morris Trio
Oscar Brown Jr. returned at the Cafe Au Go Go, this time backed up by a trio led by American jazz pianist Floyd Morris.
Thursday, January 21 - Sunday, January 24, 1965: Shunna Pillay, Dave Astor, Olatunji
Shunna Pillay is a South African singer and former Miriam Makeba’s husband. Dave Astor is an American comedian.
Monday, January 25, 1965: Monday Night Letter with Emmett Williams
A series of happenings events and music presenting the works of American poet and visual artist Emmett Williams.
Tuesday, January 26 - Saturday, February 6, 1965: Shunna Pillay, George Carlin, Olatunji (29-30 only)
Sunday, February 7, 1965: Teddy Charles Quintet, Ray Bryant Trio
Breakfast show from 3:00am to 7:00am. Teddy Charles is an American jazz pianist, drummer and vibraphonist. Ray Bryant was an American jazz pianist and composer.
Sunday, February 7, 1965: Coleman Hawkins, John Coats Jr.
Coleman Hawkins was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. John Coats Jr. is an American jazz pianist.
Monday, February 8 - Thursday, February 18, 1965: Shunna Pillay, Olatunji
Sunday, February 14, 1965: Coleman Hawkins Quintet, John Coats Jr. Trio
Breakfast show from 3:00am to 7:00am.
Monday, February 15, 1965: The Legend Of Charlie Parker
Howard and Elly Solomon screening the film The Legend Of Charlie Parker, to commemorate the great late American jazz saxophonist and composer Charlie 'Bird' Parker, aka The King of Bebop, in the (almost) 10th anniversary of his death, occurring on Saturday, March 12, 1955.
Friday, February 19 - Monday, February 22, 1965: Woody Herman and his Swinging Herd, The Bomb and Swing
Woody Herman was an American jazz clarinetist, alto and soprano saxophonist, singer, and big band leader. Leading various groups called The Herd, Herman was one of the most popular of the 1930s and 1940s bandleaders. His bands often played music that was experimental for their time.
Thursday, February 25 - Monday, March 1, 1965: Shunna Pillay
Tuesday, March 2 - Sunday, March 7, 1965: Shunna Pillay, The Legend of Charlie Parker with Jim Mendenhall, Paula Shaw and others
Howard and Elly Solomon screening again, every night, the film The Legend Of Charlie Parker, to commemorate the (almost) 10th Anniversary of Charlie Parker's death. Jim Mendenhall and Paula Shaw were two actors that, supposedly, should starring in the film.
Tuesday, March 9 - Sunday, March 21, 1965: Cannonball Adderley Sextet featuring Nat Adderley and Charles Lloyd, The Shirley Horn Trio
Cannonball Adderley was a legendary American jazz alto saxophonist of the hard-bop era of the 1950s and 1960s. His younger brother Nat Adderley was an American jazz cornetist and a longtime member of his band. Charles Lloyd is a legendary American jazz tenor saxophonist and flautist, that in 1964 left Chico Hamilton’s group to play with Cannonball Adderley Sextet. Shirley Horn was an American jazz singer and pianist.
Sunday, March 14, 1965: A Tribute to the Memory of Charlie Parker with Jackie McClean, Lee Konitz, Hank Mobley, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Blue Mitchell, Barry Harris, Walter Davis Jr., John Ore, Bob Cranshaw, Clifford Jarvis, Benny Powell, Andrew Hill, Lucky Thompson, Richard Williams, Kenny Burrell, Betty Carter, Frankie Dunlop and Maletta, Alan Grant (MC), Billy Taylor (MC), plus many guest stars
Howard and Elly Solomon held another night to commemorate the (almost) 10th Anniversary of Charlie Parker's death, this time with a terrific collective jam session of some of the best American jazz musicians of the time. Alan Grant and Billy Taylor were the master of cerimonies.
Thursday, March 18, 1965: Chico Hamilton
Chico Hamilton is an American jazz drummer and bandleader.
Saturday, March 20, 1965: Cannonball Adderley, Chico Hamilton
Wednesday, March 24 - Wednesday, March 31, 1965: Lord Burgess
Lord Burgess is an American songwriter.
Thursday, April 1 - Sunday, April 4, 1965: Lord Burgess, Olatunji
Monday, April 5 - Sunday, April 11, 1965: Lord Burgess, The Au Go Go Singers
The Au Go Go Singers disbanded right after these shows, after an argument over fees and tour expenses ensued between the group and their manager Howard Solomon. The group received $500 per week from Solomon, and from that each of ten members had to pay meals, laundry, and travel expenses. Consequently, there was no money left. So, the group splitting from Solomon and the latter yelling and cussing: “I’ll ruin you guys, you’ll never sing in New York again!”
Thursday, April 15 - Saturday, April 17, 1965: Chico Hamilton, Luis Enrique Bossanova, Adam Keefe, Robert Baker
Luis Enrique is a latin singer. Robert Baker was an American actor.
Wednesday, April 21 - Monday, April 26, 1965: Stan Getz Quartet
Tuesday, April 27 - Sunday, May 23, 1965: Max Roach Quintet, Abbey Lincoln
Max Roach was an American jazz percussionist, drummer and composter. Abbey Lincoln was a jazz vocalist, songwriter, and actress.
Wednesday, June 16 - Tuesday, June 22, 1965: Monti Rock III, Lester Young and His Discotheques
Monti Rock III is a flamboyant American musicians and performer. Lester Young is a famous New York deejay.
Wednesday, June 23 - Wednesday, June 30, 1965: Monti Rock III, Richard Pryor, Lester Young and His Go Go Discotheques
Richard Pryor was an American stand-up comedian, actor, social critic, writer and MC. He’s listed at #1 on Comedy Central television newtork’s list of the 'All Time Greatest Stand-Up Comedians'.
Thursday, July 1 - Saturday, July 10, 1965: Ian and Sylvia
Ian (Tyson) and Sylvia (Fricker) were a famous Canadian folk and country music duo.
Tuesday, July 13 - Sunday, July 18, 1965: Bob Gibson
Monday, July 19, 1965: Bob Gibson, Alison Knowles, Eric Andersen, Albert Fine
Eric Andersen is a famous American folk singer and songwriter. Albert Fine was a Julliard trained composer, artist, and poet, whose compositions ranged from instrumental works to incidental music to off-Broadway theatre.
Tuesday, July 20 - Sunday, July 25, 1965: Bob Gibson, John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker was a legendary American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
Tuesday, July 27 - Sunday, August 1, 1965: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Bob Gibson, Barbara Dane, Chambers Brothers
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band was a legendary Chicago multi-racial electric blues band, which included the great late singer and harmonica player Paul Butterfield and the great late lead guitarist Michael Bloomfield. Elektra Records, the band’s label, decided to record the band live and booked them at the Cafe au Go Go. However, the recordings were not successful, but the band made a splash in the Village anyway. Barbara Dane is an American folk, blues and jazz singer. The Chambers Brothers is a famous soul-music group.
Tuesday, August 3 - Tuesday, August 24, 1965: Oscar Brown Jr.
Wednesday, August 25 - Monday, August 30, 1965: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Oscar Brown Jr.
Wednesday, September 1 - Saturday, September 4, 1965: Butterfield Blues Band, Oscar Brown Jr., John Hammond Jr.
John Hammond Jr. is an American blues singer and guitarist. His father was the legendary record producer and talent scout John Hammond senior.
Sunday, September 5 , 1965: Oscar Brown Jr., John Hammond Jr.
Monday, September 6 - Sunday, September 12, 1965: The First New York Blues Project with Paul Butterfield Blues Band, John Hammond Jr., Little John Trio
Tuesday, September 14 - Thursday, September 23, 1965: The Seventh Sons
The Seventh Sons was a local raga-rock group led by famous singer, guitarist and vibraphonist Buzzy Linhart.
Saturday, September 18, 1965: John Hammond Jr., Jim and Jean, David Blue, Eric Andersen, The Seventh Sons
David Blue was a famous local folksinger and actor. Jim (Glover) and Jean (Ray) were an American folk music duo.
Friday, September 24 - Saturday, September 25, 1965: The Seventh Sons, David Blue, Jim and Jean
Sunday, September 26 - Thursday, September 30, 1965: The Seventh Sons
Monday, October 4, 1965: Nam June Paik and Electronic Video Recorder (an Experimental Film)
Nam June Paik was a legendary Korean-born American artist. He worked with a variety of media and is considered to be the first 'video artist'. Paik is credited with an early usage (1974) of the term 'super highway' in application to telecommunications.
Tuesday, October 5 - Sunday, October 10, 1965: Luiz Bonfà
Luiz Bonfà was a Brazilian guitarist and composer best known for the compositions he penned for the film Black Orpheus.
Monday, October 11, 1965: Nam June Paik and Electronic Video Recorder (an Experimental Film)
Tuesday, October 26, 1965: Jacqueline Carol, Louis St. Louis, David Brooks, Ralph Mauro, Lilly Tomlin
Jacqueline Carol is an American actress. Louis St. Louis is an American actor. David Brooks was an American actor, singer, director, and producer. Ralph Mauro is an American actor. Lilly Tomlin is a famous American actress, comedienne, writer and producer. Her career has spanned television, comedy recordings, Broadway, and motion pictures, enjoying acclaimed success in each medium. She has won many awards including Tony Awards, Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award, and has also been nominated for an Academy Award.
Monday, November 8, 1965: Happening with Cosugi, Shigeko and Moorman
Shigeko Kubota is a famous Japan-born American visual and performance artist, and vice chairman of the Fluxus Organization. She was married with another member of that movement, Nam June Paik, who had already performed at the Cafe Au Go Go a month earlier. Charlotte Moorman was an America cellist and performance artist, who was involved in the Fluxus Organization with Shigeko Kubota. Cosugi is unknown to me but, supposedly, she was another performance artist involved in the Fluxus Organization.
Tuesday, November 9 - Sunday, November 21, 1965: The Blues Project, Richard Pryor
The Blues Project were a legendary local electric blues band led by famous folksinger and guitarist Danny Kalb, and which also included future Blood, Sweat and Tears’ members Al Kooper and Steve Katz, on organ and guitar respectively, future Seatrain’s members Andy Kulberg and Roy Blumenfeld, on bass and drums respectively, and Tommy Flanders on lead vocals.
Monday, November 15, 1965: Happening with Cosugi, Shigeko and Moorman
Monday, November 22, 1965: Happening with Larry Loonin, Woody Kling and Alison Knowles
Larry Loonin is an American theater director, playwright and actor. Woody King was an American television writer, producer, playwright, and composer.
Wednesday, November 24 - Saturday, November 27, 1965: Blues Bag with The Blues Project, Big Joe Williams, Judy Roderick, David Blue, Son House, Bukka White, Skip James, Eric Andersen, John Hammond Jr., John Lee Hooker, Geoff Muldaur, The Seventh Sons, T. Bone Walker, Izzy Young M.C. and great Surprise Guests
Verve Records, the Blues Project’s label, had the idea of recording the band live at their 'house', the Cafe au Go Go, and several tracks from the band's debut album, 'Live At The Cafe Au Go Go Featuring Tommy Flanders' (Verve-Folkways FV 9024) were recorded at these shows. To justify the project, they had a sort of 'blues festival' and recorded all the acts, which included legendaries American blues singers, guitarists and songwriters such as Big John Williams, Son House, Bukka White, Skip James, John Lee Hooker and T. Bone Walker, and also local folk and blues singers such as Judy Roderick, David Blue, Eric Andersen, John Hammond Jr., Geoff Muldaur and, last but not the least, local raga-rock group the Seventh Sons. Famous American folk historian Izzy Young was the master of cerimonies for these shows. The performances of Bukka White, Son House, Big Joe Williams and Skip James, also recorded as we said above, were later released all together in the 1967’s album, 'Living Legends' (Verve-Folkways FTS-3010).
Wednesday, December 1 - Thursday, December 2, 1965: The Blues Project and Workshop
I’m not sure exactly what was meant by 'Workshop', but I assume it was along the lines of events held at folk festivals, where musicians demostrated specific styles or techniques.
Friday, December 3 - Sunday, December 5, 1965: Shoshana Damari
Shoshana Damari was a Yemenite-Israeli singer known as the 'Queen of Hebrew Music'.
Friday, December 10, 1965: Harlot (film)
Andy Warhol’s new film Harlot premiered at the Cafe Au Go Go tonight.
Friday, December 10 - Saturday, December 11, 1965: The Fugs, Richie Havens, The New Group
The Fugs were a legendary local satirical and self-satirizing rock band led by famous beat poets Ed Sanders and Tuli Kupferberg. Richie Havens is a famous American folksinger and songwriter, best known for his opening performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. The New Group is unknown to me.
Tuesday, December 14 - Thursday, December 16, 1965: The Fugs, Richie Havens
Friday, December 17 - Sunday, December 26, 1965: The Blues Project, The Fugs, David Blue
Tuesday, December 28, 1965 - Sunday, January 2, 1966: Orbit In Orbit: Holiday Blues Bag with The Blues Project, Beverly Ann Gibson, Nate Edmonds, George Wilson, J.D. Brown, Little Gerry Griffin, Stan Green, The Vilons, Leo Wright & The El-Jays
Beverly Ann Gibson is an American soul singer. Nate Edmonds is a famous American organist, pianist, writer, arranger and producer. George Wilson is an American folksinger and multi-instrumental virtuoso. J.D. Brown was an American rhythm ‘n’ blues singer. Little Gerry Griffin and Stan Green are unknown to me. The Vilons and Leo Wright & The El-Jays were an Americans doo-woop groups.
Friday, January 14 - Friday, January 28, 1966: Oscar Brown Jr.
Saturday, January 29 - Sunday, January 30, 1966: The Blues Project, Oscar Brown Jr.
Verve Records, the Blues Project’s label, had the idea of recording the band live at their 'house', the Cafe Au Go Go, and several tracks from the band's debut album, 'Live At The Cafe Au Go Go Featuring Tommy Flanders' (Verve-Folkways FV 9024) were recorded at these shows.
Monday, January 31, 1966: The Blues Project, Fred Neil
Fred Neil was a famous New York folksinger and songwriter. He was later managed by Howard Solomon, who also built a cabin for him in Woodstock.
Tuesday, February 1 - Sunday, February 6, 1966: The Blues Project, Fred Neil, Judy Roderick
Monday, February 7 - Sunday, February 13, 1966: The Blues Project, Fred Neil, Judy Roderick, Richie Havens
Tuesday, March 15 - Sunday, March 27, 1966: The Blues Project, Richie Havens, The Myddle Class, The Seventh Sons (19 only)
The Myddle Class was a New Jersey rock group.
Friday, April 1 - Monday, April 11, 1966: The Blues Project, Richie Havens
Sunday, May 1 - Sunday, May 8, 1966: Jim Kweskin Jug Band, The Youngbloods
The Jim Kweskin Jug Band and The Youngbloods were both famous Cambridge folk groups.
Friday, May 13 - Monday, May 23, 1966: Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, The Blues Project (19-21 only)
Friday, May 27 - Tuesday, May 31, 1966: Bo Diddley, The Blues Project, The Youngbloods
Bo Diddley was a legendary American rhythm ‘n’ blues vocalist, guitarist and songwriter.
Wednesday, June 1 - Thursday, June 2, 1966: Bo Diddley, The Blues Project
Friday, June 3 - Sunday, June 5, 1966: Bo Diddley, The Blues Project, Fred Neil
During Fred Neil’s lengthy stand (June 3-19), he was backed by a pick-up band whose membership, probabily rotating, included present and future famous musicians such as Al Kooper (organ or guitar), Harvey Brooks (bass), Felix Pappalardi (bass or guitar), John Sebastian (harp), Dino Valenti (guitar) and Karen Dalton (guitar).
Monday, June 6 - Sunday, June 19, 1966: The Blues Project, Fred Neil, The Youngbloods
Wednesday, June 29, 1966: The Youngbloods
Thursday, June 30, 1966: The Blues Project, The Youngbloods
Friday, July 1 - Sunday, July 10, 1966: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Blues Project (1-3 only), Big Joe Williams (1-3, only)
Sunday night, July 3, the show was closed with a jam session between members of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and the Blues Project.
Tuesday, July 12 - Sunday, July 17, 1966: The Pozo-Seco Singers, The Youngbloods
The Pozo-Seco Singers were an American folk trio.
Tuesday, July 19 - Sunday, July 24, 1966: Gordon Lightfoot, The Youngbloods
Gordon Lightfoot is a legendary Canadian folksinger and songwriter.
Wednesday, July 27 - Sunday, July 31, 1966: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, John Lee Hooker
Monday, August 1 - Sunday, August 7, 1966: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Pozo-Seco Singers, The Youngbloods
Monday, August 8 - Sunday, August 14, 1966: Muddy Waters, The Youngbloods
Tuesday, August 16 - Thursday, August 18, 1966: Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Jim and Jean
Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21, 1966: Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Jim and Jean
Saturday, August 27 - Sunday, September 4, 1966: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, John Lee Hooker
Tuesday night, August 30, John Lee Hooker performance (he was backed up by Muddy Waters and his band) was recorded for his 1967’s album, 'Live at Café au-Go-Go' (ABC-Bluesway LP 6002).
Tuesday, September 6 - Tuesday, September 13, 1966: Tim Hardin, The Times Square Two, John Hammond Jr., Ellen McIlwaine, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs
Tim Hardin was a famous American folksinger and songwriter. The Times Square Two were an extremely eccentric two-man act of ragtime folk music, comedy, acting and juggling, formed by Canadian singer, guitarist and performer Michel Choquette and British folksinger Peter Elbling. Ellen McIlwaine is and American singer-songwriter and musician best know for her career as a slide guitarist. Jerem Steig and the Satyrs were a local jazz-rock fusion group led by flautist Jeremy Steig. The not yet famous Jimi Hendrix, then known under the nom de plume of Jimi James backed up both John Hammond Jr. and Ellen McIlwaine for these shows, and also sometimes sat-in with Jeremy Steig and the Satyrs.
Thursday, September 15 - Thursday, September 22, 1966: Judy Roderick, The Times Square Two, John Hammond Jr. & The Blue Flame, Ellen McIlwaine, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs
The Blue Flame, John Hammond Jr.’s backing band for these shows, were actually Jimi James and the Blue Flames, a local blues-rock group led by singer and lead guitarist Jimi James (aka Jimi Hendrix), and which also featured another great late guitarist, Randy California, future leader of Spirit. However, Randy California sat out for Hammond Jr.’s sets because the latter didn’t need a 2nd guitarist for his performances. Also Jimi Hendrix backed up again Ellen McIlwaine for these shows and also sat-in again with Jeremy Steig and the Satyrs from time to time.
Friday, September 23 - Tuesday, September 27, 1966: The Blues Project, Junior Wells
Junior Wells was a famous American blues singer and harmonica player.
Wednesday, September 28 - Friday, September 30, 1966: The Blues Project, Larry Hankin
Larry Hankin is an American stand-up comedian, actor, performer, director and producer, that has also been nominated for an Academy Award.
Saturday, October 1 - Sunday, October 2, 1966: The Blues Project, Larry Hankin, The Times Square Two
Monday, October 3, 1966: The Blues Project, Larry Hankin, Phil Ochs, Judy Roderick, David Blue, Jim and Jean
Phil Ochs was a famous American folksinger and songwriter.
Tuesday, October 4 - Thursday, October 6, 1966: The Blues Project, Larry Hankin
Friday, October 7, 1966: The Blues Project, The Times Square Two
Sunday, October 9, 1966: The Blues Project, Eric Andersen, Judy Roderick, Jim and Jean
Tuesday, October 11 - Thursday, October 27, 1966: The Youngbloods, Patrick Sky (20 only)
Patrick Sky is an American folksinger and songwriter.
Friday, October 28 - Saturday, October 29, 1966: Judy Roderick, The Youngbloods
Sunday, October 30 - Sunday, November 6, 1966: The Youngbloods
Tuesday, November 8 - Sunday, November 20, 1966: Richard Pryor
Monday, November 21 - Monday, November 28, 1966: Blues Bag with The Blues Project, Big Joe Williams, Judy Roderick, Muddy Waters Blues Band, Otis Spann, John Lee Hoker, Richie Havens, Dave Van Ronk, David Blue
Dave Van Ronk was a famous New York folksinger.
Tuesday, November 29 - Wednesday, November 30, 1966: The Youngbloods
Thursday, December 1 - Friday, December 2, 1966: Lothar and the Hand People
Lothar and the Hand People was a famous American psychedelic rock band.
Saturday, December 3, 1966: The Youngbloods
Sunday, December 4 - Monday, December 5, 1966: Richard Pryor, Big Joe Williams, Lothar and the Hand People
Monday, December 5 - Sunday, December 11, 1966: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Richie Havens
Tuesday, December 13 - Sunday, December 18, 1966: Eric Andersen
Monday, December 19, 1966: The Blues Project
Tuesday, December 20 - Saturday, December 24, 1966: The Blues Project, Ian and Sylvia, Richie Havens
Monday, December 26, 1966 - Monday, January 9, 1967: Ian and Sylvia, Richie Havens
Tuesday, January 10 - Sunday, January 15, 1967: David Blue and The American Patrol, Richie Havens, Charles O’Hegarty, Peter Walker, Ellen McElwaine, Scott Fagan
Charles O’Hegarty was an American singer of the traditional songs of the sailors including shanties, songs of bravery and sentimental ballads by seafarers who had left their loved ones at home. Peter Walker is an American folk guitarist noted for dextrous instrumental pieces that reference the Indian classical and Spanish flamenco traditions. Scott Fagan is a New York folksinger and songwriter.
Friday, January 20 - Monday, January 23, 1967: Chicago Blues Bag with Charlie Musselwhite and The Barry Goldberg Blues Band, Richie Havens, David Blue and The American Patrol, Otis Rush Blues Band (22-23 only)
'Memphis Charlie' Musselwhite is a legendary American blues harmonica player and his long-time friend Barry Goldberg is another legendary American blues singer, keyboardist, producer and songwriter. Otis Rush is a famous American blues singer and guitarist.
Tuesday, January 24 - Tuesday, January 31, 1967: Howlin’ Wolf, The Siegel-Schwall Band, Richie Havens
Howlin’ Wolf was a legendary American blues singer, harmonica player and guitarist. The Siegel-Schwall Band is a famous American electric blues band.
Wednesday, February 1 - Sunday, February 5, 1967: Howlin’ Wolf, The Siegel-Schwall Band,
Monday, February 6, 1967: The Godz
The Godz were a local garage rock band.
Tuesday, February 7 - Sunday, February 12, 1967: Eric Andersen, Otis Spann, Moj Buford Blues Band
George 'Mojo' Buford is an American blues harmonica player, best known for his work in Muddy Waters’ band.
Monday, February 13 - Wednesday, February 15, 1967: Otis Rush and his Chicago Blues Band
Thursday, March 16 - Sunday, March 19, 1967: Jim Kweskin Jug Band
Tuesday, February 21 - Tuesday, February 28, 1967: Jefferson Airplane, Richie Havens
Jefferson Airplane was a legendary San Francisco psychedelic rock band.
Wednesday, March 1 - Saturday, March 4, 1967: Jefferson Airplane, The Paupers
The Paupers were a famous Canadian psychedelic rock band.
Sunday, March 5, 1967: Jefferson Airplane, The Paupers, Tim Buckley, Charles Lloyd Quintet
Tim Buckley was a legendary American folk-rock singer and songwriter.
Tuesday, March 7 - Wednesday, March 8, 1967: The Youngbloods
Thursday, March 9 - Sunday, March 12, 1967: The Youngbloods, Richie Havens, Tim Buckley
Monday, March 13, 1967: Richie Havens, Tim Buckley
Friday, March 17 - Friday, March 24, 1967: The Blues Project, The Gary Burton Quartet
Gary Burton is an American jazz vibraphonist. Burton’s quartet featured famous American jazz fusion guitarist Larry Coryell.
Thursday, March 23 - Monday, April 3, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention, Tim Buckley (23-29 only), Richie Havens (30-31, 1-3 only)
There was a small theatre above the Cafe Au Go Go, but at the same address on 152 Bleecker Street. Howard and Elly Solomon also bought this theatre, called Garrick Theatre, and started held shows there as well. The first artist to play at this new venue were the Mothers Of Invention, the legendary Los Angeles rock band led by the late music genius Frank Zappa.
Tuesday, March 28 - Sunday, April 9, 1967: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Gary Burton Quartet
Monday night show, April 3, was advertised as 'Butterfield Blues Band/The Cream JAM with Mike Bloomfield, Eric Clapton 8-4 am'. Michael Bloomfield had actually left the Butterfield Blues Band by this time, although its possible he was present, since he was known to be in town scouting talent for his next band (Electric Flag) around that time. 'Guitar God' Eric Clapton was also in town to play with Cream at the Murray The K Show and, based on the recollection of an eyewitness, he sat-in with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band; however, there was no reference to the rest of Cream or Michael Bloomfield. By the way, although not advertised, legendary Detroit rock singer Mitch Ryder also sat-in to jam with Clapton and Butterfield Blues Band that night.
Thursday, April 6 - Wednesday, April 19, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Tuesday, April 11 - Sunday, April 16, 1967: Jim Kweskin Jug Band
Tuesday, April 18 - Saturday, April 22, 1967: Ian and Sylvia
Monday, April 24 - Sunday, April 30, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Tuesday, April 25 - Thursday, April 27, 1967: Ian and Sylvia
Friday, April 28, 1967: Ian and Sylvia, The Paupers, Dave Van Ronk, Joe Beck Quartet
Joe Beck was an American jazz guitarist.
Saturday, April 29 - Sunday, April 30, 1967: The Paupers, Dave Van Ronk, Joe Beck Quartet
Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 7, 1967: Dave Van Ronk with Luke and The Apostles, Joe Beck Quartet
Luke and the Apostles, a famous Canadian folk rock group, backed up Dave Van Ronk for these shows.
Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 21, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention, The Joe Beck Jazz Ensemble and strings (18 only)
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Friday, May 12 - Sunday, May 14, 1967: Dave Van Ronk
Tuesday, May 16 - Sunday, May 21, 1967: Olatunji
Tuesday, May 23 - Sunday, May 28, 1967: Eric Andersen
Wednesday, May 24 - Wednesday, May 31, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Thursday, June 1 - Sunday, June 11, 1967: The Grateful Dead, Luke and The Apostles
The Grateful Dead were a legendary San Francisco psychedelic rock band.
Thursday, June 1 - Friday, June 30, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention, Eric Andersen (4 only), Luke and The Apostles (4 only)
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Monday, June 5, 1967: Jam Session
Monday, June 12, 1967: Jam Session
Tuesday, June 13 - Sunday, June 18, 1967: Richie Havens
Monday, June 19, 1967: Jam Session
Tuesday, June 20 - Sunday, June 25, 1967: Jesse “Lone Cat” Fuller
Jesse Fuller, nicknamed 'Lone Cat', was a famous American one-man band blues musician.
Monday, June 26, 1967: Jam Session
Monday, June 26 - Saturday, July 1, 1967: Paul Butterfield Blues Band
Saturday, July 1 - Tuesday, September 5, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention, Meredith Monk (only in July)
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go. Friday night, July 7, Jimi Hendrix and bassist Noel Redding of The Jimi Hendrix Experience were in the audience. Hendrix then return at the Garrick, this time with his other Experience’s bandmate drummer Mitch Mitchell, on July 21 or 22 or 23 (no one remember the exact day). Jimi and Mitch watched the show and at some point also sat-in to jam with Frank Zappa’s band. Also, in the month of July, American composer, performer, director, vocalist, bassist, drummer, filmmaker, and choreograper, Meredith Monk, opening some shows of the Mothers, backed by the Mothers’ electric organist Don Preston. One of Monk and Preston show was also recorded and a song titled 'Candy Bullets And Moon' was released as a one-side single that year, credited to Aunt Jamina and The United Pancakes (!!).
Sunday, July 2 - Saturday, July 15, 1967: Oscar Brown Jr. and Jean Pace, Johnny Robertson and The Young Brothers, The Stone Poynes (6 only), Tim Buckley (6 only)
Jean Pace was an American jazz singer and also Oscar Brown Jr.’s wife. Johnny Robertson and The Young Brothers are unknown to me. The Stone Poneys were a famous Los Angeles folk-rock trio led by legendary singer Linda Ronstadt.
Monday, July 3, 1967: Jam Session
Monday, July 10, 1967: Jam Session
Monday, July 17, 1967: Jam Session
Tuesday, July 18 - Thursday, July 20, 1967: Richie Havens, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs
Friday, July 21 - Sunday, July 23, 1967: The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Richie Havens, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs
Eric Clapton, in town for a summer break, jams with the Jimi Hendrix Experience one night.
Monday, July 24, 1967: Jam Session
Thursday, July 27 - Saturday, July 29, 1967: 'Al Kooper's Last U.S. Appearance', Al Kooper, Jack Adrews (27 only), plus many other guest artists
Al Kooper, former singer and organ player of the Blues Project, had decided to move to England and chose to throw a sort of benefit for himself at the Cafe Au Go Go, because he needed to raise money for a one-way ticket to London to start a solo career. He also decided to get a pickup band together for the gig and bring in his former bandmate Steve Katz on guitar, Bobby Colomby on drums, and Jim Fielder on bass. According to Kooper, his old pals Judy Collins, Eric Andersen and Paul Simon did a set on the first night of 27th. According to Steve Katz however, none of them actually showed up (an eyewitness called Richard Lewis also confirmed Katz’s version). Also according to Kooper, all the six shows (two each night) were sold-out. Also according to Katz however, only very few people actually showed up and maybe only the first night was sold-out. According to eyewitness Richard Lewis, Al Kooper came on and played two acoustic numbers before being joined by Steve Katz, Bobby Colomby and Jim Fielder. They played about eight songs, including 'I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know' and 'My Days Are Numbered', before finishing with 'I Can’t Quit Her', which Kooper dedicated to the Statue of Liberty. Anyway, eventually Kooper makes very little money from these three nights due to excessive expenses, so he gives up the idea of moving to London. Nonetheless, his pickip band sounds great and the they decide to add a horn section and form a band called Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Monday, July 31, 1967: Jam Session
Tuesday, August 1 - Sunday, August 6, 1967: Country Joe and The Fish, Eric Andersen
Country Joe and The Fish were a legendary Berkeley psychedelic rock band.
Monday , August 8 - Sunday, August 13, 1967: Eric Andersen, The Youngbloods
Wednesday, August 16 - Monday, September 4, 1967: The Blues Project, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs (16-20 only), The James Cotton Blues Band (23-27 only)
James Cotton is a legendary American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter. The Blues Project’s former member, Al Kooper, sat-in with his old band one night, and a video footage of them doing 'I Can’t Keep From Crying' exists.
Thursday, September 7 - Sunday, September 10, 1967: Ian and Sylvia
Monday, September 12 - Sunday, September 24, 1967: Tim Buckley, Canned Heat, B.B. King (15 only), Odetta (22-24 only)
Canned Heat is a legendary Los Angeles electric blues band. Odetta was a legendary American singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter, and a human rights activist, often referred as 'The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement'. B.B. King is a legendary American blues singer, guitarist and songwriter, that also ranked at #3 in the Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the '100 Greatest Guitarist of All Time'. After his final set on Friday night, September 15, B.B. King jams with guitarists Elvin Bishop and Eric Clapton, of Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Cream respectively. A photo of this historic jam session exists.
Tuesday, September 26 - Sunday, October 1, 1967: Cream, The Paupers, Richie Havens
Cream was a legendary British blues-rock trio formed by three of the greatest musicians of all time: Eric Clapton (guitar), Jack Bruce (bass, vocals) and Ginger Baker (drums).
Tuesday, October 3 - Sunday, October 8, 1967: Cream, Richie Havens
Wednesday, October 11 - Sunday, October 22, 1967: Eric Andersen, Larry Hankin, Chrysalis
Chrysalis were an American folk-rock group.
Thursday, October 26, 1967: Joni Mitchell, Ian and Sylvia
Joni Mitchell is a legendary Canadian folksinger and songwriter. His performance was filmed and video footage exists.
Saturday, October 28 - Thursday, November 2, 1967: Procol Harum
Procol Harum was a famous British psychedelic and progressive rock band. It seems the band played a private gig (for press and friends) before the shows started, which appears to have been on Friday, October 27.
Friday, November 17 - Sunday, November 19, 1967: Moby Grape, Larry Hankin, Blood, Sweat and Tears
Moby Grape was a famous San Francisco psychedelic rock group led by the great late guitarist Skip Spence. Blood, Sweat and Tears is a famous local jazz-rock band founded by Al Kooper and Steve Katz. For these shows, Blood, Sweat and Tears’ roadies constructed music stands for the horn players of the band, which Kooper calls "probably a first in rock."
Tuesday, November 21 - Sunday, November 26, 1967: The Blues Bag with Paul Butterfield Blues Band, James Cotton Blues Band, Richie Havens, Dave Van Ronk and The Hudson Dusters (23-24 only), Odetta (cancelled), Blood, Sweat and Tears (cancelled), Larry Hankin (MC), plus other great guest stars (apparently including Soft White Underbelly, and Muddy Waters both on, I guess, 24 only)
Thursday, November 30, 1967: Richie Havens, Larry Hankin, The Sidetrack
Friday, December 1 - Sunday, December 3, 1967: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Richie Havens (except 3rd), Larry Hankin, The Sidetrack
Tuesday, December 19 - Sunday, December 24, 1967: Clear Light, Richie Havens
Clear Light was a famous Los Angeles psychedelic group.
Monday, December 25 - Wednesday, December 27, 1967: Clear Light
Thursday, December 28 - Sunday, December 31, 1967: Tim Buckley, Clear Light
Thursday, January 4 - Sunday, January 7, 1968: B.B. King
Tuesday, January 9 - Sunday, January 21, 1968: John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Steve Miller Band (12-18 only)
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers were a legendary British electric blues band led by one of the 'fathers of the British Blues', singer and multi-instrumentalist John Mayall, and which also included future the Rolling Stones’ guitarist Mick Taylor and legendary jazz and blues saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith. The Steve Miller Band is a legendary Berkeley pychedelic blues band led by Steve Miller, one of the greatest guitarist of all time, and which also included famous singer Boz Scaggs.
Thursday, January 25 - Sunday, February 4, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears, James Cotton
Monday, February 5 - Tuesday, February 13, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears
Wednesday, February 14 - Sunday, February 18, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears, H.P. Lovecraft (14-16 only)
H.P. Lovercraft were a famous Chicago psychedelic blues rock band. They were scheduled to appear on February 17-18 too, but they finally cancelled. The reason was about the way the union contract would work in those days. Howard Solomon was supposed to give the band half of their money half way through their stand there. After the second night, February 15, the band’s roadie goes to get paid and Howard says, “What you talking about? We’re not paying you!”, and the band’s roadie says, “Wait, I’ve got a union contract here” and Howard says, “No, I’ve got your union contract right here”. The group was forced to contact their manager who flew in overnight from Chicago to try and smooth things over. The situation however, didn’t improve. The band played the first set the next night, February 16, and Howard again says, “No, I don’t pay for supporting bands. I don’t know who told you that. I’ve got a contract here and I’m not going to pay you”. So, the band basically stopped that third night, hafway through the gig, packed up and left and went back to Chicago. Also around that time, Eric Clapton was once again in New York (recording with Cream), hangs out again at the Cafe Au Go Go, and jams again with his idol B.B. King during an after hours.
Tuesday, February 27 - Sunday, March 3, 1968: Albert King
Albert King was a famous Chicago blues singer and guitarist.
Thursday, March 7 - Sunday, March 17, 1968: Electric Flag
Electric Flag was a famous Los Angeles-based blues, soul and rock group led by legendary guitarist Michael Bloomfield, and which also included some of the best musicians of that era such as singer Nick Gravenites, drummer Buddy Miles, bassist Harvey Brooks and organist Barry Goldberg. On Thursday night, March 14, there was a recorded jam, probably after hours, that put together a cast of stars such as: Jimi Hendrix (guitar), Elvin Bishop (guitar), Buddy Miles (drums), Harvey Brooks (bass), Phil Wilson (drums), James 'Jack' Tatum (sax), Herbie Rich (sax), Paul Butterfield (harp) and Al Kooper (organ).
Tuesday, March 19 - Sunday, March 24, 1968: Jim Kweskin Jug Band
Friday, March 29 - Saturday, March 30, 1968: United States Of America
The United States Of American was an American experimental rock and psychedelic band whose works are an example of early electronic music in rock n’roll.
Tuesday, April 2 - Sunday, April 7, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears
Tuesday, April 9 - Sunday, April 14, 1968: Ian and Sylvia, P.F. Sloan, The Sidetrack
P.F. Sloan is a famous American pop-rock singer, songwriter and producer.
Thursday, April 11 - Sunday, April 14, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Monday, April 15 - Wednesday, April 17, 1968: Steve Miller Band, Bunky and Jake
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go. Andrea 'Bunky' Skinner and Allan 'Jake' Jacobs were a local folk-rock duo.
Thursday, April 18 - Sunday, April 21, 1968: Steve Miller Band, Bunky and Jake
Thursday, April 25 - Monday, June 3, 1968: Collision Course ’12 plays’
The plays "previewed” beginning on Thursday, April 25, and officially opened on Wednesday, May 8.
Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 6, 1968: Canned Heat
Sunday, June 9, 1968: James Cotton
Tuesday, June 11 - Sunday, June 16, 1968: The Sidetrack, P.F. Sloan, Peter Walker
Tuesday, June 18 - Sunday, July 7, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears, James Cotton (28-29 only)
Monday, July 15 - Sunday, July 21, 1968: The Blues Project (aka Seatrain), Albert Ayler
Although a poster printed for these shows still billed them as the Blues Project for contractual reasons, the band at that time had changed his name to Seatrain (because only Roy Blumenfeld and Andy Kulberg remained of the old lineup) and in fact the new name was at least mentioned in the news. The abovementioned poster originally scheduled these shows from July 9 to 21, but according to a more contemporary news that appeared on The East Village Other dated July 12, the booking actually started on July 15. The opening act for these shows was Albert Ayler, an American avant-garde jazz saxophonist, singer and composer.
Tuesday, July 23 - Thursday, July 25, 1968: John Lee Hooker
Friday, July 26 - Saturday, July 27, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears, Albert Ayler
Friday, August 2 - Sunday, August 4, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears, Buzzy Linhart
Blood, Sweat and Tears’ performance on Friday, August 2, was recorded and two tracks, 'More and More' and 'Smiling Phases', were released posthumous in 2000, in the re-issued edition of the band’s self-titled 2nd album: 'Blood, Sweat and Tears' (Columbia Records).
Tuesday, August 6 - Saturday, August 10, 1968: Blues Magoos, Buzzy Linhart
The Blue Magoos were a famous New York psychedelic rock group.
Friday, August 23 - Sunday, August 25, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears
Wednesday, August 28 - Monday, September 2, 1968: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Buzzy Linhart
Friday, September 6 - Saturday, September 7, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears
Blood, Sweat and Tears’ performance on Friday, September 6, was recorded and later released posthumous as bootleg, 'Cafe Au Go Go New York City 6/9/68.'
Tuesday, September 10 - Sunday, September 15, 1968: The Nazz, The Wind In The Willows
The Nazz were a famous Philadelphia rock band led by legendary singer, guitarist, songwriter, and record producer Todd Rundgren. The Wind In The Willows were a New York folk-rock group led by future Blondie’s singer Debbie Harry.
Monday, September 16, 1968: Tyrannosaurus Rex
This appears not to be the legendary Marc Bolan’s band, but only an unknown American band with the same name.
Thursday, September 19 - Thursday, September 26, 1968: Rhinoceros, John Lee Hooker (20-21 only)
Rhinoceros were a famous Los Angeles rock band.
Friday, September 27 - Saturday, October 5, 1968: Rhinoceros, Tim Hardin, Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker (27-28 and 4-5 only), Billy Mitchel (27 only)
Tim Hardin was a famous American folksinger and songwriter. Van Morrison is a legendary Irish blues and rock singer, and songwriter. Billy Mitchel was a local acoustic guitarist, singer and songwriter.
Saturday, October 12 - Monday, October 14, 1968: Moby Grape, The Moke Eaters (play)
Tuesday, October 15 - Thursday, October 17, 1968: Moby Grape, The Apple Pie Motherhood Band
The Apple Pie Motherhood Band was an American rock band.
Wednesday, October 30 - Monday, November 4, 1968: Dino Valenti, The Nazz (November 1 only)
Dino Valenti was a legendary folksinger and songwriter, and also a future member of Quicksilver Messenger Service.
Tuesday, November 12 - Saturday, November 16, 1968: Ian and Sylvia
Tuesday, November 26 - Sunday, December 1, 1968: Blues Bag with The Mike Bloomfield Band featuring Al Kooper, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Colwell-Winfield Blues Band, Pacific Gas and Electric, Dave Van Ronk, Danny Kalb, Richie Havens, Patrick Sky, The Street, Howard Tate, Ultimate Spinach, Tommy Flanders, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, Noel Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Country Joe McDonald, Barry Melton, James Cotton
The Mike Bloomfield Band featuring Al Kooper cancelled for “indisposition”. The Colwell-Winfield Blues Band was a Boston electric blues band. Pacific Gas and Electric were a Los Angeles blues rock band. Danny Kalb is the former Blues Project’s singer guitarist and leader. The Street were an American rock group. Howard Tate is an American soul music singer and songwriter. The Ultimate Spinach were a Boston psychedelic rock band. Tommy Flanders is the former Blues Project’s lead singer. Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady were current Jefferson Airplane’s lead guitarist and bassist respectively. Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding were current The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s guitarist and bassist respectively. Country Joe McDonald and Barry Melton were current Country Joe and The Fish’s singer and guitarist respectively.
Tuesday, December 3 - Monday, December 9, 1968: Silver Apples, Tommy Flanders, Pacific Gas and Electric (5 only), Danny Kalb (7-9 only)
Friday, December 20 - Tuesday, December 31, 1968: Tim Hardin
Friday, January 3 - Saturday, January 4, 1969: Tim Hardin
Tuesday, January 7 - Sunday, January 12, 1969: Ian and Sylvia
Friday, January 17 - Sunday, January 19, 1969: Earth Opera, Soft White Underbelly
Earth Opera were a famous Cambridge psychedelic rock group featuring virtuoso folk and bluegrass performers such as Peter Rown and David Grisman. The Soft White Underbelly were a Long Island rock group, who ultimately evolved into the famous Blue Oyster Cult.
Saturday, January 25 - Friday, January 31, 1969: Colwell-Winfield Blues Band, Vince Martin
Vince Martin is a local folksinger and songwriter.
Monday, February 3 - Thursday, February 6, 1969: Savoy Brown Blues Band
Savoy Brown were a legendary English blues rock band led by Kim Simmonds, one of the greatest guitarist of all time.
Friday, February 7 - Sunday, February 9, 1969: The Buddy Miles Express
Friday, February 21 - Sunday, February 23, 1969: Danny Kalb Quartet with Roy Blumenfeld, Buzzy Linhart
Thursday, February 27 - Sunday, March 2, 1969: Tim Hardin
Tuesday, March 4 - Sunday, March 16, 1969: Danny Kalb and His Friends
Thursday, March 20 - Saturday, March 29, 1969: Ian and Sylvia, Danny Kalb Quintet, Uncle Dirty
Bob 'Uncle Dirty' Altman was an American “adult comedian” and singer.
Wednesday, April 2 - Friday, April 4, 1969: Tim Hardin
Saturday, April 5 - Sunday, April 20, 1969: Bob Gison, Karen Dalton, Vince Martin (14-20 only)
Karen Dalton was a New York folksinger and songwriter.
Tuesday, April 22 - Wednesday, April 23, 1969: Fred Neil, Great Train Robbery, Uncle Dirty
The Great Train Robbery were a New York rock band.
Thursday, April 24 - Sunday, April 27, 1969: Great Train Robbery, Uncle Dirty, Otis Spann
Tuesday, April 29 - Monday, May 12, 1969: Seatrain
Friday, May 23 - Sunday, May 25, 1969: Tim Hardin
Thursday, May 29 - Saturday, May 31, 1969: Tim Hardin
Friday, June 6 - Sunday, June 8, 1969: Tim Hardin
Tuesday, June 10, 1969: Ian and Sylvia
Wednesday, June 11 - Thursday, June 19, 1969
This week the New York’s Village Voice newspaper advertises: “For Lease 150-154 Bleecker Street - World Famous Café au Go Go – Legal Occupancy Cabaret 285, Theater 200”.
Friday, June 20, 1969
Howard and Elly Solomon sells the Cafe Au Go Go and left New York for Coconut Grove, Florida, to manage folksinger Fred Neil. The new owner was a man called Moses Baruch who bought the lease from Maidmen Reatly Inc. Baruch even took in folksinger Richie Havens as a partner. Cafe Au Go Go re-open on June 24, but closed again on October 22, when Moses Baruch also sells the Cafe Au Go Go to a new unknown owner that re-re-open the coffeehouse with the new name of Cafe Caliph, serving up Middle Eastern entertainment and fare. By April 1971 the popular coffeehouse the Gaslight Cafe moved from its home on 116 MacDougal Street to 152 Bleecker Street, where it was know as the Gaslight Au Go-Go and then the Gaslight II. This club stayed open until at least March 1973. In the mid-70s there was also a strange private club called the Cockroach Art that was in a loft on an upper floor of the building at either 150 or 152. In the 1980s the building at 152 Bleecker Street seems to have been torn down and replaced by condos and shops. I have no idea what is currently in the basement at 152 Bleecker Street but the current occupant in the 1st floor is a nail salon.
Professor Irwin Corey is an American comic, film actor and left-wing political activist, who is often billed as 'The World’s Foremost Authority'. Lenny Bruce once described Corey as "one of the most brilliant comedians of all time”. From February 7 to March 15, Corey introduced his unscripted, improvisational style of stand-up comedy at the newly born Cafe Au Go Go, a coffeehouse with room for 300 to 400 people (very large by coffeehouse standards), owned by the great late Howard Solomon and his lovely wife Elly, and localed in the basement of 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York.
Tuesday, March 17 - Sunday, March 22, 1964: Grecco and Willard, Vikings Three
American comics and film actors Vic Grecco and Fred Willard formed a comedy act that was funny and successful enough to earn them an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show and a week of shows at the Cafe au Go Go. The Vikings Three were a popular Florida folk group.
Wednesday, March 25 - Sunday, March 29, 1964: Josh White Jr.
Josh White Jr. is a successful American singer, songwriter, guitarist, actor, educator and social activist, since the age of four, when he began performing with his legendary father Josh White senior.
Tuesday, March 31 - Tuesday, April 7, 1964: Lenny Bruce, Shawn Phillips, Tony Hendra and Nick Ullett
Alfred Schneider, better known by the stage name Lenny Bruce, was a Jewish-American comedian, social critic and satirist. Shawn Phillips is a famous American folk-rock singer, songwriter and guitarist. Tony Hendra is an English satirist and writer that in 1964 moved to America, where he worked as a comedian, sometimes teamed with English comic actor Nick Ullett. Lenny Bruce was arrested before the 10am show on Friday, April 3, and again on Tuesday, April 7. On both occasions, he was arrested after leaving the stage, by an undercover police detectives in the audience. The complaints were pertaining to his use of various “obscenities”. A three-judge panel presided over his widely publicized six-month trial, prosecuted by Asst. Manhattan D.A. Richard Kuh, with Bruce and Cafe au Go Go’s co-owner Howard Solomon both found guilty of obscenity on Wednesday, November 4, 1964. The conviction was announced despite positive testimony and petitions of support from, among other artists, writers and educators, Woody Allen, Bob Dylan, Jules Feiffer, Allen Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, William Styron and James Baldwin, and Manhattan journalist and television personality Dorothy Kilgallen and sociologist Herbert Gans. Bruce was sentenced on Monday, December 21, 1964, to four months in a workhouse; he was set free on bail during the appeals process and died before the appeal was decided. Howard Solomon later saw his convinction overturned. Bruce, who died before the decision, never had his conviction stricken in his lifetime. On Tuesday, December 23, 2003, thirthy-seven years after his death, Bruce received a full posthumous gubernatorial pardon for his obscenity conviction by New York Governor George Pataki, following a petition filed by Ronald Collins and David Skover with Robert Corn-Revere as counsel. The petition having been signed by several stars such as Robin Williams. It was the first posthumous pardon in New Yok state history. Pataki said his act was “a declaration of New York’s commitment to upholding the First Amendment”.
Monday, April 6, 1964: Jazz on Monday with Helen Merrill, Mike Zwerin Quartet
Helen Merrill is an American jazz singer. Mike Zwerin was an American jazz musician.
Friday, April 10 - Saturday, April 11, 1964: Lionel Shepard
Lionel Shepard is an off-Broadway actor, director and playwright.
Monday, April 13 - Thursday, April 16, 1964: Professor Irwin Corey, Tony Hendra and Nick Ullett
Friday, April 17 - Monday, April 20, 1964: Jimmy Witherspoon
Jimmy Witherspoon is a famous American jump blues singer, who is often billed as 'King Of The Blues'.
Tuesday, April 21 - Sunday, May 3, 1964: Jimmy Witherspoon, Coleridge Parkinson Trio
Coleridge Parkinson is an American composer, pianist and conductor.
Friday, May 8 - Wednesday, May 27, 1964: The New Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto, The Comedy of Adam Keefe, George Carlin, Selma Marcus, Toby Reynolds
Stan Getz was a legendary American jazz saxophone player and his then girlfriend Astrud Gilberto is a Brazilian samba and bossa nova singer, well know for the Grammy Award winning song 'The Girl From Ipanema'. Adam Keefe was an American comic and film actor. George Carlin was a legendary American stand-up comedian, social critic, actor and author, who won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums. Selma Marcus is a Broadway actress. Toby Reynolds is a comedian. On Friday night, May 22, Stan Getz’s performance was recorded for his 1964’s album: 'Getz Au Go Go' (Verve V/V6 8600).
Thursday, May 28, 1964: The New Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto, Ben Webster
Ben Webster was an influential American jazz tenor saxophonist.
Friday, May 29 - Sunday, May 31, 1964: The New Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto
Tuesday, June 2 - Wednesday, June 3, 1964: Bob Gibson, José Feliciano, George Carlin
Bob Gibson was a folk singer who led a folk music revival in the late 1950s and early 1960s. José Feliciano was a famous blind Puerto Rican singer, virtuoso guitarist and composer.
Thursday, June 4 - Wednesday, June 10, 1964: Bob Gibson, José Feliciano
Thursday, June 11 - Friday, June 12, 1964: Bob Gibson
Sunday, June 14, 1964: Benny Powell Quartet
Benny Powell was an American jazz trombonist.
Tuesday, June 16 - Sunday, July 12, 1964: Mort Sahl
Mort Sahl is a Canadian comedian and actor. He was on the cover of Time magazine in 1960 where they called him 'the patriarch of a new school of comedians'.
Tuesday, July 14 - Wednesday, July 22, 1964: Vaughn Meader, Toby Reynolds, Eduardo Sasson
Vaughn Meader was an American comedian and impersonator whose achievemet of fame with 'The First Family' album spoofing President John F. Kennedy was equalled only by his obscurity after Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.
Thursday, July 23 - Saturday, July 25, 1964: Vaughn Meader, Toby Reynolds, Eduardo Sasson, The Mandrell Singers
Eduardo Sasson is a singer. The Mandrell Singers were a New York folk group.
Monday, July 27 - Tuesday, August 4, 1964: George Carlin, Toby Reynolds, Eduardo Sasson
Monday night, July 27, was billed as 'Ed McCurdy’s Hootenanny'.
Wednesday, August 5 - Wednesday, August 12, 1964: Vaughn Meader
Thursday, August 13 - Wednesday, September 2, 1964: Vaughn Meader, The Au Go Go Singers
The Au Go Go Singers was a New York folk group managed by Howard Solomon (he gave them that name, of course!), which included future Buffalo Springfield’s members Stephen Stills and Richie Furay, both on vocals and acoustic guitar. A review of the group’s set appeared in the November 4th edition of Variety, a popular American weekly entertainment-trade magazine.
Thursday, September 3 - Wednesday, September 9, 1964: Bill Evans Trio, Nancy Harrow, George Carlin
Bill Evans was a legendary American jazz pianist. Nancy Harrow is an American jazz singer and songwriter.
Thursday, September 10 - Sunday, September 27, 1964: Bill Evans Trio
Tuesday, September 29 - Sunday, October 18, 1964: Bill Evans Trio, Oscar Brown Jr., Stan Getz (6 only)
Oscar Brown Jr. was an American singer, songwriter, playwright, poet, civc rights activist, and actor. He ran for office in the Illinois state legislatre and U.S. Congress, both unsuccessfully.
Tuesday, October 20 - Sunday, November 8, 1964: Vaughn Meader’s The Populace featuring Renee Taylor
Renee Taylor is an American comedienne actress featuring in Vaughn Meader’s revue 'The Populace'.
Monday, November 9, 1964: Alison Knowles
Alison Knowles is an American visual artist known for her soundworks, installations, performances, and publications. Knowles was very active in the Fluxus movement, and continues to create work inspired by her Fluxus experience.
Thursday, November 12, 1964: Anita Sheer, Adam Keefe, Lydia Wood
Anita Sheer was an American singer, pianist, acoustic guitarist, songwriter and theatre director. Lydia Wood is an American singer and songwriter.
Saturday, November 14, 1964: Alison Knowles
Tuesday, November 17 - Sunday, November 22, 1964: Muddy Waters and his Blues Band featuring Otis Spann
Muddy Waters was an American blues musician, generally considered the 'father of modern Chicago blues'. A major inspiration for the British Blues explosion in the 1960s, Muddy was ranked #17 in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the '100 Greatest Artists Of All Time'. His long-time musical partner Otis Spann was an American blues pianist, generally considered the 'leading post-war Chicago blues pianist'.
Tuesday, November 24 - Wednesday, December 2, 1964: Olatunji
Babatunde Olatunji was a Nigerian drummer, educator, social activist and recording artist.
Thursday, December 3 - Sunday, December 6, 1964: Clara Ward Singers, Olatunji
Clara Ward was an American gospel singer and arranger who achieved great success in the 1940s and 1950s as leader of the Clara Ward Singers.
Tuesday, December 8 - Thursday, December 31, 1964: Oscar Brown Jr. with The Floyd Morris Trio
Oscar Brown Jr. returned at the Cafe Au Go Go, this time backed up by a trio led by American jazz pianist Floyd Morris.
Thursday, January 21 - Sunday, January 24, 1965: Shunna Pillay, Dave Astor, Olatunji
Shunna Pillay is a South African singer and former Miriam Makeba’s husband. Dave Astor is an American comedian.
Monday, January 25, 1965: Monday Night Letter with Emmett Williams
A series of happenings events and music presenting the works of American poet and visual artist Emmett Williams.
Tuesday, January 26 - Saturday, February 6, 1965: Shunna Pillay, George Carlin, Olatunji (29-30 only)
Sunday, February 7, 1965: Teddy Charles Quintet, Ray Bryant Trio
Breakfast show from 3:00am to 7:00am. Teddy Charles is an American jazz pianist, drummer and vibraphonist. Ray Bryant was an American jazz pianist and composer.
Sunday, February 7, 1965: Coleman Hawkins, John Coats Jr.
Coleman Hawkins was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. John Coats Jr. is an American jazz pianist.
Monday, February 8 - Thursday, February 18, 1965: Shunna Pillay, Olatunji
Sunday, February 14, 1965: Coleman Hawkins Quintet, John Coats Jr. Trio
Breakfast show from 3:00am to 7:00am.
Monday, February 15, 1965: The Legend Of Charlie Parker
Howard and Elly Solomon screening the film The Legend Of Charlie Parker, to commemorate the great late American jazz saxophonist and composer Charlie 'Bird' Parker, aka The King of Bebop, in the (almost) 10th anniversary of his death, occurring on Saturday, March 12, 1955.
Friday, February 19 - Monday, February 22, 1965: Woody Herman and his Swinging Herd, The Bomb and Swing
Woody Herman was an American jazz clarinetist, alto and soprano saxophonist, singer, and big band leader. Leading various groups called The Herd, Herman was one of the most popular of the 1930s and 1940s bandleaders. His bands often played music that was experimental for their time.
Thursday, February 25 - Monday, March 1, 1965: Shunna Pillay
Tuesday, March 2 - Sunday, March 7, 1965: Shunna Pillay, The Legend of Charlie Parker with Jim Mendenhall, Paula Shaw and others
Howard and Elly Solomon screening again, every night, the film The Legend Of Charlie Parker, to commemorate the (almost) 10th Anniversary of Charlie Parker's death. Jim Mendenhall and Paula Shaw were two actors that, supposedly, should starring in the film.
Tuesday, March 9 - Sunday, March 21, 1965: Cannonball Adderley Sextet featuring Nat Adderley and Charles Lloyd, The Shirley Horn Trio
Cannonball Adderley was a legendary American jazz alto saxophonist of the hard-bop era of the 1950s and 1960s. His younger brother Nat Adderley was an American jazz cornetist and a longtime member of his band. Charles Lloyd is a legendary American jazz tenor saxophonist and flautist, that in 1964 left Chico Hamilton’s group to play with Cannonball Adderley Sextet. Shirley Horn was an American jazz singer and pianist.
Sunday, March 14, 1965: A Tribute to the Memory of Charlie Parker with Jackie McClean, Lee Konitz, Hank Mobley, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Blue Mitchell, Barry Harris, Walter Davis Jr., John Ore, Bob Cranshaw, Clifford Jarvis, Benny Powell, Andrew Hill, Lucky Thompson, Richard Williams, Kenny Burrell, Betty Carter, Frankie Dunlop and Maletta, Alan Grant (MC), Billy Taylor (MC), plus many guest stars
Howard and Elly Solomon held another night to commemorate the (almost) 10th Anniversary of Charlie Parker's death, this time with a terrific collective jam session of some of the best American jazz musicians of the time. Alan Grant and Billy Taylor were the master of cerimonies.
Thursday, March 18, 1965: Chico Hamilton
Chico Hamilton is an American jazz drummer and bandleader.
Saturday, March 20, 1965: Cannonball Adderley, Chico Hamilton
Wednesday, March 24 - Wednesday, March 31, 1965: Lord Burgess
Lord Burgess is an American songwriter.
Thursday, April 1 - Sunday, April 4, 1965: Lord Burgess, Olatunji
Monday, April 5 - Sunday, April 11, 1965: Lord Burgess, The Au Go Go Singers
The Au Go Go Singers disbanded right after these shows, after an argument over fees and tour expenses ensued between the group and their manager Howard Solomon. The group received $500 per week from Solomon, and from that each of ten members had to pay meals, laundry, and travel expenses. Consequently, there was no money left. So, the group splitting from Solomon and the latter yelling and cussing: “I’ll ruin you guys, you’ll never sing in New York again!”
Thursday, April 15 - Saturday, April 17, 1965: Chico Hamilton, Luis Enrique Bossanova, Adam Keefe, Robert Baker
Luis Enrique is a latin singer. Robert Baker was an American actor.
Wednesday, April 21 - Monday, April 26, 1965: Stan Getz Quartet
Tuesday, April 27 - Sunday, May 23, 1965: Max Roach Quintet, Abbey Lincoln
Max Roach was an American jazz percussionist, drummer and composter. Abbey Lincoln was a jazz vocalist, songwriter, and actress.
Wednesday, June 16 - Tuesday, June 22, 1965: Monti Rock III, Lester Young and His Discotheques
Monti Rock III is a flamboyant American musicians and performer. Lester Young is a famous New York deejay.
Wednesday, June 23 - Wednesday, June 30, 1965: Monti Rock III, Richard Pryor, Lester Young and His Go Go Discotheques
Richard Pryor was an American stand-up comedian, actor, social critic, writer and MC. He’s listed at #1 on Comedy Central television newtork’s list of the 'All Time Greatest Stand-Up Comedians'.
Thursday, July 1 - Saturday, July 10, 1965: Ian and Sylvia
Ian (Tyson) and Sylvia (Fricker) were a famous Canadian folk and country music duo.
Tuesday, July 13 - Sunday, July 18, 1965: Bob Gibson
Monday, July 19, 1965: Bob Gibson, Alison Knowles, Eric Andersen, Albert Fine
Eric Andersen is a famous American folk singer and songwriter. Albert Fine was a Julliard trained composer, artist, and poet, whose compositions ranged from instrumental works to incidental music to off-Broadway theatre.
Tuesday, July 20 - Sunday, July 25, 1965: Bob Gibson, John Lee Hooker
John Lee Hooker was a legendary American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist.
Tuesday, July 27 - Sunday, August 1, 1965: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Bob Gibson, Barbara Dane, Chambers Brothers
The Paul Butterfield Blues Band was a legendary Chicago multi-racial electric blues band, which included the great late singer and harmonica player Paul Butterfield and the great late lead guitarist Michael Bloomfield. Elektra Records, the band’s label, decided to record the band live and booked them at the Cafe au Go Go. However, the recordings were not successful, but the band made a splash in the Village anyway. Barbara Dane is an American folk, blues and jazz singer. The Chambers Brothers is a famous soul-music group.
Tuesday, August 3 - Tuesday, August 24, 1965: Oscar Brown Jr.
Wednesday, August 25 - Monday, August 30, 1965: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Oscar Brown Jr.
Wednesday, September 1 - Saturday, September 4, 1965: Butterfield Blues Band, Oscar Brown Jr., John Hammond Jr.
John Hammond Jr. is an American blues singer and guitarist. His father was the legendary record producer and talent scout John Hammond senior.
Sunday, September 5 , 1965: Oscar Brown Jr., John Hammond Jr.
Monday, September 6 - Sunday, September 12, 1965: The First New York Blues Project with Paul Butterfield Blues Band, John Hammond Jr., Little John Trio
Tuesday, September 14 - Thursday, September 23, 1965: The Seventh Sons
The Seventh Sons was a local raga-rock group led by famous singer, guitarist and vibraphonist Buzzy Linhart.
Saturday, September 18, 1965: John Hammond Jr., Jim and Jean, David Blue, Eric Andersen, The Seventh Sons
David Blue was a famous local folksinger and actor. Jim (Glover) and Jean (Ray) were an American folk music duo.
Friday, September 24 - Saturday, September 25, 1965: The Seventh Sons, David Blue, Jim and Jean
Sunday, September 26 - Thursday, September 30, 1965: The Seventh Sons
Monday, October 4, 1965: Nam June Paik and Electronic Video Recorder (an Experimental Film)
Nam June Paik was a legendary Korean-born American artist. He worked with a variety of media and is considered to be the first 'video artist'. Paik is credited with an early usage (1974) of the term 'super highway' in application to telecommunications.
Tuesday, October 5 - Sunday, October 10, 1965: Luiz Bonfà
Luiz Bonfà was a Brazilian guitarist and composer best known for the compositions he penned for the film Black Orpheus.
Monday, October 11, 1965: Nam June Paik and Electronic Video Recorder (an Experimental Film)
Tuesday, October 26, 1965: Jacqueline Carol, Louis St. Louis, David Brooks, Ralph Mauro, Lilly Tomlin
Jacqueline Carol is an American actress. Louis St. Louis is an American actor. David Brooks was an American actor, singer, director, and producer. Ralph Mauro is an American actor. Lilly Tomlin is a famous American actress, comedienne, writer and producer. Her career has spanned television, comedy recordings, Broadway, and motion pictures, enjoying acclaimed success in each medium. She has won many awards including Tony Awards, Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award, and has also been nominated for an Academy Award.
Monday, November 8, 1965: Happening with Cosugi, Shigeko and Moorman
Shigeko Kubota is a famous Japan-born American visual and performance artist, and vice chairman of the Fluxus Organization. She was married with another member of that movement, Nam June Paik, who had already performed at the Cafe Au Go Go a month earlier. Charlotte Moorman was an America cellist and performance artist, who was involved in the Fluxus Organization with Shigeko Kubota. Cosugi is unknown to me but, supposedly, she was another performance artist involved in the Fluxus Organization.
Tuesday, November 9 - Sunday, November 21, 1965: The Blues Project, Richard Pryor
The Blues Project were a legendary local electric blues band led by famous folksinger and guitarist Danny Kalb, and which also included future Blood, Sweat and Tears’ members Al Kooper and Steve Katz, on organ and guitar respectively, future Seatrain’s members Andy Kulberg and Roy Blumenfeld, on bass and drums respectively, and Tommy Flanders on lead vocals.
Monday, November 15, 1965: Happening with Cosugi, Shigeko and Moorman
Monday, November 22, 1965: Happening with Larry Loonin, Woody Kling and Alison Knowles
Larry Loonin is an American theater director, playwright and actor. Woody King was an American television writer, producer, playwright, and composer.
Wednesday, November 24 - Saturday, November 27, 1965: Blues Bag with The Blues Project, Big Joe Williams, Judy Roderick, David Blue, Son House, Bukka White, Skip James, Eric Andersen, John Hammond Jr., John Lee Hooker, Geoff Muldaur, The Seventh Sons, T. Bone Walker, Izzy Young M.C. and great Surprise Guests
Verve Records, the Blues Project’s label, had the idea of recording the band live at their 'house', the Cafe au Go Go, and several tracks from the band's debut album, 'Live At The Cafe Au Go Go Featuring Tommy Flanders' (Verve-Folkways FV 9024) were recorded at these shows. To justify the project, they had a sort of 'blues festival' and recorded all the acts, which included legendaries American blues singers, guitarists and songwriters such as Big John Williams, Son House, Bukka White, Skip James, John Lee Hooker and T. Bone Walker, and also local folk and blues singers such as Judy Roderick, David Blue, Eric Andersen, John Hammond Jr., Geoff Muldaur and, last but not the least, local raga-rock group the Seventh Sons. Famous American folk historian Izzy Young was the master of cerimonies for these shows. The performances of Bukka White, Son House, Big Joe Williams and Skip James, also recorded as we said above, were later released all together in the 1967’s album, 'Living Legends' (Verve-Folkways FTS-3010).
Wednesday, December 1 - Thursday, December 2, 1965: The Blues Project and Workshop
I’m not sure exactly what was meant by 'Workshop', but I assume it was along the lines of events held at folk festivals, where musicians demostrated specific styles or techniques.
Friday, December 3 - Sunday, December 5, 1965: Shoshana Damari
Shoshana Damari was a Yemenite-Israeli singer known as the 'Queen of Hebrew Music'.
Friday, December 10, 1965: Harlot (film)
Andy Warhol’s new film Harlot premiered at the Cafe Au Go Go tonight.
Friday, December 10 - Saturday, December 11, 1965: The Fugs, Richie Havens, The New Group
The Fugs were a legendary local satirical and self-satirizing rock band led by famous beat poets Ed Sanders and Tuli Kupferberg. Richie Havens is a famous American folksinger and songwriter, best known for his opening performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. The New Group is unknown to me.
Tuesday, December 14 - Thursday, December 16, 1965: The Fugs, Richie Havens
Friday, December 17 - Sunday, December 26, 1965: The Blues Project, The Fugs, David Blue
Tuesday, December 28, 1965 - Sunday, January 2, 1966: Orbit In Orbit: Holiday Blues Bag with The Blues Project, Beverly Ann Gibson, Nate Edmonds, George Wilson, J.D. Brown, Little Gerry Griffin, Stan Green, The Vilons, Leo Wright & The El-Jays
Beverly Ann Gibson is an American soul singer. Nate Edmonds is a famous American organist, pianist, writer, arranger and producer. George Wilson is an American folksinger and multi-instrumental virtuoso. J.D. Brown was an American rhythm ‘n’ blues singer. Little Gerry Griffin and Stan Green are unknown to me. The Vilons and Leo Wright & The El-Jays were an Americans doo-woop groups.
Friday, January 14 - Friday, January 28, 1966: Oscar Brown Jr.
Saturday, January 29 - Sunday, January 30, 1966: The Blues Project, Oscar Brown Jr.
Verve Records, the Blues Project’s label, had the idea of recording the band live at their 'house', the Cafe Au Go Go, and several tracks from the band's debut album, 'Live At The Cafe Au Go Go Featuring Tommy Flanders' (Verve-Folkways FV 9024) were recorded at these shows.
Monday, January 31, 1966: The Blues Project, Fred Neil
Fred Neil was a famous New York folksinger and songwriter. He was later managed by Howard Solomon, who also built a cabin for him in Woodstock.
Tuesday, February 1 - Sunday, February 6, 1966: The Blues Project, Fred Neil, Judy Roderick
Monday, February 7 - Sunday, February 13, 1966: The Blues Project, Fred Neil, Judy Roderick, Richie Havens
Tuesday, March 15 - Sunday, March 27, 1966: The Blues Project, Richie Havens, The Myddle Class, The Seventh Sons (19 only)
The Myddle Class was a New Jersey rock group.
Friday, April 1 - Monday, April 11, 1966: The Blues Project, Richie Havens
Sunday, May 1 - Sunday, May 8, 1966: Jim Kweskin Jug Band, The Youngbloods
The Jim Kweskin Jug Band and The Youngbloods were both famous Cambridge folk groups.
Friday, May 13 - Monday, May 23, 1966: Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, The Blues Project (19-21 only)
Friday, May 27 - Tuesday, May 31, 1966: Bo Diddley, The Blues Project, The Youngbloods
Bo Diddley was a legendary American rhythm ‘n’ blues vocalist, guitarist and songwriter.
Wednesday, June 1 - Thursday, June 2, 1966: Bo Diddley, The Blues Project
Friday, June 3 - Sunday, June 5, 1966: Bo Diddley, The Blues Project, Fred Neil
During Fred Neil’s lengthy stand (June 3-19), he was backed by a pick-up band whose membership, probabily rotating, included present and future famous musicians such as Al Kooper (organ or guitar), Harvey Brooks (bass), Felix Pappalardi (bass or guitar), John Sebastian (harp), Dino Valenti (guitar) and Karen Dalton (guitar).
Monday, June 6 - Sunday, June 19, 1966: The Blues Project, Fred Neil, The Youngbloods
Wednesday, June 29, 1966: The Youngbloods
Thursday, June 30, 1966: The Blues Project, The Youngbloods
Friday, July 1 - Sunday, July 10, 1966: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Blues Project (1-3 only), Big Joe Williams (1-3, only)
Sunday night, July 3, the show was closed with a jam session between members of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and the Blues Project.
Tuesday, July 12 - Sunday, July 17, 1966: The Pozo-Seco Singers, The Youngbloods
The Pozo-Seco Singers were an American folk trio.
Tuesday, July 19 - Sunday, July 24, 1966: Gordon Lightfoot, The Youngbloods
Gordon Lightfoot is a legendary Canadian folksinger and songwriter.
Wednesday, July 27 - Sunday, July 31, 1966: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, John Lee Hooker
Monday, August 1 - Sunday, August 7, 1966: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Pozo-Seco Singers, The Youngbloods
Monday, August 8 - Sunday, August 14, 1966: Muddy Waters, The Youngbloods
Tuesday, August 16 - Thursday, August 18, 1966: Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Jim and Jean
Friday, August 19 - Sunday, August 21, 1966: Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Jim and Jean
Saturday, August 27 - Sunday, September 4, 1966: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, John Lee Hooker
Tuesday night, August 30, John Lee Hooker performance (he was backed up by Muddy Waters and his band) was recorded for his 1967’s album, 'Live at Café au-Go-Go' (ABC-Bluesway LP 6002).
Tuesday, September 6 - Tuesday, September 13, 1966: Tim Hardin, The Times Square Two, John Hammond Jr., Ellen McIlwaine, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs
Tim Hardin was a famous American folksinger and songwriter. The Times Square Two were an extremely eccentric two-man act of ragtime folk music, comedy, acting and juggling, formed by Canadian singer, guitarist and performer Michel Choquette and British folksinger Peter Elbling. Ellen McIlwaine is and American singer-songwriter and musician best know for her career as a slide guitarist. Jerem Steig and the Satyrs were a local jazz-rock fusion group led by flautist Jeremy Steig. The not yet famous Jimi Hendrix, then known under the nom de plume of Jimi James backed up both John Hammond Jr. and Ellen McIlwaine for these shows, and also sometimes sat-in with Jeremy Steig and the Satyrs.
Thursday, September 15 - Thursday, September 22, 1966: Judy Roderick, The Times Square Two, John Hammond Jr. & The Blue Flame, Ellen McIlwaine, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs
The Blue Flame, John Hammond Jr.’s backing band for these shows, were actually Jimi James and the Blue Flames, a local blues-rock group led by singer and lead guitarist Jimi James (aka Jimi Hendrix), and which also featured another great late guitarist, Randy California, future leader of Spirit. However, Randy California sat out for Hammond Jr.’s sets because the latter didn’t need a 2nd guitarist for his performances. Also Jimi Hendrix backed up again Ellen McIlwaine for these shows and also sat-in again with Jeremy Steig and the Satyrs from time to time.
Friday, September 23 - Tuesday, September 27, 1966: The Blues Project, Junior Wells
Junior Wells was a famous American blues singer and harmonica player.
Wednesday, September 28 - Friday, September 30, 1966: The Blues Project, Larry Hankin
Larry Hankin is an American stand-up comedian, actor, performer, director and producer, that has also been nominated for an Academy Award.
Saturday, October 1 - Sunday, October 2, 1966: The Blues Project, Larry Hankin, The Times Square Two
Monday, October 3, 1966: The Blues Project, Larry Hankin, Phil Ochs, Judy Roderick, David Blue, Jim and Jean
Phil Ochs was a famous American folksinger and songwriter.
Tuesday, October 4 - Thursday, October 6, 1966: The Blues Project, Larry Hankin
Friday, October 7, 1966: The Blues Project, The Times Square Two
Sunday, October 9, 1966: The Blues Project, Eric Andersen, Judy Roderick, Jim and Jean
Tuesday, October 11 - Thursday, October 27, 1966: The Youngbloods, Patrick Sky (20 only)
Patrick Sky is an American folksinger and songwriter.
Friday, October 28 - Saturday, October 29, 1966: Judy Roderick, The Youngbloods
Sunday, October 30 - Sunday, November 6, 1966: The Youngbloods
Tuesday, November 8 - Sunday, November 20, 1966: Richard Pryor
Monday, November 21 - Monday, November 28, 1966: Blues Bag with The Blues Project, Big Joe Williams, Judy Roderick, Muddy Waters Blues Band, Otis Spann, John Lee Hoker, Richie Havens, Dave Van Ronk, David Blue
Dave Van Ronk was a famous New York folksinger.
Tuesday, November 29 - Wednesday, November 30, 1966: The Youngbloods
Thursday, December 1 - Friday, December 2, 1966: Lothar and the Hand People
Lothar and the Hand People was a famous American psychedelic rock band.
Saturday, December 3, 1966: The Youngbloods
Sunday, December 4 - Monday, December 5, 1966: Richard Pryor, Big Joe Williams, Lothar and the Hand People
Monday, December 5 - Sunday, December 11, 1966: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Richie Havens
Tuesday, December 13 - Sunday, December 18, 1966: Eric Andersen
Monday, December 19, 1966: The Blues Project
Tuesday, December 20 - Saturday, December 24, 1966: The Blues Project, Ian and Sylvia, Richie Havens
Monday, December 26, 1966 - Monday, January 9, 1967: Ian and Sylvia, Richie Havens
Tuesday, January 10 - Sunday, January 15, 1967: David Blue and The American Patrol, Richie Havens, Charles O’Hegarty, Peter Walker, Ellen McElwaine, Scott Fagan
Charles O’Hegarty was an American singer of the traditional songs of the sailors including shanties, songs of bravery and sentimental ballads by seafarers who had left their loved ones at home. Peter Walker is an American folk guitarist noted for dextrous instrumental pieces that reference the Indian classical and Spanish flamenco traditions. Scott Fagan is a New York folksinger and songwriter.
Friday, January 20 - Monday, January 23, 1967: Chicago Blues Bag with Charlie Musselwhite and The Barry Goldberg Blues Band, Richie Havens, David Blue and The American Patrol, Otis Rush Blues Band (22-23 only)
'Memphis Charlie' Musselwhite is a legendary American blues harmonica player and his long-time friend Barry Goldberg is another legendary American blues singer, keyboardist, producer and songwriter. Otis Rush is a famous American blues singer and guitarist.
Tuesday, January 24 - Tuesday, January 31, 1967: Howlin’ Wolf, The Siegel-Schwall Band, Richie Havens
Howlin’ Wolf was a legendary American blues singer, harmonica player and guitarist. The Siegel-Schwall Band is a famous American electric blues band.
Wednesday, February 1 - Sunday, February 5, 1967: Howlin’ Wolf, The Siegel-Schwall Band,
Monday, February 6, 1967: The Godz
The Godz were a local garage rock band.
Tuesday, February 7 - Sunday, February 12, 1967: Eric Andersen, Otis Spann, Moj Buford Blues Band
George 'Mojo' Buford is an American blues harmonica player, best known for his work in Muddy Waters’ band.
Monday, February 13 - Wednesday, February 15, 1967: Otis Rush and his Chicago Blues Band
Thursday, March 16 - Sunday, March 19, 1967: Jim Kweskin Jug Band
Tuesday, February 21 - Tuesday, February 28, 1967: Jefferson Airplane, Richie Havens
Jefferson Airplane was a legendary San Francisco psychedelic rock band.
Wednesday, March 1 - Saturday, March 4, 1967: Jefferson Airplane, The Paupers
The Paupers were a famous Canadian psychedelic rock band.
Sunday, March 5, 1967: Jefferson Airplane, The Paupers, Tim Buckley, Charles Lloyd Quintet
Tim Buckley was a legendary American folk-rock singer and songwriter.
Tuesday, March 7 - Wednesday, March 8, 1967: The Youngbloods
Thursday, March 9 - Sunday, March 12, 1967: The Youngbloods, Richie Havens, Tim Buckley
Monday, March 13, 1967: Richie Havens, Tim Buckley
Friday, March 17 - Friday, March 24, 1967: The Blues Project, The Gary Burton Quartet
Gary Burton is an American jazz vibraphonist. Burton’s quartet featured famous American jazz fusion guitarist Larry Coryell.
Thursday, March 23 - Monday, April 3, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention, Tim Buckley (23-29 only), Richie Havens (30-31, 1-3 only)
There was a small theatre above the Cafe Au Go Go, but at the same address on 152 Bleecker Street. Howard and Elly Solomon also bought this theatre, called Garrick Theatre, and started held shows there as well. The first artist to play at this new venue were the Mothers Of Invention, the legendary Los Angeles rock band led by the late music genius Frank Zappa.
Tuesday, March 28 - Sunday, April 9, 1967: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Gary Burton Quartet
Monday night show, April 3, was advertised as 'Butterfield Blues Band/The Cream JAM with Mike Bloomfield, Eric Clapton 8-4 am'. Michael Bloomfield had actually left the Butterfield Blues Band by this time, although its possible he was present, since he was known to be in town scouting talent for his next band (Electric Flag) around that time. 'Guitar God' Eric Clapton was also in town to play with Cream at the Murray The K Show and, based on the recollection of an eyewitness, he sat-in with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band; however, there was no reference to the rest of Cream or Michael Bloomfield. By the way, although not advertised, legendary Detroit rock singer Mitch Ryder also sat-in to jam with Clapton and Butterfield Blues Band that night.
Thursday, April 6 - Wednesday, April 19, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Tuesday, April 11 - Sunday, April 16, 1967: Jim Kweskin Jug Band
Tuesday, April 18 - Saturday, April 22, 1967: Ian and Sylvia
Monday, April 24 - Sunday, April 30, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Tuesday, April 25 - Thursday, April 27, 1967: Ian and Sylvia
Friday, April 28, 1967: Ian and Sylvia, The Paupers, Dave Van Ronk, Joe Beck Quartet
Joe Beck was an American jazz guitarist.
Saturday, April 29 - Sunday, April 30, 1967: The Paupers, Dave Van Ronk, Joe Beck Quartet
Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 7, 1967: Dave Van Ronk with Luke and The Apostles, Joe Beck Quartet
Luke and the Apostles, a famous Canadian folk rock group, backed up Dave Van Ronk for these shows.
Monday, May 1 - Sunday, May 21, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention, The Joe Beck Jazz Ensemble and strings (18 only)
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Friday, May 12 - Sunday, May 14, 1967: Dave Van Ronk
Tuesday, May 16 - Sunday, May 21, 1967: Olatunji
Tuesday, May 23 - Sunday, May 28, 1967: Eric Andersen
Wednesday, May 24 - Wednesday, May 31, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Thursday, June 1 - Sunday, June 11, 1967: The Grateful Dead, Luke and The Apostles
The Grateful Dead were a legendary San Francisco psychedelic rock band.
Thursday, June 1 - Friday, June 30, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention, Eric Andersen (4 only), Luke and The Apostles (4 only)
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Monday, June 5, 1967: Jam Session
Monday, June 12, 1967: Jam Session
Tuesday, June 13 - Sunday, June 18, 1967: Richie Havens
Monday, June 19, 1967: Jam Session
Tuesday, June 20 - Sunday, June 25, 1967: Jesse “Lone Cat” Fuller
Jesse Fuller, nicknamed 'Lone Cat', was a famous American one-man band blues musician.
Monday, June 26, 1967: Jam Session
Monday, June 26 - Saturday, July 1, 1967: Paul Butterfield Blues Band
Saturday, July 1 - Tuesday, September 5, 1967: The Mothers Of Invention, Meredith Monk (only in July)
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go. Friday night, July 7, Jimi Hendrix and bassist Noel Redding of The Jimi Hendrix Experience were in the audience. Hendrix then return at the Garrick, this time with his other Experience’s bandmate drummer Mitch Mitchell, on July 21 or 22 or 23 (no one remember the exact day). Jimi and Mitch watched the show and at some point also sat-in to jam with Frank Zappa’s band. Also, in the month of July, American composer, performer, director, vocalist, bassist, drummer, filmmaker, and choreograper, Meredith Monk, opening some shows of the Mothers, backed by the Mothers’ electric organist Don Preston. One of Monk and Preston show was also recorded and a song titled 'Candy Bullets And Moon' was released as a one-side single that year, credited to Aunt Jamina and The United Pancakes (!!).
Sunday, July 2 - Saturday, July 15, 1967: Oscar Brown Jr. and Jean Pace, Johnny Robertson and The Young Brothers, The Stone Poynes (6 only), Tim Buckley (6 only)
Jean Pace was an American jazz singer and also Oscar Brown Jr.’s wife. Johnny Robertson and The Young Brothers are unknown to me. The Stone Poneys were a famous Los Angeles folk-rock trio led by legendary singer Linda Ronstadt.
Monday, July 3, 1967: Jam Session
Monday, July 10, 1967: Jam Session
Monday, July 17, 1967: Jam Session
Tuesday, July 18 - Thursday, July 20, 1967: Richie Havens, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs
Friday, July 21 - Sunday, July 23, 1967: The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Richie Havens, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs
Eric Clapton, in town for a summer break, jams with the Jimi Hendrix Experience one night.
Monday, July 24, 1967: Jam Session
Thursday, July 27 - Saturday, July 29, 1967: 'Al Kooper's Last U.S. Appearance', Al Kooper, Jack Adrews (27 only), plus many other guest artists
Al Kooper, former singer and organ player of the Blues Project, had decided to move to England and chose to throw a sort of benefit for himself at the Cafe Au Go Go, because he needed to raise money for a one-way ticket to London to start a solo career. He also decided to get a pickup band together for the gig and bring in his former bandmate Steve Katz on guitar, Bobby Colomby on drums, and Jim Fielder on bass. According to Kooper, his old pals Judy Collins, Eric Andersen and Paul Simon did a set on the first night of 27th. According to Steve Katz however, none of them actually showed up (an eyewitness called Richard Lewis also confirmed Katz’s version). Also according to Kooper, all the six shows (two each night) were sold-out. Also according to Katz however, only very few people actually showed up and maybe only the first night was sold-out. According to eyewitness Richard Lewis, Al Kooper came on and played two acoustic numbers before being joined by Steve Katz, Bobby Colomby and Jim Fielder. They played about eight songs, including 'I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know' and 'My Days Are Numbered', before finishing with 'I Can’t Quit Her', which Kooper dedicated to the Statue of Liberty. Anyway, eventually Kooper makes very little money from these three nights due to excessive expenses, so he gives up the idea of moving to London. Nonetheless, his pickip band sounds great and the they decide to add a horn section and form a band called Blood, Sweat and Tears.
Monday, July 31, 1967: Jam Session
Tuesday, August 1 - Sunday, August 6, 1967: Country Joe and The Fish, Eric Andersen
Country Joe and The Fish were a legendary Berkeley psychedelic rock band.
Monday , August 8 - Sunday, August 13, 1967: Eric Andersen, The Youngbloods
Wednesday, August 16 - Monday, September 4, 1967: The Blues Project, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs (16-20 only), The James Cotton Blues Band (23-27 only)
James Cotton is a legendary American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter. The Blues Project’s former member, Al Kooper, sat-in with his old band one night, and a video footage of them doing 'I Can’t Keep From Crying' exists.
Thursday, September 7 - Sunday, September 10, 1967: Ian and Sylvia
Monday, September 12 - Sunday, September 24, 1967: Tim Buckley, Canned Heat, B.B. King (15 only), Odetta (22-24 only)
Canned Heat is a legendary Los Angeles electric blues band. Odetta was a legendary American singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter, and a human rights activist, often referred as 'The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement'. B.B. King is a legendary American blues singer, guitarist and songwriter, that also ranked at #3 in the Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the '100 Greatest Guitarist of All Time'. After his final set on Friday night, September 15, B.B. King jams with guitarists Elvin Bishop and Eric Clapton, of Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Cream respectively. A photo of this historic jam session exists.
Tuesday, September 26 - Sunday, October 1, 1967: Cream, The Paupers, Richie Havens
Cream was a legendary British blues-rock trio formed by three of the greatest musicians of all time: Eric Clapton (guitar), Jack Bruce (bass, vocals) and Ginger Baker (drums).
Tuesday, October 3 - Sunday, October 8, 1967: Cream, Richie Havens
Wednesday, October 11 - Sunday, October 22, 1967: Eric Andersen, Larry Hankin, Chrysalis
Chrysalis were an American folk-rock group.
Thursday, October 26, 1967: Joni Mitchell, Ian and Sylvia
Joni Mitchell is a legendary Canadian folksinger and songwriter. His performance was filmed and video footage exists.
Saturday, October 28 - Thursday, November 2, 1967: Procol Harum
Procol Harum was a famous British psychedelic and progressive rock band. It seems the band played a private gig (for press and friends) before the shows started, which appears to have been on Friday, October 27.
Friday, November 17 - Sunday, November 19, 1967: Moby Grape, Larry Hankin, Blood, Sweat and Tears
Moby Grape was a famous San Francisco psychedelic rock group led by the great late guitarist Skip Spence. Blood, Sweat and Tears is a famous local jazz-rock band founded by Al Kooper and Steve Katz. For these shows, Blood, Sweat and Tears’ roadies constructed music stands for the horn players of the band, which Kooper calls "probably a first in rock."
Tuesday, November 21 - Sunday, November 26, 1967: The Blues Bag with Paul Butterfield Blues Band, James Cotton Blues Band, Richie Havens, Dave Van Ronk and The Hudson Dusters (23-24 only), Odetta (cancelled), Blood, Sweat and Tears (cancelled), Larry Hankin (MC), plus other great guest stars (apparently including Soft White Underbelly, and Muddy Waters both on, I guess, 24 only)
Thursday, November 30, 1967: Richie Havens, Larry Hankin, The Sidetrack
Friday, December 1 - Sunday, December 3, 1967: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Richie Havens (except 3rd), Larry Hankin, The Sidetrack
Tuesday, December 19 - Sunday, December 24, 1967: Clear Light, Richie Havens
Clear Light was a famous Los Angeles psychedelic group.
Monday, December 25 - Wednesday, December 27, 1967: Clear Light
Thursday, December 28 - Sunday, December 31, 1967: Tim Buckley, Clear Light
Thursday, January 4 - Sunday, January 7, 1968: B.B. King
Tuesday, January 9 - Sunday, January 21, 1968: John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Steve Miller Band (12-18 only)
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers were a legendary British electric blues band led by one of the 'fathers of the British Blues', singer and multi-instrumentalist John Mayall, and which also included future the Rolling Stones’ guitarist Mick Taylor and legendary jazz and blues saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith. The Steve Miller Band is a legendary Berkeley pychedelic blues band led by Steve Miller, one of the greatest guitarist of all time, and which also included famous singer Boz Scaggs.
Thursday, January 25 - Sunday, February 4, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears, James Cotton
Monday, February 5 - Tuesday, February 13, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears
Wednesday, February 14 - Sunday, February 18, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears, H.P. Lovecraft (14-16 only)
H.P. Lovercraft were a famous Chicago psychedelic blues rock band. They were scheduled to appear on February 17-18 too, but they finally cancelled. The reason was about the way the union contract would work in those days. Howard Solomon was supposed to give the band half of their money half way through their stand there. After the second night, February 15, the band’s roadie goes to get paid and Howard says, “What you talking about? We’re not paying you!”, and the band’s roadie says, “Wait, I’ve got a union contract here” and Howard says, “No, I’ve got your union contract right here”. The group was forced to contact their manager who flew in overnight from Chicago to try and smooth things over. The situation however, didn’t improve. The band played the first set the next night, February 16, and Howard again says, “No, I don’t pay for supporting bands. I don’t know who told you that. I’ve got a contract here and I’m not going to pay you”. So, the band basically stopped that third night, hafway through the gig, packed up and left and went back to Chicago. Also around that time, Eric Clapton was once again in New York (recording with Cream), hangs out again at the Cafe Au Go Go, and jams again with his idol B.B. King during an after hours.
Tuesday, February 27 - Sunday, March 3, 1968: Albert King
Albert King was a famous Chicago blues singer and guitarist.
Thursday, March 7 - Sunday, March 17, 1968: Electric Flag
Electric Flag was a famous Los Angeles-based blues, soul and rock group led by legendary guitarist Michael Bloomfield, and which also included some of the best musicians of that era such as singer Nick Gravenites, drummer Buddy Miles, bassist Harvey Brooks and organist Barry Goldberg. On Thursday night, March 14, there was a recorded jam, probably after hours, that put together a cast of stars such as: Jimi Hendrix (guitar), Elvin Bishop (guitar), Buddy Miles (drums), Harvey Brooks (bass), Phil Wilson (drums), James 'Jack' Tatum (sax), Herbie Rich (sax), Paul Butterfield (harp) and Al Kooper (organ).
Tuesday, March 19 - Sunday, March 24, 1968: Jim Kweskin Jug Band
Friday, March 29 - Saturday, March 30, 1968: United States Of America
The United States Of American was an American experimental rock and psychedelic band whose works are an example of early electronic music in rock n’roll.
Tuesday, April 2 - Sunday, April 7, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears
Tuesday, April 9 - Sunday, April 14, 1968: Ian and Sylvia, P.F. Sloan, The Sidetrack
P.F. Sloan is a famous American pop-rock singer, songwriter and producer.
Thursday, April 11 - Sunday, April 14, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go.
Monday, April 15 - Wednesday, April 17, 1968: Steve Miller Band, Bunky and Jake
These shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Cafe Au Go Go. Andrea 'Bunky' Skinner and Allan 'Jake' Jacobs were a local folk-rock duo.
Thursday, April 18 - Sunday, April 21, 1968: Steve Miller Band, Bunky and Jake
Thursday, April 25 - Monday, June 3, 1968: Collision Course ’12 plays’
The plays "previewed” beginning on Thursday, April 25, and officially opened on Wednesday, May 8.
Tuesday, June 4 - Thursday, June 6, 1968: Canned Heat
Sunday, June 9, 1968: James Cotton
Tuesday, June 11 - Sunday, June 16, 1968: The Sidetrack, P.F. Sloan, Peter Walker
Tuesday, June 18 - Sunday, July 7, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears, James Cotton (28-29 only)
Monday, July 15 - Sunday, July 21, 1968: The Blues Project (aka Seatrain), Albert Ayler
Although a poster printed for these shows still billed them as the Blues Project for contractual reasons, the band at that time had changed his name to Seatrain (because only Roy Blumenfeld and Andy Kulberg remained of the old lineup) and in fact the new name was at least mentioned in the news. The abovementioned poster originally scheduled these shows from July 9 to 21, but according to a more contemporary news that appeared on The East Village Other dated July 12, the booking actually started on July 15. The opening act for these shows was Albert Ayler, an American avant-garde jazz saxophonist, singer and composer.
Tuesday, July 23 - Thursday, July 25, 1968: John Lee Hooker
Friday, July 26 - Saturday, July 27, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears, Albert Ayler
Friday, August 2 - Sunday, August 4, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears, Buzzy Linhart
Blood, Sweat and Tears’ performance on Friday, August 2, was recorded and two tracks, 'More and More' and 'Smiling Phases', were released posthumous in 2000, in the re-issued edition of the band’s self-titled 2nd album: 'Blood, Sweat and Tears' (Columbia Records).
Tuesday, August 6 - Saturday, August 10, 1968: Blues Magoos, Buzzy Linhart
The Blue Magoos were a famous New York psychedelic rock group.
Friday, August 23 - Sunday, August 25, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears
Wednesday, August 28 - Monday, September 2, 1968: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Buzzy Linhart
Friday, September 6 - Saturday, September 7, 1968: Blood, Sweat and Tears
Blood, Sweat and Tears’ performance on Friday, September 6, was recorded and later released posthumous as bootleg, 'Cafe Au Go Go New York City 6/9/68.'
Tuesday, September 10 - Sunday, September 15, 1968: The Nazz, The Wind In The Willows
The Nazz were a famous Philadelphia rock band led by legendary singer, guitarist, songwriter, and record producer Todd Rundgren. The Wind In The Willows were a New York folk-rock group led by future Blondie’s singer Debbie Harry.
Monday, September 16, 1968: Tyrannosaurus Rex
This appears not to be the legendary Marc Bolan’s band, but only an unknown American band with the same name.
Thursday, September 19 - Thursday, September 26, 1968: Rhinoceros, John Lee Hooker (20-21 only)
Rhinoceros were a famous Los Angeles rock band.
Friday, September 27 - Saturday, October 5, 1968: Rhinoceros, Tim Hardin, Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker (27-28 and 4-5 only), Billy Mitchel (27 only)
Tim Hardin was a famous American folksinger and songwriter. Van Morrison is a legendary Irish blues and rock singer, and songwriter. Billy Mitchel was a local acoustic guitarist, singer and songwriter.
Saturday, October 12 - Monday, October 14, 1968: Moby Grape, The Moke Eaters (play)
Tuesday, October 15 - Thursday, October 17, 1968: Moby Grape, The Apple Pie Motherhood Band
The Apple Pie Motherhood Band was an American rock band.
Wednesday, October 30 - Monday, November 4, 1968: Dino Valenti, The Nazz (November 1 only)
Dino Valenti was a legendary folksinger and songwriter, and also a future member of Quicksilver Messenger Service.
Tuesday, November 12 - Saturday, November 16, 1968: Ian and Sylvia
Tuesday, November 26 - Sunday, December 1, 1968: Blues Bag with The Mike Bloomfield Band featuring Al Kooper, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Colwell-Winfield Blues Band, Pacific Gas and Electric, Dave Van Ronk, Danny Kalb, Richie Havens, Patrick Sky, The Street, Howard Tate, Ultimate Spinach, Tommy Flanders, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, Noel Redding, Jimi Hendrix, Country Joe McDonald, Barry Melton, James Cotton
The Mike Bloomfield Band featuring Al Kooper cancelled for “indisposition”. The Colwell-Winfield Blues Band was a Boston electric blues band. Pacific Gas and Electric were a Los Angeles blues rock band. Danny Kalb is the former Blues Project’s singer guitarist and leader. The Street were an American rock group. Howard Tate is an American soul music singer and songwriter. The Ultimate Spinach were a Boston psychedelic rock band. Tommy Flanders is the former Blues Project’s lead singer. Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady were current Jefferson Airplane’s lead guitarist and bassist respectively. Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding were current The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s guitarist and bassist respectively. Country Joe McDonald and Barry Melton were current Country Joe and The Fish’s singer and guitarist respectively.
Tuesday, December 3 - Monday, December 9, 1968: Silver Apples, Tommy Flanders, Pacific Gas and Electric (5 only), Danny Kalb (7-9 only)
Friday, December 20 - Tuesday, December 31, 1968: Tim Hardin
Friday, January 3 - Saturday, January 4, 1969: Tim Hardin
Tuesday, January 7 - Sunday, January 12, 1969: Ian and Sylvia
Friday, January 17 - Sunday, January 19, 1969: Earth Opera, Soft White Underbelly
Earth Opera were a famous Cambridge psychedelic rock group featuring virtuoso folk and bluegrass performers such as Peter Rown and David Grisman. The Soft White Underbelly were a Long Island rock group, who ultimately evolved into the famous Blue Oyster Cult.
Saturday, January 25 - Friday, January 31, 1969: Colwell-Winfield Blues Band, Vince Martin
Vince Martin is a local folksinger and songwriter.
Monday, February 3 - Thursday, February 6, 1969: Savoy Brown Blues Band
Savoy Brown were a legendary English blues rock band led by Kim Simmonds, one of the greatest guitarist of all time.
Friday, February 7 - Sunday, February 9, 1969: The Buddy Miles Express
Friday, February 21 - Sunday, February 23, 1969: Danny Kalb Quartet with Roy Blumenfeld, Buzzy Linhart
Thursday, February 27 - Sunday, March 2, 1969: Tim Hardin
Tuesday, March 4 - Sunday, March 16, 1969: Danny Kalb and His Friends
Thursday, March 20 - Saturday, March 29, 1969: Ian and Sylvia, Danny Kalb Quintet, Uncle Dirty
Bob 'Uncle Dirty' Altman was an American “adult comedian” and singer.
Wednesday, April 2 - Friday, April 4, 1969: Tim Hardin
Saturday, April 5 - Sunday, April 20, 1969: Bob Gison, Karen Dalton, Vince Martin (14-20 only)
Karen Dalton was a New York folksinger and songwriter.
Tuesday, April 22 - Wednesday, April 23, 1969: Fred Neil, Great Train Robbery, Uncle Dirty
The Great Train Robbery were a New York rock band.
Thursday, April 24 - Sunday, April 27, 1969: Great Train Robbery, Uncle Dirty, Otis Spann
Tuesday, April 29 - Monday, May 12, 1969: Seatrain
Friday, May 23 - Sunday, May 25, 1969: Tim Hardin
Thursday, May 29 - Saturday, May 31, 1969: Tim Hardin
Friday, June 6 - Sunday, June 8, 1969: Tim Hardin
Tuesday, June 10, 1969: Ian and Sylvia
Wednesday, June 11 - Thursday, June 19, 1969
This week the New York’s Village Voice newspaper advertises: “For Lease 150-154 Bleecker Street - World Famous Café au Go Go – Legal Occupancy Cabaret 285, Theater 200”.
Friday, June 20, 1969
Howard and Elly Solomon sells the Cafe Au Go Go and left New York for Coconut Grove, Florida, to manage folksinger Fred Neil. The new owner was a man called Moses Baruch who bought the lease from Maidmen Reatly Inc. Baruch even took in folksinger Richie Havens as a partner. Cafe Au Go Go re-open on June 24, but closed again on October 22, when Moses Baruch also sells the Cafe Au Go Go to a new unknown owner that re-re-open the coffeehouse with the new name of Cafe Caliph, serving up Middle Eastern entertainment and fare. By April 1971 the popular coffeehouse the Gaslight Cafe moved from its home on 116 MacDougal Street to 152 Bleecker Street, where it was know as the Gaslight Au Go-Go and then the Gaslight II. This club stayed open until at least March 1973. In the mid-70s there was also a strange private club called the Cockroach Art that was in a loft on an upper floor of the building at either 150 or 152. In the 1980s the building at 152 Bleecker Street seems to have been torn down and replaced by condos and shops. I have no idea what is currently in the basement at 152 Bleecker Street but the current occupant in the 1st floor is a nail salon.
