On July 17, GMHC joined forces with Lincoln Center to host “Keep on Dancin’: A Dance Party Celebrating the Spirit of the Paradise Garage.”
From 1977 to 1987, Paradise Garage reigned supreme over New York’s downtown scene and is still celebrated as one of the world’s most iconic clubs. GMHC collaborated with Paradise Garage in the 1980s to bring HIV and AIDS resources to the nightlife community.
Former Paradise Garage legends DJ Joey Llanos and DJ David DePino were on hand at the event to transport guests back to the magic of the Paradise Garage.
We chatted with GMHC’s own Krishna Stone, a former member of the Paradise Garage dance club, who told us a bit more about what the club was like in the 80s.
Sydney Johnson: Krishna, can you tell us a little bit about what we’re seeing here tonight?
Krishna Stone: Tonight, at Lincoln Center, we partnered with their team to host, “Keep On Dancin’,” a free party in the spirit of the Paradise Garage, which was a remarkable dance club from 1977 to 1987.
SJ: You were a member of the Paradise Garage Dance Club, right?
Krishna nods knowingly.
SJ: If you could describe Paradise Garage in the 80s in one word, what would it be?
KS: In one word, I would describe the Paradise Garage as orgasmic.
SJ: Wow, why would you describe it as orgasmic? What made Paradise Garage so special?
KS: Well, thousands of people would come on a Friday night or Saturday night. The DJs would start off the evening at a slower pace of music and then increase the tempo until people were dancing all together in a pure rapturous frenzy. People would be screaming or singing or crying, or all the above. They would hold folks at that fast-paced level and then… stop. And start again at a slow pace. This would go on for hours. It was just so emotional and so spiritual.
SJ: And so orgasmic?
KS: And so orgasmic.
SJ: Why do you think it’s so important for GMHC to keep the legacy of Paradise Garage alive?
KS: It’s important because, one, it was a safe and non-judgmental space for LGBTQ plus folks and straight allies to come together as a community and dance. Another important element is that as the HIV and AIDS epidemic started, the Paradise Garage held the first ever AIDS fundraiser benefiting Gay Men’s Health Crisis. It was called Showers. Over the years, Paradise Garage, as well as other dance clubs, were disproportionately impacted by the epidemic. Club owners, singers, staff, patrons, sound technicians were dying of AIDS-related complications. After the club closed, DJs and other folks continued the party as a reunion for the folks who really loved the Paradise Garage.
Krishna points at the Paradise Garage logo on her shirt.
KS: The owner of the trademark you see here died of AIDS-related complications. His name was Mel Cheren and he died in 2007. In his will, he bequeathed the trademark to GMHC because he wanted the trademark to be forever connected to HIV and AIDS activism and fundraising.
As Krishna mentioned, in 2007, Mel Cheren passed on the Paradise Garage trademark to GMHC, and GMHC is committed to upholding the incredible legacy of the Paradise Garage. Here’s to many more dance parties!
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