Cafe Au Go Go

The Cafe Au Go-Go was an American nightclub that was part of an entertainment complex, spanning 150-154 Bleecker Street, New York, run by Howard Solomon and his wife Ella in the heart of Greenwich Village. It was Ella (Ellie) who ran the Club's boutique, whilst Linda Eastman was resident Club photographer. Cass Elliot was once a waitress at the Cafe Au Go-Go, which was located downstairs at the premises. The Club became renowned as a launch-pad for groundbreaking blues and rock acts and was the venue embroiled in the Lenny Bruce trials. It was Bruce's resident act in 1964 which also brought the Solomon's to court as a co-defenders on obscenity charges. The venue opened in February 1964 (Competing with Bleecker Street's The Bitter End Cafe). The cabaret area could occupy 285 and the location also housed the Garrick Theater (formerly a cinema that played Andy Warhol movies), seating 200, along with a smaller venue known as 'The Premise', seating i65. The resident The Au Go-Go Singers also spawned a number of solo acts, such as Steve Stills - who returned for a performance at the Club's closure. The Mothers Of Invention were resident at The Garrick in March/April 1967 whilst Zappa was about to release Absolutely Free. A documentary of the Club's history exists, made by Full Circle Films. Footage also exists of various celebrities & bands at the Club, such as Jimi Hendrix performing in March, 1968. Solomon sold the Club in June 1969 and it finally closed in October 1969. The entire premises were placed on the market by Irving Maidman. [Note: The Garrick should not be confused with the Garrick Theater at West 35th St, NY, which was demolished in 1932].