1964
February 7-March 15, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (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 Café au Go Go. A coffeehouse with room for 300 to 400 people (very large by coffeehouse standards), owned by Howard Solomon and his lovely wife Elly, located in the basement of 152 Bleecker Street, West Greenwich Village, New York City, N.Y.
March 17-22, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Grecco and Willard, Vikings Three)
American comic 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 Café au Go Go. The Vikings Three were a popular Florida folk group.
March 25-29, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Josh White Jr.)
March 31-April 7, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (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 moved to America in 1964, where he worked as a comedian. Sometimes teamed with English comic actor, Nick Ullett. Lenny Bruce was arrested before the 10pm show on Friday, April 3, and again on Tuesday, April 7. On both occasions, he was arrested by undercover police detectives in the audience for verbal “obscenities”. A three-judge panel presided over his widely publicized six-month trial, prosecuted by Asst. Manhattan D.A. Richard Kuh, with Bruce and Café au Go Go’s co-owners, Howard and Elly Solomon. All were found guilty of obscenity on Wednesday, November 4, 1964. The conviction was announced despite positive testimony and petitions of support from a bastion of 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 conviction overturned. Bruce, who died before the decision, never had his conviction stricken in his lifetime. On Tuesday, December 23, 2003, thirty-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 was signed by several stars such as Robin Williams. It was the first posthumous pardon in New York state history. Pataki said his act was “a declaration of New York’s commitment to upholding the First Amendment”.
April 6, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jazz on Monday with Helen Merrill, Mike Zwerin Quartet)
April 10-11, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Lionel Shepard)
Lionel Shepard is an off-Broadway actor, director and playwright.
April 13-16, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Professor Irwin Corey, Tony Hendra and Nick Ullett)
April 17-20, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jimmy Witherspoon)
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 was 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”.
May 28, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The New Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto, Ben Webster)
May 29-31, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The New Stan Getz Quartet featuring Astrud Gilberto)
June 2-3, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Bob Gibson, José Feliciano, George Carlin)
June 4-10, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Bob Gibson, José Feliciano)
June 11-12, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Bob Gibson)
June 14, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Benny Powell Quartet)
June 16-July 12, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Mort Sahl)
Mort Sahl is a Canadian comedian and actor. He was on the cover of Time magazine in 1960 was where they called him “the patriarch of a new school of comedians”.
July 14-22, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Vaughn Meader, Toby Reynolds, Eduardo Sasson)
Vaughn Meader was an American comedian and impersonator whose achievement of fame with The First Family album spoofing President John F. Kennedy was equaled only by his obscurity after Kennedy’s assassination in 1963.
July 23-25, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Vaughn Meader, Toby Reynolds, Eduardo Sasson, The Mandrell Singers)
Monday, July 27 - Tuesday, August 4, 1964: George Carlin, Toby Reynolds, Eduardo Sasson
July 27, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (“Ed McCurdy’s Hootenanny”)
August 5-12, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (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.
September 3-9, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Bill Evans Trio, Nancy Harrow, George Carlin)
September 10-27, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (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, civil rights activist, and actor. He ran for office in the Illinois state legislature and U.S. Congress, both unsuccessfully.
Tuesday, October 20 - Sunday, November 8, 1964: Vaughn Meader’s The Populace featuring Renee Taylor
Reneé Taylor is an American comedienne/actress featured in Vaughn Meader’s revue “The Populace”.
November 9, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Alison Knowles)
Alison Knowles is an American visual artist known for her sound works, installations, performances, and publications. Knowles was very active in the Fluxus movement, and continues to create work inspired by her Fluxus experience.
November 12, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Anita Sheer, Adam Keefe, Lydia Wood)
November 14, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Alison Knowles)
November 17-22, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Muddy Waters and his Blues Band featuring Otis Spann)
November 24-December 2, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Babatunde Olatunji)
Babatunde Olatunji was a Nigerian drummer, educator, social activist and recording artist.
December 3-6, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Clara Ward Singers, Babatunde Olatunji)
December 8-31, 1964 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Oscar Brown Jr. with The Floyd Morris Trio)
1965
January 21-24, 1965 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Shunna Pillay, Dave Astor, Olatunji)
Shunna Pillay is a South African singer and formerly Miriam Makeba’s husband. Dave Astor is an American comedian.
Monday, January 25, 1965: Monday Night Letter with Emmett Williams
A series of happenings and 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 3am to 7am. 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
Monday, February 15, 1965: FILM: "The Legend Of Charlie Parker"
Friday, February 19 - Monday, February 22, 1965: Woody Herman and his Swinging Herd, The Bomb and Swing
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 screen again, the film “The Legend Of Charlie Parker”, to commemorate the (almost) 10th Anniversary of Charlie “Bird” Parker death. Jim Mendenhall and Paula Shaw were two actors that, supposedly, starred 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 coronet player and a longtime member of his band. Charles Lloyd is a legendary American jazz tenor saxophonist and flautist, and 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 (M.C.), Billy Taylor (M.C.) plus many guest stars
Howard and Elly Solomon held another night to commemorate the (almost) 10th Anniversary of Charlie “Bird” Parker 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 ceremonies.
Thursday, March 18, 1965: Chico Hamilton
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 broke up right after these shows, after an argument over fees and tour expenses between the group and their manager Howard Solomon. The group received $500 per week from Solomon, and from that each of the ten members had to pay meals, laundry, and travel expenses. Consequently, there was no money left. So, the group split from Solomon as manager.
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
Wednesday, June 16 - Tuesday, June 22, 1965: Monti Rock III, Lester Young and His Discotheques
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 network’s list of “All Time Greatest Stand-Up Comedians”.
Thursday, July 1 - Saturday, July 10, 1965: Ian and Sylvia
Tuesday, July 13 - Sunday, July 18, 1965: Bob Gibson
Monday, July 19, 1965: Bob Gibson, Alison Knowles, Eric Andersen, Albert Fine
Tuesday, July 20 - Sunday, July 25, 1965: Bob Gibson, John Lee Hooker
Tuesday, July 27 - Sunday, August 1, 1965: Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Bob Gibson, Barbara Dane, Chambers Brothers
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.
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 were a New York 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 New York 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 was 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 to another member of that movement, Nam June Paik, who had already performed at the Café 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, was another performance artist involved in the Fluxus Movement.
November 9-21, 1965 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Blues Project, Richard Pryor)
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 the Café au Go Go, and several tracks from the band debut album: “Live At The Café au Go Go Featured Tommy Flanders” were recorded at these shows. To justify the project, they had a sort of “blues festival” and also 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 least, New York raga-rock group The Seventh Sons. Famous American folk historian Izzy Young was the master of ceremonies for these shows. The performances of Bukka White, Son House, Big Joe Williams and Skip James, also recorded as stated, were later released on the 1967’s album: “Living Legends” (Verve-Folkways FTS-3010).
Wednesday, December 1 - Thursday, December 2, 1965: The Blues Project and Workshop
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 Café au Go Go.
Tuesday, December 14 - Thursday, December 16, 1965: The Fugs, Richie Havens
The Fugs were a legendary New York 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.
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. 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.
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
March 11-April 10, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Blues Project, The Myddle Class, Richie Havens, The Seventh Sons (19 only)
May 1-8, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jim Kweskin Jug Band, The Youngbloods)
May 13-23, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, The Blues Project (19-21 only)
May 27-31, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Bo Diddley, The Blues Project, The Youngbloods)
June 1-2, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Bo Diddley, The Blues Project)
June 3-5, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (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, probably rotating, included present and future famous musicians like Al Kooper (organ or guitar), Harvey Brooks (bass), Felix Pappalardi (bass or guitar), John Sebastian (harp), Dino Valenti (guitar) and Karen Dalton (guitar).
June 6-19, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Blues Project, Fred Neil, The Youngbloods)
June 21-29, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jesse Colin Young, The Youngbloods)
June 30, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Blues Project)
July 1-10, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Blues Project (1-3 only), Big Joe Williams (1-3, only)
Sunday night, July 3, the show was closed for jam session between members of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and The Blues Project.
July 12-17, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Pozo-Seco Singers, The Youngbloods)
July 19-24, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Gordon Lightfoot, The Youngbloods)
July 27-31, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Paul Butterfield Blues Band, John Lee Hooker)
August 1-7, 1966 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Pozo-Seco Singers, The Youngbloods)
August 8-14, 1966 Cafe au Go Go, New York City, NY (Muddy Waters, The Youngbloods)
August 16-18, 1966 Cafe au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Jim and Jean)
August 19-21, 1966 Cafe au Go Go, New York City, NY (Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Jim Kweskin Jug Band, Jim and Jean)
August 27-September 4, 1966 Cafe au Go Go, New York City, NY (Paul Butterfield Blues Band, John Lee Hooker)
August 30, 1966 Cafe au Go Go, New York City, NY (John Lee Hooker, backed by Muddy Waters and his band. Recorded for his 1967’s album: “Live at Café au-Go-Go”)
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 work as a slide guitarist. Jerem Steig and The Satyrs were a New York jazz-rock fusion group led by flautist Jeremy Steig.
THE NOT YET FAMOUS JIMI HENDRIX, THEN KNOWN UNDER "JIMI JAMES" ALIAS, BACKED BOTH JOHN HAMMOND JR. AND ELLEN MCLIWAINE FOR THIS WEEK 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 backup band for these shows, were actually Jimi James and The Blue Flames, a New York blues-rock group led by vocalist and lead guitarist Jimi James (aka Jimi Hendrix), and which also included another greatest guitarist (future Spirit’s leader) Randy California. 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 Ellen McIlwaine for this week shows and also sat-in again with Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs.
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 was also 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
October 30-November 6, 1966 Cafe au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Youngbloods)
November 8-20, 1966 Cafe au Go Go, New York City, NY (Richard Pryor)
November 21-28, 1966 Cafe au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blues Bag with The Blues Project, Big Joe Williams, Judy Roderick, Muddy Waters Blues Band, Otis Spann, John Lee Hooker, Richie Havens, Dave Van Ronk, David Blue)
November 29-30, 1966 Cafe au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Youngbloods)
December 1-2, 1966 Cafe au Go Go, New York City, NY (Lothar and The Hand People)
December 3, 1966 Cafe au Go Go, New York City, NY (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. He sang traditional songs of 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 was 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 New York 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 were 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 was 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 Café au Go Go, at the same address on 152 Bleecker Street. Howard and Elly Solomon also owned this theatre, called The Garrick Theatre. The first artist to play at this new venue were The Mothers Of Invention, the legendary Los Angeles rock band led by 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.
April 6-19, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Mothers Of Invention) Shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Café au Go Go.
April 11-16, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jim Kweskin Jug Band)
April 18-22, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Ian and Sylvia)
April 24-30, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Mothers Of Invention) This shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Café au Go Go.
April 25-27, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Ian and Sylvia)
April 28, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Ian and Sylvia, The Paupers, Dave Van Ronk, Joe Beck Quartet)
April 29-30, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Paupers, Dave Van Ronk, Joe Beck Quartet)
May 1-7, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Dave Van Ronk with Luke and The Apostles, Joe Beck Quartet)
May 1-21, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Mothers Of Invention, The Joe Beck Jazz Ensemble and strings (18 only) Shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Café au Go Go.
May 12-14, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Dave Van Ronk)
May 16-21, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Olatunji)
May 23-28, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Eric Andersen)
May 24-31, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Mothers Of Invention) Shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Café au Go Go.
June 1-11, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Grateful Dead, Luke and The Apostles)
June 1 - June 30, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Mothers Of Invention, Eric Andersen (4 only), Luke and The Apostles (4 only)
Shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Café au Go Go.
June 5, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jam Session)
June 12, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jam Session)
June 13-18, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Richie Havens)
June 19, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jam Session)
June 20-25, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jesse “Lone Cat” Fuller)
June 26, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jam Session)
June 26-July 1, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Paul Butterfield Blues Band)
Saturday, July 1 - Tuesday, September 5, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Mothers Of Invention, Meredith Monk (only in July)
This show was held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Café au Go Go. Friday night, July 7, JIMI HENDRIX AND BASSIST NOEL REDDING OF THE JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE WERE IN THE AUDIENCE. HENRIX THEN RETURNED TO THE GARRICK, THIS TIME WITH HIS OTHER EXPERIENCE'S BAND MATE DRUMMER MITCH MITCHELL, ON JULY 21 OR 22 OR 23 (NO ONE REMEMBERS 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 choreographer, Meredith Monk, opening some shows of The Mothers, backed by The Mothers’ electric organist Don Preston. One of Monk and Preston's shows were 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 (!!).
July 2-15, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Oscar Brown Jr. and Jean Pace, Johnny Robertson and The Young Brothers, The Stone Poynes (6 only), Tim Buckley (6 only)
July 3, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jam Session)
July 10, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jam Session)
July 17, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jam Session)
July 18-20, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Richie Havens, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs)
July 21-23, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (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.
July 24, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jam Session)
July 27-29, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Al Kooper, Judy Collins (27 only), Eric Andersen (27 only)
Al Kooper, former "Blues Project’s" vocalist and organist, decided to move to London, England, and chose to throw a “benefit” for himself with the help of Howard and Elly Solomon. Guest appearances by folksingers and pals Judy Collins and Eric Andersen did a set, also his old-time friend and former musical partner Paul Simon showed up. For these “benefit” shows, Kooper was backed by a group consisting of his former Blues Project’s band mate Steve Katz on guitar, former Buffalo Springfield and The Mothers Of Invention’s Jim Fielder on bass, and Bobby Colomby on drums. However, despite six sold-out shows (two shows each night), Kooper made very little money due to excessive expenses, and gives up the idea of moving to London. Nonetheless, his pickup band sounds great and decides to add a horn section and form a band called Blood, Sweat and Tears.
July 31, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jam Session)
August 1-6, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Country Joe and The Fish, Eric Andersen)
August 8-13, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Eric Andersen, The Youngbloods)
August 16-September 4, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Blues Project, Jeremy Steig and The Satyrs (16-20 only), The James Cotton Blues Band (23-27 only)
September 7-10, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Ian and Sylvia)
September 12-24, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Tim Buckley, Canned Heat, B.B. King (15 only), Odetta (22-24 only)
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.
September 26-October 1, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Cream, The Paupers, Richie Havens)
October 3-8, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Cream, Richie Havens)
October 11-22, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Eric Andersen, Larry Hankin, Chrysalis)
October 26, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Joni Mitchell, Ian and Sylvia)
October 28-November 2, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Procol Harum) 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.
November 17-19, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Moby Grape, Larry Hankin, Blood, Sweat and Tears)
November 21-26, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Blues Bag with Paul Butterfield Blues Band, James Cotton Blues Band, Richie Havens, Dave Van Ronk, Odetta, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Larry Hankin (M.C.)
November 22, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The Sidetrack, James Cotton Blues Band, Richie Havens, Dave Van Ronk, The Hudson Brothers)
November 30, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Richie Havens, Larry Hankin, The Sidetrack)
December 1-3, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Richie Havens (except 3rd), Larry Hankin, The Sidetrack)
December 19-24, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Clear Light, Richie Havens)
December 28-31, 1967 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Tim Buckley, Clear Light)
1968
January 4-7, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (B.B. King)
January 9-21, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Steve Miller Band (12-18 only)
January 25-February 4, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blood, Sweat and Tears, James Cotton)
February 5-13, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blood, Sweat and Tears)
February 14-18, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blood, Sweat and Tears, H.P. Lovecraft (14-16 only)
February 27-March 3, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Albert King)
March 7-17, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Electric Flag) 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).
March 19-24, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Jim Kweskin Jug Band)
March 29-30, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (United States Of America)
April 2-7, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blood, Sweat and Tears)
April 9-14, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Ian and Sylvia, P.F. Sloan, The Sidetrack)
April 11-14, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blood, Sweat and Tears) Shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Café au Go Go.
April 15-17, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Steve Miller Band, Bunky and Jake) Shows were held at the Garrick Theatre, upstairs the Café au Go Go.
April 18-21, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Steve Miller Band, Bunky and Jake)
April 25-June 3, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Collision Course ’12 plays’. Omnibus of plays “previewed” on Thursday, April 25, and officially opened on Wednesday, May 8.)
June 4-6, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Canned Heat)
June 9, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (James Cotton)
June 11-16, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (The Sidetrack, P.F. Sloan, Peter Walker)
June 18-July 7, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blood, Sweat and Tears, James Cotton (28-29 only)
July 9-21, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Seatrain, Albert Ayler)
July 23-25, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (John Lee Hooker)
July 26-27, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blood, Sweat and Tears)
August 2-4, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blood, Sweat and Tears, Buzzy Linhart)
August 6-10, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blues Magoos, Buzzy Linhart)
August 23-25, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blood, Sweat and Tears)
August 28-September 2, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Buzzy Linhart)
September 6-7, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Blood, Sweat and Tears)
September 10-15, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (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.
September 16, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Tyrannosaurus Rex)
September 19-26, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Rhinoceros, John Lee Hooker (20-21 only)
September 27-October 5, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Rhinoceros, Tim Hardin, Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker (27-28 and 4-5 only), Billy Mitchell (27 only)
October 12-14, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Moby Grape, The Moke Eaters (play)
October 15-17, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Moby Grape, The Apple Pie Motherhood Band)
October 30-November 4, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Dino Valenti, The Nazz (1st only)
November 12-16, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (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 reasons unclear. 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 was 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 the 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.
December 3-9, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Silver Apples, Tommy Flanders, Pacific Gas and Electric (5 only), Danny Kalb (7-9 only)
December 20-31, 1968 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Tim Hardin)
1969
January 3-4, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Tim Hardin)
January 7-12, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Ian and Sylvia)
January 17-19, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Earth Opera, Soft White Underbelly)
January 25-31, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Colwell-Winfield Blues Band, Vince Martin)
February 3-6, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Savoy Brown)
February 21-23, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Danny Kalb Quartet with Roy Blumenfeld, Buzzy Linhart)
February 27-March 2, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Tim Hardin)
March 4-16, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Danny Kalb and His Friends)
March 20-29, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Ian and Sylvia, Danny Kalb Quintet, Bob “Uncle Dirty” Altman (American “adult comedian”)
April 2-4, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Tim Hardin)
April 5-20, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Bob Gison, Karen Dalton, Vince Martin (14-20 only)
April 22-23, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Fred Neil, Great Train Robbery, Uncle Dirty)
April 24-27, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Great Train Robbery, Uncle Dirty, Otis Spann)
April 29-May 12, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Seatrain)
May 23-25, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Tim Hardin)
May 29-31, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Tim Hardin)
June 6-8, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Tim Hardin)
June 10, 1969 Cafe Au Go Go, New York City, NY (Ian and Sylvia)
June 11-June 19, 1969
NEW YORK'S VILLAGE VOICE NEWSPAPER ADVERTISES: "FOR LEASE 150-154 BLEECKER STREET - WORLD FAMOUS CAFE AU GO GO - LEGAL OCCUPANCY CABARET 285, THEATER 200".