Village Gate

Village Gate

The Village Gate was a nightclub located at the corner of Thompson and Bleecker Streets in Greenwich Village, New York. It was opened in 1958 by Art D'Lugoff and was a popular venue for musicians, comedians, and theatrical performances.

History

The Village Gate was originally a commercial building before it was converted into a nightclub. It was known for its eclectic mix of entertainment, which included jazz, folk music, comedy, and off-Broadway shows. Some of the most famous performers of the time, such as Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Aretha Franklin, graced its stage.

Closure and Legacy

The Village Gate closed in 1993 due to financial difficulties. However, its legacy lives on. In 2013, the space was reopened as Le Poisson Rouge, a multimedia art cabaret that continues the tradition of presenting a wide range of performances.

Notable Performances

Over the years, the Village Gate hosted a number of notable performances. These include:

• Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris - This musical revue, featuring the songs of Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, had a successful run at the Village Gate in the late 1960s.

• National Lampoon's Lemmings - This off-Broadway musical revue, which parodied the Woodstock Festival, was performed at the Village Gate in 1973.

See Also

• Greenwich Village
• Art D'Lugoff
• Le Poisson Rouge

External Links

• Le Poisson Rouge - Official website of the venue that now occupies the former Village Gate space.