In this blog article, I’ll discuss New York Party’s scene in the 80s and the Paradise Garage with Michele Saunders.
If there’s one thing that best characterizes Michele Saunders’s life, it’s unconditional love for music. Growing up in France, listening to her father’s record collection, Michele found her passion in exploring Jazz and Rock& Roll. As she grew up, she went into different waves, but moving to America brought her something new.
Every Wednesday night I would go to the Apollo Theather to check the new talents. I was the only white person there. I was fascinated by the Motown sound.
Michele Sanduers
Her passion for music took shape when she’d road trip down to New York, catching the world-famous Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre in Haarlem. When she moved back to France for a while, she always sought music.
At that time, she was friendly with American Writer James Baldwin in Paris, connecting with incredible artists and musicians. And thanks to this friendship, fate brought her to experience “The Cellar” in New York and meet Andre Saunders.
In 1979, Saunders was producing Billy Nichol’s disco classic: “Give Your Body Up to the music”, remixed by Larry Levan, resident DJ at the Paradise Garage, and invited her to see Nichols perform at the club.
I went to the DJ booth and realized, ‘Oh my god’ I wanna come back here. And indeed a week later I went back. I remeber hiding behind the speaker, watching everybody dance.
Michele Saunders
THE PARADISE GARAGE
From 1980 to the day it closed, she literally went to the Paradise Garage every weekend, enjoying the creative spirit of downtown New York.
It’s the deepest feeling that I’ve ever explored with the music.
Michele Saunders
The rest is a story filled with amazing nights, listening to Larry Levan’s music – there was no set rule with the dancing, and people felt completely fredoom with a big sense of commonality.
In today’s interview, Michele talks about her time spent in New York City in the 70s and 80s and the legendary Paradise Garage with Larry Levan.
Enjoy listening! 😊
In addition, read this blog article: David Mancuso & The Loft w/ Tim Lawrecne
Episode #37 A Tribute to Paradise Garage w/ Michele Saunders
02:50 GROWING UP LISTENING TO JAZZ
06:18 JAMES BALWIN AND THE CELLAR
08:00 THE INTRODUCTION AT THE PARADISE GARAGE
14:02 A CHURCH ON THE DANCEFLOOR
15:27 THE MUSIC
16:59 NEW YORK CITY DANCE MUSIC CULTURE IN THE EARLY ’80s
21:20 LARRY LEVAN
23:47 THE LAST NIGHT
27:53 THE HISTORY OF NYC BETTER DAYS
Today’s episode is sponsored by 👉 L.U.V YOUR HOUSE – Berlin House Music Collective.
Don’t miss their live set at Paloma Bar on Thursday, February 9.
Episode links #37 A Tribute to Paradise Garage w/ Michele Saunders
WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISCUSS TODAY’S TOPIC WITH A WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY OF MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS?
In the Music Travel Guide Online Meetups, we have the exciting opportunity to connect with passionate DJs, musicians and vinyl collectors.
It’s an open space for music lovers like yourself, speaking about record collecting, the music industry and all things black music.
Are you ready to be part of it?
Join us on February 7th at 7 pm (CET)
