8BC
| Company type | Nightclub and performance venue |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Art gallery |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Defunct | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Manhattan, New York City , United States |
| Products | Live performances, art exhibitions |
8BC functioned as a nightclub, venue for performance art and music, as well as an art gallery located at 337 East 8th Street in Manhattan's East Village. Established in 1983, it ceased operations by the end of 1985.
History
In 1980, Cornelius Conboy, one of the founders, acquired the building with the intention of launching a theater. While involved with Theatre Row, he recognized a shortage of spaces dedicated to experimental performances. Consequently, he purchased a former farmhouse situated in an East Village neighborhood nicknamed "Little Dresden" due to its numerous deserted structures. Conboy envisioned 8BC as a relaxed club emphasizing performances rather than a conventional theater setting. His collaborator was Dennis Gattra, who had experience as a circus performer and served as road manager for The Flying Karamazov Brothers.
The venue debuted on October 31, 1983, presenting Ucci's Circus Romanus, a variety show lasting four hours. This cozy location accommodated roughly 200 attendees and featured a stage that extended beyond the primary room’s length, allowing for large-scale acts. The interior walls were adorned with murals and hosted rotating exhibitions showcasing local artists’ work. Its financial model relied on entrance fees and bar sales, with admission proceeds shared among performers. In recognition of its contribution to the local arts scene, 8BC earned a Bessie Award in 1985.
Operating without an official certificate of occupancy and in breach of zoning regulations, the establishment closed on October 22, 1985, following an arrangement with the New York City Department of Buildings. Soon after, The New York Times reported on this closure as indicative of a broader move away from smaller downtown venues toward larger clubs such as Palladium and The Limelight. In 2000, Conboy contributed materials related to 8BC to the Archives of American Art.
Performers
During its inaugural year, the space hosted over 650 shows encompassing genres like punk rock, no wave, and cultural expressions including Japanese Butoh. Distinguished artists who performed there included Karen Finley, Steve Buscemi, John Zorn, They Might Be Giants, Leisure Class, Ethyl Eichelberger, Holly Hughes, Charles Busch, Raging Slab, Rhys Chatham's XS: The Opera Opus, and k.d. lang.
In popular culture
The venue is mentioned in the song "La Vie Bohème" from the musical Rent.
Bibliography
- Hager, Steve. Art After Midnight: The East Village Scene. St. Matins Press, 1986.
- Adler, Norma. "Jo Andres' "Liquid TV" at 8BC." The Drama Review 29.1 (1985): 36-38.
- McCormick, Carlo, Marvin J. Taylor, Lynn Gumpert, et al. The Downtown Book: The New York Art Scene 1974-1984. Princeton University Press, 2005.
- McCormick, Carlo & Walter Robinson. "Slouching Toward Avenue D." Art in America 72.6 (1984): 138, 158.