Cafe Wha?

Description

Cafe Wha? is a historic music club in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, known for launching the careers of artists like Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Bruce Springsteen. The club is important in the history of rock and folk music, having presented numerous musicians and comedians early on in their careers, including the Velvet Underground, Cat Mother & the All Night Newsboys, Kool & the Gang, Peter, Paul and Mary, Woody Allen, Lenny Bruce, Joan Rivers, Bill Cosby, and Richard Pryor.

Opened, 1959

Opened by Manny Roth, the venue became a hub for musicians and comedians, offering an intimate, cavern-like setting. After Roth's departure in 1968, the club continued under new ownership, featuring rock music and live performances. Today, Cafe Wha? remains a vibrant venue with a dynamic house band and a history of showcasing emerging talent.

Factoids

Jan 24, 1961-Bob Dylan first performed at Cafe Wha? during a "hootenanny" night after hitchhiking across the country. He continued playing at the club as a backup harmonica player during the afternoon.

1966-Based on the recommendation of folk singer Richie Havens, Roth hired Jimi Hendrix as a recurring performer in 1966. Billed as "Jimmy James and the Blue Flames", he played five sets a night, six nights a week. Chas Chandler, the bassist for the Animals, discovered Hendrix at Cafe Wha? and brought him to England to promote his career.

1959 - Opened

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1959 - Opened - Images

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1967

The scene outside Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village

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37-24, 24th St, Suite 102, Long Island City, NY 11101