My ’80s in the East Village, NYC

With the passing of street artist Matthew Courtney still raw in my heart, I decided to dive into my years in the East Village and the people I encountered there.

Matthew, could be found on Prince Street selling his words and art that appealed to everyone with a mind for the human condition. His words were famous quotes, or “Question (Everything)” and The Urban Tribal Man. "If You See Something - Draw Something" Steps to Nowhere Gallery, on Prince Street, SoHo NYC. "The newspaper man of SoHo!"

I was fortunate to attend the 25th anniversary of Matthew Courtney’s Wide Open Cabaret on May 6th, 2011, a milestone event held at ABC No Rio, nestled on Rivington Street in the heart of the Lower East Side. Born in the 1980s and thriving through the ’90s, the Cabaret was more than just a show—it was a raw, unfiltered celebration of counterculture. Described as "a sleaze pit full of radical poets, writers, and performance artists," it became a sanctuary for the avant-garde. A gathering place where entertainers of all kinds entertained an audience of young, hungry intellects, eager to challenge convention and embrace the edge of artistic expression.

On this evening, Roger Manning, Brenda Kahn, John S. Hall, Billy Syndrome, and Jennifer Blowdryer performed, amongst other greats. The wall was a visual feast of artwork by Matthew Courtney.

I am extremely grateful for being able to witness these happenings back in the 80's, and must credit The Fort run by Lach in the East Village, an Anti Folk open mike night at Sophies. I would video tape the performers and worked on creating the video “Electric Boy“ with Lach. Amongst the musicians I was lucky to meet and photograph were Roger Manning, Knox Chandler and Brenda Kahn. As well as bands such as The Mommyheads and Porno Dracula.

The photographs below document the 25th Anniversary at ABC No Rio, which was torn down, but amazingly being rebuilt! Sadly, 2024 saw the passing of visionary director, Steven Englander. "ABC No Rio's new facility has been designed by local architect Paul Castrucci. It features a planted facade suggestive of the utopian vision of the Lower East Side described by Peter Lamborn Wilson in Avant Gardening, and will be constructed in line with our environmental politics, utilizing sustainable design principles." A place for future artists to thrive!

Below is my artwork in conversation with art purchased from Matthew Courtney.