Yesterday, I finished Tim Lawrence’s vivid & detailed history of NYC nightflife culture 1980-1983. It’s been refreshing under quarantine to “go out” with Keith Haring, Jellybean Benitez, Klaus Nomi and thousands of new acquaintances I just met in the club ... all from my sofa.

Early 80s NYC revellers regularly experienced what we are lacking right now - a “being together of strangers,” where unexpected encounters proliferated.

Nightclubs regularly featured DJs, live acts, themed happenings, film & video screenings, performance art & art exhibitions.

“Already rooted in the practice of creating fresh combinations out of found materials, Bronx DJs discovered a particular affinity with downtowners immersed in cutup, collage, intertextuality, juxtaposition, DIY & recycling. A spectacular period of mutant exploration ensued...”

While in many ways a space for sexual exploration & deconstructing hierarchies (before AIDS hit), it was also riven by familiar divisions...

The spectacular nights at members-only gay club The Saint were proudly and almost exclusively attended by a white male elite.

And of course, certain savvy scenesters “had the genius to dig out the best part of the downtown scene and put it all together into a production that appealed to the general population.” Ahem.

Culture is built not just by individual “creatives” but by a scene that feeds encounter & exchange.

A public health crisis & neoliberal economic forces depleted the creative energy of Downtown NYC - but what an inspiring model for now (or whenever we can leave the house again..)