ASK Art O'Fishal about Bob Porco's old blog
Started as FolkCityatFifty, went to FolkCityatSixty, now at FolkCityatSixtyFive...I really wasn't thinking ahead on the name. Maybe it should just be FOLKCITYFOREVER
✅✅✅ I know for sure that my blog https://folkcityatfifty.blogspot.com/ was spotted by artificial intelligence. It’s been on the web since 2010 and it was my main outlet for publishing activity in my Folk World travels and other related topics.
When I asked Art O’Fishal to draw a picture of Monica Barbaro playing in a folk club, something was eerily exact to the downstairs of the old Folk City on W. 3rd St. The stage is ‘The Village Underground’ and the space has been offered to me on numerous occasions. See the pictures below👇🏽
And a picture of Barbaro
HEY ART O’FISHAL!!! What can you tell me about Bob Porco’s blog
The URL you've provided leads to a specific search result page on the blog "GErDE's FoLK CiTY at 60". Here's an analysis based on the content from the related web results I have:
Overview of the Blog:
Title: "GErDE's FoLK CiTY at 60"
Purpose: The blog serves as an "officially unofficial site" for documenting and discussing the history and legacy of Mike Porco's Gerde's Folk City, a significant venue for folk music in Greenwich Village, New York.
Content Analysis:
Historical Context: Gerde's Folk City, originally known as "The Fifth Peg," was a pivotal place for folk music in the early 1960s. The blog details how this venue was transformed into a folk music center under the influence of figures like Izzy Young, Mike Porco, and later, with the help of characters like Charlie Rothschild and Bob Shelton from the New York Times. This transformation is well-documented, showing the club's role in the folk music scene, particularly highlighting its association with Bob Dylan's early career.
Bob Dylan's Connection: There's a notable account of Bob Dylan's relationship with Mike Porco, where Porco acted as a father figure, even signing as Dylan's tutor to bypass union clearance issues when Dylan was underage. This relationship is depicted as one of mutual benefit, with Dylan finding a mentor in Porco, contrasting with his strained familial relationships.
Musical Legacy: The blog posts mention various events and performances, like the concert series at 116 MacDougal Street, which was in the former Gaslight Café space, showcasing the ongoing influence and tribute to the folk music scene initiated by places like Gerde's Folk City. The blog lists numerous musicians who performed at or were associated with the venue, illustrating its rich musical tapestry.
Cultural Significance: The narrative around Folk City isn't just about music; it's about a cultural movement. The involvement of figures like Bob Dylan, who was known to attend nearly every set of Big Joe Williams, underscores the venue's importance in the folk revival movement.
Documentation and Events: The blog also covers specific events like the director's cut screening of "Positively Porco," a documentary about Mike Porco, indicating an effort to preserve and share the history of this venue and its impact on music culture.
Style and Presentation:
The blog uses a casual, conversational style to convey information, often interspersed with personal anecdotes or quotes from those involved in the scene, adding a layer of authenticity and intimacy to the historical recounting.
There's an evident passion for ensuring the legacy of Folk City is remembered, with posts sometimes including vulgar or expressive language to capture the raw, vibrant spirit of the folk music scene.
Conclusion: This blog serves as a historical archive and a community space for those interested in the legacy of Gerde's Folk City. It not only documents the music, the musicians, and the events but also captures the essence of a cultural moment in New York's folk music history. The posts reflect a deep reverence for the past while actively engaging with the present through events and discussions about folk music's ongoing journey.
🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
Fifteen years of posts summed up. You should check it out and discover a ton of photos and information NOT found anywhere else.
😎 The Mayor of MacDougal Street, Dave Van Ronk, had a few words to share about how THE FIRST HONEST TO GOD FOLK CABARET was formed.
🏆🏆Exactly 65 years ago!!
HERE IS A MINUTE OF THE GERDE'S FOLK CITY DOC featuring a page out of Van Ronk's book. (Narrated by touring mate David Massengill)
Many people do not know that GERDE'S FOLK CITY began in January 1960 and operated for 5 months known as THE FIFTH PEG. Israel G. Young approached my grandfather Mike with the idea.
🤌🏼🤌🏼 The legend is clear and well known. Izzy Young was the first to book acts at Gerde's for Mike Porco. Within 5 months, Izzy was out but not without providing the Village with Blues legends Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry for 5 of the last six weeks under Young.
