Electric Circus (nightclub)

The Electric Circus was a legendary nightclub that operated in New York City's East Village from 1967 to 1971. Founded by Jerry Brandt, Stanton J. Freeman, and filmmaker Andy Warhol, with partial backing from Warner Bros., the Electric Circus aimed to create a multi-sensory environment unlike anything seen before in the burgeoning counterculture scene.

The club was located at 23 St. Marks Place, formerly the site of the Polish National Home. Its interior was designed to be a constantly evolving landscape of light shows, projections, performance art, and music. Features included strobing lights, films projected onto multiple surfaces, trapeze artists, and costumed performers mingling with the crowd. The music was equally eclectic, ranging from rock and roll to experimental electronic sounds, jazz, and performance art.

The Electric Circus quickly became a hub for the counterculture movement, attracting a diverse crowd of artists, musicians, writers, and social activists. It served as a venue for notable acts such as The Grateful Dead, Sly and the Family Stone, and the Velvet Underground, as well as a space for avant-garde performances and happenings.

While initially a critical and commercial success, the Electric Circus eventually faced financial difficulties. The high cost of maintaining its elaborate productions and the changing cultural landscape of the early 1970s contributed to its decline. The club closed its doors in 1971, but its influence on nightlife, performance art, and multimedia experiences continues to be felt. It is remembered as a pioneering example of immersive entertainment and a significant symbol of the 1960s counterculture.