Ethos
New York Free Love League draws on an energy that is essentially New York. It mines from the heritage of the city: in particular the club scene of the 70’s and 80’s.
Origins
While living in New York in the 1850’s, Walt Whitman was part of the Free Love League. What the league did is a bit of a mystery, but by the early 1850’s, a counter-cultural network was taking shape in America.
Some favored utopian or anarchist communities (like Modern Times on Long Island), while others were merely critical of capitalism, government and religion. Many called for the abolition of slavery, as well as the institution of marriage. They embraced pacifism and vegetarianism. They got together in downtown bars and homes and became a movement meant to transcend a life of growing atomization. The spirit of the league lives on.
Love Saves the Day
Whitman spent his nights carousing with fellow bohemians in Greenwich Village. They drank frequently at Pfaff’s beer cellar. Pfaff’s was a restaurant in the Coleman House Hotel (647 Broadway) that became known as the first gay bar in America.
Over 100 years later, David Mancuso lived at 647 Broadway, and started an invitation-only, private house party (the first party was called Love Saves the Day), held weekly on Saturday nights. Guests referred to his residence as The Loft. Many pioneering DJ’s, including Larry Levan, Nicky Siano, David Morales and Frankie Knuckles were early Loft attendees. Their venues (Paradise Garage, The Gallery, Chicago's Warehouse) were influenced by The Loft.
Contact
info@newyorkfreeloveleague.com