GETTING IN: Showcasing LGBTQ nightclub invites from the 1990s in NYC
The 1990s in New York City was a heady time for clubgoers, especially those with a queer bent. Massive dance clubs like the Roxy, Palladium, Limelight, and Tunnel drew fiercely passionate crowds. But the smaller venues like Splash, Crowbar, Pyramid, and Sound Factory Bar were just as vital.
David Kennerley ventured into these now-legendary clubs. And when it was time to leave, promoters stood at the exits handing out flyers for the next week's parties. Most people tossed them on the sidewalk, but he saved each and every one.
GETTING IN spotlights 230 of the most eye-popping, culturally resonant examples from his collection. The invites are not only visually stunning, depicting flamboyant Club Kids, shirtless hunks, and sassy drag queens, but tell a story of a unique moment in history when the LGBTQ community was reeling from the AIDS crisis, and nightspots provided a refuge.
With a foreword by NYC nightlife guru Michael Musto, the book features essays and quotes from nightlife celebs of the decade, like drag doyennes Lady Bunny and Linda Simpson, DJs Larry Tee and Susan Morabito, Club Kids Goldy Loxxx and Ernie Glam, go-go boy Mark Allen, and photographer Sean Kahlil.
What’s more, the book includes a map showing where the clubs were located, a timeline depicting when the clubs operated, as well as a timeline of LGBTQ cultural milestones to provide context. The book is meticulously researched and cross-referenced with nightlife guides such as HX magazine.
Today, most of these storied nightspots are long gone, replaced by ritzy condos and high-end retail stores. Printed club invites have largely been replaced by digital replicas. GETTING IN offers a chance to recapture some of that gritty nightlife glory.
Book details
- Estimated 232 full-color pages, premium 100# satin finish paper
- Images of 230 flyers (most front/back)
- Size: 10” x 8” landscape
- Binding: Hardcover, stitched