Catacombs Nightclub Philadelphia
Encyclopedia
The Catacombs Nightclub was a gay
after hours nightclub
in Philadelphia that played underground dance music
which became the precursor to house music
. Additionally, Catacombs was responsible for the creation of the dance music genre "Philly Classics," and as a cultural center the club was a haven for music industry professionals and artists of diverse backgrounds in the early 80's.
which was the primary key to their success.
Before The Second Story was realized, Wayne and Barry created their first nightclub, The Music Box. The club was known as the place to be at the Jersey Shore
during summers in the 70’s. New York’s “Discoteckin Magazine” called it “a club worth leaving New York for.”
The sound system was designed by Rosner Custom Sound and installed by Rosner’s lead engineer -- Donald Carucci, known as an expert in the field of nightclub sound. The Music Box’s sound system
was unparalleled: Wayne and DJ Frankie “Who” Sestito frequently turned the music UP, which further cemented the club’s popularity. With the success of The Music Box at the Jersey shore, the Geftman brothers realized it was time to bring their concepts to Philadelphia; hence, The Second Story was born.
The Second Story opened its doors on December 6, 1976 after three years of intense design. The facility was in a former church, and key elements from the original building were utilized in its interior design. Rosner designed a state of the art sound system, featuring components that at that time were rarely used in the nightclub environment. The light show was also designed with meticulous care under Barry's close scrutiny. The club opened as a private gay nightclub and changed to a more mainstream format after 13 months, which led to unprecedented success and earning its reputation as “Philadelphia’s Studio 54.”
Although The Second Story was a commercial success, Wayne’s love of music compelled him to build a club that featured “hardcore” dance music, then popular in gay after hours juice bars. Later, this style of music was recognized as the precursor to house music and Wayne's musical vision helped shape the dance genre Philly Classics.
The Geftman brothers opened The Catacombs in the fall of 1978 in the basement of the 12th Street structure. The club typically opened Saturdays at midnight and sometimes would not close until Sunday around noon. The first record played at The Catacombs was "The Impossible Dream."
Although there has always been some confusion over who installed and designed the sound system at The Catacombs; the truth is, this was the original system from The Music Box. Wayne updated the system by doubling the number of loudspeakers and amplifiers. Designed and installed by Donald Carucci, the modified system created a 360° field of sound, further enhanced by the club’s low ceiling. The result was a sound system with crystal clear music, in a room without dead spots.
The Catacombs earned the reputation as a nationally recognized after hours club, and known as a frequent hangout of music industry professionals from both Philadelphia and New York. However, its most significant contribution to the music industry would be the creation of the dance genre Philly Classics. The Catacombs closed its doors in December of 1986.
Gay
Gay is a word that refers to a homosexual person, especially a homosexual male. For homosexual women the specific term is "lesbian"....
after hours nightclub
Nightclub
A nightclub is an entertainment venue which usually operates late into the night...
in Philadelphia that played underground dance music
Underground dance music
The term underground dance music has been applied to artistic movements, such as the house music movement of the late 1970s, but the term has since then come to be defined by any house music artist/band that avoids becoming a trend/mainstream nowadays...
which became the precursor to house music
House music
House music is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in Chicago, Illinois, United States in the early 1980s. It was initially popularized in mid-1980s discothèques catering to the African-American, Latino American, and gay communities; first in Chicago circa 1984, then in other...
. Additionally, Catacombs was responsible for the creation of the dance music genre "Philly Classics," and as a cultural center the club was a haven for music industry professionals and artists of diverse backgrounds in the early 80's.
History - The Evolution of a Nightclub And The Creation of a New Genre of Music
The Second Story, Philadelphia’s premiere nightclub was located at 12th and Walnut Streets in Center City Philadelphia, and was the vision of brothers Barry Geftman and Wayne Geftman. The Geftman brothers’ original concept was to create a private gay club with an environment that featured unique interiors, superior music, excellent sound, and innovative lighting. Under the banner of Disco Design, LTD., Wayne oversaw most of the creative and technical aspects of the club, while Barry deftly performed the administrative duties, including staffing and promotions. As brothers they were able to harness a natural synergySynergy
Synergy may be defined as two or more things functioning together to produce a result not independently obtainable.The term synergy comes from the Greek word from , , meaning "working together".-Definitions and usages:...
which was the primary key to their success.
Before The Second Story was realized, Wayne and Barry created their first nightclub, The Music Box. The club was known as the place to be at the Jersey Shore
Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore is a term used to refer to both the Atlantic coast of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the adjacent resort and residential communities. . The New Jersey State Department of Tourism considers the Shore Region, Greater Atlantic City, and the Southern Shore to be distinct, each having...
during summers in the 70’s. New York’s “Discoteckin Magazine” called it “a club worth leaving New York for.”
The sound system was designed by Rosner Custom Sound and installed by Rosner’s lead engineer -- Donald Carucci, known as an expert in the field of nightclub sound. The Music Box’s sound system
Sound reinforcement system
A sound reinforcement system is the combination of microphones, signal processors, amplifiers, and loudspeakers that makes live or pre-recorded sounds louder and may also distribute those sounds to a larger or more distant audience...
was unparalleled: Wayne and DJ Frankie “Who” Sestito frequently turned the music UP, which further cemented the club’s popularity. With the success of The Music Box at the Jersey shore, the Geftman brothers realized it was time to bring their concepts to Philadelphia; hence, The Second Story was born.
The Second Story opened its doors on December 6, 1976 after three years of intense design. The facility was in a former church, and key elements from the original building were utilized in its interior design. Rosner designed a state of the art sound system, featuring components that at that time were rarely used in the nightclub environment. The light show was also designed with meticulous care under Barry's close scrutiny. The club opened as a private gay nightclub and changed to a more mainstream format after 13 months, which led to unprecedented success and earning its reputation as “Philadelphia’s Studio 54.”
Although The Second Story was a commercial success, Wayne’s love of music compelled him to build a club that featured “hardcore” dance music, then popular in gay after hours juice bars. Later, this style of music was recognized as the precursor to house music and Wayne's musical vision helped shape the dance genre Philly Classics.
The Geftman brothers opened The Catacombs in the fall of 1978 in the basement of the 12th Street structure. The club typically opened Saturdays at midnight and sometimes would not close until Sunday around noon. The first record played at The Catacombs was "The Impossible Dream."
The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
"The Impossible Dream " is a popular song composed by Mitch Leigh, with lyrics written by Joe Darion. It was written for the 1965 musical Man of La Mancha...
Although there has always been some confusion over who installed and designed the sound system at The Catacombs; the truth is, this was the original system from The Music Box. Wayne updated the system by doubling the number of loudspeakers and amplifiers. Designed and installed by Donald Carucci, the modified system created a 360° field of sound, further enhanced by the club’s low ceiling. The result was a sound system with crystal clear music, in a room without dead spots.
The Catacombs earned the reputation as a nationally recognized after hours club, and known as a frequent hangout of music industry professionals from both Philadelphia and New York. However, its most significant contribution to the music industry would be the creation of the dance genre Philly Classics. The Catacombs closed its doors in December of 1986.
Disc Jockeys
- Wayne Geftman
- David ToddDavid Todd (producer)-Biography:David Todd was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania. He began his career in the music industry at a small retail record store in New York around 1970. Because of his discriminating ear and extensive knowledge of dance music, he was invited to DJ at Fire Island's prestigious Ice Palace in 1971...
- Billy Kennedy
- Donald Stone
- Tony White
- Frankie Sestito
- Frank Goodman
Producers / Remix Artists / Songwriters
- David ToddDavid Todd (producer)-Biography:David Todd was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania. He began his career in the music industry at a small retail record store in New York around 1970. Because of his discriminating ear and extensive knowledge of dance music, he was invited to DJ at Fire Island's prestigious Ice Palace in 1971...
– Remix artist of over 40 records for a variety of labels, including Philadelphia International RecordsPhiladelphia International RecordsPhiladelphia International Records is a record label founded by writer-producers, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff in 1971. It was famous for showcasing the sub-genre of Philadelphia soul music and released a string of worldwide hits during the decade.-History:...
, RCA RecordsRCA RecordsRCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
and WMOT RecordsWMOT RecordsWMOT Records, an independent recording company in Philadelphia, produced a number of singles in the "Philadelphia sound" soul tradition...
. - Nick MartinelliNick MartinelliNick Martinelli is an American R&B and pop record producer. He worked with many R&B and pop music artists during the 1980s, many of which were based in the UK. The acts he worked with include Loose Ends, Five Star, Stephanie Mills and Regina Belle....
- Producer for Virgin RecordsVirgin RecordsVirgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
, WMOT RecordsWMOT RecordsWMOT Records, an independent recording company in Philadelphia, produced a number of singles in the "Philadelphia sound" soul tradition...
, West End RecordsWest End RecordsWest End Records is a record label, which is known as one of the most prominent labels in dance music’s history along with Prelude Records, Salsoul Records and Casablanca Records.-History:...
, Prelude RecordsPrelude Records (record label)Prelude Records was a New York-based dance independent record label, active from 1976 to 1986. At one time, François Kevorkian held an A&R position at Prelude. The label owner was Marvin Schlachter.-History:...
and more. He went on to become “Producer To The Divas” and his client base included Diana RossDiana RossDiana Ernestine Earle Ross is an American singer, record producer, and actress. Ross was lead singer of the Motown group The Supremes during the 1960s. After leaving the group in 1970, Ross began a solo career that included successful ventures into film and Broadway...
, Stephanie MillsStephanie MillsStephanie Dorthea Mills is an American R&B and soul singer, and a former Broadway star.-Career:Mills began her career appearing in her first play at the age of nine. Two years later, Mills won Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater a record six times...
, Five StarFive StarFive Star are a British pop / R&B group, formed in 1983. Comprising siblings Stedman, Lorraine, Denise, Doris and Delroy Pearson, they were known for their flamboyant image, matching costumes and heavily choreographed dance routines...
, Loose EndsLoose EndsIn common conversation, the phrase loose ends usually refers to unresolved issues.Loose Ends may also refer to the following:In music:* Loose Ends * Loose Ends...
, Phyllis HymanPhyllis HymanPhyllis Linda Hyman was an American soul singer and actress.-Early years:Phyllis Hyman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and grew up in the St. Clair Village, the South Hills section of Pittsburgh...
, Regina BelleRegina BelleRegina Belle is a singer-songwriter who first surfaced in the late 1980s. She is notable for her Grammy award winning duet with Peabo Bryson, "A Whole New World".-Biography:Regina Belle was born in Englewood, New Jersey...
, Teddy PendergrassTeddy PendergrassTheodore DeReese "Teddy" Pendergrass was an American R&B/soul singer and songwriter. Pendergrass first rose to fame as lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the 1970s before a successful solo career at the end of the decade...
and others. - Billy Kennedy – Remixed Direct Current's "Everybody Here Tonight Must Party"
- Andy KahnAndrew KahnAndrew Kahn , frequently credited as Andy Kahn, is a music composer, arranger and producer who was most active in the dance and disco scene in the late 1970s. In 1978, he wrote and produced Karen Young's song, "Hot Shot", for West End Records...
and Kurt Borusiewicz - Writers and producers of Karen YoungKaren Young (American singer)Karen Young was an American disco-era singer best known for her hit, "Hot Shot".-Biography:Young grew up in a Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania rowhouse. Before becoming an international recording star with "Hot Shot," she recorded jingles and background vocals for the Philadelphia based...
's Hot Shot - Mark “Marcia” Birts – writer of “Act Like You Know” – WMOT RecordsWMOT RecordsWMOT Records, an independent recording company in Philadelphia, produced a number of singles in the "Philadelphia sound" soul tradition...
- Carter Burnette - Writer and producer for WhatEver Productions
Promoters who regularly visited Catacombs
- David Todd – RCA RecordsRCA RecordsRCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
/ WMOT RecordsWMOT RecordsWMOT Records, an independent recording company in Philadelphia, produced a number of singles in the "Philadelphia sound" soul tradition... - Terri Rossi – Philadelphia International RecordsPhiladelphia International RecordsPhiladelphia International Records is a record label founded by writer-producers, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff in 1971. It was famous for showcasing the sub-genre of Philadelphia soul music and released a string of worldwide hits during the decade.-History:...
/ SAM RecordsSAM RecordsSAM Records was an New York-based independent record company active between 1977-1983 and 1989-1991. The label was operated by Sam Weiss and Daniel Glass, who worked as an Vice President....
(NY) / Are & B Records (NY) / Billboard (magazine)Billboard (magazine)Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis... - Fred Smith – Motown
- David Steel - Polydor RecordsPolydor RecordsPolydor is a record label owned by Universal Music Group, headquartered in the United Kingdom.-Beginnings:Polydor was originally an independent branch of the Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft. Its name was first used as an export label in 1924, the British and German branches of the Gramophone...
(NY) - Debbie Capponetta – ZE RecordsZE RecordsZE Records was originally a New York-based record label, started in 1978 by Michael Zilkha and Michel Esteban. It has been re-established by Esteban since 2003.-History:Michael Zilkha ZE Records (always written with two capital letters) was originally a New York-based record label, started in...
(NY) - Carter Burnette – WMOT RecordsWMOT RecordsWMOT Records, an independent recording company in Philadelphia, produced a number of singles in the "Philadelphia sound" soul tradition...
- Bobby Beasley – WMOT RecordsWMOT RecordsWMOT Records, an independent recording company in Philadelphia, produced a number of singles in the "Philadelphia sound" soul tradition...
- Danny Glass – SAM RecordsSAM RecordsSAM Records was an New York-based independent record company active between 1977-1983 and 1989-1991. The label was operated by Sam Weiss and Daniel Glass, who worked as an Vice President....
(NY) - Dan Joseph - TK RecordsTK RecordsTK Records was an American record label started by record distributor, Henry Stone in Miami, Florida, one of several labels that he founded in the 1960s and 1970s...
(NY) - Izzy Sanchez – Atlantic RecordsAtlantic RecordsAtlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
(NY) - Ray Caviano – RFC Records, TK RecordsTK RecordsTK Records was an American record label started by record distributor, Henry Stone in Miami, Florida, one of several labels that he founded in the 1960s and 1970s...
(NY) - Joey Carvello – RFC Records (NY)
- Billy Stinger – Philadelphia Dance Music Association
- Ernie Maroni – Philadelphia Organization of Professional Spinners
- Frankie Sestito – Pocono Record Pool
- Nick Duca – Motown Records
- Joe Loris – Impact/Power Play (Trade Magazine)
- Lenny Balk – Impact/Power Play (Trade Magazine)
- Fred Dicippio – Friday Morning Quarterback (Trade magazine)
- John Brown – (NY)
- A.J. Cervantes – Butterfly Records (NY)
- Arnie Smith – Provocative Promotions (NY)
- Larry Patterson – RCA RecordsRCA RecordsRCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
(NY) - Franklyn Walker – Gemini Record Pool