Saturday Mass at Paradise Garage (3AM, July 1979)

Undoubtedly one of the most iconic photographs of the Paradise Garage ever captured, here Bernstein has rendered visible the incomparably-equitable energy of one of nightlife history’s most important dancefloors. In particular, as viewers we are given a chance to witness the magic of “Saturday Mass,” which took place every weekend under the careful eye and ear of legendary pioneering DJ, Larry Levan. Saturday Mass was the spiritual reawakening that New York of the late 70s (bankrupt, uncontrolled, and riddled with corruption) desired and required on a regular basis. Of course, Paradise Garage was not like most clubs, now or then. There was no liquor license, no million-dollar neon. Instead, there was one of the greatest sound systems of all time, built by Richard Long & Associates, providing the clubgoers of the night with one of the greatest dancefloor sanctuaries in history. You can feel the intensity, and smell the sweat of the dancers as this photograph was taken on one July night at 3AM, back in 1979. 10% of sales from this NFT will benefit the incredible Marsha P Johnson Institute, chosen by our good friend, Honey Dijon. The Marsha P. Johnson Institute (MPJI) protects and defends the human rights of Black transgender people. They do this by organizing, advocating, creating an intentional community to heal, developing transformative leadership, and promoting collective power within the LGBTQ+ community. This NFT also includes a signed 11 x 17 print of this never-before-seen photograph used in this piece. Music from this NFT was produced by modern disco maven, Morgan Wiley (known for his work with Adeline, DFA Records and Midnight Magic) and is inspired by the sounds and selections of Larry Levan, particularly his work with Gwen McCrae.