CAFE' WHA?

One of the crucial venues of the 1960's village scene now typifies the current Bleeker Street experience. This mellow underground has changed little since the times when James Brown and Bob Dylan were regulars on its stage, only adding to the vintage charm that is slowly giving up its claim on Greenwich Village.

As you walk down the black-light illuminated staircase you are immediately greeted with the refreshing blend of music and atmosphere that is the Cafe' Wha?. The essential ingredient in this blend is the seven-person house band featuring Ilan, an intense and extremely capable vocalist, as well as three guitarists including Noam, owner and Ramaz alumnus, and Jayson, who, along with his reggae capabilities, delivers an epic rendition of Purple Rain. The solid percussion section and bassist Ron Long also combine, to form the most talent packed and versatile ensemble found in any village nightspot. The set boasts a wide variety of music including the best of modern and classic rock, reggae, soul, funk, R&B and an occasional hot Latin number.

Expect many surprise guests to take to the stage during your visit. Among them are the freshest NYC comics and Eugene, an eighteen year old Julliard prodigy who brings down the roof with his modified electric violin. Between sets the stage lights go out and laser-strobe lights compliment the pumping bass as the Wha? transforms into a mini-club playing all your favorite dance rhythms.

Cafe' Wha? caters to a more mature crowd including many tourists, but becomes mostly a college (NYU) scene after about 1 A.M. on most week nights. Good attendance and dancers in the aisles usually fill the Wha?, and this, coupled with the high volume, keeps the energy up and renders conversational capability low. Reservations are strongly recommended for Saturday night but not necessary throughout the week. Dress according to mood and enjoy.

*Wednesday - no cover, no minimum (featuring the Wha? band)

115 MacDougal Street between W. 3rd and Bleeker

A,C,E,B,D,F,Q trains to W. 4th Street.