An online petition is underway in New York to rename a section of King Street after DJ-producer legend Larry Levan.
The section of King Street in question lies between Varick and Greenwich, at the western end of SoHo, Lower Manhattan. It was where the Paradise Garage opened in 1976 and ran, with Levan inspirationally at the helm, until 1987, setting all sorts of precedents for the underground dance scene. Levan died of heart failure – a complication of endocarditis related to heavy heroin use – in 1992 but his impact on club culture has only increased with time. His innovative DJ sets, and remix and production work for the likes of Grace Jones, Nile Rodgers, Smokey Robinson and Patti Austin, have more than cemented his status as dance music pioneer.
The Red Bull Music Academy is also keen to honour Levan’s achievements, sponsoring a street party on May 11 along the same part of King Street. Francois K, who had close ties to Levan, will headline, backed by former Paradise Garage warm-ups David Depini and Joey Llanos. The party is free, running 12-6pm. Special guests are expected.
Details of the petition can be found at https://www.causes.com/posts/798858. Access further info on the street party at www.redbullmusicacademy.com/nyc
