Gerde's Folk City

Gerde's Folk City began its life as an unlikely establishment. It was originally a neighborhood restaurant called Gerde's, owned by an Italian immigrant and former bricklayer named Mike Porco. While it initially catered to local factory workers and students, Porco eventually allowed for incidental live music to be played. The venue became a foundational space for the 1960s folk revival only after it was rebranded as a dedicated music club, eventually becoming known as a premiere destination for artists ranging from folk legends to emerging rock bands.