I had a very special opportunity to connect with Domingo Canate, author of “I Was There.” “I Was There” is Domingo’s personal memoir about his life and times spent at the Paradise Garage. “I Was There” is beautifully written–painting a lively and detailed picture of those nights he spent at the Garage, not as a DJ or artist, but as a dancer. For someone who never went there, Domingo’s vivid storytelling paints a picture of what it was like to be in this special, sacred place. For those who were there, “I Was There” will feel like home–a sentimental recounting of a shared place and time. Let’s learn more about Domingo and “I Was There,” his labor of love.

Q: Tell us about your background. Where were you born? Where did you grow up? Did you come from a musical family?

A: I was born in Panama, but I really grew up in Brooklyn, New York. While my parents weren’t musicians themselves, they had a deep appreciation for music and were avid record collectors. I have vivid memories of having a fantastic time exploring their vast collection of 45s and albums, constantly discovering new sounds.

Music was a huge part of life growing up in Brooklyn. From lively block parties to incredible free concerts in Central Park—I even remember seeing legendary artists like Elton John and Diana Ross live! I also experienced the very early days of Hip Hop. But for me, dance music was truly my thing. It’s the genre I absolutely love, encompassing everything from uptempo R&B to Disco, and of course, House Music – really, anything that made me want to move.

Q: For those who have not yet read “I Was There,” tell us about it. What is it about? Is this your first book?

A: “I Was There” is essentially my memoir, delving into my life as it intertwines with the ten transformative years I spent at the legendary Paradise Garage. While I don’t want to give away too much and spoil the experience for potential readers, it offers a personal glimpse into that iconic era.

And yes, it is indeed my first book.

 

 

Q: What inspired you to write “I Was There”?  And why now?

A: I’ve actually been talking with my closest friends about writing a book for a long time. So, I figured, what better time to make it happen than now?

Then, I realized something significant: there was only one other book written about the legendary Paradise Garage, and that was from the perspective of an investor and, I believe, a business partner of the owner, Michael Brody—Mel Cheren. Based on that, I said to myself, “there needs to be a book from the perspective of a member/dancer of the Paradise Garage.”

This book is really for everyone: those who were lucky enough to experience the Garage firsthand, and also those who wish they could have attended. It’s also for younger generations, to give them a glimpse of what it was like in pre-digital New York City. Ultimately, it’s a story that had to be told.

Q: How old were you during the times described in “I Was There” and what impact did your experience at the Garage have on those years?

A: I was just 15 years old when I first stepped into what quickly became my home away from home: the Paradise Garage. It was the greatest feeling a youngster like me could ever wish for – I knew from that very moment that my weekends would be transformed! If “living for the weekend” truly meant something, it was because of that place. For any kid who loved music and was invited to the Garage for the very first time, it felt like dying and going to heaven.

This profound experience is precisely why I do what I do to this day; everything I pursue is music-related. In fact, I have an upcoming event on June 28th at the pier component of the Hard Rock Cafe in Baltimore, MD. This will be a historic moment, as it’s the first time a House Music event will take place in that iconic Inner Harbor waterfront space. It truly feels like making history, carrying forward the spirit of those impactful years.

Q: Did you have to do any research before writing this or is “I Was There” written exclusively from your firsthand personal experience?

A: My book, ‘I Was There,’ is drawn entirely from firsthand personal experience. Every detail, every emotion, comes directly from my own vivid, unforgettable memories of those incredible years at the Paradise Garage. It’s truly a story from the inside, told from my unique perspective.

Q: To give readers a taste of what “I Was There” is about, describe the Paradise Garage. What was your first night there like and how did it come about? 

A: As I mentioned earlier, for me, the Paradise Garage was nothing short of nirvana. My book aims to transport readers into that extraordinary world. It’s about capturing the feeling of being a teenager stepping into a place that felt like home, it was Larry Levan’s sanctuary, where music, dance, and community converged in a way I’d never experienced before – or since. It’s about reliving those electrifying nights, the unparalleled sound system, the sense of belonging, and the sheer joy that defined an era. More than just a club, the Garage was a transformative force in my life, and that’s the essence I invite readers to discover within its pages.

 

 

Q: What was Larry Levan like?

A: My personal encounter with Larry Levan was quite brief, actually. I only met him once, during the daytime on a Friday when they were busy preparing for his birthday party. I had gone to drop off a gift for him and the staff – some of whom were familiar with me because I had organized a bus trip from Boston to the Garage the previous year. You’ll have to read about the details of that particular encounter in my book!

However, what I can definitively tell you about the man’s DJ skills is that he was beyond a DJ. He was a true entertainer. He was the Garage, and the Garage was him; a totally synonymous situation. His presence and talent were absolutely integral to the entire Paradise Garage experience.

Q: What Made the Paradise Garage So Special?

A: Honestly, everything about the Paradise Garage was special. There was truly nothing I can honestly say I didn’t like. From the moment you walked in, it was an unparalleled experience – the incredible sound system, the diverse and welcoming crowd, the palpable energy on the dance floor, and of course, Larry Levan’s masterful sets. It wasn’t just a club; it was a community, a sanctuary, and a place where you could feel completely free. It was simply perfect in every aspect.

Q: What Was the Music Like?

A: That’s a question that truly could take a long time to answer, as the music at the Paradise Garage was so incredibly rich and nuanced. But if I had to give a short answer, I’d say the music was characterized by its profound diversity.

Larry Levan was never stuck in any one mode or style of music. His philosophy was simple: if he felt it would make you move your body, he would rock it. And boy, did he ever rock it! He would take you on these incredible, imaginative journeys with the music – it was truly a wonderland of sound. Coupled with that legendary sound system and the mesmerizing light show, you knew you were in a very special place, experiencing something truly unique. It was about the feeling, the groove, and the collective energy, regardless of genre.

Q: How would you describe your special relationship with the Paradise Garage?

A: From the very second I stepped onto that dance floor, I somehow knew, right from that moment, that my connection to the Paradise Garage was going to be far beyond just going out to a place to dance. I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what that fostered relationship would evolve into, but something inside me distinctly said that “this is going to be a very happy place.” It was a place where my spirit would truly reach heights that words can barely describe, a sanctuary where I felt completely at home and free. That intuitive bond formed instantly and profoundly shaped my experience there.

Q: How did the Paradise Garage experience change your life?

A: That’s an easy one to answer. Just look at what I’m doing now! Even 38 years since its closing, I’m honored to be interviewed, sharing my story about my book and the place that was a life-changing experience. When you find something you love that has such a profound impact, you find a way to make it last in some shape or form for the rest of your life.

For me, that meant creating and producing events and making music. For example, there’s the Christmas house song I produced with my team, The Rhythm Hitters, called “My Forever Christmas,” sung by Jazzmin Fly. With this song, we aimed to capture the spirit of Christmas in a danceable house music way, creating a tune that DJs and true house music lovers can rock to every year when the winter holiday season comes around. More than that, though, we truly feel this song transcends Christmas and can be enjoyed all year round, blending the joy and warmth of the holiday with the timeless energy and groove of house music. I truly believe Larry Levan would have rocked this tune at the Garage if it were still around today.

It also inspired me to produce a film documentary titled “Hands To The Sky,” which tells the story of the uplifting and spirited experience of the outdoor house music movement. As the documentary explains, house music is more than just a genre; it’s a feeling, an energy, and even a spiritual experience. It’s about freedom, dancing away pain, and creating a sense of community. The roots of this inclusive community lie in the 1970s disco era, and outdoor events became a way to share this experience with a wider audience. The documentary highlights the unifying power of house music, bringing together people of all backgrounds.

Please feel free to click on the following links and share the love, thank you.: Hands To The Sky and My Forever Christmas. 

Q: Tell us about your writing process. Has this book been in the works for a long time?

A: I guess you could say this book has been in the works for a very long time, both mentally and spiritually. The actual writing of my story came relatively easily to me, because it was all inside my being – every memory, every feeling, every detail was right there. It was just a matter of chronologizing the story so that it flowed well and truly captured the essence of those years. The narrative was waiting to be told, and bringing it to life on the page felt like a natural unfolding.

Q: I know those were very different times, before cell phones, but do you have any photos from the Garage?

A: It’s heartbreaking to talk about, but I actually did have photos of the Garage, along with some truly irreplaceable audio. Unfortunately, all those items were in a bag of mine that was stolen. I was absolutely devastated, not just because of the pictures, but also because I had an external handheld recording device and a 110 snapshot camera that I’d managed to sneak into the Garage. With those, I didn’t just take photos; I also audio-recorded an entire hour-long set of Larry playing. It was on cassette, and while the audio wasn’t great, it also wasn’t bad, especially in terms of capturing something that would become invaluable.

I’m actually telling this story for the first time right here; it’s not included in the book. I guess I felt that since I no longer had possession of those precious items, I decided not to include the experience in the narrative. But now, looking back, I really think I’ll make an edit to do so. That’s the cool thing about writing an e-book—you can always go back and add to it.

Q: Have you considered producing a documentary film based on “I Was There”?

A: That’s a great question, and it’s certainly something I may consider doing in the future. However, what I am currently in the works of producing is a series of “IWT Movement” event parties. I’m actively in negotiations for a new venue in New York City, and I also have something exciting coming up in Baltimore as well. My focus right now is on bringing the spirit of “I Was There” to life through these vibrant events.

Q: Who did you write this book for? Music lovers? Dancers? House music lovers? Music historians? 

A: The idea for this book truly just came to me; it wasn’t for any single, specific reason. However, I absolutely knew it was a story that needed to be told from a dancer and member’s perspective.

Ultimately, I really hope it resonates with everyone. It’s for those who were lucky enough to have been there, for those who wish they could have gone, and especially for the young folks of today, to give them a glimpse of what it was like before the digital age took hold. It’s a universal story about finding your place and experiencing pure joy through music and community.

Q :Would someone who didn’t go to the Garage appreciate this book?

A: I most certainly hope so! While the book offers an intimate look at the Paradise Garage, it’s truly a story that transcends that specific venue. It’s about the power of music, the discovery of a lifelong passion, and finding a community where you truly belong. My hope is that anyone who loves music, appreciates unique cultural history, or simply enjoys a good memoir will find something to resonate with in “I Was There.” It’s about an experience that shaped a generation, and I believe its spirit is universal.

Q: I’ve already bought and read my copy (and loved it!) but please tell everyone where can we find the E-book “I Was There.”

A: The e-book “I Was There” is exclusively available on Payhip. You can find it directly using this link: https://payhip.com/b/xrD3y 

Thank you very much for your time, Domingo! I hope everyone who’s reading this interview will be inspired to check out “I Was There.”  I can assure you that it’s worth it. I also want to thank you for bringing to life a beautiful period of time in the history of club culture and dance music!