Overview

City Gardens, located at 1701 Calhoun Street in Trenton, New Jersey, is considered a historic indie rock venue in the United States. It ceased operation in 2001. 

History

Opened in 1979, City Gardens became increasingly popular with its "90 Cent Dance Night." DJ Randy Now (who eventually became the longtime booking agent for the venue), would play music from the late 1970's US & UK punk scenes, but also "new wave" music of Ska and Reggae. These events would draw 700-1000 each night, leading Greg Hetson to exclaim, "Brilliant idea of having a 90 cent dance night cover charge; someone in Los Angeles like Gary Tovar should get on board." ^[1]

Soon, national acts began performing to sold out crowds at City Gardens: The Ramones, Nirvana, R.E.M., Bad Brains, X, Butthole Surfers, Agnostic Front, and Joan Jett were just some of the acts that played. Comedian and actor Jon Stewart (known for his MTV talk show and longtime stint on Comedy Central's The Daily Show) bartdened at City Gardens in the mid-80's. The venue closed its doors in 2001, shortly after parting ways with Randy Now.^[2]

Bad Religion Shows

Bad Religion played at City Gardens on seven occasions:

On September 25, 1988 the North American "Suffer" tour played City Gardens. 

On June 29, 1990 the "No Control" North American tour visited City Gardens. 

On Feburary 16, 1991 Bad Religion played City Gardens with Raging Lamos and Big Nurse.

On December 21, 1991 Bad Religion visited City Gardens with the Vandals. 

On July 19, 1992 the "Generator" North American tour played City Gardens. 

On January 22, 1994 and January 23, 1994 the "Recpie For Hate" North American tour played City Gardens for two nights. 

References