Club U.S.A. was housed in an old 1918 Theater named “Central Theater” that was designed by Herbert J. Krapp and built by the Shuberts. Before Club USA, this building was a Minsky Burlesque Theater owned by developer Arthur Cohen. Club U.S.A. was on 47th Street 218 West and opened in late 1992. Club USA was well known for its Sunday night party named “Bump” which drew hundreds of gay men from all five boroughs, tourist and New Jersey.
The theme for Club U.S.A.:
Bring the sex and neon of Time Square indoors. The main dance floor is connected to the balcony by a twisting blue plexiglas slide. The balcony looked like the four seasons grill room mated with the Anvil S&M club, burnished mahogany pillars are surrounded by black patent leather couches laced with bondage straps. The bathroom both mens & womens featured giant black & white photos of naked women (one was Rachel Willams, Goode’s girlfriend). Enormous flashing signs in lurid neon colors reading “Drugs”, “GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS” and three Japanese characters that spell “Sex Change” crowd the rafters. Not to far from these signs were a row of “Buddy Booths” where gay men would carry on having sex. The entire fifth floor VIP area was designed and created by Thierry Mugler.
By January 1995 Club USA shut there doors down for good because building was under foreclosure and “Bump” continued to be held at the Palladium Night Club on 14th Street. Below we have an original “USA International” Thursdays April 7, 1994 Club U.S.A. flyer which we picked up and a picture of the original art used for the flyer which we are the proud owners of. Art created by our long time friend Tom MC from Philadelphia.
Original Club U.S.A. April 7, 1994 flyer
Original Art work from the Club U.S.A. flyer for April 7, 1994 that we own.
CLUB USA NYC, Courtesy of tifosi8500. Thank you