Coventry Spirit Comes Alive at Sanger Hall

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Celebrating Rock N’ Roll History with A Queensmark & Mural

The Ramones, KISS, Blondie Among Honored Queens Icons

By Michael Perlman | mperlman@queensledger.com

It was history-in-the-making on October 30 as a multifaceted commemorative rock n’ roll performance by Charlie Sub & Sound Dogs, mural unveiling, and distinctive bronze Queensmark accolade ceremony by the Queens Historical Society was underway at the notable Sanger Hall at 48-20 Skillman Avenue in Sunnyside. Throughout the evening, a diverse audience was on scene from various sections of Queens among other boroughs, capturing the memory and spirit of the iconic Coventry at 47-03 Queens Boulevard. The club originated in 1972 and became the birthplace of shock rock and glam rock. It was originally known as the Popcorn Pub.

As patrons arrived at the inaugural event, which this columnist helped coordinate with ATeam Communications and Queens Historical Society, they were greeted by the unveiling of a pop art and rock-inspired mural on Sanger Hall’s side façade by well-known street artists Dylon Thomas Burns and Dylan Bauver. It is titled “Coventry: A Sunnyside Staple In Rock N’ Roll History” and features mixed media, consisting of vintage music ads, signage including Bliss Street, and legendary musicians whose careers were launched and cultivated at the Coventry. Shining in the spotlight are Forest Hills’-own Ramones, KISS, Blondie, New York Dolls, and Dictators, among other musicians who made history. Above the mural, a projector transferred historic facts and vintage images onto the façade, educating attendees and passersby. Residents and visitors can now scan a QR code, which opens the door to a more detailed history lesson.

The Popcorn Pub accommodated 700 patrons and was a pivotal platform for artists to express unique voices at a time when New York City was undergoing significant cultural shifts. The Coventry became a sanctuary for neighborhood youths, who found solace through music. KISS notably debuted their now-iconic Kabuki makeup on site. This year, as KISS celebrates their 50th anniversary with a farewell tour, it is crucial to recognize where their storied career began. The event and mural will now educate generations about the transformative power of music and resilience.

Pizza, hors d’oeuvres, and an open bar was available for guests, setting the mood for a unique lineup. Actor, singer, and musician at large Jef Canter was the evening’s host, who energized the crowd in Coventry meets Sanger Hall spirit. He asked the audience to take a look at the mural, if they have not already. He said, “It is an amazing piece of art. Some of it is paper that has been lacquered onto the wall, and some of that is paint. This beautiful collage is meant to represent the way that bands would put up their posts and bills in the old days.” He spoke with Dylon on the prior Saturday, and was told that the mural would last for at least a couple of decades.

Canter referenced the transition of the Popcorn Pub to the Coventry and pinpointed its musicians who “cut their teeth.” He also explained why he is standing on stage. “I became part of the Coventry family, since there was a musical about it titled ‘Bliss Street.’ I had the marvelous opportunity of playing Paul Sub.” He introduced “the real Paul Sub” as a legend and the Coventry’s brainchild, and then continued, “I am hosting a sixth episode video podcast about the history of the Coventry titled ‘Echoes of Coventry.’” It is being directed by Tal Kissos, who was in the audience, and is slated to air in early 2025.

Canter continued, “We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Michael Perlman, who is a coordinator for this historic project, and he put a lot of energy into preparing for the event and was instrumental in planning the guest speakers, the mural, and this amazing venue.”

Nick Gulotta, Chief of Staff for Councilwoman Julie Won for Sunnyside, Long Island City, Woodside, and Astoria, spoke on her behalf. He pinpointed and extended gratitude to many attendees, including members of Sunnyside Shines, the local BID. He said, “We are extremely happy to have this mural in the district. What a gift to Queens and Sunnyside! I am one of those people who rock n’ roll saved my life as a kid. I grew up around concert venues, and I’m sure many of you can relate. The idea that future generations in Sunnyside can remember exactly what happened here, just warms my heart. So many of my neighbors, artists, and folks that will see this and think about the history every single day, will be inspired and know their own potential.” To his astonishment, he worked where the Coventry once stood, but only found out most recently. He noted how the IRA operated on site later on, which also consolidated the community and advocated for justice.

 

Next to take the stage was performing arts musician Phil Ballman, who embarked upon worldwide tours and serves as Queens’ Director of Cultural Affairs and Tourism on behalf of Queens Borough President. He is well-known for his drum set work with Grammy-nominated band, Antibalas, and according to Canter, he embodies the spirit of cultural vibrancy, being honored at the event. “I’m a child of the seventies and a huge KISS and Ramones fan. It is a thrill to be here, and to be with Mr. Paul Sub whose vision created the incredible club and the legacy. Donovan Richards is a true music fan who invested over $30 million in our Queens cultural institutions.” He later extended congratulations to everyone who played a role in “a piece of Queens and NYC music history.”

Another distinguished guest speaker was Jacqueline Crossan, who serves as Communications Director for District 2012 State Senator Michael Gianaris. “It’s an honor to recognize a cornerstone of Queens history. On behalf of the senator, I would like to commend everyone involved,” she said. “It really is important that we celebrate such venues, and real institutions in our community that bring us all together.”

Among the most dramatic moments unfolded when the Queens Historical Society unveiled its bronze historic Queensmark program plaque in honor of the Coventry. This distinctive accolade was presented by seven-time Queens history book author, historian, and Queens Historical Society Executive Director Jason Antos in conjunction with Rob MacKay, an author who serves as the society’s board president and Deputy Director, Community for the Queens Economic Development Corporation and is the face behind the Queens Tourism Council. Antos and MacKay also played a significant role in the event’s planning.

At first, they spoke independently. “We will present our coveted Queensmark plaque. When this originated in 1996, it was only given to buildings of great architectural merit, but recently we wanted to branch out by giving it to historic businesses, since Queens is a community of businesses,” said Antos, the son of a mom and pop business owner. “We understand how hard it is to have a dream and build a place where the community will make its routine and love for many years.” Most recent Queensmark recipients were Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven and Friend’s Tavern in Jackson Heights. As for the Coventry, he explained, “We are proud to present it and will let everyone know about its amazing music history.”

MacKay was invited on stage and added, “We don’t give out these awards very much. A site really has to be worth something. All of the other people on our board felt that it was worthy of our Queensmark. Let’s make that mural Instagrammable!”

Austrian immigrant Paul Sub, now 94, was a Holocaust survivor who immigrated to America and later founded the Coventry and fulfilled the American dream. He came on stage with his son, Charlie Sub. Paul said, “It’s a lot of fun. Thank you for all the work that you do. Hopefully it will continue in different ways, with young people playing music and enjoying the shows.” The father and son duo held up the Queensmark in pride, after Antos turned it around and read its inscription honoring “47-03 Queens Boulevard” as the Coventry site.

In an interview, Charlie Sub said, “The American dream was really just a better life for our family, full of opportunities, and my dad achieved that.” He is committed toward keeping Coventry and rock n’ roll history, and his family’s legacy alive through interactive events, art, and his indie band “Charlie Sub & Sound Dogs,” which blends classic and new rock influences. “Our goal is to continue sharing the music and stories that shaped us,” he continued. He also composed the score for the “Bliss Street” musical.

Sanger Hall was proud of the turnout and positive energy that the event brought to their venue. “It was heartwarming to see such a diverse group of people come together to celebrate the Coventry’s legacy. It’s a testament to the venue’s impact across generations and cultures,” said Charlie Sub. The evening’s set included “Big Boss Man,” “Bronx is Burning,” and “Another Place.” “Each song resonates with the gritty and vibrant spirit of the Coventry era,” he explained.

Sub feels honored by the Queensmark plaque and the mural, and is hopeful for current and future generations. “It’s moving to see our story immortalized in such a creative and permanent way. I hope the mural and plaque inspire curiosity and respect for the roots of rock music in Queens. I want younger generations to feel connected to the legacy of creativity and bold expression that defined that era.” He remembers the Coventry’s electric ambiance that captured the rebellious spirit of the times. “It was outfitted with multiple stages, which allowed for a dynamic variety of performances.”

Guests praised the commemorative lineup, and some reminisced. Forest Hills resident Ira Nagel, nicknamed “The Fifth Ramone,” shared a detailed account. “It was the mid-seventies, hitching with Joey Ramone (Jeff Hyman), who was performing at the Coventry. The band was called StarShip. It was a local place for great musicians to entertain. Walking into the Coventry, one of the stages was next to the entranceway. Then there was a stage in the back. This is where all the history began – KISS playing with no makeup as of yet. They were great, and just had a KISS sign as a backdrop.” Fast-forward to Sanger Hall, Nagel said, “Hanging at the bar was great with all the musicians. It was like going back to the future. The Coventry reunion brought back a lot of memories.”

“As soon as I stepped into the corner of Sanger Hall, I was immensely drawn to the beautiful pop art design of an Andy Warhol influenced mural, which depicted all the 1970s superstars that graced the Coventry,” said Berkeley Graham of Forest Hills. He referenced the atmosphere as festive with top-notch hosting, and commended the band for a wonderful tribute to a historic Queens Venue. “This was a wonderful occasion and the Coventry was well-deserving of a Queensmark,” he continued.

Stephen Brodsky of Forest Hills never expected to experience such emotions. “The mural and my conversation with Fifth Ramone Ira Nagel was like a time machine to that ragged, dirty NYC of my youth. New York was in a financial crisis with so many desolate neighborhoods, but abandoned buildings in blighted neighborhoods provided affordable housing for a new wave of artists to thrive and express themselves, riffing against dystopia, exploding with raw creative energy and not yet mature enough to be self-conscious. Youth raised in the shadow of Vietnam, sneering and letting loose, even if they had been reared in the provinces of Queens or New Jersey.”

In the early 1970s, he resided in Long Island to attend college. “Although I was a music and film reviewer for my college newspaper, I wasn’t fully aware of the burst of energy in the city’s clubs and coffee houses. It was only in later years that I learned to appreciate the ground zero moment.  I became fully informed as a fan of the wave and the music that now informs my sensibilities,” he said.

Now a senior sitting in Sanger Hall, he felt a combination of warmth at the memories and sadness. “The wave passed with nothing exciting in its wake or on the horizon. All the abandoned neighborhoods have been cleaned up and gentrified. The artists that gave vibrancy to the era have either passed away, or are hanging in as shadows of their former selves.”

Alicia Venezia referenced the event as quite a night full of art and entertainment. “As a Queens native, I feel it is truly important to honor local historic establishments, as they provide insight and example to future generations in our communities,” she said.