In 1968, 1588 State Street was a thriving hub of counterculture in the Capital Region. Today, it may seem unremarkable, surrounded by Woodlawn Plaza and Domino’s Pizza. However, for two and a half years, it was home to the Aerodrome, a venue that brought big-name rock acts to Schenectady.
A group of visionaries, including a Rochester attorney, a New York dressmaker, and a former English fashion designer, transformed the Woodlawn Bowling Alley into the Aerodrome. They created a vibrant space where the stage spanned the 36 bowling lanes, and tables lined the dance floor. The discotheque was bathed in $30,000 worth of cutting-edge lighting equipment, creating an atmosphere filled with strobes, black lights, and psychedelic projections.
“We wanted to provide something new and exciting for the younger generation – a club like the Aerodrome that they wanted and needed,” said Jack Herman, one of the creators, at the club’s grand opening on January 25, 1968, featuring The Box Tops as the headline act.
The Aerodrome quickly became the go-to place for the region’s “long-haired” hippies, providing an escape from societal norms. Larry Wies, who had musical experience at the Aerodrome as well as building the Woodstock stage and briefly touring with Janis Joplin as a roadie, explained, “If you had long hair, you had to be cautious about your surroundings. We were all pushing boundaries and engaging in activities that were considered unconventional.”
During the mid-1960s to the early ’70s, counterculture swept the nation, challenging the established norms and giving rise to social movements such as feminism, civil rights activism, anti-war protests, and experimentation with sex and drugs. The Aerodrome captured the spirit of this era through its music.
“Rock ‘n’ roll became our voice to the world,” said Kevin Bartlett, the lighting and sound designer for the Aerodrome.
The Aerodrome hosted renowned acts such as The Yardbirds, B.B. King, and Vanilla Fudge, among others. It also welcomed Black artists, a rarity for the region, including Johnnie Taylor, Joe Tex, Peaches & Herb, and Archie Bell and The Drells. The venue provided a space for the local community to enjoy these high-caliber performances professionally.
Aside from hosting big-name acts, the Aerodrome also organized stag and dating game nights for singles, battles of the bands for local musicians, and teen-only shows on Sundays. These diverse events solidified the venue’s role as a cultural incubator and meeting place for the community.
However, despite its initial success, the Aerodrome faced challenges that led to its eventual demise. Owner Nat Rubin’s declining health, increasing costs to book artists, and the deteriorating infrastructure all contributed to its downfall. In September 1970, the venue was put up for sale, and in July 1973, the building was demolished.
Although its physical presence is gone, the Aerodrome remains a symbol of the counterculture movement and the vibrant music scene that once thrived in the Capital Region.
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