I loved this book! It's well-written, enjoyable, and a great read. Noel Hankin did a great job of writing in a way that captures the readers attention, and makes you not want to put it down until you're finished! I would highly recommend it!

After Dark by Noel Hankin recounts Hankin’s time as one of the founders of The Best of Friends (TBOF) collective, who ran several famous clubs during the late 60s and 70s. Considering the origins of disco music (Black people) and the fact it took place during a lot of living people’s memories, it’s extremely sad to think that for many the default iconic club of this time is Studio 54, or films like Saturday Night Fever made disco enter the mainstream consciousness.

As a fan of disco and wider club culture, After Dark looks to redress the balance as it takes the reader to midtown and uptown New York club such as Leviticus (not to be confused with the Leviiticus in Lee Daniel’s Empire), Lucifer or Othello in the 60s and 70s. It features figures such as Stevie Wonder, Nicky Barnes, Frank Matthews and Don Cornelius who all graced the clubs run by TBOF.

I found the book to be really insightful, and also inspiring as it showed what a collective of young men with young families could achieve. I also liked that Hankin showed a side of the club scene that many would not see and that there was a welcoming feel compared to the white counterparts.

After Dark: The Birth of the Disco Dance Party by Noel Hankin made me want to pull out my parents’s vinyl and dance like those on old Soul Train clips

I would definitely recommend for anyone interested in music history and popular culture.

***Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.***

History is written by those in power, the majority, the dominant forces in society. History is usually white. Which is, why a lot of history is lost, i.e. ignored, overlooked, consciously or unawares left out. This goes for disco, too. At least, I have to admit, for me. Disco rings a bell, sure. But more in terms of hippie-like people in fancy clothing and high heeled shoes dance and listen to a kind of trashy music (or the Bee Gees, for this matter). Well, that's apparently the commercialized version. I may be too young to truly remember disco's beginnings in the late 1960s, and even if I would, I'd think or California and handsome fair-haired boys on surfboards or so. In fact, and that's what Noel Hankin tells us, disco is another black invention, born for the love of soul, jazz, funk and dance, and originating in NYC. Hankin, together with his friends formed TBOF - The Best of Friends - and ran several famous clubs (as we'd call them today) in New York. They were pioneers, who offered, later in addition to live music events, DJ parties. Successfully, so. We all know "Studio 54", but who knows that long before the Manhattan in-place there was Leviticus? Thus, dear reader, if you are interested in musical history and its once again racialized context, if you want to dance and not overlook the black people's contribution to a culture that vibes on in the raves and club nights of our times - go and read Noel Hankin's report. It's worth your while, believe me.

After Dark provided a fascinating look into the creation and operation of dance clubs in NYC during the 1970’s. I found the author’s narrative style to be friendly, approachable and relatable. It really shows an aspect of urban culture and lifestyle that shines with an entrepreneurial and moral compass that pointed toward success. Recommended for those who are interested in black history and/or the social elements of dance and disco.

Reviewed from a galley provided by the publisher.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book.if you like disco you will love this book I highly enjoyed reading it.