Directed by Danny Vlnik

(91min, color, video transfer)

From 1978 to 1982, Glenn O'Brien hosted the public access television show TV Party. Co-hosted by Chris Stein from the band Blondie and directed by filmmaker Amos Poe, the hour-long show took television where it had never gone before: to the edge of civility and "sub-realism" as O'Brien would put it. Walter Steding and his TV Party "Orchestra" provided a musical accompaniment to the madness at hand, and many artists and musicians, including The Clash, Nile Rodgers, Jean-Michel Basquiat, David Byrne and Arto Lindsey were regular guests. TV Party was the cocktail party that could be a political party.

A screening of rare and unreleased clips from TV Party, specially selected by Glenn O'Brien, was presented on February 22 at 7:30 p.m.

A panel discussion featuring Glenn O'Brien, Amos Poe, and Chris Stein was presented on March 8 at 3:00 p.m.

The Bowery Artist Tribute is made possible by Hermine and David Heller.

Banner image:
Glenn O'Brien, TV Party (detail),
Production still from Glenn O'Brien's TV Party
Directed by Amos Poe