Black Dome Cincinnati Postcard

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black done nightclub

Very rare Black Dome hippie nightclub post card from the 1960’s. The Black Dome used to be on Calhoun & Vine Street in Cincinnati, OH.

All of the walls were painted black. Patrons would sit on the floor on carpets and the smell of incense filled the air.  Black lights was the primary lighting. There were no tables or chairs & no dancing.

Soft drinks, tea and bagels were served. No alcoholic drinks were served so kids as young as 13 patronized the club.

I’ll never forget the first time I went to the Dome with some friends. I was 14 at the time. A guy was talking to the crowd on the microphone and was saying something about “no holding”.  I didn’t have any idea what he was talking about.  I also remember him saying “you can tell the narcs because they’re wearing white socks”.  I didn’t know what a narc was but it sounded uncool. I instantly noticed my white socks glowing due to the black lights which illuminated the club and quickly covered up my socks with my jeans… I was so embarrassed. I never wore white socks again.

Bands such as Ivan and the Sabers, Taj Mahal, Alice Cooper, John Mayall, Rhinoceros, The Lemon Pipers, Sacred Mushroom, Balderdash, The Glass Wall, Dr. John the Night Tripper, Quick Quick, James Gang and Procol Harum played at the Dome.

The first time I ever saw a Leslie Tone Cabinet for a Organ was at the Black Dome. I remember asking a friend, “what is that thing with the spinning speakers?”

The first time I ever heard of James Gang was at the Black Dome.  Prior to them playing there, most of us had never heard of them. I’ll never forget them announcing that they would be releasing an album in a few months.  Soon afterward their records were playing on the radio and they were a huge success.

After it closed, a nightclub called Reflections was built across the street.  A bank has occupied the space where the Black Dome used to be since it was torn down around 1970.

If you have any photos of the exterior or interior of the Black Dome, including photos of bands performing there, please contact me by clicking the “Contact Author” text below.

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