| Address | 57 W. 57th Street 209 W. 51st Street at Broadway |
|---|---|
| Location | Manhattan, New York |
| Owner | Jack Harris [1] |
| Type | Nightclub |
| Events | Rumba Conga |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1937 |
La Conga, also known as La Conga nightclub or La Conga club, was a Cuban nightclub located in midtown Manhattan in New York City. [2]
In September 1937, the La Conga Club was established in New York at 57 W. 57th Street. [3] It was operated by Cubans Bobby Martyn, Miguel Roldan and Oscar Roche. [4]
The club's diners and dancers enjoyed Rumba bands and Cuban music. Each night included a nightly Conga line, popularized by Cuban conga player Desi Arnaz in Miami and New York. [5] [6]
At the end of 1937, band leader George Olsen, began a two-month engagement. In February 1938, Enric Madriguera returned to La Conga with his orchestra. [7]
The name La Conga was purchased for $50 in 1938 by Arthur Ganger, who frequently purchased nightclub names from the courts when they failed. Ganger was sued by the original tenants after selling the name to new owners for $50. [8] The club was re-established by Jack Harris. [9] With the new proprietors, the cabaret was located in the New York theatre district on 51st Street and Broadway. [10] It was near the famed Birdland jazz club. [11]
By 1939, the venue played a significant role in the early rise of Latin performers such as Desi Arnaz and Diosa Costello, who featured as headlining acts. [12] [13] In 1940, Machito and his Afro-Cubans Band debuted at La Conga. [14]