East Village (Greenwich Village, SoHo...etc.) was the hub of music and art activity in the 1960's (Hippie Era) for New York City. Here's a youtube link for some videos. I'm sure you must have heard about it...Artists of every description were flocking there from all over the world to connect and find fame.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=east+village+ny+1960%27s