While not as well-known as the Harlem Renaissance in some circles, the Chicago Renaissance of the 1920s, fueled by the Great Migration, profoundly impacted the development of local and national cultural arts. All is reflected in the creation of visual and performing arts, literature, and music. Chicago was at the forefront of gospel music, the rise of urban blues, and the progenitors of great jazz musicians. In 1933 Bronzeville businessman James Knight, a former Pullman car porter opened the Palm Tavern. In 1956, Knight sold the business to Geri Oliver and her husband. The marquee entertainers who frequented the Palm Tavern were Quincy Jones, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Josephine Baker, Lena Horne, Muddy Waters, Count Basie, James Brown, and Dinah Washington.
In 2020, I started working with Andre and Frances Guichard, owners of Gallery Guichard (https://www.galleryguichard.com/), to organize a series of outdoor concerts called Palm Sunday to honor and build on the legacy of the Palm Tavern.
Sunday, July 17th, from 2-5:00 p.m., with performances by
The Kahil El'Zabar Quartet features
Kahil El'Zabar, Isiah Collier, Corey Wilkes, and Justin Dillard.
General admission is $5 and a limited number of VIP tickets, including a buffet, are $45.
Look at the attached for more information. You can find additional information and purchase tickets at https://www.buildingcommunityfoundationinc.org/. Since 2016, the Building Community Foundation, a 501c3 organization that supports the arts, has donated over $40,000 to Bronzeville area organizations that support youth, focusing on at-risk youth and helping keep the skills. Proceeds from these events will be used to continue that work.
Lastly, Kahil and I were interviewed this morning by Darryl Dennard, V103's Chicago Speaks host. The interview will air this coming Sunday, July 10th, at 6:30 a.m. CST. You can listen live at https://v103.iheart.com/.
Hope to see you Sunday, July 17th!
Joseph M. Harrington
President/CEO, The Mojo Group, LTD
TheMojoGroupLTD@gmail.com
Change one thing! Change everything!
