Lost Jazz Shrines 2003

Cafe Society

TRIBECA is proud to play hose to the spirit of Cafe Society in a series of programs recalling a time when the club flourished with a combination of singers, pianists, bands, comedians and dancers.The owner, Barney Josephson, opened the club in 1938. It was located at 2 Sheridan Square in Greenwich Village. The name Cafe Society was given to Josephson by his friend Claire Booth Luce, the editor of Vogue Magazine. The name was a spoof on the phony "airs" of the well-heeled at such clubs. Cafe Society was also referred to as "the wrong place for the right people." This was a reflection of Barney's philosophy that the Cafe should be "a place where I could put new jazz talent, a place where blacks and whites could hear the best music in the city."

John Hammond, who would later discover such talents as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, was Barney's artistic advisor. The club featured three shows per night showcasing new talents such as Sarah Vaughan, Lena Horne, the Golden Gate Quartet, and estalished artists like Billie Holliday, Big Joe Turner, Imogene Coca and Jack Gilford. The music was in the "swing" jazz tradition that arrived in the 30s, with ajunct sounds like Boogie-pianists. Frankie Newton, Teddy Wilson, Art Tatum, Lester Young, Hazel Scott, Meade Lux Lewis and Mary Lou Williams are just a few of the artists who performed there.

Part 2

The Piano Traditions

Friday, May 30, 2003

6pm Humanities program

8pm Concert - Joanne Brackeen, Bertha Hope, and Francesca Tanksley honor the sounds of Mary Lou Williams, Hazel Scott and Cafe Society piano greats.

Part 3

The Great Divas of Cafe Society

Friday, June 20, 2003

6pm Humanities program

8pm Concert – Carla Cook and Rene Marie with the John Toomey Trio honor the sounds of Billie, Sarah, and Lena.