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Explore stories in Northwest history through highlights from MOHAI’s collections. Search by keyword below or browse the entire online collection by entering the asterisk symbol (*). Filter your search by type of materials.

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896 results for: Performing Arts

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Image of Count Basie at the piano, Seattle, November 27, 1946
Photograph

Count Basie at the piano, Seattle, November 27, 1946

Seattle's Jackson Street jazz clubs flourished in the first half of the twentieth century, with their popularity peaking in the late 1930s through early 1950s. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith was a familiar figure in the clubs, often taking pictures of musicians and patrons, then returning the following week to sell prints. On this occasion, Smith photographed Big Band pianist Count…
ID Number:2014.49.002.016.0049
Date:1946
Image of Count Basie orchestra with Jimmy Rushing singing, November 27, 1947
Photograph

Count Basie orchestra with Jimmy Rushing singing, November 27, 1947

In this photo, Jimmy Rushing is at the microphone with Count Basie's orchestra at the Civic Auditorium at 321 Mercer St. An unidentified saxophonist and another musician are behind Jimmy. Handwritten on negative page: Count Basie 11-27-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.016.0051
Date:1947
Image of Woman singing with Count Basie orchestra, November 27, 1947
Photograph

Woman singing with Count Basie orchestra, November 27, 1947

A female singer for the Count Basie orchestra sings into the microphone, while the audience crowds the edge of the stage during a performance at the Civic Auditorium. Handwritten on negative page: Count Basie 11-27-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.016.0052
Date:1947
Image of Harry James and his orchestra, Seattle, September 26, 1947
Photograph

Harry James and his orchestra, Seattle, September 26, 1947

The Harry James Orchestra played at Seattle's Civic Auditorium on September 6, 1947. Here, James (left) plays trumpet along with saxophonists Flip Philips (next to James) and Willie Smith (right). The middle sax player is unidentified. Handwritten on negative sleeve: Harry James 9-26-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.017.0054
Date:1947
Image of Duke Ellington on piano, August 27, 1947
Photograph

Duke Ellington on piano, August 27, 1947

The Duke Ellington Orchestra played at Seattle's Civic Auditorium on August 27, 1947. Here, Ellington smiles at his rapt audience members as an unidentified trumpet player looks on. Handwritten on negative page: Duke & band 8-27-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.018.0056
Date:1947
Image of Duke Ellington band, with Sonny Greer on drums, August 27, 1947
Photograph

Duke Ellington band, with Sonny Greer on drums, August 27, 1947

Sonny Greer was Duke Ellington's original drummer and played with the orchestra for more than 30 years. Here, on August 27, 1947, Greer plays with a flourish on his elaborate drum set at Seattle's Civic Auditorium. Handwritten on negative page: Duke & band 8-27-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.018.0057
Date:1947
Image of Al Sears on tenor saxophone, August 27, 1947
Photograph

Al Sears on tenor saxophone, August 27, 1947

This photo shows Al Sears playing tenor saxophone with the Duke Ellington band at the Civic Auditorium in Seattle, with the crowd leaning on the edge of the stage. Sears joined Ellington's band in 1944. Handwritten on negative page: Duke & band 8-27-47
ID Number:2014.49.002.018.0058
Date:1947
Image of Cab Calloway with photographer Jerome Armstrong at Civic Auditorium, Seattle, circa 1947
Photograph

Cab Calloway with photographer Jerome Armstrong at Civic Auditorium, Seattle, circa 1947

Cab Calloway, on the left, chats with photographer Jerome Armstrong at the Civic Auditorium at 321 Mercer St. Handwritten on negative sleeve: Cab Calloway
ID Number:2014.49.002.019.0059
Date:Circa 1947
Image of Cab Calloway singing on stage at the Civic Auditorium, Seattle,  circa 1947
Photograph

Cab Calloway singing on stage at the Civic Auditorium, Seattle, circa 1947

Cab Calloway's jazz band played Seattle's Civic Auditorium in the 1940s. Here, Calloway animatedly sings into the microphone in front of his band. Handwritten on negative sleeve: Cab
ID Number:2014.49.002.019.0060
Date:Circa 1947
Image of Katherine Dunham in her dressing room, Seattle, February 1, 1948
Photograph

Katherine Dunham in her dressing room, Seattle, February 1, 1948

Katherine Dunham was the first successful leader of an African American dance troupe. She was also a published author at the age of 12 and earned a PhD in anthropology.Here, Ms. Dunham stands at the door of her dressing room wearing a velvet and lace costume and an elaborate headress. The group performed Seattle's Civic Auditorium on February 1, 1948.…
ID Number:2014.49.002.020.0064
Date:1948
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