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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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869 results for: Performing Arts and Music

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Image of Woman wearing formal attire, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Woman wearing formal attire, Seattle, circa 1953

An unidentified young black woman wears a formal gown trimmed with fur, beaded earrings, and a matching three-strand choker necklace.
ID Number:2014.49.006.012.0034
Date:Circa 1965
Image of Woman wearing formal attire, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Woman wearing formal attire, Seattle, circa 1953

An unidentified black woman wears a wide-collared outfit and dangling pearl earrings.
ID Number:2014.49.006.013.0040
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Shirley Phelps posing in semi-formal attire, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Shirley Phelps posing in semi-formal attire, Seattle, circa 1953

Shirley (Norris) Phelps, wearing a semi-formal, ballerina-length, strapless cocktail dress with a lacy overskirt, stands in an unidentified home. A table with bottles and glasses stands nearby on the flowered carpet.
ID Number:2014.49.006.021.0059
Date:Circa 1963
Image of Marquee at Showbox Theater on 1st Ave., Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Marquee at Showbox Theater on 1st Ave., Seattle, circa 1953

In this image, the marquee at the Showbox Theater reads "Duke Ellington, His Orchestra & Sepia Revue, Harlem Headliners, Ivie Anderson, Marie Bryant, King Dickerson, Edwards & Pearson." A banner on the lamp post reads, "Show Box Now Duke Ellington and his famous orchestra."
ID Number:2014.49.006.027.0073
Date:Circa 1960
Image of Three people posing at the Black Elk's Club, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Three people posing at the Black Elk's Club, Seattle, circa 1953

The Elks fraternal order was racially segregated until the late 20th century and the local Black chapter in Seattle was a popular nightclub with a racially mixed, but mostly Black, clientele. Here, two unidentified women are standing on either side of a man in uniform at the Black Elk's Club, 600 Jackson Street. The woman on left is wearing a…
ID Number:2014.49.006.027.0077
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Couple dancing in front of  band at Savoy Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Couple dancing in front of band at Savoy Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1953

Here, a couple dances in front of Al Pierre's band at the Savoy Ballroom. The man is in uniform, and the woman is in a sweater and a mid-length skirt. Al Pierre is on the piano, and trumpeter Leon Vaughn is second from the left.
ID Number:2014.49.006.027.0078
Date:Circa 1945
Image of A couple standing near bandstand , Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

A couple standing near bandstand , Seattle, circa 1953

An unidentified couple is standing together in front of a bandstand, probably at the Savoy at 22nd Avenue and E Madison. The man is in military uniform and the woman in a full-length dress, and the couple are smiling at each other. Decorations around the stage suggest that this is a special occasion.
ID Number:2014.49.006.027.0082
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Lionel Hampton posing with two band members, Seattle, August 9, 1991
Photograph

Lionel Hampton posing with two band members, Seattle, August 9, 1991

Seattle's jazz scene flourished in the first half of the twentieth century, peaking in the late 1930s through early 1950s. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith took thousands of photos in the popular Jackson street jazz clubs, and at larger venues hosting concerts. Among the many jazz musicians Smith photographed were a number of internationally renowned artists who came to play in…
ID Number:2014.49.06.036.06
Date:1991
Image of Dizzy Gillespie rehearshing with band backstage, Seattle, August 9, 1991
Photograph

Dizzy Gillespie rehearshing with band backstage, Seattle, August 9, 1991

Seattle's jazz scene flourished in the first half of the twentieth century, peaking in the late 1930s through early 1950s. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith took thousands of photos in the popular Jackson street jazz clubs, and at larger venues hosting concerts. Among the many jazz musicians Smith photographed were a number of internationally renowned artists who came to play in…
ID Number:2014.49.06.036.11
Date:1991
Image of Dizzy Gillespie playing trumpet backstage, Seattle, August 9, 1991
Photograph

Dizzy Gillespie playing trumpet backstage, Seattle, August 9, 1991

Seattle's jazz scene flourished in the first half of the twentieth century, peaking in the late 1930s through early 1950s. Seattle-born photographer Al Smith took thousands of photos in the popular Jackson street jazz clubs, and at larger venues hosting concerts. Among the many jazz musicians Smith photographed were a number of internationally renowned artists who came to play in…
ID Number:2014.49.06.036.15
Date:1991
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MOHAI stands on the historic and contemporary lands and shores of the Duwamish, Suquamish, Muckleshoot, and other Coast Salish Nations. We acknowledge the forced displacement of Native Communities from this land while honoring the endurance of the Duwamish people who still live here.
Address: 860 Terry Ave N, Seattle WA, 98109
Phone: 206 324 1126
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