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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 Souvenir photo folder from the  Black & Tan Club, Seattle, circa 1945
Ephemera

Souvenir photo folder from the Black & Tan Club, Seattle, circa 1945

Seattle's Jackson Street jazz clubs flourished from World War II up until the early 1960s, when the Civil Rights movement broke down barriers barring African Americans from living and working in the larger community. Seattle-born photographer Albert J. "Al" Smith, Sr. (1916-2008) was a familiar figure in the clubs, often taking pictures of patrons and friends, then returning the following…
ID Number:2014.49.13.05.01
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Souvenir photo folder from the Basin Street Club, Seattle, circa 1945
Ephemera

Souvenir photo folder from the Basin Street Club, Seattle, circa 1945

Seattle's Jackson Street jazz clubs flourished from World War II up until the early 1960s, when the Civil Rights movement broke down barriers barring African Americans from living and working in the larger community. Seattle-born photographer Albert J. "Al" Smith, Sr. (1916-2008) was a familiar figure in the clubs, often taking pictures of patrons and friends, then returning the following…
ID Number:2014.49.13.05.02
Date:Circa 1945
Image of Wedding party group at Faurot's Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Wedding party group at Faurot's Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1953

Hermina Despinasi, back right, and three other unidentified members of a wedding party pose together on the steps inside Faurot's Ballroom at 1214 East Pike Street.
ID Number:2014.49.014.009.0012
Date:Circa 1953
Image of Ola Browning speaking at fashion show, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Ola Browning speaking at fashion show, Seattle, circa 1953

In the 1950s, Seattle community and civil rights leader Ola Browning served on the Washington State Board Against Discrimination, and in 1959 brought Washington's first wrongful discrimination case. Here, Ola Browning speaks at a podium at a Seattle fashion show, with a jazz band visible behind her. Judging by the name "Bumps" on the stands, this may be Bumps Blackwell's…
ID Number:2014.49.014.017.0027
Date:Circa 1953
Image of Group around table at club party, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Group around table at club party, Seattle, circa 1953

Here, a group sits at a table set for food and drink. The party may be at Faurot's Ballroom at 1214 E. Pike Street or The Trianon at 218 Wall Street. The guests are, left to right: unidentified man, Ruth (Beck) Davis of Tacoma, unidentified man, Betty Cox, Mr. Davis (Ruth Davis' husband), Dorothy Walton, and Frank Walton.
ID Number:2014.49.014.020.0038
Date:Circa 1953
Image of Seven women standing in front of stage, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Seven women standing in front of stage, Seattle, circa 1953

Renee Moore (second from left), Mrs. James Jackson (third from right), and five unidentified women stand in front of a stage, all wearing fancy dresses and gloves. Playing onstage behind the women are saxophonist Terry Cruise, third from left, and his swing band. The venue is probably Washington Hall at 14th Avenue and Jackson Street.
ID Number:2014.49.014.036.0078
Date:Circa 1953
Image of Figure skaters posing on ice rink, Seattle, circa 1953
Photograph

Figure skaters posing on ice rink, Seattle, circa 1953

Two unidentified female skaters in costume pose in high kicks at an ice rink, perhaps rehearsing for a show.
ID Number:2014.49.014.056.0133
Date:Circa 1953
Image of Jive Bombers performance, Seattle, circa 1943
Photograph

Jive Bombers performance, Seattle, circa 1943

During World War II, Black musicians were recruited from across the country to officially serve as musicians in the U.S. Navy. Trained to play in big bands at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois, the men formed 25-piece bands to tour naval bases and boost morale. One of the bands was transferred to the Sand Point Naval Air Station…
ID Number:2014.49.14.001.01
Date:Circa 1943
Image of Dancers entertaining patrons at nightclub, Seattle, circa 1946
Photograph

Dancers entertaining patrons at nightclub, Seattle, circa 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.Some of the Jackson Street nightclubs featured a floor show.…
ID Number:2014.49.14.001.04
Date:Circa 1946
Image of Palmer Johnson at Faurot's Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1940
Photograph

Palmer Johnson at Faurot's Ballroom, Seattle, circa 1940

The growing popularity of ballroom dancing and swing prompted the opening of numerous ballrooms around Seattle. Faurot’s Ballroom, at 1214 E. Pike Street, opened in the 1930s. Here, jazz pianist Palmer Johnson plays for a large group of patrons. Photographer Al Smith placed himself on stage, above Johnson.
ID Number:2014.49.14.006.03
Date:Circa 1940
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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.
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Phone: 206 324 1126
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