Live Band Performs Burlesque Classics; Videos & Discussion Explore Bigotry in the Arts: New Events Augment ``Old Howard`` Exhibit

Boston, MA–The West End Museum will host a night of live music and a night of short films exploring themes from its current exhibit, “The Old Howard Theatre.” Boston’s oldest and best-loved playhouse, The Howard stood in the heart of Scollay Square just steps from the West End. The exhibit of photographs, artifacts, and graphic panels runs through February 15, 2020.

Night of Burlesque Music with the John Licata Burlesk Band
Saturday, November 16; 7:00 – 9:00 pm
$10 / $5 Museum Members
Pre-registration required at thewestendmuseum.org
The John Licata Burlesk Band plays the great songs of the 1940s Scollay Square “burly” houses. Some of the classics include “Night Train” (“That’s the Blues Old Man”), “Tin Roof Blues,” and “St. James Infirmary.” For more than 45 years, Licata has perfected his craft as a jazz trombonist and composer. He has played with such greats as Jimmy Dorsey, Alan Dawson, and Danilo Perez. This performance features guest vocalist Tatum Harvey and the stellar musical accompaniment of: Licata, Rob Rudin on drums, Ken Gross on trumpet, Rich Appleman on bass, Mark Michaels on guitar, and Bob McCloskey on sax. (Media note: Download hi-res images here.)

Black Face Exposed
Thursday, November 21, 2019; 7:00 – 8:30pm
$10 / Free to Museum Members
Pre-registration coming soon at thewestendmuseum.org
Exhibit curator Duane Lucia and co-curator Kevin Porter share video clips from the Jim Crow Museum and the Library of Congress as they draw reference to corresponding aspects of “The Old Howard Theatre” show. Those include The Howard’s segregation policies through more than 100 years, including the “colored gallery” over which abolitionist and suffragist Sarah Parker Remond sued the Howard and won civil damages. The format of minstrel shows, the Jim Crow character and subsequent Jim Crow laws, and the use of black face in vaudeville will also be covered. (Media note: Download hi-res images here.)

More programs will be announced for December.

About the West End Museum:
The West End Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of the history and culture of the West End  neighborhood. The Museum’s permanent exhibit, “The Last Tenement,” highlights the immigrant history of the neighborhood through its decimation under Urban Renewal in 1959; two additional galleries feature rotating exhibits. The Museum is located  near North Station at 150 Staniford St. Suite 7. Hours: Tuesday – Friday 12:00pm – 5:00pm; Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm. Admission is free.