| Because
of its central location and role as a railroad hub, Buffalo became a popular stop
for touring musicians. In 1917, in response to being shut out of the white musiciansÕ
Local no.43, the cityÕs Black musicians organized Local no. 533 (Colored Musicians
Club) and established its Union Hall at 145 Broadway. Members and offi cers were
installed in early 1918, but the Colored Musicians Club was not chartered until
July 31, 1935.
During the Ô30s, Ô40s, and Ô50s, any musician that came through Buffalo had to
check in with the Colored Musicians Club. Jazz legends Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey,
Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald are among the
many that graced its stage. And Buffalo legends played with the greats: Wade Legge
played piano with Dizzy; George Holt played trumpet and saxophone with Lenny Lewis,
Cozy Cole and Jimmy Lunceford; and Albert Riding played trumpet with Billy Eckstein
and Count Basie. The
Colored Musicians Club stands today in its original location - complete with peep
hole and corner bandstand. In 1997, it was designated an historic preservation
site. Its members are still among the most talented and versatile musicians anywhere.
They give free jazz lessons to community youth and hold weekly Sunday night jam
sessions. The
Colored Musicians Club is the only remaining African American club of its kind
in the United States. Currently, the Club is promoting historical research and
the preservation of jazz in Buffalo. Members offer free jazz lessons to community
youth, and hold a jam session at the club on Sunday evenings. Regular
Program
Sunday:
3pm -
5pm Ladies First Big Band
8pm Guest Artist followed by open jam. Monday:
8 pm -10 pm The George Scott Big Band Tuesday:
8:30 pm - 10:30 pm Macy Favors Big Band Wednesday:
8 pm - 10 pm Art Anderson's Modern Sounds Thursday:
8 pm - 10:30 pm The Carol McLaughlin Big Band Friday:
Special events. Saturday:
1pm - 3pm Open Instruction & Special Events | 
