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THE SHOW-DOWN Harlem at a Glance By Donald K. Douglas Summer is well on its way and already the chicks, taters, studs and thugs are promanading Seventh Avenue. 126th St. and the Avenue is still the favorite corner for the theatrical gang. Windows are going up and people are leaning out trying to get a glimpse of what is going on in the street. Fruit vendors have taken possession of all available corners. Shoe shine boys with their boxes are in door-ways and along the streets. Yep! Summer is here and all of Harlem is awakening. The "The Little Words" who recently sailed for Europe, got there just in time to catch a wee bit of Paris in the spring. The new revue at Small's Paradise includes, the "Three Sams," aristocrats of rhythm, who are stopping the show nightly, "The Lucky Sisters," Arnett Babero, and "Chunk" Robbins, "the man who put the truck in truckin'." Leroy Smith is doing nicely in "Connie's Inn," and that's saying a lot, considering the fact that he followed Louis Armstrong and Don Redman. Maude Russell, the slim princess of stage and radio, is in London with a six months' contract, with Lew Leslie. That means six more copies of "The Show-Down" for foreign distribution, as Miss Russell is really a "Show-Down" fan. A thousand cheers for Minto Cato who rendered a splendid portrayal of Azucena in Verdi's "Il Travatore" at the Manhattan theatre recently under the direction of the Federal Music Project. Bennie Carter, now in London arranging for Henry Hall's band is making a great name for himself. Rumors have it that he will soon be featured with the band. Carter is well known throughout the States and especially around the east. He has appeared with such bands as Chick Webb's, Willie Bryant's and Fletcher Henderson's. Norton and Margot's, studio of the dance on Seventh Avenue is doing nicely. All classes are rapidly increasing. Wendel Scoggins is in charge of the ivory-key board at the Queen Victoria . . . Don David and His Harlem Kats, are swinging nitely for the patrons of the New Capital . . . Frank Bastone, still won't give "The Show-Down" an ad . . . Fletcher Henderson, is again considered a top-notcher among band leaders. Macbeth" in its sixth week is still packing them in at Harlem's Lafayette Theatre. The lead is played by Jack Carter and Edna Thomas. Eric Burroughs in the role of Hecate gives a brilliant and thrilling performance in the colorful jungle scene. The play originally with Scotch background, has been set in Haiti with originality in conception, color, lights and costumes. The superb acting and beautiful stage effects bring out the natural qualities of the production. Frank Thomas and Eddie Cooper are doing nicely in their new Club at 594 Lennox Avenue. Jimmie Lunceford and his band will be heard twice weekly from the Larchmont Casino on Boston Post Road, beginning after June 10th. [[box]] Visit the Cozy Little Place 17th Ward COLORED DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATION 3233 PINE BOULEVARD ST. LOUIS FRanklin 8273 Chas. Mills, Chairman [[/box]] The Soul Of Me By John Adolph Turner The sun came rising from the east, Giving its light to man and beast; While deep in the depths of myself, and thee, We knew you'd brighten the soul for me. The sun kept rising through the day Until the world was in its sway; Then down in my heart where the pain used to be- You came, to brighten the soul of me. The sun is sinking in the west, And soon the world will be at rest; But I in sorrow weep, as I dream of thee; For you have saddened the soul of me. ST.LOUIS' SPOTLIGHT By IVORY WATT The Plantation Nite Club, closed for the season . . . The final show was one to be well remembered by patrons, as it gave classy and rhythmic entertainment from start to finish. The show was staged by that youthful producer Joe Johnson, who has completed two successful seasons at this same spot . . . Joe is so well liked around here that he was immediately grabbed by D. C. Watson, prominently known nite club owner of Brooklyn, Illinois, to produce shows at his new summer spot "The Eagle Park." Included in the opening revue, was her royal highness the Empress Edith Ganawai, Evelyn (Streamlined Sue) Robinson, The Chocolate Flashes, the Plantation Steppers, the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra and the incomparable Joe Johnson . . . Dorothy Jones, is the lovely young lady who holds the spot at the Thomas Jefferson Club . . . Charley Thompson, who tickles the keys from his heart, is King at the 17th Demo Club . . . Lucretia Williams, Mary Callender and Estella Johnston are the three Queens at the Four Roses. Of course Jimmy Mitchell is the Crown Prince . . . Mary Hall, Nelda Hodges, Pop Hodges and the Three Willie Brothers, spread rhythm around at the Golden Lily . . . Berenice Wheeler, impresario, spent a week-end recently in Chicago, where she was honored guest at the opening of Fulton Alexander's new revue . . . Lue Swarz, author and single-handed interpretor of those Solo-Dramas which embody a new form of theatre art, holds the distinction of being the first sepia artist who has graced the stage with Solo-Drama. Miss Swarz, is to soon appear in Indianapolis, Indiana, for a benefit. NEW FACES SEEN: Ted R. Watson and his charming lady friend, Miss Berenice Davis, both from Chicago. Mr. Watson, is the Chicago representative of this magazine. . . Martina Dorsey Polkinghorne, former St. Louisan and noted ballet dancer now of Cleveland spent a few hours visiting her relatives and friends recently . . . Estella Johnston, who has just returned from Buffalo, N. Y. and other points east . . . Victoria Spivy, nationally Continued on page 13.
