By Jessica Miller
The African American Center for Cultural Development (AACCD) (214 N Barry St, Olean) is hosting an afternoon celebrating jazz music and Buffalo’s place in jazz history. The Colored Musicians Club of Buffalo (145 Broadway, Buffalo) will be making an appearance at the Jamestown Community College Olean’s Cutco Theater (260 North Union St) this Saturday August 26 from 1-3pm. Admission is $20 for the general public and $10 for students with identification. Proceeds benefit AACCD exhibits and maintenance.
The Colored Musicians Club is a famous jazz club that has been in continued operation in its current location since 1934. However, the foundation of the venue was laid well before occupying its space. Local white musicians in the American Federation of Musicians Union refused to integrate Black musicians into their organization, so the Black musicians formed Buffalo Local 533 in 1917 as their own chapter. Buffalo Local 533 headquarters became a relaxing place for musicians to visit friends after work or to rehearse with their bands. Its evolution to become a performance venue occurred after receiving a charter and incorporation on May 14, 1935. Performances and social functions were held upstairs separately from the union business executed downstairs.
While desegregation provided more opportunities for all musicians, the Colored Musicians Club remained a uniquely welcoming space for African American musical talent; this mission continues to this day. The club is the only continuously running all-Black owned music venue in the United States. Luminaries such as Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Dizzy Gillespie, Billie Holiday, and Duke Ellington are a few of the greats that have performed at the Colored Musicians Club, with many future legends to be added to the list.
The AACCD is similarly focused on celebrating the cultural contributions of Black residents and nationally known greats. Della Moore, founder of the center, regularly places displays and hosts speakers around Olean to share knowledge of Black history from the past and present. Like the Colored Musicians Club, the AACCD also has an eye on the future and seeks opportunities to nourish Black talent. The center is available for tours and speaking opportunities by calling Mrs. Moore at 215-704-6608.
Attendees who would like further information about the August 26 fundraiser or the organizations can call Moore or George Scott of the Colored Musicians Club (716-207-0767) for details.