Chronology 1941
1941
January
Bars/Clubs
Alladin Tavern, 676 East St., Rensselaer featured Bill Peterson and His Orchestra.
Barry’s Inn, Stop 34 on the Albany-Schenectady Road presented The Five Continentals with Larry Catan’s NBC Band and “Albany’s favorite vocalist” Ronnie Davis.
Gus Dorival’s Band appeared at Big Charlie’s Harlem Grill, 52 ½ Hamilton Street in Albany.
Brockley’s Blue and White Tavern, 27 2nd Street in Rensselaer hosted the Doc Zanello Band throughout the month.
Club Frolics, 79 South Pearl Street, hosted Paul Manners’ Quintet Band and the Cavalier Orchestra.
The Chick Robert’s Orchestra spent the month at the Club Frolics, 50 Hudson Avenue.
Dale’s Grill and English Room, 531 Central Avenue, hosted Jimmy McGriff’s Society Band.
The Fort Orange Tavern, 288 Sheridan Avenue, hosted Joe Murphy and His Orchestra.
The Gay 90s Show Bar, 44 Beaver Street, featured a Vaudeville show throughout the month.
Gerard’s, Route 20 one mile west of Albany, featured Alvin Sless and Cameo Kirby plus the Ambassadors of Rhythm and Jimmy Williams and Eddie Kendall.
Harry’s Tavern 301 Lark Street advertised music and dancing.
Hollywood Tavern, 64 Madison Avenue, announced a Sepia Floor Show and announced that the manager is Jake Small.
Hunter’s Clinton Heights Inn, East Greenbush, featured Paul Parker and His Orchestra featuring Bill Farrell, singer.
Kapp’s, 1006 6th Street, Rensselaer, featured Forrest Willis and His WOKO Orchestra.
Klub Eagle, 32 Eagle Street in Albany, hosted Beverly & Ray – piano and vocals; Princess Betty Ann; Rhumba Duo and Karl Dulaney.
The Lark Tavern, 453 Madison Avenue, featured “the Inimitable Mike Pantone” and his Orchestra.
Odd Fellows Hall, 46 Beaver Street, hosted George Breit and His Orchestra with Ann Donovan.
Osterhout’s, near Thatcher Park, started the year with Harold Reinick and His Orchestra with vocals by Jerry Romano.
Ralph’s Grill, Stop 36, Albany-Schenectady Road, featured Music by the Three Kings of Harmony.
Glady Van Deusen and Her Orchestra played the Rhythm Club, 61 Madison Avenue.
Stuart’s, 4-6 Sheridan Avenue, featured Sid Olshein’s Band, Rita Delano – blues singer, and a floor show.
Hotels
The Francis Murphy Orchestra spent the month at the Ten Eyck.
The Hotel Capitol Trio played the Hotel Capitol, Green near State Street.
The Rain-Bo Room at the Kenmore hosted a full-house of entertainment – Sophie Tucker, the Carl Ravazza Orchestra, Dean Hudson and His Florida Club Men, Johnny Hamp and His Radio Recording Orchestra featuring Belle Baker, vocalist. Read about Ravazza - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Ravazza
February
Bars/Clubs
The Bill Peterson Band continued at Alladin Tavern in Rensselaer.
Larry Catan’s NBC Orchestra joined Doc Zanello at Barry’s Inn, Albany-Schenectady Road.
Gus Dorival’s Band continued at Big Charlie’s Harlem Grill on Hamilton Street.
The Embassy Club in Menands, formerly Matt Loftus continued to Host Alvin Sless and Cameo Kirby. Pat Warner sang “popular songs”.
Jimmy Stella’s Hawaiian Strings played the Fort Orange Tavern, 288 Sheridan Avenue.
Gerard’s, Route 20 just west of Albany, featured a full line-up – Matt Bruder and His Hi-Hatters; Ambassadors of Rhythm; Jimmy Stella’s Hawaiian Strings; Jimmy Williams and Eddie Kendall.
The Hollywood Tavern, Madison, featured an All Sepia Floor Show plus Bernice Bennet with “modern songs”.
The Orchard Grill, 68 North Manning Blvd., featured Fred Peters and His Melody Boys.
Many of the other venues listed in January continued their same entertainers this month.
Hotels
Del Courtney’s Orchestra played the Rain-Bo Room at the Kenmore. See a bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Del_Courtney
The Francis Murphy Orchestra continued at the Ten Eyck.
March
Bars/Clubs
Doc Zanello’s Band continued at Barry’s Inn, Albany-Schenectady Road.
Gus Dorval’s group continued at Big Charlie’s Harlem Grill.
Herb Whittam’s Orchestra played Brockley’s Blue and White Tavern in Rensselaer.
Club Frolics featured Pat Paterson’s Band along with Bob Stone’s Quintet.
The Club Paradise, 151-157 Church Street in Albany, featured Hal Turner’s Band along with Fay Martin, Pat Hanley, George Barton and Johnny Hopkins.
The Tally-Ho Club continued with Chick Robert’s Band.
The Edgewood in East Greenbush featured Ray Pearl and His NBC Orchestra before the club burnt down later in the month.
The Embassy Club, Menands, stuck with Alvin Sless and Cameo Kirby.
Wally’s Gay 90s Show Bar hosted The International Trio along with their vaudeville show.
The Hillside Tavern, Broadway and Washington, in Rensselaer hosted Freddy Engel and His “band of a Miillon Aires”.
Rudd’s Night Club, Albany-Schenectady Road, featured The Sensations of 1941.
Stuart’s Night Club, 4-6 Sheridan Avenue in Albany, featured Sid Olshein’s Orchestra, Rita Delano – singer, dancing girls, and Doris LaVerne and Eppie Bruce, blues singer.
Hotels
At the Rain-Bo Room, Kenmore, George Hall and His Orchestra featuring Dolly Hall opened on March 11th. Read about him: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0270966/
Hear his music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kS2OkhYabc
The Francis Murphy Orchestra continued at the Ten Eyck. The Times Union reported that they played the Ten Eyck “all winter”.
April
Bars/Clubs
Air-O-Dance, Route 20 in Guilderland, opened on April 12th. Featured this month: Robert Shaw’s Orchestra, Music by Larry Audette, and the Knights of Rhythm.
The Alladin Inn, Rensselaer, stuck with the Bill Peterson Band.
Barry’s Inn, Albany-Schenectady Road, featured a full complement of entertainment throughout the month – Hal (Al) Gruby’s 8 Piece Orchestra, the Rajahs of Rhythm, and Ray Auburn – singing guitarist.
Gus Dorival’s Music continued at Big Charlie’s Harlem Grill on Hamilton Street.
Pat Patterson’s Band continued at Club Frolics, South Pearl Street.
Chick Robert’s Band extended their stay at the Tally-Ho.
Dinty’s Terrace Garden, north of the Latham Circle, presented Art Masse and His Orchestra. Also appearing was the ABC Trio Conga Band.
Al Sless and His Band continued at the Embassy Club in Menands.
Matt Bruder and His Hi Hatters continued at Gerard’s in Guilderland.
The Hollywood Tavern, 64 Madison, presented a “Harlem Easter Show”. Also appearing this month – Bernice Bennett – songstress.
Paul Parker and His Orchestra continued at Hunter’s Clinton Heights Inn, East Greenbush.
The Klub Eagle featured the Gardiner Sisters (Rita and Shirley), Princess Betty Ann, and the Harmony Twins.
Mike Pantone and His Orchestra continued their run at the Lark Tavern on Madison.
Odd Fellows Hall, 46 Beaver, presented Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong and His Orchestra. Presented by the Just Seven Social Club. (concert may have been on May 8th).
Harold Reinick’s Orchestra continued at Osterhout’s.
Ray Francis and His Orchestra played the Riverwood Inn, Schenectady-Amsterdam Road.
The Ship O Joy, 10 Hudson Avenue in Albany, featured Johnny Betor, Hughie Flynn, Patricia Rice – Blues Singer, and Ruth and Helen Stone.
Sid Olshein’s Orchestra along with a New Floor Show played Stuart’s on Sheridan Avenue.
Hotels
The Kenmore’s Rain-Bo Room featured The George Hall Orchestra with Dolly Dawn. Later this month, Lee Kuhn and His CBS Orchestra moved in until Decoration Day, when the Rain-Bo Room closes for the season.
May
Bars/Clubs
Air-O-Dance hosted the following performers – Gordie Randall’s Orchestra, Robert Shaw’s Orchestra, and the Knights of Rhythm.
The Bill Peterson Band remained at Alladin’s Tavern in Rensselaer.
Tony Angel and His Harlem Rhythm Boys appeared at Barry’s Tavern, Colonie.
Freddy Felton and His Orchestra played Brockley’s Blue and White Tavern in Rensselaer.
Pat Patterson remained at Club Frolics on Hudson Avenue in Albany.
Billy Harris, piano, performed at Ed Koonz Grill, 234 Washington Avenue.
The Manhattan Steppers joined Chick Robert’s Band at the Tally Ho.
Dinty’s Terrace Garden featured The Dead Enders, providing “jitterbug music”, along with Art Manse and His Orchestra.
Matt Bruder and His Hi Hatters played the Embassy Club in Menands.
The Excelsior House on Snyder’s Lake featured Herb Whittham and His Orchestra.
Farley’s Thompson Lake Hotel featured the Mike Pantone Orchestra on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Gerard’s presented Alvis Sless and His Orchestra featuring Cameo Kirby. Also appearing were the Ambassadors of Rhythm, and Jimmy Williams and Eddie Kendall.
Bert Edwards and His Orchestra played the Hillside Tavern, Broadway and Washington Avenue, Rensselaer.
Paul Parker and His Orchestra continue their long run at Hunter’s Clinton Heights Inn.
Mike Pantone also played the Lark Tavern this month.
The Ship O Joy presented Todd and His Boys with a brand-new floor show.
Sid Olshein’s Orchestra continued at Stuart’s in Albany.
June
Bars/Clubs
Air-O-Dance featured the following bands: Robert Shaw, Gordie Randall, Knights of Rhythm and Sammy Vincent.
Bill Peterson’s All-Star Band (name change) played Alladin’s in Rensselaer.
The Gus Dorval Band continued at Big Charlies.
Freddy Felton and His Orchestra played Brockley’s in Rensselaer.
Pat Patterson’s Band, along with a “Gorgeous Array of Lovelies” and the O’Connor Sisters played Club Frolics on South Pearl Street.
The Chick Robert’s Band joined the Es-Quires at the Tally-Ho.
The Helderberg Lodge, 500 feet south of Thatcher Park Road, featured the Charles Stephenson Band.
Paul Parker and His Orchestra continued at Hunter’s Clinton Heights Inn.
Mike Pantone continued at the Lark Tavern.
The Baroness Von Stroheim played the Club Eagle.
The Bob Crosby Band played Mid-City Park, Menands.
The Chick Roberts Band played the Tally-Ho.
Freddy Peters and His Orchestra continued at the Orchard Grill in Albany.
Hotels
Skat Davis and His Orchestra and Peggy Engel – Queen of the Saxes, played the Lakeview Hotel on Kinderhook Lake.
George Flores and His Orchestra played the Kenmore’s Rain-Bo Room.
July
Bars/Clubs
Paul Parker and His Orchestra played Hogarty’s on Burden Lake.
Francis Murphy and His CBS orchestra played Stuart’s Summer Garden – Albany-Saratoga Road at Crescent Bridge.
Robert Shaw, Gordie Randall and the Knights of Rtythm played Air-O-Dance.
Freddy Peters and His Orchestra played the Orchard Grill, 68 North Manning Blvd.
Freddy Felton and His Orchestra continued at Brockley’s in Rensselaer.
The Lark Tavern featured “music and dancing in the new Amber Room”.
The Hollywood Tavern, Madison Avenue, a “Shake from Harlem Show” – a Sepia Floor Show.
The Baroness Von Stroheim played the Club Eagle.
Doc Zanello and His Orchestra played the Pine Inn, off Fuller Road.
Big Charlie’s Harlem Grill hosted the Gus Dorval Orchestra along with the 3 Dolly Sisters.
Jack Melvin and His Orchestra played the Burden Lake Casino.
Hotels
Pete Emma and His Band played the Lakeside Hotel on Thompson’s Lake.
Skat Davis and His Orchestra and Peggy Engel – Queen of the Saxes, played the Lakeview Hotel on Kinderhook Lake.
August
Bars/Clubs
Francis Murphy and His CBS Orchestra continued at Stuart’s Summer Garden on the Mohawk River.
Air-O-Dance featured Claude Hopkins and His Orchestra plus Robert Shaw and His Orchestra, the Knights of Rhythm and Jack Lanny and His Orchestra.
Bill Peterson’s Band played the Alladin Tavern in Rensselaer.
Gerard’s, Route 20 outside Albany, continued with Alvin Sless and His Orchestra with Cameo Kirby.
Freddy Felton and His Orchestra played Brockley’s in Rensselaer.
Freddy Peters and His Orchestra played the Orchard Grill, 68 North Manning Blvd.
Bert Harvey and His Orchestra played the Valley Inn, Schodack Landing.
The Baroness Von Stroheim played the piano and accordion at the Klub Eagle.
Big Charlie’s Harlem Grill hosted the Gus Dorval Orchestra along with the 3 Dolly Sisters.
Mike Pantone and His Orchestra played Farley’s, Thompson Lake.
Wally Stoefler played Riley’s Lakehouse in Saratoga.
Sol Grauman and His Musical Stair-A-Tone played Dinty’s Terrace Garden, Latham.
Hotels
Pete Emma and His Band played the Lakeside Hotel on Thompson’s Lake.
Skat Davis and His Orchestra and Peggy Engel – Queen of the Saxes, played the Lakeview Hotel on Kinderhook Lake.
Jimmy Vincent and His Society Orchestra played the Ten Eyck. Vincent went on to play with Louis Prima in the 1950s. Scroll down to read about Prima, with a mention of Vincent: http://www.jazzlegends.com/tag/jazz/page/3/
September
Bars/Clubs
Air-O-Dance featured music by Jack Lanny.
Bill Peterson’s Band played the Alladin Tavern in Rensselaer.
Gerard’s featured Alvin Sless with Cameo Kirby plus the Ambassadors of Rhythm.
The Chick Robert’s Band played the Tally-Ho.
Freddy Felton and His Orchestra played Brockley’s in Rensselaer.
Freddy Peters and His Orchestra played the Orchard Grill, 68 North Manning Blvd.
The Club Frolics featured Pat Patterson’s Band along with Tom Murray – songs.
The Klub Eagle featured the Baroness Von Stronheim along with Princess Betty Ann – singing guitar artist.
Pop Grimes Orchestra played the Club Hillside in Rensselaer.
Gus Dorival and His Band played Big Charlie’s Harlem Grill in Albany.
The Kidoodlers played Dinty’s Terrace Garden, Latham. Read about them: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1030508/
Stuart’s on Sheridan Avenue, Albany, reopened in September. This month featured the Sid Olshein Band.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra played the Palace Theater.
Paul Parker and His Orchestra continued at Hunter’s Clinton Heights Inn, East Greenbush.
Hotels
Pete Emma and His Band played the Lakeside Hotel on Thompson’s Lake.
Jimmy Vincent and His Society Orchestra played the Ten Eyck Roof.
The Russ Morgan Orchestra played the Rain-Bo Room at the Kenmore.
October
Bars/Clubs
Air-O-Dance featured three groups: Butch Robertshaw’s Orchestra, Lanny Davis and His Orchestra, and Gordie Randall and His NBC Orchestra.
Bill Peterson’s Band played the Alladin Tavern in Rensselaer.
Gerard’s featured Alvin Sless with Cameo Kirby plus the Ambassadors of Rhythm.
Freddy Felton and His Orchestra played Brockley’s in Rensselaer.
Freddy Peters and His Orchestra played the Orchard Grill, 68 North Manning Blvd.
Mike Pantone’s Orchestra played the Lark Tavern on Madison Avenue.
The Klub Eagle featured the Baroness Von Stronheim along with Princess Betty Ann – singing guitar artist.
Dewey and His Boys played the Pine Inn, off Fuller Road.
Jimmy McGriff’s Society Band played Dales Grill and English Room, 531 Central Avenue in Albany.
The Palace Theater featured the Andrews Sisters with the Joe Venuti Orchestra.
Matt Bruder and His Hi-Hatters played Hunter’s Clinton Heights Inn, East Greenbush.
Harold Reinick’s Orchestra played Osterhout’s, near Thatcher Park.
“Harlem’s Sophie Tucker” played Wally’s Gay 90s Show Bar, 44 Beaver Street in Albany.
The White Elephant Grill, Maiden Lane and James Streets in Albany, stated in the Times Union that they had been “established over 100 years”.
Hotels
Russ Morgan and His Orchestra played the Rain-Bo Room at the Kenmore. Read about him: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russ_Morgan
The Hotel Broadway, 603 Broadway, announced their Fall Reopening of the Palm Room. Rookie Davis and Her Orchestra performed. New York Age newspaper, published in Harlem, said of her show at the Hotel Broadway: “The Broadway Hotel had their opening last Saturday with a new band and show directly from New York City. The band had just finished an engagement from the Bankers Club in Atlantic City. “Rookie Davis and her Debonnaires” is a very good swing band and is composed of the following men: Earl Jackson reed, Frank (Pat) Patton alto, King Oliver, tenor and arranger, Jesse Brown, trumpet, Tommy Crauston, trombone, Lonnie Giles, Bass violin, Banjo Bernie, piano, Melvin Butler, guitar, Milo Murdoch drums.
Mrs. Davis puts on a very good show with the following artist: Fifi Wanger, Blues singer, Billy Keith, torch singer, Chiquite, Shake dancer, and how she shakes. Davis and Davis, Rhumba team. The little Wraye girl brought down the house. Mrs. Rookie Davis, comedian works very hard to put over this very good show.” (NY Age, 11 Oct 41)
The Grove Hotel in Voorheesville featured Charles Stephenson and His Orchestra.
November
Bars/Clubs
Air-O-Dance featured the Jack Lanny Orchestra, the Butch Robertshaw Orchestra and the Larry Audette Orchestra.
Bill Peterson’s Band played the Alladin Tavern in Rensselaer.
Gerald’s, Guilderland, continued with Alvin Sless and Cameo Kirby plus the Ambassadors or Rhythm.
Freddy Felton and His Orchestra played Brockley’s in Rensselaer.
Freddy Peters and His Orchestra played the Orchard Grill, 68 North Manning Blvd.
Mike Pantone’s Orchestra played the Lark Tavern on Madison Avenue.
The Klub Eagle featured the Baroness Von Stronheim along with Princess Betty Ann – singing guitar artist.
Hotels
Isham Jones and His Orchestra played the Rain-Bo Room at the Kenmore. A short bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isham_Jones
December
Bars/Clubs
Hal Turner’s Rhythm Makers played Club Frolics.
Gerald’s, Guilderland, continued with Alvin Sless and Cameo Kirby plus the Ambassadors or Rhythm.
Freddy Felton and His Orchestra played Brockley’s in Rensselaer.
Freddy Peters and His Orchestra played the Orchard Grill, 68 North Manning Blvd.
The Klub Eagle featured the Baroness Von Stronheim along with Princess Betty Ann – singing guitar artist.
Mike Pantone’s Orchestra played the Lark Tavern on Madison Avenue.
Dewey and His Boys played the Pine Inn, off Fuller Road.
Freddy Peters and His Orchestra played the Orchard Grill, 68 North Manning Blvd.
Stuart’s, 4-6 Sheridan Avenue, stated “Rookie Davis presents The Harlem Hot Shots and Her All Star Revue in Technicolor”.
The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra with Bob Eberly and Helen O’Connell played the Palace Theater.
Harold Reinick’s Orchestra played Osterhout’s, near Thatcher Park.
Hotels
Pete Emma and His Band played the Lakeside Hotel on Thompson’s Lake.
Lee Conna and His Society Orchestra played the Ten Eyck. The Hotel also advertised “dancing in the Ball Room” for New Year’s Eve.
The Kenmore’s Rain-Bo Room featured a couple of acts this month: Ray Heatherton and His “Music with a Smile” and Herbie Holmes and his NBC Orchestra - 18 Piece - plus Ice Revue 30 people from Hotel New York.