Big Charlie's Harlem Grill was a busy spot featuring lots of live music. Owner Charlie Van Bergen, an African American man, was know as "Charlie Van" in the African American community.
The Albany Archives website, in an unsigned entry, writes:
“In 1933, seeking larger quarters, Big Charlie (Van Bergen) bought a former tailor shop at 52 ½ Hamilton St and turned it into Big Charlie’s, a club with a bigger bar, a dance floor, and a bandstand. By this time, …everyone in Albany knew about Big Charlie. His club featured what were called “sepia” acts, and despite (or perhaps due to) his notoriety, the club thrived. It was a gathering place for all types – visiting firemen, B-girls, musicians, thrill-seeking high-schoolers, and even State Legislators, who were spotted eating fried chicken.”
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Chronology of Music at Big Charlie's:
1938
Oct - Dec - Jerome VanDeusen's Harlem Swingers
1939
Apr - Jerome VanDeusen's Swing Band
Sept - Gladys VanDeusen's Band with Virginia Smith, vocals
1940
Apr - May - Gladys VanDeusen's Orchestra/ Hi-De-Ho Hot Music
1941
July - Oct - Gus Dorval and His Band
1942
Feb - May - Headquarters for Hi-De-Ho Music
(Source: Times Union, 1938-1942)