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Jazz in the Twin Cities Oral History Project

Titles: Jazz in the Twin Cities Oral History Project (Supplied title)

Description: The Jazz in the Twin Cities Oral History Project documents the lively jazz scene which has existed in Minneapolis and Saint Paul since the early part of the twentieth century. The heyday of jazz in Minnesota was perhaps in the twenties and thirties, helped in part by Saint Paul native F. Scott Fitzgerald's glamorous descriptions of flappers and speakeasies. The Arcade and the Marigold Ballrooms in Minneapolis and the Coliseum and Oxford Ballrooms in Saint Paul were popular dance spots. Many walk-a-flight Chinese-American restaurants offered small combos for dancing, while jazz became the rage at the University of Minnesota. Although black artists were not welcome as members of the powerful Musicians Union during this era, the Musician's Rest in Minneapolis offered integrated jam sessions. Jazz in the Twin Cities has reflected national music trends, as Dixieland gave way to big band and swing, then to New Orleans and Chicago style jazz, and later to fusion. Although the musical styles have continued to evolve, jazz has remained an important force in the Twin Cities' music scene. The Jazz in the Twin Cities Oral History Project seeks to document the roles of some Minnesotans who have participated in this uniquely American art form.

Dates

  • 1987 - 1991 (Creation)

Interviews

Creation

Identifiers

  • Library Call Number: OH 129
  • Accession Number: AV1989.137
  • Accession Number: AV1989.212
  • Accession Number: AV1992.11
  • Accession Number: AV2011.23

Holding Type: Oral History - Project

Quantity: 1 project 10.5 hours sound cassette 157 pages transcript

Format

  • Content Category: sound recordings
  • Content Category: text

Subjects

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