Still a teenager, Leigh Kamman was hired to do studio clean up at WMIN Radio, and eventually talked his way into a late-night, on-air slot. He and a schoolmate—Sev Widman—launched “Studio Party Wham,” named after a Jimmie Lunceford recording. He and Sev showcased big bands and small combos, conducted in-studio interviews, chatted with a panel of jazz connoisseurs and played popular records of the day. At age 80, Kamman vividly remembers those late teenage years: “Though my friends and I were underage, we hung out at the Hotel St. Paul where they were booking the big bands of Les Brown and Harry James. There was a lower-level room called Club Casino with swing dancing and a tremendous social element.” For his WMIN show he tracked live broadcasts of artists such as Joe Sullivan, Doc Evans and Bob Zurke from Mitch’s Roadhouse in Mendota. According to Kamman, “The place sat about 150 people. You could bring your favorite beverage and buy the mix… true roadhouse style.”  (Minnesota Monthly, 2003)

Cab Calloway and his Cotton Club appeared for a week at the Orpheum Theater starting January 17, 1941 – price, 25 cents.  The name Mort H. Singer is on the ad – perhaps the promoter.  The Spokesman observed, “There was not an ‘Uncle Tom’ number in the Cab Calloway show..  In contrast, the Ink Spots.. spoiled their performance for many Negroes by their clowning, which added nothing to their act!”

Count Basie and his Orchestra came to the Minneapolis Armory on April 14, 1941.

The Minneapolis NAACP Coronation Ball was held at the Royal Arcanum Hall, 3011 First Ave. So., on June 9, 1941.  Music was provided by Paul Thomason’s Orchestra.

Dr. W.D. Brown was elected Mayor of Bronzeville at the second annual Inaugural Ball, held on Thanksgiving night, November 20, 1941, at the Eagles Hall (later the Labor Temple).  Check the link for the fascinating story of the Mayor of Bronzeville!

Marian Anderson appeared with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra on November 28 and 29, 1941.

Oh dear.  The Clef Club, now “The Home of Happy Feet” presented a gala affair on December 21, 1941, featuring “Snake Hips” and His Rhythm Girls, Peggy O’Neal from Chicago, and Little Bobby Green.  Music by Steep Pittman and His Musical Gents.  Snake Hips and the gang were also on hand at the Clef Club for a Breakfast Ball on Christmas Eve Night and a dance on Christmas night.

On December 22 Eli Rice presented a pre-Christmas dance at the Labor Hall, 720 – 4th Street So. in Minneapolis.  Rice’s band was listed as the 12 New Orleans Cotton Pickers.