On February 17, 1935, a matinee dance at Apex Hall featured Robert Freeman and Willie Davenport and their Brownskin Follies, Sizzling Star Ethel Cross, and The South Side Orchestra, all from the South Side Club.

The Credjafawn Club gave a Pre-Lent Dance at Norway Hall featuring Eli Rice’s band. on February 27, 1935.  This club of young black people was organized on October 16, 1927, with ten charter members.  The name was created by taking a letter at random from the first names of each of the members.  Its objectives were to organize social functions, literary pursuits, and charitable efforts.  By 1945 the club had 95 members.

Credjafawn Melody Maids in 1940 – Minnesota Historical Society

The Social Twelve held a dance on March 4, 1935 at the Eagles Ball Room in St. Paul, featuring Eli Rice and his band.

Breakfast Balls, starting at midnight and ending at 6 am, were held at the Apex Hall in March 1935 featuring Mack Swain and his 14-piece band.

Apex Hall was hoppin’ in April 1935, this time with Frank Hines and his Rhythm Venders and two floor shows featuring Kelly Stone and Eddie Estes’ Brownskin Follies with Dorothy and Gwendolyn.  Apparently the term “Brownskin Follies” was not copyrighted.

The Second Annual Brownfield Follies was presented by an all-amateur cast on April 26, 1935, at the Hallie Q. Brown Community House in St. Paul.  An article in the Minneapolis Spokesman revealed that one act featured a “Slave Mart scene,” Florence Ward would impersonate “Jo Baker,” and that “The finale ends in a sizzling hot finish rockin’ and Rhythm number done in cellophane costumes.”  Sounds fabulous!

Soon after, on May 10, Hallie Q. Brown hosted a Charity Ball given by the Women’s Auxiliary of the St. Paul Urban League.  Music to be provided by “Lord” Byron Doty.  “The leading people of the Twin Cities are numbered among the patrons of the annual affair,” reported the Minneapolis Spokesman.