Twin Cities Music Highlights

Chalet

3516 No. Lilac Drive

Crystal

The Chalet was located at 3516 No. Lilac Drive (Highway 100).

A June 1963 ad called it “The Northwest’s newest and most distinctive supper club.”

From the Collection of Mark Youngblood

 

THE ALPINE ROOM

At first the entertainment centered around shows in the Alpine Room.  These included professional, national acts such as the following, who appeared in 1963:

  • Henny Youngman
  • Somethin’ Smith and the Redheads
  • Orville Brooks and His Ink Spots – June 6-23. Brooks was the only original member.
  • The Flamingos, direct from Las Vegas
Ad for Henny Youngman, Minneapolis Tribune, July 1963

 

Local chanteuse Nikki North entertained in March 1964.

 

Local bandleader Big Stoop Chamberlain appeared in 1964

Minneapolis Star

 


 

PLAYGIRL CLUB

1969 was a big year for the Playgirl Club, which apparently wasn’t affiliated with Hugh Hefner, but was full of groovy chicks just the same.

Minneapolis Tribune, January 17, 1969

 

Minneapolis Tribune, February 9, 1969

 

Minneapolis Star, March 21, 1969

 

 

 

Photo courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

 

Is this a real postcard? Or just fantasy?

 

 


 

NICKLOW’S

From 1974 to 2000 the building was the home of Nicklow’s Greek restaurant.

From the Collection of Mark Youngblood

 


 

The building was razed for the expansion of Highway 100 and is now the site of the CUB in Crystal.

Thanks to Gary Perna and the Facebook gang for info and memories!

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