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About the Jazz Venues Collection

For nearly a century there has been many a venue to play host to jazz sessions throughout Worcester-- from the Saxtrum Club to the Kitty Kat Lounge, the Hungry Eye to the Hottentotte, Amberly Crossing to Circe's, the Worcester Artist Group to Sakura Tokyo, from Gilrein's to the Java Hut--not to mention the many jam sessions held in basements, living rooms, garages, and empty warehouses throughout the city. Below are notes on just a few...

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Worcester Jazz Venues Map

Worcester Jazz Venues Map 1933

1 Original Saxtrum Club | 2 Nile Lounge | 3 Chicken Coop | 4 Valhalla | 5 Kitty Kat | 6 Warren Hotel | 7
Plymouth Theathre | 8 Eden Garden | 9 Hottentotte | 10 AME Zion Church

Saxtrum Club
Stephen Campiglio
Located in a storefront on Clayton Street, the Saxtrum Club was one of the earliest known jazz collectives on the East Coast. Run by-and-for local musicians it rapidly became an incubator for young players to share notes, hangout, and test mettle against others. The Saxtrum Club -- for SAXOPHONE-TRUMPET-- was first opened as a rented space by two teenagers: saxophonist Howie Jefferson and trumpeter Barney Price. The year was 1938/'39. Before long it was frequented by such future local and regional stars as Jaki Byard, Emil Haddad, Harold Black, among many others. At its height, the invitation-only sessions attracted such national names as Chu Berry, Gene Krupa, and Charlie Ventura, Al Hirt, et al.
Hottentotte
A.J. Juarez
In 1978, Reggie Walley opened his second nightclub, The Hottentotte. Located at 8 Austin Street, it was named after an African tribe of the same name. Much like the Kitty Kat, the new club also played host to the city's premier jam session. Early participants included pianist Al Mueller, bassist Bunny Price, trumpeter Teddy Blandin, saxophonist Nat Simpkins and club host, Reggie Walley on drums. A parade of great players frequented the place, including the Boston-based pianist Terry Collins, who went on to tour with the Count Basie Orchestra.
Black Elks on Summer St.
Black Elks on Chandler St.
The Quinsigamond Elks Lodge #173 IPOE (The Independent Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks), often referred to as the "Black Elks," has hosted local jazz sessions at two different locales in the city. The first one was held at its Summer Street location where such players as Freddie Bates, Howie Jefferson, Barney Price held court alongside such young upstarts as tenor saxophonist Al Pitts, alto player Larry Monroe, and pianist Johnny Catolozzi. Two of Mr. Price's sons were members of the band, Bunny on bass, and Tommy played drums.
Black Elks on Chandler St.
Black Elks on Chandler St.
The second Elks hosted sessions at its current home at 200 Chandler Street. Held on Sundays from 3-7 p.m. in the 1980s, it featured a great little house band that included pianist Al Mueller, trumpeter Barney Price, bassist Bunny Price, and drummer Reggie Walley. "It wasn't just a black crowd," Mueller told writer Chet Williamson. "It was a good mix of white and black. In describing the setup, Mueller added, "It was a tiny stage, not very deep. We had to spread across. We'd set up, play, and have a good time."
Java Hut
Located in a building that no longer exists in Webster Square, the Java Hut was a funky little coffee bar that held weekly jam sessions for many years throughout the 1990s. Hosted by guitarist Jay Tyer and supported regularly by bassist Phil Madison and drummer Ed Conley, this session was unique for its all-ages approach and free playing concept. Some of the many regulars included saxophonist Mark Weissman, trumpeter Jerry Sabatini, bassists Thomson Kneeland, Max Zeugner, and Dima Gorodesky; and guitarists Niko Athanasiou, Troy Nielsen, and Joel Rivard.
Circe's
This venue was both a restaurant and nightclub located on Franklin Street (in the same block as the Paris Cinema). In addition to its prime real estate downtown, Circe's had a grand piano. The sessions were held in the mid-1970s and the house band featured pianist Ken Vangel, bassist Ben Perry, guitarist Dwight Perry and drummer Ricky Price. Other regulars who played in the band include saxophonist Bob Bliss, trumpeter Jeff Radway, guitarist Paul Marin, bassist Jim Arnot, and drummer Dennis Wright.
Kitty Kat
Located at 252 Main Street, in what is now a parking lot across the street from the Palladium, the Kitty Kat Lounge was upstairs from the dance studio owned by Reggie Walley and his wife Mary. The studio, which operated from 1947 to 1967, was one of the first African-American-owned establishments on Main Street in Worcester. The club opened in 1969 and closed in 1976. In its short life, the Kitty Kat played host to such established players as Al Arsenault and Jackie Stevens and allowed many of today's local players a place to cut their teeth, including Jim and Dick Odgren, Gene Wolocz, and Tom Herbert.

Research at WPI

Prof. Falco talks about the Jazz History Database and the importance of preservation

The Holy Trinity of Milford, MA

Lecture by Steve Minichiello regarding Boots Mussulli, Ziggy Minichiello (Kelly), & Bob Varney

Jazzed

The official magazine of the Jazz Education Network (JEN)

"Worcester's Jazz History Database"

Jazz Music Blog, by Tom Reney

Research Methods For Local/Regional Musicians

A lecture delivered at WPI by Chet Williamson

Studio 3

Performances and interviews from the nationally-acclaimed TV series
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The Jazz History Database is an active and growing library of materials focused on the preservation and education of the History of Jazz in New England. We invite jazz historians, musicians, family members, educators and students to contribute materials!

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