[Dixielandjazz] Stirring the possum

[Bill Haesler]

Dear DJMLers,
My banjo playing mate, Ken Tratt, found this while re-reading 'Hear Me Talkin'
To Ya' by Nat Hentoff & Nat Shapiro (1955).
Danny Barker (extract): New Orleans, through the years, had some thirty-odd
halls. each one incorporated, and most of them are active and standing today.
Each of these halls had a different class distinction based on colour, family
standing, money and religion. The most exclusive was the Jean Ami, which very
few jazzmen ever entered - DOWN TO THE ANIMAL HALL WHERE  EVEN A WASHBOARD BAND
WAS WELCOME IF THEY COULD PLAY THE BLUES (my emphasis).
Kind regards,
Bill.