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| The reopening of Minton's Playhouse Harlem's most famous and legendary jazz club, Minton's Playhouse, shuttered since the early 70's, will re-open on Friday May 19th. Minton's was known as the birthplace of bebop during a legendary 32 year run on the first floor of the Cecil Hotel, a 103 year old building that now operates as an 89-unit, HSI run supportive single room occupancy hotel. Thelonius Monk was the house piano player and headliners who played the room included such legends as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Quincy Jones, Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday. Earl Spain, a well-known Harlem club operator, is the proprietor of the new Minton's, which occupies the same space as the original club at 206-210 West 118th Street. True to its history the club will feature Monday night jam sessions in an intimate atmosphere inspired by the 1940's. "The reopening of Minton's is a truly special event, not only for jazz enthusiasts, but for Harlem as well" said Lawrence Oaks, Executive Director of HSI. "Harlem's renaissance would not be complete without the comeback of this important cultural venue". write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |