Somewhere in the cracks between traditional folk song and modern pop music sits the Music Hall. The Music Hall developed from smoky singing clubs in the early Victorian period, but by the end of the 19th century there were thousands of them all over the United Kingdom ranging from seedy neighborhood flea pits to grand palaces ornate enough to rival any theatre.
Upon their stages trod a rogues gallery of remarkable and eccentric characters, singing some remarkable and eccentric songs! Their audiences were ordinary people who saw a reflection of their lives and values and found comfort and relief from the grind of their daily existence in those same unforgettable songs.
Join us on June 2nd when Russ Chandler will tell some of the stories and sing some of the songs. Music Hall is closely related to the American Vaudeville tradition, and we’ll discover some remarkable trans-Atlantic success stories as well as some surprising failures, including at least one murder! Then afterwards why not bring a favorite Vaudeville song to share? Russ Chandler is a musician and folk music activist based in Sheffield, England. He first heard the songs from his Cockney grandparents and loves finding forgotten gems that can still delight a modern audience.
When: Friday, June 2nd at 7:30pm
Where: This event will take place in a private residence in Woodside, Queens, NY, close to public transportation. Seating limited, reservations required. Please call Steve or Marilyn Suffet at 718-786-1533 or e-mail steve[at]stevesuffet.com for reservations, location, and directions.
Admission: No admission charge, but voluntary contributions to help cover expenses are welcome. Vaccination and/or a negative COVID-19 test recommended but not required.