New Pittsburgh Courier from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Page 16

i PAGE SDC SECOND SECTION 'An'7rn7 rat 13E1E tOiai; nnn3 With the beautiful Savoy Ballroom now the talk of the town, the management announced Wednesday an unusually attractive series of big Yule tide dances. Following Claude Hopkins and his famous radio band from Harlem, which comes to theSavoy, Pittsburgh, Friday night, a gala New Years Eve ball is planned for Sunday night lo usher fn the year, 19S4. Patrons who appreciate "dance hall beautiful" can celebrate the arrival of the new year ir. 'no more appropriate place than at the resplendent Savoy ballroom. An attractive aou verdr will be given quests.

Due to the tremendous demand for tickets for the Claude Hopkins dence. an Hale of tickets will be on tale at the Savoy ballroom at a reduced rate. Rated aa America' Sweetheart Orchestra" and one of the greatest radio bands In the country today, record turnout Is expected. The gala New Year' Ball, which Is booked for Monday also promises to be one of the biggest events of the waning Tulellde season. Souvenirs will also be given at this dance.

And Vern Stern's Savoy Ballroom orchestra, which is now clicking over Station WWSW, and featuring George Bias, Columbia record artist speeded up a great deal with the construction of another checkroom ior men on the second floor. Ladies now use the lower checkroom, thus eliminating any congestion. MUa Alberta Russell wu the winner of the Senators Beauty Pageant's first prize a silver loving cup. Miss 'Dolly Lewis was Hpcond prize winner and was presented with a fitted 'traveling bag by the Savoy Ballroom management. The third prize winner.

Miss Dorothy LiRhtfoot, was Riven a vase and bouquet of flowers from the Collins Floral Shop in the Pythian Temple Building. In addition all of the contestants received a box of chocolates. George Bias, who received such ovation from radio fans, in his lenditioc of "Headin1 for the Last Roundup" will be definitely con nected with the Vern Stern and his well known crooner, will furnish Savoy Ballroom orchestra. His fine the music for the occasion. tenor voice has already attracted The checking system has been much favorable comment.

I Li THE SEASON'S GREETINGS NEW YORK, Pec. 2S The first card opened was inscribed with simple "Greetings" in black cm grey with the signatures Lawrence (Brown) and Fredl (Washington), those recent newlyweds he the sweet trombone player out of the West with Duke Ellington's orchestra and she, the lovable Fredi, who starred with the Broadway successes "Singing the Blues" and Run Little Chillun," and you've seen her in the leading femme role opposite Paul Robeson in "Emperor Jones" Following a brief visit with his wife, who recently returned from location in the West Indief, Lawrence rejoined the Ellington organization where his soulful melodies have helped to make "Sophisticated Lady," Duke's outstanding composition, and Fredi's absence from the role of Saluml during the late Broadway production's last week's engagement at the only made Hall Johnson's "Run Little Chillun" seem smaller. i A silver, black and red combination with kindly thoughts from friend to friend, from Jacob James, Malcolm Ranter's brother, whose dear mater. Sadie, and I share thoughts with "Blue" who's unable to share the holidays with us One from Isadora Smith, who asks to allow the two doggies, which adorn the face of her thoughtful folder, to take the place of my late auto killed Whiskey and from her boy friend. Billy (New York News) Rowe, who has the nerve to call me his pal I envy that guy A novel card from Handy Brothers, mailed by the columnist.

Allan McMillan, with a 1934 calendar. Which will come into use on Monday, bares the inscription Abra ham Lincoln, which ads: "Do not worry; Eat three square meals a day; any your prayers and be courteous to your creditors "With joys of the season" from Marlon Dones. From Omaha, Neb, comes a card from the entrancing Ivie Anderson. Duke Ellington unit's "Sophisticated who we'll all be happy Jwhen they "Drop (her) Harlem" "Peace on You, too" would be signed "Bill and la," he. William (Southernairest Edmonson, and she.

the formej mischievous Harding and now the rough and tumble boss of the Edmonsons' St. Nick apartment Al VlgaTs carried good cheer of cocktails, Saturday, Sunday and Xmas Solssons, France adorn the folder your and my Radio (Courier) Editor, Ailcen Eckstein, and the cause for my envying those lanky Post on and Yates) who've had the pleasure of personally meeting the charming Mhs Wave Length, and not I. although we're on the same sheet I still wonder if the playboy. Bob Bell, m.an all the good wishes he's extended me, although I've keyholed him regular? "The oldest warmest wish of all" signed "Maude and Bill" brought back fond memories and a warm friendship of 13 years when I first met Maude Mapp, she was operating filmdon'smost popular after. Earl one particular and unforgettable Incident was the meet on who can partly accredited with the early success of our broth Larl one particular and unforgetable incident was the meeting cf the late Virginia Rappe, whose death was the finis of the late l'atty Ai buckle.

ShtS was In a party with Lowell Sherman, Louise Faa nda and others Now Maude's happily1 married to the genial musician. Will Osborne "Two Pals" on folder from Mr. and Mrs. Lorenza (Katherine God'reyl Tucker, with Xmas joy in everything you do and a Happy Year to foilow "Joy" from the Shedrick Roberts, he's the caretaker of GUdyj Bentleys Broadway King's Terrace, From the medical profession, the lovable Grace Jones and her heart beat, T. Walter, and who I hope will never ha ve to assist in carrying me from the operating table to the bed again From Atty.

Eunice Carter, at present recuperating from a recent operation, and who shares the above sentiments with me. I know From Florence Brlssett. another pill dispenser of the Wiley Wilson Sanitarium, who claims Slater White's her habit and doesn't njlnd sharing him A very Merry Xmas from the Brooklyn Ashhursts. she's nlte supervisor at Lincoln Hospital "Good Health and Good Cheer" from the pleasingly plump Kathleen Duncan, whose causing no end of commotion between ones I know "Sharps and Flats" from the lyricist. Andy Raiaf.

who says: "The Pittsburgh Courier should be a holy paper for the reason there's a Nun on the staff. "Season's Greetings" on a beautifully designed folder, from the Mills Artists Bureau, of notes and atars, symbols of the names it bears. masBMBaBaaBBBB JUL if SUNSET GARDENS II ittsbargH Courier SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1933 If'" tsmcr Jilt I I 1 1 i i 1 11 1 i ft I SIAUKICX; DAKGEB. Theatrical Editor A rlopMias MONETTE MOORE Popular entertainer appearing nightly at Minnie Rom ley's Sunset Gardens, dubbed the "aristocrat of Sugar Hill" because of its clientele. Miss Moore will be remembered as one of the featured members of Broadway's late "Flying Colors." Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and the Mills Blue Rhythm band "To friends like you" from Lucius "Lucky" and Clara (Townsend) Millinder.

he's the conductor of the Blue Rhythm Band and "Wishing an abundance of Joy" from Hayes Alvia, bass violin and manager of the same outfit "Warmest wishes" from the ever pleasant Alma Smith, featured with the Cotton Club's "Stormy Weather" revue, currently playing the RKO Palace. Cincinnati, are hot enough for anyone "Hoping your Xmas is just filled to overflowing with all sorts of Happiness" from mother and dad. Is fast causing me to become homesick." Others received early: The pulchritudinous Ethel (Cotton Club) Moses, whose reported still closer than that to her Benny (Cab Calloway) Payne the Nona (mysterious) Burke the Dewey (Baby Jean) Watsons, she's my God child Avice Blake, she's Eubie's wife and Amanda (Public School) Kemp On and on 'with the many others, which are just as much appreciated as those mentioned above, but space will not allow us to continue. GOSSIPLY SPEAKING SUNSET GARDENS, aristocrat of Sugar was resplendent Thursday early yawning with many names enjoying Monette Moore's torch numbers and Francis Carter at the piano Romeare Bearden. son of the Defender correspondent in a party with the popular Harlem surgeon, Aubry Maynard, Spinkie Alston and othera Pretty Marie Saunders astool with the Interesting Louise Howard, the latter confides In us about the plane she flew from Chicago to New York had recently fallen into the water Inez Cavanaugh.

happy over the fact that she was able to share her Xmas with her heart beat, Bowie Porter, whose away Margaret Smith with her house guest, Isabeile (Detroit) Bibbs, and escorted by the elongated Emery (Gar Ind.) Evans At the bar Florence Holliday reports her spouse greatly improved. He's a Fletcher Henderson musician while others spotted were Wilhemina Walls, Lucy Baylor, Maria (Quality Shoppe) Colston and Marie Greer. Later at Dickie Wells and Gene Tyler's THEATRICAL GRILL, which Is still the mecca for Harlem and Broadway's stay up late rs find Walter COl Man Satan) Richardson, a nightly feature at the Harlem Club, entertaining Mae West Barnes, of the popular Hartford. Conn morticians, and a select party including the Frank (Glea na) Douglases Tom (Gertrude) Porters the Buck (Flash Vincent) Washingtons Claude Austin Carol Tate and Anne Cohen At a nearby table Anderson Gilmer and his heart throb Jua nita Matthews were closer than that Then to YEAH MAN with Danny Henry, where Agnes Roberts Rouse, the heavyweight pulse snatcher, is abiding with pretty Lee Ward Still later al MIKE'S, can still purchase your shorties and whatnot, calling for every table to be occupied rnd we notice an Interesting party in one cor the only place in Harlem not affected by the repeal and where you ner consisting of the Maes Fortune and Cobb, Marianna Tillman, Mildred Burns, Billy Bow Anderson and Millie Cooke. Deciding to call It a nite.

we make the last stab a Slim's In wood Grill in lower Harlem and the gossip is flownig concerning the IVJUc? "America's Sweetest Orchestra" to Play At Savoy Ballroom In Pittsburgh This Friday Back to Roseland In New York City For New Year's Eve. By ALLAN McSHLLAN (Exclusively for The Pittsburgh Courier) NEW YORK, N. Dec. 28. Belonging in any authentic category of musicians and orchestra leaders wha may be termed as brilliant and ingenious is the youthful, handsome, and spry Mr.

Claude Hopkins, who returns with his orchestra to the gay, bright lights of Broadway New Year's eve night to begin an extended engagement at the fashionable Roseland Ballroom. My first impression of Claude. Hopkins some six or seven years ago was that of a very young fellow deftly plying up and down the keyboard of a baby grand piano with lightning like rapidity, causing me, as well as a hundred more to look on in ecstatic approval and content have often marveled at the work of the publicists who write glowing tributes about the nation's leading musicians and orchestra leaders there being a vast differ ence, it seems, between the two as all orchestra leaders are not mu sicians many of whom do not warrant all of what Is said of their abil ities; and, the surprising fact is that they more often overlook some who are most capable. This same fact might be applied to Claude Hopkins, and although he not been publicised as much as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, or some of the others, it is certainly not because he doesn't deserve it. However, the recent enthusiastic acclaim by the New York music critics has had a tendency to clear up matter quite a bit and it does prove beyond the slightest doubt the authenticity of Mr.

Hopkins' achievements. And too, it proves that he has actually earned whatever tributes that the critics have proffered aa regards his work and individual ability as a musician. It is not an exaggeration to say that he and his aggregation of musicians are as near the top rung of the ladder as any. His orchestra is a far better group of musicians taken on a whole, than Cab Calloway's, and for. his individual ability as a pianist he rates better than Duke Ellington.

Destiny Made Hopkina Claude Hopkins was born August 24, 1901. in Washington, D. of the marital union of Albert W. and Gertrude D. Hopkins.

Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins still reside in Washington ana are prominent in the educational, civic, and social whirl of the Capital's vast activities. Both hold responsible positions at Howard University. The career of Claude Hopkins is one that has been filled with hard work urged on by a dominant ambition to master hia profession.

Nevertheless, the "Gods of Destiny" had much to do with his becoming a musician. His father wanted him to study medicine. His mother, even from the time he was a tiny lad, bad pictured her son as a prominent attorney. But Claude was destined to become a great musician, and when in hia early teens, he showed inclinations for muelc, even though it was not in accord with plans of the parents, they did not try to discourage him. Claude became interested in the piano before he was he used to climb up on the piano stool and attempt in childish way, to play the little melodies taught to him by his first teacher.

Hia mother also taught him the many little melodies which fhe nad played herself when she was a young woman. She began to admire her son for his musical propensities and reconciled herself to the fact that her son would some day be a great pianist, a concert pianist who would thrill and captivate the world. She promised that she would forgive him for not wanting to become a first class lawyer. The father decided that maybe, after all, Claude wouldn't make such a good doctor. Studied Music At Howard Young Hopkins continued his studies along the lines of ierious music, finally entering the conservatory of music of Howard University, when he matriculated there in 1920.

His matriculation at Howard was, of course, inevitable as bis father is the university postmaster and his mother is the matron of the young men's dormitory. Young Hopkins progressed nicely, making mother and dad proud of their offspring. But, here again, the ol' "Gods of Destiny" stepped in to defeat some of the plans of mother and dad, when their son organized hi first orchestra. Old. man destiny said that it must be a jazz orchestra.

Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins didn't do much kicking about it, but they kept wondering what would happen next. Since that first band Hopkins has always had his own aggregation. Throughout his attendance at Howard he played for the dances, played at the resorts during the summer, finally drifting entirely from his classics and de voting all of his time to the mastering of modern syncopation.

He began to make his own arrangements. such as they were in those days, but now he is considered one of the best arrangers of dance music in America. Claude promised his parents that he would make good and he did. He made them feel more than proud of their young son, when in 1926 he finished the with high honors. He was a four letter man, not only being an excellent pianist but an outstanding athlete.

He even recent consultation between Cadillac Kelly and Ted Dones over the latter's heart attack, and now Ruth singing "Teddy Doesn't Live. Here Anymore" What a baker this Kelly has turned out to be. and he's learned the easiest way to a woman's heart Is thru her tummy Who owned the car that Lee Lucky and Jean were reported trying to wreck in front of Jerry's Log Cabin a few yawnlngs ago? If you were fortunate enough to wltnessa performance i Lew Leslie's "Blackbirds of 1933." you saw a student of Julliard's Conservatory of Music, a graduate of West Virginia Stae, '33, and a native of Fay etteville. In the person of the pretty Gretchen Branche, who featured the song hit of the production "I Just Couldn't Take It Baby" with Bill Scott and Richard "Whltty" White wishes thru this medium to wish his many friends here in Harlem a most prosperous and happy New Year. AILCEN E.

ECKSTEIN, Radio Editor All programs are Eastern Standard Time. Every effort has been made to insure the accuracy of these programa at the time of going to press; however, there is the possibility of laU changes. Sunday Southland Sketches WJZ 10:00 A.M. 760 Ethel Waters WABC 7:00 P.M. 860 Monday Plantation Days WLW 8:15 A.M.

700 Four Southern Singers WJZ 11:00 A. M. 760 The Riff Brother WLW 11:45 A.M. 700 Claude Hopkins WABC 1:00 A.M. 860 Tneday Four Southern Singers WJZ 11:00 A.M.

760 The Riff Brothers WLW 3:1 P.M. 700 Claude Hopkins WABC 1:00 A.M. ,860 Wednesday Four Southern Singers WJZ 11:00 A.M. 760 Eva Taylor WJZ 12:00 Noon 760 Cab Calloway WJZ 12:00 Mid. 760 Thursday Four Southern Singers WJZ 11:00 A.

M. The Riff Brothers WLW 6:45 P.M. Harlem Serenaders with Hall Johnson Choir and Claude Hopkins WABC 10:45 P. M. Bob Luby and Jean Eldridge WWSW 10:45 P.M.

Elmer Calloway WFI 11:30 P.M. Cab Calloway I WEAF 12:05 A.M. Friday Four Southern Singers I WJZ 11:00 A. 34. The Riff Brothers WLW 11:45 P.M.

Cab Calloway WJZ 12:00 Claude Hopkins WABC 1:00 JUA I Saturday Plantation Days WLW 10. CO A.M. Elder Mlchaux WABC Rhythm Club WLW Claude Hopklx WABC 7:30 P. M. 12:00 Mid.

1:00 A. 760 700 860 1500 660 760 700 760 860 700 860 TOO "860 o) use ff irdhiesiixa Ranks Reviewed SENSATION i Wednesday 7 it CLAUDE HOPKINS Whose famous band comes to the Savoy Pittsburgh, on Friday night took on a little personal laurels that didn't concern mother and dad very much that of being the heartthrob of many of the co eds. They tell me that this talented young man still plays a nean game of basketball and wields a wicked tennis racket. First Colored Orchestra In the summer of 192S, one year before he was to graduate from Howard, Claude Hopkins bad the distinction of appearing in Europe with his orchestra. The trip was sponsored by Mrs.

Dudley Rlggins, whose husband was to the American Ambassador. She heard Hopkins and his orchestra at a night club in Asbury Park, became interested in him and subsequently arranged for the tour; through' Influential friends who were connected in theatricals abroad. He returned to America in the early fall to finish his last year's work at H. U. and since his graduation in 1926 he has been steadily climbing the ladder to fame.

One of the outstanding achievements, of which this youthful maestro can boast is that his orchestra was the first colored orchestra to play the motion picture ball, an annual gathering of the mtovie celebrities, usually held at the Waldorf Astoria. This distinction he has twice enjoyed, 1931 and 1932. This year another distinction even more outstanding would have been added to his crown had it not been for the prejudices of some vof the TTrianiifllle 6276 FRANKSTOWN AV. At Broad Street Admission Adults, 20c Children, 10c Bargain Matinees 12:30 to 2 P. M.

All Seats, 10c Saturdays Holidays Excepted Friday a nd Saturday BING CROSBY and JACK OAKXE In "Too Much Harmony" Also TIM McCOYTa A Man Of Action Monday JACKIE COOPER In "Wild Boys of the Road" ALSO "Gordon of Ghost City" Tuesday "Stage Mother also, Animal Gods "Laughing At Life ALSO 'Trick For Trick Thursday WARNER BAXTER In "Penthouse" ALSO Geisha Girl tt it Ji pp Coy's Black Aces From Hollywood Invade the East DETROIT, Dec. TH With an array of select from Hollywood, Gene Coy played a week engagement here in the Graystone Ballroom before cnnt.nulng his invasion of the Kast. With Gene Coy et thi drums, you'll see Ike Younj. first Kaxaphone; Herman lW tis, second saxaphone; Dick Wilson, tenor; Rod Thompson, first trumpet; Earl Smith, second trumpet; Allen Purham, trombone; Forest Ccnicy, banjo; Clyde Durham, bass; An drus Coy. piano, and on Carter, vocalist.

southern congressmen. The Claud Hopkins orchestra had been selected to play for the "inaugural bail" at the White House, but the Iwue of a "Negro orchestra" playing tor "an important national affa.r," was quickly voted down by certain con gressmen from the south. Mr. Hopkina Is Not Sincle Mr. Hopkins displays an imimml amount of Interpretation in.

the playing of his musical scores. is a sticker for preciseness, and technique, not only for himself, but for each of his band members. He is well beloved by his co workers regardless of his aloof personality and positiveness. They respect him highly and abide by his ruiea. each being gentlemanly In manner.

At present Orlando Robescn (not related to Paul), a young singer, being featured as the vocalist with the Hopkins gang. He shows rijrns of going high up before long. Other members of the organization are: Walter "Joe" Jones, guitarift and orchestra manager for Mr. Hopkins; Eugene Johnson, Bobby Sands, Edward Hall, Albert Snaer. Sylvester Lewis, Ovie Alston, Fernando Arbelo, Fred Norman, Petn Jacobs and Henry Turner.

Claude Hopkins was married in 1924 to Miss Mabel Brown, of Norfolk, Va. Mrs. Hopkins has two who are still residing In Nai folk Mrs. Daisy Howard and Mrs. Ella Jackson.

Claude is still "very much married." says the Mrs. Hopkins, ''and my big job ia making him happy. I am proud of his popularity. We are an ast to each other." The couple domesticate at 128 West 13Sth street, New York City. Maybe If we got back to the good i old blue back speller days; our school situation would clear up.

What good does it do a man to speak a half dozen languages if ne can't speak correctly in one" THE SAVOY BALLROOM Center at Chaancey Friday Ev'c Dec. 29th AUD HIS FAMOUS i ORCHESTRA Dancing 8:30 to 1 ADVANCE TICKET SALE 85c Now on Sale at Savoy Box Office.