Date | 2012-03-12 |
Message | Hello Leslie, Grew up in Little Rock, AR during the 1950s and my mother took me to see “Harlem in Havana” many times when Royal American Shows played the Arkansas Livestock Exposition and Rodeo each October. The show was located in the same spot each year, in the very back on the right. Remember the outdoor stage (now know it’s called a bally), the box of candy that promised a prize that was never present, the dancers, the band and those long wooden plank seats. In 1957 when the Little Rock Nine integrated Central High School, I lived with my aunt just two blocks from the fairgrounds while my mother recovered from surgery. At night the lights and sounds were almost overwhelming for a small town kid. My interest in carnivals and midways continues, usually visit 3-4 fairs each year. The NC State is among my favorites. But fairs are different today, no more dancing waters, lobster boys, Las Vegas-style production shows or 10 in 1s. Today, it’s just rides, games and food, lots of food. Think it’s wonderful that you are producing the documentary honoring your grandfather’s accomplishments. Please contact me if you need an interview with a person that actually saw “Harlem in Havana.” It’s a fantastic memory that will always be with me! |
Date | 2012-03-12 |
Message | Clay Tyson was with us the last year that I went out with the show. Kim Gaye was a feature dancer (stripper). Butter Beans and Dixie were a wonderful addition to the show. Although I was a chorus girl and not a featured dancer, “Pops” prominently featured me in all the photos for the show. There I was on the marquee, bigger than life, with Clay Tyson, Butter Beans and Dixie, the Profiles (singing group), front and center of the line. It was very much a surprise the day we viewed the official program and there I was in the center fold. Later, Julian formed an act with myself, Mary and another dancer to work the clubs during |
Date | 2012-03-12 |
Location | |
Message | Welcome to the new HARLEM IN HAVANA guest book. Please sign. |