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By Sean Graham
In this episode of the History Slam, I talk with Marian Jago about her new book Live at the Cellar: Vancouver’s Iconic Jazz Scene in the 1950s and ’60s. We talk about Canada’s jazz scene, the co-operative structure of the Cellar, and the type of performers who played at the club. We also chat about clubs in other cities, the counterculture movement of the mid-20th century, and Marian’s use of oral history.
Sean Graham is an editor with Actvehistory.ca and host/producer of the History Slam.
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‘Thank you’ for Vancouver’s Music Memory Lane. The music history in Vancouver was unbelievable in the 50’s 60’s. My brother Tab Shori, lead guitarist of the Hi-Fives, gigged at the New Delhi Cabaret, once owned by our dad, jammed at the Cellar, Penthouse, etc. competing Battle of the Bands at the Orpheum theatre, on Channel 8 Dance Party. The Hi-Fives started the first teen dance in Vancouver. My brother declined to tour N. America with Chubby Checker to start the first R & B Studio in Canada. Inducted into the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame 2016. Love this era, this history, the talent…. there should be a documentary of the 50’s 60’s music, the musicians, the night club scene in Vancouver – the connection to Seattle musicians.The Hi-Fives were the first inter-racial band, not many clubs would hire them at that time – Black, Chinese, Italian, East Indian, Caucasian….club owners called them ‘cracker’s. The Hi-Fives hit No. 7 across Canada and No. 1 on the Race Charts in L.A. with Mean Old Woman.