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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.
‘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.