It's Official: Wally's Makes History
Wally's Cafe Jazz Club has been making history for decades, a fact that will be made official later this month. On Jan. 30, the Boston Historical Society will recognize Wally's for the contribution it has made to the cultural fabric of the city by adding a plaque to the front of the building designating the landmark bar and music club an historic site. The venue joins other famed Boston sites like Fanueil Hall, the Custom House, and Old South Meeting House that have also received the designation.
Its definitely an honor, says Frank Poindexter, who with brothers Paul and Lloyd has been running the club with their mother, Elynor, since their grandfather and founder, Joseph Walcott Wally died in 1998. Walcott (photo above, center, with friends, during late '40s) was the first African-American to own a nightclub in New England. Originally known as Wally's Paradise and located at 428 Massachusetts Ave. near Columbus Ave., in the 40s and 50s the club played host to giants like Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday, and local legends such as Roxbury's own Roy Haynes.
When Wally's moved across the street in 1979 to its current location at 427 Massachusetts Ave., Haynes was among those sitting in on occasion to jam with young players from Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, and other area schools. Our mission is to continue to provide a forum for these young players, says Poindexter about the club that presents live music every day of the year, as well as a place for the entire community to come and feel comfortable, whether you're white or black, or from South America, Asia, or Europe. Jazz is the great American art form, and we've got to take care of the garden.
Wally's Cafe Jazz Club has been making history for decades, a fact that will be made official later this month. On Jan. 30, the Boston Historical Society will recognize Wally's for the contribution it has made to the cultural fabric of the city by adding a plaque to the front of the building designating the landmark bar and music club an historic site. The venue joins other famed Boston sites like Fanueil Hall, the Custom House, and Old South Meeting House that have also received the designation.
Its definitely an honor, says Frank Poindexter, who with brothers Paul and Lloyd has been running the club with their mother, Elynor, since their grandfather and founder, Joseph Walcott Wally died in 1998. Walcott (photo above, center, with friends, during late '40s) was the first African-American to own a nightclub in New England. Originally known as Wally's Paradise and located at 428 Massachusetts Ave. near Columbus Ave., in the 40s and 50s the club played host to giants like Charlie Parker and Billie Holiday, and local legends such as Roxbury's own Roy Haynes.
When Wally's moved across the street in 1979 to its current location at 427 Massachusetts Ave., Haynes was among those sitting in on occasion to jam with young players from Berklee College of Music, New England Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, and other area schools. Our mission is to continue to provide a forum for these young players, says Poindexter about the club that presents live music every day of the year, as well as a place for the entire community to come and feel comfortable, whether you're white or black, or from South America, Asia, or Europe. Jazz is the great American art form, and we've got to take care of the garden.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
