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MOHAI presents the Black and Tan Collection beginning Feb. 19

Collage of three photos on red background. A photo of a Black woman is flanked by two photos of Black men.
Bonnie Hopper
/
MOHAI
A few of Bonnie Hopper's paintings from the Black and Tan Collection.

Artist Bonnie Hopper's oil paintings of the musicians who performed at Seattle's Black and Tan club will be on view at the Museum of History and Industry Feb.19-21.

The phrase "black and tan" has been used since at least the 1880s to describe clubs and dance halls where patrons of all races mixed together in defiance of segregation laws.

It's also the name of a popular Duke Ellington composition.

"Black and Tan Fantasy" Garfield Jazz Ensemble, Essentially Ellington 2014

Seattle’s famous Black and Tan Club opened in 1922 and was one of many Black-owned nightclubs in the Central District which incubated Seattle’s jazz scene.

At that time, the Black community was excluded from attending or performing at any concerts or dances north of the "Yesler Way color line" enforced by the white musicians union and downtown venue owners.

The Black and Tan Club passed through many hands and several re-inventions, but survived for nearly five decades.

The club provided a space for joy, music, dance and drink through the hard times of Prohibition, Depression, World War II and beyond.

The Black and Tan Collection opens at MOHAI on Feb. 19 and is free with museum admission. The collection features 13 oil paintings by Seattle artist Bonnie Hopper, depicting the renowned musicians who played at the nightclub.

There will be live music, and while you're there, you should also check out the display "The Green Book: More Than Just A Guide" with presentations from the Black Heritage Society of Washington State, Black & Tan Hall, and the Washington State Historical Society.

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Originally from Detroit, Robin Lloyd has been presenting jazz, blues and Latin jazz on public radio for nearly 40 years. She's a member of the Jazz Education Network and the Jazz Journalists Association.