Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 14 February 1942 — Page 13

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Saturday, February 14,1942 MENTION THE INDIANAI^OLIS RF CORDER WHEN ANSWERING ADS Second Section—PAGE FIVE

Grskine Hawkins Swings at Sunset Saturday Nite

Swings For Valentine Dance Here

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LKSKINE HAWKINS

JBFONZjfeVILLX

IM IMDIAMAPOLIS

By Lowell M. Trice

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Large Crowd Expected for Valentine Hop' Tuxedo Junction Band Is Solid Groovey

At The Walker Sunday

The story of Erskine Hawkins, who comes to th e Sunset Terrace on Saturday nite, February 14, for a Valentine dance, is a little different from the usual story tol d about the successful orchestra leader. All the other stories lead off by telling the reader how tough a life Joe Doake s had and how he finally surmounted all obstacles to become

the great man he is today.

He went to New Jersey to play a dance at the Roseland ballroom in Asbury Park. The band met with such an ovation, they were immediately booked to play the Harlem Opera House, where^they went over with a bang. <s> Harlem went wild over this youn# kid who seemed to play notes <fc-

ihat had never before been reached on the trumpet. So great was their acclaim that Hawkins pent back into the Harlem Opera House for two weeks and established his band, as the ’Bama State Collegians. They then were booke-d for the Ubangi Club, where they stayed for

one year.

A road tour followed and then in 1936 the Harlem Uproar House called the youthful maestro. Overnight the hand became the sensation of Broadway and Hawkins was heralded as the world’s foremost trumpet player. Loew’s State The ape in New York, grabbed Hawkins and according to mancgier A1 F.osen did the greatest business of the season. In the sunnier of 1938 Erskine*®^

ERNIE FIELDS' HOT SWING

BAND IS COMIN'

F—L—A —S—H CLEVELAND, OHIO, FEB. 7.—Negro Citizens Turns Thumbs Down On Red Cross Plans. Refuses To Sanction Red Cross Jim-Crow Blood Bank.

. INDIANAI*OLIS, Feb. 13.—Rev. J. B. Carter of the Twenty-fifth Street Baptist church, fs undoubtedly one of the most severely criticized and misunderstood men in Indianapolis. It seems as though whatever he does, regardless, is wrong: and consequently, insults in the guise constructive criticisms are frequently hurled at him. Now don't get me wrong I am not laboring under any false illusion, nor do I contend that everything Rev. Carter does is right. That would be pure folly, because being of human caliber, he is subject to mistakes the same as any of the rest of us. But this is what I do contend and know tp be a fact—the man is right far more often than he is wrong. Therefore, it is my contention that in order to be fair to both yourselves and the Rev. Mr. Carter, you should first weigh all the facts before jumping to rash conclusions. That is what I have attempted to do, and it is the reason that I am writing this, special article in bis bekipf. Same Opinions Now As Then. SHORTLY AFTER REV. CARTER and his church began broadcasting over radio station WISH, I. a patient in the Indianapolis City hospital, at the time, beck me deeply impressed with the worthwhile Christian undertaking that they were attempting and devoted a few paragraphs of ‘Bronzeville’ to comment upon the fact. Here is a reprint of that commentary: MUCH CREDIT should be given to the 2oth Street Baptist church and its progressive pastor, Rev. J. B. Carter, for the splendid service that it is rendering the community through its Sunday night radio programs. Few i»eople probably realize the magnitude of such an undertaking, and the untold good that -is being accomplished through this medium. History has proven to us that the true Christian religion, the belief in Jesus Christ and His teachings is the only doctrine that can touch the hearts of even the worst of us, often making radical changes in our lives. Christianity is the backbone of civilization and democracy, and without it we would indeed be lost. One of flhe l>est ways we know of to carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the hearts and homes of the greatest number of people is through the medium of radio. Rev. Carter and his church have fully realized this important fact and are striving to do their part in this great task. May other churches see the light and follow the path that they have laid out. What the world sorely neqds today, is more of the true religion, because it is only through prayer and a more profound i>eUef in the teachings of Jesus Christ that peace will eventually be re•tored to this troubled and sinful world. Thifie were my opinions then, and I might add they have not changed one iota since that time. If anything, they have multiplied ten-fold. Give Credit Where Credit Is Due. REV. CARTER WAS SEVERELY criticized for soliciting funds from some of our ‘local sportsmen’ in order to defray the expenses of his radio program. Yet, many of those who criticize have never, and, to all probability never will contribute as- little as ten cents (a thin dime) to help him carry on his worthwhile Christian endeavor. Rev. Carter was also criticized for pleading with his white listeners to help support the program financially, pointing out to them that by so doing, it would aid him In his efforts to make bettor people out of their colored domestic servants. Well, although I didn't particularly care for that line of reasoning, the undisputed facts remains that Booker T. Washington used this same hit of philosophy, and because of it, the Negro nice has steadily progressed through the years. Last week, Clarence Brown, a fellow columnist bitterly criticized the 2uth Street Baptist church for its inability to obtain adequate accompanists. In part, I agreed with my worthy contemporary, but upon one or two points I fail to see eye-to-eye with him. If the profram is not technical but religious, as he admits it to be so, then it to my opinion that his criticism was both untimely and unjustly given, due to the fact that he failed to take into consideration the fact that a Church in itself is made up of all kinds and types of talent; some good and some bad. Therefore, if this particular program is an unrehearsed spontaneous affair, flaws by the dozens are bound to appear. It Just can’t be avoided. If you have ever lived in Chicago, or had the sad opportunity to tune In on some of the regular church programs aired there, you know without question, that compared to some of them, Rev. Carter’s program sounds like the Radio City Music Hall. Yet. criticism, if any, is confined to the living room and not in the newspapers. So, let!s become realists for a change and he willing to give credit where credit is due. If you honestly believe, as I know the majority of you do, that as a whole the 25th Street Baptist church and its pastor are making a worthwhile contribution to our community through its Sunday night radio programs show your appreciation by sending them a nicle or dime each week toward its support. If you must criticize, do so in a dignified manner but remember

Hawkins was booked into the ta- j definitely carve for him a niche in mous Savoy Ballroom, “The Heine! the musical ball of fame and in of Happy Feet” and according to the words of Ed. Sullivan, famous the management of thi/i donee hall. Broadway anti Hollywood columndid the best summer business since ist, “you haven’t heard trumpet

the Savoy was founded. Hawkins has been broadcasting from the Savoy Ballroom over the NBC network three times weekly and if fan mail is any indication of success, this young bandleader is tops. In the couse of six months of broadcasting, Erskine Hawkins has averaged over 50 pieces of mail per week. In July 1941, tnrougn popular demand, Erskine Hawkins was signed by the New York Paramount Theatre, the Mecca of Swing bands, to a two weeks personal appearance on their famous stage. Hawkins trumpet playing will

Quisschette, tenor sax: Luther West, Saxophone, Dick Dickson, drums and E*tell Edson. vocalist. The band plays this date in between two other great attractions. Erskine Hawkins and his orches-

One big surprise next week at the Sunset Terrace will be Ernie Fields and las orchestra who are hooked to play a one night engagement Thursday February l!)th. The orchestra finished within the first

ten in the Pittsburgh Courier na- tra on Saturday February 14th and > ion-wide ih>11 of the most popular | Lil Green, plus Tiny Bradshaw and swing band. his Or hestra .on Saturday FebruFeatures of the hand are: Er- ary 21st: nonetheless, it is a great nie's own Thursday Evening Blues, attraction and will no doubt be played by the band and sung by patronized by several hundred Melvin Moore; along with all the i dance lovers. February IPrh is latest “hits’. Other feature art- Mr. Denver D. Ferguson’s birth-

ists are: Rene Hall Guites, Paul day.

playing until you catch Erskine Hawkins.” Featured with the band is Ida Jameis. celebrated vocalist. Advance tickets for this great dance 'band are now on sale at 85 cents at the following business places: Cotton Club, The Recorder, Joe Mitchell’s, Monte Grill, BirdwelTs Chicken Shack, Walker Drug store, Winston’s (2) Drug stores, Maxey’s Drug store, Penish Tavern, Sunset Cafe and Sunset Cigar store. Purchase your tickets from these AUTHORIZED

places. ^

JOE WEBB IN FLORIDA

V.r. Joseph R. Weob. the alaMe and likeable manager of The Sunset Terrace Club, is now in Florida ; making a tour with Soookuin Russell and his orchestra who play many one night stamp* r Fhuida. Georgia .Vlabam*.. Tonnes * mc, Arkansas, Lwi.siana and Texas and may not return before 'ate March or April.

Tiny Bradshaw Hart in Crash Near Detroit:

Auto Carries On

By ROLLO S. VEST DETROIT, — Tiny Bradshawlast week became the fhst casualty of the theatre when he missed the doors of death Lv just a frac tion in an automo.dle accident just 12 miles west of here. Bradshaw with his pretty wife, the former Bennie Williams of Chicago, was enroute here from Cincinnati to open a week’s engagement at Paradise theatre. Tiny hit d sheaf of ice and co'.iided with a trailer truck causing only slight damage to his car. While in the process of exchanging license number-! and rh<usual procedure of an accident, the dynamic orchestra haule:* returned to his car to get his hat. It was during this act that another car, whose driver completely ignored the flares along the highway, lilt the truck driver holding a set of flares and ran in*) Bradshaws

] machine. Tiny was thrown several feet into the air and immediate ly taken to a hospital. He had 22 stitches taken above his left eye, thirteen beneath his lower lip, had a tooth broken, received a fractured left ankle and minor abrasions of the body. His car w-its demolished. The driver of the other car Was released, after questioning, on per sonal bond. As yet no disposition of the case has been made although it is believed a damage suit will be filed by Bradshaw against the driver of the car. Mrs. Bradshaw- suffered minor bruises in the first accident but was not harmed by the second collision. Completely taped and bandaged the ‘spit-fire’ maestro made his customary appearance before his .orchestra Friday, when, the showopened and as yet has not missed a show* which has been running four and five a day.

IN THE GROOVE

Cont. from Page 4, Second Sectior

to always count ten first. For only by pursuing this course of action will job l»e reasonably sure of giving another Negro who is trying to accomplish something worthwhile for the race, the incentive neces^arj- to reach the goal he has set out to attain.

DOUGLAS

1403 E. 19TH ST.

SUNDAY AND MONDAY, FEB. 15, 16 ADULTS 15c—CHILDREN 10c—PLUS TAX “BILLY THE KID” In Color With Robert Taylor ALSO THE SURPRISE THRILLER OF THE YEAR “NIGHT TRAIN” “RIDERS OF DEATH VALLEY”—EPISODE No. 10

rUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FEB. 17, 18, 19 IOC TO ALL—PLUS TAX

‘THE GREAT LIE” BETTE DAVIS

BULLETS FOR O’HARA’ ROGER PRYOR

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, FEB. 20, 21 ADULTS 15c—CHILDREN 10c—PLUS TAX ‘SCOTLAND YARD” || “PALS.OF PECOS” NANCY KELLY || BOB STEELE SERIAL—“THE WHITE EAGLE” No. 4

quite beglamoured and bedazzling _ _ _ _ Dr. Ted Cable lookin’ on Norman Moss and Albert Killrws all smiles, and sw-iugin and swaj in. and thej- musta been staggin. Sterling Malone who came back from the Bradshaw aggregation! _ _ _ _ Mr. and Mrs. Louis Williams (Mary lookin quite as (•banning as ever and enjoyin the music despite the crowd ! I Pardon me. it ain't remember Pearl Harbor. remember Lunceford’s dance) ! And now Steven, I think we are even, so guess I’ll be chop)in a few- more nods before I ump out with the 20th Century Gabriel Sattidy night! That’s weetheart night you know, so look-out! ' I’ll be eyein tire sw-eetie-nies who are and those who ain’t! Oh boy, I beteha! And here’s a hint to Denver D! Why not have >nly spectators seats upstairs That is three or four row-s of •hairs for folks who don’t want dance or anything but just sit! Then have all the tables downstairs reserved and for dancers uily! you know-, eaberet style! You can’t really accomodate people w-ho pay 85 cents and a dol-•r-ten to enioy good music w-hen they have to push and shove! There’s a system for everything! 'ml that’s 30. and a good one! , 'Mi boy. I beteha !

ARE YOU Listening?

CLARENCE BROWN

DO irYOU LOVE YOUR COUNTRY? If So, Prove It By Buying DEFENSE STAMPS Bring One To^ The^ Cotton Club See William Benbow’s - Ritzy Floor Show

SELECTIVE S E R V I C E IN MDSES’ DAY. Drafting men for military service is one of the oldest of human institutions, and those of you who read the Bible, and accept the Hebrew Scriptures j as the literal words of God, are ! aware that those records establish ; the practice as a divine command. In Deuteronomy 20. the manner of | making war was prescrihed for the Israelites in all its cruel, bloody and Shocking detail. Even then, exemption from military duty. as now. was accorded certain able-bodied men. Even the “conscientious, objector” was provided for in the regulation. According to Biblical history. In Moses’ day three classes of men were exemi>ted from fighting. They had no choice in the matter they were ordered to stay at home. Lucky man No. 1 was he “that hath built a new house and hath not dedicated it”. He was commanded to stay behind, lest he die in battle and some other man take over his undedicated house. Lucky man No. 2 was he “that bath planted a vineyard, and hath not yet eaten of it”. Lucky man No. 3 was he who “hath bethrothed a wifi', and had not taken her”. He was commanded to return to his house, lest he die in battel, and some other man get the woman. The latter is no cause for exemption in these hectic times. That •ct. in my opinion is in favor of the women, for many of them would !-e much better off. without the uen which thej’ now; have. II is. aftorn 11. a good old world. It is .you and I and others lik< is. who get out df tune with the uirmonios of life. We turn deaf >ars to those w-ho would help us. md figure that. “I am the only dl-can on the dump”. We close ur eyes to the good the other fel >w is trying to do. Our “feelings ire so fragile” that when a point nade by others, strikes borne we >re hurt. We flaunt our authoriy. (if we have any) and dare any • >ne else to contest it. We place i premium on BIG AUTHQRITA MVE ME. not considering that ithout the help of OTHERS. BIG IE. would not amount to a tink-rs-d—. We also forget those ho. in the quietness of their men- ! laboratory. KNEW OF US VHEV! Whatever wrong there s. locally or internationally; is man-made. Once upon a time. 1 tried to blame an incident upon circumstances, and was told that “WE made circumstances. I found it tn, be true, and until men learn the simple rule of thoucrhtfillness the understanding of the other’s view-point, he must suffer the consequences of hurt feelings and dis

appointment.

THEBE IS AN EATERY in the ’’our hundred block of the Avenue. Meals served are w-ell cooked and tasty, in other words, they are ex--ellent. hut for service some of the waitresses are not so hot. Per-

THE CAT’S PLAYHOUSE 502 Aqnes St. tCorner Michigan) A Spot to Dine and Drink COOL AND COMFORTABLE Hear All the Latest Records All Labeled Beers—lUc Ri. 0335

NOW OPEN Every Friday, Saturday And Sunday THE CHIEF CLUB .121JP/2 N. Senate WITH MUSIC AND FLOOR SHOW SPECIAL—SAT. NITE Whitz Social Club SUNDAY Nueve Queenettes Club William Benbow, Promoter

Donald Reagan p I a > s the entitled “International Squadlead in a thrilling sky drama • ron.”

sonnllj-. I like attractive w< men, BUT when I am hungry, and park my carcass at a table or counter. I want to be served. I don’t wish to sit there from three to five minutes listening to one of the sweet j-oung things relate her experiences of the night before, or about he. girl-friend muscleing in on her boy, friend, nor any other trivial rot. I think that it would be a great idea, if owners and managers would take some time out. and instruct vour waitresses in. when, what and how to do. when a customer is seated at the table or counter. IT SEEMS THAT THE NEGRO ITBLIG of other cities are opposed to the jim-erow blood banks, of course they are thoughtful enough to know what it means, any Negro* who THINKS is opposed to segregation, whether it he blood >r what have you. The citizens of color who always want something separate. I wonder if. in your prayers, you pray to a Jim-Crow

God. asking for a separate unit in His Kingdom As the soap and water said to the bath tub “I II give you a ring Saturday night”. —So long everybody.

M. C. TAVERN 544 W. Maryland St. COR 8. CALIFORNIA

Beer—Wines—Whiskey Good Old Bulgarian Stew BLUE EAGLE INN 648 INDIANA AVENUE At the Corner of Calif. St.

Erskine HAWKINS and his Tuxedo Junction Orchestra Featuring: IDA JAMES Sunset Terrace Sat., Feb. 14 Adv. S5c Door $1.10

SPECIAL—ONE NIGHT ONLY ERNIE FIELDS oSSkstSa One Of First 10 Leaders In Pittsburg Courier Poll TUIIDC CCD 10 Advance 5©c I MJIf Way lEDa lw Door G5c Tax Incl. DON’T MISS THIS MUSICAL TREAT Coming: Feb. 21 To Mar. 1st inclusive LIL GREEN

IN PERSON

FAMOUS VOCALIST—‘LOVfe ME’—‘IN THE DARK’ PLUS Tiny BRADSHAW Orchestra AND FLOOR SHOW Tickets Now On Sale At Usual Places Cotton Club, Reccrder, Joe Mitchel s, Monte Grill, Birdwell’s Chicken Shack, Walker Drug Store, Winston’s (2) Drug Stores, Maxey’s Drug Store, Penish Tavern, Sunset Cafe, Sunsot Cigar Store. PURCHASE ONLY PROM AUTHORIZED STORES.