November 3, 2009

Little Rock, AR – If you haven’t gotten a chance to see the Dreamland Ballroom, then this is your chance. Starting this Thursday, November 5,2009 the Friends of Dreamland launch their “First Thursday, Brown Bag Lunch” from 12-1 pm. Bring your lunch and come dine in the once famous “Doc’s Pool Hall” located on the first floor of the Arkansas Flag and Banner building (enter from State Street). There will be a 7 minute, historical, informative, inspirational and funny presentation and then tours to the third floor where Dreamland Ballroom is located. Kerry McCoy will be doing the presenting and she promises to entertain. So grab a brown bag lunch and come spend it with us! If you miss this one, no worries… we plan to do it again on the First Thursday of every month. Hope to see you then.

More about the Dreamland and its Friends:

Go back to the heyday of Little Rock’s Ninth Street district known as “Little Harlem.” It’s 1937. A well-established local dancehall called The Dreamland Ballroom is famous for its “swing floor” and is a hotbed of big bands, jazz, and blues. It’s the scene for dances, socials, and basketball games. The “Chittlin’ Circuit,” the national touring company of professional black entertainers, revues, and stage shows keeps entertainment fresh and exciting with legendary musical artists like “Fatha” Earl Hines, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald, and comedians Redd Foxx and Sammie Davis. Local stars cut their musical teeth in the Dreamland, too, including Al Hibbler, Louis Jordan, the Yellowjackets, and Lloyd Armon and his Orchestra.

Located on the third and top floor of Taborian Hall, at 800 Ninth St in Little Rock, Arkansas, the Dreamland Ballroom was abandoned long ago. The roof had fallen in and much of the inside had been destroyed by fire and water damage. But now there is a push to restore the historic landmark and the Friends of Dreamland Ballroom is focused on this mission.

The Friends of Dreamland Ballroom is a 501(c)3 committed to bringing back the music, the history, and the party of the Dreamland Ballroom.

For information: http://www.dreamlandballroom.com
Press Center: http://presscenter.flagandbanner.com/category/dreamland-ballroom/
Contact: friends@dreamlandballroom.com
Contact Person: Brian Shaddock
Phone: 501-255-5700