Club 71, from a DX gas station in Pumpkin Center, had to be one of the most exciting and eclectic music roadhouses anywhere. It could be hosting square dances and fox hunt dances, and, seemingly most out of place, the black music scene in this very white rural setting.
Nat Towles and his orchestra played there multiple times and would stop there as the first gig after performances at Chicago’s famous Savoy Hall in a very stylish truck trailer.
Below is the Forum article about the visit, followed by references for the photos, then a discussion of the truck trailer, and a few jokes.
Above is an AI colorized and enhanced image of the article referenced below
