The Roaring 20s was a turbulent time for the United States, with the period's exciting nightlife, partying, and music scene captivating people even 100 years later. The Blue Bird Cabaret, located on 1718 Springwood Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ, exemplified both the highs and lows of the 20s. Touted in local newspapers as "The Hottest Spot in Town!!!", the nightclub offered music and entertainment, featuring Billy Thrill's "Jungle Nights", Edna Taylor, Grace Stewart, Pete Peters, "Broadway Eddie" and many others.
However, The Blue Bird Cabaret was not always a popular club - it had its origins as the "Blue Bird Inn", a hotel and restaurant opened in the 1920s. Soon, it would offer its entertainment, becoming a hub for music, and eventually moving locations to 810 Main Street in Bradley Beach, NJ in 1930.
Unfortunately, just as the Roaring 20s glamorous lifestyles hid murky dealings of alcohol under The Prohibition and organized crime, The Blue Bird Cabaret would soon be overcome in scandal. The owner of the nightclub, John Delvecchio, would be sued for not paying performers and the sale of illegal alcohol. Advertisements for the Blue Bird Cabaret ceased, and the club likely closed soon after. Yet, despite this lamentable ending, the Blue Bird Cabaret certainly cemented itself as an exemplary model of 1920s America, paving the way for new establishments like Big Bill's Lounge, which would occupy 1718 Springwood Avenue just as the Blue Bird Cabaret had.
If you want to learn more about The Blue Bird Cabaret or Big Bill's Lounge, you can read about them here:
About the Author
Hi! I’m Ahan Iyer, a high school student from Holmdel, New Jersey. My interests include playing the oboe, jazz and chess. I’m a classically trained oboist, but have become interested in exploring various aspects of jazz, including jazz history and jazz composition for the oboe. Apart from exploring the jazz oboe, I play and teach chess. I’m currently working on a research project where I analyze data sets to find patterns that help us understand the wider influences that jazz has globally.
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