Swing (Jan-Dec 1945)

CHICAGO PORTS OF CALL 51 played tic-tac-toe to pass the time, have been monumentally successful. The Nelle method is to assemble three or four colorful variety acts and blend them into a show, using his "stock company" composed of the dancing Even Stevens, the Six Sophisti' Gates, and singers Nora Neal and Phil Kinsman as the backbone. Visiting stay-uppers (until twelve), will also be pleased to hear that Willie Shore is back at the Chez Paree after more than three years on the USO circuit. Enough said. . . . And the casualty of the late winter was Bert Wheeler at the Latin Quarter who learned, too late, that a comedian needs to have a good routine, wellrehearsed. Chicago is talking about the rash of radio shows that are breaking out at military hospitals in this area. Most of the stations in town now want to originate programs at the Gardiner, Vaughan, and Great Lakes hospitals. WIND got going first with an audience participation show, "Prizes for Prize Guys," featuring Fran Allison (who used to be on "Breakfast Club") and a bevy of beauties from radio row. Other programs are ready to go on WMAQ and WGN-Mutual, with at least three more stati' ;is planning to entertain wounded servicf .len. Chicago is talking about the general apathy toward ine Sox and the Cubs this spring. So far the sports writers haven't been able to work up even a good sweat over the chances of either team's winning anything. There's more interest in Chicago sporting circles in the Blues signing Casey Stengel. Chicago is talking about the announced closing oi the Naval Reserve Midshipman School at Abbott Hall. Soon the nonmilitary populace will no longer be able to watch the "ninety day wonders" hepping along at a military clip on Chicago Avenue. One of the most reassuring sights of the war will be gone. However, "maneuvers" will still be going on in the Scotch and Soda sector. Visitors from afar can still watch the soldiers and sailors "take" Randolph Street — any night. — yifirlon Hughes Jonathan. CHICAGO PORTS OF CALL Casual . . . ★BALINESE ROOM, BLACKSTONE HOTEL. The smart, modern room with its Balinese murals, delightful bar, and copper dance floor, is a favorite dinner rendezvous. Boasts the dance music of Bill Bennett and his orchestra along about nine. 7th and Michigan Ave. Har. 4300. ★BAMBOO ROOM, Parlc\.vay Hotel. For a charming tete-a-tete, lose yourself in the intimate Bamboo Room, where cocktailing is done with finesse. Particularly relaxing, conducive to quiet conversation, amid a rich atmosphere. 2100 Lincoln Park West. Div. 5000. ★BISMARCK HOTEL. Double-barrelled entertainment in the form of the Walnut Room and the Tavern Room. The former offers the sweet danceable music of Buddy Franklin's band, with Harriet Collins, vocalist, plus Talia Wermouth, popular dancer, and Art Nelson's superb marionettes. The Tavern Room features Allan Kane and his boys, who bring out the audience, starting with community singing and ending with a square dance. Other attractions are the statuesque Iris Stothard, The Paulens, Al Nilsen and Russ Morrison. (LOOP). Randolph and LaSalle. Cen. 0123. ★BLACKHAWK RESTAURANT. The sweet swing music of Chuck Foster keeps patrons dance-happy, as Gloria Foster and Jimmy Confer do the vocals. Edward and Diane weave beautiful dance designs and there is the novel mind-reading act of Ray Parker and his exuberant dummy, "Porthole." Due soon — • Del Courtney with Dottie Dotson and Johnny Williams, in new show. Randolph and Wabash. Ran. 2822.