Variety (May 1941)

^ednesdaj, May 14, 1941 Bands at Hotel B. O. (Presented herewith, aa a weekly tabulation, is the estimated cower xharge businew. belno done bv name bondi In uarious New York hotels Wnner business (7-10 PM.) not roted. Fiflttres after name of hotel give nom capadty and cover charge. Larger amount designates weekend and hoUday price.; Baad Bot«I Clyd< Lucas Biltmore (300; $1-$1.50) XavierCugat Waldorf (375: $1-$I,50) 4 Hay Kinney* ..Lexington (300; 75c-$1.50) '. 4 GeneKrupa '. Pennsylvania (500; 75c-$1.50) 3 Harry James Lincoln (250; 75c-$l) 2 CoTcn Weeks Pait Played Week . 6 575 1,500 1,475 1,15P 575 Total Coven Oa Date 4,675 6,345 .6,025 3,375 1,650 ORCHESTRA GROSSES 49 Campos Best Sellers (u. OF imnnsoTA) Minneapolis, May 13. Six best record sellers on this campus: •Amapola' (Jimmy Dorsey). 'There'll Be Sime Changes Made' (Benny Goodman). 'Oh Look At Me Now' (Tommy Dorsey). 'Music Makers' (Harry James). 'Drum Boogie' (Gene Krupo) . 'Dolores' (Bing Crosbv). ♦ Asterisks indicate a supporting floor show, although the bond is the . major draw. Strong 1-Nighter Band Pace Holds; Weems $4,100; Jurgens' Record $1,941 (£stintates) Cab Calloway (City Aud., Houston, Tex., May 8). Calloway proved hot here, drawing 3,000 dancers and spectators at 85c-B9c for approximate gross of $2,500. Next night (9) at Municipal Aud., San Antonio, band figured fair with about BOO at 85c advance 89c at door. Sonny Dnnham (Totem Pole B., Auburndale, Mass., May 7). Playing ■ quick repeat after May 2 stop here, Dunham got good Wednesday crowd of 850 at $1.35 couple for $574. • Qlen Gray (Jantzen Beach, Portland, Ore., May 5-6). Over two days Gray played to 3,512 at 75c for approximate gross of $2,634. Georie Hamilton (Peony Terrace, Omaha, Neb., May 10-11). Okay 1,425 ' turned out for Hamilton at 60c figuring gross at $855 for two days. Woody Herman (Aud., MUwaukee, May 10). Herman's home town did . b.o. of truckdriver's baU up brown. Great $4,500 gross from 9,000 hoppers at 50c. At Fountain Ferry Park, Louisville, Ky., Sunday (12) Herman got . capacity $1,400 from 1,400 at 90c-$1.10. Carl Hoff (Totem Pole B., Auburndale, Mass., May 9-10). Hoff broke new band in here and lured big gross of $3,677 with 2,300 Friday and 3,000 Saturday at usual $1.35 couple. Inkspots (Valley Dale, Columbus. May 9). B.o. clicked off 1,100 dancers at 90c advance $1.10 door for bit disappointing $1,150.. Week before (May ■ 2). Spots pulled only 600 people into Beale Ave. Aud., Memphis, at 85c- $1.10 for $550 gross. Promoter explained weather getting too warm for dances in uncooled hall. DIok Jar^ens (Capitol theatre, Manitowoc, Wis., May 7). Jurgens cracked house mark here with 3,096 stub buyers at 30c-50c mat and 4(lc-66c nights tor high $1,941. At Venetian theatre, Hacine, week before (April 30) Jurgens clicked oft okay $1,370 at 30c-45c-55c. Ted Lewis (Uptown B., PorUand, Ore., May 7). Lewis $1,100 gross at 7Sc per was okay. Johnny Long (Ritz Ballroom, Bridgeport, May 11). Clicked in Con- necticut debut with 1,506 payees at 75c for $1,130 gross. Jimmy Lnnocford (Labor Temple, Louisville, Ky., May 5). First name band to play here, Luncefofd drew great 1,500 at 75c-$l foi: fine $1,300. At Turnpike Casino, Lincohi, Neb., Saturday (10) band got neat $1,000 from 1.350 at 75c. Vaoghn Monroe (Plymouth theatre, Worcester, Mass., May 5-7). With Hal LeRoy heading accompanying acts, Monroe did solid $4,550 gross in three days. House capacity is 2,700, gives three shows daily at 28c-35c-50c. In Portland, Me., Thursday (8) Monroe got good $675 from 900 dancers at 75c. . -Kcd Nichols (Raymor B., Boston, May 6). Nichols' biz held up after lour weeks in and out spot. Tuesday draw of 500 at 65c-55c meant okay $300. Tony Pastor (Roseland-State B., Boston, May 6). Pastor's 800 draw on Tuesday was fine for this spot. Added to $520 at 65c. At Hershey Park, Hershey, Pa., Saturday (10) band puUed $1,643 at 50c-77c. -Teddy Powell (Arena, New Haven,* May 11). Last spring series, with Henry Armetta. gave Powell light $2,100 from 3,800 who paid 45c to $1.10 mat and evening • Barney Bapp (Riverview B., Neponset, Mass., May 9-10). Rapp's initial visit in several years lured fine 1.320 Friday and 1,442 Saturday for neat $lj519. DIok Borers (Cocoanut Grove B., Toledo, May.4). Rogers didn't do so well here, drawing 350 dancers at 85c advance, $1.10 door, for $365. Fair. Jan Savitt (Chermot B.,.Omaha. May 10). About 1,543 at 55c gave Savitt okay $1,311 gross. Wally Stoeffler-Gene Broderick (Raymor-Playmor B., Boston, May 9). Stoeffler and Broderick, local band, drew good $840 gross from 1,400 at 85c-55c. On Saturday (10) Stoeffler hooked with George Harris, local, for 1,980 atsam.e prices for fine $1,188. - T** Weems (Idora Park, YoungstoWn, O., May 6). Firefighters' hop drew 3,800 at $1.10 with Weems. . Spot's draw is usually half that. Glen Gray's record is 4,500 people. Paul Whiteman (Lafayette Collegei Easton, Pa., May 9). Whitemah clicked off $2,500, approxitnately. from 1,000 dancers at $5 pe^ couple. Hertz Molls Test 0( Band Poll Via Tent Covering 1,000 9 To avoid putting money into some- thing that might fail, Douglas Hertz, owner of the Pegasus Club, Rock- leigh, N. J., has been mulling setting up a tent capable of covering 1,000 dancers to test whether a name band policy at his spot .would work out. Hertz originally had an Idea of en- larging a 400-odd seat bar, an! adjunct to his indoor polo field, and - installing name outfits as opposition to Frank Daile/s Meadowbrook, at nearby C^dar Grove. If he goes through with the idea of name bands In a circus atmos- phere, and the policy proves profit- able. Hertz figiires it will be worth the risk of shelling out $35,000- $40,000 for a new building. In the event everything worked out he would construct. an„ entirely new building, leaving the above men- tioned bar as is. Pegasas layout covers some 400 acres. Hepcats Jive Jimmy Dorsey to M AtPliinyVauder;ReyOK35G.N.Y, King Hot 24G, Pitt; Heidt20G, Buff WAYNE KING DENIED TO LOCAL STUNT BY LUXOR Pittsburgh, May 13. Chance to get Wayne King pub- licity for his current engagment at Stanley theatre was vetoed here last week by Luxor company, band's radio sponsor. Local Chamber of Commerce some time ago announced one hour five-station hook-up for last Saturday night (10) to shout glories of. Pittsburgh through tri- state area, and manageitient of WB deluxer saw a chance to crash the free all-Smoky Clty web (KDKA, WCAE, WJAS, KQV and WWSW) with the King band and also sold CC on the idea. Orch was to have dominated the show, taking up most of the time allotment. King was agreeable, too, but pointed out that clause in his con- tract with Luxor forbade him from any air appearances at all on Sat- urday nights, the day he airs his weekly commercials.. WB appealed to sponsor to waive clause for this one time, pointing out it was more Coin-Catching Record Possibilities On the Upbeat organization. Lutz joins Breese after a sojourn of seven years with Henry Busse. (Continued from page 38) Chi Villa Modeme starting June 14. In between. Strong will play the qploma (Mich.) Crystal Palace Ball- room and engagements for the Man- itowoc (Wis.) Musicians Ass'n. and the Homewood (Wis.) Business Men's Assn. Ted Blake to Monaco's Cafe in Cleveland following six-month stayj at Hotel Roosevelt's Lounge Cafe, Pittsburgh. I Ldn. Breeu orchestra exits the Chez Paree, Chicago; here after a winter's stay and goes on a 12-week jaunt of ballrooms and theatres, re- turning to the Chez in August. Rome includes dance for DePauw U. on May 17, a week in the Lyric, Indianapolis, starting May 23, the Westwood CIlub in Little Rock and I a two-day date for Texas A. & M. fEstiTnates for This Week) Jimmy Dorsey, Philadelphia (Earle; 2.350; 35-46-57-68) with 'Washington Melodrama' (M-G) and vaude. Heavy-play from jitterbugs makes it an all-Dorsey draw. Ex- pectations are for big $26,000, ex- ceptional In view of the slim help from the screen. Horace Heidt, Buffalo (Buffalo; 3,500; 35-65) with 'Cheers for Miss Bishop' (UA). Picture has been a spotty grosser, so Heidt gets credit for good part of excellent $20,000 in sight. Ina Bay Hntton, Boston (Boston; 3,200; 33-44-55) with 'Scatter,?ood Baines' (RKO) and 'House of Mys- tery' (Mono). Miss Hutton's draw on four-day booking greatly respon- sible for nice showing the house, which plays straight films last- halves, is making this week. Gross on full week will be okay $9,000. DIok Jurgens, Indianapolis (Lyric; 1,900; 30-40-50) with 'Rookies on Parade' (Rep), Band appears to be getting most of nice $11,000. Hoase splurged on exploiting Jurgens, get- ting special interviews and several radio shots for maestro. Wayne King, Pittsburgh (Stanley; 3,600; 25-40-60) with 'Wagons Roll at Night' (WB). Chief credit Is going to King's draw for great $24,000 In sight Best biz house has had In some time. ■ Gay Lorabardo, Baltimore (Hippo- drome; 2,205; 15-28-38-44-55-66) with 'Met in Argentina" (RKO). Slron? weekend play giving this bandfllm combination fair $13,000 for the week. Lombardo greatly responsible for the draw, the film not having shown much b.o. elsewhere. Abe Lyman, Cleveland (Palace; 3,700; 30-35-42-55-66) with 'People vs. Dr. Kildare' (M-G) and vaude. Not drawhig much and will be lucky to hit mild $11 OOO. Biz all over town on downbeat, exhibs blaming It on spring weather. Vaagho Monroe, Providence (MeU ropolltan; 3,800; 39-55) with 'Foot- Jlght Fever' (RKO) and vaude. Band drew nice v business hi three-dzy date, gross hitting $5,000. Alvlho Bey, New York (Para- mount; 3.664; 35-55-85-99) With Ed- die Bracken and other acts on the sUge, 'Reaching for Sun' (Par) be- ing the film, in which Bracken' 1s featured. Not In the upper brackels at $35,000 on first seven drys enc'od last night (Tuesday), but stM-' "- tory profit. Division of credi". • - getting this amount is prob.'uly about even between picture and stage biU, Show holds over. Charlie Splvak, Washington (Earle; 2,216; 28-39-44-66) with 'Affection- ately Yours' (WB). SUge show is being billed as local orch' and bal- steri^c film to nice $17,000, making better showing than Weems In the town's larger Loew's Capitol. Tommy Tnoker, New York (Strand; 2.767; 35-55-75-85-90) with Victor McLaglen in person, 'Wagons Roll at Night' (WB) on screen. The goine is slow, no more than about $30,000 being sighted, . Holds over, however, due to contracts with Tucker and McLaglen, Ted Weems, Washington (Capitol; 3,434; 28-39-44-66) with Washington Melodrama' (M-G). Theatre biz generally bleh in Washington rnd this combo no exception. Wccms, .... J,. , „ , . J however, will be chiefly respDnsible a ]ump tune, gets rich handlmg from well-balanced and t^r the light $15,000 the week will see. Clyde Knight band win open sum- mer dance -. season at West View Pork, Pittsburgh. May 26. Mel Hurwltz switched from Henry Busse's band to play second trumpet for Sonny Dunham, replacing Bob Riederich. Marvin Dale opened two-week stay Monday (12) at Bill Green's Casino, Pittsburgh, and will be fol- lowed May 28 by Don Bestor for opening of spot's outdoor Terraced Gardens. Clyde Knight band signed to open summer dance season at West View Park, Pittsburgh, May 23. Sam Lutz has joined the Lou Breese orchestra as personal and ge)ieral manager of Breeise and the Bobby Parks band opens at Bos- sert hotel, Brooklyn, tonight. Leader is also celebrating engagement to Jane Allworth, radio time buyer. Dick Jnrgens 'Nighty Night'—'Loafin' on Lazy Day' (Okeh 6166) First is one of the better new tunes with definite possibilities. It was first done as a vocal by Alvino Rey. Jurgens uses the melody to good advantage, cutting a very likable version in dance tempo with Harry Cool vocal. 'Loafin,' which sounds familiar, is another good tune, but the arrangement here is thin and Buddy Moreno's vocal is awkwardly phrased in spots. AlTtno Bey 'Hindustan'—'Everything Happens to Me' (Bloebird 11128) . Rey combo has been growing in record stature since "Tiger Rag' and 'Wm. Tell.' First side is not as widely known as former two, but it's Just as well done. Band's swell instrumental^work and Rey's guitar breaks make it good listening. Reverse, outstandingly soloed by Alyce King, is slow tempoed and has other versions to compete with, though that doesn't lessen her impact, Xavler Cugat 'La Cucaracha'-Toby's .Wife' CColnmbU 35812) Two sides grooved with guaranteed past faves should find non-com- mercial reaction. ■ They're played well under, neatly written arrangements. Vocals by La Chata are only drawback. She does 'em in an uninspiring manner. Jan Savitt Things I Love'—'Manhattan Sunrise' (Victor 2743t) 'Things' is a potential hit tune which hasn't gotten started yet, and Savitt does it justice with an arrangement and playing that enhances the melody. Muted trumpet at outset and Allan DeWitt's vocal polish it off at medium tempo. 'Sunrise' is played well at slow speed, but lacks punch. Woody Herman Time Changes Everything'—^"Dancing Dark' (Deeca 3751) Band hasn't made such a lively side as first in some time. It:s swell change of pace from 'Frenesi,' 'Sorrento,' etc. Tune is a worthy one, a sort of western, and after Herman's vocal band drives it out solidly. ''Danc- ing' isn't auspicious In comparison with Artie Shaw's recent cutting, but it has a vocal by Herman which Shaw's side lacked. Claode Thomhlll 'Stack of Barley'—'Hongarlan Dance' (Okeh 6168) -ThomhiU's solid band has yet to release a pop. His rich arrangements so far have not given machines opportunity to use his stuff. 'Barley' might do it It's a lively piece of well-played material familiar enough in its basic theme to get commercial attention. Reverse, another clever bit, earns equal reaction. Both are exceptional examples of Thornhill. Sam Donahue 'Au Reef—'Still Make Love in London' (Bloebird 11131) Initial Spm Donahue recording is okay: First side is played with a solid hop, spotlighting a slightly overbalancing sax group, but it interprets the jive tune strongly. Mitchell Paull vocals well enough for purposes of tune. Reverse gets unusual reaction. First, play draws a blank, but re- peated spins drive home its unusual style, eventually making it click. Fran- ces Claire, vocals. Les Brown 'Alexander Swoose'—'Keep Cool Fool' (Okeh 6167) Brown's rapidly arriving, band looses a competent cutting of the novelty, first done by Kay Kyser. Doris Day vocals clearly and easily in front of smart instrumental work and adds late punch with melodic explanation of title. 'Keep, rehearsed band. Miss Day again vocals, Artie Shaw 'Blue Heaven'—'Moonglow' (Victor 27405) Shaw uses his Gramercy Five on first standard to set up a rhythmic commercial issue that'll sell despite fact it's not equal to group's past performances. 'Moonglow' cuts in full band which reaches a level easily comparable to past 'Dancing in Dark,' etc. One fault in these Shaw stand- ard releases is they all sound alike, with same instrumental pattern cours- ing through arrangements. Dean Hudson Take Ton Home Kathleen'—'Let's Try Again' (Okeh 6171) One of Hudson's first few sides for Okeh, No. 1 tune should earn band some non-commercial response. Tune, of course, is natural and it's nicely I sung by Sonny Stockton. He carries almost full side. Reverse lyric is too . heavily interpreted by Sam Latimer. Sounds like he's doing utmost to inject a throb, which doesn't help. Band work is average. Tune is better than it sounds here. Teddy Powell 'Blue Danube'—'Rendezvous in Rio' (Bluebird 11132) Teddy Powell's newest band has been steadily improving. First side shows outfit in best groove so far. Some buyers may not go for hard- I driven playing of waltz fave, but that doesn't detract' from fact it's swell I job. It's hot and slick. Reverse, an average tune, is also well done, with i Ruth Gaylord vocal. Glenn Miller 'Air Minded Executive'—'Spirit Is Willing' (Bluebird 1113S) First tune is an unusual one. It has to be played repeatedly before it begins to pull response, but after that sounds okay. It probably won't go far because it's a difficult melody. Side isn't helped much either, by Doro- thy Claire's vocial; Tex Beneke joins her late. Reverse is an okay orig-' inal, well played In slow tempo, but not strong enough to make much at a dent Byrne Vice Kmpa Bobby Byrne band, which was barred from opening at the New Yorker hotel, N. Y., April 11, by a union fight, goes Into the opposition Pennsylvania hotel June 8. Byrne is to replace Gene Krupa, who com- pletes six weeks there June 6. Byrne band has been booked for a month at Meadowbrook, Cedar Grove, N. J., opening May 27. He'll start there on that date, but run will be cut to two weeks to allow (or the Penn opening. HEIDT TO EDOEWATER BEACH Chicago, May 13. Horace Heidt orchestra set for' a stay on the Marine Beach Walk of the Edgewater Beach hotel on the northslde starting July 11. In for four weeks on present con- tract