By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo's historic Colored Musicians Club is planning to open a museum at its site on Broadway near Elm Street downtown.
The club has long been a gathering place for local jazz artists. Former Common Council President George Arthur says club officials hope to raise $900,000 for the museum. It will display artifacts collected during the more than 100 years the club has operated.
Arthur says historic preservation is a secondary goal as they seek to tie in their project with other African American landmarks nearby, including the Michigan Avenue Baptist Church.
Arthur says club officials are approaching government and private funding sources to help out. The city of Buffalo is committing $300,000. They hope to open the museum by October 2011.
The Colored Musicians Club has played host to some of the most famous names in jazz, including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Billie Holliday and Ella Fitzgerald.
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