Olivia Hanna
The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center will be hosting Boogie Woogie Rock ‘n Roll Dance Party as a fundraiser for the Cotton Club.
The fundraiser will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, at The Cotton Club (837 SE 7th Ave.).
The event was the brainchild of Dr. Barbara McDade Gordon, a professor at UF who works with the Cotton Club. She had the idea when the Cotton Club did a survey, and many responded there were not enough places for adults to go dancing.
Dancing is a part of the Cotton Club’s history as it started as a nightclub in the late 40’s and 50’s. Now, The Cotton Club is a museum and cultural center celebrating African-American culture.
“The Cotton Club promotes preserves and collects African American culture…Cotton Club is emblematic of that history of rock ‘n roll boogie woogie culture,” McDade Gordon said.
In addition to dancing, a speaker will present on the history of rock ’n roll in Gainesville. The Cotton Club wanted the event to not only be fun but also an opportunity to learn more about Gainesville’s history and culture.
“Now, it is not just a club but it’s a historical preservation museum and cultural center,” McDade Gordon said. “We have entertainment and lectures. We have art from local artists and musicians come and play here. We also hold events. The FAMU alumni meeting was here.”
The event is for ages 21 and over. There will be a cash bar with beer and wine served. DJ LloverLord is from Atlanta and has over 30 years of experience. He will be taking requests for music throughout the night.
Tickets are available for $25, and all the proceeds go to The Cotton Club. Click here to purchase tickets.