In the last town council meeting (June 2) Karen Emerson, Executive Director of the Historical Society of Kent County requested a permit to celebrate the first annual “Legacy Day” in Chestertown on August 16.
Legacy Day will honor the many contributions made to the community by Charlie Graves and his famous Uptown Club. During its heyday, the club hosted some of the most illustrious names in the music business—before they hit the big time—like Ray Charles, B.B. King, Fats Domino, Little Richard and Otis Redding. Up until 1988 when the site was razed, the Uptown Club was a key stop on the “chitlin circuit” during the segregated 50s and 60s when black musicians performed primarily for their own communities.
matthew weir says
Wonderful news. While the property certainly had it’s challenges, I have always believed it should have been preserved and honored for it’s very important historical significance.