The Gold Coast nightclub that helped launch stand-up comedy as an art form also had great music
Richard Pryor, Barbra Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald all performed at Mister Kelly’s on Rush Street in the 1950s and 60s.
Mister Kelly’s was known as a destination for performers and audience members of all races and provided a space for pioneering comedians who incorporated current events and politics into their sets. This history is celebrated at an exhibition at the Newberry Library.
Reset learns more about this history and lasting impact of the club.
GUESTS: Andrew Meriwether, audio producer, journalist
David Marienthal, donated archival materials for “A Night At Mister Kelly’s” at the Newberry Library
Vince Firpo, VP of Public Engagement, Newberry Library
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The Gold Coast nightclub that helped launch stand-up comedy as an art form also had great music
Richard Pryor, Barbra Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald all performed at Mister Kelly’s on Rush Street in the 1950s and 60s.
Mister Kelly’s was known as a destination for performers and audience members of all races and provided a space for pioneering comedians who incorporated current events and politics into their sets. This history is celebrated at an exhibition at the Newberry Library.
Reset learns more about this history and lasting impact of the club.
GUESTS: Andrew Meriwether, audio producer, journalist
David Marienthal, donated archival materials for “A Night At Mister Kelly’s” at the Newberry Library
Vince Firpo, VP of Public Engagement, Newberry Library