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Chronology of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra:1919-1922
12 Jun 19 First party arr. Liverpool from Philadelphia on American Line's SS Northland [Board of Trade, Passenger Lists, Inwards, 1878-1960. National Archives Ref. BT26/654].
14 Jun 19 Second party arr. Liverpool from New York City on Cunard's SS Carmania [Board of Trade, Passenger Lists, Inwards, 1878-1960. National Archives Ref. BT26/654].
29 Jun 19 Third party arr. Liverpool from New York City on White Star's SS Lapland [Board of Trade, Passenger Lists, Inwards, 1878-1960. National Archives Ref: BT26/654].
4 Jul 19 Opened at Philharmonic Hall, Great Portland Street, London ["Matters Musical," Referee, July 6, 1919, 4]. Initially twice daily at 2:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Report made to HMV Committee that SSO not suitable for recording (information from Brian Rust from EMI filing).
3 Aug 19 Free concert at People's Palace, Mile End Road, London at 3:00 p.m. ["Negro Musicians, East End Concert To-Morrow," [London] Daily Herald, August 2, 1919, 5; "Real Ragtimes By Real Darkies," Daily Herald, August 4, 1919, 3].
8 Aug 19 Performed at a dance at the Albert Rooms, London, in honor of distinguished African visitors to London. The President of Liberia was amongst those attending [Hamnett 1984, 117-118; Hooker, 1986, 129; courtesy Val Wilmer].
9 Aug 19 Afternoon private party for members of the Royal Household at Buckingham Palace, London ["King's Garden Party To His Servants," The Times [of London], August 11, 1919, 13; "King And His Servants, Royal Entertainment," [London] Daily Telegraph, August 11, 1919, 8]. It appears that the full orchestra appeared and that some of the singers also performed with Will Marion Cook as accompanist. A "Nigger [End Page 5] Jazz Band" [sic] performed in the amphitheatre formed by the bed of the drained Palace lake. The personnel consisted of: William [sic] Briggs, cornet; William [sic] Forrester, trombone; Sidney Bechet, clarinet; Lawrence Morris, bandoline; Robert Young, drums.
4 Sep 19 Arr. at Southampton of Charles and Martha Gilmore, William Burns, and Frank Dennie from New York City on White Star's SS Lapland [Board Of Trade, Passenger Lists, Inwards, 1878-1960. National Archives Ref: BT26/665].
mid-Sep 19 Small band derived from the orchestra began working for the Portman Dances at the Portman Rooms, Baker Street, London, as The Portman Syncopated Orchestra [1920 L No. 175, Affidavit 99; London Amusement Guide, October 1919, 34; Dancing Times, October 1919, 33]. This twelve-piece group was led by Frank Withers [Norris Smith, "Dear Old Lunnon," Chicago Defender, January 3, 1920, 7].
4 Oct 19 Last day for which Philharmonic Hall matinees are advertised as daily [Westminster Gazette].
6 Oct 19 Philharmonic Hall matinees, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday only [Westminster Gazette].
14 Oct 19 Arr. at Southampton from New York City on White Star's SS Lapland of E. E. Thompson, George Smith, and Frank Tate [Board of Trade, Passenger Lists, Inwards, 1878-1960. National Archives Ref: BT26/665].
20 Oct 19 Began series of matinees at Prince of Wales Theatre, London on Mondays and Thursdays at 2:45 [advertisement, [London] Evening News, October 20, 1919]. Philharmonic Hall matinees now on Wednesdays and Fridays [advertisement, Daily Express, October 20, 1919].
22 Oct 19 Last advertisement for Will Marion Cook as director [Daily Telegraph]. He was released on October 24, 1919 [Chancery Division 1920 L No. 542, Affidavit 304] and returned to the U.S.A. from Le Havre on November 13, 1919.
by Nov 19 Philharmonic Hall matinees now on Wednesdays and Saturdays [advertisements, Sunday Times, November 9, 1919; London Amusement Guide, i/7, November 1919; London Attractions, November 12, 1919].
11 Nov 19 Victory Ball No. 2, Royal Albert Hall, London, on behalf of the Central Council of the Infant Welfare Work. SSO played for dancing ["Brilliant Victory Ball," [London] Daily Graphic, November 12, 1919, 6; "The Victory Ball," Dancing Times, December 1919, 213]. [End Page 6]
1 Dec 19 The Portman Dances were converted into the Portman Dance Club. The Portman Syncopated Orchestra continued to appear ["Dancing Notes," London Amusement Guide, i/8, December 1919, 44].
4 Dec 19 Final matinee at Prince of Wales Theatre [advertisements, Evening News].
6 Dec 19 Close of engagement at Philharmonic Hall.
8 Dec 19 [for one week] London Coliseum ["Syncopation and Sentiment," Times, December 9, 1919, 12; "Ragtime, But Not Jazz," Daily Graphic, December 9, 1919, 6; "The Variety Stage," Referee, December 14, 1919, 7]. Announced in various sources for a second week at the London Coliseum (commencing December 15, 1919), but did not appear.
19 Dec 19 End of Portman Syncopated Orchestra engagement at the Portman Rooms. The musicians arrived for work on December 20 to be informed by the manager, Mr. Rockover, that their services were no longer required [Chancery Division 1920 L No. 175, Affidavit 99].
22 Dec 19 Opened at Kelvin Hall, Kelvingrove, Glasgow, giving "continuous performances" from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. daily, alternating with H. M. Irish Guards Band [advertisements, Glasgow Herald]. In the event, the SSO did not play on Sunday ["No Jazz Music On Sunday," Daily Record & Mail, December 26, 1919, 9]. Billed variously as "Southern Syncopated Orchestra," "American Southern Syncopated Orchestra," "American Syncopated Orchestra."
10 Jan 20 End of Kelvin Hall engagement.
12 Jan 20 St. Andrew's Hall, Glasgow, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. [advertisement, Glasgow Herald, January 12, 1920], "American Southern Syncopated Orchestra."
13-16 Jan 20 Govan Town Hall, Glasgow, at 2:15 and 7:15 p.m. [advertisements, Glasgow Herald, January 13-16, 1920], "American Southern Syncopated Orchestra."
20 Jan 20 Will Marion Cook arr. Liverpool from New York City on White Star's SS Celtic [Board of Trade, Passenger Lists, Inwards, 1878-1960. National Archives Ref: BT26/668].
20-22 Jan 20 Usher Hall, Edinburgh, at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. [advertisement, Scotsman, January 19, 1920, 1; "American Orchestra in Usher Hall," Scotsman, January 21, 1920, 8; Edinburgh Evening News ads.], "Southern Syncopated Singing Orchestra."
23 Jan 20 Usher Hall, Edinburgh, at 3:00 p.m. [advertisement, Scotsman, January 19, 1920, 1; advertisement, Edinburgh Evening [End Page 7] News, January 23, 1920, 1]. St. Margaret's Hall, Dunfermline, at 7:30 p.m. ["St. Margaret's Hall," Dunfermline Press, January 24, 1920, 4].
24 Jan 20 St. Margaret's Hall, Dunfermline, at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. [advertisement, Dunfermline Journal, January 24, 1920], "Southern Syncopated Singing Orchestra."
27-30 Jan 20 Usher Hall, Edinburgh, at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. [advertisement, Scotsman, January 19, 1920, 1; advertisements, Edinburgh Evening News].
31 Jan 20 Usher Hall, Edinburgh, at 3:00 p.m. [advertisement, Scotsman, January 19, 1920, 1; advertisements, Edinburgh Evening News].
2-7 Feb 20 Usher Hall, Edinburgh, at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. [advertisement, Scotsman, January 30, 1920, 1; advertisement, Edinburgh Evening News] except that the 7:30 p.m. performances on February 2, February 4, and February 6 took place at M'Ewan Hall, Edinburgh, "Southern Syncopated Singing Orchestra."
6 Feb 20 Lattimore called on Will Marion Cook at 8 Francis Street, London, to discuss his possible return to the Orchestra [Chancery Division 1920 L No. 647, Affidavit 327].
10-11 Feb 20 Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool ["Super-Jazz," Liverpool Echo, February 11, 1920, 7], "Southern Syncopated Orchestra."
12-14 Feb 20 St. George's Hall Concert Room, Liverpool [advertisements, Liverpool Daily Post & Mercury, February 12, 1920, 1; February 14, 1920, 1]. After the performance on February 14, 1920, many of the orchestra returned to London.
15 Feb 20 "Miss Lottie Gee [Prima Donna of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra]" slated for Sunday concert at Winter Gardens, New Brighton at 8:15 p.m. [advertisement, Liverpool Daily Post & Mercury, February 14, 1920, 1].
15 Feb 20 George Lattimore visited Lawrence Morris and others, at 37 Huntley Street, London, in an unsuccessful effort to persuade them to return to the orchestra [Chancery Division 1920 L No. 647, Affidavit 306].
16 Feb 20 George Lattimore visited Lawrence Morris, Anthony Rivera, Frank Withers, and others, at 37 Huntley Street, London, in a further unsuccessful effort to persuade them to return [Chancery Division 1920 L No. 647, Affidavits 306 and 309].
Engagements scheduled for February 16, 1920, at St. George's Hall Concert Room, Liverpool; February 18-20, 1920, at Central Hall, Liverpool; February 21, 1920, at St. George's Hall Concert Room, Liverpool; February 23-24, [End Page 8] 1920, at Central Hall, Liverpool, were cancelled owing to members failing to return from London for the engagement on Monday, February 16, 1920 ["Southern Syncopated Orchestra," Liverpool Echo, February 18, 1920, 8; "We Guess Dar Ain't No Show," Liverpool Echo, February 18, 1920, 8]. Also cancelled was a projected engagement at Albert Hall, Peter Street, Manchester, which would have commenced on March 1, 1920, twice daily at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. [advertisement, Manchester Guardian, February 25, 1920, 14].
Will Marion Cook's Syncopated Players:
8 Mar 20 "Marion Cook's Syncopated Players" opened for "Souper Dansant" at Trocadero Restaurant, London, nightly at 9:00 p.m. [advertisements, Referee, March 7, 1920, 11; March 14, 1920, 13]. Not subsequently advertised, but Marion Cook's band is reported playing for dancing in the Empire Hall of the Trocadero Restaurant, London [Dancing Times, April 1920, diary entry for March 23, 1920]. "Mr. Marion Cook's Southern Syncopated Players" are announced for this venue in London Amusement Guide, April, May, June, and July 1920. [Either this was a small group or the engagement must have been interrupted when the full orchestra was out of London.]
Will Marion Cook's Syncopated Orchestra
21 Mar 20 "The Famous American Syncopated Orchestra, cond. Will Marion Cook," Sunday concert at Kennington Theatre, London [advertisement, Clapham Observer, March 19, 1920, 7]. Following legal action, the billing was changed to "Will Marion Cook's Famous Syncopated Orchestra," but they were announced as "The Original Syncopated Orchestra with Will Marion Cook as Conductor" [Chancery Division 1920 L No. 542, Affidavit 296].
28 Mar 20 "Will Marion Cook's Syncopated Orchestra," Sunday concert at Kennington Theatre, London [advertisement, Clapham Observer, March 26, 1920, 7; "Minstrelsy at Kennington," South London Press, April 2, 1920, 11].
2 Apr 20 "Will Marion Cook's Syncopated Orchestra," concert at Kennington Theatre, London [advertisement, Clapham Observer, April 2, 1920, 7].
4 Apr 20 "Will Marion Cook's Syncopated Orchestra," Sunday concert [End Page 9] at Kennington Theatre, London [advertisement, Clapham Observer, April 2, 1920, 7].
5 Apr 20 [for one week] Colston Hall, Bristol, nightly at 8:00 p.m. with matinees Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday at 2:30 p.m. [advertisement, Bristol Evening News, April 5, 1920, 6; "Syncopation De Luxe A Novelty At Colston Hall," Bristol Evening News, April 6, 1920, 6], "Will Marion Cook's Syncopated Orchestra."
12 Apr 20 [for two weeks, except April 20] Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, every weekday at 8:00 p.m. with matinees, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday at 2:30 p.m. [advertisement, Liverpool Courier, April 12, 1920; advertisement, "Echo Showman," Liverpool Echo, April 13, 1920, 6; "Entertainments: The Syncopated Orchestra," Liverpool Post & Mercury, April 20, 1920, 4], "Will Marion Cook's Syncopated Orchestra." There was no performance on April 20 because the Philharmonic Hall was required for the "Chappell Ballad Concert" ["Syncopated Orchestra," Liverpool Post & Mercury, April 20, 1920, 5].
American Southern Syncopated Orchestra (Lattimore)
19 Apr 20 [for two weeks] "World Famous American Southern Syncopated Orchestra and Singers," Albert Hall, Nottingham at 7:30 p.m. on April 19 and thereafter at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. [advertisements, Nottingham Evening News; Nottingham Guardian, April 20, 1920, 6; April 27, 1920, 6].
20 Jun 20 Bertin Salnave is very specific that a Sunday concert took place on this Sunday (the day before Dan Kildare's suicide) [Demeusy 1978, 211; Rye and Brooks 1997, 49], but it has not as yet been located and it is therefore not possible to say whether this was with a Cook or Lattimore group.
Will Marion Cook's Syncopated Orchestra
Note that the Trocadero Restaurant engagement was continuing (see March 8, 1920).
26 Apr 20 [for one week] Victoria Hall, Sheffield, nightly at 8:00 p.m. (matinee Saturday at 2:30 p.m.) [advertisement, Sheffield Daily Independent, April 28, 1920; "Syncopated Orchestra," Sheffield Daily Telegraph, April 27, 1920, 4 (this gives the venue [End Page 10] as Montgomery Hall), "Will Marion Cook's Syncopated Orchestra."
10 May 20 [for two weeks] London Coliseum at 2:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. [advertisements, Times, May 10, 1920, 10; May 17 1920, 12; "The Variety Stage: The London Coliseum," The Stage, May 13, 1920, 11], "Syncopated Orchestra under the direction of Will Marion Cook."
21 Jun 20 [for two weeks] London Coliseum ["The Variety Stage: The London Coliseum," The Stage, June 24, 1920, 10], "Will Marion Cook's Syncopated Orchestra." After this engagement Will Marion Cook apparently withdrew from any further involvement with the full orchestra.
Will Marion Cook's Syncopated Orchestra (small group)
5 Jul 20 Opened dance residency in the Palais de Danse, Australian Pavilion at the Great Victory Exhibition and Imperial War Museum, Crystal Palace, London [advertisement, Daily News, July 2, 1920, which describes the band as "direct from London Coliseum"; advertisements, Daily News, July 29, 1920 and August 12, 1920, called "Celebrated Syncopated Orchestra Direct from London Coliseum"]. Advertisements in The Times continue to September 18, 1920. Dancing World refers to "a section of the famous Southern Syncopated Orchestra" playing in the Australia Building ["Dancing at the Crystal Palace," Dancing World, October 1920, 31]. Expenses Account [Crystal Palace Trustees, Ledgers-General, January 1916 to December 1920, Greater London Record Office Ref. CPT34] continues to September 30, 1920. Receipts Account was made up on December 31, 1920.
Southern Syncopated Orchestra
5 Jul 20 Opened at Kingsway Hall, London ["Southern Syncopated Orchestra," The Stage, July 8, 1920, 8], for ten-week season (i.e., to September 11, 1920). Performances at 8:30 p.m. (matinees at 3:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday) [advertisement, Evening News, July 5, 1920]. No advertisements located after July 12, 1920, but engagement continuing on July 26, 1920, and probably on August 6, 1920 ["Coloured Musicians At Variance," Daily Telegraph, August 6, 1920, 16]; [End Page 11] evidently did not appear on July 20, 1920 (see below). There is some uncertainty about the duration of this engagement.
11 Jul 20 Sunday concerts at Palace Pier Theatre, Brighton, at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. [advertisement, The Referee, July 11, 1920, 10].
20 Jul 20 Concerts at Pavilion and Winter Gardens, Margate, at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. [advertisement, Isle of Thanet Gazette, July 17, 1920, 1].
1 Aug 20 Sunday concerts at Westonville Pavilion, Westbrook, Margate, at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. ["The Southern Syncopated Orchestra," Isle of Thanet Gazette, August 7, 1920, 5].
22 Aug 20 Sunday concert at Palace Pier Theatre, Brighton [advertisement, The Brighton Programme for week ending August 28, 1920].
29 Aug 20 Sunday concerts at Winter Garden, Devonshire Park, Eastbourne, at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. ["Devonshire Park," Eastbourne Chronicle, September 4, 1920, 2].
11 Sep 20 Latest possible closure date of Kingsway Hall engagement (see July 5, 1920).
19 Sep 20 Sunday concerts at Floral Hall, Devonshire Park, Eastbourne ["Devonshire Park," Eastbourne Chronicle, September 25, 1920, 2].
13 Oct 20 Opened at Philharmonic Hall, London, nightly at 7:30 p.m., matinees Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday at 3:00 p.m. [advertisement, The Times, October 13, 1920, 8; "Southern Syncopated Orchestra and Singers," The Stage, November 4, 1920, 8]. (Not advertised in either The Times or Daily News from November 11-16 inclusive, but there is no evidence that this actually indicates nonappearance.)
16 Nov 20 The members of the orchestra refused to continue on the grounds that their salaries were two weeks in arrears. After this date, Lattimore "had no interest in the performances" ["The Affairs of an Orchestra Proprietor," The Times, December 16, 1920, 4].
7 Dec 20 Hunt the Slipper Ball, Piccadilly Hotel, London ["Where to Dance in London," Dancing Times, December 1920: "The Southern Syncopated Orchestra will entertain during the evening"]. In aid of the Silver Badge Training Centre for Disabled Soldiers and Co-Operative Workshops for their Employment. No confirmatory report of this appearance has been located. [End Page 12]
11 Dec 20 End of Philharmonic Hall engagement [last advertisements in both The Times and Daily News].
13 Dec 20 [for four weeks] London Palladium ["The Variety Stage: The Palladium," The Stage, December 16, 1920, 12; advertisements throughout in Morning Post].
15 Dec 20 First meeting of Lattimore's creditors at Bankruptcy Buildings, Carey Street, London, WC2 at 12:30 p.m. [London Gazette #32154, December 7, 1920, 12108, which appears to say it is scheduled for December 16, but the meeting is reported as "yesterday" in "The Affairs of an Orchestra Proprietor," The Times, December 16, 1920, 4]. Announced for cancelled Sunday concert at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne, December 26, 1920 [advertisement, Eastbourne Chronicle, December 18, 1920, 4], but later advertisements announce a different attraction.
8 Jan 21 End of Palladium engagement.
4 Feb 21 Public examination of Lattimore's bankruptcy case scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at Bankruptcy Buildings, Carey Street, London, WC2 [London Gazette #32154, December 7, 1920, 12107].
29 Apr 21 Lattimore's application for Discharge from Bankruptcy scheduled to be heard at 11:00 a.m. at Bankruptcy Buildings, Carey Street, London, WC2 [London Gazette #32284, April 8, 1921, 2850]. The discharge was suspended for two years [London Gazette #32339, May 31, 1921, 4361].
L'Orchestre Symphonique Américain/ American Southern Syncopated Orchestra
6 May 21 "Ensemble symphonique américain" in Bal Blanc et Noir at Théâtre des Champs Elysées, Paris ["La Vie Théâtrale," L'Intransigéant, May 7, 1921, 2; advertisement, L'Intransigéant, May 7, 1921, 3: "Ce soir, vendredi 6 mai"].
7 May 21 "Répétition générale publique" at Théâtre des Champs Elysées, Paris, at 8:45 p.m., and thereafter at the same time nightly (possibly excluding May 13, 1921, when Bal Coucher de Soleil with six orchestras is advertised) [Le Gaulois, May 7, 1921; "La Vie Théâtrale," L'Intransigéant, May 8, 1921, 2; "Théâtre des Champs Elysées: l'orchestre symphonique sud-américain et ses chanteurs," Figaro, May 9, 1921, 3]. From May 16, 1921 (for May 15, 1921) to May 20, 1921 (for May 19, 1921), advertised [End Page 13] in L'Intransigéant as "American Southern Syncopated Orchestra."
19 May 21 Close of Théâtre des Champs Elysées engagement.
Negro Syncopated Orchestra
9 Jul 21 Opened at Palais du Trocadero, Paris, appearing at 2:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. [advertisement, New York Herald, Paris edition, July 5, 1921, 3].
17 Jul 21 Last advertised at Palais du Trocadero, Paris.
It has been suggested that this group subsequently appeared at Ostend Kursaal, but evidence for this is not available, unless an enigmatic reference by Frank Dennie ["News from Abroad," Chicago Defender, October 22, 1921, 6] to the Gilmores and Lawrence Morris, bandoline, at Ostend Casino refers to such an engagement.
Southern Syncopated Orchestra
10 Jun 21 Opened at Kingsway Hall, London ["Concert Notes," The People, June 12, 1921, 4]. Nightly at 8:30 p.m., matinees Thursday and Saturday at 3:00 p.m. [advertisement, Westminster Gazette, June 10, 1921].
30-31 Jul 21 Close of Kingsway Hall engagement [last advertisement in Westminster Gazette, July 30, 1921; Averty 1969 has July 31].
1 Aug 21 Opened at The Dome, Brighton ["Southern Syncopated Orchestra," Evening Argus, August 2, 1921, 4; August 9, 1921, 2; August 16, 1921, 2; August 23, 1921, 2]. Twice daily at 3:00 and 8:15 p.m.
To appear at public ball every Friday night at Royal Pavilion, Brighton, 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. [Brighton Standard, August 2, 1921], but not confirmed to have done so.
7 Aug 21 Sunday concerts at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne, at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. [advertisement, Eastbourne Chronicle, August 6, 1921, 4; "Southern Syncopated Orchestra," Evening Argus, August 9, 1921, 2].
14 Aug 21 Sunday concerts at The Palace Pier, St. Leonards-on-Sea, at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. [advertisement, Hastings & St. Leonards Observer, August 13, 1921, 1; "Southern Syncopated Orchestra At The Palace Pier," August 20, 1921, 7].
3 Sep 21 Close of engagement at The Dome, Brighton ["Southern [End Page 14] Syncopated Orchestra: Brighton," Evening Argus, August 31, 1921, 2].
4 Sep 21 Sunday concerts at Pleasure Gardens Theatre, Folkestone, at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. ["Pleasure Gardens Theatre," Folkestone Herald, September 3, 1921, 3; advertisement, 4: "the most wonderful combination of instrumentalists and vocalists in the world"].
11 Sep 21 Sunday concerts at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne, at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. [advertisement, Eastbourne Chronicle, September 10, 1921, 4; "Devonshire Park," Eastbourne Chronicle, September 17, 1921, 2].
19 Sep 21 [for three weeks] Lyric Theatre, Glasgow [advertisement, Glasgow Herald, September 19, 1921, 8; "Syncopated Orchestra," Glasgow Herald, September 20, 1921, 12; "Glasgow Entertainments," The Evening Times, September 20, 1921, 7; September 27, 1921, 7].
8 Oct 21 Traveled by train to Greenock, embarking on SS Rowan at 7:30 p.m. en route to Dublin ["Destroyer's Timely Aid," The Times, October 10, 1921, 10].
9 Oct 21 At 12:15 a.m., SS Rowan struck by the West Camak, then by Clan Malcolm, off Corsewall Point, Wigtownshire.
14 Oct 21 "Surviving members of the Orchestra" appeared at a Special Matinee at Theatre Royal, Glasgow, presided over by Bailie Turner, Senior Magistrate, in the absence of the Lord Provost [advertisement, Glasgow Herald, October 14, 1921, 8]. Artists from the Theatre Royal, Alhambra Theatre, and Coliseum appeared. They included the African-American act Scott and Whaley, who were headlining at the Coliseum.
16 Oct 21 "The Survivors of the Southern Syncopated Orchestra" appeared at a Grand Sacred Concert at Glasgow Empire at 8:00 p.m. [Glasgow Herald, October 17, 1921, 12].
17 Oct 21 Opening of delayed engagement at La Scala Theatre, Dublin ["Minstrel Band Performance of Syncopated Orchestra," Dublin Evening Telegraph, October 18, 1921, 2]. Nightly at 6:45 and 9:00 p.m. Matinees on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
24 Oct 21 Company returned to full strength for second week of La Scala engagement by the arrival of eight members previously unfit to travel ["La Scala Theatre," Dublin Evening Mail, October 22, 1921, 3; "Delightful New Programme by Syncopated Orchestra," Dublin Evening Telegraph, October 25, 1921, 2]. [End Page 15]
29 Oct 21 Close of La Scala engagement.
30 Oct 21 Special Sunday evening concert at La Scala Theatre, Dublin [advertisement, Dublin Evening Herald, October 28, 1921, 4].
31 Oct 21 Opened at St. Columb Hall, Londonderry [advertisement, Derry Standard, October 28, 1921, 2; "High-Class Orchestra in Derry," November 2, 1921, 2]. Nightly at 6:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Scheduled for week but appeared only until November 2, 1921 [advertisement, Londonderry Sentinel, November 3, 1921, 2].
7 Nov 21 [for two weeks] Ulster Hall, Belfast [advertisement, Belfast News-Letter, November 1, 1921, 1; "The Syncopated Orchestra," November 8, 1921, 6]. At 7:00 p.m. on November 7, 1921 and thence daily at 3:00 and 7:30 p.m. [advertisement, Belfast News-Letter, November 1, 1921, 1].
19 Nov 21 End of Belfast engagement and probably last SSO "farewell appearance."
"Southern Syncopated Orchestra conducted by Will Marion Cook"
An All-Star Matinée was announced for the Lyric Theatre, London, on November 4, 1921 in aid of the wives and children of the SSO members lost in the Rowan disaster ["Syncopated Orchestra Matinée," The Era, November 2, 1921, 11]. This was cancelled [Daily Telegraph, November 4, 1921, 14].
The Synco-Synco Orchestra and Singers
13 Feb 22 Opened at Théâtre des Champs Elysées, Paris, at 9:00 p.m. [advertisement, Le Gaulois, February 13, 1922; "Au Théâtre des Champs Elysées," La Figaro, February 15, 1922, 5].
2 Mar 22 End of engagement at Théâtre des Champs Elysées, Paris [advertisement, New York Herald, Paris ed., March 2, 1922, 2], though still announced in L'Intransigéant on March 3.
American Syncopated Orchestra
See "The Syncopated Orchestra in Vienna" by Konrad Nowakowski (Black Music Research Journal, vol. 29, no. 2, 229-282) for references.
9 May 22 Opening at Vergnügungspark, Kaisergarten, Vienna, billed as "Das amerikanische Syncopated-Orchester." [End Page 16]
10 May 22 Billing changed to "Amerikanische Neger-Show."
27 May 22 Beginning of additional appearances of Buddie at Jardin Bar, also at Vergnügungspark.
1 Jul 22 Billing reduced to "Die Neger."
Aug 22 Additional appearances of Abbie Mitchell at Revuebühne Femina and "Wellmon-Duo" at Leopoldi-Wiesenthal, Vienna.
19 Aug 22 "Negertruppe aus dem Vergnügungspark" announced to participate in benefit concert in Döbling, Vienna. They were not mentioned in a report of the event on August 22.
30 Aug 22 Last reference to "Die Neger" at Vergnügungspark, Vienna.
1 Sep 22 Beginning of appearances by "Buddie, the King of Jazz" at Café Heinrichhof and "Wellmon-Duo" at Stimmung and Café Capua, Vienna.
4 Sep 22 Buddie and "die Neger-Show des amerik. orig. Syncopated-Orchesters" opened at Reichshallen, Dorotheergasse, Vienna.
20 Sep 22 Last advertisement for this final appearance of the orchestra.
5 Oct 22 Buddie advertised at Reichshallen, without reference to the orchestra, until October 11, 1922.