Opened in 1933, the Palm Tavern was bought by Gerri Oliver in 1956 and is still operated by her today. It was the premier meeting place for entertainers and artists who would stop in after playing at the Regal Theater, the Sutherland or the Savoy Hotel; the bar today is like walking into a living history museum. Photos line the walls, the bar, and fill albums strewn around the booths and tables, and Gerri is always willing to dig out magazines, newspaper clippings and articles about her place and the heyday of 47th Street (look for the picture of her with Dizzy Gillespie, or the photo of her sitting in a booth with a young Flip Wilson and organist Jimmy Smith).

In the quest to revitalize 47th Street, the city has drawn up plans that would create a music and arts village (tentatively called "Tobacco Road") centered around the almost-completed Lou Rawls Theater at 47th and King Drive. Unfortunately, these plans also call for the removal of Ms. Oliver's place. Whether or not these plans will go through still remains to be seen, but in any case, get there while you can.

Bluseman Fernando Jones puts on a killer show entitled "I Was There When The Blues Was Red Hot" every Friday and Saturday night; contact Bluesnewz@aol.com for exact showtimes and dates. Every Wednesday at 9, David Boykin's Expanse takes the stage.

Gerri's Palm Tavern
446 E. 47th St
773-285-9440