1619 West Poplar Explained

1619 West Poplar is a historic performance venue in San Antonio, Texas. From 1950 to 1964 it was Don Albert and Willie "Red" Winner's Keyhole Club. Albert helped manage and hosted musical acts. It was adorned with neon lights and signage.[1] The building now hosts the Sociedad Fraternal Cruz Blanca and is used for weddings and wrestling events.

Albert opened the Keyhole Club at 628 Iowa Street in 1944. It was moved to Poplar in 1950.[2]

As the Keyhole Club, it was integrated despite operating during the era of segregation. It drew police raids. It was part of the so-called Chitlin Circuit.[3] Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington were photographed among an entourage at the club.[4]

Albert hosted, managed, and co-owned the venue. He was photographed performing at it.[5] [6] [7] Hort Hudge and his orchestra also performed at the venue.[8] Clifford Scott refined his skills on the tenor saxophone at the club.[9]

After closing, the Keyhole Club briefly re-opened around January 1965 for the holidays, with a "last show until further notice" being hosted on January 2.[10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Exterior of Keyhole Club, 1619 W. Poplar, San Antonio, Texas, ca. 1950.
  2. Book: San Antonio 365: On This Day in History. 9781595349170. Davies. David Martin. Benavides. Yvette D.. 9 June 2020.
  3. Web site: Poplar Street venue has a rich musical past. 14 April 2018.
  4. Web site: Nat King Cole and Duke Ellington at Keyhole Club, 1619 W. Poplar, San Antonio, Texas, November 1955.
  5. Web site: Don Albert on stage with female vocalist, Keyhole Club, 1619 W. Poplar, San Antonio, Texas, early 1950s.
  6. Web site: Dance team performing on dance floor as Don Albert plays trumpet with band members on stage during floor show at Keyhole Club, 1619 W. Poplar, San Antonio, Texas, early 1950s.
  7. Book: Jazz on the Road: Don Albert's Musical Life. 9780520229839. Wilkinson. Christopher. 30 October 2001.
  8. Book: Texas Blues: The Rise of a Contemporary Sound. 9781585446056. Govenar. Alan B.. 9 October 2008.
  9. Web site: Texas Monthly. December 1991.
  10. News: Don Albert reopens his Keyhole Club 2 Jan 1965 . 9 November 2021 . Express and News . 2 January 1965 . 10-A.

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