American Dance Festival Thrills New Yorkers New York, (ANP—This city was treated to a genuinely festive en tertainment in African fashion N?V, As you tie up your Christmas packages' think of us. We’ll be thinking of how good you’ve been to us in thinking of you.... 1943 and of what a pleasure it has been to serve you. And we’ll be wishing you a very Merry Christ mas. [Gertrude (Littles Hut 1 2006 North 24th St. JA 9312 k Merry Christmas to All Our Friends and Customers C. H. HALL. Express 12<»6 North 24th St. JA. 8585City * and A Happier New Year! WOMAN’S AUXILIARY, to Roosevelt Post No. 30, American Legion. Monday night when the recently formed African Academy of Arts presented “An African Dance fes tival at Camigie hall, and heard Mrs. Elleanor Roosevelt call for understanding among the peoples of the world if we are to have last ing peace. It was indeed a sympatneuc audience that nearly filled the large auditorium to witness the initial public attempt on the part of the academy to create a wider interest in Africa through the me dium of cultural exhibition. Kings ley Ozuomba Mbadiwo of Nigeria, a student at New York university and author of the book “Axis and British Aims in Africa,” is direct or of the organization. Appearing along with the First Lady as a sponsor of the festival was Mrs. Mary McLood Bothune, president, National Council of Negro Women. She too spoke briefly. Beside Asadatn Dafora who staged and was featured in the unusual production, Pearl Primus, rapidly developing interpretative; dancer currently headlined at downtown Cafe Society, was the only professional on the program. She was a show stopper. Others in the cast, however, gave com mendable performances. The themes of the dances were those of the love ritual. They [ were developed to tell of the young man visiting the maiden village, selecting his bride-to-be, and of the acceptance of the offer of marriage both by the girl and her mother. Miss Primus, as a visit- j SEASON’S i GREETINGS! (from MIKE | COLTON I Dry Goods - Shoes Furnishings —24th & Lake St.— A MERRY XMAS & 1911 fatini An old adage assures us that ‘‘silence is golden,” but, on the Eve of New Year’s, we can hardly agree. We believe this is the time to speak up and tell you how much we have appreciated your patronage dur ing the past year, and to wish vou good luck in 1944.' RITZ REPAIR SHOP & SHINING PARLOR Shoe Repair Shop,— your work done while you wait. 2012 North 24th St. «/ To all our old friends and acquaint ances. and also to the many fine new ones we hare made during 1943, we send sincere Christmas greetings and the wish that the holidays will he as happy as possible. 'Harris’ Grocery Store and Meat Market 5302 SOUTH 30th STREET MA-0741 With A Full Line of Fresh, Dry Picked Poultry for your Christmas dinner. —30TH AND ‘R’ STREET— or the village, makes her first appearance and does a typical Afircan dance which she took her reportoire. The insistance of the audience brought her back with a a dance that carried more of the Caribbean flavor, but evidence of its derivation were to be noted. The rythms were handled by a group of seven drummers. Mrs. Roosevelt, for whom a box of honor had been reserved, was presented to the audience during the intermission. Mr. Mbadiwe, himself an African prince, made the presentation. She concurred in the remarks of Mr. Mbadiwe that “the world is growing small er” and declared that “for that reason, one of the most import ant things today is that we must learn about our neighbors.” She said they are going to be our neighbors and therefore “we are going to build a foundation for! good-will.” She cited the prejudices that have grown through ignorance of Africa. Speaking generally, the First Lady said that “some of us have allowed ourselves to build up within us prejudices. Prejudices are really nothing but ignorance.” She concluded saying that “all men should be able to work together and only when that day comes can we hope for a better world.” Mrs. Bethune also addressed the audience. Another African, Prince Akiki Nyabongo of Uganda, grad uate of Howard university, Yale and Oxford, spoke briefly. Gifts were presented to Mrs. Roosevelt and Mrs. Bothuno. Spinrof Ot>ristmas Bleack December! Tis passing strange that this month which furnishes the least light out o f doors, should furnish the most light within. It’s the Spirit o f Christmas, and the Merriest of Christ mases to you! Houstons Grocery 2114 North 24th St. —JA-3543— Launch SS James Weldon Johnson U. S. Maritme Commission .. One of the most talented of American Negroes was honored Sunday, December 12th, when the Liberty ship SS James Weldon Johnson, was launched at the Wil mington (Calif.) yards of the Cali fornia Shipbuilding Corporation. It was the 301st Calship built for the U. S. Maritime Commission and the seventh of a series that the Commission has named for outstanding Negro Americans. Mrs. Charlotte A. Bass, editor of The California Eagle, of Los Angeles, christened the vessel, and I her secretary, Miss Bernice Cook, served as maid of honor. Joe Louis to Go Overseas Weshington, (ANP)—Champion Joe Louis, now a Sergeant in the U. S. army, will visit overseas camps in various theatres of op erations, as soon as he has ended his exhibition tour of army posts in this country, around Jan. 20th, announced the war department Friday. Louis and his assistants are scheduled for 21 appearances be tween now and the completion of his U. S. tour which will take him to camps in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina. To date the group, traveling under direction of the army spec ial services division, has visited more than 70 army installations in every section of the United States except the southeast. Ac We remember, and will always remem ber, your kindness and loyalty to u s through this and other years. We wish you and yours for 1944 the best of ev- , erything. Where you get your hot! biscuits cooked to order’ Plate lunches served! from 11:30 to 8 p. m. —Popular Prices— « RAYBON CAFE j 1810 North 24tth St. j AT-5072 i - - -- GREETINGS u E set up a fast pace for service in 1943, but “you ain’t seen nothin’ yet.” Just watch us step up our service in 1944! Come in and see us. And, say, folks. Happy New Year to all. RIALTO DRESS SHOP ! 1516 NORTH 24th STREET JA 7056 j TO ALL OUR READERS-FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY Here at bit • wecMllow-ant, iC-w*OTee poky wt* ba*6«« «p «• JISOO » S* death, $1 $00.00 for damembettnent. ttaspitai, Doctor and too BI ■ iflb and even a $100.00 emergency allowance inchaded foe every pokey holder, afl aa pan. vided for in your FREE pokey. Read it in the privacy of your Bona. No nfiliioftaa QUICK CASH^rsrr* Yau never know when tragedy might strike. Accidents are mere aaaa Am fM dunk. Play tale. Let Independence Insurance give fw quack cask «a Mp pap READ IT tkoee many tolls. Ro waiting period Ho red tape. No delagrs. Mail eawpon today. IN YOUR PREMIUM lc A DAY • NO MEDICAL EXAMINATION Last year one person in every 14 was painfully disabled thro accident We know wboH be next. A whole year's premium only 13 65—a penny a Aaj iMi than one day j stay in a hospital. No increase in rates. No doctors asaonoM Wc take your ward. No matter how old or where you wort, apply today. SEND NO RSONErY-NO OBLIGATION BIG, STRONG RELIABLE INSURANCE; mdependence msurance co. «•«" You irl d,rrre-y.re conmu^oo, Rrowmbrr. thrre I »W- *>. IDUOnUX. UlTUdt «U1 OU are thousands and thousands m U S Government Bonds J Ptesse send s^ Independence pokey far TKKM back of Independence policies- Your regular full-size pokey • hupectwa at enet. Na atoigsrvw af any toad. sent postpaid if you act now. ^ 5 „_ pmsflsra ■ wTTTtwT^rTnmTTrrm«*« z_~~ n Till ^b 11 111 i I 1 Mb i i j I i 1 ^m ■ •MMMUMMMMMMAAJLMBiMW • fT ■■ ■ --t--MMfa——mmmereem cording to the war department, at the end of the tour more than 630,000 soldiers will have seen the exhibitions with an average attendance of 7,000 at each ap pearance. His assistants are Sgt. James Edgar, Cpl. Walker Smith( Sugar Ray Robinson), Pvt. George Wil son (Jackie Wilson), Cpl. Bob Smith and Cpl. Robert J. Payne, trainer. Duke Ellington Complete ly Sells Out Carnegie hall New York, (ANP)—Duke Ell ington and his orchestra gave a markedly enjoyable concert at Car negie hall Saturady night and as one might expect attracted a sold out house that amply proved its devotion to the organization by humbly waiting way past the hour for the concert to begin. A typical Ellington concert can be summed up principally by re ferring one to a group of record ings and radio movie arrange ments by the band. One recalls choruses of popular hits and “blues” georgeously harmonized and elaborated with introductions, interludes and codotti, each feat uring one or more reed and brass soloists (last night a violin for a change!). However there was an added aspect to this concert be cause of the presence of “living music.” The tone of each player, almost without exception, was so beautiful and the precision of the band as a whole wras something ai- j most uncanny. There is no su:h thing in this country as a Negro symphony orchestra, but the play ing that fell upon our ears last night, especially from the brass, would convince the most hesitant that such a proposition, physically at least, is more than possible. Mr. Ellington acted as his own “omeoo” and “made” and made comparatively few changes in the program, enabling us to follow Happy Day Even Santa Claus is smiling at the general hilarity occasioned by his visit to a naval training station. The recruits in front of the barracks may be many miles from home, but they’re still celebrating Christmas with as much enthusiasm as ever. HOLIDAY CHEER It's about time for us to wake up and thank our many friends and customers for their valued patronage during 1943. tVe can not tell you how much we appreciate your kindness. May your Christmas b e very, very happy. Thrifty Liquor Store 2501 North 24th St. _ NORTH 24th STREET SHOE REPAIR 1807 N. 24th St. WE-4240 — POPULAR PRICES - LOOK AT YOUR SHOES Other People Do READ The Qjjpp Subscribe Today! THREE SONS IN SERVICES AND ONE EXPECTED TO GO ANY DAY Charles Britt Ernest H. Britt, Sr. Samuel E. Britt ^ in a, « ^ Ernest H. Britt, Jr. quite comfortably. There was “Take the A Train” by Billy! Strayhorn, assistant arranger! in spired on a New York independent subway train by that name; “Moon Mist” by his son, Moreor, now in the army. Here the famous dance band leader deviated with a set of variations on “Tea for Two” from “No, No Nanotto trumpet, because of the indisposition of the trombone soloist. Then came “Pyramid” by Tizol, one of the bandsman, variations on Fats Wal ler’s “Honeysuckle Rose,” and variations on “Star Dust” contain-1 ing some sequentially beautifully' treated pharase-ends. The two following words proved to be the most important as to cal ibre of the evening, almost attain ing symphonie proportions: the “Brown”excerpt from Mr. Elling ton’s “Black, Brown and Beige” and the premiere of “New World A Comin”‘ based on Roi Ottley’s book of the same title. Mr. Ellington informs us that he conceived this music of the pro gram variety. Music of this char acter is quite a difficult to create. One may either be trite in its ex pression, or subtle. In our opin ion, the composer of these two works neither. In fact, we doubt seriously that a knowledge of the history of the Negro or the read ing of Mr. Ottley’s book would addat all to the enjoyment of them. The appreciation lies in the works themselves separate and apart from any program, for Mr. Elling ton has gained much recently in musical creation in the matter of loftiness of the Ottiey numser a faint suggestion of the quieter mo ments of the first movement of the Brahs d Minor piano concert. The piano celo passages played by the composer, alt ho not overly inventive, revealed some concep tion of the piano concerting form. “Floor Show” and the highly pop ular “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” concluded part 1. After a brief intermission, Mr. Ellington presented his “Rir.g Dem Bells” featuring orchestral chimes; award winning compositions (we think we recognized, “It Don’t Mean a Thing,” “In a Sentimental Moo d,” “Sophisticated Lady,” “Solitude,” “I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart,” and “Caravan” in the order named), “Jack the Bear,” featuring the string bass; “Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me;” “Cotton Tail;” Miley’s “Black and Tan Fantasy;” Carney’s “Rockin’ in Rhythm” and again Ellington’s One in the Army, One in the Navy, One in the Marines Mr. and Mrs. Ernest H. Britt, 2525 Blondo Street, are the proud parents of three sons in the Serv ; ice. Charles Britt the Navy, Staff j Sergeant Samuel Britt in the Army in England, Sidney Britt a Ma rine somewhere in New Zealand and Ernest H. Britt, Jr., expect ing a call any day. Miss Ora Lee Britt is in Governmental Services as a Secretary in Chicago, 111. Mr. Ernest H. Britt and Mrs. Alice Britt were school mates in their childhood days in Little Rock, Ark. After their marriage in Little Rock, Ark., they came to Nebras ka and made Omaha their home. They are now proud parents of five children, all graduates of Om aha High School. Mr. Britt is a successful business man. For years he has been in the ice and coal business, of late he bought the Green Lantern Cafe at 2116 No. 24th St., of which he now oper ates, giving a round the clock; night and day service. If you need coal, call Britts Coal Co. If you need ice, call Britts'Ice Co. If you need a palatable v meal call at Britt’s Green Lantern Cafe, where you get home cooked meals and service with a smile. Synev J. Britt “Sentimental Lady.” The program concluded with El lington’s “Trumpet in Spades” which reminded us of the old time cornet solo with variations asso ciated with summer brass band con certs. And we cannot refrain from mentioning Rex Stewart’s trumpet exhibition in not only tonguing range from a pedal tone (bass B flat) to a treble E flat. The final : number proved to be Mercer El j lington’s “Things Ain’t What They i Used to Be.” We are not ashamed to admit that we went to this concert with the anticipation of being greatly bored. Swing music exhorts phys ical motion and there is no pro vision, you know, for jitterbugging ■ in Carnegie. But we came away, make no mistake, utterly refresh ed. May Ellington’s Jband set an example for other bands to fol > low. 1 JOYOUS\ | S£«Son > THE TREE IS UP, GARLANDED IN WREATHS OF TINSEL, AFLARE WITH LIGHTS THAT GLOW LIKE FIREFLIES. THERE IT STANDS IN THE WINDOW, SPARKLNG WITH ALL THE BORROWED GLAMOUR OF ELFLAND. With this glowing background to remind us, we are ready to speak our piece. It is a very simple one.the same as last year and the year before: Thank you one and all for your kindness to us and. ..... Merry Christmas! STATE FURNITURE CO. 14th & Dodge OMAHA “The House that Value Built”