Join the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee on Wednesday, January 28 at 6:30 pm for a screening of Do It, Man! The Story of the Celebrity Club, a documentary about music, history, racism, crime and urban renewal, but most of all, about the people of Rhode Island and the power of music bringing people together.

There will be two showings of this film. Register for the Sunday, January 25 at 1 pm screening HERE.

The directors, Tom Shaker and Norm Grant will be present at both screenings to lead discussion and answer audience questions about the making of this wonderful documentary.

Free and open to all. Registration is recommended but not required.

2017 - 1 hr 13 min - NR

About the Documentary:

This film tells the story of Providence's legendary Celebrity Club, located in an African-American neighborhood, Randall Square, and owned by an Italian-American, Paul Filippi. The Celebrity Club is believed to be the first interracial nightclub in New England and featured top national jazz and R&B acts as well as local talent throughout the 1950s. Music royalty such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holliday and Fats Domino would come to Providence and stay for weeklong engagements.

Rhode Island's rich musical culture is on display in this documentary. Jazz reigns supreme here, from nationally known Rhode Island musicians Bobby Hackett (Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman) to pianist Dave McKenna (Woody Herman, Rosemary Clooney) to saxophonist Paul Gonsalves (Duke Ellington, Count Basie) to vocalist Carol Sloane (Larry Elgart, Kenny Burrell) and many, many more. Local Rhode Island music legends Duke Belaire, Clay Osborne, Randy Ashe and Ed Coates share their personal stories about the club, racism, and growing up in little Rhody.

"Do It, Man! The Story of The Celebrity Club" is a film about a forgotten club with an unforgettable story!