(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- You can now experience the heyday of mid-century Chicago nightlife at the Newberry Library.
Legendary acts like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand were just some of the greats who performed at Mister Kelly's back in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. The club was located on Rush Street and served as a launching pad for comedians and singers.
The free "A Night at Mister Kelly's" exhibit, open until July 20, is filled with archival photos and music and memorabilia.
“It gives those who were here a chance to relive those memories, but it also gives those of us who are a little bit younger the chance to imagine what it might have been like,” says Vince Firpo, the library’s vice president for public engagement. “We all know what Rush Street looks like now, but we’ve got footage that shows you what it looked like back then.”
The exhibit also looks at Mister Kelly’s reputation for welcoming Black tourists during a time of racial segregation.
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