Archiving Project Keeps Memories of Mister Kelly's & the London House Alive
WDCB's Gary Zidek talks to David Marienthal about a multi-platform effort to keep his family's legacy alive. His dad, George Marienthal, and uncle, Oscar Marienthal, owned and operated three popular Chicago nightspots during a period between the late 40's and mid 70's. The London House, Mister Kelly's and the Happy Medium are the focus of an archiving project, that includes plans for a documentary, book and, perhaps, a television series.
LISTEN HERE
David Marienthal holding Sarah Vaughan live album recorded at Mister Kelly's
"Started thinking this is something that needs to be done before it's lost. I really needed to record this, to archive the time, so that it's not totally forgotten. since it was such an important part of Chicago's cultural history" - David Marienthal talking about his decision to start this archiving project.
The Marienthal brothers in front of London House
Barbara Streisand in front of Mister Kelly's
Street view of Mister Kelly's
Ella Fitzgerald
"It's been such a great thrill to be at Mister Kelly's. I've heard everyone speak about it, Sassy said it was the craziest. And now I know what she meant. Everybody has been so wonderful." - Ella Fitzgerald talking about performing at Mister Kelly's on her live album recorded in 1958.
David Marienthal going through the live albums recorded at Mister Kelly's and the London House
David Marienthal brought on veteran Chicago filmmaker Phillip Koch to direct the documentary about Mister Kelly's.
Phillip Koch, director of the upcoming documentary, MISTER KELLY'S WASN'T IT A TIME?
Adam Carston is a local historian helping with the research
David Marienthal, Adam Carston and Phillip Koch looking at some Youtube videos of Chicago jazz performances
David Marienthal, Ramsey Lewis and Adam Caston
