Blues Legends to Head 'BACK DOWN MEMORY LANE' at Historic Ali Cultural Arts

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts in Pompano Beach is proud to present two legendary artists for a night of unforgettable music and history.

Joey Gilmore and Ruby Baker will perform some of the greatest soul, blues and R&B hits from their storied careers, and during intermission residents will share their memories of growing up in the culturally dynamic Northwest Community of the City.

Back Down Memory Lane: A Night of Roots, Rhythm and Blues will be a night of entertainment, inspiration and unity on July 22 from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets: $7 at www.aliarts.org.

Joey Gilmore's career has spanned over 50 years with performances throughout the United States and Europe. Winner of the world renowned International Blues Challenge (band category), he has shared the stage with a list of iconic musicians including James Brown, Etta James, Bobby Blue Bland, Little Milton, Johnny Taylor and numerous others.

Ruby Baker's extensive career began at the age of 10 when she opened for the late blues legend BB King. During the years since, she has opened for and performed with legendary artists such as Lionel Richie, Ray Charles, Gloria Estefan, The Bee Gees, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Kenny G, India.Arie, Will Downing, Bonnie Raitt and a host of great jazz artists at noted worldwide concerts. Highly regarded for extensive vocal abilities, she performed at the 53rd Presidential Inaugural ceremony and a candid performance for Oprah Winfrey on behalf of the late Dr. Maya Angelo.

"We are honored to have these musical giants play The Ali," said Cherolyn Davis, director of programming and facilities. "Their rich history within the Florida jazz and blues community perfectly relates to the theme of the evening, as we celebrate the roots of this historic building and community."

Built in the 1930's, Ali Cultural Arts is a rare surviving example of early 20th century architecture that once comprised a thriving commercial district along Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd (historically named Rock Road). Once the home and business site of Florence Major Ali and her husband, Frank, the two-story building has significant historical importance the Northwest Community of Pompano Beach as it was the first black-owned building in the City.

The Ali's ran a successful barbershop and barber training facility in the building, as well as a boarding house for traveling black entertainers who were not allowed to stay east of the tracks due to racial segregation. According to Frank J. Cavaioli's Pompano Beach: A History, Ali Cultural Arts was once a boarding house for famous African American jazz musicians, which may have included Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway, who could not stay east of the tracks or in Miami Beach when they were performing due to racial segregation.

Ali Cultural Arts is located at 353 MLK Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. For more information, call 954-786-7876.

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