Architectural engineer William Mann opened Mr. Mann’s Restaurant and Cocktail Lounge in West Philly in 1972. The Philadelphia Tribune reported: Although there are other locations in the city where it might have been easier to establish Mr. Mann’s, the corner of 48th and Market was chosen.

Mann told the Tribune:

Not because it was the best place; but because I would like to see it here. I believe that if Black people don’t put their businesses (in Black communities), no one else will.

National performers who appeared in the 200-seat lounge included Betty Carter, Norman Connors featuring Jean Carne, Bill Doggett, Billy Eckstein, Hazel Scott, and the Ramsey Lewis Trio.

Mr. Mann’s closed in 1976. The building was demolished in 2020.

Dino’s Lounge opened in 1973. The upstairs stage of this West Philly disco presented “Just Jazz Nites.” Performers included Dizzy Gillespie and Max Roach, and Arthur Prysock.

Located in North Philly, the Starlite Supper Club was owned by jazz impresario Benjamin “Ben” Bynum Sr. Musicians who performed here included Kenny Gamble and the Romeos, Nina Simone, Jimmy Smith, Kim Weston, bagpiper Rufus Harley, and percussionists Babatunde Olatunji and Willie Bobo.

Philadelphia native Cullen Knight recorded a live album, A Knight at the Starlite, in 1965.

For roughly 10 years, the property was home to Club Upscale. The nightspot closed circa 2019.

Opened in 1948, the 820 Club was located on the first floor of North Philly’s Hotel La Reve. The Black-owned hotel was listed in the Green Book travel guide.

Musicians who performed here included the Art Ray Trio, Sally and Stella, aka the Rhythm Girls, blues singer Tiny Williams, pianist Tom “Mr. 88” Kennedy, and saxophonist Jimmy Hinsley and his Quartet.

Gray Manor Apartments, named in honor of Rev. William H. Gray Jr., former senior pastor of Bright Hope Baptist Church, is located in the footprint of the 820 Club.

Opened in 1936, the Ubangi Klub was modeled after Harlem’s famed Ubangi Club where Philadelphia native Gladys Bentley held court.

The Ubangi Klub orchestra was led by Black musicians Union Local 274 organizer Frank Thurman “Frankie” Fairfax.

The first president of Union Local 274, George “Doc” Hyder, also performed here.

Holton Brandi opened Brandi’s Wharf, a restaurant-ballroom located on the Delaware riverfront, circa 1970. Drummer Buddy Rich was a regular.

Duke Ellington performed here for one night on February 12, 1971.

Brandi’s Wharf hosted jazz greats of the era, including Count Basie, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Getz, Della Reese, Lionel Hampton, Erroll Garner, George Shearing, Morgana King, the Kingston Trio, and Carmen McRae.

Brandi’s Wharf closed in the late ‘70s.