The Colored Musicians Union, Local 533, was formed in 1917. A year later, upstairs from the office, the Historic Colored Musicians Club became an after-hours gathering place for local touring musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Art Blakey, and many, many more. Sunday night jam sessions here are a special treat, and the annual Queen City Jazz Festival can’t be missed!