West End Blues: Sacramento’s History Museum Jazzstory

Jazz Secrets Come Alive with the Harley White Jr. Orchestra

Picture neon lights flickering above smoky clubs, horns wailing into the night, and dancers swinging to a rhythm only the West End could deliver. That’s the magic you’ll step into at the Sacramento History Museum’s West End Story on July 10.

This special night isn’t just a talk—it’s a full-on experience. You’ll dive into the history of Sacramento’s West End, once famous for its thriving jazz scene, sizzling nightlife, and vibrant immigrant neighborhoods.

A regular spot on the jazz circuit, Sacramento’s nightclubs hosted jazz greats like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Billie Holiday. Rumor has it that Louis Armstrong once famously performed in Sacramento on the same night he was supposed to be resting due to illness — he just couldn’t resist a crowd

This event will be a banger: the incredible Harley White Jr. Orchestra will perform live, channeling the same electrifying sounds that once pulsed through the West End’s legendary jazz joints. Harley White Jr. and his talented band bring swing, soul, and a big dose of brass brilliance to the stage.