This event took place Wednesday, September 7, 2022. A recording will be made available within the next 7-10 days. Stay tuned for a link to the recording, which will include the documentary.

The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) and the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans (PRCNO) will co-present a virtual screening of R.C. Goodwin & Associates’ The Untold Story of Club Desire, a 28-minute film that documents the history and legacy of Club Desire, “the downtown club with uptown ideas.” The screening will be followed by a moderated Q&A with author/educator Dana Royster-Buefort (granddaughter of club owner Charlie Armstead) and author/music historian Rick Coleman. Senior historian Eric Seiferth will highlight THNOC’s acquisitions related to the club. The program will take place virtually on Wednesday, September 7 at 6:30 p.m. This film unravels the story of Club Desire as a thriving Ninth Ward music club where Fats Domino got his start and legendary musicians regularly performed during the Jim Crow era. Charlie Armstead opened the club at 2604 Desire Street in 1948 and managed it until his death in 1954. After Charlie’s death, his oldest daughter Audrey took the reins and the club lasted for another decade. In 2016, due to damage sustained during Hurricane Katrina, the building was demolished. FEMA recognized the cultural significance of Club Desire and sponsored this documentary to preserve the club’s legacy. In addition to our speakers, this event brings several organizations to the [virtual] table with live representation from THNOC, PRCNO, FEMA, R.C. Goodwin & Associates, and filmmaker Francis James. Join us! Admission is free.

Read more about Club Desire on THNOC's blog, First Draft.