Step Right Up, Folks!
Embark on a riveting journey through time with The Harlem in Havana Project, a compelling multimedia documentary work by artist and filmmaker Leslie Cunningham that pays homage to one of America’s most triumphant traveling girl shows. Delve into the untold story of Leon Claxton, a courageous African American showman who, against the backdrop of the oppressive Jim Crow era, pioneered a spectacular fusion of Black and Cuban entertainment. Read more.
Watch: Documentary Film
Step right up for a thrilling ride through American entertainment history with JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana! Join director Leslie Cunningham as she unveils the untold stories of the legendary Harlem in Havana Revue, a groundbreaking traveling girl show that defied the odds and left an indelible mark on Black and Latin entertainment during the era of Jim Crow. Read more.
Listen: Harlem in Havana Music
This carefully curated music playlist includes nearly 50 tracks carefully selected to captivate your senses and evoke nostalgia. Tune in and let the magic of the past ignite your soul. Learn more!
The Show: Step into the electrifying world where the Cotton Club collides with the Tropicana.
Welcome to the extraordinary Harlem in Havana Revue, a dazzling spectacle brought to life by the visionary showman, Leon Claxton. This high-octane, fast-stepping showcase of Black and Cuban music, dance, and comedy was not just an entertainment marvel but a historic phenomenon that graced U.S. and Western Canadian state fairs and carnivals from 1935 to 1967 as part of the renowned Royal American Shows.
Producer: Leon Claxton
Step into the epic saga of Leon Claxton, a luminary, a trailblazer, and an African American icon whose life unfolds like an awe-inspiring odyssey through the turbulent era of Jim Crow. Read more.
Live Events: Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend
Check out images from the Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend, a live event where the spotlight shined on elegance, empowerment, and the mesmerizing world of Black Burlesque! Learn more.
Tribute Song: “Harlem in Havana” by Canadian Folk Legend Joni Mitchell
Photo Gallery: View Mesmerizing Snapshots from Leon Claxton’s Iconic Revues!
Embark on a captivating journey through the Harlem in Havana Project Photo Gallery, showcasing mesmerizing snapshots from Leon Claxton’s iconic revues. Each image serves as a gateway to a bygone era, inviting you to immerse yourself in a tapestry of historical beauty and epic grandeur. View photos now!
Read: “Legacy of the Stage: Leon Claxton’s Rhyme” a poem by Leslie Cunningham
In Tampa’s West-side, Leon Claxton held sway,
A wealthy showman, his success on full display.
A lavish home, a shiny sedan so fine,
In the world of entertainment, he’d brightly shine. Read the full poem.
Books: Brown Skin Showgirls: Vol 1 & 2.
BROWN SKIN SHOWGIRLS is a captivating black-and-white photographic collection showcasing Black and Cuban women who redefined entertainment through burlesque, exotic dance, and more in Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana Revue. Explore the profound impact of these performers on American popular culture. Get your copy in print!
Learn: Burlesque Education
Dive into the captivating world of burlesque with The Harlem in Havana Project Burlesque Education Series! Led by the dynamic Leslie Cunningham, these classes are not your typical history lessons. Join us for an exploration of American burlesque history, specifically from the traveling carnival stage. Learn more.
Harlem in Havana News
View: Harlem in Havana Collector’s Magazine
Unearth the magic of the Harlem in Havana collector’s edition, a treasure trove boasting 28 pages of previously undiscovered show photographs from the elusive 1955, 1958, and 1959 brochures. View now.
Watch: Video Conversations
Explore intimate and unrestrained dialogues with former performers and enthusiastic patrons of the Harlem in Havana Revue, offering an exclusive glimpse into the heart and soul of this iconic cultural phenomenon. View videos.
Harlem in Havana Project 