The Bunny Club

Once known as “the Blocks,” the Belmont-Devilliers neighborhood was historically the center of the African-American community after the Jim Crow laws took effect in 1905. In the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s the Blocks was a thriving community. Segregation kept black musicians from performing in “white only” establishments and in order to keep them working, the “Chitlin Circuit” was born. Artists such as Billie Holiday, Cab Callaway, Ike and Tina and Etta James performed in the clubs and bars of Belmont-Devilliers. The Bunny Club, originally established as J.P. Newton’s Sugar Bowl, played an instrumental role as a key room on this Circuit. Today it hosts shows and cultural events of all kinds, and everyone is welcome.