"What if" moment: Bringing the future to the Prohibition Era

As known by most Jazz historians and enthusiasts, since the prohibition in 1920, the impression of Jazz music was not in the best light in the eyes of the general public. This was mostly attributed to the music's association with rebellious groups to likes of Speakeasies, brothels, dance halls, and gambling parlors. These places were popular in Chicago, New York, and of course, the Storyville district in New Orleans.

I find it quite interesting how, during this time, the elements of live Jazz music, alcohol, solicitation, dancing, and gambling could all be found in one area, never too far from one another, and all operated quite carefully to prevent raids and shutdowns. Fast-forward to the Post-Prohibition era and the emergence of World War II, and we see some of these elements slowly breaking apart into their own enterprises.

I can't help but wonder what if these establishments of the prohibition era had the advantage of today's technologies? Think about it: Speakeasies with video & motion detector systems to anticipate a surprise visit from uninvited authorities. As live jazz music plays in the main room, the gambling parlor is located in a room in the back, completely equipped with laptops and Wi-Fi, and patrons playing their hands on partypoker.com. This would be a heck of a lot easier for cleaning up - no chips, cards, or money to clear off tables in the event of a raid (ha-ha).

Bringing some of the technology of today to these types of establishments of yesterday, I can't help but wonder if the lifespan of these places could have ever been extended; in turn, possibly changing the course of Jazz Music. Sort of like taking an iPad with you in a time machine back to the 20's, wouldn't you agree?


- JH