Cotton Club

Adjacent to the Power District and newly restored is The Cotton Club of Gainesville (named for its famous namesake of Harlem). The Cotton Club was part of a circuit of night clubs and ballrooms that booked Black singers and musicians. Patrons paid a cover charge and could buy beverages but not liquor, as Alachua County was a dry county.


Food was prepared in a kitchen located in the northwest corner of the building and served at a canopy covered open counter. Bathrooms were located in the northeast corner of the building. Wooden tables covered with tablecloths were set up on either side of the room, leaving the center open for dancing.


A stage across the south end of the large open room provided a good view of the entertainers. Among the entertainers who went on to gain national fame were James Brown, B.B. King and Brook Benton.