A regional stage
Music, opera, sports, conventions, and community celebrations make the hall the Four-State region’s great indoor gathering place.
Memorial Hall opened fully booked. Paul Whiteman’s orchestra played the first major concert on November 10, 1925, followed by opera, ballet, recitals, conventions, and civic dances.
The Chicago Civic Opera Company presented Aida in 1927. John Philip Sousa, Al Jolson, and Jimmy Dorsey later appeared on the stage. Golden Gloves boxing, professional wrestling, basketball, circuses, and holiday dances filled the calendar between headline performances.
The hall’s history also reflects Joplin’s segregation. Black residents supported the bond campaign but held a separate public meeting, and some later performances advertised segregated balcony seating. African American artists who appeared at the hall included Earl Hines and Marian Anderson.