Historic Victory Grill

a href="http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2000546617346663 574" href="http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2005823688933065 622"Crestina Chavez: B.B. King, Jackie Wilson, and Tina Turner are just a few of the performers who spent time at Austin's historic Victory Grill. The sounds of jazz and blues have been silent there in recent years, but as News 8 Austin's James Keith tells us, efforts are under way to bring new life to the East Austin treasure.James Keith: On the outside, Victory Grill doesn't look like much, but inside it's a different story.Eva Lindsey, Victory Grill manager: There's history in various ways in this room. All the booths are original, the tables are original.James Keith: Victory Grill opened in 1945 after World War II. Its owner wanted a place where black soldiers could mingle freely without fear of discrimination.Eva Lindsey: It became a place that welcomed everybody, not just colored soldiers. It welcomed everybody of any ethnicity.Eleanor Thompson, musician: When you can't agree with anything else you'll find that you and I can like the same music. If we can't find anything else that we can really agree about, I bet you I could find some music that you and I share a like for.(guitar playing "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix) James Keith: Victory Grill brought people of all different backgrounds together 59 years ago. Friends of the club hope to do it again today.(Max Tolleson and Henry Gillespie are playing guitar on the stage while others listen) Blues and jazz fans are in the midst of a 48-hour jam session. Organizers are trying to raise $150,000 for the club's renovation. Eva Lindsey: It's important that we share the story, and it's important that we recognize the importance of the originality of this place. James Keith: Plans call for new carpet and a new roof. Better electrical wiring is also in the works. But it's not the cosmetic improvements people here are looking forward to, it's the united crowd of music lovers seen in years past. Eleanor Thompson: Yeah, it'll bring us together, just watch it happen. James: James Keith, News 8 Austin Crestina Chavez: Managers hope to have the renovations complete by year's end. The 48 hours for the Victory fundraiser last through Sunday. Victory Grill is located at the corner of East 11th Street and Waller.May 2006: The scene of the Historic Victory Grill has changed. It is now the home of many local acts around Austin. Another Option Productions along with Dj Hella Yella and Dj Ron, have now made Vic Grill the hottest Venue around town for hot hip hop/r&b music. Victory Grill is now the only place in austin where you can find the greatest talent around Austin Tx. So come support your peers, and Austin at The Historic Victory Grill's annual Capital City Rap Fests!!!! see you there!