Dances, Bands, Concerts, Vaudeville and Entertainment in Australia during WW2

Many American military personnel arrived in Australia soon after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. A number of ships headed for the Philippines were diverted to Australia when the news of Pearl Harbor was received. By June 1942 there were 88,000 American military personnel in Australia.

Dance Halls soon became popular places for entertainment and a place to start many blossoming romances. Many new dance venues were opened to meet the demand. The Trocadero was a popular dance venue with one being established in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. They each featured a full orchestra. As many as 2,000 dancers could pack the dance floor of the Brisbane Trocadero.

The Americans introduced the Jitterbug and the Jive to the young Australian lasses.

The Americans also set up their own entertainment halls on some of their military bases and held dances for the locals girls. Helton Hall near the base of Mount Louisa in Townsville was right in the heart of the Townsville Air Depot, Base Section 2. Some famous Hollywood stars appeared at Helton Hall including John Wayne and Joe E. Brown. On 12 December 1943, movie stars Gary Cooper, Una Merkel and Phyllis Brooks put on a show for the 'boys' living at the base of Mount Louisa.

The United Services Organisation (USO) was established in January 1942 by the Americans to bring entertainment to the frontline troops. Famous personalities such as John Wayne, Joe E. Brown, Jerry Colonna, Al Johnson, Gary Cooper, Jack Benny, Bob Hope, Larry Adler, Carole Landis, Martha Tilton, and Una Merkel were touring the South West Pacific Area (SWPA).

The Australian Military established the 1st Australian Entertainment Unit which gave more than 12,000 performances. Amongst the Australian talent which featured in their shows were George Wallace, Michael Pate, Gladys Moncrieff, Bebe Scott, Jenny Howard, and Colin Croft.

Booker T Washington Club Club for Negroes Sydney, NSW	Brisbane City Hall Dance King George Square, Brisbane Two or three nights every week and every Saturday night, with the exception of any Special Entertainment being advertised for that night. Also Sunday night as advertised in the Press.	Civic Concert, Brisbane City Hall, King George Square 2nd Fri of each month at 8pm, 4th Fri of each month at 12 noon.
Caledonian Hall Dances 46 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane every Thursday and Saturday night	Cantwell Ballroom 463 Adelaide St. Petrie Bight, Brisbane every Thursday, Friday & Saturday night.	Cocoanut Grove Dance (or Coconut Grove) (W. Hickson Adams) Comedy Theatre Adelaide Street, Brisbane every night except Sunday
Cremorne Theatre Stanley Street, South Brisbane	Doctor Carver Club, Stanley Street, South Brisbane	Helton Hall, Townsville Air Depot Mt. Louisa, Townsville
Ozanam House Dances Gotha Street, Fortitude Valley every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night	Railway Institute Dance, Edward Street Just above Central Station every Wed, Fri and Sat nights	Trocadero, Melbourne Street, South Brisbane Every night except Sunday
Trocadero, Sydney	Trocadero, Melbourne	United Services Organisation (USO)

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