A Grand Concert by the Virginny Melodists

Bill announcing a concert by the Virginny Melodists to be held on Wednesday 2 May 1849 at the Black Lion, Patcham. The bill is printed with admission prices and details and a programme listing together with an illustration of the five band members holding their banjos and other musical instruments. The bill also notes that during the show Mr Marlow will perform the Juba Dance, a traditional African-American plantation dance brought to the United States by West African slaves.

By the 1840s this dance, that involved stomping and slapping, had become a popular feature of American minstrel shows. The date and location of the performance have been added to the bill by hand suggesting the same bill was used throughout the Virginny Melodists tour of the UK to advertise performances in a number of different venues. Prior to the performers arriving at a particular venue posters would be pasted around the town with relevant details of date and location added by hand.