San Francisco Minstrels

Includes program.

“Crowded houses greet this popular troupe every evening, notwithstanding the fact that no important change has been made in their programme for weeks. The uproarious laughter of the audience is just as genuine as though the jokes and witticisms were uttered for the first time, and it is scarcely venturing too much to say that nowhere else in this city can such hearty and side splitting laughter be heard as at this cosey minstrel hall. All of the leading pieces now upon the bills are precisely the same as those of a week or two ago, but in some instances they are presented to the public under new names, and are appreciated perhaps better than if they were new acquaintances.”

“Tis but a step across the street [from Niblo’s], where you have seen the ‘Black Crook,’ to the San Francisco Minstrels’ Hall, where flourishes the ‘Black Cook.’ The success of the latter, in a comparative degree, is as great as that of the former, the house being nightly filled. Some go to laugh at Birch’s jokes, and some to smile at Backus, while others some but Wambold see, and hear his well sung ballads. You may avoid a spell of the blues by listening a spell to these blacks.”

“Wambold’s singing, Backus’ imitations, Birch’s eccentricities and Bernard’s witty remarks are the great attractions at the San Francisco Minstrel Hall. Although suffering from his throat last week, Wambold sang a ballad in the first part beautifully, and was heartily applauded. Billy Birch sang his ‘Baby Song,’ and afforded his audiences considerable fun. Backus continued to lament over ‘Lord Lovell,’ and was obliged to repeat it in Chinese, French, and another language, which we believe Backus has no name for. The rest of the programme was a most excellent one, and business throughout the week, except Friday night, was good.”