After the Civil War, the influx ofimmigrantsfonn Europe numbered in the millions and included thousands ofmusicians possessing different levels ofskill and accomplishment. These musicians were absorbed by the hundreds ofhotels, theaters and movie houses in business at that time. these establishments flourished as the main sources ofpopular entertainment since radio and television were still in thefuture. Many ofthe lesser skilledfound a livingplayingfor nickels and dimes in backyard ((ompah-pah...