Pałacyk—a café staging rather low-quality cabaret performances. But at least you do not have to walk across the bridge, and this is why the Small Ghetto supports its own establishments and events. But most such establishments in this part of the district are in their twilight. Until last fall, however, their quality and number held an edge on those in the Large Ghetto.
Splendid Gold195 is playing with the best jazz orchestra of the ghetto and Kagan196 is on the piano. Their playing is excellent, rhythmic, and breath-taking. [74] The biggest hits of the pre-war dance floors and a few Yiddish folk songs. The atmosphere in this basement is overly erotic. [. . .] the melodies, the lyrics, and the dance rhythm of the songs performed by Grodzieńska—during the day everything revolves around one topic. Obviously, this is the only entirely safe topic (provided that you do not offend public morals). Consequently, the most eagerly copied lyrics are those with erotic allusions. The Negro rhythm of the wild and untamed jazz orchestra is nevertheless dissonant. It grates against the background of the slow, monotonous, and complete bleakness of everyday life. And it is shocking and creates an unnatural, sick atmosphere. It seems unreal, out of this world. This contrast is too brutal. Who needs this much obvious eroticism? As if nowadays such thoughts could indeed occupy our tormented consciousness to such an extent. But the audience gives in, bends to the rhythm, and lets itself be seduced.
“Fontanna”. A café with high musical aspirations. Boruński gives concerts here, Erwin Wohlfeiler conducts, and the talented Ajzensztadtówna sings. Kataszek plays the piano.197 They play dance hits from pre-war movies. They
