Located in the heart of North Omaha, Nebraska, the McCook's Norris Avenue Entertainment District is a historic neighborhood that was once home to the city's vibrant jazz and blues scene. In the early 20th century, the area was a major hub for African American entertainment, with numerous bars, clubs, and theaters that showcased the talents of local and touring musicians.

One of the most famous establishments in the McCook's Norris Avenue Entertainment District was the Dreamland Ballroom, which was located at 2221 North 24th Street in Omaha. This legendary venue hosted performances by renowned jazz musicians such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Cab Calloway, and was also a popular spot for dancing and socializing among the local community. Unfortunately, the Dreamland Ballroom closed its doors in the 1960s, but its legacy lives on as a significant landmark in Omaha's musical heritage.

Another notable venue in the McCook's Norris Avenue Entertainment District was the Frank's Hill Street Bingo Parlor, which was situated at 2310 North 24th Street in Omaha. Although it may seem like an unusual place to host musical performances, the parlor regularly featured blues and jazz acts in the 1940s and 1950s, and became a favorite haunt among local music enthusiasts. The building itself is no longer standing, but the history of live music performances held there remains a fascinating part of Omaha's cultural past.

In recent years, there has been an effort to revitalize the McCook's Norris Avenue Entertainment District and celebrate its rich musical heritage. This includes the establishment of the Stratus Arts Festival, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the neighborhood's cultural significance. Although the district has experienced a significant decline since its heyday in the 1920s to 1950s, the area remains an important historical and cultural marker for Omaha, with numerous buildings and landmarks still standing as testaments to the neighborhood's rich past.

Despite efforts to revitalize the area, many of the original buildings from the McCook's Norris Avenue Entertainment District have been demolished, replaced by newer developments, or have fallen into disrepair. A vibrant local art scene has developed in the area, however, with many musicians and visual artists residing and working in the neighborhood. Various initiatives and partnerships have emerged aimed at showcasing the neighborhood's artistic, cultural and historical riches and promoting local, small business led and resident led neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Community events continue to be a crucial link in promoting the history and preserving the legacy of the McCook's Norris Avenue Entertainment District. Neighborhood celebrations such as the popular monthly "North 24 Street Fair" hosted throughout the summer season have been organized, offering live music, historical tours, neighborhood food vendors and unique pop up shops that contribute to renewed visibility and activity in the previously overlooked cultural hub.

Several restoration initiatives are nearing completion or are now open showcasing a renewed cultural core of 24th Street. Historic restorations underway also in Omaha of the Gem Theater located in the 24th Street neighborhood is gaining community support. Additional current plans including various visual and performing art related proposals for both 24th and Lake streets also point to an invigorated North Omaha's McCook's Norris Avenue Entertainment District as vital hub regaining its pulse following decades of decline.

In conclusion, the McCook's Norris Avenue Entertainment District is an unparalleled site of cultural significance in Omaha, reflecting its entwined history and significance tied so deeply with significant African American individuals and sites throughout America and worldwide.