Chitlin Circuit Preservation Society

Tampa Bay area musicians, fans and concerned residents are encouraged to gather the second Sunday of every month in an effort to restore Dade City's old Cow Palace to its former glory.

A sixty-year-old dancehall said to have once been a regular stop on the old Chitlin’ Circuit of traveling musicians, the place fell into disrepair and ill repute the past several decades until Mississippi transplant Al Brown purchased the property in 2012.

His goal and ours is one and the same: To have the property formally recognized as a historic site, but to serve as a living museum, showcasing not only regular performers, but the commercial, educational, cultural, spiritual, political and artistic contributions of the local African-American community at large.

The recently-shuttered Moore Elementary/Mickens High School lies just up the road, the Pioneer Florida Museum a couple miles north of that. Downtown, the old Pasco Twin Theater and bowling alley have given way to banks and office space.

It is important that The Cow Palace is rescued while the opportunity still exists.

We are actively seeking and genuinely appreciate any input from other interested parties. If you’d like to be involved, please send us an email at chitlinpreserves@gmail.com.