The Filippone Brothers

After the family immigrated from Calabria, Italy, to settle in Vancouver in the 1920’s, the Filippone brothers, Joe, Ross, Mickey and Jimmy founded the legendary Penthouse Nightclub in 1947, playing a significant role as vivid characters in the history of the entertainment business in Vancouver. They co-owned and managed the Palomar Ballroom, founding the BC Cabaret Owners Association, where they challenged existing restrictive laws in the 50’s and 60’s. As concert promoters, they brought hundreds of internationally known jazz and comedy performers of the calibre of Frank Sinatra and Harry Belafonte, Benny Goodman, Dave Brubeck, and offering hospitality to celebrity African American entertainers such as Louis Armstrong,and Sammy Davis jr. in the City. In this and with their introduction of new burlesque acts, The Filippone Brothers were true pioneers, indelibly enhancing Vancouver’s nightlife.