another supper club? sheesh!
I'm just going to keep trying this until I get what I'm looking for. I'm persistent like that, sometimes, but mainly because I'm so stubborn. I have a vision, and I want people to see it.
And that's how I'm feeling regarding my current and somewhat longtime obsession, supper clubs. Not the version of new fusion supper clubs making their way from obscurity, but specifically supper clubs from the 1940s through the 1960s. If I'm honest, it's not just the supper clubs, it's many of the social clubs that emerged during this time, but that's another blog for a later time. I promise. This one's all about the dinner clubs.
Supper clubs gained popularity as a one-stop destination for the evening. Diners came to a hall, think Elks Lodge, for adult beverages during the cocktail hour, hors d'oeuvres, and relish trays before a traditional Friday Fish Fry dinner or meatloaf, and even entertainment from a lounge singer or a favorite local band. Guests knew they'd get a great deal for their dollar that included dinner, drinks, and a show.
If you're following along, you'll know this isn't even my first blog regarding the subject matter at hand. That's how deep I'm in it. I had a supper club themed birthday party in 2023, and it wasn't very successful. By that, I mean only four of the guests showed, and three of them were my children. Intimate indeed. Sheesh! But it's okay; there are no hard feelings, and that's why I'm trying again. It's an amazing concept, with a great story, fantastic food, and a brilliant experience. Brilliant is a strong word, but I'm biased. Sue me.
I want to create a spectacular experience for Kansas City, but I also wish for y'all to have the same fantastic experience. So I'm trying it again. Of course, as the owner of at 9915, Armon Lasker is going to serve as our host for the evening, ensuring we're starting the night off ready to giggle. I'm looking forward to discussing our other comics for the night. But the star of the show, the real main event, is that menu from the Taylored Experience. We've been discussing this for weeks, and our goal is to exceed any expectations you have. We are not curating your typical supper club. This experience engages all your senses, leaving you well-prepared for the next bite and event.
Did I mention dressing to impress was a hallmark of these evenings? For many Black patrons during the mid-20th century, attending a supper club was a declaration of self and cultural affirmation in an era of segregation and exclusion. These were rare spaces with Black elegance, artistry, and identity freely expressed and celebrated. Fashion played a prominent role, serving as a statement of pride, resistance, and aspiration. Incubators for Black creativity and sophistication, supper clubs allowed music, fashion, and community to converge and defy imposed limitations, affirming dignity. The legacy of these gatherings influenced American culture both inside and outside their walls, shaping trends and redefining what it meant to "show up" in style.
To honor this legacy, we encourage our guests to put that ish on, not only as a nod to tradition but as a celebration of individual expression and collective history. Our supper club is an invitation to step into a space where every detail, from cuisine to aesthetics and entertainment, pays homage to the inclusive spirit that has defined supper clubs in the past and what we are bringing to the future.
So, I hope you choose to join our efforts to revive the essence of supper clubs. Stay tuned for more updates and be part of the story we're telling as we continue to celebrate diversity, culture, and the joy of coming together. Be sure to follow all the appropriate channels so you can stay connected to this supper club and all the future ones. Gloria Hallelujah said, 'let her cook,' and that's precisely what we intend to do.