SOUL: The Juke Joint Era
Join us for the next evolution of the SOUL supperclub series
The SOUL supperclub series invites you to a seat at my ancestors table. This culinary essay is a celebration of music, community, food, drink, and history. On June 5th we will dig deep into the culinary history of the African American Diaspora, paying homage to the Juke Joint.
The history of the Juke Joint began as 'community rooms' set up on many southern plantations as 'hangouts' for captive Africans who weren't able to leave the premises to socialize elsewhere. Similar spaces were often provided at places like work camps including lumber, levee and turpentine camps. As time progressed this idea evolved. As segregation and Jim Crow laws loomed over the very existence of African Americans, underground places to socialize and unwind became commonplace. These establishments were also performance venues for Jazz and blues acts that weren't booked in white establishments.
The Juke Joint was also prevalent during the times of prohibition. The juke joints had moonshine flowing in a time where Alcohol was prohibited. Giving African Americans access to string drink, delicious food, and lively music. Dishes like fried chicken, BBQ, Greens, Beans and sweet potato pie were on the menu. Inexpensive cuts of meat, harvests from local sharecroppers, catfish from the creek, food that was accessible was highly seasoned and served up hot. The juke Joint was an outlet for our people, not only as a social respite, but as an entrepreneurial opportunity that was under the radar of jim crow.
We Present SOUL : JUKE JOINT
An Immersive culinary experience that channels the spirit of our ancestors who defied adversity in the name of a good time.
The Colaborators
Mrs Deniseea Head is an urban story teller, cocktail consultant and harbinger of elite black girl magic. Her cocktail sorcery lends itself to this experience, pairing each course with a creativity and flair that is unmatched,
Chef Maya Mastersson is the founder of the Black Roux Culinary Collective and the culinary mind behind the SOUL supperclub series. She taps into the ancestral realm and channels the spirits of those that endured so that we can. Her goal is to challenge the narrative on what is considered " slave food" by elevating dishes that were generally reserved for captives and the poverty stricken,
Funke is a phenomenal musicologist, intentionally weaving audible stories and creating the ambiance of the evening. They will return paying homage in sonic form to those ancestors who survived off just enough. They will bring us to the bone and marrow of our collective spirit through music as each course is sonically paired.
Sierra Green, offbeat magazine's "Best Emerging Artist", brings a voice that is steeped in the soul of our people. Her vocals are that of legend. She will be performing a set that embodies the Juke Joint Experience.
The Menu
