Walking past the sleek facade of the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel, it’s difficult to imagine what it looked like in 1896 as the Hotel Adams. Or what the rest of downtown looked like during the Wild West, for that matter. Discovering the rich and somewhat mysterious history of the Renaissance is precisely what organizers of Pop-up Speakeasy – a return to Cattleman’s Bar – would like people to do. It’s about enjoying great music, cocktails and a little slice of Phoenix history.
On Thursday, June 26 from 6-9 p.m., the Goldwater Room at the Renaissance will be transformed into a 1920s Prohibition-era speakeasy, complete with jazz music, classic hors d’oeuvres and history lesson by Marshall Shore, the “hip historian.”
According to Shore, the 20s were a vibrant time for Arizona and especially for the legendary Hotel Adams. As one of the most sophisticated and glamorous hotels of the time, Hollywood stars, lawmakers and stockyard owners lined the stools at Cattleman’s Bar, now part of the Goldwater Room. It was the place to be for movers and shakers, and according to Shore, more Arizona laws were written and passed at Hotel Adams than in the legislature.
At Thursday’s event, delicacies like lobster rolls and beef wellington will be served, while a trained mixologist recants the origins of the Old Walrus and Adams Apple, both famous drinks from Cattleman’s.
Tickets are $30 per person with live entertainment provided by Erin Boheme and the No Vacancy Trio, in addition to Marshall Shore. The event is part of the Renaissance Global Day of Discovery, with 157 signature events happening at hotels around the globe. Please RSVP at 602-333-5103.
*Photo courtesy of the Arizona State Library