As I was looking on Facebook for events and places to visit, a catchy notice attracted my attention. In big letters it announced a Dolly Parton pop-up bar. I have never listened to Dolly much, but I have a local friend who asks herself a question when faced with a tough situation. I have heard Lydia mutter it often – “what would Dolly do??”. As I esteem this friend, I decided Dolly must possess some mysterious wisdom. So I sent word out to a large group of friends asking if anyone wanted to join me. Most of them already had other plans, including Lydia. Just one gal texted and said she was available, so Charlotte and I went to Vignettes in North Kansas City.
It is a smallish venue in a quaint strip mall. We were greeted by Ross, one of the six team members. The anteroom sets the stage. It exudes the vibrant character of Dolly.
I created this YouTube video to show you what we experienced when we moved into the main room. It felt like we were entering a party hosted by Dolly herself. The walls are a vivid happy pink, and there are abundant touches of sparkle and frills. Large posters give the illusion of allowing us to rub shoulders with the grand lady herself.
I watched as the place began to fill up – many patrons were dressed in Dolly costumes. The young man knocked it out of the park. Look at his glittery heeled boots! Every outfit elevated the atmosphere of fun.
Vignettes does rotating pop-up themes, which each last about 2 months. During that time, they offer events on different nights of the week, including karaoke, bingo, trivia, and live music. This night I got to listen to one of my favorite local singers, Jillian Riscoe. She is well-known and followed in the region. And boy, did she sing Dolly’s songs with natural precision.
The cocktails are tantalizing. It was hard to choose, but in the end, I always go with chocolate. “I will always love you” was superb.
I was so impressed with what these young entrepreneurs had created, that I had to find out how. Ed and his wife, Maggie, own this venue and the one next door, ReRoll Tavern. They opened Vignettes three years ago with the idea of doing a different pop-up theme every 6 – 10 weeks. This involves brainstorming ideas, choosing a theme, designing and building new props, and painting all the walls every time. What an enormous undertaking. I can’t think of any other business that does this type of massive decorative turnover over two months. It is a team effort. They are best of friends and love what they do. You can sense that immediately. Scott, the bartender, creates new specialty drinks to match each new theme. He is a master mixologist. Plus, several of the staff have backgrounds in art.
Dolly was right – these young creatives actualized something so extraordinary that it caught the attention of the Kansas City Chiefs’ football team. The Chiefs asked the Vignettes crew to create a pop-up themed bar for them for a private party! And Vignettes is only 3 years old.
Vignettes team members are all sociable and quick to chat. Delaney charmed me. I hope you get a chance to visit with her. Keenan is a hoot and Gina is calmly sweet. Be sure to make a reservation on their online site. Vignettes is catching on fast and I hope the concept spreads across the country. Their previous themes have been Wizardry, Shrek, The Office, Sponge Bob…. I can’t wait to see what is next!
When you exit Vignettes, which is pulsing with exuberant energy, you walk a few paces to Ed and Maggie’s other venue, ReRoll Tavern, which is instantly calming.
We watched as the customers enjoyed a drink, some good food, and a huge selection of a variety of table games. So, if you want a quiet evening or a party night, you have your choice – side by side.