Quote:
Originally Posted by skylovessea
I don't quite follow you. Could you elaborate a bit?
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The "Rent Party" started in Harlem and dates back to before the Great Depression (as opposed to today's). Neighbors supplied food, a piano player provided the music. Admission was charged. At those parties that didn't charge admission, the guests and friends contributed money.
James P. Johnson, Willie "The Lion" Smith and Fats Waller became great favorites at the parties.
Sometimes the parties were done on a regular basis the week before the rent was due.
Today's rent parties lack the neighborhood spirit but still raise money to pay the rent.
-Dave