By Yash Thadani, Krishan Narsinghani
Johnnie Walker, the notably acclaimed scotch-whiskey brand, has launched a long-term initiative, First Strides. To kick-start this enterprise, an exclusive event was held at Los Angeles’s very own Catch One with Johnnie Walker doing a collaboration with the Los Angeles professional women’s soccer team Angel City FC. The Mid-City nightclub was the perfect venue to celebrate the steps that are being taken for women’s progression, and what better way to portray women’s forwardness by having the Angel City FC soccer team in representation.
Immediately upon entering, the right side of the venue had a soccer goal being used as an aesthetic for pictures. Straight ahead of the cabaret, the drink menu presented different variations of Johnnie Walker cocktails. The crowd favorite was called Welcome to LA, a gingery-lemony drink that contained a heavy pour of Black Label. In the interim while waiting for the drinks to be dealt, a multitude of servers were walking around passing out the variety of hor d’oeuvres. There were small plates with dishes like tuna tartar, mini cheeseburgers and more. As the attendees wrapped up their post-dinner snack, guests were directed to go towards the rear of the building.
The back of Catch One is where the majority of the invitees continued to mingle and enjoy the party. The night really began when the live show commenced. The Los Angeles Marching Band, and upcoming artist Tia P performed the newly released ACFC anthem Running with the Angels. This track was created by five-time Grammy Award-winning artist Brittany Howard and LA-based artist Tia P. The anthem is an ode to the team’s trailblazing spirit, as the world’s first majority women-founded, owned and operated pro-soccer team. The song will serve as a celebratory anthem for the team and their fans. Key members of the Angel City FC community including Christen Press and Julie Ertz. VIPs attended, including the likes of Lilly Singh, Kenya Barris and more. Safe to say, the live performance of the Angel City FC’s newly commended track was the highlight of the evening. It was the perfect depiction of the proclivity behind pushing women forward.
Along with the hype anthem release, Johnnie Walker will enable more people to take bold steps towards progress through a series of First Strides grants. Anyone 21+ can apply for a First Stride grant but the brand will continue to dedicate funding to communities where inequality exists. Through a partnership with go-to crowdfunding marketplace IFundWomen, Johnnie Walker will continue to support women entrepreneurs and fuel women-owned businesses. The brand is also introducing a grants and mentorship program with first-of-its-kind streaming service Blacktag, who is changing the model for pay equity among black creators.
Catch One, formerly known as Jewel’s Catch One, was a landmark for the city of Los Angeles. This iconic night club was originally known as the longest standing gay dance-bar, and Initially opened in 1973. Forty years later a new owner did a complete revamp of the location. This historic site still continues to serve its purpose for having a good time.
