According to job search company, Zippia, Black mixologists make up less than 6% of America’s bartenders. Charleston native Latoya Vickers is hoping to shine a light on that disparity — and showcase those Black mixologists who are serving up drinks all over the country.
On April 26, Vickers has invited four talented Black mixologists from across America to participate in The Great Shakeup (TGS), the first national Black bartender competition (and day party) of its kind. Held at event venue, The Coan, in Ladson, from noon to 5 p.m., TGS features a bartending competition, an open bar and passed appetizers and music from DJSCrib. Tickets ($75+) can be purchased online.
After working in corporate sales, Vickers decided to pursue her dream of curating experiences and created her company, Festival Noir.
“Festival Noir brings together all the things I’ve learned in sales and marketing along with two things that really bring me passion and joy, which is wine/cocktails and events,” she said. “I aim to create experiences for people that they love and [focus on] the small details. So, taking the things that you normally would have and taking it up just a notch … what I call ‘attainable luxury.’ So many times people think, ‘Oh, I can’t have that,’ but of course you can.”
While Vickers is currently based in California, she grew up in West Ashley and visits home as often as she can. “I think growing up in Charleston plays a big role in expectations of hospitality,” she said. “I think I take that foundation everywhere and that’s kind of my barometer.”
A reason to celebrate
Vickers is excited to introduce TGS’ four competing bartenders to the area, too, since none of them have ever visited. Sekani Akunyun is from Charlotte; Thomas Moore is from New Orleans; Alyvia Cain is from Indianapolis; and Giovanni Lubin is from Manhattan.
Vickers put out an open call for bartenders on Instagram last year, asking for African-American bartenders to submit a video and recipe and narrowed down the finalists from there. On the day of TGS three rounds will determine a winner, with each mixologist making a riff on a classic; pairing a drink with food; and presenting something totally unique during the wild card round.
TGS will be hosted by Claudia Jordan and the competition will be judged by popular local duo, The Cocktail Bandits, as well as award-winning, Chicago-based bartender, Josh Davis.
The competition happens alongside the day party so, as Vickers said, “you don’t have to stop dancing to your favorite song because the competition is happening.”
The competition is still the core of the event, though — an opportunity for Black mixologists to take center stage. “It’s called the Cocktail Craftsman Competition. And it’s called that because true artistry comes from these mixologists. And less than six percent of all mixologists are African American,” said Vickers. “When you look at that number and you think about African-American consumption, African-American spending power, that’s huge. That means there’s a large gap in the industry. Which means that traditionally, they don’t have opportunities to shine on larger stages. Or if they do, they’re one of a few or the only one. And so The Great Shakeup provides space for them to truly be celebrated.”
Interested in taking your cocktail knowledge to the next level? Vickers is also hosting a lunch and learn, Elevation, on April 25 at the Charleston Visitors Center. The event features whiskey tasting, an opportunity for headshots and a talk on personal branding. Tickets ($35) are available online.
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