Occupy the Speakeasy

Thursday, March 1 — The “blind tiger” logo should have been a clue.

The much-buzzed-about, highly cryptic Vacant Lansing event,
held Wednesday night in REO Town (at a warehouse in the 1100 block of South
Washington Avenue), turned out to be a recreation of a 1920s speakeasy — or, as
they were sometimes called, a “blind tiger.”

Those who knew the secret password to get inside (“bum’s
rush”) found themselves surrounded by gambling, flappers and some staged

“Mocktinis” were served — Prohibition, you know — although
customers were encouraged to bring their own booze. Music was provided by
Lansing Unionized Vaudeville Spectacle and DJ Rachael; photographer Jena
McShane was on-hand to take portraits in a retro-style studio.

The event, which sold out days after it was announced, was a
benefit for Reach Art Studio. In the week leading up to Vacant Lansing, ticketholders
were emailed puzzles and coded messages that offered a few clues about the
location and nature of the event.