1920s Harlem Rent Party Ideas

Rent parties were held frequently during the 1920s in Harlem, New York. Here are some party ideas to use when hosting your own event with early 20th century similarities.

Host Live Jazz Music Performances

Introduce friends, co-workers and family members to new and classic tunes by hiring one or two jazz musicians for your social gathering. This makes it easier to maintain a party theme similar to old Harlem events. 1920's rent parties have a long history of hosting notable jazz musicians including Louis Armstrong. Unsigned jazz musicians can be found one social networking websites and at local coffee shops or nightclubs. Ask these music professionals to donate a live performance at your rent party. The article "1920's Rent Parties: History on the Jazz Age" also mentions other options for jazz musicians who perform at this type of party.

Screenings of Blaxploitation Films and Classic Urban Cinema

Many African-American men and women lived in Harlem during the time that 1920's rent parties became popular. This offers dozens of options to entertain guests at your own rent party while learning something in the process. Show one of the well known Blaxploitation films including Shaft, Jackie Brown, Super Fly,They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!, Mandingo or Dolemite at your rent party. Many classic urban movies that are more modern may be received better than Blaxploitation films, depending on guests at the party. Popular urban movies include Cooley High, Lean on Me, Uncle Tom's Cabin, School Daze and New Jack City.

Many Blaxploitation films and some classic urban movies are only available on VHS tape. This may limit your entertaining options if you only own a DVD player. However, a VCR compatible with VHS tapes can be rented or borrowed from friends or small business owners. The renting option will increase your expenses for a fundraising party to pay your own rent. This may not be the best selection, especially if you are planning parties on a very small budget.

Host a DJ or Rap Battle

Party hosts who want a combination of nostalgic references and modern entertainment can organize a competition between Disc Jockeys (DJs) or Rap and Hip-hop music artists. Invite only a small group of contenders if the rent party is being promoted as a private or "invite-only" event. This will help to minimize the amount of ruckus that could potentially take place at your house or apartment. Require that DJ's or rappers bring their own equipment to reduce the upfront party expenses. Give out small prizes that will not put you deeper into debt or offer to refund the party admission fee for whoever wins a mixing or rapping battle.