SESH

Catch One, located in Los Angeles, California, is one of the city’s most iconic nightclubs, renowned for its deep-rooted history in both the LGBTQ+ community and the larger musical landscape of Southern California. The venue first opened in 1973 as Jewel’s Catch One, founded by Jewel Thais-Williams, a pioneering African-American lesbian activist. At a time when LGBTQ+ people, especially those from communities of color, faced severe discrimination, Catch One stood as a beacon of acceptance, self-expression, and liberation.

Throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the club became a crucial safe haven and gathering place, blending dance, activism, and culture. Over nearly four decades, the venue played a vital role during the AIDS crisis, hosting countless fundraisers and becoming a hub for communal support. Its reputation as both a trailblazer in inclusivity and a hotspot for music lovers solidified over the years, and its doors were open to everyone, regardless of race, gender, or orientation.

Throughout its life, Catch One underwent several changes. Initially spreading across various rooms and levels, the club expanded to accommodate larger crowds and diverse events, from soul and disco parties to hip-hop nights and live concerts. When Jewel Thais-Williams retired in 2015, new ownership temporarily closed the venue for significant renovations but soon reopened with modernized facilities while respecting its historic legacy.

The club’s spirit of inclusivity remained intact, even as its programming diversified to feature contemporary music, electronic dance nights, and large-scale events. While Catch One has retained its original location on Pico Boulevard in the Mid-City area, its structure and management have shifted to keep pace with changing times and demands of Los Angeles’s nightlife scene, securing its place as a living monument to resilience, joy, and the continuing evolution of club culture. Notable artists who have graced Catch One’s stages span genres and generations, reflecting its influence in both local and international music scenes.

International icons such as Madonna, who performed early in her career, and legendary disco singer Sylvester have left their mark on its dancefloors. Jazz giants like Etta James and Stevie Wonder have also been connected to the venue, adding to its historical prestige. Modern acts such as Moby and local Los Angeles talents including DJ Harvey and Moodymann have helped bridge the club’s legacy from the disco era into the realms of house, techno, and beyond.

Catch One has also been a launching pad for countless resident DJs and local performers, such as Egyptian Lover, Le1f, and The Internet, cementing its reputation as both a sanctuary and a stage for cultural innovation.