About Us
Our
A Dream In The Making…
Welcome to Dream Upscale Lounge, an establishment that has come to fruition through years of hard work, inspiration, and precious memories of two incredible grandmothers –(In memoriam Elizabeth H. Thomas d. 2002 and Nina McClary Bowden d. 2011). The mission is to create a space that reflects the values instilled in me, a place where music, good food, and a welcoming atmosphere all come together to bring warmth and joy to your soul.
The journey began with my uncle, Dennis D.T. Thomas, a founding member of the world-renowned band Kool and the Gang. For over 30 years, I had the privilege of traveling with Uncle D.T. and the band to witness the power of music to bring people together. Those experiences helped to shape my vision – a musical venue that offers an intimate setting for both patrons and musicians, where various music genres like R&B, Funk, Jazz, Soul, and Latin are celebrated.
Core Values
Respect
I believe in the teachings of my grandmothers, Elizabeth H. Thomas and Nina McClary Bowden. Respect is a fundamental value in this establishment. I believe in treating others with dignity and kindness and fostering positive relationships with patrons, musicians, and staff alike.
Integrity
Dream Upscale Lounge values our guests. We endeavor to make each experience a positive one. Dream Upscale Lounge prioritizes honesty, respect, morality and ethical conduct in all aspects of our business operations.
Excellence
The dream of owning a musical venue and the experiences I have gained from traveling with Kool and the Gang have helped shape a commitment to excellence. Dream Upscale Lounge strives to offer top-notch performances, delicious meals, and a welcoming ambiance to create a memorable experience for our guests.
Relationships
Dream Upscale Lounge knows the significance of relationships and understands the power of building strong connections with musicians, management, staff, and patrons. Nurturing these relationships is one of the key values in our establishment..
Innovation
Dream Upscale Lounge will continually seek to make an indelible mark on our guests. Effort will be made to design and plan our venue with purpose, seeking to provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
Legacy
I believe in the legacy of uncle, Dennis D.T. Thomas, and his impact on the world of music. We carry forward his influence in our venue, creating a space that pays tribute to his memory and the inspiration he provided.
History
Pride is held for the lessons taught by my grandmothers – the importance of treating others with respect to maintain good relationships; the understanding that thoughts and work ethic shape character; the value of self-confidence, and not being a follower. These lessons have provided guidance in building strong relationships. Travel with Uncle D.T. afforded me the opportunity to witness the interwoven fabric of musicians, management, production staff, and other auxiliary members to have a successful event. Uncle D.T. showed that respect and willingness to help others are the crux to making that fabric strong.
A tribute to my beloved uncle, who transitioned in August 2021, is manifested in this venue. With his influence and character, Kool and the Gang’s impact continues to inspire us to create a space where people can feel at home away from home, just like Uncle D.T. would have desired.