Lance Pierce, owner of Q Kansas City in Westport (Q Kansas City)
After eight years of nomadic queer bar takeovers, Lance Pierce has partnered with businessman Brett Allred to plant roots at 504 Westport Road. Q Kansas City, which opened on Valentine’s Day, brings forth the talents of diverse artists to create an inclusive and engaging experience for the Kansas City queer community.
Pierce’s vision, fortified by his experience building bridges within corporate and civic spaces, was clear: Trust the artists. This endeavor is about filling a space and creating a sanctuary for a community that doesn’t always feel safe in nightlife spaces.
Will Brown of Will Brown Interiors, a feng shui practitioner with a sensitive eye for balance, took the lead, understanding that there was a need for a “trauma-informed approach.” To do so, he married the warmth found in the essence of home with a sophisticated consumer experience. The space is free from the jarring reflections of mirrors; for Brown, this is a place where bodies can be grounded and present. Along with Brown, Abraham Colone of AC Interiors sculpted Q Kansas City into a site of “zones,” each with a unique energy and purpose. “Zones create their energy, so we try to optimize the flow within key areas,” Brown said.
As you enter Q Kansas City, you are greeted with a massive, draped velvet curtain, immediately whispering theatrical nostalgia and offering an entertaining nod to the drama and liberation of queer history. Deeper within, the “cove lounge” glows with muted rainbow hues, a genteel twist on the familiar spectrum. “It gives you a sense of calmness, animation and energy without the angst of primary bright colors,” Brown said. Mural works by Jared Horman, Kerry Grant and Jessie Greendance vibrantly portray queer narratives throughout all the zones.
The entirety of the design process was an exercise in mindful inclusion. Each zone is carefully curated for energy and noise levels, ensuring conversation and connection. An array of tactile surfaces and plush fabrics offer comfort not usually found at a nightclub. The stage and dance floor draw inspiration from the church, hoping that the “gospel of self-acceptance” is preached in this space.
A stunning black-and-white mural celebrating diverse bodies marks the transition to the outdoor patio. Upstairs, the speakeasy offers a softer, more intimate refuge, with velvet curtains and acoustic paneling creating a haven of tranquility. The lighting design weaves the zones together, highlighting the architectural arches and the rich marble, leather and walnut textures.
The ribbon-cutting, attended by Mayor Quinton Lucas, and the Feb. 14 opening, themed “Love is the Most Radical Act of All,” marked the beginning of Q’s new journey. Pierce’s words echoed through the space: “Resistance is an art … queer joy is art in itself, and just existing as a queer person is a performative art project, and so I think that it’s gonna be interesting to see how this plays out.” he said.
