A creative jack-of-all-trades, everything Jon Marzette does has style. Part of the rebranding effort of Fetch, a West Bottoms goods and thrift store, his influence is felt across Kansas City and nationwide. He rebranded the assets for KC Black Owned, a local directory listing local Black-owned businesses, and was involved in the branding for The Deep Grocery Co-Op, a worker-owned grocery initiative dedicated to restoring the community of East Oakland, California.
Marzette found love in music growing up in Lawrence, Kansas, while DJing and playing in local bands. While he used to catch music regularly at the Riot Room, he now lists local favorites Nighthawk, The Ship, or Record Bar as his top haunts. “Kadesh Flow and Hembree are always a good time when they’re in town,” he says. During the day, Marzette works at Barkley as a designer, while still making time to host, curate, and throw events—each one a feast for the senses. While Marzette does his share of traveling, Kansas City is still home. “I find myself feeling that KC really is a special place,” he says. “We’ve got a lot of the same things other gigantic and more well-known cities have, and maybe even the better, more unique, and affordable version. Housing, opportunities, nightlife, and, best of all, good people. Definitely not a flyover city.”
You can find Marzette eating hot wings at the Peanut on Main Street every Wednesday.
Jon’s essentials...
Caff Up: I love going to Made in KC Café. My normal drink is a vanilla latte, but I’ll always try their seasonal drinks.
Self-Care Sesh: My version of self-care is going hog wild at The Black Pantry and buying a bit of everything from a bottle of wine to a birthday card, snacks, and all the black-owned goodies I could ever want.
Nightcap: Always a spicy Paloma from Mean Mule.
Summer Spots: A natural answer is, of course, patios. If we do that, I’d prefer mine on a rooftop. My favorite place to drink/eat/hang is Percheron on top of Crossroads Hotel. I also really enjoy mini golf on the lawn of the Nelson-Atkins Museum.
Local Makers: I’ve got three: Bonicel, aka Easton, makes amazing clothing that can be found at Guevel and online. He is a master of denim and I’ve got a custom cap of his that’s a favorite. Another is 90SIX—I find myself impulse-buying everything she makes. My In Good Spirits shirt from her is another personal favorite. And then Cheatin’ Snakes hasn’t made a T-shirt I don’t want ever.
Local Shop: Guevel is a great shop—most of my dope statement shirts for summer come from there.
Lunch Stop: The Peanut is, and will always be, near and dear to my heart. You simply can’t beat a three-wing and fry combo. Pro tip: Get the wings naked with the sauce on the side for some additional crunch! My friends and I have been getting wings together for years and years at this point, so it’s always a great catch-up spot.
KC Scent: The Head Bitch In Charge candle from Effing Candle Co. smells amazing (plus it’s a great name for a scent). She does pop-ups around KC but also has a brick-and-mortar location—or you can always buy online.
Hidden Gem: June’s is this amazing combination of disco music with all the vibes of the Green Lady Lounge in one. Finding consistent disco energy in Midtown is rare, and it’s even better to combine that with amazing drinks. Perfect little gem of a place.