Discussions

Remember the dance club for teens/tweens on 26th St called Capers?

You are younger than I am, Soul. I was older and living away from Brandon at the time, but I did find some information on this place. This place was born after the short lived Richmond Avenue East club (Space Odyssey?) as well as the downtown club all designed for young adults named Silly Sals (?).  
 
Capers projected opening was January 9th, 1987 and it was an unique club. It featured a $30,000 light and sound show, occasional live band, arcade room, pool table, 3 dance floors, canteen, standup bar and a homework room.  
 
It was a young adults club restricted to members aged 13-17.  
 
It was a $70,000 investment for Vic Blandford, a sheet metal worker who claimed the club would have a capacity of 565 people.  
 
Renos to the old Brandon Eagles Gymnastics Club off 26th began mid December 1986.  
 
Membership was $25 with a nightly $2-3 cover charge, and free admission through the day.  
 
Open afternoons and evenings Friday to Sunday and Wednesday's until summer break. Then it's party central at Capers 7 days a week.  
 
The owner said it's a teenagers alternative to hanging out at malls and convenience stores. The purpose was trying to get kids off the street.  
 
It will be interesting to hear from anyone that experienced this place.  
The name Capers seemed a bit odd. I have a jar of capers in my fridge that I use from time to time for certain recipes.  
 

I thought it was called "Changes" for some reason. This is much needed and when I find the funding, I would do it again!  
 
I remember there was an event for youth held maybe every weekend at the old baptist church downtown. They had live bands. Sometimes show movies. Hundreds of kids would show up to meet, dance and hang out. Non alchohol drinks and snacks were offered.

Pray it Forward said "I thought it was called "Changes" for some reason. This is much needed and when I find the funding, I would do it again!     I remember there was an event for youth held maybe every weekend at the old baptist church downtown. They had live bands. Sometimes show movies. Hundreds of kids would show up to meet, dance and hang out. Non alchohol drinks and snacks were offered. "

Youth 'Clubs'.  
 
They didn't fly for too long in Brandon. There seemed to be several attempts and the surroundings were elaborate to say the least. It was an interesting concept at the time in the late 70's and early to mid 1980's.  
 
They just didn't seem to work. The ones mentioned above were never church affiliated, but I'm glad your own church had its following and the memories are cool.

would be excellent idea. Was thinking it would go very well in the old 'Mr. B's' by Travel Lodge on 5th between Princess and Rosser.

Silly Sal's sounds right for the downtown club, in the building on the southeast corner of 6th & Pacific, if I recall correctly. I believe the Richmond Ave. place was Space 2000.