Nicholas Brothers
Tap-dancing brothers Harold and Fayard Nicholas broke through the color barrier to become one of the most popular show business acts of the 1930s and ’40s. The duo began performing intricate, high-flying song-and-dance routines in New York City in the early 1930s, and went on to appear in such films as Kid Millions (1934), The Big Broadcast (1936) and Black Network. By the start of the 1940s, they were international celebrities.

The Nicholas Brothers grew up in Philadelphia, the sons of musicians who played in their own band at the old Standard Theater, their mother at the piano and father on drums. At the age of three, Fayard was always seated in the front row while his parents worked, and by the time he was ten, he had seen most of the great black Vaudeville acts, particularly the dancers, including such notables of the time as Alice Whitman, Willie Bryant and Bill Robinson. He was completely fascinated by them and imitated their acrobatics and clowning for the kids in his neighborhood. Harold watched and imitated Fayard until he was able to dance too, then apparently, he worked his own ideas into mimicry.

It seems that the Nicholas Brothers were immediately successful. Word soon spread through the city about their ingenuity and unique dancing abilities, and they were first hired for a radio program, “The Horn and Hardart Kiddie Hour”, and then by local theaters, like the Standard and the Pearl.  While at the Pearl Theater, the manager of the famous New York Vaudeville Showcase, The Lafayette, saw them. Overwhelmed by what he saw, he immediately signed them up for his theater.

Winemaker/Founder  Phil Long of Longevity Wines, began his journey making wine in the garage with his wife Debra.  Now with over a decade of winemaking experience, and a list of awards too long to print, Winemaker Phil continues his journey with the constant of always improving in place.  “In the business of winemaking, the minute you think you know it all, it’s time to get out.”
The cellar practices and techniques that Phil uses in the production of wine are constantly re-evaluated and improved, to ultimately elevate the quality of the wines produced.  The grapes are personally sourced and chosen by Phil.  “Great wine starts with great fruit, there is no way around that”.  Grapes are sourced from only the best vineyards for use in the production of Longevity Wines.  Phil began making wine in the Livermore Valley in 2006 under the Longevity label, using other facilities.  It was only a matter of time before production was moved from other facilities, to Longevity’s own facility in Livermore.  Yearly production from 500 cases per year, to the current production of 2500.  Phil enjoys the challenge of making many different wines, and continues to strive for wines that are high in quality instead of high quantities.

Our beautifully appointed rooms will bring you the perfect blend of the nostalgia of 1940’s and the modern luxury you will come to expect from the Sojourn Heritage Brand.

We welcome you with a complimentary bottle of our signature wines, made by African American winemaker Phil Long.   Each of our guest rooms also features a curated library full of wonderful reads about the artist, writers, musicians and entrepreneurs who made the Harlem Renaissance one of the most progressive and empowering times for African Americans. Relax and enjoy some of the movements most iconic books such as “The Souls of Black folk” by W.E.B Dubois or a “Their Eyes were watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston.

Experience our hand-crafted, eco-friendly shea butter infused toiletries all custom designed for Sojourn, not only to nourish your body but also delight your senses.

Hi speed internet and cable are also included in your stay, along with exciting new technology designed for the hospitality market.

Topping it all off, a complimentary full breakfast is prepared each morning just for you.