Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sparkle in the Sun

So what's with the funky weather lately? Okay okay.. we've all been thinking that very thing this entire season but at least before we had that single oddly warm day, there was snow on the ground for a good few days. Of course the only bad thing about snow is the salty roads.. so hopefully everyone has been able to get their car out for a car wash and now your rides are sparkling beautifully in the sun.

What's going on this week? It's jam-packed and the cafe is definitely waiting for you to come get a cup of coffee or tea, brownie or cookie, sandwich or yummy dessert, and chill out for a while..

Monday, Jan. 26th, all day
It's the Chinese New Year! ..also known as the "Year of the Ox", or the Lunar New Year. Okay, it doesn't really involve us Americans.. but why not come have a cup of coffee in their honor? Let's be happy for them!

Tuesday, Jan. 27th, 6-7PM
Dr. Glenn Waldt is back to serve none other than your back.. and yet so much more in order to keep ourselves and our bodies up to par. He's the chiropracter that was present last week and you can check out all his services at http://www.babymyback.com/. Definitely don't miss out on the opportunity to get some pointers on keeping your body in check physically.

Wednesday, Jan 28th, 7-8:15PM
The fan-tab-u-lous weekly yoga class with Sam is scheduled for tonight as usual. There is a 2$ donation per each homo sapien yearning for an hour and fifteen minutes of GRRRReat yoga. Again, the donations go towards reimbursing Sam for all of the time and effort his puts into his class as well as spicing up the Hard Bean even more aesthetically.
Susie Arbonne will be with us again before and after class offering complimentary detox foot soaks so take advantage of that soothing opportunity.
*Also*- we are still trying to set up additional yoga classes on Monday nights and Wednesday days so keep in touch about them!

Thursday, Jan 29th, 7-9PM
Bring your thinking caps for a Scrabble-tastic night from 7-9. We sure do love fluency through words here at the Hard Bean and any coffee related words are worth double points!- says me.

The Veterans Tribute scheduled for Thursday is being postponed due to the cold weather that is keeping our older friends away from the cafe. We at the cafe also need some more time to develope a better event so wish us well. The tribute photo wall will remain up and we are looking for more photos of Veterans, Now and Then, so please drop them off.

***CAPPY HOUR- 1/2 Price Cappucinos from 5-7 PM

Friday, Jan 30th, 6-11PM
A Whitehall native and Kutztown U. student, Tim Harakal got in touch with us this weekend and is making his acoustic debut on Friday night. He has good stuff to offer which can be found at www.myspace.com/timisalive Tim's talent has been recognized both in the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia regions and is well deserved as his music has a lot of well-versed energy.
Continuing at 8, an awesome band that call themselves Taking Motion will surely be.. taking motion. From what I can tell, they are a warm and loving bunch that play delicately acoustic and indie-type music and if you don't at least stop by to give these guys a good ear's listen.. you'll be missing out. That's a threat! No but really these guys are going to fill the cafe with warmth and good feeling, no doubt. Make sure you check out their very own website- takingmotion.com, which has links to their last.fm, myspace, purevolume, and even youtube. Also on their website, you can download (for free!) a copy of their new release titled, "Simple". Score!
Joining them are two bands, The Historic www.myspace.com/thehistoricband and Calling Out Closer www.callingoutcloser.com so the night will be choc full of excellent music.

Saturday, Jan. 31st
Dr. Glenn Waldt will be paying his second visit for the week and he will be here 12-1PM. If you couldn't make it or just missed him the first time, this is your chance!
Once darkness has fallen, rather has been fallen for a few hours.. come out for some live music that isn't worth missing. Starting at 7 and going strong until 9, Cliff Stacropis/Stackonis will bring the cafe to life with his bluesy/country songs about good love and bad credit.
Then, from 9-11PM, The Tabletops will bring tenderness, seriousness and beaming compassion to the floor. This definitely isn't the first time we're hearing these two guys strum fiercely and sing lovingly.. and we love them so much that we want them to fill the Hard Bean with their tunes like it's their job. If you haven't heard them already, you gotta check out their site- www.myspace.com/thetabletopsmusic

**CAPPY HOUR is 5-7PM! 1/2 price cappucinos!

Sunday, Jan 1st, 2-3PM
Today we're holding a very special "Yoga Time for Kids".. so calling all parents, older brother or sister, babysitter, grandparents... if you have some young ones that you feel have a calm soul and a little patience, or even need some calming down and "centering".. bring them to the Hard Bean. It's just an hour long, and you can hang out and grab some coffee while kid yoga takes place.

That concludes the week, and hope to see you throughout it! Again, don't forget about the new additions to our menu.. we've recently added a whole new selection of very unique hot and cold sandwiches that you can pick and create yourself.. we also have salads and whatnot. See you very soon and thank you, as always, immensely for your kindness and patronage for the Hard Bean Cafe.

Much Love
Mr. Bean

Monday, January 19, 2009

Boo Hoo Eaglets

Friends-
Face it, we lost again this year...feel short...didn't reach the promised land where we probably would have lost anyway but cheer up. I was referencing the Eagles loss yesterday and I'm not much of a fan so I will get right into the blogging.
As stated in the email, we had an amazing weekend that we are still sort of recovering from. We learned a lot and with the amazing help and support of all the community members and groups involved, we pulled it off giving us confidence for the coming months.
Before I forget, openings for February and March Cafe Gallery openings are still available so please contact luke.kasitz@gmail.com to inquire or sign up.
Also, this blog is definately a "community" outreach of the cafe that 1) gets out pertinent information to our customers BUT 2) is a "neigborly voice" that communicates our heart, our vision and our commitment to Boyertown. In that there is a lot of personality and maybe unneccessary rhetoric so please wade through it all if you just want the facts. With that said, here's what's on tap.

Tuesday, Jan. 20th, 7-9PM
Chess is happening tonight and if you pull a muscle or herniate a disc we got you covered...

6-7PM AND Saturday's Noon to 1PM
Dr. Glenn Waldt is in the house to facilitate professionally, personable chiropractic work. You can check out his services at www.babymyback.com. This is an exciting opportunity for Glenn, a Cafe Yoga regular, to branch out of the Pottstown area into Boyertown.

Wednesay, Jan. 21st, 7-8:15PM
Glenn is coming to Yoga on Wednesday night but don't expect to get worked on because Sam has the floor and is an amazing Yoga instructor from Final Results. Once again, these 2$ Donation classes feature a Vinyastic style yoga that is great for beginners and veterans alike. Space is limited so please arrive before the 7PM start time but keep in mind the freshly mopped floor might be damp.

Also, Susie Arbonne will be present before and after Yoga giving complimentary detox foot soaks and information/samples regarding other Arbonne products. Good Stuff!

Thursday, Jan. 22nd, 7-9PM
S C R A B B L E- feel free to join in with a group of amazing locals competing in a "semi-serious"
spelling extraveganza- did I spell that wrong- no spell check on this blog!

Friday, Jan. 23rd, 7-11PM
Lot's of good/great music happening this Friday. The up and coming star, Valerie Nicole is joining us for another show after her exciting CD release party weeks ago. She can be found on Yourspace at www.myspace.com/valerienicole7 and you will probably here a solid mix of soulful covers and fun originals- expect singer/songwriter keyboard and guitar action from Val.
Rounding out the night are the Table Tops who also have a myspace which I need to find. They should have a working PA this time so leave your hearing aids at home. These guys are super fun and do more 90's covers like Weezer but also have very good originals. You won't be dissappointed by one of the cafe's "house bands."

CAPPY HOUR- Saturday, 5-7PM- Half-Price Cappucinos!!!

Saturday, Jan. 24th, 6-8PM
If you were not satisfied on Friday night, you can't go wrong on Saturday as we have another 5 hours of musica on tap. Starting things off from 6-8 is Mike Holliday who conducts our Open Mic and plays a soothing collection of originals that really communicate his heart and his love for music.
From 8-11 we have another collaboration of "house bands." Sort of playing the opening act, Mickey Bieberfeld is in town on break from his roaming the country to play his fun guitar and harmonica routine. "Garbage" is a crowd favorite so remember to ask for it.
And then we got CD and Friends for the rest of the night. What can I say? These guys jam and have so much fun doing it and bring so many friends- it's just a good night. You can expect some Tom Petty and Jack Johnson and Ben Harper and the Dead and other old-school jams. Come early to get a seat because they pack the house.

This Sunday we have Front Porch Church at 7:30PM so keep us in mind to share a cup and a convo. We recently purchased a projector thanks to some amazing donations so we will be offering some afternoon movies soon.

Lastly, we have really improved our food selection so please keep us in mind for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily we have a mix of salads, cold and hot sandwhiches and paninis. Still working on the pastries so bare with us.

I'm tired of typing.
Thanks for your continued support and patronage.

Much Love
Mr. Bean

Monday, January 12, 2009

So Much To Say

Friends-
Okay, we really have no idea if this blog makes sense to people- if you "get" something from visiting this sight in regards to what is happening at the Hard Bean and if that information is clear and concise yet personal. So, once again we are open to suggestions and critique concerning this transaction of relevant culturally/neighborhoody info.
There is so much going on this week it is crazy so let me make sense of it for you.

Monday, Coming Soon, 7-8:15PM
Due to popular demand and the availability of another awesome yoga instructor, we will be offering yoga classes at the cafe on monday nights. The deal is to bring your own mat and we do encourage spending time before or after the workout to support the cafe.

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 7PM
Tuesday nights are chess night. We have an enthusiastic and professional teacher who is more than willing to play and instruct all night long so if you enjoy the game take advantage.

Wednesday, Jan. 14, 7-8:15PM
The night actually starts at 6PM when Miss Susie Arbonne is here providing free detoxing feet soaks for Hard Bean clients and yoga participants- they are absolutely amazing and go great either before of after the yoga excercise starting at 7PM
Sam C is an amazing teacher facilitating a vinyastic style yoga class. We are asking for a 2$ donation per person per evening to reimburse Sam a little for his amazing efforts and help the Hard Bean become better suited for community events with lighting and stuff.

Thursday, Jan. 15, 7-9PM
How appropiate that this date is the birthday or Martin Luther King Jr. Local resident, Jennifer Bruno is asking the Boyertown community to come out for her "The Body as an Ally" advocacy event that celebrates freedom for victims of slavery and sex trafficking through dance and movement. During the course of the night their will be a standard presentation as well as dance demonstration used in healing therapy for victims. Additionally a silent auction and raffle will take place with funds benefiting Bruno's nationwide advocacy campaign.

Friday, Jan. 16, 6-8PM
Cafe Gallery is having it's celebrated debut this Friday night with an artist meet and greet starting at 6PM. Local artists Denise Bennett (www.AMB-Studios.com) , Arline Christ, Delores Kirschner(www.clayonmain.org) and Denny Rock (www.NatureRockX@comcast.net). The show
cased art is on display throughout the weekend and is available for cash sales. Next month's gallery is on February 20th-22nd- interested artists please email luke at hbboyertown@gmail.com.

8-11PM
Acclaimed local folk musician, Steve Walker last did a Christmas concert for us and it was great. Steve plays all around the area and performs a whole spreadsheet of cover songs as well as his own music. You can check him out online at www.hexhollowmusic.com

Saturday, Jan. 17, 6-11PM
Once again, we have a very full evening of amazing music this weekend. Starting up at 6PM, Troy Allem is with us after performing at last month's open mic. I just found out that Troy is also a gifted poet and that surely translates into great lyrics. Playing acoustic rock and indie, you can find Troy on myspace at www.myspace.com/roughtoothmusic
And coming back due to very popular and enthusiastic demand, Rocket 88 from Oaks, PA is back at the cafe and so many people have been calling to make sure that they will really be here. I am listening to their music right now at www.myspace.com/r88band and you should check it out. They are a classic rock band that is definately a reincarnation of classic rockers like the Dead and Allman brothers. Don't miss this but come early to get a seat!!

Sunday, Jan. 18, Cafe doors close at 6PM and reopen at 6:30 for the PLAY!!!!!
We are so proud to house the encore performance of Theatre in Motion's (www.mimsdboyertown.com) production of "A Little Princess" slated for a 7PM showtime. This is an amazing play that originally shown at the Rhoads Opera House and is coming off of last year's successful play, Unclaimed Carriages. Drinks, light sandwhiches and desserts will be available before the show and during intermission. Tickets are on sale now for 7$ at the cafe with limited seating available- tickets also for sale at the door on Sunday night.

That's a wrap. That's also a lot of cultural opportunities that is sure to help Boyertown develope it third saturday/weekend program. We are excited to be a part of that and kindly ask you to support us and the different people and programs highlighted this weekend.

Lastly, we know we have been doing a so-so job with our food selection and we are making dramatic changes in regards to that. We are now offering a full menu food ranging from assorted panninis to pressed bagel sandwhiches and english muffin melts. And Salads!!! We are also working on the fresh pastry end so please bear with us.

Once again, thanks for your contunied support and patronage and friendship.
Much Love
Mr. Bean

Monday, January 5, 2009

New Year with Yin/Y'all/Yous'is'guy'is

Friends-
People talk weird all over this amazing country. I wish we had more travelers rolling through Boyertown but maybe we should just do our best to incorporate the rest of the world into our vocabulary and persona. I'm not sure where I am going with this but don't worry- I have a year to get better with my intro's.

So, we have so much goodness happening at the cafe that is both new and old, better and better as is. Please remember that we are always open for suggestions and critiques and new ways to integrate/serve the B-town community. You can place comments or email us at hbboyertown@gmail.com

Tuesday, Jan. 6th, 7-9PM
Chess is happening. Coffee is being served. Life is good.

Wednesday, Jan. 7th, 7-8:15PM
Like we relayed in the email, we are continuing with the amazing Yoga classes led by Sam. We are requesting that yogese folks give a 2$ gift after each session that is going to be used for Hard Bean Improvements and some blessing for Sam. We are working on including a coupon receipt for all Yoga students. Thanks for all the support and the Christmas party was awesome.

Thursday, Jan. 8th, 6:30-8:30PM
Okay, Scrabblee is happening and don't leave it to us to spell words correctly. The biggie for the night is the Open Mic Poetry and we are trying to start a little earlier to accomodate a gathering later that night. The open mic's have been going great with such awesome variety so come out to enjoy poetry, prose, and comedy and it's all good.

Friday, Jan. 9th, 7-11PM
The biggie for this Friday is the Open-Mic Musica that runs from 7-9. We had an amazing night last month with a bunch of performers. We have a stricter time constraint with the Table Tops rolling at 9PM till close so if you are interested in performing please come a little before and sign up for a slot. Thank ya!

Saturday, Jan. 10th, 6-11PM
We have extended music this Saturday with Miss Yvonne Hartman opening the night from 6-8 and Dave Antonio wrapping it up from 8-11. Both of these musicians and accompanyment are extremely talented and great people so just enjoy.

Sunday, Jan. 11th, 7:30PM
We have Front Porch Church on Sunday night so come out for the coffee and convo. If you are specifically interested in this just shoot me an email at luke.kasitz@gmail.com

Lastly, We are asking for small, no bigger than 8x10, personal photos of veterans, past and present, of our neighbors who have sacrificially served our Country. We have a veterans wall started where the pictures will be hung and there will be an event on Jan. 29th celebrating our Veterans so keep that in mind.

Thanks so much for your continued support.
much love
Mr. Bean