Monday, October 6, 2008

October Rhapsody

Peoples-
We are all children on a wide open plain. The fabled "Indian Summer" reminds us that magic still thrives in expectant hearts. For me, the heat of Autumn illuminates the first changing leaves of the Sugar Maple and encourages me to shed layers and distressed stress in favor of one more sun tan. I also look for hot tea and a threadbare flannel shirt to keep me warm among the shadows when you can literally taste the fresh air. Come on over to the cafe and we can share more images and word collages. Or swing over to the open mic Poetry Night next Thursday!!!
Autumn is here and to celebrate we are doing a little decorating and figuring out some logistics behind what we can do to ensure you feel good when you step accross the cafe threshold. This week we have the usual allottment of "goodness" so don't be shy- indulge!

Meat Balls tommorrow for school lunch!!!

Tuesday, Oct. 7 6-9PM
Chess is catching on a little bit as each week new faces mix with old and take to the board to battle logic and patience. There is a new checkerboard cafe table which is hoping to be occupied tommorrow night. Imra would be glad for some new pupils to coach through a game or two.

Wednesday, Oct. 8 7-8:15PM
Don't worry, we are not getting greedy. This week we will start collecting a drop-in donation that is going to be used to fund some community outreach programs we are starting up at the cafe. Yoga for me brings relaxment and a strength of mind that naturally flows into my outlook and committment to my friends and neighbors. Henceforth, I love old english and am excited that we could round up some dough to get good things done in B-town.

Thursday, Oct. 9 7-Sometime later than 7PM
Politics is also in the air these days as the elections are less than one month away. A handful of folks have been reading the book, "God's Politics" by Jim Wallis and the reading has led to some great, honest discussion about the role of true faith and righteousness in America today. Whether you have read the book or not, the discussion is free for all and engaging as there is so much to learn from our neighbors and their experience. Come out and share your mind.

Friday, Oct. 10 8-11PM
Another musical debut is upon us. Steve Walker has posted a bright yellow flyer on the community board that screams for attention. He seems like a wicked cool guy that is really into supporting the local music scene and that alone deserves a solid audience. It is Homecoming weekend for Boyertown- Go Team- but there is reason to cheer for the home team and then Stevo- all on the same night.

Saturday, Oct. 11 8-11PM
Mr. Dave Antonio. He is the man who faithfully grabs an espresso before teaching musica up the street at Bachman's. Dave is a good guy and so amazingly talented bringing us sounds we don't usually here in Boyertown- no, no yodeling or belch-harmonizing- just the sitar and some kind of deal that ends in "roo". Enjoy the near end of the weekend with us and Dave.

Once again, we are open till 8PM on Sundays as of yesterday which means you can start work or school with caffeine in your bloodstream.
Thanks again for your support and patronage. Continue to tell friends and compadres about us so that more folks can rock and roll at the Bean.

Much love
Mr. Bean

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Here Goes

Sorry about that sputtering this morning. Here's life at the Bean starting with tonight.

Wednesday, Tonight 7-8PM
Sam says "continue" and that we shall. We are keeping up the offering of free Yoga classes every Wednesday with a neato change coming up next week. We will be proposing a drop-in fee (whatever you can afford and love to part with flow($) wise would be appreciated) with the proceeds going towards community service events initiated by the cafe. Your support would be welcome for sure.

Thursday, Oct. 3 7-9PM
No book discussion this night (The Jim Wallis- "God's Politics" study/convo will continue next week) but Carson and Tyler are back to give their melodical two cents concerning love and the like. The Table Tops are a lot of fun and a sure bet for anyone's Thursday night out.

Friday, Oct. 4 7-11PM
We got some newbies in town to share their talent with us. The night starts off with Yvonne Hartman and Band who have promised us a good time. I don't know much about this band but she sounded like a cool gal on the phone and for that I give her two thumbs up.
From 9-11 Zach Cambria and Mark Gettis will do their thing. Once again, I don't know much but I think these fellas are locals and we take any and all flavors. Enjoy Friday night on us!

Saturday, Oct. 5 1-3PM
"Monty the Traveling Cat" is a childrens book about a feline named Monty who knows how to get around town (traveling). I have not read this read but I hear it's a B-town best seller so bring in your kids for a classic story time and book signing with the author.
8-11PM
Back in the day when she first played at the Bean, I had no idea what Val Nicole's deal was. She said she had a guitar and keyboard and a voice but no one at the cafe was expecting her energy and quality of covers and originals. She did Norah and Avril and other lady singers as well as sharing her own lyrics and we are mutually excited to have her back.

Sunday, Oct. 6 till close at 8PM
Just a heads up that we have extended our Sunday hours till 8PM.

Much love folks. We appreciate your friendship and we look forward to the next few weeks as the sun goes north but the cafe stays right here. So enjoy our essence as your coffee house.
Mr. Bean

Delayed by...

Folks-
Sorry about the absence of fresh news. I need some dayblog saving days to take me back to Sunday so that you can get info before its here. Regardless, we have the information now that ensures a genuinely cool...
sorry I gotta go to work. I will be back tonight to fill everyone in.
Mr. Bean

Monday, September 22, 2008

First Day of Fall

Love is in the air and it is not cheesy Valentine's Day shananigans- not sure about the spelling. Surely, romance and vitality is alive as the breeze gets cooler while the sun's brightness is much more appreciated. The cafe welcomes this change of season and promises to keep our brews fresh and warm.

So, after a great weekend with Boyertown which realized a fabulous Oktoberfest celebration, we are ready to keep the culture flowing. This week we have another full slate of activities and menu for the high school students. That first.

Our daily student lunch special includes a great sandwhich, bag of chips (they're Good) and drink all for 3 dollars and 71 cents (Federal Goodness Tax incl.) Amazing! For the rest of the week.
Tuesday- Coney Island Hot Dogs- not sure about that reference
Wednesday- Beef Stew
Thursday- Gravy Chicken
Friday- Sloppy Joes- Where a bib or art smock!

Tuesday, Sept. 23 6-9PM
Chess is in-house again. We have the board, pieces and teacher so just come out and enjoy.

Wednesday, Sept. 24 7-8PM
Yoga has been amazingly successful here at the Bean and we are continuing it for as long as Sam is limber and eager to teach. Really, we are blessed to have Sam volunteer his services and thanks to everyone who has been sharing in the exercises. We are on for Wed. night.

Thursday, Sept. 25 7-9PM
While some folks continue talking politics in the "God's Politics" book club meeting, Chris Stakonis will be side stage singing his usual mix of original chicago blues and country with Duke, our recycla-dog providing back up vocals. Who knows, Chris might join in the discussion with some melodical musings about taxes and vietnam so come whatever your political persuasion. In the book study, we will be covering the first 84 pages of Jim Wallis' book- "God's Politics- why the Right is wrong and the Left doesn't get it."

Friday, Sept. 26 7-11PM
Mickey will be joining us from 7-9 with a solid lineup of gritty and well-sung material. At this point, I don't know what genre he is but he is acoustic and plays the harmonica and I think he is irish- you come and find out and leave a comment if you know.
To round out the night, the boys are back- CD, Keener and Jason to rock and roll the night away. These guys have a faithful following and allow me to sit in on a Jack Johnson song which makes me happy. Really, you are in for a good time with no refund neccessary.

Saturday, Sept. 27 6-11PM
The days are getting darker and quick so Mike Holliday is sharing his "enlightening" muses a little sooner. From 6-8 Mike will be with us so come to listen intently to his great lyrics or just enjoy the background melody.
Rocket 88 will be in the rest of the night to do their thing. A mother of one of them was in today, shuh...don't tell the band this!, and she approves of the venue and is excited for the band to be at the Bean. They do southern rock so bring your pickup, cutoffs and...no whiskey, tabacco and guns.

This is what we got. Thanks again so much for your business and friendship. We love seeing folks hanging out and catching up and enjoying our couches or front porch or cup of coffee. Come out and linger- we will take your money but prefer a convo and smile.
See you soon
The Bean

Sunday, September 14, 2008

No Longer Commentless!!!

Gents and Ladies-
NO, ladies must not always be first so deal with it! Especially a gent named Robert was semi-officially the first commenter on our blog and that brings joy to my heart- someone out there has found the blog and written a comment and it's only up from here. Speaking of up, there is a fantastic week of 70's weather on tap and that spells magic for our front porch and open door- no AC and no perspiration. Enough rambling- we have a lot to chat-a-tat-tat about so lets roll.

Tuesday, Sept. 16 6-9PM
Imra and his wife Bea come with books and magazines in hand as well as a beautiful chess set. Imra has taught for eons, okay, maybe less than that but still he has stories galore to pass the time if you really aren't down with learning the game. He would love to engage with some interested players and invest his time and experience in bettering your chess life.

Wednesday, Sept. 17 6:50ish to 8:05ish
We start early and usually hang out late with a great session of Yoga sandwhiched in between. Last week, Sam's flow was a little assaulted by cops giving tickets so don't park next door. This week is the last installment of our opening 4 week session and we promise to talk about what's next for Yoga at the Bean. Thanks Sam and participants for a great opening period.

Thursday, Sept. 18 7-9ish
"God's Politics" In God we many of us trust and our nation is still supposedly one nation under HIM. So what does he have to say about American politics at this juncture. Would he vote for Obama or McCain or maybe write in himself as our commander in chief. This book by Jim Wallis looks at our faith and basic values and elaborates more concerning what is right and wrong today- not republican or democrat platform spewing. This is our first try at an old-fashioned community book club that will culminate in a Let's talk Politics: Open Mic Night in October.

Friday, Sept. 19 7-11PM
I love thrift stores. Pit stains aside, you can't beat the price and the destined aspect of clothing your size and style. The Thrift is a band and I have no idea if they like used clothing. Come out and hear them play at 7.
I like mongese because they fight with cobras and win. Bill and Tony Malfaro and their buddy, Kyle, are the Mongese(plural for one mongoose) and they no how to rock and roll. They were the first band to play at the Bean and we support them. Kill those cobras fellas.

Saturday, Sept. 20 7-9:30PM and then some
This is a special day for Boyertown beer drinkers. Yes, Octoberfest which is happening a full 10 days from October but no one seems upset because the beer will flow like...beer. And to cap off the drunken bash- just kidding, this is a cultural extravaganza about friendship and community not folly and sillyness- we are doing a Saturday night music wrap.
Ralph Ritter, B-towns underground music guru, will be sharing his stuff for a hot hour of passionate originals. As a followup, Squid Films will be back in town to share their original album of new music. These guys are feeling a fine future for their band and they are taking advantage of performing at the Bean to get into their groove.

A quick head's up- the Bean will be open till 8PM on Sunday's starting the first weekend in October so make that successful for us and round out your weekend with a cup of love. We are so happy to be brewing in Boyertown and are proud to provide a new Fair-trade coffee "Artist Blend" starting next weekend. We love this community, hate having to fight for parking spots and are committed to you. Thanks for your business and more importantly your friendship and encouragement.

Much Love
Mr. Bean
hardbeanboyertown@gmail.com

Monday, September 8, 2008

Front Porching It...

To Young and Old-
Our porch is always open. Many times we stay open way beyond closing time and have folks chilling outside past midnight drinking deep from fresh convo and friendship. This is what we love to see and we are committed to being an establishment that allows, enables and promotes this reality of community. We hope that you tag along and give us some ideas about how we can do better or do more or do more things better. We are also sticking with our usual community entrees and hope you indulge this week. On tap this week...

Student Lunch Specials
If you sport a valid High School ID you can show up and grab a great lunch for 3.50$ every school day. There is a rotating menu of hot sandwhiches tagteaming with a bag of chips and drink to inspire y'all to academic excellence.

Book Club
Just to let you know, we got a book club started with a first discussion night planned for Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7PM. We are looking at a book by Jim Wallis called "God's Politics- Why the Right is wrong and the Left doesn't get it" This is a book with a strong moral platform and should lead to some vibrant discussion about politics and how we can understand it and invest in it better on a local and national/foreign level. Check it...check it out.

Tuesday, Sept. 9 7-9PM
Imra is back to do chess. We had a light classload last week but the timer is set for round two of this chess extravaganza opportunity.

Wednesday, Sept. 10 7-8PM
If nothing else, you should come out and sample Sam's amazing soundtrack that he uses to tune us into the Yoga program. Coldplay and Pink Floyd and Jon Mayer are a few of my favorites! All in all the musica is a just a tool of relaxation and give me rhythm to bend and flex and balance and that is good. We have had full classes up till now but there is still room at the Bean for you.

Thursday, Sept. 11 7-9PM
Gracing the Back to School Party last Saturday, the Table Tops are here on short rest and ready to rock and roll. Tyler and Carson seem to be getting more and more comfortable and confident and that resonates with the crowd. This duo has great originals and knows how to get'er done.

Friday, Sept. 12 8-11PM
I can't wait to chill with Chris and Ryan again for open mic and a Boyertown jam session compliments of these amazingly talented and humble friends. Ryan is always nervous and ready to barf before playing so make sure he feels your support. Really, these guys ensure a fun night. Bill Malfaro might also be in town to help out with the open-mic so enjoy his old school persona.

Saturday, Sept. 13 8-11PM
When Dave is not playing or teaching music, he is drinking Espresso or talking about holistic health or being a kid again by playing with our resident register shark that some poor kid left here a while back. His first appearance a month ago was a lot of fun as he showcased a few instruments- sitar, didgeradoo and flute to name a few. He knows how to pull it all together and make it a fun night- he also sings in spanish which is beautiful to hear! Come on out and enjoy his musical hodgepodge.

So, it is.
Let me know if you read this. I have had no comments so far. Just wondering
much love
Mr. Bean

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Weekly Community Specials

Friends and Family of Boyertown and Beyond-
We are following through with our committment to our community and to our customer/neighbors. There is almost a full slate of activities every night and a weekend full of music to round out this first week of school for our Boyertown district students. And so, we are so grateful to be hosting all of these events and we hope that many folks can enjoy them.

Tuesday, September 2 6-9 PM
Any chess players out there. Imra is in the house to teach us how to play the game with spirit and an old-school edge. Come out whatever your skill and interest level and just enjoy learning and gaming- we have a full house of other games from monopoly to jenga to puzzles so for the the non-chess crowd you still got a good reason to come- and the coffee!

Wednesday, September 3 7-8 PM
Stretch...Breathe...Relax...Desire
Yoga is Vinyastic again on Wednesday evening. Sam is a great instructor and his time and talent is well appreciated- he is offering this four week session for free and it was a lot of fun last week and I for one will be there tommorrow night. Come early to get relaxed and stay late for some healthy tea and snacks and convo.

Thursday, September 4 10:30-11:30 AM
Mothers, this is for you. Janine from the Boyertown Library is hosting her special Story Time for youngsters at the HardBean. There will be a few coffee related selections as well as a craft time to boot. We really want to reach out to moms with kids and create a place for you to come with your children and have them enjoy it as well. If this goes well on Thursday we will try to continue this!
7-9 PM
Chris Stakonis will be chilling with us for the evening and we are ready. He brings a crowd and his own original music and both are worth getting familiar with. So come on out.

Friday, September 5 8-10 PM
Taking Motion is a group comprised of a newly wed couple- Jeremy and Anna Simon. Jeremy is from the area and also just opened his own recording studio so up and coming musicians take notice. They both love eachother and enjoy jamming together. Make them feel at home on their first visit to the Bean.

Saturday, September 6 7-11 PM
We love the High School and are so excited that they are so close and filled with young, energetic friends- the future of our community and country. They are starting school today and we want to welcome them back with a special party featuring a few local bands and plenty of caffeine. Old folks are more then welcome to come and crash the party but keep in mind whose night this is.

This is what's on the menu and nothing is low-fat so indulge yourselves. Thanks once again for your committment to us.

Much Love,
The Hard Bean