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