Authorized newspaper of Fort Lewis, Washington
Halfway through the first rendition of “My Sharona,” I realized that karaoke at Bob’s Java Jive wasn’t my cup of cappuccino. I wanted something richer and smoother, more mellow and flavorful.
Searching for robust (and free) live entertainment, I found the right mix of music, food and drink at South Sound coffeehouses, where local musicians (and a few poets) put their passions on stage at open-mike nights and featured performer series.
You won’t suffer karaoke queens at coffeehouses, but you might find an abundance of folkies and even a few foodies. Musicians range from amateur singer-songwriters to working bar bands. Most play original songs (plus a few covers, often personalized), often just for tips and the chance to give away or sell a few CDs.
Drop in, sit back and enjoy a glass of wine, a sandwich or a slice of pie. You may hear the next Bob Dylan – or better, the next Neko Case.
The Mocha Moo
WHAT: Acoustic music open mike and featured performers.
WHERE: 3810 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W., Lakewood; 253-584-1565.
WHEN: 7 p.m.-midnight Fridays.
WHY GO: A range of plugged-in bands and unplugged solo performers in an intimate stage setting. In my visits, I enjoyed brainy, bawdy rockers and a few sappy ballads. Comfortable sofas, chairs and tables in a dark room. Featured performers preceded and followed by open mike. Outdoor speakers let you enjoy the music in an overgrown garden setting.
WHAT ELSE: Featured performances are recorded on digital video and posted at www.youtube.com/themochamoo. Food includes sandwiches, salads and soups. Given their footlong size and ample fillings, hero sandwiches are had for a song.
Northern Pacific Coffee Co.
WHAT: Acoustic music open mikes.
WHERE: 401 Garfield St. S., Parkland; 253-537-8338.
WHEN: 8-10:30 p.m. Wednesdays; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 8:30-11 p.m. Saturdays.
WHY GO: Classic college coffeehouse setting near Pacific Lutheran University. Good views of the stage from most tables. Evening open mikes include greasy-haired hipsters with bluesy bents and angsty wannabes prone to introducing songs by saying, “I just learned this today,” plus some gray-haired folkies. Saturday mornings, it’s “Jeriatric Jazz,” featuring a softer vibe and a cappella covers.
WHAT ELSE: Good selection of beer and wine, including generous glasses of ports and sherries, which paired nicely with a baked-in-Tacoma raspberry scone from Peggy’s. Good sandwiches. Bruschetta, with fruity tomatoes and hints of capers, onions and garlic, was my favorite. Oatmeal, toast and simple egg breakfasts went well with “Jeriatric Jazz.”
Antique Sandwich Co.
WHAT: Acoustic music open mike.
WHERE: 5102 N. Pearl St., Ruston; 253-752-4069.
WHEN: 7-10 p.m. Tuesdays.
WHY GO: The longest-running and best-attended open mike in the South Sound area. Performers are as eclectic and down-to-earth as the hippie-era coffeehouse itself. Promoted by Victory Music, the Northwest nonprofit dedicated to acoustic music. (At intermission you’ll hear plugs for Victory’s events.)
WHAT ELSE: Antique Sandwich’s house-made pies are worth the trip alone. I’ve also enjoyed lasagna, quiche, hummus sandwiches and honey-kissed lemonade.
Mandolin Café
WHAT: Acoustic music performances.
WHERE: 3923 S. 12th St., Tacoma; 253-761-3482.
WHEN: Almost every night.
WHY GO: Original folk, gypsy jazz and Celtic jams are but a few of the musical styles played here. Many comfy seating options to chose from in a large, tastefully designed and art-filled space: at a table, on the patio, or in soft sofa and chairs right in front of the performers.
WHAT ELSE: Mandolin is the home of Valhalla brand coffee and roasts it on site. They serve a small but nice selection of wines by the glass. The dessert case is loaded with luscious tortes and tarts. Sandwiches are premade but grill up nicely on the panini press.
A Rhapsody in Bloom
WHAT: Acoustic music performers.
WHERE: 3709 Sixth Ave., Tacoma; 253-761-7673.
WHEN: Mondays and Wednesdays, starting at 7:30 p.m.
WHY GO: Pick your performance: country swing (with peanuts on the floor), gypsy jazz or a married couple singing earnest sea shanties. While the warm weather lasts, performers play on the patio. Blankets and shawls available on nippy nights.
WHAT ELSE: The venue is two businesses in one: a florist and a coffeehouse. Don’t miss Rhapsody’s big pies; raspberry-rhubarb struck delightfully sweet-sour notes.
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