Musicians Play To a Packed Crowd at First Friday Open Mic at Vida e Caffe

By Laura Stennerson

(On the eve of this piece going to press, we are two days away from another Open Mic night at CopperMine Cafe over in Miami, so put it on your calendars!)

Have you ever had one of those days where you just couldn’t keep the smile of your face? I had a day like that on Friday, from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed, I smiled. I know this smile had a lot to do with a severe lack of sleep, the fact the students didn’t vote me off the island yet, the dawning of Spring break, and Open Mic Night at Vida e Caffe. I first stopped off at another establishment to see friends that I have solely neglected and then, with smile in place went to Vida.

As I was navigating through tracks and traffic, having only been able to find a parking place in front of the Silver Belt, I hear,  “Mrs. Stennerson! You Missed our act”.  Oh no. I was late again. I missed Brandon Buchanan, Josh Dobbs, and Michael Cook. I said my apologies, but all was not lost. Thanks to the miracle of technology I was able to watch the video tape of their performance. They played their own version of the famous Eagle’s song, “Hotel California”, but with a twist. They played “Hotel Arizona”. So before I even made it to the door I watched my first act. What a great life!

With a chuckle, and that crazy smile on my face I walked in to Vida. Packed again! The place was buzzing with energy, music, conversation, and the omnipresent buzz of the espresso machine. As I settled in, which was tricky due to the sheer number of people, I saw familiar faces and new faces. As I stayed put for a few minutes, as I watched my second favorite man in black, David Haynes. I hear he has a new guitar to play to us now as he sings those ballads. Nice David! Earl Knoob played next, as I was wandering around again, he did a favorite Bob Dylan. Brought those old memories back. Thank you Earl. … Continue Reading

Molly ‘n Me (a Valentine)

By Darin Lowery

Molly is the only woman I know who can go to a fancy-dress party (hair high, neckline low), grab her Craftsman power drill from the back of her truck, and fix the host’s garage door. Then, ladylike, wipe her hands on the back of her cocktail dress and join the other guests. I adore that about her.

Molly, perky at nine in the morning, says, “We have to decide what our Retail Spring Colors will be for the shop…. got any ideas?”

“Black,” I mutter. Nine a.m. is so early.“Aw, come on! Let’s pick something bright, and we’ll do the whole shop in it!”

“Black and, oh… I don’t know. Black. That’s it- black and black.”

“Spring colors, Darin! Spring! Happy-Happy!”

“Molly”, I groan, “I am trying to read the Copper Country News. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ made page one again-“

“Please, don’t start. Let’s just run over to the Country Kitchen and get some waffles-“

I laugh. “Hey! The newspaper should buy the restaurant and call it the Copper Country Kitchen! ‘Table for two? God Bless You’.” … Continue Reading

Jammin’ at Vida e Caffe

By: Laura Stennerson

Wow! The place was packed with supporters and performers. The smell of coffee and the noise of the espresso machine added to the undercurrent of excitement I felt as I walked in. I headed to the counter, because I knew I would never relax without a delicious Vida latte in hand. I scanned the room. I saw Jared Spencer looking rather official. I had not seen Jared since December at an art opening at Miami Art Works Gallery, where he had performed, I wanted to find out what he had been doing. Mostly though, I just wanted to laugh. Jared is a comic genius with a refreshing life perspective. He told me he was hosting the event. He too, was amazed at the number of people who wanted to perform at open mic. Jared was keeper of the clip board and there was no funny business about that. Jared explained that performers played in the order they signed up to play. Period. As I checked the list, and realized I had already missed two performers.  … Continue Reading

Miami Arts Commission goes Public

By: Laura Stennerson

The Miami Arts Commission has recently been approved as a not for profit organization which will give the Commission the ability to apply for grants, seek sponsorships, and expand memberships to fund art related projects in Miami.  They will work with existing projects such as Boom Town Spree and Miami Loco Art Show; as well as develop new projects such as the Bloody Tanks River Walk Project, which will feature a walking trail with permanent and temporary art installations. Other ideas include an artist registry, outdoor performance art, sidewalk art shows and art education programs for the public.  The group also wants to promote our unique area to filmmakers and photographers. … Continue Reading

Globe Historic Home & Building Tour

Second Saturday’s Poetry Forum

By: Laura Stennerson

Second Saturday’s Poetry Forum at Vida E Caffe may change. Randy Landers, the English instructor/advisor for Gila Community College, is considering changing the Poetry Forum to a Talent Show format. Mr Landers is hoping this will encourage performance artists, as well as, poets to come to Vida to perform. Some of the performance art I heard mentioned was drama, skits, comedy, music, monologues, and short stories. I already know many local people who excel in these genres.  I recently saw the Miami High School drama group, under the direction of Mary Yazzie, perform skits for the opening of the 23 and Under All Youth Art Show at Miami At Works Gallery on Sullivan Street. … Continue Reading

Second Friday’s at the Copper Mine Picture Cafe

By: Laura Stennerson

Second Friday’s showcase local talent at Jim Coates Copper Mine Picture Cafe on Sullivan Street in Miami. Every second Friday, Jim polishes the espresso machine, puts out yummy treats to purchase, and sets up the microphone, and from there on out, showtime. Jim has been serving up open mic night for a while now, and I try not to miss it. The event is every second Friday of the month from 7 till 9 pm. … Continue Reading