Live Entertainment Gains Popularity Throughout South County
WILMINGTON, N.C.-- (HOUSTON COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS) -- August 01, 2005 -- Like a throw back to the beatnik bars of the 60s, an eclectic crowd gathered at Port City Java for Open Mic Friday. On hand were many talented artists whose cerebral lyrical prose affected onlookers by the accompanying music that brought their crafted words to life.
" If I had to give you a comment about what Port City Java is doing, I would have to say to your readers, ' Don't come ' - it's that good, " said Lonnie Best, a dedicated frequenter of the establishment every time he is in the Houston area. " I want to keep this little secret all to myself. "
On hand Friday night were many local artists who sang songs closest to their heart - their own. Zed Daniels, a security guard for The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center by day, played several sets to the crowd's delight with music good enough to air on any popular radio station.
" There really wasn't a place for the local music scene, until now, " Daniels said. " I am really grateful that Port City Java is providing this venue for us. "
Cheering on Daniels that night was Philett Carter, hotel manager for the resort and conference center. " He (Daniels) is so good, " Carter said. " We are just out here supporting him. Everyone tonight has just been great. "
Though the crowd is small, they are loyal.
" I come here every Friday, " said Conroe resident Tiffany McKenna. " It's just a great place to come and relax, enjoy the music and hear great sounding local artists. "
Hosting the evening was Gary Joe Cameron, a regular host at Open Mic Fridays at Port City Java. Cameron is also a musician and accompanies the artists with slight essences of flair by playing the harmonica and other melody-blending, beat-lifting instruments.
" We are out here every Friday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and have been for several months, " Cameron said. " We have a lot of talented artists join us and the crowd really seems to enjoy it. "
Port City Java owners Carol and Kirk Goldman are thrilled with the response from the community. " We are really excited about providing a place for local talent, " Kirk Goldman said. " Anyone is welcomed to play, sing or both. And we invite our customers to come out, sip on a latté and hear some great local sound. "
More and more an out breaking of " express yourself " venues in The Woodlands are cropping up with both Borders in Market Street and Barnes & Noble at The Woodlands Mall jumping on the bandwagon.
Barnes & Noble offers Open Mic Night poetry readings and will feature award-winning poet, Robert Phillips, in this month's " Poet's Unleashed " night.
" We always get quite a gathering of people, " said Kevin Boney, store manager for Barnes & Noble. " We will have 60 to 70 people here on some nights. Customers really enjoy poetry readings. "
Robert Phillips is the author or editor of some 30 volumes of poetry and fiction. He will be at the store July 16 at 7 p.m.
Borders has flung its doors open to The Woodlands Songwriters Association the second Monday of each month in the café area from 7-8:30 p.m.
" The Woodlands Songwriter's Association recently began holding their monthly meetings at Borders and added a performance showcase on a Saturday toward the end of each month at 8 p.m., " said Cullen Graff, district marketing manager for Borders. " Performers rotate monthly and are invited to promote their CDs and upcoming gigs. This showcase helps raise the awareness of the musical talent that exists in The Woodlands, while also providing an evening of entertainment for the Borders customer. We hope this relationship continues to develop and that residents of The Woodlands begin to look at Borders as a fun and casual environment for literary, musical and family entertainment. " Port City Java is located at 3091 College Park Drive in the College Park Plaza Shopping Center. Call (936) 271-4904 or visit www.portcityjava.com to learn more. Gary Joe Cameron may be contacted at garycameron1@msn.com.
About the Port City Java® Brand
Port City Java® is located in Wilmington, NC. The Company opened its first café in March 1995, in Wilmington, NC. The Company began Roasting in October 1995 and Franchising in September 2003. Port City Java® has created a specific identity by creating an " all day approach " to sales, through its café environment. For additional information regarding Port City Java®, please email us.
