On the corer of Virginia and Main Streets sits Evansville’s latest addition to culture and entertainment: Abbey Road Coffee Bean Emporium. Nestled in the heart of the city, just north of downtown, this little stop is sure to be a great addition to the community. The owner, Jay Zimmer, had a 40-year career in broadcast journalism before a turn of events led him to where he is today. After being laid-off in January 2009 Zimmer made the decision to pursue his dream of opening a coffeehouse, and all the pieces fell into place.
The interior of the place is best described as “Early-American Yard Sale,” and is furnished with mis-matched sofas, tables, chairs and lamps. There is free wifi, local art for sale and even a spot reserved for regular customers to hang their mug on a peg for safe keeping. It’s cozy, warm and inviting. The coffee’s not bad either. It’s just the kind of place where you would want to relax and play your guitar, and on Friday May 6th that’s exactly what you can do.
Introducing: the first ever Abbey Road Acoustic Night. Everyone is welcome to play or just sit and listen. There’s no cover, but please make a purchase. Bring your guitar, banjo, mandolin, violin, harmonica, upright bass, or any other acoustic instrument down for what is bound to be a great time. Bring your friends or your band, just be ready to share the spotlight. Zimmer’s hopes for the evening are high. In his mind he sees area musicians coming together to meet, jam, have fun and maybe even start new projects out of the event. It’s essentially going to be a hootenanny (although Zimmer hesitates to call it that). For this event the stress is on the word acoustic. There will be a small house PA system for microphones and to plug in instruments, but if you show up with an amp, electric instrument or drum set you will be turned away. It’s got to be a low-key evening in a place so small, and Zimmer won’t have it any other way.
Zimmer is very excited about the evening and hopes to have more in the future. In fact, it will ideally become a monthly occurrence. In addition to the acoustic nights, Zimmer plans on having other events such as art shows, poetry readings and open mic nights for comedians. Be on the lookout for events by checking in with them on facebook or their website this summer. And, be sure to bring your friends and guitars down this Friday for the first ever acoustic night. It’s sure to be a blast! Music starts at 6 pm and goes as late as it needs to.
