Java Mic Night at the Mountain Grind in Winter Park

 
 

Mountain Grind Coffee & Bistro Brings Winter Park Live Music with Java Mic Night

For some fun on a Friday night with live music, a cozy atmosphere and yummy treats, come on down to the Mountain Grind Coffee & Bistro in Cooper Creek Square for Java Mic Night. Every week they feature a different artist, based locally, regionally or even nationally, for a variety of musical genres including Blues, Folk, Rock-n-Roll and more.

Along with enjoying great music played live, you can shop the Mountain Grind’s fun and trendy selection of gifts, souveniers and clothing. I love their funny greeting cards and retro magnets.  You can also find some really neat coffee mugs, T-shirts, funky laptop bags and other colorful items.

While you’re at it, sip on a coffee, hot chocolate or even a cocktail now that they have a licence to serve alcohol. The Mountain Grind also has excellent fudge, Italian gelato and other treats. Actually, their Italian gelato is better than any ice cream I’ve ever had, but then again it’s not ice cream, it’s gelato!  They also serve sandwiches, soups, chili (great) and salads, too, but you have to come by before 5pm to get those.

Well, you can see that I’m a fan of the Mountain Grind, but let’s move on to the music! See below for the current line-up for the Java Mic Night Series along with some insider info about each performer. Thanks to Ali Grayson for putting on such a fun weekly event and for providing the following information!

 

Java Mic Night Line-up (all shows are from 7-9pm):

Feb. 26th: Brad Pregeant ($5 cover or $2 for students K-12) 
A local favorite! Music critic Jerry Minnich wrote pianist Brad Pregeant’s “range allows him to shift from jaunty blues to Bill Evansish standards to rippling New Orleans R& B . . .”  Brad Pregeant was born in Louisiana and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in piano performance, Classical. His Java Mic Night performance is sure to be saturated with authentic Cajun goodness! Local high school student & musician, Zach Thorpe, will be opening for Brad with some sultry Blues!

March 5th: Bobby Walker ($5 cover or $2 for students K -12)  - Bobby Walker delivers blues, soul, and funky rock n’ roll performances with his trademark gravelly voice… [and] enthusiasm from the realness of the music he feels.  He has a sense with guitar that drives home a lifetime of authentic music experiences to his audience.  He has many recordings dating back to 1982, and has enjoyed performing all over the Western U.S., as well as Europe and Japan.  Everyone who hears Bobby Walker knows from the first note that he is the Real deal. 

March 12th: Jeremy Dion ($5 cover or $2 for students K-12)
Insightful progressive folk, like John Mayer meeting James Taylor. Tight grooves, soaring harmonies and a vocal style that is soulful, expressive and candid. Jeremy grew up outside Seattle, where he was influenced by the music of Crosby, Stills and Nash, James Taylor, and Paul Simon. Jeremy has been singing, playing guitar, writing songs and performing since he was a student at U.C. Berkley, combining the sounds of his musical influences with a bluegrass twist.

March 19th: Diane French ($5 cover or $2 for students K-12) - For the past several years, the Fraser Valley has been silenced by the intoxicating sound of Diane French and Band.  Performing Songwriter Magazine calls Diane French’s music “soulful”, “cinematic” and “mesmerizing.”  Java Mic Night is excited to feature Diane French again this year! 

March 26th: Gregory Alan Isakov ($10 cover or $2 for students K-12)
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Gregory Alan Isakov’s song-craft lends to the deepest lyrical masterpieces. With hints of his influences, Leonard Cohen, Iron and Wine and Kelly Joe Phelps, Gregory Alan Isakov has been described as “strong, subtle, a lyrical genius” and has shared the stage with touring artists such as Calexico, Ani Difranco, Brandi Carlile, Indigo Girls, Richie Havens, and Fiona Apple. He has performed throughout the United States and Europe and appeared at numerous music festivals such as South By Southwest, Telluride Bluegrass Festival and Rocky Mountain Folks Fest.  Java Mic Night is honored to have GAI as our Season 6 finale show!

 

The Mountain Grind Cafe & Bistro is across from the fountain on the ground level of Cooper Creek Square, which is the three-story brick shopping mall in downtown Winter Park.

For more information, call 970-726-0999. You can also visit www.javamicnight.com,  www.aligraysonmusic.com or www.coopercreeksquare.com

 
 

Top Five Ski Runs at Winter Park Mary Jane Resort

 
 

Top ski runs winter Park Mary JaneBest Ski Runs Winter Park, Colo

With all the snow we have been getting here in Winter Park I thought it would be a good time to do a best of or favorites list of runs here at Winter Park/Mary Jane.   There are lots of runs here in Winter Park so this was no easy  matter coming up with a short five.

Here is a resort trail map to follow along with if you care to.

Well then, here goes my top five ski runs at Winter Park/Mary Jane Resort:

1. Runaway/Trestle – there are a couple of ways to ski this and it all depends on the snow which is better.  If snow is thin take Runaway to the lower part of Trestle avoiding the rock face on upper Trestle.  If the snow is plentiful do all of Trestle and enjoy the jump turns on the rock face.

2. Upper Arrowhead Loop/Rainbow Cut – You get to ski right past Sterling Way and Golden Spike where it seems all the other skiers are heading.  Upper Arrowhead has some very steep bumps and usually great snow.  The run then opens up after the “hero bumps” (that’s how you feel after you ski them) into Rainbow Cut.  Nice and wide with good snow usually up against the trees.

3. Eagle Wind – Not a true run but all the runs off this lift kind of mingle together and there is always good snow and good tree skiing.  The run out at the bottom can be hell on the legs but it’s usually worth the the skiing you were able to enjoy.

4. Belle Fourche ( Bella Foosh) – Thick thick powder, kinda hard to get to and the same crappy run out as Eagle Wind, equals some of the best skiing in Colorado.

5. The Trees – To be specific ‘Topher’s Trees or Buckaroo Trees.  Not on the map and on opposite sides of the resort but some great fun tree skiing.  Ask a local and you may get a guided tour.

I left out Panoramic Express terrain because that is where all guests seem to be heading these days.  There is great skiing over there but anymore there are lots of people to go with them.  And it is chilly on top of Parsenn Bowl.

Think I’m way off or right on?  Leave a comment on what are your favorite runs at Winter Park/Mary Jane.