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.