Blog Archive

Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Mother Fool's is More Than Just Coffee!

Since moving back to Madison, I have become enamored with Mother Fool's Coffeehouse for many reasons. It all started when I discovered their street art wall. I'm like a little kid peeking around the corner to see if it has changed every time I'm in the neighborhood now.

Not to mention, the interior is inviting, funky, and the kind of space where you can curl up with a good book and forget that you aren't at home. The music is at the perfect setting for conversation or to hear yourself think. Delicious vegan soups and mouthwatering baked goods provide sustenance, along with a plethora of beverages. Mother Fool's features temporary art exhibits and live music on the weekends. Can your coffeehouse do all this? Didn't think so....

I sat down to chat with co-owner Jon Hain to get the lowdown:
 
Mother Fool's is so much more than a coffee shop. Why are the arts so important to you?
I have always appreciated the arts and am a musician and artist myself (photographer).

How did the street art wall get started? Who should artists contact if they are interested in painting the wall?
I have always been fascinated with street art and heard about permission walls many years ago. I contacted my alder and around that same time an artist expressed an interest in painting the wall. The three of us had a meeting and the first piece was done on 9/11/01.

Interested artists can sign up by contacting Rob at 608-212-9103. 
 
Do you have any plans in the future for a more extensive food menu?
We don't have a kitchen so we rely on outside vendors to create the products we sell. We are often approached by people with new vegan foods for us to try and are open to bringing on new things.

Where do you see Mother Fool's in five years?
Right here! I just want to keep doing what we are doing. Our staff and customers keep us moving in the right direction, and we cater to our customers' needs while having a good time.

I think it's great that you exhibit artists' work and offer live music. How can artists and musicians contact you to perform or have their work shown here?
They can contact us by visiting our booking page at http://www.motherfools.com

























Now you see why I wanted to share this hidden gem - to be sure everyone makes their way to 1101 Williamson Street (better known as Willy St.)
http://www.motherfools.com/

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Take a trip to the Paoli Schoolhouse Cafe!





Upon my return to Madison, several people told me to eat at the Paoli Schoolhouse Cafe.  I don't even know where Paoli is except that it's out in the country somewhere and riding my bike didn't seem realistic.




I was invited to the cafe today for lunch and what an exceptional treat this place is!  In fact, it's such a hidden gem that it's worthy of multiple bike rides.




The minute I stepped through the door I felt like I was in someone's fancy home.  Envision stunning chandeliers, unique wallpaper, and beautiful furniture in a vintage setting.  I forgot that I was there to eat, because all I wanted to do was look around and take photos (the one day I don't have my good camera).




My companion and I were seated in one of the smaller rooms with views of the patio and river.  I can't wait to return and sit outside on the patio to take in the lovely, peaceful surroundings.  





The lunch menu consists of salads, sandwiches, soup, burgers and schoolhouse favorites.  I chose the robust and mouthwatering Harvest Salad that comes with adorable mini baguettes and chive & honey butterThe cafe offers a separate dinner menu and a full bar with 25+ wine and champagne choices.




Don't even get me started on the shop, which sells dreamy gifts, jewelry, and home accessories.  As if I needed another reason to visit this wonderful place, the cafe offers a free music series on Saturday nights.  




With warm weather finally approaching, I suspect I will be putting some serious mileage on my bike.  I highly recommend finding your way to Paoli, and if you need assistance, I would be happy to hitch a ride.

 http://paolischoolhouseshops.com/

Thursday, April 3, 2014

House Concert in Barcelona

My best-loved memory of spending time in Barcelona is attending a rooftop concert hosted by local couchsurfers.  I joined the local group before arriving, and totally lucked out seeing a post about this gathering.  

The host's band was set to perform, along with a musician from Brooklyn, Robin Aigner, who was on a European tour to promote her album.  They could only allow a certain number of couchsurfers to invade the rooftop, as their own personal friends wanted to attend.

My fingers and toes were crossed that I would make the "cut."  When I found out that I did, I couldn't contain my excitement.  Show time wouldn't come quickly enough.

Upon arriving, I made my way to the top and immediately felt comfortable.  The host was friendly and wasted no time introducing my companion and I to fellow guests.  There were people from all over the world to meet, and I quickly befriended two lovely females from Brazil and Australia.

Electrococo Romera took the stage and played several songs, getting the crowd revved up with their fantastic tunes.  Then it was time for the lovely and talented Robin Aigner to come out and woo us with her brilliant voice and storytelling songs.  

The aura, food, cocktails, music and amazing people made this an evening I will never forget. 


















Saturday, March 29, 2014

Attend the next 30 Minute Music Hour!


 
I love social media, because it recently led me to something I can't get enough of.  Last weekend I attended my first 30 Minute Music Hour taping at the Wisconsin Public Television studio.




Picture yourself in someone's spacious living room with a live band performing right in front of your eyes.  That is the experience you will have if you attend one of these free tapings.




The 30 Minute Music Hour is an intimate setting complete with comfy chairs, sofas, tables and popcorn if you feel like nibbling.  It's reminiscent of the house concerts that are popular in Europe.





I was lucky to nab a front row seat to see the talented and entertaining Kyle Henderson and His Blue Eyed Soul Band.  The only difficult part was staying seated!  The music was so fantastic that I just wanted to be vertical and dance.  

Listen to the sweet sounds of Kyle Henderson and his band right here - http://video.wpt.org/video/2365210332/

I give this first-rate series an enthusiastic two thumbs up!  You can also be part of the show by signing up for the next episode on April 1st (provided there are still openings).  I am anxiously awaiting Klassik and Fresh Cut Collective's performance.
 
http://wptschedule.org/bemoretunedin/attend-a-live-taping-of-30-minute-music-hour/