BusTown Reviews
Written by Meghan Kelly
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| Photo courtesy of Mike Heslop on Facebook |
After graduating from The Ohio State University, Mike bartended at the airport while playing music and writing on his own time. That is when he got the idea to open a café’… but this wouldn’t be the standard coffee shop, instead there would be books, games, records, and beer.
“I had this idea to open a café which would be
a place that wasn’t just a coffee shop, but also a bar and bookstore. A place
where artists and writers go to hang out, that was the original concept.” –Mike
Mike envisioned a place where
everyone would be welcome to hangout, share ideals, ideas and debate. Think of
a typical Parisian café gathering spot for artists and writers in the early
20th century; now change that French to English, throw in 50-80 years of
progression and what you have is Mike, and Kafe Kerouac. How did the vision
become a reality?
The cafe opened in May of 2004,
as it took about a year and a half to go from conception to actually being open.
Since then, the space has been forever changing and evolving. For instance, after
a year they expanded into the room next door, which had been originally used as
an extra study and additional storage space.
“The second room provides a
muting between the rooms; it’s like a sound proofing. So in the front room
people can be reading or studying and the sound of maybe a play next door
doesn’t disrupt. Plus you have that great ambiance by having books around. We
added track lighting for the stage; we added a larger P.A and bigger mixing
board. So now we can offer more, and cater to a bigger audience.” –Mike
“We are considered the ‘hipster hangout,’ the disenfranchised middle class white kids who ride up on their bikes with their tight jeans and All Stars. Those people are great but I never meant it to evolve to one group or social group, that wasn’t my vision, I just wanted a mix of people who are looking to express themselves.” –Mike
Mike is not very political, but Kafe
Kerouac stands out as a leftist place and so he ends up working as a middle man
between heated discussions a lot of the time. It’s a creative way to go grow academically,
to be surrounded and a part of scholarly conversations.
It has been a learning experience, but making a lot of money was never the idea. Instead as a place that provides people a platform, Kafe Kerouac has succeeded.
- Tuesday is game night
- Wednesday night features poetry slams brought to you by Writers Block.
- Thursday night is Comedy night.
- Local musicians and fundraising groups often use the space on Friday night.
Once a month, Kafe Kerouac has a ‘First Draft Poetry” event, which normally has a theme.
“It’s
fun to see a group or person start out here and then watch as they sign with a
label and their careers really take off.” –Mike
- Local musicians and fundraising groups often use the space on Friday night.
Once a month, Kafe Kerouac has a ‘First Draft Poetry” event, which normally has a theme.
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| Scott Woods, Writers Block Poetry |
When Mike isn’t behind the counter
you may see him onstage with the “Shazzbots” a kids musical group that Mike
started out with some friends. They played over 50 shows last year and are on
track to put out their 2nd album in 2012. (www.theshazzbots.com.) A newer project Mike is working on, called the “Black
Ties,” is a rotating group of his musician friends. Everyone gets a song list
the day of performance and they wing it. It seems as though Mike is like the
energy bunny, he just want stop.
Over the years Kafe Kerouac
routinely transforms itself to meet the needs of students, artists, musicians,
spoken word or live theatrical plays, and the wait was well worth it. What
started out as a one room coffee shop with a few desks and comfy over-sized chairs,
now presents itself as a living room (set up to the left), books lining the
walls and a classic record collection (to your right). This adds to the ambience Mike strives to
create. Inspired by the people who perform, Mike takes their suggestion and is
routinely moving furniture, books and records to change the physical scene and
to make things a little better and flow more smoothly.
If you are looking for a place
to relax, Kafe Kerouac can provide you with that. If you are looking for a
place to hold a meeting, Kafe Kerouac can provide you with that. If you want to
hear some quality local music and eat some local goodies, Kafe Kerouac can
provide you with that. You get the picture. If you’re looking for any or all of
that, head to Kafe Kerouac @ 2250 N. High Street and Northwood. 
Grazie’.
Special Thanks Mike Heslop, Kafe Kerouac
Special Thanks Mike Heslop, Kafe Kerouac
