VENUE: KAFE KEROUAC

Written by Meghan Kelly

Photo courtesy of Writers' Block Poetry Night

Photo courtesy of Mike Heslop on Facebook

Mike Heslop is the backbone of a local café you might have heard of: Kafe Kerouac, (www.kafekerouac.com) the best coffee shop north of Lane Avenue. How did it all come about, and how did such a small place remain open during these harsh financial times? Mike’s answer, “I’m stubborn and I don’t like to give up.” Really, is there any better business plan than that?

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

            What type of crowd will you find at Kafe Kerouac? Just about anyone. You’ll find mostly 20 something grad students working or studying, and the occasional vagabond just passing through. However, what is most noticeable, are Kafe Kerouac’s strong supporters - people will drive across the city regularly to come back and work here. Many customers have developed a strong sense of loyalty, and seem to feel as though they are a part of the coffee shop success.

            “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

            To succeed in the middle of recession (upon recession) Mike keeps his prices low, buys local and has friends that routinely help out. To some it may feel ‘clique-ish’ but Mike and his employees work hard at trying to make everyone feel welcome. I having been going to Kafe Kerouac since about the time they opened and in that time, I have never felt anything other than welcome.

            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.

            “Typically coffee shops are known as a meeting place to discuss current issues. I can’t find anywhere else in town that matches the type of intimacy we provide. So after about 5 years it is finally turning into the space I had wanted.” –Mike

            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.

Every week:
            - 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.

Scott Woods, Writers Block Poetry

            “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

            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 2^nd 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

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ARTIST PROFILES: NORTHWOOD PROJECT

Written by Josh Weiker

It blows my mind how many good bands there are in this city. Right when you think you’ve started to get a grasp on what the local music scene has to offer, a scattered mess of instrument aficionados congeal to create a new beastly monster of sound - that is precisely what happened in the case of Northwood Project.

            Lets just start with the obvious; when going to a live show, if you see more than 6 people on stage, you can place a safe bet that your ears will be ringing by the time you leave (i.e. - its gonna get loud). Well, this band has nine people … that’s right, I said it – NINE! For the record, that’s a guitarist, a bassist, a trumpet player, a keys player, a few saxophones, a drummer and a power-duo of vocalists that flawlessly blend the strong, soulful voice of Talisha Holmes and the rousing rhymes of Cast the Diety – so basically, take this as your warning: mic’s will be rocked, speakers will be blarring, and the booties will be a-shakin’.  

            Each song brings immense amounts of intense musical power. I was beside myself just listening to how this group moves with syncopated stops, drops, hits and grooves. What’s more, is how they, like so many other great acts, incorporate a wide variety of genres throughout their performances. While the most apparent style hovers around a very funky sorta hip-hop and R & B-ish vibe, you will quickly find yourself in the middle of a relatively heavy rock progression – I found myself double and triple checking the stage to make sure that it was the same band still playing.

            Northwood Project continues the great line of local-based, live-instrument hip-hop groups, with overflowing talent and creatively composed set lists unlike you’ve ever known to be true [see G. Finesse & the N.S.; the L.E.S. Crew; Stretch Lefty]. It is scary how good this band is, for how little time they’ve spent together. I highly suggest you keep an eye out for this group, and go see them at your earliest chance, and don’t worry, you can thank me later.

Check it out:

In BusTown’s latest collaboration, ‘The Oranjudio Sessions,’ we offer an up-close and behind-the-scenes look at some of Columbus’s most dynamic musicians from inside the recording studio …

(VIDEO) Northwood Project – “Let It Go”
http://www.bustownvideos.blogspot.com/2011/12/oranjudio-sessions-northwood-project_08.html

… this video features three of the nine members from Northwood Project, with guest sit-ins by Bustown’s own Evan Oberla (trombone) and Joey Gurwin (percussion)

Northwood Project

Talisha Holmes - Vocals
Cast the Diety  - MC
Jason Deran - Trumpet

Jack Menkedick – Alto/Bari Sax
Christian Secrist – Tenor Sax
Josh Altfater – Guitar
Kyle Maloney – Bass
Jake Rapport - Keys
Will Wells - Drums

 

Special Thanks:
Northwood Project
Scarlet & Grey Café 

‘Oranjudio Sessions’ Video captured and edited by Ginger Attack VideoProductions

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ARTIST PROFILES: DIRTY GIRLS

written by Josh Weiker

“I’m going to see Dirty Girls tonight – you wanna come?” The correct answer without a doubt or any hesitation should be a definite and immediate “YES!” Without even knowing what it is or what’s happening – simply having those two words in conjunction equates for what can only be described as the implication of a magnificent adventure. 

            Fortunately, if you dare venture out to see these dirty, Dirty Girls, your ear holes will be rewarded with a fanciful audial precession of hook-based, high-energy nostalgic rock tunes.  Reminiscent of 1960’s retro-Cali surfer-pop rock, this foursome will have you twistin’ and shakin’ all night long, as if you were hangin’ with the gang at the local malt shoppe.

            Perhaps it’s because every song they play is so damn catchy – but it can be really easy to get carried away rocking out and not even notice how well their songs are written. The lines jumping out of Jeremy Fina’s bass are abnormally melodic, not only for a bass player, but also a lead singer. Meanwhile, holding down the rest of the band’s merry-making melodies are guitarists Stefan Doke and Dennis Tanner; with Matt Whitslar (drums) providing the rhythmic foundation – keeping everything at a steady up-tempo pace. This group of party boys, known as Dirty Girls, blend their sounds with layers of hooks, riffs and progressions that are seemingly simplistic, yet undeniably enjoyable.

            So yes, the cat is out of the bag … Dirty Girls, are actually guys… but come on, the phrase ‘Dirty Guys’ just doesn’t have the same ring, ya know? (plus, its redundant) Nevertheless, go see these guys. They have such an amazing stage presence, and have so much fun on stage that it feels like they are in the crowd partying with you; which just might end up happening … in which case, I suggest you bring your party pants…

Dirty Girls Members include:

Stefan Doke – Guitar
Dennis Tanner – Guitar
Jeremy Fina – Bass/ Vocals
Matt Whitslar – Drums 

For more info., please check out 'Dirty Girls' on Facebook

Special Thanks to Woodlands Tavern

MORE PHOTOS

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ARTIST PROFILES: HOTEL WAR

Written by Raad Shubaily

The White Stripes may have thrown in the towel, but blues-rock has not.  This is exceedingly apparent if you ever find yourself in a bar and Hotel War is in the building.  Before I ever saw the trio, a friend told me “They’re sort of harder, man. Good harder, though.”

I didn’t know how to feel about such a vague statement.  The band I’m in had a gig lined up with Hotel War, so when the night finally came, I took the opportunity to check out their set.  That was not the last time I saw them, and their performance last Friday at the Rumba café won’t be either.

What my friend was trying to say is that they rock hard. Super hard. Building spiraling melodic structures around bluesy, gritty riffs seems to be an area of expertise for them. Think ‘The Black Keys’ meets ‘The White Stripes’ and every band from the 70’s that meant anything at all to rock and roll. Singer Curt Apwisch has the croon of an early Caleb Followill from Kings of Leon, piled on top of mountainous distortion and sweeping guitar riffs.

The EP Hotel War released earlier this year, Rebels Out of Time, provides a great snapshot of their musical direction.  It captures their timeless rock and roll attitude perfectly. The opening lyrics even prove it, with Apwisch singing “I feel wild and crazy / I feel so amazing / wild and young and wasted.”

Hotel War makes a lot of sound for a three-piece, and you won’t soon forget it.  Rebels Out of Time is available on a name-your-own-price basis, and it’s highly recommended by us here at Bustown Music that you do go name your price.  If you’ve ever listened to rock or blues music in your entire life, you will like this band. It’s impossible not to.

 Band Members include:

Curt Apwisch: Vocals & Bass 
Justin Nash: Guitar

Brandon Fisher: Drums

For more on Hotel Wars, please check out  http://www.hotelwar.blogspot.com/

 'Like' Hotel War on Facebook

  

 

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ARTIST PROFILES: THE ALPINE GHOST

Written by Raad Shubaily

In an age where most pop songs are three-minute love songs, there are still those among us who believe in a more engaging musical structure. Alpine Ghost doesn’t simply do what needs to be done and move on.  The first thing that struck me about them were their more complex and entertaining song structures.  Most of the songs on their 6-track EP are well over three minutes, including blissful crescendos and extended solo sections. They’re more like fleshed out compositions rather than the usual short, poppy hit single.

       

There’s a long list of comparisons that can be made to the self-proclaimed jazz rockers. Not only does Jack Menkedick make the sax cool again, but it also inspires similarities to bands like The Zutons and Morphine. 

One person at a recent Alpine Ghost show said they “take ska and obliterate it.”

TAKE A LISTEN!

I personally see a lot of Radiohead in them, and their more aggressive songs can come across like early Modest Mouse tunes. Aggressive is a key word. I’ve never been very interested in harder music, but their faster songs are just a bit punky, not hostile. It’s cool when a band has peaks and valleys at a concert, instead of just playing fast and loud the whole time or quiet and slow. Another aspect of their appeal is their serious musicianship.  Any of the members could solo all day if they needed to. The extended sax and guitar solos are a special treat, as not every band can even provide them. 

             

With an exciting live set and solid recordings, Alpine Ghost is doing it right.  I’ve had their album playing in my car for something like two or three weeks now.   They currently have a number of local performances coming up, and also a trip to Dayton.  While there’s certainly no shortage of gigs, I’m most excited about the next time they release an album. 

Members of The Alpine Ghost include:  

Jack Menkedick (Vocals, Sax, Didgeridoo)
Brandon Paul (Percussion, Keyboards)
Andrew Sais (Guitar, Vocals)
Alex Jewell (Bass)

Check out http://thealpineghost.com/ for more information on The Alpine Ghost 

'Like' The Alpine Ghost on Facebook 

Follow The Alpine Ghost on twitter 

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