Rylee Bapst performs at Donkey Coffee in Athens, Ohio on March 24, 2022.
THE BEAT
LIVE!
Donkey Coffee
How a local coffee shop helps community members resocialize in a post-COVID environment. BY AMBER PHIPPS | PHOTOS BY PEARL SPURLOCK | DESIGN BY BROOKE GARRETT
T
he students at Ohio University finish their tasks on a Thursday evening and soon find themselves on their way to a local coffee shop with their friends. Upon rounding the corner onto Washington Street, the soothing sound of an acoustic guitar fills the air from what appears to be an old house. While stepping through the front door of Donkey Coffee and Espresso, the aroma of fresh brewed coffee blends with the worn, colorful couches and local artwork adorning the walls. After grabbing a cup of warm coffee, the lure of live music is just past the wall of colorful hats and an old-fashioned juke box. Since its opening about 20 years ago, Donkey Coffee has been hosting an open stage every Thursday night from 8-10 p.m. for local musicians and college students to sing and perform. The art of music and live performances can be enjoyed by supportive audience members in a comfortable, safe place. The audience cheers and encourages each musician that appears onstage and makes sure they feel supported throughout the performance. Hosted by Dave Deibi, Thursday nights are alive with music and local musicians that perform for the audience with singing, instruments and sometimes a melodic combination of both. Deibi is a proud member of the live music at Donkey Coffee and continues to host every live music event.
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backdrop | Spring 2022
