RHYTHMS CAFE Experience Gourmet Coffee and Local Live Music

Olympia welcomes Rhythms Coffee where customers relax with refined coffee drinks while listening to local musicians. It’s a match made for optimizing musical talent – whether you are performing or enjoying. Owners Kim, David and Aly Durbin have created a sensational community gathering space.

Crowds indicate that the word is spreading. “We are seeing what we wanted to see. Local talents get to express themselves in a safe place,” says David. Open mic nights have been packed with up to 25 performers. “Musicians perform to an actual audience. The focus is on whomever is playing,” explains David. People are listening and showing appreciation through the tip jar. Keith Porteous, sound engineer and emcee, keeps things moving along.

During the day, people can play and sing after securing permission from the staff. There’s an 1889 upright piano available donated by a local piano tuner. “It’s one of the best things,” says Kim.

Coffee and tea are sourced through Blossom Coffee Roaster, a family business from Vashon Island. Rhythms chose its quality level and skill to provide memorable, clean, flavorful cups of coffee. “We have a simple, refined menu,” says David. There is a recipe and size for each drink to make sure you can taste the coffee. “People are appreciating that now,” notes David.

You can select one of several housemade syrups: vanilla, lavender, or candied orange. Tea drinkers receive an individually prepared sachet of black, green, or herbal blend tea. Organic milk, whole chocolate for the mochas and in-house chia spices are on hand. Sweet and savory snacks from the Bread Peddler will satisfy your appetite.

Rhythm’s comfy ambiance with floor-to-ceiling posters, photographs and art was designed and curated by David and Aly. You’ll be called to take a moment to look more closely. Every seat in the house is a good one whether you are there to watch pedestrians stroll by or listen to the entertainment. The music scene is happening at Rhythms –meet or be the next star.

You can submit audition music to be considered for a weekend performance. Open mic is on Mondays and any music style is possible. Poetry and storytelling are scheduled for the second Tuesday of the month

v MARY ELLEN PSALTIS

For Additional Information rhythms-coffee.com