Music & Non-Alcoholic Spirits in Oak Park- A New Mindset on Hip Nightlife at Berkley Coffee

A surprising hidden gem in what is called the "Water Tower Social District" on the border of Berkley and Oak Park was found a few weekends ago in the Entity of Berkley Coffee. This new Business has been in operation for 6 months and is dedicated to the the fusion of a Music-filled, Non-Alcoholic Social Gathering Concept. Down a part of 11 mile road in a light-Industrial hodgepodge of Buildings is a strip Mall of Cool Businesses that include this Coffee Bar & Eatery. Originally here to see the Music Acts shining at this Establishment- I also stayed to hear the Story behind their unique Business Concept.

THE MUSIC

The Bands playing this evening were The Idiot Kids & Hail Alien. We talked to the Members of Hail Alien, a new Experimental Punk/Synth Band that had a fabulous set. Shawn & Spenser make up HAIL ALIEN. This Experimental Minimal Punk Rock Band actually plays made-up the Songs as they go along! They have "Layers" already in mind on the Songs. They may have played similar songs before and just build upon them. They enjoy creating these layers of music.

When picking the Bands or Performers, Kenny Showler, the Owner of Berkley Coffee,  goes for Variety. "We are trying to break boundaries, you know? "I like a Variety of Music". They are Focus-Testing the Bands they bring in to see how they are received by the Customers. Nightlife with Bands usually involves drinking and Kenny is trying to reshape the Music-Alcohol union. His Bar has no Alcohol in it.  This is a big challenge as alot of times after a break (in the Sets) it's straight to Brewery at other Bars. "It's almost like a sick status- to say you can't enjoy yourself without Alcohol" 

We talked to Berkley Mother, Pat, whose son is Andrew, the Drummer for The Idiot Kids. She was with Sally of Berkley. Pat says this Coffee Bar is a "Gem". She is a big fan of the all of the Owners in this Strip of Businesses as they are "working hard" to grow this Entertainment District.

THE COFFEE SHOP/SOCIAL AREAS

Between Band Sets we talked to the Owner, Kenny.

"There's alot more going on in here than Coffee" he said "I grew up with music and it's always so tightly associated with Alcohol" Kenny mentioned that the Far end of his tasteful Bar is where "a Bar just minus alcohol" The glasses used are classical Drink glasses- perhaps gives the illusion of one being at a Mainstream Bar helps Folks melt into the new type of Bar. 

We got a lesson in Drink-Making and the Chemistry of Drink Taste from this knowledgeable Owner. The complex drinks like Manhattans can be centered on the other flavors other than alcohol. There are so many flavors in most drinks one may not even know what they are drinking in a traditional Bar. The experience here is one of an upscale Bar but without Alcohol. Kenny is very well-versed in the making of Spirits and told this Blogger many facts about said making. This knowledge would seem to help him and his Staff to better the beverages he makes without the ethanol alcohol.

The nice decor of the Coffee Bar hast two rooms- The main room has a large stage to the right as One walks inside; A long curving Bar with Coffee Choices to the left and the Curving Bar on the other end set up like a traditional bar on the right. There are even the standard "Beers on Tap" dispensing area behind the Bar, all non-alcoholic. The second Room is an "Alternative Seating" Area- A Quiet Room which included comfortable chairs and a couch along with a kids area. There is also a drums & Piano set-up ready-to-go. This space can be rented for Private Events too.

The feel of this establishment is definitely putting One in a social mood is strong. It's beautiful and has the feel of what One knows already- a Bar. The whole Business definitely is a meeting place for friends to just hang out. It centers around the delicious concoctions made by the Staff. "It's an adventure to explore all of these products. The Beers are all fully produced Beers just without the Ethanol". says Kenny.

With 30 Non-Alcoholic Beers; Non-Alcoholic Wines & Cocktails plus a nice selection of Food (Soups and Sandwiches), this place has all One needs for a night out. Sodas and related items too are available- It really stands out as a beacon to the more relaxed Social Entertainment Buff. "I'm trying to change the thought-process behind why you are out and putting in your mouth"

This place is great- it is among a District that isn't as well known as places like downtown Royal Oak or Ferndale. But it has the potential to be a really groovy place to hang when it gets better known!

                                    MORE PHOTOS

RIBS and WEINER DOGS RACES and MONSTER TRUCKS, OH MY! The 2022 MICHIGAN RIB FEST

The 5th Annual Michigan Rib Fest may be over but the smoked goodness of the food lingers along with the memories of fun had by the Patrons.

This yearly Event takes place on the 21 acre Historical Landmark of Canterbury Village in Lake Orion- a Michigan-based Company with a Sister Entity that has traveling Events involving Dinosaur Exhibits, Halloween and Various Holiday Strolls. The Rib Fest had a Non-Profit called Friends of The Castle which were involved in producing this July 4th Holiday Event.

Surprisingly easy parking along with a nice staff ushered in the walk around the grounds of the Village. "It's awesome" says first-time visitor Jason from Lennon, Michigan. "I can't wait to see the Pig Races and I want to go on a Monster Truck Ride". He also is excited to try the Ribs at the Festival.

THE FOOD & RIBS

It seemed like everywhere you turned there were goodies from Ice Cream to Gyros. Of Course the Ribs were flowing from kiosks and Food Trucks. There was a area behind the Main Castle Building that had alot of Food Vendors with choices like Funnel Cake, Corn Dogs, Ribs, Gyros and more.

WIENER & PIGLET RACES

Both super cute Wiener Dogs in Hot Dog Costumes and Piglets raced in groups of 4 around a track during shows throughout he day at the Fest. Volunteers were asked to help from the Audience to wave the Winner Flag and help supervise the Races.

VENDORS

A full assortment of Vendors from Clothing to Food were sprinkled among the large Festival. There was something for everyone.

We caught up with the Kettle Corn Vendor at the Festival named Sheepdog Kettlecorn of Brooksville, Florida. We spoke to Cathy and Michael Beckwith and talked about the history of their Business and how Kettlecorn is made. This "side" Business was brought up from Florida and they will see how it does here as they recently bought a Cottage in Michigan. "The Weekend has been pretty good although I think people don't tend to go out as much when it's hot but we've had a good Weekend" This is their first time at the Rib Fest. They did have a Food Truck for the Food Truck Rally recently at Canterbury Village.

MONSTER TRUCK RIDES

On one corner of the Property a Large Monster Truck gives rides in the back of it while it does turns and circles. Everyone is always smiling when in the back of the truck and it seems like alot of fun.

THE MUSIC

There were alot of Bands- I got to see Jeremy Porter, Live Band Karaoke, Scott Lee Duo, The Firewalkers and Sweet Willie Tea. Some really outstanding groups. My favorite had to be The Scott Lee Duo as I love Synth Music.

FARM ANIMALS

A Kennel containing a Lama and several goats was hidden right in the middle of the Festival. One could purchase food and feed the cute Critters.

The Michigan Rib Fest 2022 was alot of fun- there were other activities we never got to report on (Wrestling for example) but there is always next year!

Mitzvah Tank Parade brings hope in troubled Times

Levi Gokin & Isser Lieelich, two students from Yeshiva Detroit have been rolling up to locations in Oakland County to spread the Light. When this Reporter says roll, he means in a big RV nicknamed "The Mitzvah Tank"

With the Holiday of Passover comes the RVs known a "Mitzah Tanks". When the Chabad Labavitch started in the 70's the Founder thought of this idea in New York. " It's an RV that we transform into a portable Jewish Center and drive around to the Jews around the area and do good deeds with them" says Isser.

The "Tanks" roll on "momentous occasions" ,Holidays like Passover and also a super-special occasions like the  Founder's Rebbi's 120's Honorary Birthday says Isser. "we hope to accplish is to spread light all over the world for Jews and Non-Jews- to spread kindness" said Levi.

There are other "Mitzah Tanks" and after Oakland County they will go onto other Cities...

Until next year then!

Ann Arbor Cover Band THE EXTRUSIONS rocks local Club

Ann Arbor has never had it so good musically. Local Cover Rock Band, The Extrusions, was a gem in the night on the outskirts of the City. The cool Private Club, Zal Gaz Grotto Club, is the location were this Rock Cover Band has a regular gig- a Rock Oasis, so to speak.               

Covering almost all genres of Rock and alternative Rock Music, this Band has alot of range. This 6-piece with a Professional Sound guy

and is always adding new songs unlike alot of Cover Bands. 

The Band's presence is solid of stage with one of their new Songs for the night, Pyscho Killer, even included a David Burns-type Costume from the Lead Singer!

A great dance floor is right in front of the Stage at The Grotto- along with an attached Bar in a nearby room. And there was dancing! A great Crowd which seemed to include alot of Regulars. Very good vibes from this crowd, this night- fun was in the air!

                                      VIDEO: "Better Man"Cover!

I will be going back in April to enjoy this Band again! More photos and video then!