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| Don't take our word for it....Check out what the press is saying about Mama Java's |
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BEST NEIGHBORHOOD COFFEE HOUSE, CENTRAL PHOENIX (2006) Mama Java's Coffeehouse Look for neighborhood regulars perched at the outside tables, Wi-Fi-ing away with well-behaved pooches at their feet. Enjoy mellow musical and literary events, or just drink in displays of fine art along with your espresso drink, tea, or smoothie. It's a perfect break from the wildly diverse shopping opportunities of Gaslight Square, although, frankly, sometimes you'll want a break from Mama Java's; the joint is really jumping, in a Zen-like way. Its mini-library, for instance, seems designed especially to inspire the musicians, artists and writers who hang here. One night during a bluegrass set, our companion mentioned he'd dreamed that his truck was stolen. We reached for Gustavus Hindman Miller's 1901 classic Ten Thousand Dreams Interpreted, and looked it up: "To dream that you are looking for a carriage, you will have to labor hard, but will eventually be possessed with a fair competency." Now he owes us a scone. |
| THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC April 17, 2004 Coffeehouse puts performers first Cheryl Evans Apr. 17, 2004 12:00 AM Lisa McKay grew tired of performing and working in coffeehouses where music was an afterthought, so she and her husband took things into their own hands.Ten weeks ago, Lisa and Patrick McKay opened Mama Java's Coffeehouse in east Phoenix, where music, poetry and artwork take center stage.Lisa, 33, a 12-year veteran of "slinging espresso" and performing in coffeehouses with her husband, recalls how "we were just tucked in the corner. People just ended up there after a movie on a Saturday night." She says she especially wants to give folk artists "a night where they have an audience that actually wants to hear them." On Tuesdays, the 40-capacity coffeehouse stages an open-mike night that welcomes musicians, poets and other performers. Thursday nights focus on Americana music, Fridays and Saturdays feature everything from jazz to bluegrass to "unplugged" sets. The McKays have teamed with Stu Baker, host of the rootsy Jukebox Cantina on Globe's KRXS-FM (97.3), and Rustic Records' Andy Dannerbeck to plan "The Americana Cafe," a series running Thursdays from April 29 through May 20."The first three sessions are an open call," Lisa says, although acts must sign up in advance. "There are 30 slots over the three nights, 15 minutes each." Audience members, which may include music-industry reps, will discuss the performances and pick three artists to play on the fourth week. That show will be recorded for broadcast on Jukebox Cantina.The coffeehouse, which serves a light breakfast and baked goods but no alcohol, also will host occasional concerts by national artists, such as Tuesday's appearance by country-folk singer Stacey Earl. |
| PHOENIX NEW TIMES Sunday, June 27th 2004 Seems a genuine cafe culture is brewing in Phoenix . . . so buck the Starbucks and bolster local mom-and-pop joints, like Mama Java's Coffeehouse -- a little spot that's big on charm and "dedicated to the concepts of neighborhood, community and open-mindedness." On Sunday, June 27, Mama's got a brand-new bag: Local artist Stephen Michael Barnes unveils "Pictures From My House: A Selection of Paintings, Pastels, Watercolors and Drawings -- 2003-2004." From 7 to 9 p.m., the opening festivities feature performances by violinist Dasha Hlavenka, poet Chris Burawa, performance artists Steve and Theresa Ferreira, and musicians The Real McKays. The show hangs through July 31 at the 'house, |
| Best Coffeehouse To Bring The Kids
Mama Java's Coffeehouse There's a ridiculously catchy children's song that goes, "M-O-M-M-Y needs C-O-F-F-E-E, D-A-D-D-Y needs C-O-F-F-E-E," and once you've heard it, you will find yourself singing it -- especially on those mornings when you have stayed up too late the night before working (or drinking) and your kid decides to greet the day at dawn. On those mornings, or any other time you require refueling, you should take yourself -- and your offspring -- directly to Mama Java's Coffee House. Mama Java's is a coffee house in the traditional, down-to-earth mold: The baristas are welcoming but not in-your-face friendly, the couches are comfortable, and the walls are lined with shelves of books that aren't just there because somebody at corporate HQ decided books look "authentic." You can get a nice cup of coffee or a properly brewed mug of tea, and a little nosh to go with. Junior can sip on milk, chew a bagel and loll on the couch for a few peaceful moments. You might even get a chance to take one of those books off the shelves . . . And be sure to check out Mama's musical events, perfect for kids or, better yet, for a night you score a sitter. |
| "WordSpoken" @ MAMA JAVA'S COFFEEHOUSE Phoenix New Times July 28, 2005 Contrary to what people with names like "Billy Bob" might say, coffee houses aren't only for pacifist folkies anymore, and poetry's not just for pussies. Now, angry artists rail their rage in rhyme at spoken-word nights like WordSpoken at Mama Java's Coffeehouse, 3619 East Indian School Road, where the subject matter encompasses everything from motherhood to street hustling. Local storytellers Resa Ferreira and Barb Geiss co-host the weekly Monday night event, which started out as a casual meeting of writers who gathered to share their work. When the group outgrew people's living rooms, Ferreira and Geiss started WordSpoken and left the mic open. So be the bad-ass bard you've always wanted to be at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Call 602-840-5282 or visit www.mamajavascoffeehouse.com. |
