25 Years of Caffeine, Catches, and Crazy Coincidences at the Unurban!

For a quarter of a century, the Unurban Coffee House

has been more than just a purveyor of fine java and delectable pastries – it’s been a stage, a sanctuary, and a sometimes-chaotic, always-charming home to a motley crew of singers, dancers, a piano man with nimble fingers, and a rotating cast of special guest stars. Imagine, if you will, a place where Broadway dreams meet beatnik vibes, where tap shoes echo alongside poetry slams, and where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the electric energy of a live performance.

That’s the Unurban, baby!

It all started with… well, nobody really remembers exactly when it started. Rumor has it, the first performance was a spontaneous open mic night that erupted after someone accidentally spilled a latte on the piano keys. From that auspicious beginning, a tradition was born.

Our resident piano man, affectionately known as “Fingers” Brad Kay, has been tickling the ivories since day one (or at least, close enough). His repertoire ranges from classic show tunes to boogie-woogie barnburners, and he can improvise a melody on the spot based on what someone’s wearing (true story!). Brad Kay is the backbone of the Unurban experience, the rhythmic heartbeat that keeps the whole shebang going.

Then there are the singers. Mews, Suzy, Flo, Rita, Karin, Mita, Dutch, Penny and so many others… Oh, the singers!

Flo Lawrence

A singer, actress and writer, known for Mank (2019), Black Mirror (2024), The Lords of Salem (2012), Disappearing Bakersfield (2012) and The Boulevard (2011).

We’ve had crooners, belters, warblers, and even a guy who yodeled opera (don’t ask). From soaring sopranos to bluesy baritones, the Unurban stage has seen – and heard – it all. Many a shower singer has found their voice under the warm glow of the Unurban’s stage lights, and many a seasoned performer has honed their craft in front of the Unurban’s famously discerning (and caffeine-fueled) audience.

And let’s not forget the dancers! Tap dancers, ballet dancers, modern dancers, even a troupe of Irish step dancers who nearly took out a table of pastries one particularly energetic night.

The Unurban’s tiny stage has hosted a whirlwind of movement, from graceful pirouettes to high-kicking routines that would make Busby Berkeley proud. Sometimes, the dancers even incorporate the coffee shop furniture into their routines – a chair becomes a prop, a table becomes a dance floor, and a stray sugar packet becomes… well, let’s just say it adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the performance.

But the real magic of the Unurban lies in its special guest stars. Over the years, we’ve welcomed everyone from local poets such as Peter Coca to Grammy-winning musicians, from stand-up comedians to… well, we’ve even had a ventriloquist with a rather sassy dummy. You never know who might walk through the Unurban’s doors and end up sharing their talents with the crowd. It’s that element of surprise, that sense of the unexpected, that keeps people coming back for more.

So, here’s to 25 years of the Unurban Coffee House – a place where the coffee is strong, the talent is undeniable, and the memories are… well, let’s just say they’re definitely memorable. Here’s to another 25 years of caffeine, catches, crazy coincidences, and the unique brand of Unurban magic! Come on down, grab a latte, and see what happens – you might just find yourself on stage next!