Jazz, Java and Generosity

NEWTOWN SQUARE—For the past five years, local coffee shop has shown the community they aren't just another brick in the wall, but on Friday, April 1, they asked music fans in the area to buy 555 bricks to help them finally build a permanent stage for their renowned music series.

Locally, they have been listed as one of the best venues in Philly by CBS Philly and have began booking artists down in New Jersey at their new sister venue Auburn Road Vineyards. The idea of a permanent stage isn't new; in fact, it has always been a part of the plans from day one.

"The stage has always been a desire, but not a priority," said Tara Endicott, cultural arts director for Burlap and Bean. "And so, obviously now, we've arrived–the music is successful and the community has embraced it, which is a great thing. So we felt we wanted to do it [build the stage] and we wanted to involve the community in it because we knew they would get behind it just like they have gotten behind our vision. Basically, my vision for the music is to bridge the gap between the city and the suburbs."

Endicott also confessed their original "stage" cost about $90 but after hundreds of performances, it may be time to retire the torn and worn rug that has served them well.

"We're not really a listening room tonight," said Kyle Swartzwelder, sound technician for the coffeehouse, about the usual performances that happen on Friday nights.

Instead, the house lights stayed up and the fans mingled with cups of Iron Hill Brewery of Media's fairly new . Also on hand was plenty of fresh Burlap and Bean coffee and tasty wraps and treats from House in Media. Regular performers like Anna K. Jarosz and Laura Shay were there for support, but the stage was reserved for jazz ensemble Equinox.

Burlap and Bean is mainly known for folk rock, but Endicott felt Equinox would create just the right atmosphere for the evening. The band's blend of classic jazz and be-bop kept the room lively and casual as if you were at a party at a friend's home instead of a business fundraiser.

Equinox's sound isn't the only thing that made them the ideal band for the evening; it was also their passion for what they do. They have been performing at the local coffeehouse for about three years now.

"It's hard to find venues to play [jazz] locally," explained Ken Rimple, Equinox's drummer. "I approached Burlap and Bean, and they were really cool about different musicians in the area and they have a great set of spots. So when they offered to let us play on a Wednesday night, I said let's give it a shot. We've always been happy to play here, it's always been a good crowd."           

Equinox originated from a Craigslist ad placed by Rimple. After a response or two, the members connected with other band mates and the core of Equinox was created. They have been playing together for several years, despite the challenges of balancing families and full-time jobs.

Rimple is still surprised they are able to get together and practice weekly, but the love of playing keeps them together. Recently, they have added guitarist Steve Strawitz to the mix. Strawitz blends well with their recent focus on fusion and some Blue Note songs.

As a drummer, Rimple enjoys playing more up-tempo pieces so the band has infused some Latin influenced jazz songs like "Girl from Ipanema" or "Blue Bossa." The members of Equinox individually bring their love for jazz and specifically different styles, which allows for a great melting pot of sound.

"We all kind of bring our favorite tunes in," said Rimple. "We try to find space for everyone's favorite and try to bring things in [with] every practice."

Like jazz, a community shares the same ideals as they are both created with a fusion of ideas and sounds. The warmth of the crowd during Friday night's fundraiser showed how much Burlap and Bean is a part of Newtown Square.

The coffeehouse has showed that buying local or independent products is not just a trend but a way of life. Burlap and Bean has made an effort to support and promote local musicians and businesses. Now was the time for the community to support them. Friday evening brought them halfway to their goal of $5,500. They will be continuing to accept donations. To support the coffee shop, click here to donate.