Happy Holidays!

Hey everyone. Just a quick note to let you know that we will be closed Christmas eve day & Christmas day. Wed. the 26th we will be open from 9am-4pm for coffee, drinks, pastries & very limited food menu. Thursday we will be getting back to our normal routine as I'm sure everyone will. Hope you have a relaxing break & see you all soon.

New website! New coffee selections! New faces!

 Hello everyone. I hope you're all well and recovering post Sandy. What a crazy time it's been for so many. We will be periodically taking donations to help with the victims and I will keep you posted as to when and what items are needed. One of our staff members will be making a run to the Rockaways this Wed., Nov. 7th, around mid day if you have anything to bring in before then. They are in need of clothing, paper supplies, blankets, gloves, camping gear & face mask for cleaning out houses. NO FOOD IS NEEDED AT THE MOMENT. 

 Along with so many other businesses in Red Hook, our coffee roasters, Stumptown, had major damage to their building. They will be shipping from Portland during the rebuilding of their roastery. On a positive note we were able to make a connection with a wonderful local roaster, 40 Weight, who provided us last week during the transition period due to Sandy. We are happy to say that we will be continuing to carry their single origin blends for our drip along with our regular Stumptown House blend. This will provide you, the customer, more variety & flavors while continuing in the support of local business & community. Both Stumptown & 40 Weight will be available for retail.

This is just one of the many new things happening at Roots cafe. We have some wonderful new employees that are happy to serve you. We have a new art installation this month featuring the photography of local, Kristina Hill. We also have an amazing new website up designed by Lauren Gerstle. check it out at rootscafebrooklyn.com

  Finally, this Wed. we will be holding our monthly "ADULT" south slope sing a long. Come prepared to make request and sing along to your favorite tunes old & new led by the fabulous Chris Q. Murphy & friends. Its always a good time especially after a few drinks! As always our events are byob & wine. Music starts up at 7pm.

So long Sandy!

 Hello neighbors. Its been quiet an eventful week thus far dealing with the aftermath of Sandy. We are so fortunate to not have any major damage and our hearts go out to those who lost businesses and possibly loved ones.
 We have been beyond busy here with so many folks not being able to get to work and we thank you for your understanding and patience as we try to keep things flowing smoothly with all the extra business coming in.
 Just a heads up to all of those Stumptown Coffee fanatics that we will be using a new Roaster temorarily until further notice. The Stumptown Roastery in Red Hook was badly damaged from the storm and they lost all of their shipments. Obviously this will affect many businesses in the NY area as the Portland branches are trying to take up the slack. Still, they are at the mercy of flight schedules & Fed Ex shipments being backed up.
 Until then we have found a wonderful local company, 40 Weight Coffee Roasters, to supply to us during this time and we would love your feedback on their product. This may be the start of us as a cafe being able to offer more variety to our customers. We will be bringing Stumptown back in the mix once they are up and running again. Until then we hope you enjoy our new coffee that we feel is on point with the quality that we have always provided.
Again, thanks for the faithful business and continued patience as we work through this together. Be safe. Be blessed. Be a blessing to others.

Welcome Fall!

 I'm loving this wonderful, cooler weather & all the changes it brings. We are getting ready for & working on the recipes for our seasonal drink menu that will include some delicious lattes such as, Maple butter cream, Autumn Spice and as much as I hate to do it....Pumpkin pie. 'tis the season after all.

 Stop by this week for some food, drinks & community. This weeks music includes:

 Wed. Sept. 19th "ROOTS IN THE RAW" songwriters series with the wonderful Matt Frye as your host. Music starts at 7pm.

 Fri. Sept. 21st , music starts at 8pm with Mike Higbee & Chris Q. Murphy
FUN, FREE & BYOB!

Drop that funky....beet?

Whats up friends. This weekend we don't have any music at the cafe. We will however be sharing in a wonderful night of music & community Saturday, Aug.11th at Korzo just a block over from us between 19th & 20th st.
Come out starting at 8pm for some great music & food. They will be introducing a new product, Beet Ketchup that goes great with their DEEP FRIED BURGERS!!! My new band will be playing along with some great friends. Hope to see you all there.

Rheanna Downey this Friday!

Come one & all to Roots cafe this Friday @ 8pm to delight yourselves in sweet & savory treats, superb coffee drinks & stellar music!

This week are two dear friends of mine, husband & wife duo, Jason & Kanene Pipkin. They have such an amazing chemistry on stage & beautifully blending harmonies to match. There's no doubt of their love for one another & the music itself.

Not to worry though...they don't just sing a bunch of sappy love songs. Each song is cleverly crafted with a bit of wit & a lot of emotion as they...

sing stories of their love, faith, travels & adventures.

 

Headlining the night is San Diego based, singer/songwriter, Rheanna Downey. 

 

Rheanna Downey’s primary strengths as a musician are her prolific, original songwriting and masterful guitar playing. People who stumble into one of her shows for the first time are instantly captivated, realizing that something unique and wonderful is occurring.

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her affinity for music began on the keys of a piano at the age of eight. By her tenth birthday she was writing songs. She picked up her first guitar at 13, and began playing shows professionally within two years. In her late teens, a move to Fresno, California proved invaluable as the area’s local standout musicians further nurtured her emerging talent.

At 21, Rheanna moved to San Diego and began playing local venues such as Java Joe’s, a popular venue that gave artists like Jewel and Jason Mraz their professional starts. Since then, She has shared her gift with crowds across the globe, from Seattle to Stockholm. With several national tours under her belt, as well as 3 international tours (Italy, France, Sweden, Ireland, England, Scotland, Australia), it’s been an amazing ride so far.

Come be a part of this wonderful, talent filled evening & don't forget to bring along your friends & some adult beverages for yourself.

 

 

Come in this week & see the new art work & enjoy some delicious food & coffee in comfort. As always, thanks for being a part of building this wonderful community!

We are Family!

Hello family! In case you're unsure...that means you...yes, even you rude person;) I want to remind you all of a very special event, ROOTS FAMILY REUNION, this Sat. July 21st at LITTLEFIELD (622 Degraw st.) 7pm.

If you are a part of this community & want to celebrate how awesome this neighborhood is then make a point to be there! Bring all your family & friends along as well.

ROOTS FAMILY REUNION started a year ago as a way to say thanks to everyone, artist, musicians & regulars, for helping make the Roots Cafe community such a special thing. Without you guys we wouldn't be here or have a reason to gather & celebrate.

This year we have lined up some amazing talent to share their skills with all of you. Visual artist & musicians alike including: Dan Bindschedler, Matt Frye, That Moon, Young Decades, Brother/Sister, The Alex Mallett band, Gypsy George & the open road love affair, Chris Q. Murphy & the fiendish thingies, & Barnyard Brothers. Hosted by rhyme master & M.C., Rabbi Darkside!

This is a night of art showin', music playin' beer drinkin' & foot stompin'! Hope to see all your lovely faces their with bells & boots on! Again, this will be held at LITTLEFIELD (622 Degraw st. between 3rd & 4th ave.) This Saturday, July 21st.

THIS WEEK IS ROCKIN!!!

Hello friends, family & even foes (we love you anyway). Just wanted to share with you all the wonderful week of events we have at Roots & beyond.

Tonight, Wed. July 18th we have our "ROOTS IN THE RAW" hosted by the lovable, mustached man, Matt Frye. This is a stripped down acoustic music night with friends of the community. Check out the facebook invite for info. Music starts at 7pm!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/events/421813064528225/

This Friday we have a packed night of amazingly talented & unique artist performing. My good friend & regular patron to Roots, Chuck Myer has helped put together this stellar lineup of talent featuring: Sean!, Call me Ishmael, Bigawatt & Little, Big. Music starts at 7pm. Check the facebook link for more info. 
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/events/343154512428235/

Saturday night is a MUST ATTEND community music event. Roots Family Reunion celebrates the life of Roots Cafe & this wonderful neighborhood we live in. Last year we packed out southpaw with nearly 400 folks & we want to make this year just as big at Littlefield. (622 Degraw st.) Doors at 6:30, music starts at 7pm. There will be a multitude of local artist & musicians sharing the stage for this wonderful night. Check the facebook event for all details.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/events/118460264962381/

Roots Family Reunion is back!

Hey folks. Sorry its been so terribly long since I posted here. No music this weekend but please come by & try some of our delicious french toast with berry compote that we are now serving on Saturday & Sunday only.Also try our vegan & gluten free doughnuts by the amazing KPOW! She is a wizard that waves her magic wand over these pastries of hers & makes them into a treat for all! Try the glazed with sprinkles or the cinnamon sugar.


 I'd like to go ahead & post a very special event we have coming up on Sat. July 21st at Littlefield. I will re post this next week to remind you all how very special it is. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

For those of you who were a part of this event last year, you know how truly special it was. We had live painting by Jake Nelson, eight local bands & the amazing Rabbi Darkside keeping the flow throughout the night! Close to 400 folks came out to be a part of the family ...& share in the love of this great neighborhood in which we live.

The name says it all. This is a community event celebrating the art & music of Roots cafe over the last three years. So many of you have helped create the special place that Roots is. This night is a way to say "Thank you" & in some way give back to you in the form of entertainment & good ol' fashioned gathering.

 (Note, this event is at Littlefield, 622 Degraw, between 3rd & 4th ave.)

This year we have a stellar line up of visual artist & Musicians sharing their skills Including:

Local artist gallery featuring Dan Binschedler on cello.
(over 10 artist will be sharing their work for one night only. Come out early to see this & get a good spot for the music later. Drink specials will be flowing during this time!)

Music by:
Matt Frye / That Moon(featuring Justin Kilburn) / Brother/Sister(featuring Brother Hamm & Kohli Calhoun) / The Alex Mallet band / Gypsy George & the open road love affair / Chris Q. Murphy & the fiendish thingies / Barnyard Brothers

Master of ceremonies: Rabbi Darkside & Brother Hamm

The doors are @ 6:30. Artist gallery & music starts up at 7pm. Only $8 at the door + drink specials all night. We need to pack this place out & show them what the Roots family is all about. Can't wait to see your faces there!

(Again, this event is at Littlefield (not Roots), 622 Degraw, between 3rd & 4th ave.)

We're still rockin!

Ok, so it's been over a month since I last posted anything here but we've had lots going on. All the good happenings continue this weekend with a double header of music both Friday & Saturday night!

The Friday we have a magical eve of music hosted by vaudevillian indie-folk duo The Bengson's. http://bengsons.com/

7pm - Geoffrey Pomeroy is an actor/musician who hails from California. In Los Angeles, he composed the scores to several indie films and was a founding member of his band, PLEASE, where he served... as songwriter, keyboardist, guitarist and vocalist. Since migrating to New York, he has focused on acting and screenwriting. He is honored to be playing with such noble folks!

8pm - Serenity Fisher’s dynamic indie pop piano arrangements ground her whimsical melodies & thoughtful lyrics, creating a special blend of electricity and calm. Serenity’s work is tragic and hopeful; brutally honest and highly imaginative. Serenity's musical plays Sophie's Dream (2010) and Opal Opus: Journey To Alakazoo (2011) were voted the Audience Pick at Cincinnati Fringe Festival.
http://www.reverbnation.com/serenityfisher

9pm - Hailing from New York City, Blue Kid's music is a reflection of the Big Apple's liveliest and most romantic sides, with defiant anthems and melodic ballads that all pay tribute to the band's varied musical backgrounds. Rooted in the daydreams and adventures of their lead singer and songwriter-in-chief, Lydia Benecke, the group's sound is a sophisticated piano-driven fusion of pop, jazz, funk, and lyrical wit.
http://www.thisisbluekid.com/

~No Cover! Oo la la!~

Saturday night music starts early at 6:30pm with local favorites, The Go Round followed by Rhode Islands own, The Honey Brown. 

Can't make this weekend? We have a mid week session as well! This Wed. night, Roots favorite, Rabbi Darkside host his monthly night of soul, funk & hip hop in an acoustic fashion. Amazingly unique talent is always a guarantee!  Starts at 7pm.

Double header this weekend...

 That's right folks, we got two amazing nights of music lined up for ya'll. Come out to support our usual Friday night ruckus of two great local artist starting at 8pm with Daniel Pearce & Ryan Hobler. As always the show is free & it's byob! There will be some PBR on hand...so I hear... for "free" but tips are always welcome.

 If you can't make it Friday...or even if you can, still come out Saturday night for some killer tunes that you will not want to miss! Starting things off at 7pm is local singer/songwriter & friend, A.D. Paige who I'm sure will be accompanied by some fine musicians throughout his set. Stick around for Molly Gene, One Whoa-man Band! She packs some serious sounds for just one little lady & rocks harder than any full outfit of wanna be screamo scene kids ever could even dream of...in other words...she's the real deal! Case & point...see video below:

Also performing will be some friends from... sweet home Alabama....The Great Book of John. They played last year & killed it so I'm super excited for them to be back with us here in Brooklyn. Here's a sweet video of them doing an awesome cover I'm sure you'll recognize & be delighted to hear.

I could see no better way to shut a party down than with the psychobilly, punk rock of Shady Hawkins. Check 'em out at shadyhawkins.bandcamp.com.

Overall this has to be one of the most exciting line ups of the past three years. I truly hope to see you all there with some good ol' stompin' boots on! Yeah Boyee!

Southern cookin' in Brooklyn!

  You know we have all the cheesy grits & sweet tea anyone could ever stomach... but now we're getting serious! Our fabulous gluten free baker has agreed to bake us up some amazing buttermilk biscuits every weekend. To top it off I whipped up my moms good ol' southern tomato gravy recipe...minus the bacon grease to make it vegan friendly. I also used a brown rice flour to thicken it so it can be a completely gluten free dish. Don't be turned off by the gluten freeness of it...trust me...I'm a southern boy & I wouldn't compromise taste when it comes to biscuits & gravy!
  Limited supply so come early!!! Saturdays & Sundays only.

Freaky Friday!!!

It's not that freaky really...but it is the 13th & we have some freakishly good music for ya! The good times start up at 7:30pm with Caroline Rose, Stephanie Allen & Jarrod Dickenson. To go along with this stellar line up we also have a massive new sound system that will surely make the music sound sweeter than ever. Come check it out & byob & wine. Food & coffee will be served throughout the night!

Be sure & try out our new drinks: Home brewed ginger mint lemonade, Arnold Palmer (half Alabama sweet tea, half ginger mint lemonade) & the REDNECK ICED MOCHA...that's right...a can of yoohoo, shaken to perfection then poured over a cup of ice & topped with two shots of Hairbender espresso from stumptown...yeah boyee!!!!

If you're free Sat. night come up to our friends on 7th ave. at Bar 4 (corner of 15th st.) to see Justin Kilburn, Gypsy George & Alex mallet band! Fun starts at 8pm.

Change in plans...

 Hey there folks. Just a quick note to let you know that this weekend will be a little different with our music sched. Our normal Friday event is canceled & we will be closing shop around 8pm. Instead we will be doing a big music night on Saturday evening, April 7th, with some very special guest, Roz Raskin & the Rice cakes!!! Opening the set will be the lovely & talented Gabby Ess followed by Robin Bacior! This is gonna be an amazing night of music & community so please come out & support. Starts up at 7pm.

 Tonight, Thurs. April 5th, if you're free come on down to Rock Shop to see our friends play. Erik Emmanuelson (Grand Lake Islands) is releasing his new album & has invited some good folks to share the night with him including: The Go Round, Robin Bacior & Your Friend Kimi! Starts up at 8pm.

Spring has sprung....

 Can you believe how amazing this weather has been! Sure, it's kinda scary when you think about the effects of global warming...but let's just enjoy it as the beautiful here & now & celebrate the season. On that note...what's fresh at Roots? We have a few new menu items for the spring. We will be featuring a new gazpacho weekly...this week: pepper, squash puree. In addition to that we will be introducing new sandwiches & salads regularly. Just added to the list we have the fresh & delicious, hummus & cucumber sandwich with mixed greens, tomato & sprouts. We are fully stocked on iced drinks as well including espresso drinks, coffee & teas. Coming soon: Cucumber lemon water & ginger mint lemonade!

 Although this weekend will be rainy & blah...our patio is now open & ready to relax in. Please come check it out on the next warm & sunny day.

 Tonight we have some great music from local fav. Pete sinjin starting at 8pm. Joshua Sanders will be closing out the night. As always, byob & wine. Come enjoy a chill & cheap eve. at Roots Cafe. We will be serving drinks & food throughout.

 On a side note: My lovely wife & I will be enjoying a date night together in the city with dinner & a show at Bowery Ballroom with Bower Birds. Enjoy this song & listen to the beautiful lyrics. It's one of my favorites.

New art & music this month!

 Hey all! Just wanted to send a quick note to let you know about some happenings for this week as well as the new art featured for the rest of this month. Gypsy George has gathered a great collection of his drawings, paintings & photos to fill the walls at Roots & make your experience more enjoyable.

 Gypsy will also be hosting this Wed., March 14th "Roots in the Raw" series w/ special guest acts.
Music starts at 7pm sharp!

 This Friday night we have music starting up at 8pm with Patrick Dunn followed by Sugar Wolf.

As always, byob & wine. Tips much appreciated. Thanks & see ya soon!

Roots in the Raw is back!

Hey folks. I'm super stoked to announce that our Wed. night music series, "Roots in the Raw" is back! What is this? It's a night where I have hand selected some friends/musicians to host an intimate evening of music & create it into something original & different each time. Every Wed. of the month will be a different theme & vibe all together. Your host for these events will be, Chris Q. Murphy, Gypsy George, Matt Frye & Rabbi Darkside all bringing their own unique flavor to the table on alternating weeks. Starting out this Wed. Feb. 29th, Rabbi D. will host an amazing group that includes a little soul, A little funk & a whole lotta hip-hop! If you've never been to a night hosted by Rabbi YOU NEED TO BE HERE! It's a great time for all ages for sure.7-9pm!

Also be sure & check out the artist for this Friday night. A Roots favorite, Scott Dennis will open the night at 8pm with some good ol' country music followed by Minneapolis singer/songwriter, Dustin Lee.

As always...byob & wine. Tips are much appreciated! See ya real soon.

Ladies in the lead...

This Friday, Feb. 24th we have an amazing line up of musicianship! Amelia Robinson will be opening the night with her quirky & well crafted melodies starting at 8pm sharp! closing out the night we have some out of towners traveling through, The Great Afternoon, lead by Christina Ward. Come hear these amazing ladies & their bands as they share the stage for a great night of entertainment for the whole community. As always, byob & wine. (Sugg. tip/corkage fee if so.)

On the music menu this weekend...

...We have something brand new for starters, something familiar for the main course & something exotic for dessert.  Maybe that's a bit of a stretch & confusing? How about this....starting at 7pm on Friday, come sample the delicious sounds of a new resident of Park Slope, miss Caroline Rose. Then stick around & get your fill of the soulful Adrian Coleman, a long time patron & friend of Roots Cafe. As if that's not enough, be sure & save room for the sweet melodies of Hugh Trimble...not really exotic...but he is touring & not a Brooklyn resident so...I Said it was a stretch! Hope to see you all there. By the way...we will be serving real food throughout the night.

Art, music & love in the air...

 That's right folks... That special day is upon us to celebrate all that is, "LOVE." Here at Roots we especially love our community & we want to share that with you through a special night of music, tonight, Fri. Feb. 10th. Starting at 8pm we will have some hand picked singers & musicians of this fine neighborhood assembled together to perform some of the greatest love songs of old & new. The entire night will be hosted by Gypsy George & the  barista boys of Roots.

  Come with the one you love...or come alone & who knows...maybe you'll find someone to love. Either way...just get here! As always byob & wine.

Thank you for being a friend...

Hello everyone! How many of you started singing the Golden Girls theme song when you read the header...ok, just me? Anyway, I wanted to say a quick thanks to you as a community for your continued support with the cafe. Without you this wouldn't be possible...in fact it'd be pointless...& way less fun. I love this neighborhood & am proud to serve you daily.
I mean seriously,... whats better than having your friends stop by & hang out with you at work? Well...maybe hanging outside of work...but it's still pretty awesome anyway. So on that note, let's all hang together tonight for some live music & good times. As always byob & wine. (If you do...please buy a little something or leave a tip of sorts to help out) I'll be making my sandwiches & coffee throughout the night so come hungry!
 My good buddy Chris Q. Murphy will be hosting the night & playing his own solo set followed by, "For Everst" Music starts up at 8pm sharp!

Back to the Brooklyn "grind"...

 Hey there folks. After a much needed vacation to sweet home Alabama I'm back in Brooklyn and ready to serve you all again at Roots! While I was away my wonderful team kept things going as usual and I can't thank them enough for their loyalty and hard work.
 When my wife and I landed in Birmingham, Al Friday it was a warm 65 degrees followed by temperatures in the 60's and 70's for the next few days. Minus the tornado threat on Saturday I'd have to say this was one of the best trips back home to date.

 Just a quick heads up about this weekend. We have our usual Friday night music starting at 8pm with Kate Miller followed by Zachary Boyce. As always this is a free show with byob  and wine privileges.  We have a few PBRs on hand for "FREE" but we always appreciate a little tip for the gesture.

This weeks ruckus...

Hey there folks. Not too much new to report other than our fun filled Friday nights of music & gathering. Hope you will be a part of it this weekend. Bring a friend. Bring your own beer/wine. Relax. Enjoy the sounds of some great musicians. It's local, organic & fair trade. Ha!...& it's Free!!! We will be open for our usual business of coffee brewin', sandwich pressin' & good vibe makin'. This Friday music starts at 8pm with Patricia Antoine followed by Ninja Tree house.

First art & music happenings of the new year!

Hey all. Just wanted to give you a quick heads up on this weeks events. This month we will be showing the art works of Cute{tastrophe} in collaboration with Diego Fernandez. These are great pieces made up of photo images & mixed media on wood. The official opening is tonight, Thursday, Jan. 5th, 6:30-8pm. Come check it out!

Also make time for a great night of chill music tomorrow, Fri. Jan. 6th starting at 8pm. See the videos below for a sample. Byob & wine & bring a friend too! Free show. Great coffee & food. Chill atmosphere. Awesome community of folks!