Events are still happening!!!

Tomorrow is First Friday Poetry. We are changing, but that is still on. Come and share or just enjoy. Coffee and cookies available. 6 pm.

December 14th, second Sunday, will be the final community sing for the year. Again coffee and cookies will be available. 4 to 6 pm.

Jerry and Jessica
"tycoonistas"

Store front ready for move!

The shelves are empty, the boxes are full. Some have even been moved, and space has been cleared for a fixture sale, probably next weekend. Tables, chairs, some kitchen equipment and pictures are slated for sale. Special interest? Give us a call - 751-1475.

Jerry and Jessica

"tycoonistas"

Last Day in Storefront!!

Today marks the final day we have the store front open. We are now in the move phase, getting the books on line and out to the new location. It is a very exciting proposition and many of our regulars are understanding and encouraging. We are downsizing part of our business in order to expand another facet to better be able to serve our customers and still have a personal life, which has sadly been lacking for the past year. We will continue to update this blog as to our progress and future happenings.

Jerry and Jessica
"tycoonisias"

New Directions for Colette's

One of the advantages of being a small business is the speed with which new directions and choices can be implemented. Jerry and I just celebrated the one-year anniversary of Colette's: Good Food + Hungry Minds, LLC. Anniversaries are alway a good time for assessment. in the past year we have succeeded in many of our goals for the business. We donated upwards of $35,000 in goods and services (books, coffee, goodies, food certificates etc), held 13 concerts, hosted 13 different artists, plus open mics, poetry readings, healing and psychic faires, drumming circles, and classes on everything from stree management to working with energy. We had so many ideas on how we could serve the community and we were able to implement most of them in one form or another. While we wanted to be diverse in our offerings, we never wanted to be really big.

"Big" is a relative term. When the tasks of the day take more time than exists, we've become big.

One goal that got lost in the process was a very personal one. jerry and I went into business to spend more time together. In June, we were married in the store, joking that since "we are married 'to' the store, we thought we should get married 'in' the store." Unfortunately, we were more accurate than we knew. Our private time became non-existent. Every conversation we had centered on some aspect of business -- staffing, inventory, cash flow, menu items etc. Gone were the long walks, leisurely book discussions over lunch, sitting quietly together watching the ocean from the Cape Arago lookout point -- all the activities that bind and fuel a relationship's growth were things we had no time for anymore. Individually we stopped making music, knitting, reading, writing poetry, playing bridge, making art, sewing, camping or taking time for yoga, tai chi, meditation and spiritual retreat. The very things that give our lives the deepest meaning and satisfaction had given way to the endless daily tasks of running a business.

It is time for a change and we are choosing to transition our business into a different form in order to reclaim our personal lives and better serve the community. Instead of a large storefront, we've built a new website that allows us to sell online. www.goodfoodhungryminds.com All of our books, new and used will soon be listed for sale. Currently we have roughly 200,000 volumes in our inventory. We'll continue to be search for books or individaul titles that folks are looking for.

We will continue to offer locally made and fair trade gift items, bumperstickers and posters, as well as our famous blend of fair trade, organic, locally roasted coffee -- Colette's Choice. We have lots of plans in various stages of execution -- all designed to allow us to grow our business and maintain our connection with the local community. Folks can stay in touch with us via our blog (linked on our website).

Our interest in good food has not wavered and we will continue to bake and sell our cookies, muffins, and cinnamon rolls with the help of a rented commercial kitchen. Jerry and I will both be available as personal chefs to come into your home, or anywhere with a commercial kitchen to cook for your family or group. And, of course, we will continue producing our tasty gluten free offerings to order.

Thanks to all of you who supported us. We will miss seeing all the new friends we've made over the past year. Come by and stock up for Christmas and the holidays as we hold our Transition/Moving sale from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 30. Remember, we're not going away, we're just changing our form.

Jerry and Jessica

Karaoke a hit!!!

Darren brought a great selection of tunes and we had several participants and about as many appreciators. Having singers who perform without a few beers made it a very fun evening, which went past 9 pm, long past our usual closing time of 7pm.

Our 20% sale is still available for our readers. Come in and capitalize! 20% of everything except food and beverage.

So far there has been little interest in another Grey Wolf drum making class. If you are interested, please let us know soon.

Jerry and Jessica
"tycoonistas"

Karaoke tomorrow - Friday 11/21 - Karaoke

Karaoke --- Friday - Darren Dirk will be hosting our first karaoke night --- The festivities begin at 6:30 pm and end when the last singer is sung out!!! Our regular beverages and goodies ill be available throughout. Come be a star!!!

We have extended our 20% sale -- all items in the store except food and beverage will continue to be available at 20% off.

HELLO CLASS!!!!

Jerry and Jessica

"tycoonistas"

Anniversary Sale Ends Today!

Today is the fourth and final day of our 20% off anniversary sale. However, any of you reading this can still take advantage of the 20% off anything in the store except food and beverage items. Through November 23rd come in, make your selections, and mention you read on our blog that the sale is extended to the privileged who read the blog. The sale covers all our books, including the new Holiday Catalog items. We also have a special sale on select paperback and hard-cover novels. Romance paperbacks are $1 each or 7 for $5.

Jessica has been working hard to get the newest arrivals onto our web book store. You now have the opportunity to order books from us in the comfort of your own home, just in time for winter. Browse our web site and make your selection. Want something we don't offer? We'll be happy to find it for you, new or used, whichever suits you and offers the best value. Gift e-cards are also available in the amount you select. Come in or order online and watch us grow.

As members of the American Booksellers Association we are proud to participate in the Indie Bound program, which not only supports local bookstores, but all other local businesses as well. The idea is to "buy local first".

Jerry and Jessica
"tycoonistas"

It's our anniversary!!!

ANNIVERSARY SALE !! Everything in store except food and beverage items -- 20% off. Sale is in effect through Sunday, November 16. Our new books are in (one of each in our Holiday Book Catalog) and on display. Check out the book order feature on our web site. Jessica is justifiably proud of it, continuing to add to the 2500+ books already on the site.

Coming tomorrow! - Bill Bartels live - on our stage at 7:00 pm. Bill is a local singer/ songwriter who has an amazing talent for finger picking on the acoustic guitar. He has three collaboration CDs on CD Baby and is a regular feature at Roger's Zoo. He's giving up an evening of "bar gig" for a real concert. Come support him. You will be amazed at his virtuosity. Five to ten dollars sliding scale at the door, which all goes to the artist.

Coming in December. Jessica cajoled Grey Wolf into offering one more drum making class before the holidays. If you have any interest, contact us soon to reserve a spot, as there will be a limited class size. It will still be $95, which covers a 15 inch tom tom kit, beater kit, decorative beads, leather, fur and feathers, and personal coaching from Grey Wolf. This is your chance to personalize your own hand built drum. Examples of his drums are on display at Colette's. We have not settled on a date, but it will likely be on a Friday or Saturday early in the month. Additional kits may be available for Christmas gifts (express your interest in this possibility when you contact us).

Jerry and Jessica

"tycoonistas"

We're back!

NANOWRIMO (National Novel Writing Month) is in full swing. We are the South Coast coordinator . The idea is to write a 50,000 word novel in one month (November), and with five weekends in the month, there is still time to get to it and complete your own "Great American Novel" along with some 200,000 other folk world wide. This is the tenth year of the program, and it has been very well received. We plan to have a write night or two, possibly even an all-nighter, and a final "cram it in at the last minute" party on the 30th. If you are interested, go to nanowrimo.org and sign up. We have WIFI and a store computer available to customers for a small fee.

Bill Bartels, a local singer/songwriter, wannabe comic and finger picker extraordinaire will be performing on our stage Friday, November 14th at 7 pm. "Covers, classical jazz, 60's era folk, blues, ragtime". A door fee of $5.00 to $10.00 is suggested, all of which goes to the artist. He is a regular on the stage at Roger's Zoo. Check out his Cd's on CD Baby.

Thursday is our 1st anniversary!!!! In honor we are having a store wide 20% off sale Nov 13 - 16 (everything except food and beverage). This will include the new books featured in our Holiday Books catalog. Come early, as we only ordered one of each in the catalog, although we can still get additional copies.

Jerry and Jessica

"tycoonistas"

Has it really been over a month?

I got a call from my brother a couple days ago to "see if you're still alive", as he hasn't seen any updates to the blog in a while. I have been a bit remiss, blaming it on computer issues at first, then on senior moments, mental fatigue, and life getting in the way. You'd think with as little as I have to say, I could do it more often.

A quick update. We've had three performers since my last burst, Anne Feeney was dynamic, outspoken (as befits a labor organizer), and very well appreciated. Toward the end of the month we were blessed with the appearance of Angela Reed (pic 1) from Seattle, who managed to fit us into her "West Coast Tour". A young lady with an amazing voice and song writing talent. The following week we had a repeat appearance from James Hurley (pic 3), whose eclectic brand of humor in music appeals to a wide audience.

Our second open mic was well attended, and was filmed for public access TV by Don Van Dyke. We had an excellent pianist/ blues singer (yes we have a keyboard thanks to Lynda Cole) as well as several guitarists, a reader, and a stand-up (comic).

Coming this week!! Thursday we will feature a singer song writer form Edmonton, Alberta. Maria Dunn (pic 4) writes and sings folk tunes with a strong sense of her Irish/Scots heritage. "...remarkable singer-songwriter, think of her as a distaff Woody Guthrie." Mike Ross, Edmonton Sun. 'A storyteller through song, Maria Dunn combines North American folk and country music with the influences of her Celtic heritage. Born in Scotland and raised in Ontario and Alberta, she writes songs inspired by historical and contemporary characters, capturing their struggles and triumphs in her lyrics. In 2002, Maria received a Juno nomination in the Roots/Traditional Solo category for her second recording, "For a Song".'

Friday heralds the return of activist George Mann (pics 2 & 5). He will be showing a video of Julius Margolin, who is well into his eighties, and has been a labor activist since he was 16. Before and after the showing George will perform several numbers, and may be persuaded to sing one or more of local writer Harry Stamper's.

Look for our next newsletter next week.

Jerry and Jessica

"tycoonistas"

First open Mic a success!

We had several excellent performers at the first open Mic. It was hosted by Lynda Cole (pic #2). Not only did each person get to perform a couple of times, but there was time for some fun jamming (pic #3). Open mic will continue on the last Sunday of each month.

Anne Feeney (pic #1) will be performing on Saturday evening at 7:30 pm, labor folk, hell-raising. She claims to "comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable". Door is $10 - $15 with all proceeds going to the artist.

Sunday supper (2 - 5pm) will feature meat or vegetarian lasagna, with home made noodles, salad, vegetable, dessert and beverage for $12.99.

Jerry and Jessica

"tycoonistas"

Coming

Sunday, August 31st we'll have the fourth of our Sunday Suppers from 2 - 5 pm. This week we feature slow roasted pork picnic with an oregano rub, smashed potatoes or a vegetarian alternative, infused brown rice with vegies. Succotash and a spinach salad round out the meal with a beverage choice of coffee, tea, or iced tea. Our cheese cake last week was such a hit that we're repeating it this week.

Sunday also kicks off our open mic where writers, singers and performers get a chance to lay it out for an audience. This will be a recurring event on the last Sunday of each month from 4 - 6 pm. Please limit your performance to three poems, two songs, or ten minutes maximum so all can participate.

September 4, Thursday- 6:30 pm. CASA is holding an open house at The Catalyst (2 doors down from Colette’s) to recruit volunteers for this important work. Court Appointed Special Advocates represent children who are removed from their families and placed in the court system. They ensure that the best interests of that child are served. CASA volunteers currently work with 140 children, while the need is closer to 400 children in the county. Free. Refreshments will be served.

September 5- Friday – 6pm – First Friday Poets. Bring your work – old and new. All are welcome. Relaxed group, generally circles to read. Free.

September 6- Saturday- 7:30pm- ANNE FEENEY in Concert . Celebrate the Revolution with a Hellraiser! She travels the world ‘afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.” Her bottomless songbag draws on Irish, bluegrass, traditional, labor, pop, folk and contemporary material. Join us. $10-15 at the door. All money goes to the musician.

If you are on our e-mail list you will receive a mailing including our most recent newsletter, which came back from the printer on Friday. The newsletter contains several articles of note, and a list of classes which will be offered at The Catalyst in September (drum making, basketry, Reiki, healing and writing, to name a few. It also details our schedule of events through November. Check the newsletter for details. If you don't receive email or are unable to open the file, we have hard copies at Colette's.

Jerry and Jessica
"tycoonistas"

Delicious!!

The beef brisket meal for last Sunday's Supper was delectable. There was a bit left over, which went into a beef stew that sold out quickly. The menu for next Sunday, the 24th has been selected. We will feature baked Ling Cod with smashed garlicky red potatoes, succotash, green salad, cheesecake with Blackberry topping, and beverage. Of course, we will have a vegetarian alternative. All for the low price of $12.99.

The newsletter with class schedules for September/October is nearly ready for the printer, and will be sent out this weekend or early next week.

Insight (Vipassana) meditation - this afternoon (4pm - 4:30 pm) and Saturday (6 pm - 6:30 pm)

Tuesday 8/26 (12:30 - 2:30 pm) - Ballot Forum Planning Meeting facilitated by the Rural Organizing Project.

Jerry and Jessica
"tycoonistas"

Sunday Supper Two

Sunday will be our second Sunday Supper. This one will feature slo-o-ow roasted beef brisket with potato dumplings and vegetables, green beans, fruit salad, berry meringue dessert and beverage. We also will have a vegetarian alternative. All for only $12.99.

Tuesday 8/26 12:30-2:30 pm - ballot forum planning meeting facilitated by the Rural Organizing Project. Ballot forums set at Colette's for October 7 & 15 from 6-8 pm in The Catalyst. More than 10 contentious and locally critical measures are up for a vote. Help educate the public and yourself.

Saturday September 6 @ 7:30 pm -- Anne Feeney (pictured)-- She travels the world 'afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.' Her bottomless songbag draws on Irish, bluegrass, traditional, labor, pop, folk, and contemporary material, including local songwriter Harry Stamper. Join us. $10-$15 at door. All money to musician.

October 24 - 7-9 pm - George Mann returns - The labor activist and singer/songwriter will present a video of 90 something Julius Margolin, a lifelong labor activist. George will also be singing his wonderful songs. Ask him about "Utah Sounding Good to Me" - his tribute to Utah Phillips. $7-$10 to musician.

Recurring events:

Third Saturday (.8/16, 9/20, 10/18) - Psychics and Healing Faire at The Catalyst. Free admission. Tickets available for reader/healing sessions. Frequent drawings. Check out the Center, our new metaphysical store.

Saturdays (6pm - 6:30pm) and Thursdays (4pm-4:30pm) Insight (Vipassana) Meditation in our new Meditation Room which is also open to the public Monday - Friday (5pm-7pm)

Sundays (2pm - 5pm) Sunday Suppers - Fixed price meal like Grandma cooked. Includes dessert, coffee or tea. Priced from $12 - $16 depending on menu. Limited quantity. When the food is gone it is gone. Prepaid reservations suggested.

First/Third Sunday (5:30pm-8:30pm) - drumming circle/potluck at The Catalyst. Low-key. Bring percussion instruments and be open to spirit moving. New to drumming? No instrument? Join us anyway.

Second Sunday (4pm - 6pm) Community sing @ Colette's sponsored by South Coast Folk Society. All are welcome.

Last Sunday each month (4pm - 6pm) Open Mic - Acoustic Musicians poets, writers, singers, storytellers and enthusiastic listeners all welcome. Sign up sheet. Three poems, two songs or ten minutes. Jam session at the end.

Second/Fourth Wednesdays (7pm - 9pm) Healing circle. Open to healers and those desiring energy work. Donation.

First Friday (6pm-8pm) Poetry Night. All poets, wannabe poets and poetry lovers welcome.

Jerry and Jessica

"tycoonistas"

Celtic dreams

"Grace Notes" put on an excellent concert, providing a wonderful mix of folk and Celtic music. The blend of hammer dulcimer and celtic harp was well worth hearing.

The community sing on Sunday was again well attended and the great time picking and singing and celebrating (a birthday). This was the second of a regular happening, held on the second Sunday of each month through December.

For those of you who missedd out on ther "Sunday Supper", the food was superb. Chicken Caccuatore (or a vegetarian alternative) over brown rice or polenta was the entree, with sides of green avocado/spinach salad, steamed carraway carrots, and cherry pie/cobbler for dessert. As soon as the next menu is available, I will get it posted.

Jerry and Jessica

"tycoonistas"

Live looping is amazing!!

Irina Rivkin brought "loopie", a Boss looping machine and put on an amazing concert. Quite often she was singing with three to five back up singers created live as she performed. She erased them after each song making the whole a very transient experience. Her road partner, Alma made an already entertaining show pop. Her comic, dramatic, dynamic and sometimes bawdy dialect monologues effectively balanced Irina's wholesome good girl image.

The looping workshop on Wednesday was a wonderful experience for the attendies, as they not only got excellent demos and coaching from Irina, but lots of hands on use of the looping machine. "Rhythm and timing is the key" to make it work effectively.

The Coos Head Food co-op presentation was again cancelled, and may not be rescheduled.

Tomorrow, Friday, another concert is scheduled. Local group 'Grace Notes' will be providing an evening of Celtic and traditional music. Stacy Rose and Candace Kreitlow play a variety of instruments, including hammer dulcimer, flute, penny whistle, guitar and Irish harp. We will be introducing our new crepe cake, a pile of crepes sandwiching vanilla creme and berries topped with Nutella or vanilla creme with a dark chocolate ganache, for the festivities.

Ask about our Sunday suppers (2-5 or till the food's gone). Join us for one of Mom's Favorite meals or something off our regular menu. Community dining and good conversation. Get to know your neighbor.

Sunday will be our second Community Sing, 4 - 6 pm at the Catalyst.

Jerry and Jessica

"tycoonistas"

Rod plays audience requests

Rod MacDonald has been singing and writing since the 70's, and has a very wide repertoire which some audience members were familiar with. As a result he was able to fulfill requests for his own music. A versatile guitar and harmonica player,he managed to wow the audience with a number when his harmonica was upside down in the rack, requiring him to adjust on the fly.

Tonight is First Friday poetry night, and I'm told we may have a poet from Ashland participating, which would compliment our already stellar group.

Sunday - celebrate!! - Drumming and potluck gratitude celebration for "fruits of the first harvest" at 5 pm at the Catalyst. Coffee and tea will be on sale, drumming will start at 5:30 pm.

Live music on Tuesday in conjunction with the first Tuesday "block party", with merchants of both the Newmark Center and Broadway Plaza H participating. There will be specials, drawings , and we will feature Irina Rivkin providing "beautiful lyrical melody, the added voice of earthy harmony, & finally the texture of beat-box all performed live with the benefit of electronic looping". Additionally Alma will be providing comical interludes. On Wednesday Irina will hold a live-looping workshop from 7-9 pm at the catalyst, $25-55 (small group lesson at the Catalyst. Come learn how to put pizazz in your sound.

Friday August 8th the Grace Notes will grace our stage "like angels with a buzz on at a good party". Harp, penny whistle, flute, hammered dulcimer and other instruments that will give your soul a buzz.

Saturday 8/9 - 4:30 pm - Saturday Community Supper - Join us for one of
Mom's favorite meals or something off our regular menu -- Community dining and good conversation - get to know your neighbor.

Sunday 8/10 - 4 - 6 pm Community Sing - singers of all ages and abilities are welcome. Songbooks with a wide variety of songs are provided. Bring copies of favorite songs to share. Musical instruments are welcome. Sponsored by the Coos County Folk Society.

Jerry and Jessica
"tycoonistas"

Wild Wild weekend!!!

George Mann and Harry Stamper (pics 3&4) set the tone for the week, putting on a great show while having a lot of fun doing it.

Friday saw Adam +Kris on our stage (pic 5). The audience was a bit sparse, likely due to the music festival, so they took it "on the road" with impromptu performances at McDonald's (pic 6), Baskin-Robbins(pic 7) and La Costa (pic 1). Rafael, the owner of La Costa serenaded back. Afterward we went back for dinner, and traded music until quite late. Goes to show that happenings at Colette's tend to be anything but dull. We finished out the week with Chris Chandler, performance poet, and Paul Benoit, blues guitarist (pic 2) on Saturday.

Upcoming events! - Saturday (7/26) Rod MacDonald, a singer/songwriter currently from Florida will bring his "captivating love songs and deliciously tongue-in-cheek political and social commentaries to our stage. Door fee is $10, with all monies going to the musician.

Sunday we're holding a Launch the Catalyst community party/open house from 1 to 5 pm. Colette's will provide food and beverages. Help us fill the space with community energy ($5 per person to eat). The Catalyst houses a meditation room, metaphysical store and meeting rooms available for rent (more private than Colette's yet with the same great food available.

Monday will be the 8th session in our ground to globe lecture series on food. Alex Bourdigu of Porta will be speaking at 6 pm on the use of local food in local restaurants.

Jerry and Jessica

"tycoonistas"

Thursday (7/31) will be the final regularly scheduled lecture in the ground to globe series. This is the only one that will not be held at Colette's and is also at an earlier time (4-6 pm). It will be at the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute on the SOCC campus.

Friday (8/1) will be our next First Friday Poetry Night from 6 to 8 pm.

More Happenings!

I've been a bit remiss about keeping up with the blog. May still be a bit "twitterpated" from my honeymoon.

However, things are still happening, in spite of me not keeping up. We had a surprise pickup practice / performance by the Bumbling Buskers (pic #3), playing a fine selection of Celtic and bluegrass on hammer dulcimer, mandolin, guitar, ukulele with flute and penny whistle.

Michael's concert (pic #5)was wonderful, and the audience interplay was quite entertaining. We have yet to be disappointed in the performers who have graced our stage and are eagerly awaiting the next ones (four in July).

We had he opportunity to present a Literacy award check to the SWOCC Family Center on behalf of the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association for $300 (pic #6). This is a matching grant for the $300 plus in books that Colette's donated to the Family Center in February of 2008. With the book donation as well as book donations form other local organizations, the Family Center was able to assemble over 60 Literacy back packs for the OWL WINGS to literacy program. Accepting the check were Leanna Olson and Ashley Caldera, representing the children who will benefit, as the money will be used to purchase material for more backpacks. Colette's donated over 10,000 books to local charities and non-profits during the months of February and March. Jessica, co-owner and tycoonista is fond of quoting the famous French author Colette "Real poverty is a lack of books".

Our Ground to Globe lecture series continued with Anne Weure, Master Gardener, (pic #7)enlightening us on winter gardening. She covered season extending techniques as well as varieties of plants that thrive in cooler weather.

The monthly art walk ( 2nd Thursday of the month) became a celebration when the Sweet Adeline Barbershop Chorus graced our stage. Their wonderful harmony and cheerful camaraderie capped off a beautiful day. (pic#8)

I mentioned four upcoming concerts, and want to take a moment to push the first, a new monthly participation program we have the honor to present. On the second Sunday of each month there will be a sing-a-long session from 4 - 6 pm with the local folk society. Come enjoy the fun!

Now for concert number two. On Tuesday the 15th at 7:30 pm, Harry Stamper (local singer/songwriter, balladeer, and labor organizer) will be teaming up with George Mann (nationally known singer/songwriter, balladeer, and labor organizer) to provide an evening of socially conscious frivolity.

Thursday the 17th at is the next lecture in the Ground to Globe Lecture series. It features Ann Vileisis, local author of Kitchen Literacy - How We Lost Knowledge of Where Food Comes from and Why We Need to Get It Back. Copies of her book will be available, so in a sense it will be an author signing as well.

The third concert this month will be on Thursday June 18, featuring Adam + Kris, (pic #2) a Nationally acclaimed acoustic duo. "Adam + Kris have been performing together forever. They have toured across the United States and Canada, playing their original music at concerts and festivals. Adam + Kris are regulars at The Oregon Country Fair and The Kerrville Folk Festival in Texas, and have also played The High Sierra Music Festival, Mission Folk Festival, Park City Arts Festival and many others. They have been honored for their songwriting and performing talents by the National Academy of Songwriters in Los Angeles, Music Connection magazine, and Performing Songwriter magazine, to name but a few. They have released five recordings, and have shared the stage with Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer, Caroline Aiken, Chris Chandler and Anne Feeney, Cheryl Wheeler, Bob Wiseman, Carmaig DeForest, Laura Love, Austin Lounge Lizards, Leftover Salmon, The Asylum Street Spankers, Peter Yarrow, and countless others. They are currently based in Portland Oregon and are working on their next release."

Our fourth concert of the month and week features Chris Chandler (pic #1)and Paul Benoit (pic #4) in a repeat performance on our stage. This one happens on Friday July 19th at 7:30.

"Chris Chandler has performed and recorded with a myriad of artists including Dar Williams,Dan Bern, The Austin Lounge Lizards, Peter, Paul and Mary, Chuck Brodsky, Summer Droit, Katie Curtis and more.
His shows are filled with topical, political and social commentary and his songs are forever capturing the elusive metaphor in an often humorous manner. Catch a Chris Chandler show near You, you'll be glad you did! "

"For the past twenty years, Paul Benoit has performed and recorded his own music and collaborated with numerous songwriters including Dan Bern, Reggie Garrett, Eric Apoe, and Laura Love. From 1996-98 Paul’s electric/acoustic roots rock band Crosseyed released two albums and toured successfully throughout the western U.S. In 1997, Paul co-founded Hanuman, a four piece all-acoustic instrumental ensemble blending jazz, bluegrass, country and rock'n'roll with African beats. Hanuman released five albums, sold over 8,000 recordings and toured the U.S., playing at clubs, festivals, and theaters, up to 200 dates a year. In 2001, the band received Best Touring Band and Best Album awards from Sounds of Seattle and was voted best new band by the Seattle Weekly.
Paul’s songwriting and sound continues to evolve with his solo work including the roots-rock-pop blend of 2002’s “Dopamine” and the lush and complex arrangements of his most recent CD, “Combustible,” named a top-12 DIY CD in Performing Songwriter Magazine. He recently composed the soundtrack to the film “Diggers,” which won the IFP/Seattle Spotlight award and premiered at the 2007 Seattle Intenational Film Festival. Paul has just released his 3rd solo CD, Lazy Eye, a collection of 10 new songs recorded primarily with acoustic guitar and band. He continues to perform throughout the United States and Latin America, both solo and with his band, and with performance poet Chris Chandler."

Our newsletter will be going out tonight. If you are not on our mailing list (e-mail), please let us know, so we may add you.

Jerry and Jessica
"tycoonistas"

Happenings!!

MICHAEL GAITHER -- TONIGHT! AT 7 PM - $10 at the door, all proceeds go to the artist.

Tom Bakke, local author, reads and speaks on Sunday at 2 pm. Tom wrote one of the definitive local outdoor books on Oregon South Coast driving tours and day hikes, "Out Our Back Door". Come meet the author and get even more insight on local attractions and activities.

Jerry and Jessica
"tycoonistas"

Colette's is a happening place!

Live music twice in one day! We had a pair of flautists practicing in the afternoon, and an impromptu evening jam session by the Bumbling Buskers (bottom left photo). The bottom right photo is Rollie Lobsinger giving his politics of food lecture last week.

Coming this Saturday at 7:30 pm is more live music, featuring singer songwriter Michael Gaither (remaining photos). Michael hails from Freedom, CA, and will be bringing his guitar and harmonica to our stage. $10 at the door which goes directly to him. Let's show him a wonderful Oregon welcome as it is his first time here on the coast.

Jerry and Jessica

"tycoonistas"

Jerry and Jessica tie the knot

We did it. We tied the knot Friday, June 13 at 1300 (1 pm) at the store. We were handfasted so the knot was tied quite literally. My (Jessica) daughter Megan and her husband, Brooklyn released me into a lovely new relationship and were both an integral part of the service. Our friend Curt Clay officiated with warmth and humor. It was a lovely day made even more special by lots of well-wishers. Several folks brought spectacular bouquets, so we were surrounded by the lusciousness of flowers everywhere. Thanks to Sandi and David we have another wonderful plant for the store. We even had a lovely bouquet, created at the last minute and contributed by Daina Swanson. And if you see her, congratulate Bobbie Black, who caught the bouquet - may she see much love and luck in her life. My brother Matt assures me that I was floating through the air most of the day. I believe it. What more could a woman ask for than to be united for life with a man who sings to her?

We closed for the weekend for a short honeymoon to the Sylvia Beach Hotel in Newport, Oregon. This was the perfect place to honeymoon for a couple who love books. Each room is named for an author and holds a collection of his or her books. We were lucky enough to stay in the Lincoln Steffens room. For those who don't know, Steffens was born in 1866 and died in 1936. He was also one of the first to proudly claim the title "muckraker" an invective used for a really effective investigative reporter. Since Jessica was an investigative journalist for 30 years, this was another wonderful piece of serendipity.

Saturday we played tourist in Old Newport taking in 'high tea' and wandering through the WaxWorks. Of course we managed to scout a few bookstores too. Finally, we spent a couple of hours at the Aquarium. Favorite bits included the Jelly Fish which always enchant with their beauty and the playful otters. One male seal stole the show at feeding time by hamming it up for the audience. It was good to take time for a different kind of stimuli. We vowed to get away at least once a month.


Our Ground to Globe: Conversations about Food series continued last night with Rollie Lobsinger of OR Coast Community Action speaking about the Politics of Hunger. He shared some hard facts about food cost - From April 2007 to April 2008, milk prices increased 13.5 percent , eggs increased 30.5, bread increased 14.1, and cheese increased 12 percent. The increases are expected to continue. Already, food pantries are seeing folks who were considered middle class needing food assistance.

Lobsinger said hunger issues are due to a systems problem that encompasses fuel costs, climate change, growing populations, concentration of ownership and speculation. The latter two are directly linked, according to him, to a loosening of and lack of enforcement of the Sherman Anti-trust laws that prevented large companies from buying pieces of a completely unrelated industry. When the large corporations control so much of the food, the effect on the average person can be very potent, since the corporation doesn't look at well-being, but instead searches for a strong return to investors.

What can we do? We need to hold our representatives accountable for votes that are influenced by lobbyists and their money. We also need to take as much local control of our food as possible. This means being willing to make changes in what and how we eat. It means educating ourselves and making new choices about how to live our lives.

Block out Sunday, June 22 at 2pm for a reading by local author and poet, Mark Sturges. He'll be reading from his poetry book The Fertilizer King and his new manuscript Letters from the Turn of the Century. He's pungent, funny and will leave you wanting more.

We're normally closed on Mondays, but we'll be opening at 5pm on June 23 for another in our Ground to Globe: Conversations about Food series. Lecture will start at 6pm. Bobbie Stewart will talk about the Coos Head Food Store: Becoming a Co-op. Here's a chance to hear what is being planned and to see if their idea of a co-op matches the ones some of us remember from the 60's, 70's and 80's. Is it the answer? Come and decide for yourself.

My good friend from Freedom, CA, Singer/ Songwriter Michael Gaither will be bringing his guitar and harmonica to our stage on Saturday, June 28 at 7:30pm. $10 at the door which goes directly to him. Let's show him a wonderful Oregon welcome as it is his first time here on the coast.

And on Sunday, June 29 at 2pm local outdoor author Tom Baake will be signing his new edition of Out our Back Door a collection of day trips and local hikes in the area. It's the one I used when I first moved here and it's a gem! Tom has also promised to talk about some of the best little known hikes in the area. With the weather finally warming up, now is the time to plan some day trips.

We're just about ready to open the new space just two doors down from Colette's. The Catalyst will include meeting rooms available for rent, a meditation room, and a small metaphysical store called The Center. We're planning to hold lots of classes in the space as well. We'll be ready for the public by the first of July or sooner.

And, on that note, we are avidly looking for a yoga teacher who would like to teach in our new space. If you know of anyone, please let us know.

Finally, we're continuing to work to make welcoming spaces that allow community to happen.







Jerry and Jessica
"tycoonistas"

James Hurley wows 'em at Colette's

James Hurley put on a wonderful show with his eclectic and humorous songs and facile guitar riffs, keeping the audience on the edge of their chairs. He was very warmly received.

Our first author reading and signing will be this Sunday (June 1st) at 1:30 pm. Xan (Alexandra) Schiller will be reading excerpts from her novel "The Suave Swami", the first of the Mordecai Maccabbee mystery series. Copies will be available for sale and she will be happy to autograph them as well. Xan is a local author from Coquille. Come and embrace her talent.

The third lecture in The "From Ground to Globe" lecture series will be held on Thursday June 5th, and will feature Suzan Brawnlyn speaking on "Community Supported Agriculture".

Friday, June 6th, is first Friday poetry night, and will highlight Doro Reeves, followed by an open Mic session.These nights have been well attended and excellent poetry has been offered, so bring your poems or at least your ears and join the celebration.

Speaking of celebration, Jessica and Jerry will be tying the knot in June on Friday the 13th at 1300 (1 pm) here at Colette's. We will close the store, but open the doors for the ceremony and celebration. All are invited (we look at Colette's as our living room and our customers as guests). As such, all our guests are invited to come celebrate with us.

Also coming in June is The Catalyst - a community gathering place, a new space with meditation and small private meeting rooms for rent. We're real proud of it and we hope you will be too.

Jerry and Jessica
"tycoonistas"