SIXTH AVENUE BEAT >>>

The time has almost arrived for Sumner to pass along the café torch, and for Tacoma's Sixth Avenue to finally acquire another fantastic independent business. Remember? When I announced THIS awesome news!

Well, Beyond the Bridge Café (BBC) is not only changing locations, but also changing a few customer favorites.  What was once known as "Live at the BBC" (a monthly musical performance by various, upcoming local artists) will be warped into a newly fashioned show renamed as "The Phoenix."  Characters referred to as "Bots" will perform a monthly theme set to music from local bands and musicians.

Prepare to be thoroughly entertained, as the BBC's opening "Phoenix" will include the infamous Kate Monthy performing as her alter ego "Nadia Dawn," and be set to live music by Vicci Martinez.  Mark your calendars for the Sept. 24and 25 performances.  Tickets go one sale July 1 through brownpapertickets.com and will be priced somewhere around $15 each.  As the case in Sumner, the new Tacoma BBC will be an all-ages venue.

A soft opening is projected to occur in unity with this year's Art on the Ave event July 11.

Inside the new BBC venue expect to see large couches, a staging area, friendly vibes, beer on tap, and walls showcasing art by students of Tacoma School of the Arts. 

The menu will consist of homemade soups, quiches, and the BBC's infamous and ever-popular bagel sandwiches.

During my visit yesterday, owners Ben and Trish Rubke introduced me to their very own resident coffee enthusiast, Melissa Harris, who plans to implement a barista competition, and a BYOV event.  After I slipped them a $5 bill to buy my way onto the judges' table, I asked what in the hell a "BYOV" event was.  "Bring your own vessel," Harris explains.  Apparently original, one-of-a-kind created vessel that can hold coffee will be displayed and sold for donations. 

I immediately began to wonder how I could transform my bra into an operating dual coffee vessel.  Hmmmmm.