Brescia Hosts Literary Culture and Coffee Every Third Tuesday

By Matt Weafer
Messenger-Inquirer

The Third Tuesday Writer’s Coffeehouse provides a pulpit for local writers to tell stories, confess sins, sing songs, read poetry, and perform anything else literary.

Originally held at Fox’n Field (now American Bounty), the Third Tuesday Coffeehouse started as an outreach from the Brescia University Creative Writing Program, according to David Bartholomy, associate professor of English at Brescia, and co-founder of the Coffeehouse, to provide students with a place to present their writing to a live audience.

Now in its ninth year, the Coffeehouse takes place in Woodward’s Café in the Riverpark Center every third Tuesday of the month starting at 7:00 p.m. between September and April. Regional writers drive from as far as Lexington, Frankfort and Indianapolis, to read and perform both as featured writers or during the Open Mic segment, Bartholomy said.

The largest crowd to attend the Coffeehouse, according to Bartholomy, was over 100 people who came to hear James Baker Hall, Kentucky poet laureate from 2001-2003, and his wife Mary Ann Taylor Hall. Ed McClanahan attracted a crowd almost as large.

“The Coffeehouse is one of the under recognized delights of Owensboro,” Chris Tiahrt, Coffeehouse MC said. “It’s a great opportunity to hear a wide variety of creative endeavors.”

According to cofounder Barbara Bennett, “The Coffeehouse is an outlet and an opportunity for writers. It provides an audience, and that’s very important.” The loyal, receptive, and tolerant audience of all ages offers writers a confirmation for their work, she said.

17 year old Collin Horn, who attends Apollo High School, performs folk music during Open Mic. “It’s a good venue,” he said. “The audience doesn’t make me feel nervous.”

“The Coffeehouse has saved my life,” said Phoebe Athey, owner of the big pink house on the corner of Allen St. and Parrish Ave. “Free speech in Owensboro is so very rare, and the Coffeehouse is someplace that allows me to do it.” Athey performs stand up comedy during Open Mic. “Stand up is my way of turning my depression about living in Owensboro inside out.”

The Coffeehouse is also a benefit to beginning writers, exposing them to local authors.
Bartholomy said, “People who are interested in writing can hear fresh stuff from the author’s mouth.”

Brescia Junior Dori Howard said, “I never miss the Coffeehouse.” Howard eventually plans on reading during the Open Mic portion. “I’m too shy,” she said.

The Coffeehouse is not only a benefit for writers, but it is also an advantage for anyone interested in regional, modern literature.

Stephan Quarles, also a junior at Brescia, said, “I come to listen to the regional writers because I enjoy hearing about everyday people.”

Jesse Mountjoy, tax lawyer and poet said, “It’s a wonderful forum for that part of culture that we normally don’t think of.” Mountjoy was one of the featured writers at February’s Third Tuesday Coffeehouse. He read some Haiku’s and poetry.

The Coffeehouse will celebrate the 20th anniversary issue of Open 24 Hours Brescia’s Regional Literary Journal. 20 writers from the new issue will read some of their work.

March’s Coffeehouse will feature Frederick Smock, Jim McGarrah, and Brett Ralph, creative writing teachers from Bellarmine, USI, and Hopkinsville Community College, respectively

“The Coffeehouse has surprisingly high quality writers,” Tiahrt said. “And it’s an encouragement for those who enjoy writing.”

Mountjoy said, “I think it’s a hidden jewel. So many good things come out of it.”
Anyone with questions about performing at the Coffeehouse, contact David Bartholomy at david.bartholomy@brescia.edu.