ITEM PHOTO BY SPENSER HASAK
Patrick Nelson, general manager of the White Rose Coffeehouse, pours steamed milk into a latte during the business’ soft opening on Tuesday.
By BILL BROTHERTON
LYNN — Arts lovers have one more reason to celebrate the downtown’s resurgence: The White Rose Coffeehouse opened Tuesday at 56 Central Ave. and its ambitious, enthusiastic owners plan to serve up live music, poetry, art, food, craft beers/ciders, creative cocktails, coffee and more.
Co-owner Kato Mele, a self-described “Pine Hill girl,” said the goal is “to bring more arts and culture to the Arts and Cultural district.” A Gypsy Jazz Brunch is set for Sunday, Nov. 13, and cellist Ian Maksin will perform on Nov. 26 at the large space just down the street from the Lynn Museum and the LynnArts building. Cafe Moka and Gulu-Gulu Cafe formerly occupied the space.
Fans of vinyl records — which includes me and about everyone else I know — will be excited about “33 ⅓ Thursdays,” a sort of open mic hosted by Seth Albaum, founder of Lynn Happens and a local DJ/photographer. Starting Nov. 17, music enthusiasts are invited to bring along their fave albums or 45s, from which they will get to play at least two songs on a turntable provided by Albaum.
Piano bar nights and drawing classes are also planned.
“We’re here to provide a community space where people can meet, chat and get to know one another,” added Mele. “There will be no TV. There will never be a TV in this coffeehouse.”
Co-owner Bob Kerr, a local musician and chef, will be in charge of the kitchen. Co-owner Patrick Nelson, a 2006 Classical High grad, will supervise the bar. He insists his espresso martini is the best in the world: We might all have to try one to see if he can back up that boast.
Mele said the coffeehouse’s name is significant. The White Rose was a non-violent, intellectual resistance group in Nazi Germany led by a group of students at the University of Munich. The group conducted an anonymous leaflet and graffiti campaign that called for active opposition against fascism and the Nazi regime.
A grand opening will be held soon. The coffeehouse will be open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.