The Beat moves to the rhythm of change

When I heard of the sale of Grass Valley's musical coffee house, the Beat, I was apprehensive about open-mic night. We don't wanna sing in bars. This café is an alcohol-free environment for all ages.

Ray Laflin renamed the old Wall Street café a year ago. It became the Beat. Ray sold it in April so he could focus on being the vocalist for his band, Mr. Nice Guy.

Now it's Rhythm's Music Cafe, owned by Carol Melendez and her son, Steven, a student at Nevada City's Forest Charter School. He's the co-owner and he's only 17 years old.

"I'm supposed to be retired," said Carol. "I told my son I'd help him get going, and then the business is his."

The Melendez family began promoting music 30 years ago in San Jose with the Cinco De Mayo Festival. They've lived in Penn Valley for eight years.

"I was here early this morning, and I won't leave until late tonight," said a weary Carol. The cafe is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

This building has brick walls, a stone fire place, high front windows and knotty pine plank floors. Fans and chandeliers dangle from high rafters.

"This is the place to be if you enjoy music, art and a good cup of coffee," said Steven. Night entertainment plans include a swing dance class on Monday, comedy on Wednesday and bands on the weekend. Salsa continues on Tuesday. More food is on the way. On Thursday, open-mic night features performers with an eclectic smorgasbord of local talent, for free. Thankfully, we still have our favorite open-mic venue. I can continue my career as the world's oldest undiscovered rock 'n' roll star.

Steve also owns his own record company, Rhythm Records, and plans to book his own groups. Stizveth features dance music with a techno DJ. Confide is an acoustic rock duo. This Old Pistol is an old- fashioned rock trio and Meantime is one musician with friends who play slow rock.

"We're looking for more bands to promote. All kinds of music are welcome here," said Steven. "We can give them a place to play."

Rhythm's Music Café and Espresso Bar is at 114 W. Main Street in Grass Valley. The phone number is (530) 274 2411.

Last Thursday night I saw a mix of regulars with new faces. I'm gonna sing here all summer.

ooo

Paul August has written for Rolling Stone, Songwriter Magazine and the People's Almanac. He's a voting member for the Grammy Awards and owns Mindworker Productions.