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Cafe Opens Mic To Patrons

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: February 25, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - When Frank Ryan discovered Cafe Kili a few months ago, he immediately "fell in love" with the coffee house and eatery's appealing atmosphere and the hospitality of its hosts.

Owner Rose Waruinge and her husband, Patrick Gachua, fashioned their facility to fit the persona of their warm and inviting Kenyan upbringing.

In one corner they created a living room-type setting with overstuffed bamboo sofas and wall hangings reminiscent of animals indigenous to the African countryside.

Wicker tables and chairs finished in warm colors fill the remainder the spacious environment that also includes a Heroes Corner, where an encased American flag and photos of soldiers who fought and were killed in Iraq, including one of their own sons, grace another wall.

Ryan envisioned it as a perfect place for people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds to informally gather and enjoy listening to one another play musical instruments, sing self-composed tunes or read their stories and poems.

With the consent of Waruinge and Gachua, Ryan organized an open-mic night Thursdays at the cafe. There is no cover charge, but guests are encouraged to purchase drinks, snacks or sandwiches.

"We want to be here for the community, but it must be family-friendly entertainment," Waruinge said. "This is a place where people are welcome to come to escape from whatever is going on in the world."

Kurt Madsen of Tampa, who plays classical guitar, has participated on a couple of occasions since it kicked off last month.

"It's especially a great place for people to get together and exchange ideas about music," he said.

Ryan's friend David Jones of Temple Terrace said there has been quite a mix of people with a lot of talent who have shown up on Thursday nights.

"We've had some great folk musicians, a man who plays the saw and an 84-year-old who shares his poetry and is a storyteller," Ryan said. "We've had old people, young people and everyone in between."

At a recent open-mic night, Jim Paul, a University of South Florida psychology professor, sang a song he wrote about Cafe Kili with Linda Williams, choral director at Temple Terrace Community Church, as she played the piano.

Williams also assisted on the piano while Edmund Gatley of Thonotosassa led the audience in singing "Dalmingo the Flamingo," a song he wrote and likes to share with people.
Temple Terrace residents Ross and Mary Beth Chandler, who frequent the coffee house have been regular spectators at the Thursday night events.

Mary Beth is delighted the venue they love has attracted people from throughout the county.

"The variety and quality of musicians and talent is great, and it's nice to see people of all ages," Ross said.

Nancy Carneal of Temple Terrace is impressed with its warm, inviting atmosphere that draws people together and has reconnected her and her fiance, Les Bower, with old acquaintances.

Bill Blymiller, whoplays folk music on his guitar, credits Ryan with its overwhelming success.

"He's been tireless in going to other open-mic events in his effort to get this thing going," said the Temple Terrace resident.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Open-mic night

WHERE: Cafe Kili, 5731 E. Fowler Ave.

WHEN: 7-10 p.m. Thursdays

COST: Free, but guests are encouraged to purchase drinks and snacks.

INFORMATION: Frank Ryan, (813) 245-5010

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 865-4849.

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