"The Music Beat: Beats and Baclava" by Jeanne Jasperse

 

This article is from the August 2012 issue of KC Stage

There is international friendship flowing between Café Cedar and local musicians in of all places, Parkville ...?

Owned by Fabiola and Jehad, this power authentic Mediterranean couple cover the far east with the best of Greek, Mediterranean, and American food ... (their fried chicken ROCKS!). So it should show that what goes smoothly and globally in the kitchen reflects the entertainment in the dining room.

Tuesdays are a traditional jam night with host Brian Ruskin. Brian's father, Tommy Ruskin, and mother, Julie Turner, are jazz icons in this city. Brian doesn't always play jazz though; he some fantastic original stuff and is helping other writers at the quasi open mike. The open mike runs from 6:30 - 9:30.

Thursdays are packed with live jazz as interpreted by William Saunders. Dinner hour of course, 6:30 - 9:30.

Fridays, Jay Kennel takes the stage with beautiful classical guitar, also from 6:30 - 9:30.

Every other Sunday is the "Best of the Best" with original writers Alan White and Doc Fuller and John Bara in a four piece, three-part harmony, acoustic guitar and conga set up for just enough volume to enjoy the music, but it won't crowd out small talk. Besides, in my humble opinion, I consider Alan White one of the best damn songwriter's in this city. Change of time though … these guys go from 5:30 - 8:30.

All this winds up with 3rd Sundays Songwriter's Showcase, featuring songwriters from all over the place. I believe the time is also 5:30 - 8:30.

This is a family place, but it does have a full bar. There is a kid's menu available, and if you come on the Sunday nights that Doc and Alan play, I bet your youngsters would love to have a chance to bong on the bongos. They are very kid friendly and the kids I have seen banging along get such a tickle out of it!

Definitely come hungry. The baklava, the hummus, and the baba ganoush are the best I have ever tried, and they might mean a new adventure in food for some. It only takes one visit to a restaurant such as this to teach you about new and delicious. It has worked for me, and it's light and healthy for you.

Café Cedar is located at 2 E 2nd St near downtown Parkville. They share there parking lot with the old post office. For more information, visit cafecedar.com. Enjoy the music, just don't leave the baklava on the bongo after the show … eewww.

Next time on The Music Beat, sea chanties and Celtic melodies ... the music and musicians of the Renaissance Festival! You can reach Jeanne Jasperse on Facebook or on kkfi.org.