A Local Community that Supports its Artists

It all started when a dog named Lucy brought her human to Black Press Coffee in March 2021.

That year, Lucy and her human, Bill Hyman, returned to Black Press almost every day to meet people (outside) during a time when community was still a health hazard. Lucy and Bill weren’t the only ones who got something out of visiting; everyone sipping coffee came ready with a story to share.

Less than one year later, Lucy and Bill started hosting social events for all their fascinating new friends, many of them singers, artists, and musicians. In November 2022, Bill and two of his best Black Press buds held their first informal artists’ salon to give their musician friends some much-deserved exposure.

2023 brought a great many gatherings and lattes. That November, the group brought their enterprise to a small theater in A Night at the Triad. The musicians could finally perform in a formal setting for an eager audience — and get paid for their craft. Dozens of loyal neighborhood patrons purchased tickets and contributed additional money, fully funding the space, service, and entertainment.

And the story doesn’t end there. With a self-sustaining community based on generosity of spirit and a deep, abiding love for the humanities, many more Nights at the Triad are in store. Until then, come join Lucy for a cup of coffee.