You’re probably familiar with “Relax, It’s Just Coffee,” the independent downtown coffee shop. What you may not know is that for the last year the North Main Street business has been roasting its own coffee beans. “We’re a double-secret micro-roaster,” said owner Paul Kemerling, explaining that they don’t (yet) sell their roasted coffee to other […]
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Posted inLife and Culture
Every town should have a Mahoney
If you spend any time in downtown Mansfield you’ll more than likely be familiar with Ernest Mahoney, the long-haired manic barista at Relax, It’s Just Coffee. He’s a musician, a poet, a landowner, a politician and – in my opinion – a man possessed by twisted genius. I first observed Mahoney from a bar stool […]
Posted inBusiness
The Sapranos discuss the family business 35 years after its death
MANSFIELD — There are places in Mansfield that I’ve often heard talked about but will never see, places from the past that live on only in stories and conversation. One of those places is – or was – Saprano’s Bar, a downtown beer and pizza joint that closed its doors 35 years ago. The bar […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Russell: Altered Eats, Jackie O’s Brewery present Beer Pairing Dinner
A number of my favorite things will be brought together this coming Saturday when celebrated Mansfield food truck Altered Eats joins forces with Jackie O’s Brewery to host a “Beer Pairing Dinner” at the Eighteen-O-Three Taproom in Galion. The event is being organized by Altered Eats owner Anne J. Massie along with Johnny Clift from […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Steve Russell could be armed, is definitely dangerous
A month or so ago the topic of guns arose in conversation and I was asked about my experience with firearms. Zero, I said. Nothing. Zilch. I moved here from Great Britain where handguns are completely illegal. Even cops on the beat don’t carry a gun. I’ve never touched one, I said, and I’ve never […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Russell: Pocket Vinyl’s unique show bound for Mansfield
Elizabeth Jancewicz and Eric Stevenson are a married couple from New London, Connecticut, who travel the country performing together. Eric sings while Elizabeth paints. Sometimes they sleep in their car. On March 13 they’re bringing their show to Mansfield and the Fourth Street Bar. They go by the name Pocket Vinyl, and last week I […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Brit to Brit: Russell finds music tie with artist bound for Mansfield
MANSFIELD — Next weekend Canadian singer Michelle Willis will be performing live in an intimate downtown venue, as she stops off in Mansfield on her U.S. winter tour. It’s been a busy time for the singer/songwriter, who’s recorded with Iggy & the Stooges and toured with David Crosby of Crosby, Stills & Nash. Her debut […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Russell: Live music, belly dancing and exotic costumes, oh my
To celebrate the release of her new CD, local artist Kate Westfall is planning a big night of live music, art, costumes and belly dancing. Billed as “The Outburst,” the event will take place at the 4th Street Bar on Saturday, Feb. 25 and feature a strong roster of talent drawn together for just one […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Russell: Pro wrestling in Mansfield produces appalling sights
MANSFIELD — Last weekend at the Malabar School Gymnasium I attended my first professional wrestling event: the American States Wrestling Alliance Saturday Night Slam. A good crowd was in attendance so I wasted no time in getting to the concessions. With a chili dog, a nacho plate, and my wife, I made my way to […]
Posted inLife and Culture
Russell: This musical odyssey stretches from NYC to the Chitlin Circuit to Mansfield
Last week I talked about some smoking live music I’d seen at the City News cigar store, including a funky Christmas shindig with local guys S’yVelt. What I didn’t mention was their special guest that evening, sax player Donald “Dohn” Nunley, recently arrived in town from Washington, D.C. I’d seen Dohn once or twice at […]