Haven Coffee and Goods is experimenting with a new way to energize its customers — through live music.
Christian Dixon, a Northwest University Advancement annual giving specialist, performed at the coffee shop to showcase one of his albums Feb. 7. Stephanie Campbell, owner of Haven Coffee and Goods, said this event will hopefully be a springboard for additional showcases. She said the coffee shop is meant to serve Maryville.
“We really are existing here for our community,” Campbell said. “We named this place Haven because we wanted it to be the place where you could show up and, wherever you were landing for that day, we had a spot for you; so, kind of come as you are, no matter where you come from, and we’re very excited to meet all of our community members.”
It was Dixon who first reached out about playing acoustically at the shop. Dixon said his music’s genre is indie-folk with a bit of Americana, in an acoustic singer-songwriter style. He said his music is heavy with its themes that range from loss, faith and many others in between. Dixon said his musical style takes direct influence from both his midwestern and religious backgrounds.
“I think sharing my story and my journey is really important (to) my identity: somebody from the Midwest and somebody who deals with mental health,” Dixon said. “I think it’s a story worth telling, and I hope you will give me a chance to share it.”
Dixon has had performances in Kansas City, MO, but said this performance was meaningful. He said it feels like homecoming for him, since he created some of his first songs in college. He said he was excited to perform for his peers.
Dixon said he was grateful for the opportunity to be the first live music performer at Haven Coffee and Goods.
“It’s a blessing,” Dixon said. “It’s an honor as well. I want to put my best foot forward, and hopefully bring in people who are interested, give them an experience to appreciate, and if it goes well, maybe we can come back and do it again sometime.”
Campbell said she does not plan for this live music event to be the last. She said she has taken note of other businesses hosting artists and hopes to bring more events to Haven Coffee and Goods. Campbell said the Maryville community is filled with talent in all aspects.
“I think we have talented people here, and now that we’ve got several venues for them to just come and share their talents — whether it’s from singing or even just musicians playing instrumental music — that's amazing, too,” Campbell said. “I think it’s amazing and engaging; our student community is obviously really close to our hearts here.”