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A mellow hangout
By JANE BOKUN CARROLLWOOD -- Chris Overstreet has all the makings of a professional jazz singer. Whether he's singing The Way You Look Tonight or They Can't Take That Away From Me, the 25-year-old Tampa native hones his vocal chops almost every Tuesday at open mike night at Relaxers Coffee. Like the other talented hopefuls at Relaxers -- a new coffee, dessert and jazz cafe at 15225 N Dale Mabry Highway -- Overstreet hopes to one day make it as a professional entertainer. "I'm with a barbershop quartet, but I enjoy singing here," said Overstreet, who also has a cashier job at the Publix supermarket next door to the cafe. "Everyone knows you and cheers you on." That's the way owners Sean and Tamara Hendley like it. A physical therapist, mortgage loan officer and entrepreneur, Sean Hendley wanted to open a cafe that featured good jazz in a comfortable atmosphere. Hendley works in the cafe evenings and weekends. "We started the business because we knew there was a need for a jazz-based coffee shop," said Mrs. Hendley, 30, who works in the cafe full time. "We wanted somewhere where people could listen to jazz with a nice, relaxing atmosphere -- not a bar scene." The cafe already has showcased local and internationally known acts such as jazz saxophonist Eric Darius and pianist Allon Sams. The Scott Snyder Duo was scheduled to play there this week. Amateur singers and poets perform weeknights; jazz pros take the stage from 7 p.m. until closing on Fridays and Saturdays. The Hendleys, who have three children and live in Northdale, want Relaxers to be cozy and inviting. The large room features relaxing neutral colors with overstuffed sofas and chairs. Board games and area lights rest on some tables. Along one wall toward the middle of the room sits a stage with a shiny black baby grand piano as its centerpiece. Open only two months, Relaxers already has developed a loyal following. "It's like your own home," said Hendley. Although, the coffee's probably better here. Specialty brews, which run from regular to cappuccino and mocha latte, cost from $1.50 to $3.25. Desserts, including bagels and pastries, range from $1.40 to $3.75. Relaxers will begin offering grilled sandwiches for lunch in a few weeks, Hendley said. Relaxers attracts a diverse crowd with its featured theme nights: Ladies Night on Mondays with $1 coffee from 6 p.m. to closing; Open Mike Night on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. until closing; Study Night on Wednesdays with 10 percent off for students from 5 p.m. until closing; and Family Night on Thursdays with one free hot cocoa for kids from 6 to 8 p.m. Hendley, 29, said jazz musicians don't have many venues, so they call him, offering to play at the cafe for donations. "The club never has a cover charge," said Mrs. Hendley. But when name acts stop by for two-hour sets, they pass a hat. Jazz singer Nigel Kros, 40, who moved to Tampa from New York City, said he loves the friendly atmosphere at Relaxers. A former member of the military, Kros caught the singing bug while stationed in Europe. On this particular Tuesday night, a grateful audience enjoys cakes and coffee while Kros sings in the mellow style of Luther Vandross. "It's just a great place to be," Kros said. Relaxers Coffee (813) 962-7278 15225 N Dale Mabry Highway. Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday.
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From the Times |
