A Little History
Emmaus Venue was birthed out of the community after so many folks close to Emmaus were bonding through, conversing over, and finding inspiration in many different forms of music. In 2004, after running open mic coffeehouses out of the 1.0 farmhouse, Emmaus 2.0 become home to a host of local, regional, and national acts. So much encouragement was brought about as a result of the concerts that current Emmaus events, held at 49 York Street, are more diverse, exciting, and thought-out than ever. How can we offer a stage for expression to be released? How can our space be used to offer joy and an energetic atmosphere? How can music touch the divine or point to the Giver of all true inpiration and creation? How can we keep shows affordable and accessible for many different people? These questions and more help guide Emmaus' booking process. Styles varying from rock, indie, country, americana, metal, hardcore, comedy, poetry and others are a part of our weekend events. Check out FAQs or contact page for any questions about booking, parking, directions, or the like.
The Look
The current Emmaus Venue offers a 250 square-foot stage for artists to spread out, rock out, chill out, or otherwise grace. Full lighting and sound is taken care of in house. Front-of-house space can be converted from one show to the next. An acousic-indie night could have tables and chairs, while a metal, hardcore, or rock night might have general admission space for over 275 friends. The full cafe is in full-effect during shows, and we also offer small food items such as delicious 100% peanut-oil fries with cheese, or nachos with cheese. All of our shows are recorded and samplers and podcasts of some willing artists will soon be available (see some artists below). For certain special occassions Emmaus' space can be rented out. Contact us for more info.
Goings-on
All shows are held on weekends (Friday or Saturday) with doors at 6 pm and shows starting at 7 pm. Everything is always Emmaus Cafe intermittenly offers other shows through the midweek. Open Stages are held every Thursday from 7-10 and anyone who plays music, tells jokes, offers stories, juggles, or otherwise would like free night to share are welcomed. Anything from full band- to singersongwriter- styles are welcomed, but first come first served. Sign-ups are available at the bar and a recording of your performance is available for a little bit of nothing.
Some artists love and have graced our stage are below. It is by no means a complete list.
Denison Witmer
Half-handed Cloud
Cool Hand Luke
Psalters
Gray Lines of Perfection
Lyre
The Evan Anthem
John Francis
John Mallinen
Judd and Maggie
Don Peris (Innocence Mission)
Raise up RoofBeams
Levi Landis and the Nobodys
Tigersaw
The Green Trees Band
An Early Ending
A Burning Embrace
Weird Weeds
Unwed Sailor
Brave the Day
Cameron Hull
Clifton Newell
Andy Zipf
Carroll Hill
Shapiro
Blue Daniel James
Joshua Heard Park
Of Beauty
Arrah and the Ferns
William Lemmers
Right As Rain
Ronie Stephan
Bratcore
Booker Lee and the County Fair
Cameo Jones
Jake Smith
Bratcore
Roma Renegade
