Tales from the Lazy Dog

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2010-03-02T13:26:00.002-05:00

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Lazy Dog Coffeehouse

TOP DOG & Best of Open Mic #5

2009-04-19T13:38:00.002-04:00

Well, our 1st annual TOP DOG Karaoke Competition is over and the whole event was a tremendous success. Thanks to everyone who participated, and everyone who came out to enjoy the food, the drink, the friendship and the music. Errol Strouse took 1st prize this year by singing "Blueberry Hill" and "Don't". Tied for 2nd place were Brenda Frankenstein and Tara Hess. All three were featured in our Best of Open Mic night Friday April 3rd, along with finalist Reiley Lonergan and Open Mic frequenter Tony Seo (who "made some music on the guitar"). The Lazy Dog is a great venue for all kinds of special events, and music is an integral part of who we are and what we do. Our 2nd annual TOP DOG competition will start Sunday Feb 21st next year. Mark your calendars!

TOP DOG Karaoke Competition

2009-03-09T15:01:00.002-04:00

At the Lazy Dog, we're holding our first annual TOP DOG Karaoke Competition, and people have come from all over to listen and take part. After three rounds of preliminary competition, the field has been narrowed to 18 performers who will compete in the semi-finals Sunday March 15th. Hosted by 2008 Schuylkill County Senior Idol Rick Lorady, with help from Gail Lorady (registration, scoring & vote tabulation), Olwyn Beatty, Jim Calderone, John Kostura and Mark Mahal (preliminary competition judges), we have had a fair, fun and exciting event so far.
The 18 semi-finalists are (in alphabetical order): Randy Corcoran, Brenda Frankenstein, Russ Hayes, Tara Hess, Dwayne Hixson, Jeannine Leeker, Reiley Lonergan, Angie Meyer, Denise Meyer, Misha Meyer, Sophie Meyer, Susannah Meyer, Rahn Richards, Linda Roeder, Norris Stewart, Errol Strouse, Barry West and Steve Usher.
The 1st Place winner will receive the coveted TOP DOG Karaoke Competition Trophy, a $100 cash prize, and an invitation to headline our next 'Best of Open Mic' night, Friday April 3rd. Don't miss it!

New Year's Eve

2009-01-09T09:13:00.002-05:00

Guests at the Lazy Dog rang in the New Year with a great night of food, drink, converstaion, music and dancing. We started off with what was truly a "Grand Gala Buffet" - Caesar Salad, Calamari Caponata, Rigatoni & Meatballs, Asparagus-wrapped with Flounder over Shrimp Salsa, Filet Mignon Stroganoff, Egg Noodles, Roast Loin of Pork with Apricot Shallot Stuffing, Cuban Black Beans and Roasted Corn, Creamed Broccoli and Cauliflower Florets, and Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes. Dessert included Espresso Chocolate Mousse, Pecan Pie and Apple Pie a la mode.
The music and dancing started at 9 and continued right up until 1 o'clock. Paul Miller was terrific as always, and in addtion to regulars Dave on bass and Mark on drums, special guests included Scott on trumpet and Chris on saxophone. An extra special appearance by Steve Evans on trumpet and some great vocals by Russ Hayes really made the night memorable. What a great way to ring in the New Year!

Thursday Open Mic - Nov 20, 2008

2008-11-21T06:57:00.002-05:00

Thursdays are open mic/karaoke nights at the Lazy Dog. Have been since we opened a little over a year ago now. This week we had some concern with the cold temperatures and the snow, but that didn't keep people from coming out and having a good time. I mention from time-to-time what incredibly talented people we've got in Schuylkill County (and beyond), and I mean it. Just about everyone who gets up on stage is a real pleasure to listen to. It's obvious from the number of folks who come back week after week, whether it's to get up on stage or to just to sit and have a good time, that this is the place to be on a Thursday night. Add to all that the beauty and comfort of the room, the professional sound equipment, the great food, coffee, espresso and Martini drinks, a terrific open mic host (country music, Neil Diamond and bad jokes aside...) and you've got the makings of a really great night - week after week.

Last night we had Errol, Ally, Ed, Rick (this year's Schuylkill County Sr. Idol Winner), Tara (you've got to hear her Janis Joplin sometime), Dave (check out www.myspace.com/davidderbes), Blackwood, Matt (www.matthaslam.com), Michelle & Jimmy, and Russ (www.mesapa.biz).

The weather did keep some people from coming out, but we filled the night with great musical entertainment and everyone in the house had a great time.

Open Mic/Karaoke at the Lazy Dog, Thursday nights, 7-10pm.

An Evening with Kerry Zukus

2008-11-21T06:50:00.003-05:00

We couldn't have said it better than Kerry did himself. It was a great evening at the Lazy Dog, and it was an honor to meet and work with Mr. Zukus. By the way, we do have autographed copies of The Fourth House for sale. Stop in or give us a call if you'd like one for yourself or to give as a gift. Here is Kerry's blog entry (from KerryZukus.com):

Lazy Dog Reading Recap
Saturday, November 15th, 2008

I just spent 3 days in Pennsylvania and boy am I fat! Actually, I was fat before this week, but why quibble when you’ve got an excuse?

On Wednesday night we had “An Evening with Kerry Zukus” at the Lazy Dog Coffeehouse and it was a blast. I haven’t been this nervous since the first time I was pulled over by a State Policeman. But the nerves were all for naught. For one thing, the people at the Lazy Dog are the greatest. Yeah, I know, that sounds cliche, but I really mean it. Denyse, David, and their entire spirited crew were superb to work with — true professionals. If you’re ever in the region, you’ve got to go to this place — good food, good coffee, a martini bar (a martini bar in Lantenengo County?), and eclectic entertainment almost every night.

As for the evening, I was flabbergasted to see that we filled the place and sold out every single book we had for sale. And I had to sign all those pieces of pulp. Oy! I must admit, I started to get a little pottsy coming up with little personalized messages, and if I wrote anything in anyone’s book that may have offended them, I apologize. All I remember was that I called one woman “sexy,” another a “harlot,” and my old English teacher, “Stupid.” I guess I was over-stimulated.

I also got into a hugging jag. I suppose that’s the difference between doing a book signing somewhere where they only know you as “some guy who wrote a book,” versus being at a homecoming. I felt like I was at my own funeral, only I got to be awake for the whole thing. What I’m trying to say is, it was very touching to see so many familiar faces, people I haven’t seen in a thousand years. To those of you who were there, you were far too kind.

That all being said, the show itself was a lot more comfortable then I might have expected. Not one shot was fired. Yes, yes, a few folks tried to play “Guess the character,” but I don’t recall anyone even doing that during the official question-and-answer period, but privately before or after the main event. Maybe it was because 90% of those in attendance had not yet read the book. I’ll have to see if my hate mail goes up once they’ve cracked open the cover.

Oh, and as for the “all sold out” part … The Lazy Dog is still taking orders and I just sent them a whole load of books, so if you want to buy an autographed copy of THE FOURTH HOUSE and you don’t belong to the major book clubs that are the exclusive sellers of it, the Lazy Dog Coffeehouse in Minersville, PA is the only place in the world where you can buy this book! And they will even take mail orders if you don’t want to visit the mighty, mighty coal region. They’re located at 18 E. Sunbury St., Minersville, PA 17954, or you can call them at 570-544-4800, or e-mail them at dlw@lazydogcoffeehouse.com. They even take credit cards. But they don’t sell pierogies.

Finally, I know a lot of you who were there took an awful lot of pictures and I want them all! Seriously, I could care less about seeing myself; it’s just that I had my picture taken with so many people with which I want to remember this lovely reunion and if you’ve got those pictures, please share them with me via e-mail.

Peace,

Kerry

Mon - Sat Breakfast

2008-11-06T13:46:00.002-05:00

You asked for it, You got it!
Weekday Breakfast (actually Monday thru Saturday) at the Lazy Dog started November 3rd. We've introduced a great breakfast menu with all the basics: eggs to order, omelets, home fries, sausage, ham, bacon, pancakes, french toast and a whole lot more. Everything is reasonably priced, and breakfast is available from 7am - 11am. You can view the complete menu online on our website: www.lazydogcoffeehouse.com
Our Sunday Breakfast Buffet continues every Sunday 8am - 2pm.
As usual, our thanks to everyone for helping make the Lazy Dog a great place to eat, drink, visit, relax and enjoy!

Anniversay Week: Part 2

2008-10-11T16:09:00.002-04:00

What a great week!
On Monday we had Charlie Adams, a writer and radio personality from Berks County, talk about Ghosts & Ghost Hauntings in Schuylkill County. After his talk, which lasted about an hour, he had a number of books for sale, which he was happy to autograph. One book in particular, "Coal Country Ghosts" is specifically about Ghost Stories in our area.
Tuesday night we had a wine sampling from Long Trout Winery in Auburn - "Where the wine is cool, and Hippie Chicks rule". Kim Leibensperger, one of the owners was present to talk about their wines, and she brought along a dozen bottles for everyone to try. We at the Lazy Dog are now carrying one of those wines, "Burnin' Bra", a Peach Chardonnay. It goes great with any of our dessert offerings. Next time you're in, be sure to try a bottle!
On Wednesday we continued the sampling theme. This time with representatives from Three Olives Vodka. Capital Wine & Spirits sponsered the sampling, which consisted of four mini-martinis from our 42 drink martini list. Our musical guest that night was Rick Lorady, who performed in the classic Dean Martin style. The man is smooth! & we all had a great night.
The week ended on Thursday, with a special Open Mic "Showcase". We invited five talented people, who are frequent performers on Thursday nights, to do a half hour each. The music was terrific and we thank each of the people who sang that night: Bill Swartz, Charles Tamburelli, Tara Hess, Tim Stoudt and Norris Stewart. We capped the night off in our usual style with Jim and Carolyn singing "Wild Thing". Our thanks too, to Yuengling: America's Oldest Brewery, for providing a beer sampling during the show. Did you know we carry ALL of the Yuengling beers?
To everyone who came to the Lazy Dog during our Anniversary Week, and to all that have helped support us during this first year, we are truly thankful. We understand that your support is essential for our success, and we hope you will continue to come and enjoy all that we have to offer. The Lazy Dog really is unique in Schuylkill County - we're a great coffeehouse, a great bistro restaurant, and a great music venue, all combined into one.
As the sign says: "Come", "Take 'Paws'", "Enjoy the Coffeehouse with us!"

Anniversary Week - the first 3 days...

2008-09-21T16:48:00.003-04:00

Friday night: Bev "BC" Conklin & Bluzin' was an AWESOME night of R&B. Bev's soulful vocals were terrific, and so were her Blues Crew band members Wayne Smith on guitar, Nick Roberti on bass and Tom Charles on saxophone. One patron's comment was, "That was the best sax I ever heard!" "BC" will be back in the doghouse on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH.

Saturday night: Our Dinner Theater/Murder Mystery was a BLAST with Ashland's own LIFT YOUR SPIRITS PERFORMING ARTS GROUP presenting "Murder at the ToniLou Awards".
Locals Rhonda Stoppie, Tom Mundi and Dolly Calderone were among the guests nominated for Tonilou Awards! The Reverend One Hung Low got the most laughs of the night! Dan Thomas and his performers will be back in the doghouse in the Spring.

Sunday: Brunch was GREAT and people really appreciated the FREE Lazy Dog coffee mugs and our incredible Fair Trade Organic CODA coffee! Our "regular" Sunday Breakfast Buffet will return next Sunday and every Sunday from 8AM-2PM.

Thanks to everyone who has come out to enjoy the start of our week long celebration, and to all who support the Lazy Dog week-to-week.

Re: spiffy

2008-09-13T11:12:00.002-04:00

spiffy:
We're sorry you were offended at the Open Mic on August 21st. Why so many people--including many under 21--chose to stop at the Lazy Dog without dinner reservations on that particular evening, we don't know. As you said, "there was not enough room to fit everyone". All tables were occupied and the standing-room-only crowd was blocking walkways and exits. There also weren't enough Lazy Dog staff "supervisors" (as defined by the PLCB) to allow minors who were not seated at table with adult/parental supervision to stay in the coffeehouse. It was our concern for the safety and comfort of all our guests--plus building code and PLCB requirements--that forced us to ask unseated guests--including unsupervised minors--to leave.

As a business, we want the Lazy Dog to be about great hospitality, great coffee, great food and great music. We want people of all ages--especially coffee-, food- and music-lovers--to be a part of the Lazy Dog all day and every day. On Friday & Saturday nights, guests help us to support live music in Schuylkill County by paying a cover charge to hear professional bands and by buying food and drink. On Thursday nights, guests support Open Mic & Karaoke by contributing to the hat-pass--with the requested $2.00 contribution used to buy & maintain Open Mic & Karaoke equipment & advertising--and by buying food and drink. We're committed to continue Open Mic at the Lazy Dog as an opportunity for local performers, fun-lovers and friends to try new material & enjoy one another as long as our guests continue to support Open Mic. But, we're also committed to comply with building-, health- and PLCB-codes (yup, BS!) that will keep our guests safe & legal...and will keep us in business.

Consider this: It may be possible for us to arrange an Under-21 Night on a Sunday evening to accommodate you and the others who were inconvenienced on August 21st. It would involve significant effort on our part: contacting the PLCB to receive written authorization (yup, more bureaucratic BS) and scheduling & paying Lazy Dog kitchen, counter, serving and sound-tech staff . It would involve significant effort on your part, too: lining up the performers and finding an audience who's willing to contribute to a hat-pass and to buy food and drink. Let us know when/if you'd like to discuss something like this. In the meanwhile, we're still sorry that we couldn't make room for you and so many others in August. Please consider calling ahead to make dinner reservations for the next Open Mic.., and please introduce yourself to us. We'd like to meet you.

Thanks for taking time to sound off.
Denyse Wasilewski
Lazy Dog Coffeehouse

re: last week in the doghouse

2008-08-27T17:06:00.003-04:00

Open Mic Night was great, but (sadly) Bullwinkle wasn't the high point! Fortunate Son and Mr. Z & the Night Shift rocked on the weekend...going from "Eve of Destruction" on Friday night to "My Girl" on Saturday night...awesome! I love having a venue like the Lazy Dog in my back yard.
LDC Groupie

This week in the doghouse

2008-08-23T07:20:00.001-04:00

It's been a good week at the Lazy Dog. People are out and about, with lots getting ready for back-to-school next week. Stopping in for lunch or dinner makes a lot of sense - why worry about having to cook when there's so much else to do! We had a great group of teachers in for lunch, taking advantage of their time off to get together before going back themselves.
Our Thursday open mic/karaoke night was crowded as usual, with a good combination of regular patrons and new faces. This week we featured trivia about the Rocky & Bullwinkle cartoon show. I'm not too sure how interested people were, but I remember watching the cartoons and enjoyed learning and remembering about Rocky, Bullwinkle, Boris, Natasha, Peabody & Sherman, Dudley DoRight & all the other kookie characters.
Last night our featured performer was Fortunate Son. He's a popular acoustic player & singer, doing lots of great music from the 60's and 70's. Everyone gave him high marks on their comment cards & seemed to enjoy the evening.
Tonight we have Mr. Z and the Nighshift. One of the most popular groups in our area, Mr. Z comes to us from Berks county, but plays a lot here in Schuylkill. Everyone knows and loves this group! Looking for something to do tonight? Come to the Lazy Dog! Music is 8-11.

About this Blog

2008-07-15T11:55:00.003-04:00

Out blog is currently under development.
Please check back for site updates, which will become active some time in August.
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