In 2008 in an upcoming Columbia Heights neighborhood BloomBars was born. A volunteer team of artists, educators, community members and business leaders came together to redefine the perception of a bar. Each time I mention the name BloomBars to someone new they immediately think we are going there for a happy hour and I have to explain that this bar is different. Unlike other bars that rely on their happy hours to keep their customers in the door, BloomBars gives the community a platform to display their unique talents for their neighbors.
We have talked in this blog before about the importance of community. For many individuals a community is a sense of cohesiveness among a group of people. BloomBars is a community space for all ages striving to empower youth and parents to use art as an education and literacy tool. A couple of weeks ago I took a couple of my underage cousins to the Garden Open Mic Night at BloomBars. They felt comfortable being in a space that was welcoming to all ages and not only did they enjoy the performances, but they were inspired by the illustration and demonstration of art. BloomBars presents more than the weekly open mic. For a complete list of regular weekly events at BloomBars check out this site, but some of our favorite events include; Sunday Drumming Classes, Monday Poetry in the Morning, and Tuesday Indie Film Night. Each of these events in its own way brings individuals throughout the community together.
Each individual in the community serves a vital role in offering camaraderie and acting as a support system to others. BloomBars demonstrates their role in the community by fostering a safe and family-friendly environment to serve the up and coming generation as a training element.
--Krystal
At my last visit to the Garden Open Mic I shot a couple videos check them out and go check out BloomBars for yourself.
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