Art You Can Laugh At Returns to Ready Coffee’s ORNOT Gallery September 18

 

 

Back by overwhelming demand, Art You Can Laugh At returns to Ready Coffee’s ORNOT Gallery (1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, 773-360-7041) 7 p.m. Wednesday, September 18.  Hosted by resident comedian Nathyn Gibson the complimentary show will feature performances by comics Matty Ryan, Charlie Vergos, Tim Barnes, Cameron Gillette, Megan Gailey and Martin Morrow. No reservations are necessary. Seating is limited to first come with plenty of standing room.

 

 

 

 

About the Performers

Matty Ryan
Matty Ryan is a Chicago classic. Born, bred, and beer-battered in an Irish neighborhood on the city’s South Side, Matty has been touring and performing throughout Chicago and beyond for the past several years. His rapid-fire delivery and deft takes on his burgeoning (and unwanted) adulthood, things he’s learned from the elderly, and the fine art of the outdoor nap have made him a favorite at showcases and clubs throughout the country. An alumnus of the Second City, Matty has appeared at Zanies, The Laugh Factory, The Improv, and the Hollywood Comedy Store. He currently co-produces The Blackout Diaries every Saturday at The Lincoln Lodge, and Parlour Car every Thursday at Bar Deville; both in Chicago. Also, please tell your parents he says hello.

Charlie Vergos
"Charlie Vergos is an easily distracted 24-year old little brother who grew up working in his family's barbecue restaurant in Memphis, TN. He began doing comedy there in 2009, until he saw something shiny and followed it to the comedy scenes of New Orleans, Cape Town, back to Memphis, and now Chicago. Charlie's energy has been described by important people as 'part-contestant on Kids' Jeopardy, part 74-year old bluesman.' His act may or may not include drawings, piano, juggling, off-brand Mad Libs, or getting lost on the way to the stage.
Charlie has performed comedy in four different countries, worked in the Onion's graphics department, served as the editorial cartoonist for two newspapers in New Orleans, opened for Sean Patton, and won a pie-eating contest in Branson, Missouri when he was in 5th grade (No hands). Oh, and he's really funny."

Tim Barnes
"Tim Barnes is a comic and writer from California who has worked with the creators of comedy centrals 'Dr. Katz' on various projects.. He currently performs all over Chicago and writes for the satirical website 'The Whiskey Journal.'

Cameron Gillette

Cameron Gillette grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, raised by excessively conservative parents and for the first 20 years of his life was very, very bored. Finally, at 20, he tried his first stand up open mic, and his consciousness was awakened. He was eventually performing regularly at the Stardome Comedy club, but quickly became frustrated with the lack of opportunities for stage time in Alabama. Along with a group of like-minded comedians, he started putting on shows at bars and coffee shops around the city. After 2 years, these shows were gaining a big following. Although Birmingham was beginning to have a comedy scene he could be proud of, he decided he wanted to pursue comedy full-time in a big city. In January of 2010 he moved to Chicago and was quickly recognized as one of the funniest up-and-comers up-and-coming. He has performed all over the city since then at places like The Lincoln Lodge, The Laugh Factory, and Comedians You Should Know.

Megan Gailey
Megan Gailey grew up in Indianapolis, the perfect town to raise a delusional upper-middle class Midwestern socialite. With a love of flirting and vacationing, it was a natural fit to leave the monotonous exercise schedule for a life of stand-up.
In the past year Gailey was a finalist in NYC’s Laughing Devil Festival, a featured performer at Just For Laughs, the Traverse City Winter Comedy Festival and selected as one of Comedy Central’s Chicago Comics to Watch. Megan was recently featured in Chicago Magazine for her comedic risk taking and amazing dresses. And she has finally performed alongside enough famous people that her older brothers no longer hate her.
Gailey is a must-have at top National Clubs like the The Laugh Factory (Chicago), Hilarities (Cleveland) and The Comedy Club (Rochester, NY). Opening for Brad Garrett, Kevin Nealon, Amy Schumer, Paul Reiser, Doug Benson, April Macie and TJ Miller. Megan also loves all the stages in Chicago, performing for fellow downtown yuppies at Comedians You Should Know and Second City, hip Northside crowds at The Lincoln Lodge, and even for crowds that should inherently hate her but wind up loving her at Mikey O’s Comedy Cantina.
A founding member of Chicago’s stand-up and sketch group "Your Funniest Friends" and co-host of the Chicago comedy podcast "Naked Sports Live" Megan works and applies makeup at a fanatical pace. She continues to search for a rich husband, just in case.

Martin Morrow
Martin Morrow is originally from Birmingham, AL where he started doing stand-up, improv, and belonged to an award winning sketch/stand-up hybrid "Tubbi and Martin". Martin has performed in clubs, colleges, and festivals all over the country including Atlanta, Austin, Cleveland, Las Vegas, and
New York and has worked with some of the top names in comedy including Eric Andre, Hannibal Buress, Kyle Cease, Judah Friedlander, Jamie Kennedy, Natasha Leggero, Tim Meadows, Tig Notaro, Sean Patton, Paul Rodriguez, Craig Shoemaker, Amy Schumer, and Baron Vaughn. Currently residing in Chicago, IL, Martin has performed in several shows with Second City as a part of their Outreach & Diversity ensemble in addition to being a Second City PUMA scholarship recipient, and has put on several one man shows at The Playground Theater and MPaact Theater, and was a season 13 cast member of the longest running independent comedy showcase the Lincoln Lodge. His work has been featured on the Huffington Post, was a finalist in the seventh season of the Impress These Apes comedy competition, and performed in the 2013 Just for Laughs Festival. Despite his accolades in comedy, Morrow is perhaps best known from his work in the 1953 Walt Disney classic Peter Pan as Peter Pan's shadow.

 

About Nathyn Gibson, Host
Nathyn Gibson is the host of the ORNOT Gallery’s Comedy Showcase: Art You Can Laugh At. Nathyn moved to Chicago last summer to pursue comedy. He also co-produces a monthly showcase in Logan Square called Black Star Comedy and is a regular performer in the A Night of Comedy series in Crown Point, Indiana. "Chicago has an amazing comedy scene, and I want to be an outlet to show what this town has to offer," said Nathyn.

Like "Art You Can Laugh At" on Facebook at www.facebook.com/artyoucanlaughat. The Facebook event can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/194215210756450/

Complimentary Saturday Morning Yoga at READY Coffee Beginning August 17

Off to READY Coffee? Don't forget a yoga mat! Everyone's favorite Saturday morning destination just became even more irresistible. Beginning Saturday August 17, READY Coffee (1562 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-360-7041) will be offering complimentary yoga classes. The ORNOT Gallery, located inside READY Coffee, will be transformed into a yoga studio each Saturday for 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. classes.

Just bring a mat and READY Coffee will provide the rest. READY Coffee has teamed up with yoga instructor and READY customer Blair Rockoff of Rock Solid Health (2536 W. North Ave., 773-697-4372) to provide patrons with peace of mind, good health, happiness and a great cup of coffee.

When READY Coffee owners Adam Banks and John Grbac set out to find the perfect Guru for READY's complimentary yoga classes, deciding on Rockoff was a no brainer. Rockoff's classes blend many styles of yoga to produce a class designed to challenge, entertain and provide personal discovery for each participant.  Her vast knowledge of the art and her focus on developing her students while making personal connections deemed Rockoff a perfect fit.

Rockoff began studying yoga in 2007. After trying many different yoga studios in both Chicago and California, she realized they were missing the "welcoming personal connection" that she desired. When she determined that owning her own studio and teaching classes was the best way to create her desired environment, she quickly made her dream a reality.

A welcoming personal connection is not foreign to READY Coffee; in fact it is READY Coffee's mantra.  READY Coffee prides itself on its ability to remain in tune with the wants, needs and price points of patrons in the Wicker Park area. READY Coffee regulars value the inviting atmosphere and reasonable prices.

Make READY Coffee part of your Saturday routine with complimentary yoga. We recommend finishing the yoga filled morning with a much deserved Dinkles Donut and cup of READY Coffee or a custom made juice from the popular juicer stand. 

ORNOT Gallery Opening this Saturday featuring local Jamaican-American Artist Kenrick McFarlane

Ready... ORNOT New Gallery Opens with Local Jamaican-American Artist Kenrick McFarlane  Show opens Saturday, July 7 - Runs through September 30  The "ORNOT" Gallery (located within READY Coffee, 1562 N Milwaukee Avenue Chicago, IL 60622, 773-360-7041) opens with its first show 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 27, showcasing the works of promising local Jamaican-American artist, Kenrick McFarlane. The show runs through September 30.The show is being curated by Cody Davis, a READY Coffee barista, photographer and manager of the ORNOT Gallery. Still in his early twenties (born in 1990) and with plans to graduate from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (BFA, 2014), McFarlane has already built an impressive résumé, having his works featured at exhibitions,  public and private galleries and publications while earning the respect of other artists. His works have been featured at numerous galleries including the Little Black Pearl Art Center and Gene Siskel Film Center, and have been published in several publications including a feature article in HAS Magazine, "Welcome to Kenrick McFarlane's Twisted Reality." His work also was shown at the international Expo Chicago 2012 in Chicago (2012 / Eclectic Coherence / Curated by Dawoud Bey). In the summer of 2010, McFarlane worked as a studio assistant under famed Chicago artist Hebru Brantley. Brantley has become one of several high profile artists or collectors to own pieces by McFarlane. Other owners include Patric McCoy and Bill Savage of Diasporal Rhythm, collectors or contemporary art by African-American artists. McFarlane has donated his works to River North Dance Chicago¬ and the Golden Apple Foundation. Such success at a young age can be attributed not only to his talent, but also his philosophy as an artist. "In the world there are many kinds of verbal languages. There are also a variety of visual languages. Within my practice, I'm trying to find paintings that are engaging to make and have a unique pictorial language," says McFarlane. About ORNOT Gallery READY Coffee brings to the Bucktown-Wicker Park area of Chicago a new space to feature local artists whose passion often involves controversial, poignant, and social statements. "We are looking to be a real player in the Chicago art scene," said READY Coffee's owner, Adam Banks. "We're used to coffee shops hanging art up on the walls as a secondary attempt to 'be local', but we are focused on being local in the best sense of the word.  We are looking to really support local artists and we're not afraid of pushing the edge." To further showcase artwork, READY Coffee has an Art-o-Mat machine, a uniquely refurbished vintage cigarette vending machine that has been converted to sell small pieces of art wrapped in cigarette boxes. The art sells for only $5. "The Art-O-Mat is the coolest machine that I have ever seen," said Banks. "There is one in the National Portrait Gallery (a Smithsonian Museum) and it's really a beautiful piece of art in and of itself." Anyone interested in providing art objects for READY's Art-o-Mat should call the store at (773) 360-7041. Like ORNOT Gallery on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ornotgallery and follow on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ornotgallery. Interested artists should contact Cody at ornot@readycoffee.com. About Cody Davis, curator Cody Davis is a READY Coffee barista and manager of the ORNOT Gallery. A native of rural Arkansas, he moved to Chicago to study at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and to escape the oppression of living in the south as a gay man. A photographer  whose work is displayed at READY Coffee, his work has evolved to include in various media.  We would love for you and a guest to attend  this Saturday's opening at 6 p.m., July 27 Please join the team at ORNOT Gallery and READY Coffee  as well as Artist Kenrick McFarlane  for a lovely evening of art, nibbles and  Certified Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.  Please RSVP to kurmanstaff@kurman.com.  ORNOT Gallery 1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue  Chicago's Bucktown-Wicker Park Neighborhood

Check out our READY Coffee video!

 

   

READY Coffee, New Indy Coffee Shop in Wicker Park, Starts the Final War in the Quality Coffee Game – the Price War

READY Coffee, a new independent coffee shop at 1562 Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago’s Wicker Park (773-360-7041; http://readycoffee.com), has opened with enthusiastic customer buzz about its high quality, locally roasted coffees, and unbeatable prices.

While the mood is informal and creative, the owners demonstrate that they are serious about challenging the coffee world with a refreshing take on coffee shops. “We are fully committed to offering customers a quality experience at down-to-earth prices,” said owner Adam Banks, a recent MBA graduate of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, who wrote his senior business plan on squaring off with the coffee industry at low prices. This research plays out in the logical $1, $2, and $3 drink menu.

“The last frontier in the coffee world has to be price; cups of coffee are now normally higher than a gallon of gas,” said Banks. “We’re offering truly outstanding coffee, roasted daily in Chicago, at prices that make sense. Our house brew starts with a “buck cup” for $1.”

All of the READY Coffee blends are roasted locally by legendary Chicago coffee roaster Greg Stivers. “With 28 years of artistry under his belt, a roasting facility in Pilsen, and his ability to roast to our specifications daily, we can guarantee an ultra-premium cup of coffee.” Banks said.
READY Coffee is an instant success among the locals for the shop’s price, quality and unique offerings. It is a vibrant local hangout and is spacious, with enough room to accommodate more customers than most coffee shops. It has a clean, contemporary feel, a great art collection, and serves excellent coffee beverages, pastries, sandwiches, soups and other homemade goodies.

John Grbac and Banks developed the READY Coffee concept. Grbac is a noted Chicago restaurateur who was one of the first in Bucktown/Wicker Park with Jimo’s, and one of the first to energize the neighborhood, leading to its resurgence. “We are obsessive about our quality,” said Grbac. “I have been in the business many years and we can give people what they want, a great cup of joe at a great price. Starbucks just announced a 10% across-the-board price increase. That level of pricing just doesn’t make sense,” said Grbac.

“There is a war going on in the ultra-premium sector of coffee, we are seeing $7 coffees on menus – and you have to wait in line to get that cup of coffee.   We built ready on the concept that there is a large percent of the public that just wants a quality cup at a great price.  Ready is just that, quality and price, no pretense, and no waiting,” explains Banks.

The better-than-reasonable prices start with READY’s one-dollar “Buck Cup”, a 12 oz. cup of premium drip coffee made from the 100% Arabica house blend. Larger cups of drip coffee are served for $2 (16 oz.). An additional shot of espresso can be added to the drip coffee for $1.
In another nod to quality, all iced coffee beverages are made to order and served with coffee ice cubes, which enhance the richness of the brew rather than diluting it. Drip iced coffee is $3 for 12 oz. and $3.50 for 16 oz. 

For coffee aficionados, READY Coffee also offers ten global all-Arabica coffee blends from Greg Stivers that can be used for pour-overs (single cups of coffee made using special drip filters). 12 oz. pour-overs are $2.50; 16 oz. cups are $3. READY serves its pour-overs either hot or iced (using coffee ice cubes). These exquisite small batch blends can also be purchased by the pound as whole beans or freshly ground to order. 

The smooth but wonderfully intense espresso-based beverages are made with Greg Stivers small batch roast espresso; all start with double shots. The espresso menu is refreshingly straightforward: A double shot espresso or Americano is $2. Flat whites, cappuccinos and lattes are priced at $3 for 12 oz. and $3.50 for 16 oz. An extra shot of espresso in any espresso beverage is $1. READY Coffee also presents a variety of natural flavor syrups, which can be added to any coffee drink for fifty cents. 

There is more to the READY Coffee story than coffee. Food items also reflect READY Coffee’s emphasis on serving the best at good prices. All food items are made for READY Coffee by some of Chicago’s finest bakers. READY is the first wholesale customer of Dinkel’s donuts, which are made with no GMO flour. “We are thrilled to carry Dinkel’s doughnuts—we love that we are selling the best doughnuts in town,” exclaims Grbac. “Dinkel’s has been baking for 80 years, and for good reason.” READY Coffee’s delicious croissants, brownies, pastries and sandwiches are from Delightful Pastries.

READY Coffee also serves free filtered still and sparkling water. Customers who want to add a shot of natural flavor syrup to a glass of sparkling water can enjoy having a house-made Italian soda for $2.

READY Coffee also is serious about making customers comfortable and relaxed inside its spacious

walls. Every smooth, white-topped table has its own AC power nearby; READY has installed super high-speed internet in order to make web-browsing fast and reliable. The tables are easily moved around to form two-tops, four-tops or more. There also is a community table for larger groups. Customers are encouraged to stay, enjoy a respite, meet friends or do work at their leisure.

To further showcase artwork, READY Coffee has an Art-o-Mat machine, a uniquely refurbished vintage cigarette vending machine that has been converted to sell small pieces of art wrapped in cigarette boxes. The art sells for only $5. “The Art-O-Mat is the coolest machine that I have ever seen,” said Banks. “There is one in the National Portrait Gallery (a Smithsonian Museum) and it’s really a beautiful piece of art in and of itself.” Anyone interested in providing art objects for READY’s Art-o-Mat should call the store at (773) 360-7041.

READY Coffee, located at 1562 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. For more information, call (773) 360-7041 or visit the website at readycoffee.com, like them at Facebook.com/readycoffee and follow them on Twitter @ReadyCoffee.