Highlands Of Ohio

The Café in Pumpkin Hollow was a 50-60 seat venue located inside a very fine antique store.  The setting was charming and quite intimate as you were very close to the performer, and it was a true listening room where no loud conversations took place, no milling about, a situation that both the artists and the patrons enjoyed immensely.  Those who came early could treat themselves to a meal as the Café served food – specials, sandwiches, soups, beverages and desserts, including excellent ice cream.  Before the show and at intermission, touring the antique store was a very interesting endeavor.

June 2011.  The above description previously was in the present tense, but the Cafe and the antique store are no longer in business, so we now only have the excellent memories of our experiences there.  Whether there will be new owners who have interest in hosting music events is not known, but we will keep our fingers crossed.  In the meantime, join us for concerts that will now be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church just up the street at the corner of Bell and Church Streets.  As with the Cafe, it is a 'listening' venue with excellent acoustics.

In Bellville at the corner of Bell and Church Street, is the beautiful sandstone Unitarian Universalist Church, which are well known across the country as great supporters of live entertainment.  This one is no exception.  The church sometimes sponsors events to raise funds for social action projects, and usually coordinates a meal with the event.  Great cooks create some tasty feasts which begin about an hour and a half before the concerts.  Highlands of Ohio also uses this venue for some of its events.  With seating of up to 80 or so, it fits a niche when attendance is expected to be greater than the Café’s capacity, but not large enough to fill the Opera House.  The room for the concerts is not only very attractive and interesting, it has wonderful acoustics.

The Opera House in Bellville, is a century old venue that can accommodate up to 150 people.  We used it when we were hosting bands of 4 musicians or more, and when we expected a strong turnout.  It has not been used for our events for several years now as the economy seems to have reduced the size of our audiences to the point that the Opera House is too large.                                                                                                                                                            The Opera House is located on the second floor of the village offices, something that seems to be common with the opera houses in many smaller towns and villages.  Seating was on comfortable cushioned chairs, and the stage is several feet above the main floor so viewing of the events is good from all parts of the room.  The facility has a electrically operated lift chair for those who are unable to use the stairs.  At most events, a table with snacks and beverages was provided, donations encouraged.   As with the room in the UU Church next door, this is a listening venue with great acoustics.