Cafe Mokka and Spa - Arcata, Ca.- Arts and Music Behind the Redwood Curtain

It was a freezing cold night when I decided to stop by one of my favorite coffee houses for a little warmth. The cafe is probably the smallest coffee house you will ever step foot in.  "The outdoor hot tubs are private and, therefore, clothing optional. The traditional Finnish sauna cabins are also private. It has been serving the community since 1982. The Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs and Cafe Mokka are a oasis for those seeking the relaxation and peace of mind.


The history is Cafe Mokka was named for Barcelona's Cafe Moka, which is mentioned in George Orwell's novel, Hommage to Catalonia. Cafe Mokka, like Finnish Country Sauna and Tubs, is a fixture in the daily life of Arcata, California. Besides it's standing as a mecca for conversation and cultural stimulation, it is Humboldt County's oldest coffeehouse and is proud to serve "pre fad" old world style espresso drinks.


Sauna, tub or coffeehouse patrons can relax by the fireplace or at tables outside around a pond in the middle of a Scandinavian wood of birch and conifer trees. There are always a variety of assorted beverages, pastries, open-face sandwiches and soups with fresh bread. The private traditional sauna cabins have grass roofs. The interiors are made of western red cedar, have benches at five levels, and a natural light source."  - Cafe mokka


Because of its size one can expect to literally rub elbows with other patrons in the family atmosphere. In the corner of the room three unassuming musicians gathered pulling out various exotic instruments and a guitar. After some light banter they began to play for the house patrons. In the video I shot Kroy Rubin played guitar, with Linnea Mandell on a small stringed instrument and Joe Brookshire on the drum. An amazing night. 

A tiny little spot that good musicians go to play when they want to feel like they are playing in their living room for friends.The Coffee house is open every Day including Sundays & Holidays, Sunday through Thursday from Noon to 11 pm Friday & Saturday from Noon to 1 am They are located on the Corner of 5th & J, in Arcata CA 707-822-2228 We have no booking information for the three musicians though we did try. The Coffee house has live entertainment every weekend

Gypsy Luna Moon, Seabury Gould - Rumi: Art and Music Behind the Redwood Curtain

The word "Rumi" was one I first heard about 6 weeks ago. Rumi, more formally called Mawlana Jala ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, is one of the most influential Persian poets of the 13th century. Rumi is frequently associated with Sufism and with the Mevlevi Order, known to most of the world as Whirling Dervishes. He espoused that God should be celebrated through poetry, song and dancing.(Wizegeek.com)

Lovers of World Music and the poetry of Rumi were invited to "An Evening with Rumi".  I taped the event at the Arcata Playhouse. This was a concert of world Music/Indian Music blended with the ecstatic poetry of the thirteenth-century Sufi mystic Rumi who is regarded as the world's most God-intoxicated poet.

I was delighted to find that one of my all time favorite belly dancers would be performing. Miss Gypsy Luna Moon, who is typically seen at fairs and festivals entertaining all with her seductive hip-hop-bail-eastern fusion of dance.

This event was delightfully different. It took me on a cultural journey that made me look inward and yet I was mesmerized by what was happening on the stage, the whirling of the dance and the rhythmic beat of the drum and other instruments intoxicated me and I felt as if I could smell exotic spices and hear sounds from far away lands. One of Gould's specialties is combining the poetry of Rumi with eclectic musical accompaniment which is the work of his last 2 CD's. The musical performers this night were Seabury Gould on vocals, guitar and bamboo flute; the extraordinary Swedish musician Olof Soderback on violin and tabla; and Chris Hinderyckx on sitar, mandolin and bouzouki.

Gould is known locally for his love of all things spiritual and folk, he is a eclectic musician & multi-instrumentalist often seen performing vocals, guitar, bamboo flute, bouzouki, storytelling, and singalongs. He  offers private lessons in guitar, piano, singing & song and musical arrangement. He is often seen performing diverse music for adults and children. 

Gould is also a Independent recording artist. He has cd's available covering Celtic, other folk music, Blues & Beatles. Blending music with poetry of Rumi. Celtic sessions & Song Circles, Over the last 8 years I have seen Gould performances and have always been impressed with his intelligence and musical creativity. If one is seeking a cultural expansion of thought and heart, Gould events are not to be missed. 

To book Gypsy you can find her at:  www.fireandisisdancecollective.com 

To book Seabury Gould you can find him at: http://www.seaburygould.com

Video shot by Barrett Kelley of Arcata, Ca.

Tim Gray, photographer & sound man & recording engineer & photographer for Sea bury's Rumi CD(s).

A little Humboldt Love

I thought I would share a little Humboldt love,  today has been a window day on many levels. So I started flipping through old photos to remind myself why I love and adore our community, our music, our art and our way of life. These are the photos that most touched me today and I thought I would take a moment of your time to share about the wonderful place I live. Blessings all, blessings, and if you can hug someone you love today, they probbably need it.