The Coffee House

The Coffee House, located in the Fireside Room in the lower level of Redeemer Lutheran Church at 631 North Nineteenth Street, was founded in 1967 by Reverend D. Alan Davis (father of Milwaukee jazz pianist Mark Davis). Films, poetry readings, music, and drama played a significant role in the early programming. Theater X made The Coffee House its home from 1970 to 1972. Guest speakers from the community addressed topics such as civil disturbance, birth control legislation, experiences with Father Groppi and the NAACP Youth Council, and Black history. Musical performers included folk singers, singer-songwriters, and jazz artists such as Claude Dorsey, Jack Grassel, and Scott Sherwood. After fifty years, The Coffee House relocated to the Lower Reception Hall of Plymouth Church UCC on Milwaukee’s East Side, where it continues today.