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About the Sad Cafe
about us · board of directors · awards & accomplishments

Welcome To The Sad Cafe, S.M.O. (Steppingstone Music Opportunities, Inc.). The mission of The Sad Cafe is to maintain a safe, clean, substance free, family friendly establishment. We provide, promote and support positive life choices for our community and youth through innovative programming.

The Sad Cafe opened in October 1997 and has since had over 100,000 people visit and hosted over 4,400 different performers. We are a not-for profit organization [501(c)(3)] that provides enrichment of the arts. It is a unique venue where aspiring amateur actors and musicians of all ages have the opportunity to perform on stage in front of a live audience where they are able to gain confidence, recognition and appreciation. Musicians also receive a free CD of their performance that is recorded on professional equipment produced in an acoustical setting.

An admission fee is collected at the door (usually $10). The concession stand offers brewed coffees, sodas, juice drinks, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, candy, ice cream, and other assorted snacks.

Much of The Sad Cafe's work addresses the need for engaging our youth in a variety of positive activities and programs. We have recently achieved oe of our main goals, which is to provide research-based after school programming for Middle School students in the Sanborn and Timberlane School Districts. We are working in a collaborative effort with the community to build and strengthen youth and family involvement.

In addition to the usual musical and theatrical productions, The Sad Cafe can be utilized for school functions, dances, community service events, a mini-conference center, pageants, work shops, music lessons, comedy, talent shows, poetry readings, youth groups, and private parties. We have a talented pool of DJs to choose from that would be just right for your gathering!

All contributions, services and goods are sincerely appreciated. Donations are tax deductible.

What makes the Sad Cafe Special?

• Smoke, alcohol and drug free environment
• Zero tolerance policy! remove last drug part that was here
• Spacious 3,000 square foot main room
• A private practice/dressing room
• Relaxed atmosphere-yes-we're cool ;O)
• Comfortable sofas, tables and chairs
• Great acoustics!
• Sweet Drum Riser and Rock Boxes
• Dance floor in front of stage
• A Baby Grand Piano
• 30' x 13' stage with effects lighting (including strobe & disco ball!)
• Professional mixing=2 0board and equipment
• Musicians receive a free CD of their performance before they leave
• Wide-screen color TV (not cable but can be used for dvds and games)
• Karaoke system with on-screen lyrics
• Concession stand for a snack attack~we are known far and wide for the BEST ROOT BEER FLOATS around!
• Air conditioned
• Ample parking
• Handicap accessible
• PLUS-We have a Wall of Fame that musicians sign the first time they play @ TSC!!
• YOU make The Sad Cafe Special

Attention all bands-We are requesting that each band who plays at TSC make a donation of $20 which w...

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