On the corner of 14th and E streets in downtown Sacramento hangs a vintage sign declaring Shine coffee house, a place not only for food and drinks but an environment that welcomes local art and music.

Shine features local musicians, poets and other visual artists every month. That brings the community together through a mixture of coffee, food and art.

“We have increased the amount of music we offer by having acts on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays,”  said co-owner Amanda Lawrence.

Musician Joshua Krage has performed at Shine with several of his bands and likes the acoustic design of the coffee house.

“Shine is the best-sounding small venue in Sacramento,” Krage said.

He encourages young, local artists to go out and perform at places like Shine because he knows how important it is to get used to being on stage in front of an audience.

“Don’t fear [making] mistakes,” Krage said. “Anyone you see who you ‘deem’ good at what they do on stage was exactly where you are now at some point.”   

“Red Alice’s Poetry Emporium,” hosted by Sacramento poet Bill Gainer, is an opportunity for people to recite their work every second and fourth Wednesday of the month.

Adjunct Sacramento State English professor Josh Fernandez has recited poetry at Shine and encourages students to perform.

“If you’re a creative writer, there aren’t many places to go and read your work aloud,” Fernandez said. “Shine is one of the few places that has an open poetry night, and the crowd is usually pretty friendly.”

During the first and third Wednesdays of the month, Shine also hosts an open mic night, the newest addition to the venue calendar.

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Even with an already full slate, Lawrence is looking to add a pub trivia night once a month.

Besides music and poetry, Shine displays visual art along its walls. Lawrence displays from local artists whose work has come across or from customers who request to display their work.

“I have a preference for art that really works with the space and our mid-century theme,” Lawrence said. “I like a lot of photography and abstract art, as well as landscapes.”

Lawrence welcomes Sac State students to display their visual art, even if they do not have enough pieces. Students can get together with several others to make a collective showing.

“ If [artists] want to do a showing with other artists, that’s an option and they could show it,” Lawrence said.

To check out upcoming Shine events, visit www.shinesacramento.com for more details.