One year ago, System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian officially opened the doors Kavat Coffee and the accompanying, EyeforSound Gallery space.
Located in Eagle Rock, CA., Tankian's passion project in the form a brick and mortar underscores his Armenian culture, while showcasing a distinct roast of coffee that has since become a neighborhood fixture. More than another coffee spot in a saturated market, Kavat and EyeforSound have established a communal hub, with a healthy pulse driven by the people that pass through the doors and their shared loved for music, art and coffee.
Adhering to the mission statement from the very beginning of Kavat, the coffee purveyors really do prioritize community, not only in welcoming a myriad of artists to the space, but also, in the coffee roast and pour daily. In addition to sourcing sustainable, fair trade product, Kavat also sets aside a portion of their net proceeds to give back to Armenian non-profit organizations like Tumo, a Center For Creative Technologies in Armenia.
To celebrate the pivotal one-year mark, Serj Tankian led the festivities with an afternoon at Kavat. Welcoming fans and extended members of the community better cultivated at the coffee shop and gallery, the strides made in the last year through consistent programming and speciality coffee roasting was evident as the house was packed with well-wishers.
Tankian broke out the Sharpie, signing everything from copies of his book, Down With the System, to drum heads for fans in the building. More importantly, as Tankian took photos, gave hugs and held conversations, the generational rock music frontman spoke to the heart and humanity that can exist in a neighborhood coffee shop. While rightfully celebrated for his legacy of music and activism, Tankian continues to add to that legacy as a true man of the people - sharing his passion for music, art, culture, community with a cup of coffee for good measure.
See images from WAKE UP! The One-Year Anniversary celebration at Kavat Coffee and EyeforSound Gallery. All photos by Maurice Nunez.
