With Live Music, the Good News Christian Coffee House Provides a Nightlife Alternative

Every second Saturday of the month, the multi-purpose room at the Village Lutheran Church in Bronxville is transformed into a cozy nightclub—minus the cigarettes and alcohol. Patrons lounge around tiny round tables, sip on coffee and watch musicians perform a variety of Christian music on the small stage. 

"It is a good alternative to going to bars," said Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell, the church's senior pastor.

The Good News Christian Coffee House is the brainchild of Ralph Palumbo, who sadly passed away in May. Palumbo enjoyed going to Christian coffee houses—his favorite was Samantha's Li'l Bit of Heaven in East Northport, NY—and he wanted to duplicate the same experience at the Village Lutheran Church, where he and his family have been members for 15 years. 

Hartwell agreed and despite suffering from diabetes and limited mobility, Palumbo took on the project with great passion. 

"I was his chauffer and he had me driving all over the place looking for the right items, such as special lighting," recalls Nellie Palumbo, Ralph's wife. "My husband had a dream of opening a coffee house where people can come and enjoy wholesome Christian music."

Researching on the Internet and receiving recommendations from the coffee houses he visited, Palumbo obtained a variety of talent from all over the country to perform at the coffee house. 

"It's amazing," said Hartwell. "We have had all kinds of musicians, rock, rap, bluegrass, folk and gospel. We have never been disappointed. Every talent has been well received."

Since its launch five years ago, The Good News Christian Coffee House has grown in popularity. It averages around 50 people a night in the summer. A popular band, Servants of the Shepherd, which was one of Palumbo's favorite groups, can draw a crowd of 120 people. 

Although the core audience is between the ages of 40 and 70 years old, the coffee house has quite a mixed group, which includes families with older children and a few people in their 20's. 

Currently they are trying to attract a younger crowd and hope to do so by booking a rock band from nearby Concordia College. The coffee house is also visited by many different denominations of the Christian faith.

When Ralph passed, a committee was formed and the coffee house continues in his honor. Committee members include Nellie Palumbo, Terry Vidal and Charlie Eisenberg, Debbie Roberts and Chuck and Ann Horvath. 

"We all have our input and we have our responsibilities which change as the needs change," said Vidal. With the passion and high standard set by Palumbo, the group continues to seek out new talent and search for new ways to advertise the coffee house. 

The coffee house is also sustained by a group of core volunteers who work the evenings of the events and donate fruits, vegetables, pastries and of course, coffee.

"It's a very spiritual experience and another way to fellowship and worship God," said Vidal, describing the atmosphere of the coffee house. "It is good for the performers and the people who come here.  It is a win for everyone."

This Saturday, soloist Frank Rendo will be performing at the Good News Christian Coffee House. According to Nellie Palumbo, Ralph described Rendo as "the Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett of Christian music." 

Doors open at 7:00p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30p.m. The Good News Christian Coffee House is located at 172 White Plains Road in Bronxville. There is a coverage charge of $10 for adults, $5 for students and $3 for children.