Kanaka Creek Coffee

On Wednesday afternoons, musicians start lining up at the door at Kanaka Creek Coffee in east Maple Ridge waiting to get their name on the list to perform at the coffee shop’s highly popular open mike night. Since 2009, Kanaka Creek Coffee has been hosting the weekly sessions, and what began with just a handful of musicians and an even smaller audience, has grown to an event drawing a packed house every Wednesday.

Owner Sabrina Wheeler gets emotional as she talks about watching musicians grow and develop at her establishment. Musicians are able to try out their wings and practice performing in front of a live audience, and the audience is always supportive and encouraging. “It brings tears to my eyes — I’m so proud,” Sabrina says.

Over the years, Sabrina has seen performers blossom into great musicians and she’s happy her coffee shop has been able to showcase so much talent. Several bands have met and formed at the Kanaka Open Mike events and other soloists have launched their careers there.