Michelangelo's Masterpiece of Local Music

If big concert halls, huge audiences, and expensive ticket prices aren’t your idea of a fun night, then you might want to stop by Michelangelo’s Coffee Shop and Wine Bar in downtown Norman.    

The first thing you notice when walking through the doors is the intimate feel of the small venue. Decorated with rows and rows of local art and bright red-orange paint, the walls are accented by the modern deco track lighting and colorful pennant’s that hang from the ceiling. The whole quirkiness of the atmosphere is topped of with a white grand piano that looks like it should be out of place, but just isn’t.

The musical atmosphere of Michelangelo’s is generally laid back with an intermingling of genres. You never know what you might get when you walk into one of the weekly open mic nights.

Small intimate venues like Michelangelo’s are committed to the promotion and growth of Norman’s local artists. Along with a commission free space for painters to present their work, and a venue for poets and musicians to test the performing waters, they also host a biweekly song circle or open mic sponsored by the Song Writer Association of Norman.

“I think places like this are essential to local music,” said Liz Reynolds, longtime barista for Michelangelo’s. “They give people that couldn’t draw a big crowd, or people that wouldn’t want to play in front of a large audience a chance to get their music out there.”

From the artwork on the walls to the types of music acts, the atmosphere of Michelangelo’s is constantly changing, and this might be one of the biggest appeals of the venue.

“I like walking in here and not knowing what to expect,” said Meghan Macdonald, a regular customer at Michelangelo’s. “It’s just a really nice place to come get some coffee and listen to some good music.”

So the next time that you’re out strolling the streets of downtown Norman and a craving for good local music hits you, stop by Michelangelo’s for a quick acoustic set with a side of quirkiness.