University of Virginia Library

Prism Begins 10th Year

There are those who say the
Prism is basically two things:
the biggest entertainment
bargain in Charlottesville, and
the friendliest place to spend a
Wednesday, Friday or
Saturday evening.

The Prism coffeehouse is
the University area's center for
soft rock, folk, and folk-type
music, occasional forums, and
informal camaraderie among
students and faculty.

Located at 214 Rugby
Road just past Westminster
Church, the Prism is
approaching its tenth year of
operation, and has been open
longer 'than any coffeehouse
on the Eastern seaboard.

Expansion and redecoration
in 1970 provided seating
capacity for 160 and a
conversation room stocked
with underground newspapers
and literature.

The coffeehouse
occasionally presents plays and
open discussions centering on
politics, films, and
controversial issues. Cider, soft

drinks, and various teas
complement the coffee and
music.

Professional musicians
appear Friday and Saturday
nights from 9-1. The weekend
admission charge is $.75.

Wednesday nights are open
for anyone to come and
perform or join jam sessions.
Admission these nights is free.

Emphasis On Music

As always at the Prism, the
emphasis is on music–mostly
folk, blus, and contemporary,
with performers generally
bringing some of their own
original songs or arrangements
to the informal Prism stage.

Among the familiar Prism
performers along with the
new: Phyllis Knight on her
twelve-string guitar upstaging
her mama on an
out-of-tune piano, the two
them doing old-timey music,
classic rock, and Phyllis' own
fine original ballads.

Brian Bowers shows up as
master of the autoharp.
Raleigh Powell and group have
added a full-sized concert harp
to an ensemble already
including autoharp, mandolin,
guitar, tambourine, and
maracas (with Raleigh's sitar in
an after-midnight set).

As of this month, the Prism
is breaking even in meeting its
current expenses. However,
the house lately received a
$2500 estimate for a new
roof. Any contributions
toward this project are greatly
appreciated.

Newcomers Welcome

Prism people welcome new
performers and persons to
assist in management and
publicity.. A non-profit
operation sponsored by the
United Ministry Foundation,
the Prism is run independently
by a steering committee of
students, faculty, and
chaplains.