A Local Community that Supports its Artists

A fluffy light brown dog sitting on an orange circle, wearing a gray collar with tags.

It all started when a dog named Lucy brought her human to Black Press Coffee in March 2021.

That year, Lucy and her human, Bill Hyman, returned to Black Press almost every day to meet people (outside) during a time when community was still a health hazard. Lucy and Bill weren’t the only ones who got something out of visiting; everyone sipping coffee came ready with a story to share.

Less than one year later, Lucy and Bill started hosting social events for all their fascinating new friends, many of them singers, artists, and musicians. In November 2022, Bill and two of his best Black Press buds, Craig and Shiv, held their first informal artists’ salon to give their musician friends some much-deserved exposure.

2023 brought a great many gatherings and lattes. That November, the group brought their enterprise to a small theater in A Night at the Triad, directed by Antongiulio Foti. The musicians could finally perform in a formal setting for an eager audience — and get paid for their craft. Dozens of loyal neighborhood patrons purchased tickets and contributed additional money, fully funding the space, service, and entertainment.

And the story doesn’t end there. With a self-sustaining community based on generosity of spirit and a deep, abiding love for the humanities, many more Nights at the Triad are in store. Until then, come join Lucy for a cup of coffee.

The growing production team

Bill Hyman and Lucy at Black Press Coffee
Three musicians performing outdoors with a Roland keyboard, double bass, and a singer in red top and jeans. They're surrounded by trees and benches.
Group of people smiling inside a cozy cafe with wooden decor, coffee cups on tables, a barista working in the background, and a dog partially visible at the bottom right.
A group of people gathered in a cozy living room with musical instruments, including keyboards and a guitar. The room features framed pictures on the walls, a brick fireplace, a chandelier, and a table with food. The atmosphere is warm and inviting,
Four women posing together indoors near a grand piano. The room features a round mirror and framed artwork on the wall. One woman wears a pink romper, another wears a black top with pink pants, and the others are in pink and patterned dresses.
Group of people posing for a photo outside Black Press Coffee shop, with some seated and others standing on a city sidewalk.
Shiv, Susan and Lucy at UWS Creative Collective
Black and white image of a jazz trio performing on stage. A pianist plays on the left, a singer sits in the center holding a microphone, and a double bassist stands on the right. Stage lights create a moody ambiance.
Outdoor music performance in a park with musicians and an audience seated around a wooden structure, surrounded by green trees.
Person sitting on a bench outside a coffee shop holding a small, fluffy dog with a colorful leash and harness.
Two men playing acoustic guitars inside a cafe, with one man seated wearing a t-shirt and shorts, and the other wearing a patterned shirt and jeans. A mural and large window are visible in the background.
Two people wearing similar dark puffer jackets and hats standing in front of a coffee shop with the sign "Black Press Coffee."
Two women performing in a living room; one is playing the piano, the other singing. The room has a hanging plant, mirror, artwork, and a blue chair in the foreground.
A woman with a small, fluffy dog in her arms, sitting in a cozy coffee shop.
A fluffy beige dog resting its head on the arm of a tan sofa, with a person's arm visible in the background and framed photos in the corner.
Woman making rock hand gestures, wearing sunglasses
Group of people sitting in a living room, casually gathered, focusing on something out of frame, with some seated on sofas and others on the floor, surrounded by decor items like plants and paintings.
A man with glasses and a cap smiles while holding a fluffy brown dog. The dog wears a gray collar with tags.
Three men sitting on a couch in a cozy room with brick walls, flanked by table lamps and a mirror above. A shelf with bottles of wine and decorative items is behind them.
Two people seated on a stage, engaged in a conversation with microphones. One person is holding a small dog, and the other is holding a book. Dimly lit setting with a green-lighted background.
A group of eight people smiling inside an elevator, taking a selfie. They are wearing a variety of clothing, including jackets and scarves. The elevator walls are wooden.
Two people sitting together at a table with a tan fluffy dog, one person holding the dog. A laptop and coffee cup are on the table.
Four women smiling on a city street, each holding drinks. Left to right: woman in orange dress with black tote, woman in hat and beige dress, woman in denim dress with brown bag, woman in floral shirt and shorts with iced coffee. Background shows urb
Person in green dress holding a small brown dog in a cafe.
Group of four people smiling and taking a selfie indoors with a window showing trees in the background.
A woman sitting in a cafe holding a small tan dog on her lap, with a man sitting next to her holding a drink. Other patrons are in the background.
A woman sitting in a coffee shop holding a fluffy dog wearing a red vest, with other people in the background.
Two women sitting outside, one holding a small fluffy dog, with a coffee shop background.
A group of people gathered in a public park, some seated on benches and others standing. A woman in a red top is talking, and two men are playing string instruments. A person is preparing food on a wooden table, while others look on or use their phon
Group of people sitting and standing outside a coffee shop called Black Press Coffee in New York. They appear to be enjoying drinks and are smiling for a group photo. The background shows a city street and shop windows with clothing displays.
A woman in a black puffer jacket holds a small, fluffy brown dog indoors. The dog is licking her face, and the scene is set in a lively environment with people and plants in the background.
Two people sitting outside Black Press Coffee, New York, with one holding a dog in a red jacket.
Three people sitting on a sofa in a living room, with a brick wall, framed mirror, lamps, and bottles on a mantle behind them.
Group of people in a room, with one person sitting on a loft ladder taking a photo, and others on the ground engaging in conversation.
Three men sitting outdoors, wearing orange jackets in sunlight, with one holding a smartphone. They appear to be conversing and the backdrop includes a window with some reflections.
Group of people sitting outside Black Press Coffee in New York, with coffee cups and a small dog on one person's lap.
Person holding a box of Trader Joe's O's cereal outdoors with buildings in the background.
Two women sitting outside, facing each other, one wearing a floral top and sunglasses, the other in a polka dot top, with benches and a park setting in the background.
Group of people sitting outside a coffee shop, some waving at the camera. One person holding a dog. Trees and buildings in the background.
A group of five people, three men and two women, sit at an outdoor café table with drinks and colorful cups on the table. The background shows a vehicle and city buildings.
Group of people gathered at outdoor cafe, sitting on chairs around small tables, with drinks and food, on a busy street with cars and pedestrians in background.
Two men in orange shirts stand in front of a wall with antique coffee mill patent drawings. The background features design sketches and hanging light bulbs, creating a coffee-themed ambiance.