Northeast News
April 10, 2013 

Scarritt Renaissance Coffee Club will celebrate its one-year anniversary this Saturday, April 13, with door prizes, a spread of breakfast hors d’oeuvres and special guest Robert Gibby Brand, who’s appeared on Kansas City stages for more than 25 years.

This month’s hosts are Bruce and Veda Rogers, who own and operate Gladstone Manor Bed and Breakfast, 412 S. Gladstone Blvd. The Victorian home was built in 1899, features a wrap-around porch and is listed on the national register of historic homes.

The Rogers are both former music educators and owned and operated a restaurant/summer theatre, Vassar Playhouse, for 16 years. They moved into their Victorian home in 1990 and continue to serve guests year-round. Veda recently published a book about their theatre, “Life’s About a Dream,” and Bruce used to be in charge of exhibits at the Kansas City Museum. Bruce is also the step-brother of Ginger Rogers.

A tour of Gladstone Manor will follow Brand’s presentation.

Brand, a pianist and baritone, will perform two selections: “A Private Buffoon is a Light-Hearted Loon” from “Yeoman of the Guard” and “Tilt-Willow” from “The Mikado.” Brand will also talk about the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and his career. Over the years, Brand has been in 15 roles for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, including four Gilbert and Sullivan roles, and has performed in “A Christmas Carol” with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre for 19 seasons.

The coffee club gathering will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and there is no cost to attend. Coffee will be catered by Eleos Coffee. Feel free to bring a sweet or savory breakfast hors d’oeuvre to share. All are welcome to attend, even if you don’t live in the neighborhood.

For more information and to RSVP, email SRCoffeeClub@kc.rr.com.