T+WL – Keynote Cafe

Jeannette, PA – forgotten industry town of yestercentury? Maybe. But its vanguard legacy is shaping to be the home of all-​ages, free-​to-​play, no-​strings-​attached live music.
Now in its second location, owner Jill has transformed a historic storefront into an ‘all are welcome’ music haven for local performers and traveling troubadours alike. A great live room adorned with local art, the space now hosts open-​mic nights, fledgling teen showcases, well respected acts from Pittsburgh-​proper, poetry readings, and various other event types weekly. Its upper floor recently opened as an independent art gallery, as well.
The passion Jill exudes for local music is palpable. She has created an environment that is completely comfortable from both sides of the stage. Don’t be surprised to be offered complimentary refreshments in both the live room and the green room. In her infinite kindness, Jill even let my band use the building to record parts of our album. Every artist needs a sanctuary like this to cut their teeth.
If there is any fault to be had, it is geographical. Jeannette is a ways away from many parts of urban Pittsburgh, and lacks the associated activities of nightlife. This is strictly a dedicated performance space. That said, I can’t say there are many places as musically altruistic as the Keynote, and that in itself deserves a hike. Plus, shouldn’t we each take a break from the city lights, if only for a night?

I went on a Friday Acoustic Night and was pleasantly surprised by what a unique place this is. If you have ever been to Jeanette you probably are shocked to hear something nice is there but, in fact, this is a great little place at a great price!
$ 8 gets you a seat at one of the nicely arranged tables in front of the 2 stages, a few hours of fun local musicians, and of course food. On Friday they had cookies, soda, chips, and the pizza delivery man stopped in a couple times to keep the pizza stocked.
The walls are covered in wonderful local art for sale (make sure you look at the counter full of jewelry made entirely out of forks and spoons!) and upstairs is a budding art gallery of local artists as well.
The building you may recognize as the old Jeanette Newspaper printing building and it’s great to see a historic building have new life. I love what this place is doing and with no BYOB cover charge its an affordable night out in an area I don’t often think about going to!
I encourage everyone to get out to the Keynote and support the wonderful movement of art in an area that needs some revitalization!

This is a great little coffee shop style music venue right in downtown Jeannette. The owner is clearly dedicated to fostering the local music and creative scene.
The Keynote hosts acoustic & poetry nights as well as full on plugged-​in nights. They even have several «house» guitars, ukeles, drums, etc., And all of the art on the walls (last night anyway) was by local high school students, and most of it was available for sale.
This place has a great vibe and attracts great local talent. Last night between some amazing poets, we heard a harpist. Who knew?
Oh and it’s BYOB.