About Us

Our History

The Shady Grove Coffeehouse is a non-profit concert series sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Community Church in Glen Allen, VA, in the northwest suburbs of Richmond.  We present acoustic, traditionally-based music, and got our start in 1998, when members of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church began to present concerts to help raise funds for our new building.  We presented three such concerts at the First Unitarian Church: Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen in 1998, Dana Robinson in 1999, and Bob Franke and Lui Collins in 2000.

In 2001, with our building underway, we presented our first concert in Richmond’s West End: a Ground Hog Day Extravaganza featuring Karen Trump, Dee Kysor, and The Clam Brothers at the Foxhall Clubhouse.  In July 2001 we presented our first concert in our new church building: Dave Nachmanoff. We’ve presented over 180 concerts in the more than 20 years since then.

Net proceeds from our concerts help to support the work of UUCC; our goal, though, is not merely to raise money, but also to build a home for acoustic, traditionally-based music in Richmond’s northwest suburbs.  We typically present one concert each month from September through May, and feature both local and nationally touring musicians.

Our Mission

The Shady Grove Coffeehouse creates community through live acoustic music by presenting exceptional artists in an intimate, welcoming setting. We connect people through shared musical experiences, support touring musicians, and foster a space where artistry, hospitality, and human connection thrive. We create community through music, by presenting the best in acoustic music in a family friendly, smoke- and alcohol-free environment.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a cherished gathering place where music builds relationships, strengthens community, and inspires compassion. We aim to preserve and promote acoustic traditions, nurture emerging artists, and offer audiences meaningful, memorable performances for years to come and to support the growth of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church by building a community of interest around acoustic, traditionally-based music.

Our Volunteers

Joan Allen, Robin and Bill Allman, Karen and Bruce Bartek, Bob Buesing, Carolyn and Art Conway, Sharon and Peter deFur, Bob and Vickie Dickinson, Dick Hall-Sizemore, Janet and Scott Hammer, Greg Leghart, Jackie Mulvey, Rick Lux, Art Ritter, and Emilie Webb.