When performing even the most beautiful piece of music, we know that the song will end. This is to let you know that my involvement with The Salida Café is no longer. That which I was a part of, created and dedicated myself for over 12 years is on its own course.
January 2000, Paul Ilecki, my original partner, put to voice our vision and mission: in one word – community. By intention, we wanted to create a place where everyone was welcome, a place where people could come together to experience community – second graders, artists, athletes, seniors, writers, moms and dads, new arrivals, tourists, benefits and charities, meetings and music – everyone and anyone. We set out to create a place where the important stuff of life would happen, where people would feel not only welcomed, but at home.
For me it was a thrill to be a part of all that; to hold a newborn, and to hug a senior, to see children’s first steps, to share the loss of family, my dad included, to hear of love and lost love, to inspire people, to know that we are a part of something larger. To have people hear music and host a place for them to play music, to have a staff that was always like family, to have people sit with their neighbors. It was always an honor and a privilege to look around and see what we have created, what we all have created together, to see and listen to that beauty.
We built a place where community could happen, an accomplishment of which I will be proud for the rest of my life. I am forever grateful and honored. Thank you all, staff over the years, family and friends. Salida and more. What we have done has been huge, indeed, it was a beautiful song.
Clark T. Roberts
Clark, we will miss seeing you at the Cafe. What you built was beautiful, so beautiful most of us thought it could never end! Best of luck to you on your next beautiful venture!
The Salida Cafe was a haven of love ,music and wonderful people.
You made it that way. A place of caring and thought and friendship.
I am honored that I was a part of the dream and hope to be a part of another of your dreams in the future.Thank you for blessing my life.
The very best to you,thanks for the gift of love.
Clark, we are certainly bummed and dismayed to see the cafe close. One thing that cannot be destroyed is our sense of community, and you and the people of Salida Cafe helped foster that community here in Salida. This is something to proud of for sure. We wish you best of luck in whatever is next!
PS Here’s hoping that someone will step forward to help revive the acoustic music scene and locally roasted coffee in some form or another. Maybe the Mountain Phoenix will rise from the ashes yet again?
Andrew
awesome job mate! now what?
Clark,
You were one of the first to warmly welcome me when I moved to Salida in 2002 ~ you were also witness to my great love affair with Clyde Tullis as it unfolded month after month as Clyde hosted your well known and loved Open Mic sessions at the Cafe……
Yours was indeed a beautiful song….it will reside forever in my heart. Best wishes as you ride into your next venture ~ I’m sure it will be a beautiful song in its own way ~ a reflection of your beautiful, loving nature.
Warm hugs to you, my friend,
Danna
We are forever grateful for your blood (yep) sweat, tears and the tremendous love you put into the cafe. It was a wonderful song.
Our hugs and support as you move on to a new song,
Steve & Kathie
My dear Clark,
You and Salida Cafe had as much to do with my desire to relocate to Salida 4 years ago, as did the beauty of the landscape. I recall when I discovered the Cafe, and I felt…well, home. My mother felt the same, of which I am grateful. Our simple and heartfelt thanks to you…you embody community spirit, and we wish you continuing fulfillment of yet another heart’s desire as you move into the next chapter.
Our love and joy to you Clark,
Rebecca and Alma Owens
Clark,
Thank you for the “Community” that you created in the establishment of the Salida Cafe.
Clyde
Thank you, Clark, for always making us feel so welcome when ever we made the trek south to the “big city”. The cafe will always have a special place in our hearts.
Jenny, Michael & Teo
Thank you Clark for all of the nights of sweet music and your enduring kindness. Much Love from Jane, Mesa, Lily and I.
As a local musician I can say that one of the “most Salida” scenes that ever existed, and will live forever in our memories, is Clark Roberts moving the tip jar around the audience at the Cafe.
Clark, you took on a role that was more than a job–you were a crusader. Aside from giving us world-class music in this teenie town, you provided a nurturing incubator for local musicians to mature and hone their skills. Your leaving the Cafe leaves a hole about the size of the Grand Canyon here in town—I won’t even hope for “someone else to fill it”, because I don’t know if anybody else can.
I wish we could all pass the tip jar around for you, now.
Clark, You and Paul created not only a wonderful song, but a community, where many of the good things we take for granted in Salida were dreamed up over those inviting tables and a great cup of coffee or glass of wine. Thank you for giving us that community gathering place. There’s a lot of love coming your way now, and I hope it buoys you on your way… Susan
Clark,
As so may others have said, the Salida Cafe and most especially you, were among our first impressions of Salida. It was no wonder we decided to retire to this wonderful place in 2004.
Whether it was for a quick coffee “to go” in the morning, lunch during trip to town, or an evening of music we could always count on a welcoming, quiet and friendly atmosphere. We had friends visiting us from Australia and we came in as you were closing. You stayed open so we could order leisurely and you took time to talk with our friends. They went away saying “what a wonderful homey place.” Something we already appreciated greatly.
Whether entertaining friends and family who were visiting, or meeting other locals to discuss community issues, the Salida Cafe was always a comfortable, community based destination that seemed to exemplify what Salida is all about. Best wishes for your future endeavors and we will certainly miss you.
Barbara and Jim Rees
Thank you Clark. You and the music scene you created and nourished here have had a huge impact on the quality of life in Salida.
Steve
Dear Clark,
I will always be grateful to you and Paul for taking a chance on the girl who came knocking on the cafe door with a basket of homemade dog biscuits twelve years ago. Bongo Billy’s Salida Cafe was the first retail outlet for the Colorado Barkery and you supported my small business venture for twelve years strong. Thank you! You and Paul gave Salida it’s own community “Living Room” in which all were welcome. We have so many wonderful memories of times spent in the cafe enjoying Darrell Scott (twice!), the Waybacks, Drew Emmitt, Kelly Joe Phelps, and Casey Driesen among many others. You personally deserve a big thanks for bringing such talented musicians to Salida for us to enjoy. Wishing you the very best– Amy Reed
And not just music…..
You gave me my first opportunity to publicly display (and sell) my photographs.
Thanks mate!
Dont go .
As others have mentioned, I too felt welcomed and at home sitting down to a cup of coffee in Salida’s living room some ten years ago. It was as if the secret center of the universe was in the brick walled room sitting beside the river, surrounded by beautiful mountains. Little did I know that I would still be enjoying this very special place some ten years on.
God Bless, and Godspeed,
John
Now I got nowhere to go on Friday and Saturday nights.
Clarke, what a shocker. Ellen and I will both miss the venue that you provided for our music at open mic and open jam. We also enjoyed the entire entertainment venue, ‘homey feeling’ that was provided for all of those involved, whether entertainer or audience, it was a special feeling enjoyed by all. You are truly ” one of a kind “. Please come back IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
Thank you so much Clarke. Susan and I only got a taste as we only played twice and recently. The song was beautiful. We’ll continue to sing and I’m sure your friends will to. Many blessings. L&S
Ditto to Bill’s post. I loved being part of the dream! It was incredible!
Thank you.
You are my hero. Hope to see you soon.
Dear Clark,
You are truley talented and amazing. What a wonderful human being. I read with great hope that you have partnered with the Steamplant for more music to Salida. I think this will be a perfect fit for you. So glad to hear that you are still bringing music and your wonderful ways to Salida. You are the best.
Jane Lewis
Jay Gingrich
I keep reading all these wonderful posts honoring Clark, and I have been left speechless. There are no words for such a gem, are there? Obviously there have been many, and they are so very true! Clark – you are everybody’s hero….the most compassionate soul that I have ever met….with positive energy like no other! Know that you will be missed at the Cafe, but I will look forward to seeing you up on the hill, on the trails, or just passing on F Street! You have been a gift to this community, and guess what? YOU CREATED IT!!!!! YOU DEFINED IT! Endless thanks and lots of love!