New Artist in Coffee Shop Music Scene

By Aaron Holcomb

APOPKA, Florida - The recently established café Rainforest Coffee Co., which can be found on the corner of state road 436 and Hunt Club Boulevard, offers a growing variety of food and entertainment. The attractions range from freshly brewed coffee and meticulously prepared espresso drinks, to hand-made pastries and hot panini’s, free WI-FI internet access, and its newest installment: Open Mic Mondays.

This weekly event draws a number of artists and spectators from all around the greater Orlando area and surrounding Apopka community, offering an opportunity to relax, taste some great coffee, and experience some local music in a comfortable environment.

This weeks highlight act was Longwood’s own, R. J. Harman, a new artist to the Central Florida music scene.

“ I like to go by my stage name, Espinosa Slim”, says Harman, “…though it changes nightly.”

R. J. was born in Fairfax, Wisconsin, and later relocated to Central Florida with his family: “My family has moved a lot.”

“I’ve been playing music since high school, and have been playing the harmonica for about 4 years.” Harman claims, a brief stint of time considering the level of musical genius he displays on such an unlikely instrument.

Having heard of Rainforest and its open mic night through some friends, Harman decided to check it out. “I just walked in one evening and before I knew what was happening, I was invited to play with another local act on stage.”

Since his impromptu debut, Harman has frequented Rainforest, every time delivering a stunning performance for an enthusiastic crowd.

“I really enjoy playing here,” says Harman. “It gives me a great opportunity to get exposed to different audiences as well as an environment to gain and build possible contacts.”

“We love R.J,” comments Jon, the establishment’s chef/barista. “He is always friendly and very open to whatever song request the audience throws at him.”

When asked about the success of open mic night, the owner and creator of Rainforest, David Wax commented: “I have seen a noticeable influx of business since the addition of live musical acts such as R.J.”

Harman is currently an enrolled student at Seminole Community College studying jazz music and set to transfer to UCF on two full scholarships, one for baritone performance, and the other for stuttering.

When asked about his speech impediment and how he acquired his scholarship, Harman casually replied: “I just asked, ‘Pah-pah-please let me go to college,’” he said with a laugh, “and they did.” It is clear that speech impediments did not hold this musician back from achieving his goal as a great performer.

“I really just want to continue playing music and see where it takes me, as well as educate people about the unknown capabilities the harmonica possesses.”

You can check R.J. Harman out on his website, www.myspace.com/rjharmanmusic, or at his next musical appearance at Rainforest on September 27.