This month’s venue spotlight explores how one downtown coffee house has become a sanctuary for original music, meaningful listening, and the artists shaping Plant City’s creative future.
Over the last two months, we have looked at the voices and the vision fueling The Songwriters Circle. However, a musical movement cannot thrive in a vacuum, it needs a home. For us, that home is the very fabric of Plant City.
This month, we are shining a light on Krazy Kup, a coffee house that champions local art. I sat down with the creators behind this supportive space to talk about why they invest in independent music.
Frank & Wenda of Krazy Kup
Why is it important to you as a business owner to share your space with local artists? It’s about community, it’s a great space for it. They put their heart and soul into their work and deserve to be showcased.
If you had to invent a signature drink named after the Songwriters Circle, what would be in it and what would it be called? The Kold Chill. Iced coffee blend with cold foam. Sit back, listen to the artist and chill.
If you could magically book any artist in history, alive or dead, to play a secret acoustic set on your stage, who are you picking? Paul McCartney singing Black Bird. Without a doubt.
What has the feedback been from your regular customers who stumbled upon the event? Oh, they have loved it, especially because each person that they hear has a different style, they thank us and say we will be back.
What would you say to a resident who has never experienced The Songwriters Circle performance? I would tell them it is my favorite event! Because you never know what you are going to get.
While The Songwriters Circle continues to expand its reach, its heartbeat remains firmly elevated in the Krazy Kup Loft. Here are the four incredible storytellers bringing their truths to The Songwriters Circle this month.
Emma Grace
Emma Grace is a Southwest Florida-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who crafts deeply moving music with a natural gift for melody and emotion. Defined by a rich, low resonance, her voice carries a haunting authenticity that feels less like a performance and more like an intimate confession. Emma has a rare ability to voice dark truths and uncover the hidden pain we all hold, wrapping heavy emotions in an achingly beautiful tone. Viewing her songwriting as a deeply personal journey, she shares her vulnerability in hopes of offering a source of healing for others. Her debut album “Changing,” alongside her singles “Don’t Owe You” and “Sinking,” are available across all music platforms.
How would you describe your sound in three words to someone who has never heard you play? Moody, calming, different.
How does it feel to share the raw, unfiltered story behind a song before you sing it? It’s fun to share the stories and what inspired me to write each song.
Rapid Fire
Early bird or night owl? Night owl.
Vinyl records, CDs, or streaming? Vinyl.
The first album you ever bought with your own money? “When we all fall asleep where do we go?” – Billie Eilish.
Your go-to comfort food after a long gig? Taco Bell.
Acoustic guitar or electric guitar? Electric.
The best song ever written, in your opinion? “Something in the Breeze” (unreleased).
One instrument you wish you knew how to play? The banjo.
What is your literal, everyday coffee order? A very basic vanilla iced latte with oat milk.
Strawberry shortcake: cake or biscuit base? Cake.
Spring Pace
Spring Pace is an indie-pop force whose brilliant, bright, and compelling voice boasts an incredible range, taking listeners on an emotional ride. Striking a unique balance, she sounds like if Adele and Rufus Wainwright had a child babysat by The Cure. Her musical roots trace back to her childhood in the New Orleans Citywide Youth Choir and writing songs about fantasy dragons at age nine. This signature songwriting style delivers raw, vulnerable truths beautifully embellished with whimsical descriptions and a touch of fantasy. Spring’s profound resilience shines through her art. After losing her Arcadia home to Hurricane Ian, she persevered to release her 2023 debut album, Starflight. Her subsequent journey through tragedy and recovery inspired a wave of deeply introspective music, including her upcoming single “Homewrecker.” Balancing raw emotional depth with enchanting storytelling, Spring’s highly anticipated second album, “Nonexistent Nostalgia,” drops later this year. Follow her on all platforms @hellospringpace.
How would you describe your sound in three words to someone who has never heard you play? Honest, sensitive, and theatrical.
How does it feel to share the raw, unfiltered story behind a song before you sing it? Songwriting is very personal, so sharing the stories can feel extremely vulnerable. I love doing it though, I enjoy giving insight into the song for the audience, it makes the performance feel more intimate. Being open takes practice though, I’m a lot looser now than when I started.
Rapid Fire:
Early bird or night owl? Night owl!
Vinyl records, CDs, or streaming? Vinyl at home, cd in the car, streaming on the go!
The first album you ever bought with your own money? My babysitter worked at a record store when I was little so a Halloween themed album with Monster Mash and Purple People Eater!
Your go-to comfort food after a long gig? Gelato
Acoustic guitar or electric guitar? Acoustic
The best song ever written, in your opinion?
My long-term favorite song is “The World We Knew” by Frank Sinatra
One instrument you wish you knew how to play? Piano is a string and percussion instrument, so I want to learn them separately! Guitar and drums. And then many more!
What is your literal, everyday coffee order? I don’t drink coffee often, so I usually order a small iced matcha with oat milk, half ice, and a non-dairy cold foam that depends on the shop (usually lavender or strawberry)!
Strawberry shortcake: cake or biscuit base? Cake all the way
Adriana McDonald
Adriana McDonald is the Josie Award–winning lead vocalist, songwriter, and creative force behind Southwest Florida’s Indie/Alt/Rock band Shy Blossom. Defined by an eclectic style that floats effortlessly above the instrumentation, Adriana pairs raw edge with a hypnotic sound. Her mesmerizing vocal runs weave seamlessly through finely crafted lyrics, transforming personal thoughts, intimate expressions, and lived experiences into captivating anthems. This distinct musical identity has led to high-profile collaborations with legendary drummer David Abbruzzese (Pearl Jam) on the band’s debut album Bloom, and acclaimed string arranger Bobby Hawk (Taylor Swift, Clairo) on their single “Nothing To Say.” Following extensive touring across the Southern U.S. and opening slots for Sister Hazel, Adriana continues to elevate Shy Blossom on the national stage with her signature blend of authenticity and effortless style.
How would you describe your sound in three words to someone who has never heard you play? I would say poetic, atmospheric, and emotional.
How does it feel to share the raw, unfiltered story behind a song before you sing it? It feels very vulnerable when sharing the story behind a lot of songs I’ve written because a lot of them come from my own experiences and emotions, and it can feel nerve-wracking sharing those stories to others.
Rapid Fire
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Vinyl records, CDs, or streaming? Vinyl records
The first album you ever bought with your own money? The Backseat Lovers
Your go-to comfort food after a long gig? Sushi
Acoustic guitar or electric guitar? Acoustic guitar
The best song ever written, in your opinion? Stardust
One instrument you wish you knew how to play? Harp
What is your literal, everyday coffee order? I don’t drink coffee, but my go-to tea is chamomile.
Strawberry shortcake: cake or biscuit base? Cake base for a strawberry shortcake.
Jenny Lea Brown
Jenny Lea Brown, a singer, songwriter, and producer who spins the messy reality of modern “situationships” into musical gold. Armed with a sharp sense of humor and a gift for undeniable storytelling, Jenny writes the songs that make you stop what you’re doing and completely lock in. Her vocals are clear, unflinching, and steady as a freight train, driving every narrative home with absolute authority. A fixture of the Central Florida music scene as both a performer and educator for 25 years, Jenny’s authentic sound now spans nationwide, commanding radio airwaves and streaming playlists across the country.
How would you describe your sound in three words to someone who has never heard you play? Three words? Oof… I need at least six. There. Must. Have. Been. A. Struggle. I’ve never been very good at writing songs about perfect lives. I’m drawn to the messy parts, the heartbreak, the healing, the humor, the hope, and everything we learn in between. If there’s a common thread in my music, it’s that every song has earned its story.
How does it feel to share the raw, unfiltered story behind a song before you sing it? I love the opportunity to be vulnerable and invite the audience into the story before they hear the song. It creates a connection that wouldn’t exist otherwise. My lyrics are full of imagery, but they’re also layered with metaphor. Sometimes those metaphors soften the sharp edges of deeply personal experiences, allowing me to tell the truth without having to say every detail out loud. Sharing the story behind the song gives listeners the key to unlock what they’re about to hear.
Rapid Fire:
Early bird or night owl? Early bird.
Vinyl records, CDs, or streaming? Streaming
The first album you ever bought with your own money? Bush
Your go-to comfort food after a long gig? Tito’s and water
Acoustic guitar or electric guitar? Acoustic
The best song ever written, in your opinion? I can only imagine
One instrument you wish you knew how to play? Mandolin
What is your literal, everyday coffee order? Celsius
Strawberry shortcake: cake or biscuit base? Cake all the way
Come out to the Krazy Kup Loft this third Saturday at 6:30 p.m. to support these incredible local voices. Admission is entirely free, but the memories you take home on the drive back will be absolutely priceless.
