A stage, a latte, a local revolution: Harvest Moon’s Friday nights take off

Harvest Moon Coffee & Chocolates is quietly redefining local nightlife in the Alle-Kiski Valley, one acoustic set and Vietnamese iced coffee at a time.

Founded in 2020, the cafe now operates at two locations, the original shop in Tarentum and the other in the Heights Plaza in Harrison’s Natrona Heights neighborhood.

Utilizing its plaza location, the Natrona Heights shop is aiming to draw a younger audience for landmark late-night creativity, as it hosts live music and events that have transformed the space into a cultural hub.

“We started hosting live music and events in the fall of 2024 — it felt like a natural extension of who we are,” said Desiree Singleton, the owner of Harvest Moon. “The idea sparked during a conversation with a local artist who played at the Tarentum location for a Night Market. That moment brewed into something bigger.”

On Friday nights, Harvest Moon now resembles a cozy living room more than a traditional cafe. Lights are dim, espresso flows and guitar chords mingle with laughter. The shop is typically booked 12 to 16 weeks in advance, with acts ranging from indie folk and blues legends to alternative cover bands and young performers.

“Our stage is as eclectic as our drink menu,” Singleton said. “We lean toward acts that bring authenticity, heart and a story to share.”

The menu features locally roasted coffee, handcrafted espresso drinks and seasonal specials. Cold brew, smoothies, teas and rich cocoa are served with a focus on comfort and creativity.

“We’ve seen friendships form; collaborations spark and regulars turn into performers,” Singleton said.

While sales occasionally increase during performance nights, Singleton said, the deeper impact comes from the connections being made. The events have helped Harvest Moon reach new audiences, build community ties and become part of people’s routines, a kind of cultural resonance that goes beyond the register.

That reach includes recovering alcoholics and younger patrons seeking alternatives to traditional nightlife. “We’re a ‘third space’ — not home, not work, but welcoming in-between,” Singleton said. “For those who want connection without alcohol or who simply enjoy great music with a lavender latte instead of a cocktail, we’re that alternative.”

Ed Traversari, professor of sports, arts, entertainment and music business at Point Park University, sees this trend growing.

“Quite a few coffee shops (are) adding soft acoustic music or piano,” Traversari said.

He notes that the intimacy of coffee shops makes them ideal venues.

“Most coffee shops are smaller, which allows the audience to sit close to entertainers,” he said. “Hiring an acoustic guitar player is also very affordable. In some cases, the coffee shop may not even pay the performers. The performer will make their money from tips.”

Still, challenges remain.

“Some people might not want music playing as they are trying to talk to their friends,” Traversari said. “They could also find that some performers don’t want to play for tips, and that could cause an issue if they don’t want to pay the performer.”

At Harvest Moon, musicians are paid for three-hour slots and often receive additional tips from customers. With a capacity of about 40 people, the space offers a close-up experience that encourages connection between artists and audience members.

Harvest Moon is navigating through challenges with a mix of heart and hustle. The shop is fundraising through Honeycomb Credit to expand its food options, event services and wholesale programs.

Plans include open mic nights, karaoke, educational events centered on coffee and chocolate, and even a veterans coffee club.

Faith Durci, a worker at Harvest Moon, said the shop’s culture is built on care and creativity.

“They’ve always been flexible and understanding,” Durci said. “They genuinely care about their employees while encouraging good work ethics, hospitality and honesty. And I get to make coffee, meet cool people and have a blast while being paid.”

She said the past year has brought changes with the expansion to two locations, but the team stayed focused on growth.

“They never stopped trying to grow, even when things weren’t perfect,” Durci said. “They kept supporting small businesses, building connections and highlighting local talent.”

Durci said the cafe’s music events have helped shape its identity.

“Different genres collide and bond over the universal language of music,” she said. “More connections are built, and collaboration begins introducing new combinations of style, voice and instrumental talent.”

With no other coffee shops in the area offering this kind of experience, Harvest Moon hopes it’s not just filling a gap but creating a new lane. For students, it’s a place to study or perform. For families, it’s a safe night out. For artists, it’s a stage. And for the community, it’s a reminder that joy doesn’t require a bar tab.

“Our long-term vision is to continue planting roots in communities that need a little more light,” Singleton said. “But no matter how we grow, the heart stays the same: a cozy space where coffee, chocolate and community come together to make life just a bit more beautiful.”

For more information, visit Harvest Moon’s website at harvestmoonc2.com.