The Scene spotlight: The Keep

Address: 4935 Lewis Ave.

Origin of name: I wanted to create a comfortable and safe place for people to come and enjoy their time with friends and comrades. I thought of a place of strength and longevity. Being a retired veteran I thought of a castle's keep -- the strongest point in the castle. In a different time this was a place where knights, squires, and foot soldiers would go during times of no conflict to celebrate without fear of attack and a place of security for those who dwelled within. When I was in Iraq during the war I often felt insecure with our defenses, and living in a tent and not a secured bunker drove me to want to provide an alternative for veterans when they came home where they could feel safe and be with other veterans of other times. I also wanted to create an opportunity for the neighborhood to come together and be strong and enjoy life.

What makes your place unique: The Keep's mission is more than to provide a place for libations. It is a safe place for all those who serve our community and our neighborhood to enjoy a respite from the stresses that comes to us on a daily basis.

Clientele: Veterans, those who serve the community, hard working men and women, and those in the neighborhood who come in peace and who want to be a part of something bigger than just themselves.

Entertainment: We have live trivia on Mondays, karaoke on Friday nights, and live music every Saturday. We have a piano that was donated by a special friend of the neighborhood, Dennis Miller, in memory of his exceptional mother.

Upcoming events: Karaoke, live music, and a pig roast coming up on July 14 with some of the proceeds benefiting a young girl battling cancer and for those who have combated cancer and have won and some who have left us too soon.