OUR STORY

An idea born of desire, the concept behind Secret Grove has been in the making for over a decade. Founder Daniel Maloney (Liam Malone), traveled from coast to coast while organizing various underground music events in Boston, Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, and now Portland, OR.

Originally an event that acted as a bridge between physical artists and musical artists, the first iteration was known as "The Groove Gallery" - an experience which paired talented niche painters with soundscapes matching in energy. A platform to share musical performances and for artists to sell their pieces to a community that had an interest in such unique beauty.

After success with this concept in Boston, MA, Daniel found his way to Atlanta, GA where he created the "But, is it Art?" series. Focused on the late night experience, this highly exclusive event series was a safe haven for touring and traveling artists after their performances in Atlanta to relax, unwind, play music freely, and network with other like-minded artists. This was the birth of the community that now supports the newest chapter.

Finally, finding his way to Portland in 2022, after the world seemed to change its landscape overnight, Daniel brought Secret Grove to life with several other artists, all looking for the same thing: community. With decades of experience between the group, they built underground experiences across numerous small music venues, warehouses, coffee shops, beaches, and other oddly beautiful locations - incorporating the jungle aesthetic that tied their experiences together.

Along the way, he met Colombian coffee farmer and producer, Aura Matta of Matta Cafe. As Daniel fell in love with her chocolate-flavored coffee, she fell in love with the music of the collective, and the collaboration between Secret Grove and Matta Cafe was born. A cafe and music venue to share good food, good drink, good music, great people, and build a family looking for the same thing - connection. Something we as humans all desire.

It is with a full heart that we have found ourselves here, at the Secret Grove.