Texas Tech University

Rise & Research: Christopher Smith on Music, Coffeehouses and Community Building

Jacob Gordon

January 6, 2026

Chris Smith having coffee at a coffee shop talking to the producer

Texas Tech University

Christopher Smith enters J&B Coffee Co. with the energy of a person coming home. There appears to be a little bounce in his step, as if walking through the coffee shop’s doors relieved some of the tension in his shoulders. He smiles widely as he approaches the counter and checks in with the two baristas working hard to keep the customers well caffeinated.

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