With live audiences discouraged because of the coronavirus outbreak, Andover Community Coffeehouse volunteers are experimenting with a new technology to bring local musicians to your computer screen as they perform live from their own homes (or other locations of their choosing).   

The technology being used is a video conferencing service called Zoom, and it enables most computer users to communicate with one another visually and audibly in real time. The basic version of the technology is free and easy to install.

On Friday, April 17, the experiment’s featured performers were the folk duo Sferes and White (Jimmy Sferes and Jennifer White), and “open mic” participants Gary Cassidy, Kara Colvin, Paul Currier, Doug Farrell, Kathy Lowe, and Lindsey Schust. In the audience were some 50 viewers, mostly regular attendees at the “Third Friday” Coffeehouse performances held at the Highland Lake Grange Hall. Asked to evaluate the performance after its conclusion, attendees responded:

“That was fun!”, “A total blast,” “So good making music together,” “This has been a GIFT in these challenging times,” “What a fun evening,” “MOST WONDERFUL,” “Go for it again,” and more.

With live “Third Friday” Coffeehouse concerts canceled until further notice, Coffeehouse volunteers hope to continue this new form of community outreach on a regular basis. Go to Andovercoffeehouse.org for further information.

To learn more about the technology behind the performance, go to Zoom.us. And for information about installing and using Zoom for use by your organization, contact The Andover Community Hub at TheAndoverHub@nullgmail.org. The Coffeehouse operates under the umbrella of The Hub.