If you’re an old (or new) folkie, please save this date and time: Friday, January 16, 2015, beginning promptly at 7 PM. That’s when the Andover Community Coffeehouse will open its doors for monthly programs featuring local talent of all kinds: singers, musicians, poets, writers, artists and crafters.
The location of the Andover Community Coffeehouse is the Highland Lake Grange Hall just off State Route 11 in East Andover. The kickoff January 16 show will feature Sunapee folksinger Richard King, the Andover folk duo of Sferes and White, and an open-microphone opportunity for other local talent. The work of local photographer Steve Colardeau will also be featured.
The public is invited, at no charge, although donations will be accepted.
The coffeehouse venue, a former Grange Hall, is now the property of the Andover Congregational Church, which is located next door at the intersection of State Route 11 and Chase Hill Road. The venue features a performance stage, reasonable acoustics, full kitchen (for refreshments), and comfortable seating.
“We are indebted to Pastor John Wagner and members of the church for their generous donation of space for this experiment,” said Andover’s Paul Currier, chair of the recently formed Community Coffeehouse steering committee.
The January 16 program participants:
Richard King has an easy going style on his guitar and a baritone voice that has gained him many fans. His stories about songs are well received by the audience. His music styles cover folk, pop, blues, country and standards. He particularly likes songs that tell a story or express emotion.
Jimmy Sferes and Jennifer White have discovered an uncommon synergy, blending clear and luscious harmonies with complex and imaginative guitar playing. Their performances feature an eclectic and soulful combination of blues, roots and rock. Their song “Small Stuff” won an Honor Award in the Great American Song Contest, and they have appeared on Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion” radio program.
Photographer Steve Colardeau is an Andover resident who captures ” whatever interesting things life puts in front of me.” Although he is not a professional, has been working for over forty years with film and the digital world of photography. The opening of the Community Coffee House will showcase some of his favorite local images.
Performers wishing to appear during the open-mic segment of the program are invited to sign in between 6:30 and 7 PM
Directions: From Franklin, take State Route 11 East (Franklin Highway) toward Andover for about five miles. Turn left onto Chase Hill Road, immediately after the Andover Congregational Church, also on the left. The Grange Hall is across the parking lot from the church.
From Andover village, take State Route 11 West (Franklin Highway) toward Franklin for about five miles. Turn right onto Chase Hill Road just before the Andover Congregational Church, also on the right. The Grange Hall is across the parking lot from the church.
For additional information, contact committee member Larry Chase at lbchase@nullaol.com.