The Andover Community Coffeehouse will hold its second summer outdoor concert on Friday, August 19, featuring Louise Grasmere, Andover summer resident and “Boston’s best-kept vocal secret,” accompanied by Linda Shoemaker.  The event will take place in the grassy amphitheater located between the school and bank parking lots in Andover Village.  Parking is available in the school parking lot.

Music will begin at 6 PM with a short opening act by Andover resident and folksinger Gary Cassidy.  Light supper food (sandwiches, hot dogs, wraps, desserts) will also be available for sale, prepared by the folks from the Andover Community Church, well-known for the food they sell at regular Coffeehouse performances in East Andover.   Attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets.  The event is open to the public at no charge, although the traditional Coffeehouse hardhat will be passed for donations for the featured performer. 

In case of rain, the event will be held indoors at the Andover Hub, next to Pizza Chef.  The decision will be made at 3 PM the day of the performance; for updated information, call 603 735-5135, text 603 724-4670, or email TheAndoverHub@nullgmail.com.  

Who’s Louise?  From a review: “Combining all the grace and elegance of the classic jazz singers with the ringing power and authority of the great blues shouters, Louise Grasmere has a voice that will lift you out of your seat and into the heavens.”  And from another: “Grasmere’s sound is wholly her own – a unique fusion of jazz-influenced rhythm and blues seasoned with Motown, gospel, and soul.” 

Louise’s family started coming to New Hampshire in the 1960s, eventually settling in New London and then in Andover.  Louise now calls Andover’s Bradley Lake her summer home.

The Coffeehouse is an arm of the Andover Community Hub, and is now planning a return to their traditional schedule of concerts on the third Friday of each month, September through June, at the Highland Lake Grange Hall in East Andover.  Stay tuned!