In keeping with the tradition of the American coffeehouse inaugurated
in the late 1960s, each winter the Door Community Auditorium (DCA) hosts
entertainment in the intimacy of the fireplace lobby. Limited to 80 seats,
guests are invited to share a cup of coffee with friends while performers
share their talents in a small setting reminiscent of the old coffeehouse
atmosphere.
“When we began the coffeehouse concerts in 1999, it was with the
local community in mind. We wanted to provide them a place to go in the
middle of winter and enjoy really good music,” explained Pete Evans,
DCA program/technical director. “Our goal was also to showcase our
local talent.”
Historically, the advent of the coffeehouse corresponded with the rise
in coffee’s popularity. As early as the 16th century, the coffeehouse
was the gathering place for men to drink tea or coffee, play chess and
backgammon, listen to music, and read. A proliferation of coffeehouses
in Europe followed soon after. By 1739, there were 551 coffeehouses in
England serving most frequently as centers for political discussion and
debate.
Visiting England at that time, the Abbé Prévost of France
is quoted: “Coffeehouses are where you have the right to read all
the papers for and against the government,” and named them “seats
of English liberty.”
The American version of the coffeehouse is definitely more modern. With
the advent of the “beat” generation of the 1950s, the coffeehouse
became a venue for entertainment – predominantly the folk performers
– as well as refreshment. The intimacy of the coffeehouse is a perfect
setting for a small group or solo act. And it is that model that DCA used
when the Fireside Coffeehouse Concerts premiered eight years ago.
“I can’t remember whose idea it was,” Pete said. “Terry
Meyer (then executive director) and I were bouncing ideas off each other.
I think we came up with the concept together; it was a real collaboration.
And we just took the idea and got it going.” The first coffeehouse
concerts provided seating for 100 guests and featured three performances,
including Julian Hagen, Mink River Cartel, and Jimmy Kaplan & Friends.
In the winter of 2003, DCA took the coffeehouse concept a step closer
to the original model. “We decided to provide refreshments during
the concerts. So Kurt Thomas (assistant technical director) made bistro
tables, we cut back the number of tickets a bit, added candles on the
tables, and the atmosphere of the coffeehouse was resurrected in Door
County,” smiled Pete. “And everyone loved it.”
Over the years guest performers have included some of the peninsula’s
favorite entertainers featuring something from every musical style, as
well as poetry readings. “We have had barbershop, classical, Celtic,
rock and roll; but the most popular continues to be folk,” Pete
confirmed. “But we love to try something new, so we’re always
open to suggestions.”
The Fireside Coffeehouse Concerts have been a proven hit and Pete does
not anticipate any significant changes to the established format. “We
changed the start time last year from 8:00 pm to 7:00 pm; bedtimes have
moved up for the baby boomers,” he joked. “Our maximum seating
capacity is 80 persons and tickets remain $12. We want everyone to be
able to attend,” Pete emphasized. “A majority of the concerts
are sellouts, so we always recommend people do an advance ticket purchase.”
Guests can purchase a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and desserts
to enjoy during the concerts. Espresso Lane, located in Baileys Harbor,
will provide refreshments for this year’s Fireside Coffeehouse Concerts.
Although past concerts have, for the most part, featured local talent,
“this year we are stretching outside the county,” Pete said.
“We have featured most of our local talent so we’re crossing
the county’s borders to include performers from Madison and Chicago.
It’s going to be a very exciting season.
“We are very pleased with the community’s support of the concerts,
and very grateful to the sponsors who underwrite the shows. It really
is a collaborative effort, and the response is heartwarming,” concluded
Pete.
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Fireside Coffeehouse Concerts
Early Thomas
Saturday, January 20, 2007 7:00 pm Tickets: $12
Blending original folk music and alternative-country with the beat of
pure soul/rock, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Early Thomas performs
with intensity and verve. The co-founder and front man for Soul Patrol,
the acoustic musician is an intense performer whose concerts are cutting-edge.
Sponsor: The English Inn
Ryan Thompson and Deep Fried Grass
Saturday, February 3, 2007 7:00 pm Tickets: $12
Foot-stomping, hand-clapping country/bluegrass music is what Ryan Thompson
and Deep Fried Grass do best. Following in the tradition of “the
Father of Wisconsin bluegrass,” Bill Jorgenson, and country icon,
Lee Greenwood, Ryan Thompson leads his band down the country road making
all the right turns. The four-piece acoustic group features vocals accompanied
by guitar, mandolin, and upright bass.
Sponsor: On Deck Clothing Company, Inc.
Ritt Deitz
Saturday, March 10, 2007 7:00 pm Tickets: $12
With his musical “roots” solidly planted, Ritt Deitz’s
music is the fruit of years dedicated to performing traditional music
and acoustic rock and roll. “Deitz works the same side of the street
as Greg Brown and Bruce Cockburn, with songs that are concurrently earthy,
ethereal, and intelligent,” Madison’s The Onion raved. Sons
Wilder and Mitch, and Dave Foss accompany Ritt Deitz in concert.
Sponsor: Curt’s Spice Company & Oilerie
Jenny Bienemann
Saturday, March 24, 2007 7:00 pm Tickets: $12
Singer/songwriter/musician Jenny Bienemann gives “voice” to
the shimmering everyday moments so easily overlooked. Her pop-infused
folk songs literally vibrate with life. Soaring harmonies, lush lyrics,
and lilting melodies linger long after her voice has quieted. Jenny’s
style evokes comparisons with Suzanne Vega and Joni Mitchell.
Sponsor: Bay Shore Travel Agency
KG & The Ranger
Saturday, April 7, 2007 7:00 pm Tickets: $12
Cowboy heroes and the Old West come to life when KG and The Ranger sing
classic cowboy songs, yodel in harmony and spin a lariat. A lighthearted,
magical musical journey way out west, KG & The Ranger invite the audience
to saddle up their imagination for an evening’s ride into the Western
sunset.
Sponsor: Heather Lawrie-Smith of RE/MAX Peninsula Properties
