Our Coffee House Series Needs Your Help! Please visit our crowdfunding information page for more details!
Join us for exceptional music, coffee, and dessert in an intimate setting at one of our Coffee House events.
We now have two locations! Please note which location is hosting your event!
Ann Arbor location: 3150 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor MI 48105
Our Ann Arbor location has moved! Grace Church Ann Arbor North has welcomed our series into its beautiful space in the woods, just around the corner from our previous location.
Out Of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake MI 49240
To purchase tickets:
Click Eventbrite link found with each event listing OR call (734) 645-0944 and leave a message with your name, number of seats, and performance date; then pay at the door with cash or check.
No tickets are mailed; simply give your name at the door.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time.
Times are tough — money is tight. Music brings comfort and joy. If your budget prevents you from paying admission, please don’t stay away! At the door, simply pay what you can, or mention that you are on the guest list. It’s just not the same without you!
-
Sat09Mar20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $15
Sam Robbins' music evokes classic 70's singer/songwriters such as James Taylor and Neil Young. Sam adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona. He was one of the six 2021 winners in the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition.
A 2019 graduate of Berklee College of Music's songwriting department, Sam has hosted many songwriting workshops and masterclasses, including at the Harvard Music Department, the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, and the Folk Project's Fall Acoustic Getaway. In his performances and workshops, Sam helps others to express themselves through the powerful medium of songwriting. -
Fri15Mar20248:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Suggested Donation $15
Facebook Event Page
Reggie Harris is a dynamic and superbly talented traditional folk performer, whose captivating stage presence has earned the respect and love of audiences throughout the US, Canada and Europe for over 35 years. Reggie entertains audiences of all ages and backgrounds, as singer, songwriter, educator, and interpreter of cultural history.Reggie combines a strong folk and gospel legacy with a solid background in classical, rock, jazz and pop music.As an expert on the music of the Underground Railroad and the Modern Civil Rights Movement he is at home on stage as performer, lecturer or leading discussion in seminars or in the classroom. -
Sat16Mar20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $20
David Francey was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, where he got his first taste of the working life as a paperboy. At age 10 he was devouring the newspapers he delivered, establishing a life-long interest in politics and world events while developing the social conscience that forms the backdrop of his songs.
He was twelve when his family immigrated to Toronto. He traces his love of the land, the history, and the people of his adopted country to weekend family drives exploring southern Ontario. Music played a large part in these family outings. The family sang traditional Scottish tunes as they drove through the Canadian countryside, dad and. sister Muriel singing melody while mother and David sang harmonies.His first album came out in 1999 and was a hit in Canada. Since then, he has released eleven albums, won three Juno Awards, and has had his songs covered by many stellar artists.In concert David is a singer and a storyteller. His wry humor and astute observations combined with his openhearted singing style have earned him a loyal following. -
Fri22Mar20248:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Suggested Donation $15
Facebook Event Page
David Roth strikes many chords, hearts, and minds with his unique songs, offbeat observations, moving stories, sense of the hilarious, and powerful singing and subject matter. As singer, songwriter, recording artist, keynote speaker, workshop leader, and instructor, David has earned top honors at premier songwriter competitions and taken his music, experience, and expertise to a wide variety of venues in this and other countries full-time for more than two decades. David’s songs have found their way to Carnegie Hall; the United Nations; several "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books; the Kennedy Center; Peter, Paul, & Mary’s Discovered; the Kingston Trio’s Born at the Right Time; the classic folk song book, “Rise Up Singing," and 13 CDs.
-
Fri05Apr20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $15
Rupert Wates was born in London and studied at Oxford University. His music is an eclectic mix of acoustic, melodic art/folk, with flavors of jazz, vaudeville and cabaret. He has released twelve solo CDs. They have received outstanding reviews in the international online press and tracks from them have been played on radio all over the world. In addition, Wates' songs have been covered by other artists in the UK, Canada and the US. Two full length tribute CDs to his material have been recorded: Crazy Puzzle by Nashville-based performer Roxie Rogers, and Wide Open Heart by vocalist Susan Kohler. Both these CDs were initiated and funded entirely by the artists themselves, and comprise exclusively songs taken from Rupert Wates' back catalog. Over 20 recordings featuring Wates's songs by other artists were made in 2016 alone.
www.rupertwatesmusic.com -
Sun07Apr20243:00 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $15
Matinee show, 3pm
Hiroya is a one-of-a-kind composer, guitarist and singer-songwriter from Kyoto, Japan. He began playing the five-string banjo when he was thirteen, and took up the guitar shortly after.
In 2000, Hiroya received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and came to the United States. He formed his own group in Boston, INTEROCEANICO (inter-oceanic), which consists of unique musicians from different continents including Latin Grammy Colombian singer Marta Gomez. The group released three acclaimed records and Hiroya has released three solo albums.
Hiroya has been leading concerts internationally including several appearances at Blue Note (NYC), United Nations and Japanese National Television. In 2018, Hiroya won 2nd place in International Finger Style Guitar Championship.
www.hiroyatsukamoto.com -
Fri19Apr20248:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Suggested Donation $20
In a career that spans 23 albums and includes three Grammy awards, Tom Chapin has covered a lot of creative ground. In addition to his work as a recording artist and concert performer, Chapin has acted on Broadway and worked in films, television and radio. Tom grew up in a family that encouraged artistic pursuits. He began performing professionally as a teenager in the early 1960s, playing in Greenwich Village folk clubs alongside his siblings, Harry and Steve, as one of The Chapin Brothers. In 1971, he began a five-year run as the host of the ABC-TV children's series, "Make A Wish." Chapin and his songs were also featured in the 1970 documentary film, "Blue Water, White Death," for which he spent six months sailing the Indian Ocean searching for great white sharks.
As a music-maker, Chapin has maintained two parallel careers, as a highly respected contemporary folk artist and as a pioneer in the field of children's music. In the former role, Chapin has established a reputation for insightful, heartfelt songcraft and charismatic live performances. In the latter, he continues to engage the hearts, minds and imaginations of young listeners with witty, life-affirming original songs delivered in a sophisticated array of musical styles. Chapin's infectious songs, sterling musicianship and personal warmth shine, whether he's performing on record or in a concert hall, an outdoor festival, a school, in front of a symphony orchestra, or in an intimate coffeehouse.
-
Fri26Apr20248:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Suggested Donation $20
There are songs that transport you to good times remembered. Songs like, “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight,” “Nights Are Forever Without You,” and, “Love Is The Answer” have that effect on many of us. These songs and numerous others have made John Ford Coley a singing legend.
John is most revered as half of the duo England Dan and John Ford Coley. The classically-trained pianist and talented guitarist continues performing the gold and platinum record hits for audiences around the world. Some of Coley’s other hits are, “Gone Too Far,” “We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again,” and, “Sad To Belong."
John’s experiences comprise a broad background. Although he performed throughout high school and college as a classical and rock pianist, he chose to major in English Literature in college, and is an avid student of history. In the mid-1980’s, John began acting in television and in feature films. He recently penned a book, "Backstage Pass," about his years in the music industry.
-
Sat27Apr20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $25
Under the lonesome cry of the midnight train, stars twinkling over hillbilly lights in the mountain fog, Nellie McKay returns with her first album of original material in 13 years. Recorded in Charleston, West Virginia with The Carpenter Ants & a roving retinue of musical compadres, Hey Guys, Watch This, traces the haunted sounds of Appalachia to a renaissance of revelry. So unpack your washtub bass, fill up your red cup & pull on your shitkickers ‘cause the night is young & the moon is bright, even if we’re not.
Nellie McKay’s music has been heard on Mad Men, Boardwalk Empire, Weeds, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, Nurse Jackie, and SMILF, and she has appeared on TV shows including The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan, Ferguson, and The View. Nellie has made numerous radio appearances on NPR’s Mountain Stage, A Prairie Home Companion, eTown, and Marion McPartland’s Piano Jazz. Her writing has appeared in The Onion, Interview and The New York Times Book Review.
She has won a Theatre World Award for her portrayal of Polly Peachum on Broadway in The Threepenny Opera; performed onscreen in the films PS I Love You and Downtown Express; and her music was used in movies, Rumor Has It, Monster-in-Law, PS I Love You, Gasland, Last Holiday and Private Life.
McKay co-created and starred in the award-winning off-Broadway hit Old Hats and has written three acclaimed musical biographies: I Want to Live!, the story of Barbara Graham, third woman executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin; Silent Spring: It’s Not Nice to Fool Mother Nature, an exploration of environmental pioneer Rachel Carson; and A GIRL NAMED BILL – The Life and Times of Billy Tipton. Her latest lady bio is The Big Molinsky – Considering Joan Rivers.
Nellie’s seventh album is Sister Orchid. Other albums include Normal As Blueberry Pie: A Tribute to Doris Day and My Weekly Reader, music of the ‘60s, her second collaboration with famed Beatles engineer Geoff Emerick.
-
Fri03May20248:00 pmSanctuary location: 1001 Green Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Suggested Donation $20
Vocalist and composer Carla Cooke is the youngest daughter of the legendary Sam Cooke, whose musical life encompassed religion, romance, and history. Carla’s career mirrors that of her father, in that she crafted her sound in the church. Carla sought not to use her father’s name, but to build her own reputation. Now the younger Cooke knows that her roots are firmly entwined in her father's as she connects with them through his music.
Carla Cooke’s style is diverse in gospel, Christian, R&B, soul, and pop styles. With a strong vocal range and warm personality, Carla shows that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, as she channels the raw talent, emotion, beauty, and charisma of the Cooke family persona.
-
Sat04May20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $20
Back by popular demand! Don White combines heartfelt, serious lyrics with side-splitting laughs to provide an evening not to be forgotten. This Massachusetts comedian/singer/songwriter/author is best-known in these parts for his radio gems, "Rascal," "Psycho Mom and Dad" and "I Know What Love Is." A Don White show promises to delight new audiences and devoted "repeat offender" fans, alike.
-
Sun08Sep20243:00 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $15
Sally Barris is a Nashville based performing songwriter whose songs have been covered by stellar artists including Kathy Mattea, Martina McBride, and Lee Ann Womack. Her song, “Let The Wind Chase You,” recorded by Trisha Yearwood and Keith Urban, received a Grammy nomination. Sally's bright spirit and expressive mountain soprano combine with her folk and Celtic roots for an exquisite evening of music. sallybarris.com
Bonus! Sally will provide special music in the 10am Sunday service at Grass Lake United Methodist Church, 449 E Michigan Ave, Grass Lake, on the day of her matinee, 9/8/24.
-
Fri13Sep20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $15
The Black Feathers is duo Ray Hughes and Sian Chandler. Americana, folk, and acoustic indie rock sensibilities coexist comfortably in their musical world, with Hughes’ guitar work buoying the kind of harmonies often heard in family bands. The music is exquisite, the stage chemistry riveting. Partners in life and partners in music, The Black Feathers have been spreading their wings across the United States, having already built up a loyal following in the UK. theblackfeathers.com
-
Sat14Sep20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $15
Folk-Americana duo Kaston Guffey and Nick Pankey grew up together in the Ozarks and have been performing as My Politic for over 15 years. Across ten releases, their body of work showcases slice-of-life storytelling, expertly crafted characters, skilled acoustic instrumentation, and sibling-like vocal harmonies.
They made their Woody Guthrie Folk Festival debut in July 2023.
"My Politic has a style of intimate songwriting that is often reminiscent of the late, great John Prine." - Nashville Scene
-
Sun15Sep20243:00 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $15
This is a 3pm matinee show
Jeremy Horn grew up in Memphis, but his music sounds more like the Beatles than B.B. King or Elvis. He writes songs for the church and songs for the radio. Growing up on the sounds of James Taylor and Tom Petty, Jeremy spent most of his early years emulating the sounds and styles of the popular culture. "I wrote songs about social injustices in the world," says Horn. "That progressed into writing songs for Jesus, and that was the process that unexpectedly led me to become a worship leader." Jeremy's music is a fixture on Michigan's 17 Smile-FM Contemporary Christian music stations; his "I Will See Angels" and "First Love" are two of his radio hits. This is a rare opportunity to see Jeremy Horn in a small venue setting. Bring a friend!
Jeremy will also lead worship in the Sunday 10am service at Grass Lake United Methodist Church on the day of his matinee, 9/15/24.
-
Fri20Sep20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $15
Heather Pierson is a pianist, singer/songwriter, song leader, and performer with a passion for cultivating joy, both onstage and off. Her uplifting live performances with her bassist/partner Shawn Nadeau delve into New Orleans jazz, blues, and folk, while highlighting their easeful musicianship. Her forthcoming sixteenth studio album, "Back To The Light", is slated for a September 2024 release. heatherpierson.com
-
Fri11Oct20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $15
Sam Robbins' music evokes classic 70's singer/songwriters such as James Taylor and Neil Young. Sam adds a modern, upbeat edge to the storyteller troubadour persona. He was one of the six 2021 winners in the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition.
A 2019 graduate of Berklee College of Music's songwriting department, Sam has hosted many songwriting workshops and masterclasses, including at the Harvard Music Department, the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, and the Folk Project's Fall Acoustic Getaway. In his performances and workshops, Sam helps others to express themselves through the powerful medium of songwriting. -
Sun13Oct20243:00 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $15
Matinee show, 3pm
Whether it be folk or bluegrass festival, "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," MTV, or Merlefest, Stuart's storytelling, guitar playing, vocals, and songs have graced stages all over the world. He serves up rock, blues, folk, country, and more, on electric, acoustic, and slide guitar. Some songs are autobiographical; some are from the viewpoint of a lifelong troubadour. He might very well toss a Paul McCartney, John Fogerty, or Woody Guthrie song into his set. markstuart.net
-
Fri18Oct20247:30 pmAnn Arbor location: Grace Church, 3150 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor MI 48105
Suggested Donation $20
Those hits! "It's So Nice To Be With You" and "I Believe In Music."
Jim Gold is the singer-songwriter/guitarist of the 1970s soft rock band Gallery, best known for their 1972 songs, "Nice to Be with You", written by Gold, and "I Believe In Music." Born and raised in Detroit, Jim began writing songs and playing guitar at age fourteen. In 1972, Gallery was voted Best New Singles Group by "Cashbox" and Best Vocal Group by "Record World." Since then, Jim has recorded as a solo artist. Tonight we get the entire band! Come hear that steel guitar and those harmony vocals!
-
Fri25Oct20247:30 pmAnn Arbor location: Grace Church, 3150 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor MI 48105
Suggested Donation $15
There is no better storyteller than Chuck Brodsky. Ranging from poignant to hilarious, his songs are about the little things in the lives of everyday people. Chuck's soulful and compassionate voice brings his characters to life, and is the perfect instrument for infusing his lyrics with heartfelt humanity or biting wit. His spoken introductions to his songs can be as spellbinding as his colorful lyrics, which he brings to life with a well-travelled voice and a delivery that's natural and conversational. His groove-oriented strumming and fingerpicking draw on influences from the mountains of western North Carolina where he now lives, and from lots of different good old traditional folk stuff of all kinds. Chuck is widely known for his many wonderful songs about the heroes -- and zeroes -- of baseball. His latest CD is Gravity, Wings, and Heavy Things.
-
Thu07Nov20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Tickets $20
Sarah McQuaid returns!
Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural England, Sarah brings the eclecticism of her background to her captivating, unorthodox songwriting and choice of material, spanning genres and defying categorization.
In 2020, with her spring tour cut short due to the COVID-19 crisis, Sarah mounted a successful crowdfunding campaign to finance the filming and recording of a full-length live concert sans audience in the beautiful medieval church of St Buryan, just over a mile from Sarah’s home.
The St Buryan Sessions was released in 2021 by Sarah‘s own Shovel And A Spade label on CD and limited-edition blue vinyl double LP. The album made it onto “Best of 2021” lists on three continents and features stunning solo performances by Sarah on acoustic and electric guitars, piano and floor tom drum, her lush, distinctive vocals echoing through the soaring space.
Photo credit: Phil Nicholls
-
Sun10Nov20247:30 pmAnn Arbor location: Grace Church, 3150 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor MI 48105
Suggested Donation $20
Livingston Taylor's 50-year career has encompassed performance, songwriting and teaching. Livingston is the fourth child in a very musical family that includes Alex, James, Kate and Hugh. Livingston recorded his first release at age 18, and continues to create well crafted, introspective, and original songs that have earned him fans worldwide.
From top-40 hits, “I Will Be in Love with You” and, “I’ll Come Running,” to “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman,” both recorded by his brother James, Livingston’s creative output has continued unabated. He is equally at home with a range of musical genres—folk, pop, gospel, jazz—and from upbeat storytelling to touching ballads.
Livingston has never stopped performing since those early coffeehouse days, touring with major artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett and Jethro Tull, and he maintains a busy concert schedule of over 80 shows a year. He is a natural performer, peppering his shows with personal stories, anecdotes and ineffable warmth. His relaxed on-stage presence belies the depth of his musical knowledge, as fans might be treated to classic Gershwin or something from the best of Broadway.
-
Sat16Nov20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $15
Facebook Event Page
Reggie Harris combines spirituals and roots music, historic inspiration, and moving original songs, often in the themes of unity and social justice: songs of joy, hope, and freedom. Known for over 40 years as one half of the duo, Kim & Reggie Harris, Reggie continues to crisscross the country, carrying the message of joy, unity, and peace through the powerful medium of live music. Reggie writes from a personal sense of mission filled with possibility and hope. His songs are about life and love and deep aspects of the human experience. He is a vocalist, arranger, and guitarist whose open spirit and wide smile invite us to share in an inspirational evening of music and stories.Bonus! Reggie will provide special music in the 10am Sunday service at Grass Lake United Methodist Church, 449 E Michigan Ave, Grass Lake, on Sunday, 11/17/24.
-
Fri06Dec20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $20
Back by popular demand! Don White combines heartfelt, serious lyrics with side-splitting laughs to provide an evening not to be forgotten. This Massachusetts comedian/singer/songwriter/author is best-known in these parts for his radio gems, "Rascal," "Psycho Mom and Dad" and "I Know What Love Is." A Don White show promises to delight new audiences and devoted "repeat offender" fans, alike.
-
Sat07Dec20247:30 pmOut of Eden location: 2415 Norvell Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
Suggested Donation $15
You haven't heard "Pinball Wizard" or "People Are Strange" until you've heard it played on jugs and "various other sundries." Jug band music is blues, ragtime, swing and jazz combined in a strange concoction spawned in Loiusville, home of the Juggernaut Jug Band. Jug bands flourished in towns along the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in the 1920s and 1930s.Today, as then, a jug band is the ultimate party band. The Juggernauts have been featured on the "Today Show" and radio's "Dr. Demento Show."
-
Fri13Dec20247:30 pmAnn Arbor location: Grace Church, 3150 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor MI 48105
Tickets $20
Annual holiday show fundraiser for the Coffee House Series.
Katie Geddes sings traditional and contemporary folk, country-folk, and folk-pop tunes. In deft interpretations of beloved songs, Katie's captivating voice and velvety-smooth delivery bring new life to the compositions of writers such as John Prine, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Michael Nesmith and Lennon and McCartney. Katie’s CD release, We Are Each Other’s Angels, has received extensive airplay across the country and around the world. When not doing her own gigs, Katie has been known to “moonlight” singing harmony for folk-rock legend Melanie and local favorite Matt Watroba. katiegeddes.com
All About Eve (Katie Geddes, Deb Wood, Mary Fithian) offers up a variety of close-harmony pop covers and traditional and contemporary folk and gospel songs.
Matt Watroba's mellow voice, friendship with his audience, and knowledge of his presentations is impressive. Add to that Matt’s own brand of humor, and you will feel his love of folk music, both traditional and contemporary--the writers and performers, the heroes and villains. Matt sings songs of compassion, inner strength, humor, and everyday living. www.mattwatroba.net
Eric Fithian will accompany Katieon guitar and harmony vocals; and All About Eve on guitar.
-
Sat14Dec20247:30 pmGrace Church, 3150 Glazier Way, Ann Arbor MI 48105
Tickets $20
Mary Gauthier was twelve years old when she taught herself to play guitar with a Mel Bay basic guitar workbook. Songs became lifelines to her, and she longed to write her own, one day. Then, for a decade, while struggling with addiction, her call to songwriting faded. It wasn't until she got sober and went to an open mic with a friend that she realized that she not only still wanted to write songs, she needed to. Gauthier has channeled a long line of eloquent works, including the achingly beautiful, "Mercy Now." The Associated Press named Mary Gauthier one of the best songwriters of her generation. Her album Rifles & Rosary Beads was nominated for a Grammy award. Her songs have been recorded by dozens of artists, including Boy George, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Bettye Lavette, Kathy Mattea, Amy Helm and Candi Staton. Mary has just released her first book, "Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting." Part memoir, part philosophy of art, part songwriting nuts-and-bolts, the book celebrates the power of song to inspire and bring seemingly different kinds of people together. www.marygauthier.com
Mary will also present 3 songs in the Sunday 10am service at Grass Lake United Methodist Church on 12/15/24.