by Maryann Simmons
Groovin' in New Fairfield’s January Coffee House felt
warm success, despite the cold weather. A great crowd came out
to gather around with friends, eat delicious food provided by
Bruno’s, munch on homemade desserts and listen to great
entertainment. Annalee Beckman was the MC for the evening and
provided a great flow from one entertainer to the next and keep
the excitement going.
Jeff Main, the fearless leader of the Coffee House, personable
as ever kept the audience diligently listening to his past experiences
in music since picking up the guitar in the 60’s and playing
in various places in NYC. Jeff had the audience laughing with
his rendition of the “Tick Song.”
Lauren Villani debuted her first solo act with us here and presented
an angelic voice with highs and lows. She performed a Michael
Jackson song,” Earth song” and an original she wrote
“Green”. Lauren enjoyed the Coffee House and hopes
to be back!
Sisters In Song, Maryann Simmons, Rita Schaffer and John Fisella
were happy to be back and took us into the Valentine’s
Day spirit with their original ballads, “This Life With
You” and “Til I Die”. They will soon release
their new CD “Mirror, Mirror” and can be found on
www.youtube.com.
Nancy and Gregg Pond were just delightful. They also brought
their son Brett. Brett sang, “When Your Only Lonely”
with great harmonies and Brett on bass guitar and Dad on electric.
Nancy with her wonderful strong voice belted out Judy Collins
song, “Some Day Soon” while playing those bongos!
“Love Is A Rose” was their definition of love in
time for Valentine’s Day. The Ponds also loved the intimacy
of the Coffee House, very friendly and personable.
It was announced that Groovin’s proceeds from the 50/50
raffle would be donated to Karl Schwichtenberg of the band “Spontaneous
Combustion” who played at the Coffee House last year.
Sadly, Karl has just been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic
cancer. In addition to the audience being more generous than
usual, the winner of the raffle donated their winnings as well.
A total of $214 was sent to help with Karl’s medical expenses.
There is a benefit for Karl, February 6, 2009 from 7-11:00 pm
at Edmond Town Hall, Newtown, Ct.
Featured performer was Scott Ainslie, Blues Guitarist and Historian.
Scott is a teacher and performer who has transcribed the recordings
of Mississippi Delta Blues legend Robert Johnson for his book,
”Robert Johnson/At the Crossroads,” and has an instrumental
DVD, “Robert Johnson:Signature Licks” available
at: www.cattailmusic.com
Scott’s fifth solo recording “Thunder’s Mouth”
stayed on American Music Too +2040 chart for six weeks. It is
a mix of traditional African-American and blues along with originals.
Scott did “Who’ll Call Me Honey Baby Now”
and a great banjo song, “Anybody Asks You About me”.
Scott had the audience mesmerized with his guitar made of steel
and the tones and his demonstration of his home made one string
guitar made from a cigar box! Scott plucked with two fingers
for rhythms and used a slide for playing. Scott held a workshop
in the afternoon and showed the participants all techniques
on both of these guitars. Scott sang Stephen Foster, Father
of American Popular song, “Hard Times Come No More”
to Van Morrison’s, “Crazy Love.” Scott has
played piano since age 3 and has learned banjo and guitar from
many older players in the South. Scott said it was a great luxury
to meet new friends here.
Speaking of new friends, we had Richard and Dale Krier, Sherman
residents and vetenarians who came to the Coffee House for the
first time. They were truly amazed at the great talent and music
and food and can’t wait for the next one in April.
For further information go to our website: www.GroovininNewFairfield.com
or call Marlene Drygas (746-1152) Groovin in New Fairfield is
a N.F. Parks and Recreation Program.
