MARBLEHEAD — The me&thee coffeehouse is celebrating its 50th year of presenting high-caliber national and local acoustic acts in an intimate setting, starting Friday, Feb. 7.
Its winter season opens with performances by Bob Franke and Lui Collins, along with special guest Bob Simons.
Franke is a Boston-area favorite who has been contributing his poignant songs to the American folk music songbook for decades. He will be appearing with his friends Buffy Groves and Martin Grossvendt.
Collins will play her most memorable songs, accompanied by Anand Nayak.
Simons has the distinct honor of being the first musician to ever appear on the me&thee stage in 1970.
Traditional jazz comes to town Feb. 14, when The New Black Eagle Jazz Band headlines. One of the premier early jazz bands and a New England treasure, the Black Eagles will play the sounds of New Orleans on Valentine’s evening.
An evening with Chris Smither actually marks the 50th anniversary on Feb. 21. Smither’s music draws deeply from the blues and is mixed with folk music, modern poetry, and humanist philosophy. It’s raw and emotional and very powerful. Each year, Smither has been one of the most requested artists to appear at the coffeehouse.
Musicians in the round will be featured on Feb. 28. Singer-songwriter Jim Trick, of Marblehead, has invited world-class pianist/accordionist Radoslav Lorkovic and 2019 Kerrville New Folk winner Lisa Bastoni to play their own songs and join in for a joyous celebration of musical friendships.
The Oshima Brothers make their me&thee debut on March 6. Their acoustic pop songs are dynamic and catchy and their harmonies are cool and hot at the same time. Sean and Jamie Oshima have been making music their entire lives. The magical duo Hawthorn opens the show.
On March 13, Marblehead’s Hayley Reardon brings her original music back to her hometown stage before she heads off to Germany for a six-month residency. Special guest Chris O’Brien opens.
The winter season wraps up with beloved Holly Near on March 20. She is celebrating 50 years of singing powerful songs to enhance the human spirit. Her life story and dedication to social action through music was recently aired in a PBS American Masters program. She will be joined by Tammi Brown, Jan Martinelli and Tory Trujillo, as well as special guest Crys Matthews.
Tickets for all me & thee shows can be purchased online at www.meandthee.org, at The Digital Docs (157 Elm St.), the Arnould Gallery (111 Washington St.) or at the door. All ages are welcome to attend the shows; the doors open at 7:30 p.m. and music starts at 8.
The coffeehouse is located at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead at 28 Mugford St.
Refreshments are available at all me&thee events, including homemade pastries, coffee, and teas. The me&thee has a handicapped-accessible entrance and an accessible bathroom, is a smoke-free environment, and is easily reached by MBTA bus.
The me&thee is one of the oldest continually running acoustic listening rooms in the country. It has been and will always be a volunteer, non-profit organization sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead. For information and more information, call 781-631-8987 or go to www.meandthee.org.