Celebrating a Decade of Music and Community
For nearly a decade Louise and Don Baker have been building community with their Mountain Spirit Coffeehouse series, all the while showcasing music by performers they know and genuinely admire.
The list of such is impressive: Al Petteway and Amy White (there at the beginning), Pat Donohue, John Gorka, The Kennedys, Ronny Cox, and Michael Reno Harrell are among the many artists who have graced the stage and shared their talents. While the performers might vary in style and genre they are share a unique ability to connect with their audience.
That connection speaks to the heart of the series’ success and longevity. Don and Louise have built, nurtured, and no doubt sweated out the details but ten years later the shows go on, stronger than ever. To celebrate this milestone Don and Louise are bringing back a number of past performers for a special show, one that marks the anniversary while making a strong declaration that the best is yet to come. Reflecting on their history while hinting towards what the future may hold, they have graciously sat down and answered a few questions.
James Cassara: Ten years is an amazing run. When you first began formulating a plan for what would become the Mountain Spirit Coffeehouse series did you envision it might last this long?
Louise & Don: At first we really did not know and thought we would give it a try for a year. We were uncertain about the success of our venue and how well it would be received. As time went on we kept going due to good response from the audience.
JC: How has the series evolved during this time? Is it what you thought it might be or did you go in without any sort of expectations?
L & D: At first we hoped to book mostly local talent but through various connections such as the Swannanoa Gathering and Southeast Regional Folk Alliance, we were able to attract national touring musicians. As word spread throughout the music community we had an overwhelming response from musicians wanting to play for us.
JC: Which I see as a testament to all the hard work you’ve put in. Talk about the structure of the Sunday, May 17 show. Do you expect the artists to each perform a few of their own songs or can we look forward to some on stage collaborations?
L & D: Each artist will perform for about fifteen minutes and we will also set up equipment so that the performers can join each other on stage in a possible jam. We hope to have a nice closing song with all the musicians participating.
JC: Looking back at the past ten years what has surprised you? Is there one aspect of the series that gives you the greatest satisfaction?
L & D: We have been surprised by the far reach our reputation has grown in the acoustic music community across the country. We get the greatest satisfaction from the repeat audience attendees who support us and always compliment us on great shows. We also are very pleased to have formed relationships with talented musicians from many places.
JC: After you take a well deserved breather, what can we expect for the next ten years?
L & D: That is a tough question. We are taking the summer off but we’ll be hosting some acoustic nights in partnership with the Isis Restaurant and Music Hall in West Asheville. We’ll start the MSCH series back up in September and at this point we are booked well into 2016. Beyond that we can’t say for sure but we’ll do the best we can to keep the series running.
JC: For which we’re grateful. Thanks for all your hard work and for ten years of bringing music to Asheville!
If You Go: Mountain Spirit Coffeehouse Celebrates Ten Years of Music on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1 Edwin Place. Confirmed performers include Ray Chesna, Chris Rosser, Al Petteway and Amy White, Dana and Susan Robinson, Todd Hoke, Michael Reno Harrell, Annie Lalley and Joe Ebel, Friction Farm, Tim Grimm, and Zoe and Cloyd.
Tickets are $20/$18 plus tax and are available at www.uuasheville.org/mountain-spirit-coffeehouse. Seating is at 6 and the show begins at 6:30 p.m.