A Coffee House of Peace

April 4, 2007

Founded back in 1992 in the out-of-the-way locale of tiny Wolverine, the Peace Coffee House has been around even longer than its many fans and advocates might expect.  Now in its 15th season, the venue-slash-event continues to gather buzz around the region, and a big part of that energy is due to the persistent and dedicated vision of the coffee house’s founders and hosts.
The idea for the Peace Coffee House began even earlier, and even farther away than its current locale of East Jordan.  Founder Rick Meisterheim, a singer-songwriter in his own right, was performing in Phoenix, Arizona at a venue called The Fiddler’s Dream, and longed to bring the club’s intimate, performer-focused atmosphere back to his homeland of Northern Michigan.  Rick and his wife Tracy would soon make his idea reality, holding the first season of the Peace Coffee House at Mr. D’s Restaurant in Wolverine. 
It wasn’t long before the artistic community of Northern Michigan began to take notice, and, in 1996, the Jordan River Arts Center welcomed the Peace Coffee House and its programs into their schedule.  The Meisterheims moved the coffee house to East Jordan, and they’ve been there ever since. 
“We have no intention of leaving this ideal setting,” Rick Meisterheim explains, “or this ideal partnership;  with the support of the arts center and their volunteers, there are always willing hands to help make the evening possible.” 
Rick Meisterheim’s singing partner, Kelly Shively, is also a big help, as is Shively’s husband Phil;  both of the Shivelys help out with the program each month.

MONTHLY EVENT
That’s right - the Peace Coffee House isn’t your traditional daily coffee house;   it’s monthly.  More of a special event, it occurs on the second Saturday of each month, running November through May at the Jordan River Arts Center.  The shows run from 8 to 11 p.m., and the full evening of entertainment can be had for a suggested donation of $7 (which is gifted to the performers), although the Meisterheims won’t turn anyone away for lack of money;  or age, for that matter.  Being a smoke and alcohol-free venue, all ages are welcomed.  “Refreshments are complimentary, too,” Tracy Meisterheim points out. “We have a tradition of good coffee and cookies.”
Each month’s show features two scheduled performances which are followed by an open stage;  Meisterheim often appears, either solo or with his duet, Harmony and Grits (featuring Kelly Shively) - but you’re just as likely to hear local singer-songwriters, folk artists, Celtic rock, emo, or bluegrass.  An art exhibit set up to decorate the room complements the music, and occasional poets show up to share their work, as well. 
“Each month is different,” Rick Meisterheim explains, “which is the beauty of the program.” 
“Some young performers have gotten their start on our stage,” Tracy Meisterheim continues, “while others enjoy the monthly opportunity to just share a song with a friendly crowd. We have such great talent in our area that we felt the need to provide a venue focusing specifically on local singer-songwriters.”
LONG-TIME FANS
The Peace Coffee House is also just as different in its audience as it is in performers.  Numbering around 50 people per event, the Meisterheims have audience members who have been attending for over 15 years, with each musical style drawing a slightly different crowd in addition to the regular attendees.  It’s also very focused on the performers, instead of giving in to the chatter that can usually be heard in a “regular” coffee house. 
“This is one of very few venues in our area where the draw is to intentionally listen to what an artist has to share,” Rick Meisterheim says, “and the focus on local artists bears repeating, as some very talented performers can sometimes be overlooked by larger venues.”
The April 14 edition of the Peace Coffee House is offering up yet another special feature - namely Rick and Kelly’s (Harmony and Grits) dual CD release party for their newest recording, “Too Far Gone,” and for Rick’s solo album, “How Did I Get Here.”  Also on the bill will be long-time Peace Coffee House performer Jim Bancroft, who will arrive with his own musician pals to play some “great old-time tunes.”
“The Peace Coffee House is a labor of love for us,” says Tracy Meisterheim. “There is truly some effort that goes into making this happen year after year.”  Rick Meisterheim continues, “But we see people enjoying these special evenings, and we know it is all worth it.”
 
To find out more, contact the Jordan River Arts Center at 231-536-3385
or Rick Meisterheim at 231-525-9168;  and check out Rick and Kelly’s music online at
www.harmonyandgrits.com.