OFF-THE-WALL Acoustic Coffeehouse

A Bit of History
A few years ago (17 performance seasons) we (Jim Bertin & George Garcia) decided to try an experiment in the Walled Lake area. At that time the closest Folk Establishments were the Raven (Northville), Paint Creek Folklore Society (Rochester Hills), The Ark (Ann Arbor) , Mama's Coffehouse (Birmingham), and Ten Pound Fiddle (Lansing). We enjoyed playing at a variety of venues and wanted to bring Folk Music, Blues, Storytelling, and a friendly atmosphere for new or old artists to experiment to Walled Lake. We searched for a site and found a home in our own parish, St. William. The OFF-THE-WALL Acoustic Coffeehouse was born.

From humble beginnings it has grown into the one of the best supported venues in the State of Michigan. As we have grown we have learned better ways to present artists and provide wholesome entertainment for the whole family in an intimate setting. Throughout the years we have earned the respect of musicians and music supporters such as Anne Hills, Josh White Jr., Joel Mabus, Mustard's Retreat, Charley Monterey, Tom Rice (Raven), Peter "Madcat" Ruth, Michael Smith, Kitty Donohoe, Cantrells, Harvey Reid, Len Wallace, Ron Coden, Patricia Pettinga, David Barrett, Jack Williams, The Rasin Pickers, Cliff Eberhart, Tim Harrison, Jim Bizer, Jeremy Kittel, area storytellers, and four of our most loyal supporters; Matt Watroba, Robert Jones, Carey Carlson, and Pam Rossi. Not to be left out is the AUDIENCE that we provide this music for. Without your support and enjoyment of the Folk Genre the OFF-THE-WALL Acoustic Coffehouse would not have been able to thrive.

Now we enter into our 18th full season with such artists as Claudia Schmidt, Kitty Donohoe, Jan Krist, Joel Mabus, David Mosher, Josh White Jr., Cats & the Fiddler, Yellow Room Gang, Harvey Reid, and a local Singer/Songwriter night. We will also be performing as well as providing "open mic-stage" time before all performances (7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M). This promises to be the most exciting year yet. We continue to sharpen our presentation skills for the audience to enjoy. Please come and partake of some excellent entertainment.

Again we will offer refreshments (included in entry price) at each show and only ask that you partake before/after performances and during intermission.

We would like to thank God for giving us this opportunity to present to you; "OUR AUDIENCE" this fine entertainment.

Next we need to thank all the volunteers who help set up chairs, work in the kitchen, take admissions, and support us in a number of ways, including St. William for providing facilities - we could not do it without you.. All proceeds from the coffeehouse are donated at the end of the season to the St. William School Scholarship Fund.

And in closing a special thank you to our families and friends for your tireless effort, immense support and unending love - without it we would be nothing.

See you in 2007-2008. View the schedule on our web site. Email us with questions, comments, etc.

Again, Thank you to all.

George Garcia & Jim Bertin / September 2007

Last updated 10/18/07 by GRG