January 5, 2006

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Cafe Merea, Coffeehouse in McDonald's Corners

by Les Russett

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Café Merea is about the promotion of art in the community. In its sixth month of production, Café Merea has established itself as a popular event in the growing artistic community of McDonalds Corners that features local and regional talent. As part of MERA's arts and recreation programming, the coffeehouse provides an opportunity for performing artists to present their work in a comfortable and intimate setting.

Last Friday’s record snowfall was plowed away for a concert that highlighted Ed Ashton and Les Russett playing original jazz compositions with titles like "Lanark Highland Blues" and "Coffeehouse Rag". Michael "Chip" Petit, a clarinettist from McDonalds Corners, played traditional works by Beethoven and Bach mixed in with seasonal favourites like "Frosty the Snowman" that had the audience singing along. Gene Bassett read a delightful Christmas tale especially written for his café performance and stories from his book entitled "Tall Tales/Short Stories". Michelle Larin shared moments from her life expressed in an appealing poetic style that moved the audience. Bob Leviton bravely drove all the way from Ottawa to provide sound engineering and to record the concert for later web broadcast. It was a magical winter evening that sparkled with Christmas lanterns and freshly fallen snow.

Five door prizes were donated by local businesses. During intermission, the audience enjoyed Yogi tea, fresh organic coffee, and cookies prepared by Michelle. Executive producer Les Russett invites all local performers who are interested in playing at Café Merea to call 279-1081 or e-mail russett@kos.net.

The next Café Merea will be Friday, January 27, and will feature a dramatization of the life of John Muir performed by Howard Clifford, a writer and actor from Lanark who is deeply concerned about issues involving the conservation of our wilderness.