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Jeff Green | Sep 22, 2005

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Coffeehouse in McDonald's Corners

by Les Russett

The well-known community arts organization, MERA was host to Cafe MEREA at the Schoolhouse in McDonald's Corners last Friday. The coffeehouse is a monthly showcase for the Performing Arts, featuring a variety of local and regional talent. Cafe MEREA, in its fourth month of production, has established itself as an ongoing community event that provides a stage for performing artists to present their work in a relaxed and healthy environment.

The producers of Cafe MEREA are Brian Burton, master of ceremonies; Les Russett, stage manager and piano player; Kat Elliott, booking agent; Pauline Gauthier, resident poet; Bob Leviton, sound engineer; Michelle Larin, Hospitality Provider, and Tom Johnstone, Maitre D.

Once again the Cafe team put together an exciting show that featured Blues band Black Cadillac led by Didi Thunder, who rocked the house with her harmonica playing. Michelle Larin recited poetry filled with character and deeply personal experience that moved the audience. Traditional country folk band, the Elphin Mountain Boys, lead by Allan Brown, played some crowd-pleasing favourites that warmed the hearts of listeners. The audience was delighted with special guest, local novelist Peter Morgan, who read horror stories that werepossessed with chilling wit and spooky humour.

During intermission, the audience enjoyed Yogi tea, fresh organic coffee, and carrot coconut muffins prepared by Michelle. Master of ceremonies for the evening, Brian Burton, and executive producer, Les Russett made it a night to remember. They invite the audience to return next month for a Halloween-style coffeehouse, with more horror stories read by Peter Morgan, and a line-up of guest artists featuring an innovative band from Perth, called Epilogue, led by Lael Rombough.

The next Cafe MEREA will be Friday, October 28. For information, contact organizer Les Russett at 613-279-1081 or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..