Cookout to Kick Off Stable Coffeehouse Season

Burgers will be flipping guitarists will be strumming at the free cookout at Matthews Memorial Church today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The cookout will celebrate the kickoff to the church's sixth season of The Stable Coffeehouse, which will start at 7 p.m tonight.  Both events are free and open to the public, and Pastor Ryan Reveley hopes that Chelmsford residents come by and enjoy this end of the summer barbeque.

"The main goal for this event is to make our presence know in the community," said Pastor Reveley. "We're here to serve the community. You can expect a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere."

After the cookout, the Stable Coffeehouse offers dessert and coffee and the music of Seth Putnam, a graduate of Berklee College of Music and music and worship team instructor at a church in North Andover.

The Stable was an idea that church member Kurt Stahl had five years ago. An avid music lover and musician himself, Stahl saw an opportunity for a coffeehouse on the third Saturday of every month that featured different local and national acts with varieties of music including acoustic pop rock, country, rock and rap.

"It's a great place for people—families, friends, anyone—we provide a nice, safe environment to enjoy music and food," said Stahl. "There is no admission price, and the coffee and snacks are free."

Though the event is held at a church, the Stable is all about the music and gives locals a chance to socialize.

"No pressure, no expectations, no charge," said Stahl. "The Stable is open to everyone."

There is also an open mic session for part of the evening where anyone in the crowd is welcome to take the stage.

"We can enable those just starting their music career with the opportunity to present a song to a welcoming audience," said Stahl.  

Many different faith-based organizations and cultures are represented at the Stable, and people can come and go as they please.

"Grab a cup of coffee and a snack, hang out and enjoy some local music," said  Reveley.

Matthews Memorial Church is looking to make an impact on Chelmsford.

"We want to reach out to the community," said Stahl. "If people need help, we want to know about it."

More information on the Stable can be found at www.matthewsmemorial.com/stable.