Fall 2015 me and thee season announced!

The fall season of the me&thee coffeehouse in Marblehead offers a wide variety of acts that will delight music fans of all ages. The much-heralded listening room which has offered the best in national and international acoustic music since 1970 begins yet another spectacular season on September 11. The me&thee has proven time and time again that the stars of tomorrow are today’s headliners in Marblehead. It’s the perfect place to grab a cup of coffee or cider and a snack, sit back, and enjoy the ambience and exceptional talent on stage.

This year’s season begins on September 11 with a me&thee favorite, Caravan of Thieves. They’re a band who knows how to have fun and their unique brand of gypsy jazz-rock is infectious. You’ll just as likely hear them play a song using all kinds of kitchen and household utensils as you’ll hear them play lovely string-driven songs with tight harmonies. They are a band not to be missed. Local favorites, Bird Mancini, open the show. They were a major hit at this past summer’s “All You Need is Love” show.

Joseph Arthur makes his debut at the me&thee on September 18. Mentored by Peter Gabriel, his solo performances are something else. He combines poetic lyrics with layers of music by using a number of loop pedals. He recently released a tribute to the late, great Lou Reed. Opening that show is Jenee Halstead who is known for her strong vocals and compelling lyrics. She recently wowed me&thee audiences at the Linda Ronstadt tribute in May.

Another me&thee favorite returns on September 25. Cheryl Wheeler is a master of the stage—bringing her audience from howls of laughter to tears of joy due to her wide variety of fun songs and poignant ballads which point out the craziness of the world around us as well as its beauty.

Our October 2 show features the one and only John Gorka. John’s music and wry humor make him one of the most acclaimed folk musicians on the circuit. Rolling Stone has lauded him as one of the preeminent leaders of the “New Folk” movement. Rj Cowdery opens the show.

Marblehead’s own Jim Trick shares the stage with his good friend, Christopher Williams, on October 9. He’ll be singing a selection of songs from his latest album, “Further from the Tree” and will break down the “fourth wall” between performer and audience as he always does. Christopher Williams is a songwriter, storyteller and born entertainer. A night with these two gentlemen will be a night to remember.

Mary Gauthier, recently profiled on NPR’s Fresh Air and hailed as one of “the 100 Greatest Living Songwriters” by Paste magazine, graces the me&thee stage on October 16 Her latest CD, Trouble & Love is a masterpiece. Her songs are personal and have the ability to infiltrate the souls of every listener, no matter what path they have taken through life. Opening the show is Louise Mosrie.

Sean Rowe makes his me&thee debut on October 23. His memorable low voice is unique in the folk world. He entwines his voice and guitar around his songs with passion and the listener goes away changed from the experience. His latest record “Her Songs” includes songs by many well-known female songwriters. Upon hearing his rendition of her “Soldier’s Song,” Lucinda Williams proclaimed “This is the best cover of any of my songs that anyone has ever done. I am completely moved.” Sean was just selected to open for Robert Plant (from Led Zeppelin) next month. Opening this show is Allysen Callery.

November 6 brings a return visit from Nora Jane Struthers and her new band, The Party Line. Her latest CD “Wake” has been raved about and was on the Americana music charts for quite some time this year. Nora Jane’s music has matured as she has. She’s been inspired by Jason Isbell, Tim O’Brien and Hayes Carll and feels her mix of old-time acoustic and rock is finally how she wants her band to sound. Ian Foster, from Newfoundland opens the show.

Occidental Gypsy comes to the me&thee on November 13. Their joyous Django Reinhart inspired music will amaze audiences. They’ve been selling out shows on the west coast and Midwest and it’s about time they hit Marblehead. David Bromberg recently witnessed the band and said “These guys have great singing, fantastic guitar and violin work, and high energy originals that leave the crowd crazy.” The November 20 me&thee show will be announced soon.

The final show of the fall season is singer-songwriter Mary Fahl on Friday, December 11. She first achieved fame as lead singer and co-founder of the mid-1990s folk-rock/adult alternative group, October Project. As a solo artist, her musical inspirations have expanded to include classical, medieval and world music. Her expressive, transcendent voice has been called “a voice for the gods” (Boston Globe), and “a powerful, beautifully proportioned contralto” (Variety). Brian Dunne opens the show for Mary.

Tickets for all shows are available at www.meandthee.org. Tickets are also available in Marblehead at both the Spirit of ’76 Bookstore and Arnould Gallery and at the door.. As at all me & thee coffeehouse events, refreshments are available, including homemade pastries, coffee, and teas, The me & thee has a handicapped-accessible entrance and a handicap-accessible restroom, is a smoke-free environment, and is easily reached by MBTA bus.

The me & thee coffeehouse is one of the oldest continually running acoustic music coffeehouse in New England.. For its entire history, the me & thee has been and will always be a volunteer, non-profit organization sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead. For information and directions, call 781-631-8987.