Fall season preview of the me&thee season

Theme&thee coffeehouse in Marblehead is celebrating its 49th year of Friday evening concerts this fall. This season offers a wide variety of acts that will delight audiences young and old, and far and wide. The me&thee has been heralded as one of the best intimate listening rooms in the Northeast and offers national and international touring acoustic musicians. The me&thee is located at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead at 28 Mugford Street.

This first show of the fall season on September 7 features Night Tree. This Boston-based band are conservatory-trained musicians and have developed a unique sound by mixing two fiddles, cello, accordion, saxophone, percussion and the occasional viola and mandolin. Marbleheader Nora Tirrell, a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music, opens the show. September 14 marks the return of a special trio of exceedingly excellent musicians, Joyce Andersen, Harvey Reid and special guest, Dave Mattacks. They take to the stage with a wide expanse of songs, an stringed instruments, and a deeply-satisfying emotional purity, with a fresh northern New England sensibility, free from showbiz and pretense. Dave Mattacks will hold down the beat in his own inimitable way.

A special treat is in store for me&thee patrons when Marblehead’s own Hayley Reardon returns to the stage on September 21. Hayley has been performing at the me&thee for nearly 10 years now which is impressive since she’s only 21 years old. Hayley has multiple recordings to her name and has been working on new material to present at her hometown return. Ben Higginbotham opens the show. Rounding out the month of September at the me&thee is John Davidson, star of Broadway, film, and TV. You may remember him from his hosting duties on “Hollywood Squares” or “That’s Incredible” among other shows including his own variety hour. John’s singing talent has taken him to theaters, concert halls, clubs and coffeehouses; he delivers an entertaining show full of song and stories – highlighting his humor and spontaneity. Amanda Maffei opens the show.

October 5 features Twisted Pine, one of the most exciting bands to hit the circuit in some time. Audiences across the US and UK have been drawn to their forthright songwriting, lush harmonies, musical daring, and “charismatic appeal” to quote Grammy-award winner, Allison Brown. Quentin Callewaert, a sensational guitarist from Byfield, MA opens the show. On October 12, Crys Matthews and Heather Mae share the stage in a double bill. These two singer-songwriters sing songs about humanity, rights, justice, and self-love. Their powerful songs speak to the hearts of all people. Another inspirational show will be on October 19 when Jim Trickreturns. Since his last appearance, Jim has written some new songs and has become a published author. He co-wrote Rock n Roll with It: Overcoming the Challenge of Change with Brant Menswar. Jim always delivers a personal and unique performance. The husband-wife duo, The Promise is Hope open the show.

November 2 brings Christopher Williams to the me&thee stage. This Nashville singer-songwriter packs a lot of energy and enthusiasm into his concert appearance. He sings songs that are honest and confessional yet never overbearing; he engages his audiences with a wonderful mix of intense passion and humor while playing his guitar or African djembe. Local favorite Rachel Marie opens the show. Bluegrass band, Mile Twelve, make their me&thee debut on November 9. They play traditional songs with a contemporary edge. As banjo luminary, Tony Trischka says “Mile Twelve is carrying the bluegrass tradition forward with creativity and integrity.” The fall season wraps up with the Austin-based trio, Nobody’s Girlon November 16. This band is a fairly new unit which features singer-songwriters Rebecca Loebe, Grace Pettis and Betty Soo. Their playing is hardcore and their harmonies are divine.

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. Student tickets are always $10. 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.