Coffeehouses As Community by Linda Dini Jenkins

Like many of you, I first became acquainted with the concept of a Coffeehouse when I was in college in the '60s. In those days, before the era of "double decaf cappuccinos with a twist," a coffeehouse was a place to go on a weekend, where alcohol was absent and talent was in abundance. At SUNY Oneonta, where I went to school, the Coffeehouse was located down campus (a very long, steep climb) in one of the original college buildings. There was a room in the basement set aside for the Coffeehouse (it had a name, but I forget it now . . . probably something about Love and Peace) and a small group of us would congregate there almost every weekend.

With our $1.00 donation, we received unlimited quantities of strong coffee and a cookie or brownie, and we'd settle in for an evening's entertainment. Sometimes, talent traveling through the area would appear unannounced: I remember the poet W.D. Snodgrass showing up one night, as well as then-popular musical groups like The Street and folk singers Patrick Sky and Tom Paxton. But mostly, it was us students and the more stalwart faculty members, usually from the English Department, who came to perform and hear one another perform. The best thing about the Coffeehouse scene was that it created a community at a time when everything seemed to be breaking apart around us.

That's the spirit of what we do here at Old South Church. The committee for Religion & the Arts is about to launch its third season of Coffeehouses this year, and we hope you'll be able to join us in our little community. The Old South Coffeehouse is held in an intimate setting in the Gordon Chapel —it's wheelchair accessible and offers just the right atmosphere. It's alcohol-free and smoke-free, and provides a safe setting for Old South members and friends to showcase their work — or the work of others — and extend a welcome to (and from) our loving, creative family.

The next Coffeehouse is scheduled for Saturday night, October 24, and will be kicked off by a Potluck dinner, organized by the CARITAS group. How can you participate? Here are a few ideas:

• U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky has been asking people in different communities around the country to show up on a given night and read a favorite poem or two from one of their favorite authors. Do you have something that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear it!

• Are you musically inclined? Have about bringing that guitar or playing the chapel piano? Sing, play, lead us in song . . . we're all ears!

• Is drama your bag? Try out a scene or a monologue . . . or prepare something with a few friends and consider this a dress rehearsal. I did it last year and can vouch that it's not only fun -- it's helpful!

• Are you a writer? Bring a few poems, an autobiographical sketch, or a short story to read. We're always amazed by the talent that sits in the pews every Sunday!

Whether you're sitting in the audience, eating and drinking the homemade goodies and providing moral support, or whether you're one of the brave and the willing who walk up to the front of the chapel, you are welcome. Tell your friends, and have a good high-spirited time in our growing community of artists and artistic supporters. Watch the Calendar & Sun. bulletins for more detailed information. +