Beat the Winter Blahs and Cabin Fever at Haystacks Coffee House

Chilling out at Haystack's Coffee House.

The popular Open Mic and Jam Night returns to Haystacks Coffee House at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 5603 Bull Valley Road in McHenry, at 7 pm on Friday, February 21.

The evening will feature local performers showing their skills as folk, rock and roll, jazz, and classical musicians, as well as performances by comedians and poets.  “We may have the widest variety of entertainment offered at any open mic or showcase in McHenry County,” said Thomas Steffens who coordinates periodic Haystacks Coffee House performances.

Light refreshments including coffee, soft drinks, and water are available at no charge and there is no fee for admittance.  A free will offering will be taken to defray expenses.

Performers interested in participating may contact Steffens to reserve a spot by e-mail at Tom92109@gmail.com or by calling 815 404-7908.

Haystacks Coffee House Open Mic Returns to Friday to Tree of Life UU Congregation

Percussionist/singer/ songwriter Alison Joy was a highlight of a Haystacks Coffee House Open Mic.

Note:  This evening will include a poetry interlude by Patrick Murfin to cleanse the musical palate between the real entertainment.   A large enough bribe to Tom Steffens can arrange for him to be dragged to the woods and beaten to prevent the atrocity.

Haystacks Coffee House Open Mic and Jam Night returns for an evening of entertainment on Friday, August 16 from 7 to 10 pm at the Tree of Life Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry, 5603 Bull Valley Road.

The evening will feature local performers showing their skills as folk, rock and roll, jazz, classical musicians, comedians and poets. All are invited to attend, perform or just sit back and enjoy the entertainment. 

Open Mic means anyone is welcome to take the stage and perform music, comedy or poetry. There will be a limitation placed on the amount of acts performing.  Performances should be kept to less than 10 minutes. Several times during the evening, there will be a jam for all who want to perform in a large group musical number.

An acoustic piano and a sound system will be provided.

Admission to the Haystacks Coffee House Open Mic & Jam night is free. There will be a free will offering taken to cover expenses. 

Those interested in performing should contact Tom Steffens at tom92109@gmail.com or call 815 404-7908.

Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon Come to UU Congregation in McHenry

The Meisel Music Collective will present Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon on Sunday, May 19, at 5pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry (Tree of Life), 5603 Bull Valley Road. 

The Meisel Music Collective formed in 2011 when other jazz musicians were added to the already working trio of Ryan Meisel, James Galinski and Celia Faye. The group strives to tear down the walls of musical classification.  Each member is trained in jazz and the classical tradition, but are truly improvisers at heart. 

They all bring a special piece of the puzzle with their musical abilities, compositions and personalities.  The core of the group is comprised of Ryan Meisel’s arrangements and saxophone soloing.  Celia Faye tops off the group’s power with her gospel, blues and soulful compositions, colorful saxophone playing and singing. This band’s power resonates deep within listener’s souls.

A $10 Admission is requested.

For more information contact Tom Steffens at tom92109@gmail.com or call 815 404-7908.

Haystack’s Coffee House Open Mic Returns to McHenry UU Church

After a very successful opening event in January the Haystack’s Coffee House Open Mic and Jam Night returns for an evening of entertainment on Friday May 10 from 7 to 10 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in McHenry (Tree of Life), 5603 Bull Valley Road.

The evening will feature local performers showing their skills as folk, R&R, jazz, classical musicians, comedians and poets. All are invited to attend, perform or just sit back and enjoy the entertainment.

“Open Mic” means anyone is welcome to take the stage and perform music, comedy or poetry. There will be a limitation placed on the amount of acts performing.  Performances should be kept to less than 10 minutes. Several times during the evening, there will be a “jam” for all who want to perform in a large group musical number.

An acoustic piano and a sound system will be provided.

Admission to the Haystack’s Coffee House Open Mic & Jam night is free. There will be a free will offering taken to cover expenses.

Those interested in performing should contact Tom Steffens at tom92109@gmail.com or call 815 404-7908.