The first Francestown Academy Coffeehouse took place in the Town Hall Saturday night, as around 70 people showed up to watch the pre-set lineup of musicians.

The Recreation Commission collaborated with Pam and JP Stohrer to put on the event. The couple used to run a coffeehouse in Hillsborough, and since moving to town they’ve felt encouraged by the community to try it here. 

“Look around you at this room,” Pam said on stage Saturday night before the first performer. “It’s such an incredible facility. Everyone has been so supportive.”

Francestown Recreation Director Meagen Kerris collected donations at the door, and people brought snacks to set out on a buffet table. There was another table with cider and hot chocolate behind the audience. 

Pam and JP were thrilled with the turnout and appreciated the donations.

“It will keep this coffeehouse going throughout the year,” Pam said.

They hope to feature a number of different kinds of acts, including comedy and young performers, in the future. And “we almost always have a performer who features kazoo,” Pam added, a tradition they have continued from their coffeehouse in Hillsborough. There was a basket of colorful plastic kazoos for people to grab as they walked in.

Some musicians invited the audience to sing along or play kazoo to one of their songs.

Performer Fred Sprague kicked off the event. He was followed by Lizz Ferdina, who sang and played guitar with a mandolin and double bass. Francestown local Gary Schnakenburg played a set, as well as Dan and Faith Senie, Amy Conley and the musical group Off the Cuff.

The Francestown Academy Coffeehouse will update the community on future scheduled coffeehouses on its Facebook page, and coffeehouse dates will be posted on the Recreation Commission calendar on the Town of Francestown website.

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