Joe Hill Coffeehouse (JHC) organizer Michael Gifford held a potluck music party last weekend to talk about the future of the coffeehouse concerts.
“It was a little party, but fun,” Gifford said about the potluck attended by coffeehouse musician and incumbent MP Alex Atamanenko and his wife Ann.
“We talked a bunch about JHC and its status now and tomorrow, to tighten up the certainty of the future.”
“The people who came contributed positive feedback, and we all felt good about donating our time and energy towards such a worthwhile cause,” Gifford said.
Moreover, as the JHC hits its 24th in its third consecutive season this weekend, Gifford is looking for someone to help him manage the monthly concerts’ organization.
“This position is not difficult, but it does take several hours each week, mostly on the computer doing correspondence,” he said. Interested individuals should give Gifford a call.
He added that the show has always depended on volunteers. “We need many to continue such a great concept,” he said.
Looking back at the years of shows, Gifford was happy. “It’s amazing how a good thing stays good and continues to get better,” he said.
Reflecting on how the JHC has become an institution in town, Gifford said, “When people in Rossland talk about “Joe Hill”, they mean the show, not the person.”
But Gifford feels Joe Hill the man — a musician, song writer, and an organizer — “would approve of Rossland’s Joe Hill.”
In fact, William Adler, the Denver-based author of “The Man Who Never Died: The Life, Times, and Legacy of Joe Hill, American Labor Icon,” will visit Rossland this coming fall after the book is launched on Aug. 30. Adler will attend the JHC and give a separate presentation as well.
In the meantime, April’s Joe Hill Coffeehouse, falling on the full moon of April 20, at 7 p.m., still has space for more performers. Gifford said three of the nine spots are up for grabs.
So far, performers include Gifford himself, with “hits and misses from the past.” Other performers are regulars Les Carter, with his large repertoire of fun folk tunes, and Paul Bowles with his poetry and percussion.
Kootenay Danceworks will put on a show, as will Denis Rorick with country tunes and the original and powerful sounds of Rossland rocker Russell Haskins.
As usual, admission is $3 and free for students. To get involved with the JHC, contact Gifford at 362-7170.