Past Concerts
Just a sampling of some of the artists and friends who have graced us with their performances
If you are new to St. Barnabas or to the Coffee House Concerts program, why don't you take a moment to look at the collection of performers who have played here, you may find yourself even more excited to attend our next event!
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Mike Agranoff
Friday March 19th 2010
Equally at home in the contemporary and traditional camps of the Folk world, Mike is a one of a kind folk musician and storyteller. He shines on his prime
Duck Baker
February 28, 2010
"I think he sets a standard we all can aspire to." - Leo Kottke.
"Listening to Duck Baker makes me feel good". - Charlie Byrd.
"One of the most interesting pickers around" - Chet Atkins.
Duck is also a very engaging performer. He'll sing some, tell some funny stories, play his amazing guitar and you'll come away feeling well entertained. For much more go to Duck's website... www.duckbaker.com
COFFEE HOUR A Big Thank You to all the people that are signing up to host the coffee hour after each service. This is a wonderful time of fellowship together. If you aren’t sure about what to do, contact Carole Stanski ( or Dani Little (
Micaela Kingslight
December 18, 2009
St. B's CoffeeHouse welcomes our very own Micaela Kingslight in concert on Friday, December 18-7:30pm . Micaela will perform songs from her recently released DC "Still" and will sprinkle in a little Christmas music for "seasoning". Micaela, on guitar and vocals, will be joined by bassist Joe Chamberlin....and likely a special guest or three....C'mon out for a night of beautiful music and, as always, great refreshments!
Friday November 6, 2009
Well known Michigan
Buddy Mondlock and Karen Mal
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Buddy Mondlock
Buddy Mondlock writes songs. He does it so well that some great songwriters have recorded his songs on their own albums. Guy Clark, Nanci Griffith and Janis Ian, to name just a few. But there’s nothing like hearing the guy who wrote ‘em sing ‘em. He’s not going to pin your ears back with those songs. He’s going to draw you into his world. Where a single snowflake follows the trajectory of a relationship, where you get your pocket picked by a Roman cat, where you might swim over the edge of the world if you’re not careful and where dreams that don’t come true still count. And it can all be happening in a little folk club or on a stage by a grassy hill or in someone’s living room or in the Royal Albert Hall.Karen Mal
Karen Mal sings. From raw sensuality to shimmering bell-like clarity, her voice is both tender and powerful, and as effortless as a waterfall. There's a river that flows between Karen and her audience. It's about love. The possibility and the unbearable beauty of it. Elusive and abundant at the same time. Based in Austin, TX, Karen has created a name for herself as a captivating singer, instrumentalist and songwriter. Ranging from charming to seductive, impressionistic to philosophical, her songs have brought her nationwide acclaim. Shes won top awards from the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival in Texas, the Tucson Folk Festival and the Portland Songwriters Association and has also been a three time New Folk Finalist at Kerrville, emerging artist at Falcon Ridge and a finalist at the Sisters Folk Festival.Claudia Schmidt
Saturday, February 23, 2008
7:30 pm
A musician who has always hated categories, Claudia Schmidt describes herself as a "creative noisemaker," which has irritated some critics but delighted many audiences, who learn to expect anything at a Schmidt concert, hymn, poem, bawdy verse, torch song, satire, and the gamut of emotions. Her live performances are not to be missed. Her musicality is astonishing. Her joy and love of performing are contagious. She can weave the elements of music and stage into a program so unified and full of life that one critic has described a Claudia Schmidt concert as "....a lot like falling in love. You never know what's going to happen next, chances are it's going to be wonderful, every moment is burned into your memory, and you know you'll never be the same again."
Claudia is a Michigan native and a veteran musician performing both here in the States and in Europe for over three decades with 14 albums to her credit.
Bill & Kate Isles
Friday, April 4, 2008
7:30 pm
It is always good to get Bill back with us - He was our very first "Kingslight House Concert" performer when we started doing these concerts in our home a few years ago. Now Bill and his wife, Kate are touring together and bringing their wonderful, homegrown, down to earth songs and beautiful harmonies to us again. From the haunting "Sistine Chapel" to the delightful duet "Matching Baggage" - Bill and Kate engage, entertain and inspire all ages.
Muriel Anderson
Saturday, December 22, 2007
7:30 pm
The first woman to win the National Fingerpicking Guitar Championship, Muriel Anderson's style ranges from folk, classical, jazz, bluegrass, and international music. She has been composing since the age of six and has published works for guitar and orchestra, voice, and solo guitar. Muriel has published several instructional books and videos and tours extensively She is also the founder and director of Music for Life Alliance charity, and is the host of Muriel Anderson’s All STAR GUITAR NIGHT."Acoustic guitarist Muriel Anderson... has justifiably gained a reputation as one of the world's best, and most versatile, guitar instrumentalists." ...Chicago Tribune
" Just one hell of a great player …a great personality and what I like is the touch that Muriel has on the guitar, the way she plays it like we all wish to play." …Les Paul
“ Muriel Anderson is a good friend and a great guitarist. She deserves National Recognition.” …Chet Atkins
"I am delighted to have my friend, Muriel Anderson, here in Portage and I can't recommend this concert highly enough" ...John Kingslight
Jim Bizer, Jan Krist, Annie Capps & Drew Nelson
"The Whiners"
Saturday, October 27, 2007
7:30 pm
Four of Michigan's finest songwriter/performers in one night - one amazing show. Be ready to laugh a lot, cry a lot, think a lot and just have a great time. We'll let them explain the "Whiners" to you. Just be here.
Jan is going to join us for the 9am Sunday service too!
Benjamin Gauthier and Analisa Giuliano
Friday, September 21, 2007
7:30 pm
BENEFIT CONCERT for Portage Charities
Benjamin and Analisa can entertain an audience of any age - from little kids to 20-somethings, to baby-boomers to seniors. They have something for everyone and know how to make music fun! This concert emphasizes building bridges of tolerance. All proceeds go to Portage charities.
This concert is underwritten by a grant from the Arcus foundation to Renaissance Enterprises, Benjamin and Analisa's sponsor.
Wishing Chair
Friday, August 10, 2007
7:30 pm
Wishing Chair is the folk and soul partnership of Miriam Davidson and Kiya Heartwood from Kentucky, "a songwriting, accordion playing, harmony singing, storytelling, hand drumming, banjo strumming, soul stirring, two woman tour-de-force."
"Heartsounds"
Jonathan and Deborah Hutchison
Friday, May 4, 2007
7:30 pm
The Hutchisons bring a unique mix, from folk to rock, classical to jazz, R&B to gospel, featuring trademark vocal harmonies accompanied on guitar, flute, native flutes, pennywhistle and piano. Their songs of hope and celebration encourage listeners to join in.
John and Mother Kathleen Kingslight were band mates with the Hutchisons many years ago peforming as "Heartglow". and will be joining them for a couple of songs. The Kingslights highly recommend this concert!
Tim Grimm
Friday, January 26, 2007
8:00 pm
Tim Grimm is a singer/songwriter, actor and hay-farmer who gave up the city life of LA for the "back fields" of central Indiana, a move which inspired him in his songwriting to seek what's real, down to earth and truly beautiful. Tim is recognized as one of the best folk artists in the country, alongside James McMurtry, John Prine, Mary Gauthier, Eliza Gilkyson and Rodney Crowell.
Rich Warren, host of The Midnight Special, wrote of Tim Grimm in Sing Out, "He masterfully works his words like a farmer works the soil for a deeply involving, superbly crafted harvest of songs..."
Come out on a cold January night and sit back in one of our coffeehouse couches to warm up with some hot cider and Tim's heartfelt songs of an inextinguishable romance with the land.
Kingslight Family Band
Saturday, December 2, 2006
7:00 pm
This concert, a fundraiser for some needed St. Barnabas repairs, will feature St. Barnabas' rector, Mother Kathleen Kingslight along with husband, John and daughter, Micaela. There is likely to also be a special guest appearance by granddaughter, Aurora (6).
John and Kathleen performed for many years as "John and Kathye" in Michigan and New Mexico, doing songs of the early 70's and some originals. They moved into doing Christian music ministry in the late 70's through to the 90's when Kathleen became an Episcopal priest. They've done several recordings. Their daughter, Micaela, is now taking up where her parents left off as a professional musician... and is becoming quite well known around Michigan as a solo performer and in the band, Fractal.
You may expect to hear a wide range of songs in this concert - from some early 70's Jethro Tull (Kathleen plays a mean flute), some original "John and Kathye" songs, Christian based originals and contemporary songs, Micaela's originals, some songs by Aurora, and probably a Christmas song or two ...a journey "through the ages" with guitars, bass, keyboard, flute, lots of 3-part harmonies and a dash of humor.
Kim and Reggie Harris
Saturday, November 11, 2006 8pm
Kim and Reggie Harris are two vibrant, superbly talented and engaging performers whose captivating stage presence has inspired audiences around the world for over 25 years. Kathleen and I met them last year at a Folk Alliance gathering and were quite taken with their warmth, positive attitude and of course, their music! We're so glad they are coming to St. B's!!
Jay Mankita
Thursday, October 12, 2006
8pm
Jay Mankita is a masterful acoustic guitarist and singer/songwriter, whose styles range from blues, bluegrass, and ballads, through ragtime, swing, and samba, and from old standards to quirky originals. His songs guide us on an authentic journey through the human condition, with honesty and compassion, and a healthy dose of humorous insight. Jay's concerts are intimate and hopeful, always thought provoking, irreverently funny, and musically refreshing.
"Jay Mankita jumps up and down with a big grin on his face, playing incredible guitar, getting everyone laughing. Moments later, he's doing a dead serious song with no accompaniment. Come hear this guy, I think he's one of the half dozen best songwriters today."
-Pete Seeger
Tom Kimmel
Saturday, September 16, 2006 8:00 pm
Tom Kimmel may be best known for his songs, which have been recorded by dozens of major artists (including Johnny Cash, Joe Cocker, Linda Ronstadt and Shawn Colvin) and featured in film and television (Twins, Runaway Bride; Miami Vice, Touched By An Angel). He is however a unique, critically acclaimed recording and performing artist in his own right. He tours widely, has released seven albums, and his music is appreciated around the world.
"Rich melodies and fervent delivery."
—Los Angeles Times
"Kimmel has a pungent, Southern-inflected voice, dark good looks and a commanding stage presence. A highly imagistic body of work that he delivers with drama and authority."
—Austin American-Statesman
Mad Agnes
Thursday, July 20, 2006 8pm
What a treat to have Mad Agnes back! Gorgeous harmonies, smart songwriting, tight arrangements, virtuoso playing.... these three, Adrienne Jones, Margo Hennebach and Mark Saunders are a joy to watch and listen to. A midsummer night's dream concert here at St. B's.
Ariane Lydon
Saturday, May 13, 2006 8PM (Mothers Day Concert)
Ariane is a mesmerizing singer, virtuoso harpist and guitarist who will take you on a beautiful journey through depths of human and divine truth that you'll never forget. She can be incredibly dark and intense and then rock you with something really funny. Kinda like life. John Kingslight rating -five stars!
K'zoo Folklife Event - Dinner and Concert
with Lonesome Moonlight Trio
Saturday, April 29, 6PM dinner - 7:30PM Concert
St B's Coffeehouse is happy to combine with K'zoo Folklife for this special community event.
Bill and Kate Isles
Sunday, April 23, 2006 - 3PM
Bill is an excellent songwriter who makes you instantly feel at home when he performs - like he is singing just for you. We are delighted that his wife, Kate, will be joining him for this Sunday afternoon concert. Bill and Kate will also bring their music to the 9:00 Sunday morning service.
Tricia Alexander and
Small Potatoes (Rich Prezioso and Jacquie Manning)
Saturday, March 4, 2006 - 8PM
From Tricia’s sultry, soulful jazz folk-singing to Rich and Jacquie’s playful and poignant performing — we are in for a great night of music from these Chicago based singing/songwriting legends! (we expect they’ll do a tune or two together too…) A bonus! Rich, Jacquie and Tricia will also join us with music for Sunday's 9AM service.
Joel Mabus
Friday, December 9, 2005 - 8PM
Well known folk guitarist, singer/songwriter Joel Mabus, who makes his home here in Portage, will delight us with acoustic Christmas carols and songs from his new album, "Parlor Guitar", as well as old favorites.
Andrew McKnight
Thursday, October 27, 2005 - 8PM
Singer/songwriter, guitarist and poet Andrew McKnight, comes to us from the Shenandoah Valley and is on tour supporting his new CD Beyond Borders (Falling Mountain Music).
(Andrew) "has a way of taking you on a journey...intuitively and poetically crafts everyday experiences and nature's simplistic beauty into verse, much like Robert Frost and John Denver. Be the style contemporary, oldtime, Celtic or blues, his tunes are always the perfect compliment to his stories."
(World Folk Music Association)
Tricia Alexander
Saturday, July 9, 2005 - 8PM
Tricia Alexander (from Chicago) is a performing and healing artist, who combines her ability to vocally channel Reiki energy with her love of music, spoken word and humor. Weaving together the best of jazz, blues, and folk, she creates concerts that are entertaining, educational, soothing and joy-filled. ("This lady can sing!" JK) Tricia will also be soloing at our Sunday morning 9AM service.
Wishing Chair
June 9, 2005 - 8PM
Wishing Chair is the folk and soul partnership of Miriam Davidson and Kiya Heartwood from Kentucky, "a songwriting, accordion playing, harmony singing, storytelling, hand drumming, banjo strumming, soul stirring, two woman tour-de-force."