February Coffee Concerts to star different performer each week

MADISON HEIGHTS — The coziest Madison Heights tradition returns this February with the weekly Coffee Concerts series, now at the new Active Adult Center at Civic Center Plaza.

Co-hosted by Madison Heights Recreation and the Madison Heights Public Library, there will be a show each Wednesday in February, starting at 6 p.m. in the Active Adult Center, located at 260 W. 13 Mile Road. Each concert will take place in the dining room, wrapping up by 8 p.m.

Admission is $5 cash at the door. The proceeds go towards the cost of the artist. There will be baked goods and refreshments including decaffeinated coffee available through the Madison Heights Women’s Club.

The lineup this year includes the Steve Floyd Duo, on Feb. 7; the Balduck Mountain Ramblers, on Feb. 14; the Jimmy Auquier Duo, on Feb. 21; and Matt Watroba, on Feb. 28. The first three acts are new to the Coffee Concerts series, while Matt Watroba is a returning favorite, playing folk music and involving the audience with his interactive storytelling style.

The Steve Floyd Duo perform Motown and classic rock covers. The Balduck Mountain Ramblers are a Celtic and Irish group, while the Jimmy Auquier Duo plays acoustic renditions of hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and 2000s.

Attendees will watch from round tables set up with floral centerpieces in a dimly-lit venue for a more intimate atmosphere. Brooke Heisler, the city’s recreation supervisor, said she’s very fond of it.

“We truly enjoy being able to create a space for our community to get together and enjoy good company, good music and a good time during the winter months,” Heisler said via email. “We know this is a tradition many in the community look forward to each year.”

She noted that the Recreation Department is also busy gearing up for its Daddy Daughter Brunch at the same venue, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. The cost for the brunch is $40 per pair for residents, and another $15 per additional child.

Mark Bliss, the mayor pro tem, said the Coffee Concerts provide a great value.

“The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about these are the ticket prices nowadays. Anyone who’s bought concert tickets recently knows the cost has inflated sky high. So whether it’s these Coffee Concerts, or events like Trail Tunes or the Festival in the Park, we’re making those experiences affordable,” Bliss said. “And these concerts are for all ages, too. Seniors can enjoy them together with their children and grandchildren. I’m just incredibly thankful to anyone and everyone in our community who works on bringing live music to our residents.”

David Soltis, a member of the Madison Heights City Council, said the Coffee Concerts will be a good opportunity for more people to see the new Active Adult Center, which was built from scratch last year in the space between City Hall and the library, connecting the two buildings.

“It’s just a wonderful idea, this collaboration between the library and recreation to create good times for our residents,” Soltis said.

Sean Fleming, another council member, agreed.

“I’ve attended them before. They’re great,” Fleming said. “It’s a cozy environment where you can sit back, relax, listen to music with your friends and family over coffee, and enjoy musicians you maybe haven’t heard of before, and in different genres of music. You might even expand your tastes.”