John Lilly. (From www.gwmf.org)

Friday Coffeehouse will feature acclaimed American artist John Lilly. The concert is Friday, Dec. 4, at TrinityOrchard House on W.Va. 45 four miles from the four-way stop in Shepherdstown. Doors open for social time and open mic sign-up at 7:30 p.m.

All open mic participants should be there early to get a slot to perform 1 or 2 songs at one of the area`s premier listening rooms.

Lilly, a Charleston, resident and editor of Goldenseal magazine is well-known in the area for his continuing role as MC and performer at Shepherd Universitys Appalachian Festival. His creative original songs recall the sounds of previous generations, while his innovative treatment of early country and traditional music is timeless.

“If Hank Williams had a sunny disposition, hed be John Lilly,” according to one reviewer.

John is much in demand as an authority on the music of Jimmie Rodgers, regularly appearing at Jimmie Rodgers tributes and festivals all over the world.He has appeared numerous times on Mountain Stage.?John has released four self-produced CDs. His newest release “Haunted Honky Tonk”achieved the No. 1 position on both the Freeform American Roots (FAR) and Euro Americana radio charts!”Broken Moon,”released in 2000, earned enthusiastic reviews and widespread radio airplay. Bluegrass Unlimited magazine called it one of the “most unusual and interesting acoustic disks of the year.”

Lilly’s second CD “Last Chance to Dance,”released in 2003, debuted at the No. 4 position in Europe on the Euro Americana radio chart and No. 1 on the FAR chart. His third CD “Blue Highway,”released in 2005, is a collaboration with legendary Tennessee fiddlerRalph Blizard.

Snacks and refreshments served. Trinity Church Orchard House is located at 4599 Shepherdstown Road. (W.Va. 45/north side), midway between Martinsburg and Shepherdstown. A $10 donation is suggested.

Upcoming feature performers are:

Jan. 8 – Jeep Rosenberg

Feb. 5 – Dana and Susan Robinson

March 5 – Tom Prout and Emily McCormick