Local favorites Cristian Lopez of American Idol fame, and his band, Joe Taxi, will be the feature act at First Friday Coffeehouse, Jan. 3, at Trinity Orchard House on Route 45, four miles west of the four-way stop in Shepherdstown.

Doors open for social time and open mic sign-up 7 p.m.Open mic starts at 7:30 and is on a first come first serve basis. Eight performers have the opportunity to do two songs (eight minutes each) in front of an attentive audience in one of the area’s premier listening rooms. The feature goes on stage around 9 p.m. for an hour set. Please note the new, earlier starting time.

Joe Taxi has been making waves all over the region with their hard-driving, youthful approach to Americana. Leader Christian Lopez of Martinsburg got a music career launch a few years back by making it to final elimination rounds on American Idol. Other band members are Dom Valentine on bass and Michael Silver on drums. They play a unique blend of American roots music with an intense percussive back beatyet melodically influenced by the likes of Jackson Browne, Johnny Cash, The Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons. Flourished with lyrical depth, Lopez’s songs are delivered nightly with the heart and intensity. The group’s EP is currently available, and a debut full length album is to be released in early 2014 along with a single, “Fell Down”. Visit www.christianlopezband.com.

First Friday is a great evening of music and fellowship. Snacks and refreshments are served. Trinity Orchard House is located at 4599 Shepherdstown Rd.(Rt. 45), Martinsburg,. A $10 donation per person is requested. For more information, contact Steve Warner at 304-676-4422 or 304-876-2915.