First Friday Coffeehouse will host Jacob Johnson, a touring songwriter and trail blazing guitarist from South Carolina, on Feb. 5. The venue is located at Trinity Church Orchard House on Route 45, four miles from the four-way stop in Shepherdstown. Doors open for social time and open mic sign-up at 7 p.m. A one-hour open mic session precedes the feature artist with eight participants performing two songs each in one of the areas premier listening rooms.

Johnson, who is returning to First Friday by popular demand, has gained national acclaim as a uniquely engaging performer with songwriting savvy and incredible guitar chops. He calls his style of playing “neo-acoustic folk/funk.” His debut CD, Est. 1986, is a combination of insightful, sometimes quirky and Dylan-esque folk tunes. He has since released both a live CD and a Christmas package.

Johnson is a one-of-a-kind performer who dazzles audiences with his playing prowess. In his short career he has already shared the stage with the likes of The Steel String Theory, Dave Matthews collaborator Tim Reynolds and even funk maestro Robert Randolph. In live performances, his off-the-cuff sense of humor and tongue-in-cheek sensibility disarm the listeners and leave them completely unprepared for the multilayered guitar masterworks he unleashes. Jacob thumps, taps and slaps his acoustic guitar into submission, weaving a musical tapestry that usually climbs to sonic frenzy whilst never losing its balance or control. His lyrics, thoughtful and realistic, are delivered with the wry sort of charisma that makes you wonder if he isn’t just making it all up as he goes.

Enjoy a great evening of music and fellowship. Snacks and refreshments served. Trinity Orchard House is located at 4599 Shepherdstown Road. A $10 donation per person is requested. For more information, contact Steve Warner at 304-676-4422.