Memorial Benefit Show

Early in the new year The Coffee House celebrates the poets and musicians that have passed away in the past year. This year some of The Coffee House’s favorite artists will play the songs of some of their favorites of those we have lost in 2026. Performing artists in this year’s memorial are Rick Fitzgerald, John Granzow with Gary Kitchin, and Paul Smith & Andy Jehly. Rick Fitzgerald has graced the Coffee House stage many times, delighting audiences with his pure vocals and his masterful guitar and autoharp playing. Rick was the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Champion, and runner-up in the International Autoharp Championship at Winfield. He is currently on the board of directors of the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering and he is the Chair of the Make Our Own (MOO) Music Gathering. Gary Kitchin and John Granzow have performed together for years. They have performed at the Coffee House as founding members of the wonderful folk/rock/ and blues group aptly named the Dirty Dishes. They bring humor and energy to their music. Paul Smith and Andy Jehly have been performing together for a decade. They pride themselves on the variety of musical styles they cover, from folk and blues and traditional country to Motown, folk rock, psychedelica, standards and a sprinkling of more recent pop. They have performed at the Coffee House numerous times, both together and in combination with several other Coffee House regulars. This show will be a benefit for Nourish MKE.