Most Friday nights of the year, Jilly Beans Coffeehouse is animated with live music free for the public. This week, Celtic and American folk band Koanyach will perform at the coffee shop from 7-8 p.m.
Koanyach performs at Jilly Beans a couple times a year. The band met in the former pipe band of Tulloch Ard at Hillsdale College. Richard Sies, member of Koanyach, thought of the idea to form the folk group specializing in Scottish folk music.
In 2001, the group — comprised of Professor of Philosophy Jim Stephens, Jim Spencer, Danielle Spencer, and Sies — learned and performed traditional Scottish folk music. They now also play Irish and American folk songs, performing at festivals, celidhs, parties, and other celebrations.
“We do not perform often. I suppose that there is a tension of attending to our separate careers that prevents us,” Sies said. “Actually, we are a garage band of senior citizens.”
Koanyach performances feature solos, two-part, three-part, and four-part harmonies along with appearances of electric bagpipes, Irish whistles, and a harmonica.
Scott Grubbs and Bob Pogue are Jilly Beans performing regulars. Both local men perform monthly. Grubbs plays country, while Pogue plays guitar and sings. Each have followings that attend their concerts every month.
“We usually have a pretty good crowd in here,” Jill Nichols, owner of Jilly Beans said.
In the summer and warmer times, concerts are held in the garden behind the coffee shop.
“Come on in, have some coffee and some dessert, and listen to them,” Nichols said.
kdrapkin@hillsdale.edu