For the love of song

Elmwood

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This article was published 13/12/2023 (689 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Coffeehouses have been around since the beatnik era of the 1950s, when artistic self-expression was elevated above the mores of mainstream society. They continued to be popular during the folk scene of the 1960s, hosting singer-songwriters and other creative types, and remain integral to the North American arts world.

A good coffeehouse provides a comfortable environment to take in some music and other artforms, creating a setting that may ultimately become a community. In Winnipeg, Gordie’s Coffee House has been doing just that since 2007.

Located in the Big Red Church (Gordon King Memorial United Church), 127 Cobourg Ave, in the Glenelm neighbourhood of Elmwood, Gordie’s is the brainchild of Lexx Jefferson, who came up with the idea 16 years ago. The long-time co-ordinator and her husband, who looks after the sound equipment, are area residents as well as church members. Jefferson, a talented musician and songwriter, also hosts the weekly event.

With the church’s old chapel being used for storage, Jefferson dreamed of what it could become. After bouncing ideas around, she began taking out the pews, filling the space with comfy chairs and tables, looking for artists to display art on the walls, and putting out the call for musicians.

“There are so many people that have come to Gordie’s world and embodied Gordie: those that clean, those that bake, do dishes, people that attend,” Jefferson said. “It’s become a real community, people that met there and got married, those who met musicians there and formed a band.

“It comes together and the people show up. After the pandemic, we were ready to re-open and didn’t know what the response would be. We were inundated with people and with live music. It was wonderful. It’s a welcoming place, a safe place for everyone, children, old people, all persuasions. It’s a loving place, it’s a beautiful community, it’s what a coffee house was meant to be.”

Local writer and musician Terry Cooke has been attending Gordie’s for over a decade.

“I love the venue and all they do,” Cooke said. “From the moment you step inside Gordie’s, you feel you are being invited to share a cozy home for the evening.

“Gordie’s provides opportunity in so many ways, to see an established musician or group, and then participate in or enjoy an open mic — a chance to play or sing. The audience is comfortable seated on sofas, stuffed chairs, scattered around the room. It’s much like having friends over to play music in the family room. Board games, cards, and puzzles on the tables invite you to engage with new friends while waiting for the music to begin. It’s a shared feast to the senses and to the heart.”

Featuring local musicians, international and Juno-nominated artists, the coffeehouse has attracted fans from all over the city to experience performances in a wide variety of styles. An open mic segment after the featured artist provides opportunities for others, young and old, to share their creative contributions: everything from poetry readings to stand-up comedy.

The Thursday night event runs from 7 to 11 p.m. weekly from September to June, with a break for Christmas. With 40 shows a year, everyone involved volunteers their time to make it happen.

“It’s a beautiful circle to be part of,” said Jefferson.

The last show this year, before events resume on Jan. 11, 2024, will be Dec. 21, featuring a Christmas singalong with Grant Simpson. Gordie’s sells a variety of beverages and baked goods, and guests are encouraged to bring a tin for the bin, which is part of a neighbourhood pantry for those in need.

There is no admission but a hat gets passed to collect funds for the performers.

Find Gordie’s on Instagram @gordiescoffehouse1 and on Facebook.