Coffeehouse scene comes to Fayette County

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Weekend Editor

The Stars on the Southern Crescent Coffee House returns this Saturday at National Heights Baptist Church.

The coffee house is produced by Offshoot Productions and features eclectic performances from local and regional artists.

The entertainment scheduled for Saturday's performance includes storyteller Tersi Bendiburg, the inspirational folk music of Living Water and the jazz of the Jennifer Perry Combo.

Bendiburg is originally from Cuba. She left Cuba at the age of 10 and moved to Decatur from there. Bendiburg says the process of acculturation is eased by folktales, legends and stories from her family and the close knit Cuban community in Decatur.

Her tales draw on her memories of Cuba, as well as her adult travels to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama. Bendiburg also is well versed in the myths and legends of the Aztec, Mayan and Incan cultures. She blends musical instruments and song into her performance and has performed at festivals, schools, weddings and museums.

Living Water is a duo made up of Joyce L. Williams and Jacqueline R. Howard. They met in Boston when Williams was at Boston University and Howard attended Tufts University. In 1991, under the name Joyce and Jacque, they won the Best Folk Band award at the New South Music Showcase.

They currently live in Riverdale and have moved to the forefront of Atlanta's music scene, playing at venues like Eddie's Attic, Lena's Place and The Hungry Ear. The duo have opened for national acts like Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight. They sing in an inspirational style that easily stirs the audience's soul.

Along with the storytelling and the folk music comes the smooth jazz stylings of the Jennifer Perry Combo. As usual, the "Most Unusual Mug " award also will be awarded. Patrons who bring a mug to the coffeehouse will get discounts on hot beverages.

National Heights Baptist Church is on the corner of Ga. Highway 54 and Old Norton Road, between Peachtree City and Fayetteville. The doors will open at 7:45 p.m. and the show will begin around 8:15 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12 and seniors. For information phone Offshoot Productions at 770-631-2362 or e-mail to offshootpr@aol.com.

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