100th show for Dale’s Coffee House

LEAMINGTON — Dale’s Friday Coffee House is returning to The Bank Theatre stage on Friday with it’s 100th show and 13th season.

The long-running local talent showcase has been a must-play event for performers across the region and is well known in the musical coffee house circuit.

The series was started by local musician Dale Butler to help showcase the local musical talent and give music lovers a taste of that talent.

John Moran — a good friend of Dale’s and the sound engineer, vice president and chair of programming at The Bank Theatre — is looking forward to the 100th show hitting the stage.

“COVID brought about changes, so we held off resuming the show so that our coffee house community can feel safe returning,” said Moran. “Dale’s Friday Coffee House has a very loyal audience who joined us faithfully month after month.”

Moran says the show will appeal to a wide variety of music lovers.

“There is just something special about Dale’s and there always has been,” said Moran. “You’ll hear seasoned and touring performers, new performers, all genres and all styles.” Justin Latam and The Stride will host this monumental edition of the popular series on Friday, April 22. They will play their own set and introduce Martha Renaud, Denis Bastarache, Jen Knight and Mark Mailloux, Weimar (featuring Rick Taves, Joel Westlake and David Light), and David Lum.

Before the coffee house made The Bank Theatre its home, it was being held at the Leamington Arts Centre, then the basement at The Gallery Restaurant.

Patrons have followed the coffee house performances for many years. “Dale’s Friday Coffee House has given back to the community over the years, giving money to communities all over the world in fact,” said Moran. “That’s how amazing our audience is — they dig deep to show the love, as Dale would say. I’m glad we get to honour Dale in this way even though he can’t be here with us.”

Dale is currently spending time with his grandchildren.

Doors open at 6:30 on Friday and the show begins at 7:00 pm. There is no cover. As always, it’s a pass-the-hat event with a suggested donation of $10.