by Stephen Dafoe
There’s something besides coffee brewing at Higher Grounds Espresso Bar later this month. The Main Street coffee shop will be holding another of their Hot Dogma community talent nights Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. Riley Quinn, who will be playing with his band during the event, will also act as emcee for the free evening of entertainment.
“Anyone can sign up to play a song, sing or tell a joke,” said Higher Grounds Volunteer Manager Crystal Terhorst, adding the performances must be family friendly. “We love to see what local talent is available in Morinville. It’s great entertainment and a lot of fun. We enjoy our evening and enjoy our youngsters and oldsters that are performing.”
Although the range of performances is limitless, performing slots are not. Performers need to sign up no later than the day before the event to ensure a spot. They can do so by visiting Higher Grounds at 10019 – 100 Avenue or by calling 780-939-5154.
Excited to be hosting talent
Over the past four years the coffee and sandwich shop has brought in a variety of talent for special evening performances, but it is the Hot Dogma open talent nights that have offered Morinville a chance to see the variety of performers and performing styles available within its boundaries. Originally a monthly event, the Hot Dogma night’s faded away over the past year due to a lack of participation and attendance, but Terhorst and her fellow Higher Grounds volunteers are excited about heating things up again.
“We took a break from it but there’s been so many people interested and asking about it again that we thought we’d kick-start it again and see what happens in 2015,” Terhorst explained. “The heart behind it is to promote what Morinville has. There are musicians, singers, comedians, other types of talent here – but they are hidden. This is a good start for them, a small venue. Everyone is pretty well accepted and cheered on. It’s about … promoting and encouraging those in our community who might be a little bit nervous about getting out there.”
Terhorst is hoping people will come out for a hot cup of coffee and some hot local talent rather than stay home binge watching TV on a cold evening. “You can do that anytime. You can watch Sons of Anarchy, Breaking Bad, all those things at midnight or eight in the morning,” she joked. “There’s not always a Hot Dogma.”
In addition to the upcoming talent evening, the coffee house will also be resuming their monthly Friday night charity cribbage tournament Jan. 23. Cost to participate in the tournament is $10 per team with all entry monies going to a local charity.
