The Pleasant Note Coffeehouse was started in the 1980s by former church member and guitarist, Mark Jalbert, as a showcase for local talent. After a few years of running the Pleasant Note, Mark left the area, leaving the coffeehouse under the capable leadership of the late Tom Rowe, a musician of note himself, then the choir director of this church, and founding member of Maine folk trio, Schooner Fare. Under Tom's watchful eye the coffeehouse grew, hosting internationally-acclaimed performers such as Odetta, Tom Paxton, Josh White Jr., The Kennedys, Steve Gillette and Cindy Mangsen, and many others. After several years at the helm, Tom let the running of the coffeehouse go to other church members at a time when concert series and arts organizations around the country were in decline. After several years of floundering under the strain of reduced funding for the arts and reduced interest, the decision was made to let the Pleasant Note fall silent.

That was until a new group of inspired church members took up the cause. This time, not as a venue for international performers, but as an open mic and venue to let loose, show off individual talents, and have some fun. All are welcome to come, and all are welcome to participate at this monthly showcase of the prodigious talent in our community. So our coffeehouse has come full-circle. There has been recent talk of expanding the PNCH's offerings once again. The Open Mic is here to stay, but there's always room for more fun. Stay tuned.