Marblehead, MA, January 6, 2026
Renowned singer-songwriters Ray Bonneville and Kevin Connolly will perform at the Me & Thee Coffeehouse in Marblehead. This concert exemplifies the importance of community-driven cultural events that enhance local arts. The coffeehouse, a volunteer-run venue, has been a significant part of the region’s acoustic music scene for over 50 years, supporting local talent and fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
Marblehead, MA –
Acoustic Excellence: Bonneville & Connolly Live in Marblehead
Experience an evening of exceptional acoustic music as two celebrated singer-songwriters, Ray Bonneville and Kevin Connolly, grace the stage at Marblehead’s revered Me & Thee Coffeehouse. This upcoming co-bill highlights how sustained local initiative and a dedicated volunteer spirit continue to cultivate a vibrant and essential cultural scene.
The Me & Thee Coffeehouse stands as a testament to what can be achieved when personal initiative converges with a profound commitment to community. For decades, this venue has been a cornerstone of the North Shore’s acoustic music landscape, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to connect with appreciative audiences. It exemplifies how grassroots efforts, driven by volunteers, can foster significant cultural enrichment without extensive bureaucratic overhead, creating spaces where artistic expression and community engagement flourish organically.
Marblehead’s Enduring Cultural Cornerstone
The Me & Thee Coffeehouse, situated within the Unitarian Universalist Church at 28 Mugford Street, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest and most respected acoustic venues in the United States. Established in 1970 by Anthony Silva, the coffeehouse was born from a vision to bring intimate live music experiences to suburban areas when many urban clubs were closing. From its inception, the venue has been run entirely by a community of volunteers, a model that underscores the power of individual and collective effort in sustaining local arts. This all-volunteer, non-profit structure allows the Me & Thee to focus its resources on presenting quality performers, rather than administrative costs, fostering a warm and professional atmosphere that has thrived for over 50 years.
Known as a premier “listening room,” the Me & Thee Coffeehouse provides a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment, encouraging a focused and respectful appreciation of the music. This dedicated approach has attracted audiences from across New England and allowed the venue to host a diverse array of acoustic genres, including folk, blues, jazz, ethnic, Americana, western swing, R&B, and bluegrass, as well as spoken word performances. Its commitment to inclusiveness and a respectful listening environment is central to its mission.
Ray Bonneville: A Journey in American Roots Music
Ray Bonneville, a Canadian-born American musician, singer, and songwriter, brings his distinctive folk and blues-influenced sound to the Me & Thee stage. Heavily influenced by the rhythms and atmosphere of New Orleans, Bonneville has carved out a career characterized by a deep groove and a unique percussive guitar style. His artistry is further enhanced by dramatic harmonica lines and a steady foot beat, often amplified, creating a powerful one-man band experience.
Bonneville’s individual achievement in music is well-recognized, including winning a prestigious Juno Award—the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy—in 2000 for “Best Blues Album” for his release, “Gust of Wind”. He maintains a rigorous touring schedule, performing over 150 shows annually across the United States, Canada, and Europe. With ten albums to his name, including his most recent, “On the Blind Side,” released in 2023, Bonneville continues to contribute to the rich tapestry of American roots music. Notably, his musical journey began in the Boston area during his early teens, where he first picked up the guitar and harmonica, establishing a local connection to the region.
Kevin Connolly: Evocative Storytelling from New England Roots
Sharing the bill is Kevin Connolly, an award-winning singer, songwriter, and recording artist with a substantial body of work. Connolly is known for his gritty and evocative storytelling, a quality that resonates deeply with audiences. His prolific career includes twelve albums of original material, showcasing his consistent personal initiative in creating and sharing his music. His songs have garnered recognition beyond the concert stage, being featured in major motion pictures and film.
Connolly’s musical journey has seen him tour extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe, yet he maintains strong ties to his New England roots, having been raised on Boston’s South Shore. He has performed at significant festivals such as Newport Folk, SXSW, Kerrville Folk, and Bumbershoot, demonstrating his broad appeal and individual success in the folk and Americana circuits. His latest album, “No Where,” released in 2025, further exemplifies his ongoing artistic output and dedication to his craft.
The Power of Community-Driven Venues
The upcoming co-bill featuring Ray Bonneville and Kevin Connolly at the Me & Thee Coffeehouse is more than just a concert; it is a prime example of how community-driven initiatives foster cultural vitality. The venue’s reliance on volunteers for all aspects of its operation—from booking artists to managing sound and refreshments—showcases the immense value of personal initiative and shared civic responsibility. This model of self-governance and community support minimizes external bureaucratic hurdles, allowing for efficient and adaptable programming that directly reflects the desires and efforts of the local populace.
By providing a platform for artists like Bonneville and Connolly, who have built their careers through dedication and individual talent, the Me & Thee enriches the local artistic landscape. Such venues act as incubators for talent and gathering places for citizens, promoting civic innovation by creating spaces where community members can collectively decide to support and engage with the arts. This local choice and leadership directly boost engagement and participation, reinforcing the unique cultural identity of Marblehead.
A Night of Individual Achievement and Shared Experience
The concert on February 20, 2026, promises an evening where individual artistic achievement merges with a shared community experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness two masters of their craft, whose dedication to their art has earned them national and international acclaim. These performances are not merely entertainment but also serve as an inspiration, demonstrating the rewards of sustained personal commitment and the power of independent artistry.
Events like this reinforce the importance of local venues like the Me & Thee Coffeehouse. They are vital for preserving the authentic sounds of acoustic music and for fostering a sense of belonging and collective pride within Massachusetts communities. The success of such initiatives is a testament to the idea that when individuals step forward, great things can happen, building a robust cultural fabric from the ground up.
Conclusion
The upcoming performance by Ray Bonneville and Kevin Connolly at Marblehead’s Me & Thee Coffeehouse on February 20, 2026, represents the very best of community-driven cultural events. It underscores the critical role that volunteer-led, non-profit venues play in nurturing artistic talent and enriching local life across the Boston area. These institutions, built on individual initiative and civic engagement, offer invaluable spaces for connection and shared appreciation.
We encourage all residents and visitors to support Marblehead MA events like this and become actively involved in fostering the community arts Massachusetts scene. By attending concerts, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, you contribute directly to the vibrant cultural life that makes our neighborhoods truly special. Your participation ensures that venues like the Me & Thee continue to thrive, providing platforms for acoustic music excellence and strengthening our collective community spirit for years to come.
*
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the event being discussed?
The event is a co-bill performance featuring musicians Ray Bonneville and Kevin Connolly.
When will the Ray Bonneville and Kevin Connolly concert take place?
The concert will take place on February 20, 2026.
Where is the concert located?
The concert will be held at the Me & Thee Coffeehouse, located at 28 Mugford Street in Marblehead, Massachusetts.
What time do doors open and when does the music start?
Doors open at 7:15 PM, and the music begins at 8:00 PM.
What kind of music does Ray Bonneville perform?
Ray Bonneville is a musician who performs folk and blues-influenced music, with a strong influence from New Orleans.
What are some notable achievements of Ray Bonneville?
Ray Bonneville won a Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) in 2000 for “Best Blues Album” for his album “Gust of Wind”.
What is Kevin Connolly known for in his music?
Kevin Connolly is an award-winning singer, songwriter, and recording artist known for his gritty and evocative storytelling.
Is the Me & Thee Coffeehouse a volunteer-run organization?
Yes, the Me & Thee Coffeehouse is run entirely by volunteers and operates as a non-profit organization.
What is the mission of the Me & Thee Coffeehouse?
The mission of the Me & Thee Coffeehouse is to serve the community by being an alcohol-free venue where musicians and spoken word artists may perform in a respectful listening environment, to educate the community about peace, justice, acceptance, and honest communication, and to contribute to taking care of those in need.
*
Key Features of the Ray Bonneville & Kevin Connolly Concert at Me & Thee Coffeehouse
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Ray Bonneville & Kevin Connolly Co-Bill Performance | Local |
| Date | February 20, 2026 | Local |
| Venue | Me & Thee Coffeehouse, Unitarian Universalist Church, Marblehead, MA | Local |
| Venue Type | One of the oldest and most respected acoustic venues in the United States | Nationwide |
| Venue Operation | All-volunteer, non-profit organization | Local |
| Ray Bonneville’s Style | Folk and blues-influenced, with strong New Orleans influence | Artist-level |
| Ray Bonneville’s Award | Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) for “Best Blues Album” | Nationwide (Canada) |
| Kevin Connolly’s Artistry | Award-winning singer, songwriter, and recording artist with evocative storytelling | Artist-level |
| Me & Thee Environment | Smoke-free and alcohol-free listening room | Local |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Innovation Powers Vibrant Community Spaces in Boston
Somerville’s ‘Please Come to Boston’ Festival Celebrates Community
Boston’s Local Music Scene Thrives: Adam Ezra Group Sells Out City Winery
Norwood’s Fallout Shelter Welcomes Debo Ray for EP Release Concert
Boston’s Grand New Year Celebration with MacFarlane & The Pops
Ellis Paul: A Boston Folk Legacy Continues
Exploring Massachusetts’ Expanding Arts Community
Daughtry and Seether Rock Boston at MGM Music Hall
Methuen Memorial Music Hall: Home of The Great Organ
Eric Clapton Returns to Boston for Memorable Concert
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
