“Voices Against Violence” MAAV’s 13th Annual Community Coffee House Celebrates the Power of Creativity, Connection & Community

What an afternoon! The wet and gloomy day Mother Nature wrought was no match for the power and light of community, gathering for Melrose Alliance Against Violence’s (MAAV’s) 13th annual “Voices Against Violence” Community Coffeehouse on Sunday, March 22nd. The special, sacred space generously provided by Temple Beth Shalom was filled  with adults, teens, and children who gathered to support local creatives and MAAV’s mission to interrupt the cycle of relational violence.

The  Coffeehouse was organized by, and showcased the leadership and dedication of, MAAV’s Student Action Board (SAB), a group of 27 Melrose High School (MHS) youth leaders who promote and educate peers on healthy relationships and teen dating abuse prevention. Advised by Melrose High School Counselor Joe Parrillo and MAAV Prevention Specialist & Survivor Advocate Ali Calnan,  SAB members helped plan and promote the event, recruit performers, solicit raffle donations, welcome attendees, and emcee the performances. With equipment provided by MHS video production teacher Anthony DiBenedetto, SAB members captured performances on film with assistance from Joe Parrillo. MAAV Board president Jen Winslow remarked, “I'm always so impressed with the Student Action Board coordinating this event - they do a really incredible job of it every year."

15 acts ranging in age from tweens and teens to adults performed instrumental and lyrical covers of soulful ballads, showtunes, classic favorites, pop songs, and a deep cut from Seattle’s 90’s grunge scene. Back for his 6th Coffeehouse, Dan Freed, a former Student Action Board member and now a high school educator in Lawrence, kicked off the first set with a tender rendition of John Mayer’s, “Stop This Train”.  After his performance Dan reflected on the event’s meaning and why he continues to return each year. “I think the Coffeehouse is exactly the sort of thing that MAAV does well -  providing a space to hold community in a time when many communities are under attack. We need more spaces where people can come together to express who they are as individuals…The coffeehouse provides a forum to do just that.”

Father and son guitar and vocal duo Bill and SAB member Sammy McQuaid marked their 11th coffeehouse performance together. In a heartfelt moment, Bill reflected on the brisk, fleeting passage of time, remarking that the first time they played together at the Coffeehouse “Sammy didn’t have any front teeth.”  Punk band Split Lips brought the Coffeehouse to a high-energy finish with a rocking cover of Nirvana’s “School.”

Each year, the Coffeehouse brings an intergenerational audience together, using the medium of art and song, to reflect on the power of love, friendship, healing, and each other. Being her first Coffeehouse attendance, MAAV Executive Director Meredith Shaw expressed that the Coffeehouse, “ is the embodiment of the creativity, commitment and heart of our community, and reminds us all of the power we have when we come together. Community uplifts community.”

MAAV extends deep gratitude to the individuals and organizations who made the event possible. A grant from the Melrose Cultural Council, supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, helped cover a portion of event costs. Temple Beth Shalom provided the welcoming and beautiful space. With an artistic eye, Raj Das of ED Photography captured the day’s special moments. Oasis Brazilian Steakhouse of Medford donated coffee and nibbles, while Melrose businesses The Kitchen, Klippings Salon, Molly’s Bookstore, The Beauty Cafe, Ana Donohue Interiors, Marathon Sports, and Lilah Rose & The Annex contributed raffle items.

View photos of the Coffeehouse event here. Photo credit: Raj Das, ED Photography