If any of you old folkies (i.e. from the early ’60s) are hankerin’ for some sounds that hark back to the good times from yesteryear, look no further. As one who also fondly remembers the popular coffeehouses of that era such as the Finjan, Potpourri, Penelope, The New Penelope, The Fifth Dimension and others, I am happy to tell you that there are at least two venues in Montreal eager to help you reminisce. Check these out.

1. The Mariposa Café welcomes you to its homey setting in NDG.

The brainchild of local musician-entrepreneur Victor Labelle, it features performers both freshman and senior, with a broad range of styles – all within the folk spectrum, from blues to ballads to bluegrass. Here’s one duo’s performance from 2013: “Pointer’s Crossing” – Virginia Dipierro and Dan Hecht.

The Mariposa has an Open Mic night every Thursday, giving newbie singers a chance to shine. It also boasts a small menu of yummy home-made goodies for hungry audiences and performers alike. See: https://www.facebook.com/CafeMariposa

2) The Mad Monk Café is located in the basement of the Madison Baptist Church, which is at the corner of Madison and Monkland Avenues – hence its name. George Toufexis – who goes by the stage name of Deacon George (he really is a deacon in the church) – is a talented musician who hosts each show, approximately bi-monthly. Not only an excellent performer, George also researches, introduces and illustrates each performance with anecdotes and slides. Every show has a different theme, so you might enjoy Johnny Cash songs one month and next month learn about Muddy Waters. Thanks go to George’s wife Gerrie who serves up some mighty fine cakes ‘n’ cookies! Here’s an excerpt from a recent show.

Visit: http://www.deacongeorge.com/

Thanks so much to Victor and George for keeping the music alive!