There’s a new little corner cafe that just might perk your interest, and it’s open later than 5pm! Wentwork Perk is Sydney’s newest coffeehouse, located on George Street near the bandshell side of Wentworth Park. The atmosphere is cozy, like you are in a living room (without the couches), and they have a full selection of steamed drinks — cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, espresso, and flavored coffee. They have fair trade selections as well.
Adding to the coffeehouse atmosphere, acoustic music performances will be a regular part of the menu. The lineup will be a rotating medley of local songwriters who play in the roots or folk music vein. The performance series kicked off two weeks ago with Steve Fifield, whose resonant songwriting is reminiscent of Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, and Alden Nowlan, peppered with stories of hardwood hill, the Old Sydney Forum, and the local culture. Billie Yvette (yours truly) played there next. I play in a back-road folk style, writing tunes about the human condition, and happenstances. The next performer is Mike LeLievre on Tuesday December 8th. Mike is best known for his work with Slowcoaster, the popular “saltwater-funk” rock band that has paved roads for many players from the area. But his solo stuff is reminiscent of Hank Williams Sr., Skip James, Doc Watson, and his writing is clever. His guitar playing is jaw-dropping. And Mike will have copies of his solo recording with him, available for purchase.
Tuesdays seem to be the performance days, but check in with Wentworth Perk, as with the holidays approaching, there may be more frequent performances. This is a great way to hear some of our local songwriters’ wares, and chill out in a new hangout, in the spirit of things lookin’ up.
