The North Street Coffee House is coming up on Feb. 17-18 in the library at FHN. It is a performance of skits, poetry, and music with refreshments in a beatnik atmosphere. English core classes come in one per hour and watch some of the acts.

“[This year] is going to be better than last year. More people auditioned than last year and the acts are awesome,” head librarian Angie Gunnell said.

It all started back in 2004.

“Mrs. [Sherri] Pogue (one of the retired librarians) went to a workshop and saw another high school doing it. She liked the idea,” Gunnell said.

Auditions for the coffeehouse were held on Wednesday, Jan. 26 in the library before and after school. Librarian Michelle Stuerman, speech teacher Theresa Maher, and Gunnell judged the performances based on a number scale. The acts with the highest numbers made it.

Expectations are running high for everyone this year. Freshman Kelsey McIIroy is going to be singing at this year’s coffee house. She is excited to perform, but because this is her first year doing anything like this, she doesn’t know what to expect.

“I don’t remember ever not singing. Ever since I could talk, I sang…I’m not too nervous yet,” McIlroy said.

English core class teachers were able to sign up to bring their classes in. Students can also come in if they have a study hall.

“We are full every hour. I have to turn people away,” Gunnell said.

The librarians want to keep the coffee house to a small audience, and keep the atmosphere intimate. If students do not have an English core class, or miss seeing it, FHNtoday.com will also be broadcasting it live and will have the video stored online.

“It’s going to be a great show this year,” Gunnell said.

By Brittany Steck