12 Moons Coffeehouse Brings Music and Community to Falls Village

Monthly event showcases local artists and performers in an intimate, bohemian setting.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:09pm

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The 12 Moons Coffeehouse, an event organized by John and Nancy Nowak, has been bringing local artists and performers together in Falls Village's Center on Main since 2012. The April 4 program featured an open mic session followed by a headlining performance from Salisbury-based guitarist and vocalist Joel Blumert, accompanied by harmonica player Bob Hennessey.

Why it matters

The 12 Moons Coffeehouse promotes community, live music, and poetry in the Northwest Corner region, providing a platform for local creatives to share their talents in an intimate, donation-based setting. The event's longevity and consistent attendance speak to the community's appreciation for the arts and desire to support homegrown talent.

The details

The April 4 12 Moons Coffeehouse program began with an open mic session that featured a variety of performers, including pianists, guitarists, vocalists, poets, and even an act that combined vocals with African drumming. After a short break, Joel Blumert and Bob Hennessey took the stage, performing folk interpretations of classic songs ranging from traditional folk tunes to 1960s jazz standards and a 1981 hit by the British band Squeeze.

  • The 12 Moons Coffeehouse is held on the first Saturday of each month.
  • The April 4 program took place at the Center on Main in Falls Village.
  • The next 12 Moons event is scheduled for the first Saturday in May, featuring a performance by Stephen Bennett.

The players

John and Nancy Nowak

The husband-and-wife duo who organize the 12 Moons Coffeehouse events.

Joel Blumert

A Salisbury-based guitarist and vocalist who headlined the April 4 12 Moons Coffeehouse program.

Bob Hennessey

A harmonica player from Cromwell who accompanied Joel Blumert during the April 4 event.

Stephen Bennett

A renowned fingerstyle guitarist and a regular performer at the 12 Moons Coffeehouse, who will be the featured act in May.

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What they’re saying

“It's weird playing at night. I mostly play at nursing homes, and I'm usually playing at about 2 o'clock in the afternoon.”

— Joel Blumert, Guitarist and vocalist

“Ideas for songs come from really weird places.”

— Joel Blumert, Guitarist and vocalist

“It promotes community, live music and poetry. And we're going to keep doing it.”

— John Nowak, Co-organizer of 12 Moons Coffeehouse

What’s next

The 12 Moons Coffeehouse will return to the Center on Main in Falls Village on the first Saturday in May, featuring a performance by renowned fingerstyle guitarist Stephen Bennett.

The takeaway

The 12 Moons Coffeehouse has become a beloved institution in the Northwest Corner, providing a welcoming and supportive platform for local artists and musicians to showcase their talents in an intimate, community-driven setting. The event's longevity and consistent attendance demonstrate the region's appreciation for the arts and its commitment to nurturing homegrown creative expression.