Acoustic Brew

The Acoustic Brew Coffeehouse is staffed completely by volunteers, whose hard work and dedication are really impressive. Here we spotlight some of those volunteers whose efforts have shaped Acoustic Brew. Every month or so we'll highlight the work of another volunteer. Over time we hope to recognize all of the great volunteers who make Acoustic Brew so successful.

Rick Gilmore

Rick Gilmore Rick has been involved with the Brew for most of his almost 10 years in State College. His wife, Michelle Katz, joined the Board when the organization incorporated in 1998, and she and Rick began volunteering then. His clear thinking and tact have made him an effective leader and spokesman for Acoustic Brew, and Rick is one of the first people the Brew turns to when a major issue arises. He has served as president since 2005. Rick credits the Brew for inspiring him to learn claw hammer-style banjo, and for the inclination to noodle around on a variety of other instruments. He loves the Brew's unique community spirit and the people who make it possible. He lives in State College with Michelle and their two daughters, Ellie and Deborah. Spotlighted 9/07

Jim Colbert

Jim Colbert Jim's first real involvement with the Brew (besides an occasional concert when weekends permitted) was participating in the Local Showcase to kick off the Spring 2004 season... and by the next show he was a volunteer. He joined the board in late April that year, taking over publicity and workshop management. In 2005 he was elected Vice-President, and acted as interim president while Rick was in San Francisco.

Jim is an active proponent of singer/songwriters, a radio programmer and on-air host of the Folk Show on WPSU-FM and is also involved behind the scenes with Folk College, Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering, Wordstock and First Thursdays. He teaches workshops on songwriting, the Carter family and Pennsylvania songs when opportunity permits. In addition to running a popular open acoustic open mic series and organizing songwriter's nights, Jim also performs regularly solo and with his wife Cynthia, and has opened for a number of respected acts including Small Potatoes, Joe Crookston, Red Molly, Deirdre Flint, and Sparky and Rhonda Rucker. Jim's favorite thing about the Brew: The people involved. Some of these folks are his best friends, plain and simple. They've lent him banjos and mandolins, moved his furniture and shared so many important moments in his life. Spotlighted 9/07


Acoustic Brew Concerts	Fall 2009
Volunteer Spotlight