The Crossroads Coffeehouse

Since 1988, the Crossroads Coffeehouse in North Andover has been bringing the best of modern folk music to the Merrimack Valley. It has a well-earned reputation as both a performer's and a fan's favorite, known for its topnotch concert environs and down-home friendly staff.

Shows are held in a basement parish hall, with a small stage and great sound. The back of the hall is like a small parlor, with sofas and stuffed chairs, adding to the living-room charm of the coffeehouse. "Some people just make a beeline back there," says founding member, booking coordinator and genial emcee Pat Scanlon.

Average attendance is 80-130. Shows are held monthly on the second Saturday, and free parking is available on street. Dress is casual, as at all BACHA coffeehouses.

"We try to stay within the folk tradition," Scanlon says of the club’s musical personality. "So we have some bluegrass, Celtic, traditional American folk, country, blues, a capella groups, along with a lot of singer-songwriters."

The club works hard to offer a mix of established headliners, young up’n’comers and perennial local favorites. As a result, the Crossroads is known as an for its devotion to giving new talent a chance to be heard. Even an opening-act slot there is considered a prestigious booking on the folk circuit.

"We have a very strong, loyal audience," says Scanlon, "so a lot of people want to play here, and our opening acts tend to be very strong performers."

Food is all home-cooked by volunteers. It is a long-standing tradition that folks who bring in a carrot cake or a plate of cookies get free admission (though arrangements for that must be made in advance). "We always have a great spread of cakes, cookies, pies, and those kinds of things," says Scanlon.

One volunteer runs a specialty coffee shop in New Hampshire, and keeps the club stocked with a savory array of flavored coffees, in addition to a variety of teas, juices, and sodas.

"I think people appreciate the coziness, the warmth," says Scanlon. "We always get comments on how friendly the place is. Being a musician myself, I enjoy bringing this music to the Merrimack Valley, and watching how much people enjoy it - including the performers. They're not just musical acts to us; they're an integral part of what we're doing, and we bend over backwards to make them feel comfortable. I think that shows when they're up on stage."

"There are so many people who have been coming to the Crossroads regularly over the years, and yet every act attracts its own particular audience, too. It's such an enjoyable place that the musicians, the volunteers, the fans - it really all gets to feel like one big, happy family."