Still going strong for 22 years and counting, the Rose Garden Coffeehouse folk music shows held at The Congregational Church of Mansfield continue to celebrate the music that makes hearts sing. 

Two of the original founders, Mac McLanahan and his wife Rae Ann, who are also performers, began the Rose Garden to showcase local and national acts. The Rose Garden name evolved from a restaurant by the same name that was located on St. Mary’s Church grounds. St. Mary’s was the original location of the Rose Garden Coffeehouse before it moved to The Congregational Church. 

“Three of the restaurant owners had a wife named Rose so that’s where the name came from,” Mac said. “We decided to call it the Rose Garden. We quickly outgrew the St. Mary’s space and we’ve been here at The Congregational Church for the past 20 years.” 

The Rose Garden Coffeehouse, which has no affiliation with the church, attracts performers from as far away as Seattle, Washington. The winner of last year’s Rose Garden Songwriting Competition, Larry Murante, hails from Seattle and will be performing at the Rose Garden on February 12^th. He will be sharing the bill with Aoife Clancy, daughter of Bobby Clancy of the Clancy Brothers. 

“It’s a great opportunity for local residents to perform,” Mac said. “We like to have world class performers come here for just a $15 admission price. The Rose Garden is volunteer run. Most of us are musicians. We’ve stuck together for a long time.” 

Any proceeds left over after the church fee, are poured back into the expense of maintaining the sound system and other expenses.  

“Every show is a moment in the Rose Garden’s history,” Rae Ann said. “We always have surprises here judging by the way the audience reacts.” 

On January 15, the Atwater Donnelly Trio, of Rhode Island, drew 90 patrons. The group is comprised of Aubrey Atwater, Elwood Donnelly, and Cathy Clasper-Torch. Husband and wife team Aubrey and Elwood, have been playing together for 23 years. Aubrey is very excited with the group’s experience at the Rose Garden. 

“The show was great,” Aubrey said. “It’s a great venue. It’s really well run and well attended. We were delighted. The sound guy was great. I’d recommend people attend the shows.” 

“Twenty-two years is quite a run,” Mac said. “We’ve consistently had good shows and that’s what draws people. It’s been more challenging with the economic situation but we’re holding our own.” 

“It’s a beautiful way for people to connect and share experiences,” Rae Ann said.

Other upcoming performers include Buskin & Batteau, whose venues include Carnegie Hall, the Bottom Line in New York, and the Newport Folk Festival. The group will play on March 19^th.

On April 9^th, Southern Rail will take the stage. Southern Rail is a New England Foundation choice for the Arts performing in their Touring Roster. 

The doors open for the Rose Garden shows at 7:30 p.m. for the 8:00 start time. For more information, visit the web site at www.rosegardenfolk.com.