Fresh Ground to Feature Local act Second Chance and Photographer Joel Berenbaum

Fresh Ground Coffee House () will host Upper Moreland Musical act Second Chance and the artwork of photographer Joel Berenbaum on March 23.

The coffee house event begins at 8 p.m. and will take place at .

According to John Burkhauser, Upper Moreland Resident and Second Chance lead guitarist, the opportunity to perform at FGCH is a true treat for the band.

“Unlike the different bars and clubs the band usually plays in, the FGCH is a community and family-oriented venue, which allows people of all ages to come and hear some great music,” Burkhauser said in an e-mail. “ It’s a nice spot with an eclectic mix of people from the area gathering for games, conversation or to just meet new people - By the way, the coffee is very tasty too!”

Burkhauser said that FGCH has opened up a new part of his life. After he and his wife, Kathy, enjoyed a few coffee house events, Burkhauser said that he now regularly attends the sponsoring church’s services.

He credits Willow Grove Bible church’s music-infused services as inspiring him to continue his interest in playing the guitar.

“I see that playing at the Fresh Ground Coffee House as a way to give back to this group of people that are now part of my life and thank them for allowing me to be part of their lives,” Burkhauser said. “I also wish the thank all the members of Second Chance for being part of this event and making it possible.”

Burkhauser, who explained the name “Second Chance” comes from its members being able to have another “chance at Rock and Roll, gives this insight into the band:

What do you get when you mix classic “Rock and Roll” with a little spice of “Country” and a sprinkling of “Folk Rock”?   Second Chance – a seven person band with members based in Bucks and Montgomery Counties.  Founded in the late summer of 2010, Second Chance began as a one-time only cover band playing a supporting role at a house concert featuring , an up-and-coming singer songwriter. 

With only three hastily scheduled rehearsals and armed with a 20-song set list for the house concert, they didn’t think they would get very far.

Surprisingly, however, with the enthusiastic response from the audience the band continues to delight its spectators and bewilder the members' kids to this day.  

Most of the members have played for various churches in the area during services.  Due to a religious retreat, other members joined and the band was formed.  

The band will perform a mix of music from the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, Eagles to Clapton, Talking Heads to Lou Reed and over 50 other songs to be played that night.

Burkhauser also mentions that Second Chance will once again play at a House Concert this June featuring Jenee Halstead.  Date to be determined soon.  More acts maybe added when the date is announced.

The members of Second Chance include:

• John Burkhauser – lead guitar
• Pat Jones – guitar and vocals
• Mike McDonnell – drums and vocals
• Bill Palardy – bass and vocals
• John Smith – rhythm guitar and vocals
• Ed McTague – rhythm guitar and vocals
• Steve Hart – acoustic rhythm guitar and vocals.

---

Along with a musical act, Fresh Ground Coffee house hosts a featured, local artist.

The March 23 featured artist will be photographer Joel Berenbaum.

According to Berenbaum, who teaches outdoor elementary education, this will be the fourth time he has been the featured artist at Fresh Ground Coffee House.

“I have traveled the country many times, photographing along the way,” Berenbaum said in an e-mail. “In my travels, I have sought my niche in the world.”

According to Berenbaum, who has been diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome, said that throughout his travels, it has been a difficult journey.

“I haven’t been treated with dignity and respect because of it,” Berenbaum said.

He explained that his condition has often made for unpleasant encounters in his life. But, he has found that photography gives him the opportunity to perfectly communicate to others the world around him, as he sees it.

“My photographic eye has developed greatly over the past couple of years. I just love trying to capture a moment in time and share it with others,” Berenbaum said. “I enjoy telling them the story of the photograph: where it was taken, what it is and, in general, what it means to me to show it … This is my goal when I am showing here at the Fresh Ground and other places.”

He adds that his specialty is nature photos, and hopes to make photography his livelihood one day.

“I am looking to continue to build a reputation for my photography, for myself and for the education I provide,” Berenbaum said.

For more information, visit www.joelberenbaumphotography.com.