PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. — Terry Little's love of family, folk music and his adopted hometown will all be in the spotlight Saturday when he hosts his annual Coffee House.
Little, a 60-year-old singer-songwriter, said the yearly celebration of folk music began in his basement in 1993 when he played for an impromptu gathering of friends. This year he is expecting about 350 people to attend the 7 p.m. to midnight hootenanny in the gymnasium of St. John the Baptist Catholic School here.
"I was born in England, but I grew up listening to the Kingston Trio, (Bob) Dylan and Peter, Paul and Mary," Little said. "I've always enjoyed the acoustical folk songs that tell these great stories."
There's no admission charge for the Coffee House, but donations will be accepted for the benefit of Plattsmouth resident Lucy Bean, who is battling lung cancer.
"About 10 years ago we started accepting donations for a Plattsmouth family that lost its house in a fire," Little said. "Since then we've collected donations for (victims of Hurricane) Katrina, Haiti, Catholic Social Services, our school. . We just don't seem to run out of causes. But this year is really special because Lucy Bean has been such a good friend."
Little encourages Coffee House attendees to wear attire from the 1960s and asks adults to leave the kids at home. Coffee will be served, but guests can bring their own snacks.
Little's interest in music took root after his parents divorced and he moved to San Francisco with his mother and stepfather. The Beatles were just taking over the pop the music scene when Little picked up a guitar and taught himself to play.
During a 20-year career in the Air Force, Little played solo gigs and with bands in officers clubs. In 1979 his band won a competition that allowed it to tour Air Force bases in Europe.
Little and his wife, Mary, settled in Plattsmouth after he left the Air Force in 1990. They raised six kids, all of whom love to sing and play music.
"There's never a dull moment at home," he said.
Little has served as musical director for Church of the Holy Spirit in Plattsmouth and still sings in the choir. He also plays solo folk gigs and occasionally jams with friends.
Little expects to log some singing time on one of two stages Saturday night, but he said his main job will be to keep things moving for several dozen folk musicians.
State Sen. Paul Lambert, a former Plattsmouth mayor, said he always looks forward to the show. He lauded Little as a "real treasure" of the Cass County community and the Coffee House as one of the "really neat things" that make the city special.
Contact the writer: 402-444-1272, kevin.cole@owh.com
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