Tomorrow night sees the first Glesby Centre Coffee House take place in Portage la Prairie with Micah Zacharias performing. Here's Artistic Director Keith Hutlet.

Keith Hutlet (photo by Mike Blume)"I think the benefit is we're getting a lot of new and upcoming artists coming in, and kind of showcasing them to the community and outside of our community as well. People I know are coming from Winnipeg and all over the central plains area to come and see Micah. It's good to showcase new and upcoming artists."

Hutlet some future artists include Don Amero, Mark Correia, Gordie Tentrees and Jaxon Haldane, Desiree Dorion, Chloé and Janelle, and Casati. So, we have quite a variety of different performances coming. He notes people seem to appreciate the Coffee House, and with trying to be more diverse with more styles helps a lot. Hutlet notes, from Spice Girls acts to Pink Floyd, and a couple of great comedians like Ron James, the whole community is able to benefit.

He says there's a fundraising concert coming up with Mixed Bags in support of Central Plains Cancer Services, taking place November 24.

Zacharias says the Coffee House events mean a lot to him, personally.

Micah Zacharias (submitted photo)"The coffee house has really been one of my favourite places to perform in my life," explains Zacharias. "I've had quite a bit of experience playing around Winnipeg and around Portage in different venues and even at different coffee house series the Glesby has hosted. This is the first time I've been able to headline at the Glesby."

He notes the Coffee House atmosphere really lends itself to songwriting and story-telling, going right along with what he strives to accomplish. Zacharias says this really fits how he does his craft. He says he sings and plays the piano, categorizing it as something between alternative, singer/songwriter, and pop. Zacharias notes he's got two 45-minute sets, which will include over 20 songs. The pieces include several popular covers you'll recognize, and many originals he's excited to introduce you to.

Zacharias adds he's opened for artists including Bombay Trio, Sierra Noble, and Gordie MacKeeman and his Rhythm Boys. He notes he's still growing in his artistry and is excited to be at a place where he can have more success in headlining a show like this.

Doors open Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and show starts at 7:30.