The Coffeehouse Recording Studio 20th Anniversary

One of Connecticut’s true music gems is celebrating the start of its 20th year of continuous operation on Main Street in Middletown with an open house this September 13th. The event is titled: While No One Was Looking: 20 Years On Main Street - A Celebration Of The Coffeehouse Recording Studio.

The Coffeehouse Recording Studio has its roots in a home-based studio, opened its doors at 510 Main Street in 1990. Since that time, owner, recording engineer and record producer Michael Arafeh has seen many well-known music artists and groups pass through his doors, including CT favorites The Savage Brothers and The Michael Cleary Band. As an example of the diversity of projects seen by Mike at The Coffeehouse, the Broadway smash hit musical “In The Heights” recorded its first cast album at The Coffeehouse.

Arafeh has been a driving force in the Middletown area’s creative community since building his very first home studio in 1982. Showing early success in production, he produced and engineered “The Living Edge” radio show on Wesleyan’s WESU-FM from 1986-89, which featured nearly 60 live on the air concerts by national recording acts and regional favorites of that time.

He also has worked hard to help others in the community discover the joy of music. A firm believer in giving back to the community, Michael has hosted over 50 internships in the past 20 years, many of whom have gone on to work in media, the music industry, or other related fields. He has also been involved with countless community projects and school tours.

A 20-year celebration open house will take place on September 13th,, from Noon to 8pm, with many friends, musicians, songwriters, and former interns coming back to The Coffeehouse to mark the anniversary. Mike has put together a large historical retrospective of recordings, album art, and studio ‘fun facts’ for the event. More information can be found at www.thecoffeehouse.net