Old Friends

Andrew “Mud River” Lee Modder

Coffee House friend and Board member, Mud River Lee Modder, passed away on June 28 of natural causes. Our deepest condolences to all of you who worked, played, and just enjoyed life with Lee over the years.

As The Coffee House evolved and went through some tough changes, Lee hung in there and contributed his precious time and ideas to keep the spirit alive. His involvement and commitment started early in our history and never let up. We were lucky to have him in our community.

John King

Our dear friend, John King, left us November 9, 2023. He was kind, funny, generous hearted, with a wicked sense of humor and a killer baritone voice! He was part of our music community for decades. He shared his music, sense of humor and lovely voice with his family, church and our music jams. He was in several bands, City Folk, Cadence, and the Dubious Brothers; and played with many friends for Coffee House concerts. He attended the Make Our Own Music jams for years.

John, may you continue to smile on our music and sing along. we all miss you. and we’re so fortunate to have known you.

Janine Arsenau

On October 12, 2023 The Coffee House lost a dear friend with the passing of Janine Arseneau. Janine was an active member and leader-in-service with many organizations including The Coffee House, Woodland Pattern Book Center, Grandmothers Beyond Borders and l’Alliance Francaise de Milwaukee. At The Coffee House she organized the Living Activism benefit concert series for a number of years, connecting our organization with many fine causes and many fine musicians. This season she connected The Coffee House with an organization she co-founded, Grandmothers Beyond Borders, and in early October The Coffee House held a benefit for that organization. In recent years she worked to coordinate a farmers market at Hartung Park in Wauwatosa and brought a number of Coffee House regulars in to provide musical entertainment. Janine’s energy and spirit will always be remembered.

Jahmes Tony Finlayson

Our community lost Jahmés "Tony" Finlayson, a wonderful friend on June 27, 2023. Tony worked as a performing artist, teacher, and Reiki practitioner for over 30 years. He was a well-known performer and community activist who could be seen playing all over Southeastern Wisconsin. He earned a B.A. in graphic design and photography from Yale University and his work has been described by many as both spiritual and healing.

Tony was a well-known performer to The Coffee House audiences, collaborating with many musicians in our musical community. For many years, he brought his powerful music and lyrical gifts to our stage with the Earth Poets. We’re deeply thankful for his inspiration.