Singer-songwriter Tim Rice takes the stage in DRA's Round Top Coffee House on Friday, Jan. 9.

A Maine native, Rice has been writing and playing songs for over 40 years.

Rice’s eloquent heartfelt lyrics, combined with soaring vocals and unique guitar work, have pleased audiences wherever he has played.

A former studio musician in Los Angeles, Rice now resides in Scarborough, and spends time in NYC, Atlanta and many points in between. Wherever he is, Rice continues to do what makes him happiest: write songs and play them for fans old and new.

Rice was immersed in music from an early age. His dad, Herb, was a music lover, and introduced Tim to jazz. From Christian to Pass, Goodman to Dorsey, Getz to Mulligan, Joabim to Gilberto, and Ella to Sarah, he heard it all. With his musical vision growing and a need for adventure and stories, he hit the road.

From the Virgin Islands he began writing songs and performing them, then moved on to songwriting and studio work in Los Angeles. Rice collaborated on numerous studio projects and was a lead vocalist for the band "Music of the Spheres," with Hollis Payseur, Ron-Jon Polito, and the incomparable Joe Jewel. 

Rice's music has been described as "roughly eloquent, songs that evoke memories of forgotten shadows, songs that make us feel connected to each other." Rice says of his songs that they "are songs of interaction, of empathy, of yeah-I've-felt-that-way."

As one reviewer explained, "Rice's engaging and spontaneous style on stage, blended with his soulful vocals and guitar work, convey not only the message but the feeling, making each performance fresh and exciting."

For six years, the DRA has been hosting the Coffee House and open mic, a venue for musicians, singers, poets and other performers to demonstrate their talents. The stage is open to everyone.

The event is held on the second Friday of each month. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The open mic runs from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m., with a 15-minute break before the feature act from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The open mic is a series of eight-minute, two-song slots, and is designed for individual or small group performances. Performers should be able to walk up on stage and set up quickly. To be assured of a slot, performers should show up to sign up promptly at 6:30. 

Admission is $8 ($5 for Seniors, free for kids 12 and under). Coffee and snacks are available. A plate or two of home-baked goods or a volunteer shift at the open mic earns half-price admission.

The DRA Round Top Coffee House is held at DRA’s Round Top Farm, 3 Round Top Lane, just off US Route 1B (Main Street) in Damariscotta, with on-site parking. The venue is across the street from Hammond Lumber.

For more information call Heather Hardy or Jason Anthony at 207-677-2354 or the DRA at 207-563-1393.