Tryworks records

Tryworks, a New Bedford coffeehouse, first opened its doors to the community in May of 1967. Thirty-five years of weekly performances established Tryworks as the second oldest continuously running coffeehouse in the United States before its final concert in May, 2002. Rev. John DeSousa, minister of the United Pilgrim Church, proposed the idea for a coffeehouse in an attempt to help get neighborhood kids off the streets and into a drug-free environment. Maggi Peirce, one of the co-founders, became the full-time director in 1968 and held the position until 1987. She established and firmly enforced a no drug policy, adhering to the original mission of the coffeehouse. In 1971, Rev. DeSousa left the United Pilgrim Church, and Tryworks needed a new home. Rev. David Rankin proposed the First Unitarian Church hall, and the coffeehouse found its new residence. Jody Heck, following Maggi’s resignation in 1987, took over as director and held the position until the final concert in 2002. Tryworks, over its thirty-five year existence, presented shows ranging from folk music and blues to storytelling and poetry readings. The format of the coffeehouse saw little change over the years. The Saturday evening shows generally featured three performers and ran from 8:00 pm until roughly 10:30 pm. The next hour belonged to audience members who wished to perform. These open mike, or “Open Hoot,” sessions were very popular and occasionally led to the discovery of future performers. Tryworks eventually closed its doors in 2002 resulting from a combination of declining attendance, fewer volunteers, less concerts, and increased competition from other folk music venues.