LIVERMORE FALLS – Self-expression is the best way to describe what goes on during an evening set aside for poetry and music at the high school, junior Justin Landry said.

“People express who they are,” he said.

This is the Livermore Falls High School Media Center Coffeehouse Night’s fourth year in existence and teenagers are looking forward to first event this year.

It begins at 7 tonight in the school cafeteria. Performances are on the stage and the cafeteria is transformed into a café setting, library media specialist Cathi Howell said. Admission is free but donations are accepted to help with expenses. Some businesses also make donations.

Students gathered at the library Wednesday to explain what happens there.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Nicole Moreau, a senior, said. She is a student library aide and is preparing a special goody for the evening.

Moreau and Esther Bizier, another senior, are co-emceeing the night.

People recite poetry that’s already been published or share their own poetry, said junior Laura Howell, who is Cathi Howell’s daughter. Others sing or play a musical instrument or both.

It’s open to students and staff members.

Daneka LaPoint, a junior, has written more than 100 poems since the sixth grade.

It was difficult at first to stand before an audience of adults and peers and recite her poems, she said, but not anymore.

The coffeehouse is held once or twice a year depending on availability.

Sam Chabot, a freshman, will play the piano.

“I’m a little nervous but I’ve played in a recital at a church event before,” Chabot said. He has played the piano for three years.

“I have written my own music,” he said, and plays other songs as well.

Tom Bizier, another freshman, and his sister, Esther Bizier, each chose unbeknownst to each other to read poems from Calvin and Hobbes.

“We like kind of the same things,” Esther Bizier said.

“I’m ready,” Tom Bizier said.

Landry plans to play his electric guitar and sing.

“I’ve played since eighth grade but I’ve never really taken lessons,” Landry said. “I just kind of picked it up.”

Laura Howell will sing “Songs in My Pocket” by Bethany Joy Lenz, and her cousin Cody Mitchell of Jay will play Howell’s acoustic guitar.

Howell conceded she was a little nervous but said once she’s on stage she’ll be fine.

There have been 80 to 100 people in the audience as the performers take the stage.

“It’s definitely open to the community,” Cathi Howell said.

Chabot expects he’ll gain confidence from the experience.

“It’s good to hear other people’s work,” Laura Howell said.

“It makes you more aware of how other people feel about your work,” LaPoint added.

There are no dress rehearsals but on Friday after school they’ll get to check out the sound system before they appear on stage that evening.

“It’s very casual and it always just comes together so well,” Cathi Howell said.

It’s really fun to get together and hear what other people have done and its nice to see other people from school come to hear what you’ve done, Esther Bizier said.

“The kids are very respectful of each other, both the performers and the audience,” Cathi Howell said. “I see the kids gaining confidence.”