Editor’s note: This is the first story in an occasional series by freelancer Emily Tuttle on local venues offering up music.

LEWISTON — Just about any musician will tell you that the space has to fit the music. That goes for the floor size, decor, the patrons and everyone’s mood.

The name, “she doesn’t like guthries,” says a lot about the kind of live music that wanders into this downtown space. If you know the name Guthrie, then the name and the eclectic assortment of music acts make perfect sense. And when you get to know owners Heather and Randy Letourneau, it makes sense that there’s no cover charge.

A big fan of folk music, Randy wanted to call the place Guthries when it opened three years ago. Heather, with nothing against Woody Guthrie’s music, was waiting for a better idea.

“I just wasn’t committed to the name,” said Heather. “I kept putting him off, but we had to have a logo and get things going. So (Randy) added the “she doesn’t like” part to it.”

In the spirit of Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, Heather said they wanted to pass the hat and let audience members show their appreciation for the musicians.

And you never really know what kind of artists you’re going to encounter. A recent Friday night featured Jeff Platz Quartet of New Jazz, a Boston-based combo brought in by Maine bass player Kit Demos.

“This place is like a light in the dark,” said Demos in between sets. “These guys are very accommodating. The kind of music we play can only kind of work in a place like this.”

Demos played the standup base with spider web fingers that touched every surface of the instrument. Platz, composer and masterfully deft guitarist for the quartet, said he was getting in performance shape for an upcoming tour in Germany.

The incongruent meanderings of the individual quartet members coupled with the precisely measured phrases of avant jazz had the audience mesmerized. It wasn’t like listening to music in a bar. It was more like attending a private performance or an ethereal demonstration of musical possibilities.

“Our audiences are always so attentive and so engaged,” said Heather. “It’s more like a listening room. I think the musicians really appreciate that.”

Randy, who has played in a band since his days at Lewiston High School, and Heather wanted a business that supported local and original art, whether musical or visual. They wanted a place where families can bring their children to hear different styles of music. They wanted a place where people feel comfortable and creative.

A quick look around captures a snapshot of the local art scene, with oil canvases on the walls. A sign reads, “Reserved for local artists wishing to share their passion and pastimes with those of us at Guthries.”

The organic menu informs you that “musicians, artists, and craftsmen that have graced our venue are a tribute to local creativity, talent, and expertise.”

Along with acts booked for Friday nights that happen to be touring up and down the East Coast, She Doesn’t Like Guthries has started Thursday night bluegrass jams and jazz nights. At 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, Three Point Trio, a local jazz band will perform. At the same time on the fourth Thursdays, the stage is open for bluegrass players and singers to take the spotlight.

Even though the Letourneaus, with two children, have decided to shut down on Saturday nights, they have expanded their hours the remaining days. Guthries is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Upcoming events and more information about Guthries is available at www.guthriesplace.com.

You’ll find a couch, good food, nice people and probably a musical surprise. It will all be something that real people are committed to, which is art that asks to be appreciated.