Jackson Avenue Coffee will host its first Halloween party at 7 p.m. Saturday with a live performance from Mike Felten, Chicago singer-songwriter, as well as a costume contest.

There is no admission fee and everyone who attends has the chance of earning a discount, Dano Reible, owner of the JAC,  said.

“Everyone dressed in costume will get 10 percent off their drinks that night, and we never charge a cover fee,” Reible said.

Not only will a costume serve as a coupon for any purchase, but it can count towards the costume contest and possibly be rewarded first, second or third place.

The prizes include a package of several gift cards totaling over $100 from local businesses for the first place winner. The second place winner will receive a $50 JAC gift card and the third place winner will receive a $25 JAC gift card, Reible said.

The owner recommends that the costumes should be creative, well executed and have corresponding acting. However, Mike Felten will decide the winners.

Coming from a musical family, Felten considers the stage his second home.

“Basically been performing all of my life and I can’t think of a time where I wasn’t performing,” Felten said. “While I’m performing it is the greatest feelings I’ve ever had so I just try to keep doing it.”

Felten enjoys playing at the JAC  and Saturday will be his fourth time performing.

“I always love a theatre setting where people listen to you  and interact with you,” Felten said, “The JAC is like a listening room which is really good which is why I keep coming back.”

Felten is currently working on his fifth album. He will use the Halloween party to perform his new original music.

This album is centered on pop and rock influences and includes drum and band collaborations.

“A lot of new music from the album that I’ve been working on and seeing how the audience will react to it, but this is the first time we have drums on it,” Felten said.

The previous albums’ major influences differ, and Felten is already considering if the next album will be focused on blues and acoustic sounds.

Every time, Felten makes sure he performs his fan favorite song, “Where Did You Get That Dress,” which was inspired by a dream.

“It’s a pop song and everyone seems like they really like it so I perform it at almost every show,” Felten said.

Most of Felten’s music is inspired from history, stories and daily conversations; he then builds lyrics and instrumentations around these influences.

“His show is very enjoyable, with neat history that goes along with his songs,” Reible said “Just some good music for people to listen to and some good entertainment for us.”

The combination of Felten’s musical performance with the Halloween-themed incentives the owner hopes will make for an enjoyable evening.

“I already had Mike booked for the night and Halloween was on Saturday. I have some prizes just to add another dimension to the night and have some fun with it,” Reible said.

If the Halloween party is a success than the JAC will add it to their annual events.

Kalyn Hayslett can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].