A new year, a new you, a new Java lineup.  

Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, marks the first installment of the Java Barn’s first show of St. Lawrence’s Spring 2024 semester. Indie-rock outfit ,My Son The Doctor, accompanied long-time Java lovers, Candy Ambulance, onstage to inaugurate another year of “No Bags, No Booze, No Problem!” Candy Ambulance said of their return, “This event is mandatory for all students!!!” What a truly declarative cry from one of the hardest rocking bands to grace the barn’s stage.   

Following the roaring medical double act, singer-songwriters Ruby Mac and Reed Foehl gift their soothing vocal chops. Afterward, we are delighted to welcome back Bella’s Bartok (featuring one familiar Zachary Effman ’23?!?!?!) and the ever-boisterous Brule Country Bad Boys, by far two of the most anticipated bands of the semester. The energetic stage presence of SLU Funk, now with a slew of new members, will close out February.   

March begins with Billy Wylder, a musician-band touring to promote their recent LP, “Trying to Get Free.” Just before Spring Break, Java brings back a classic Acapella Night to highlight SLU’s brilliant acts. After the break, Burlington, Vermont-based indie band, The Edd, opens for funk-country-reggae fusion group, Underground Springhouse. They will most assuredly be one of the oddest bands to look out for this year.   

April sees a return to form for the venue. NYC-based alternative duo, Telescope Club, joins Java-staple Bermuda Search Party (formerly The Q-Tip Bandits!!!). The annual Java/Dub theme house collaboration, bRave, returns after a raucous 2023 edition. Hopefully, the new house members will pull off a night to remember. Lastly, a welcoming Open Mic rounds out yet another impactful Java semester.   

But the big Java event of the semester is Battle of the Bands on March 30! The winner of the annual competition will decide which student band will open at this year’s Springfest. Last year, Group Shower made local headlines with their awe-inspiring performance, leaving one final musical statement before passing on their legacy to hard-rock group Melodramania.   

However, Melodramania’s indefinite hiatus last December has left the crown for SLU’s go-to jam band to rust. Marcy has tried to acquire the title, performing at last October’s Tent Party just before Melodramania, but they still have a long way to go. Recent material posted on the band’s Instagram page proves promising, but only time will tell how accessible they shall become.   

The first-year wunderkinds of Garden Party are slated to make a return this semester, helmed by Spotify starlight Gianna Senzem and “cool dude” Brett Cox. Their few shows at the Habitat for Humanity theme house and several Java open mics proved impactful.   

But alas, in the ashes of the past, rumors of returning groups arose in the past week. Certain members of Melodramania who remain on campus have begun plans to conduct an eight-piece band featuring a new pianist, vocalist, two guitarists, and a fashionable sax player. Alongside the octet, the flaming phoenix of The Earl Greys may soon rise again, leaving behind their catchy vocal harmonies to settle as a simple quartet.   

Although tensions amongst theme houses rise, Java will hopefully be a guiding light for pure-hearted entertainment for the year. All members of the house are technically “newbies,” with the majority only having one full semester under their belts. But I am hopeful that these students of prosperity and reverence will cement another great year in the books.