One experience that many of us Laurentians are missing on campus is the weekly Java shows. Although it has not been possible for bands to travel to campus this year, there is hope in student open mic nights. For the second time this year, the Java Barn will be hosting an in-person student open mic. Made possible by the collaboration of the Java House and SLU PAC, the event is modeled after last semester’s in-person open mic with multiple COVID-19 regulations implemented such as social distancing, mask wearing, and two 30 minute time slots. In addition, students are being required to sign up beforehand in order to meet New York State’s 50 person capacity. 

The first open mic back last semester was a success. Tess Maxam ’22 spoke about her experience performing on campus and told The Hill News, “I used to perform a bunch in high school and I loved it but I was super nervous about doing anything like that in college. The open mic last semester was the first time in almost three years where I felt comfortable doing anything like that because I had been to open mics and I knew it was a really welcoming environment, especially for someone as nervous and I was to do anything like that again. It was so much fun and I’m really glad I did it and had a space to put myself out there again,” said Maxam. Students of any ability are encouraged to sign up to perform.

 For those students who are not able to attend on-campus events, Java has another option. Although all are encouraged, KSLU has given the Java Barn a steady outlet to continue to use music as a tool to connect and let loose. The segment is entitled Java Juicy Jams and can be found on KSLU’s radio channel Thursday nights from 8:30p.m.–10:30p.m.

 If you’re someone who’s down about the lack of shows, Java House members encourage you to make the most of opportunities, such as the radio show open. “Java means so much to me and I know it means so much to a lot of people. It sucks we can’t have real shows but hearing music come out of those speakers in any fashion is a special feeling, so I’m just happy we can provide that for people even in a smaller setting. I’m excited to see everyone there,” stated Will Jervey ’21. At the end of the day Java is just a quiet, empty, grey music venue without art to fill its walls, music to ignite the room and friends to keep the company. Java wouldn’t be Java without the intersection of live music and personal connection, so if you’re in need of it, it’s in need of you too! 

“The beauty of Java is not currently happening, but the possibility of what can happen. It is a sanctuary of free expression and acceptance, with endless opportunity to show who you are and who you want to be. That is what Java is all about and I am so excited to reopen and give people that opportunity again,” said Drew Racioppa ’23. For more information on this event be sure to check out @javabarnmusic on Instagram.