First Student Band Opener at Java!
& Improvements to Java Safety
Last Thursday, Java welcomed a new format. As opposed to two out-of-towns bands performing, only one, Candy Ambulance, headlined. The opening slot was filled by St. Lawrence University student band, Loose Leaf. Comprising the band is lead singer Carly Hansen ’25, bassist Macolm Suarez ’25 (also featured on back-up vocals), guitarists Breck Cox ’27 and Maddie Kostoss ’25, keyboardist Erin Reynolds ’25, and drummer Owen Kotula ’26.
Loose Leaf came off a successful fall semester looking strong (with Will Rebhahn ’26 on lead guitar rather than Cox). Several theme house shows and Java appearances spread their classic rock energy across campus. Coming into the spring semester, Cox had some heavy shoes to fill when Rebhahn left for Thailand. In addition, they had to be filled quickly when the band discovered they were opening Java’s second show of the semester.
The audience was quick to make their impressions known. Trey Pierce ’26 subtly exclaimed, “Dude, they’re sick!,” an open call of support from one of Java’s most opinionated allies. The band’s set of R&B and indie rock covers left the audience bouncing and singing along to the catchy hits. A fan favorite of the night was The B-52s’ “Love Shack,” featuring dueling vocals from Hansen and Suarez.
However, some crowd members were perturbed by a small mix of technical issues and unfortunate sound mixing with the guitars and keyboard being lost in the wash of vocals and drums. Two unnamed members of a verdant theme house walked out shortly after the set, silently shaking their heads as they headed to the Northstar Café for an uplifting snack.
As mentioned, Candy Ambulance came on with force and fervor. The Java staff was especially eager about their performance. “The student band brought a lot of student people, and the headliner, Candy Ambulance, brought good energy and head-banging rock,” said Java resident Autumn Nealis ’25. An unfortunately sick Gabby Molina ’25 said, “I was moving and grooving, when I was not wheezing, and I was tapping my toes.”
In addition to the new opening format, there are several new health features implemented after last semester’s drugging attacks on students. This semester, students can bring their own cans or bottles, but all students must be IDed at the venue entrance. Additionally, the staff provides “cup condoms” and makes two speeches, before and after the opening band, highlighting the TIPS-trained staff members. “New Java format, I support. It’s some extra work but it needs to get done… It’s been very beneficial,” Nealis stated. “I think that they like what we do, and we like that they like it.”
Ashley Downing-Duke, who has been working with the Java staff to facilitate these changes, said, “I think that anything that makes it a little bit safer, but people still have fun, is always a win. I think it makes sense: checking IDs, making sure people just know we care, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy their time and enjoy the music.” As for those directly affected by the changes, she is hopeful. “[Students] seem open to it. The Java crew in general is really open and receptive. They’ve been great and hopefully other students understand why we had to make a few changes.”
As of writing this article, the SLU Funk Java show has yet to happen. However, the Java crew still had some very passionate excitement for Thursday’s show, especially. “I’m really excited for there to be a horn section on stage,” said an eager Molina. “I’m getting ‘I LOVE SLUNK’ tattooed down my back. It’s going to be a spine [tattoo]. It might not be in English, so if anyone has any cool languages—hieroglyphs—if they want to design it for me.” So, this is now an open call for any student interested in designing Molina’s new spine tattoo.