You know there have been a few bands in the history of Rock (and/or) Roll that have gone down as being the best. Chuck Berry certainly fancied himself the cock of the walk when he earned himself the title as the Father of Rock’n’Roll. The Beatles certainly got a little too ahead of themselves when old John decided to inform the press they were “bigger than Jesus.” Let’s not forget about that one time that Deep Purple shattered the world record for the worlds loudest concert either. Lynyrd Skynyrd boasted Free Bird before bursting into flames, and MC5 kicked out the jams better than anybody out there.
I could keep going with the nuances of musical achievement, but damnit, I won’t. This article is about Java; particularly one of the best touring artists we’ve ever had make a stop at the Java Barn. If you were one of the HUNDREDS to make it to the Java Barn last week, I’ll bet my britches that this’ll be a show you’ll remember long past your graduation date.
Madaila had their first Java Barn debut just about three years ago. They were first booked by the infamously idyllic Steven Yardley, who has been living the dream for quite some time now, owning and operating a whole music venue out of a refurbished ambulance. You may have caught the old mobile at the Outing Club’s Fall Fest last semester. They hit Java with a show they couldn’t (and shouldn’t) forget—since then the hype and fury has only been rising. Through snow, rain, and a thicc cloud of juul pods, the band keeps coming back better than ever.
The band originated in Vermont, much of them living in Burlington. They tour largely through the North-East and have recently begun touring down south and out west. Their tour is taking a bit of a hiatus, but they’ve assured us we have plenty of shows to look forward to. They’ve announced a Burlington show this June, so Vermonters of SLU be sure to check it out! We hope for this power-rock pop outfit to continue expanding (while of course returning to rock our socks off once a year).
Java’s been going beyond the routine weekly shows recently. Just this week we had the Bee Children film a music video right at our home-field venue. Comprised of many SLU Professors, such as John Collins (guitar/vocals, Global Studies Department), Sarah Gates (guitar/keys/vocals, English Department), Terry DuBray (Bass/back-up vocals/Music Department). The band also featured Shane Rodgers (Keys, Vocals) and Steve Manders (drums). The music was progressive and provocative, singing largely of current global issues backed by rock-folk musical accompaniment. The event’s turn out was fantastic, filling the space of the Java Barn and immortalizing smiles and bopping heads.
By the time you’ll be reading this we will have also gone through another fantastic Java Open Mic, showcasing the endless talents this University has to offer. Acid Dad, Las Rosas, and the Nude Party will have played the day before this article has been published, and you can bet your britches (this time) that this columnist is losing his god damn mind writing this in anticipation of that great event. Anyways, we got some more shows for you coming up this semester, so stay tuned.
Aio, quantitas magna frumentorum est!
Correction: The drummer’s name was erroneously identified as Jon Dufore. The drummer’s name is actually Steve Manders.