Spring Break
Java Jive mellows Student Union with coffeehouse atmosphere
Becky Radolf
Issue date: 10/28/09 Section: Focus
The mellow and melodic sounds of an intimate acoustic performance filled the halls of the Student Union during Tuesday night's Java Jive.
Hosted by SUBOG, the Java Jive featured New York City-based performer Derek James as he played songs off his album, "Stray," graced the audience with a cover of Prince's "Kiss" in a controlled falsetto, and even used a kazoo in one of his songs to add an interesting sound amongst his acoustic melodies.
"He seems like a fun guy," said Kate White, a 3rd-semester animal science major. "He's got a homburg hat and a blazer on. Come on, that's cool."
"The goal of Java Jive is to bring the students a coffeehouse that's not on a Saturday night so students can experience this on a weeknight if they're too busy on the weekends," said Kristen Ingraham, SUBOG fine arts and performing arts chair.
SUBOG ordered decorations in advance to provide atmosphere to the Halloween-themed event, according to Ingraham.
James took the stage, composed of glittering lights strung against a cloth background and opened his set, saying "I'm here to help you wash down those treats for Halloween."
James is no stranger to UConn. "He performed here in January and there was actually a snowstorm at the time he came, so we didn't really have a good turnout," Ingraham said. "So, we figured we'd invite him back here."
Sounding a little like Jack Johnson with a hint of Jason Mraz, James played to a crowd of about 20 people.
Others moseyed in and out, grabbing a Rice Krispies Treat or a cup of coffee and listening in for a few minutes.
"He's really great. Very coffeehouse," said Kat Kirschner, a 7th-semester special education major.
James entertained the audience with brief interludes between his songs to give a glimpse into his life and the stories behind his songs.
"In Australia, they can drink beers in one sip. Everybody can. It's like when you're born they give you a beer," he said, regarding the time he spent in Australia where he wrote a few of his songs.
James also shared his experience of writing songs in the basement of the family's house he nannied for, accompanied only by a German Shepherd as he composed.
With the dessert table barren and James' set coming to a close, the Java Jive ended up a success.
Marked by a respectable turnout and a great performer, SUBOG made a strong showing to kick off Halloween at UConn.
Hosted by SUBOG, the Java Jive featured New York City-based performer Derek James as he played songs off his album, "Stray," graced the audience with a cover of Prince's "Kiss" in a controlled falsetto, and even used a kazoo in one of his songs to add an interesting sound amongst his acoustic melodies.
"He seems like a fun guy," said Kate White, a 3rd-semester animal science major. "He's got a homburg hat and a blazer on. Come on, that's cool."
"The goal of Java Jive is to bring the students a coffeehouse that's not on a Saturday night so students can experience this on a weeknight if they're too busy on the weekends," said Kristen Ingraham, SUBOG fine arts and performing arts chair.
SUBOG ordered decorations in advance to provide atmosphere to the Halloween-themed event, according to Ingraham.
James took the stage, composed of glittering lights strung against a cloth background and opened his set, saying "I'm here to help you wash down those treats for Halloween."
James is no stranger to UConn. "He performed here in January and there was actually a snowstorm at the time he came, so we didn't really have a good turnout," Ingraham said. "So, we figured we'd invite him back here."
Sounding a little like Jack Johnson with a hint of Jason Mraz, James played to a crowd of about 20 people.
Others moseyed in and out, grabbing a Rice Krispies Treat or a cup of coffee and listening in for a few minutes.
"He's really great. Very coffeehouse," said Kat Kirschner, a 7th-semester special education major.
James entertained the audience with brief interludes between his songs to give a glimpse into his life and the stories behind his songs.
"In Australia, they can drink beers in one sip. Everybody can. It's like when you're born they give you a beer," he said, regarding the time he spent in Australia where he wrote a few of his songs.
James also shared his experience of writing songs in the basement of the family's house he nannied for, accompanied only by a German Shepherd as he composed.
With the dessert table barren and James' set coming to a close, the Java Jive ended up a success.
Marked by a respectable turnout and a great performer, SUBOG made a strong showing to kick off Halloween at UConn.
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