Java Barn facts for kids

The Java Barn is a cool place at St. Lawrence University (SLU). It's a coffeehouse run completely by students! It first opened its doors in 1993. Students handle everything, from planning concerts to serving drinks. It's a super popular spot for live music and just hanging out.

Music Before Java Barn

Long ago, in the 1980s, people loved folk music in northern New York. At SLU, students really wanted to have live music on campus. So, they asked the school to help them create a special place. They set up a coffeehouse in Payson Hall, one of the university buildings.

Shows usually happened on Friday and Saturday nights. Students who lived nearby would walk over to help with the concerts. It was a fun time for music lovers at SLU!

The Java Barn's Beginning

This is what the Coffee House and Java Barn looked like before they closed.

In 1992, Payson Hall was changed into the university's admissions building. This meant the coffeehouse needed a new home! A student named Jamie Schapiro ('94) led the search for a new spot.

They found an old barn behind a house at 5 University Avenue. This house became known as the Coffee House. The barn itself was first called the Java House, and then later, the Java Barn.

The Java Barn was open from Fall 1993 to Spring 2006. Its location was great because it was close to both the SLU campus and the town. This made it easy for both students and people from the community to visit. Students also liked being a little bit away from their main campus studies.

Java's Current Home

After a different venue closed, the university moved Java to a new spot. It's now in an old biology lab on the south side of campus, next to Brown Hall.

Around 2010, the students living in the Java house painted the inside of the venue. They used bright, colorful, and wild patterns! Today, shows happen on Thursday or Saturday nights. About 12 students live in the house. They work together to put on every part of the concerts.

For the latest news, you can visit the Java Barn Facebook page.

Famous Bands at Java Barn

Many awesome bands and musicians have played at the Java Barn over the years! Some of the well-known artists include:

• Dave Matthews
• Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
• Derek Trucks
• Twiddle
• Ani DiFranco
• Zach Deputy
• Gym Class Heroes
• A$AP Rocky
• Moon Hooch
• Sister Sparrow & the Dirty Birds

These are just a few of the many talented groups who have performed at this special student-run venue!