Java Stage
Next Performance:
RICK BARR
Saturday, Mar. 15
7-930 PM
Join Us for FREE live music performances every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 7-9:30pm! Think “House Concert” where the audience actually comes to listen..
Tuesdays – Live Acoustic Jam – Open to all! Casual listening available from the adjacent back room and hallway.
Fridays – Live Music via Acoustic Open Mic, welcoming everyone with musical talent and/or aspirations to sing and play – considered one of the best around. To sign up, first come during a Friday or Saturday evening and talk to Ralph. He will then add you on the mailing list that goes out every Friday with a sign up link.
Saturdays – Live Music via Professional Performances by groups or individual singers and musicians. Eclectic genres range from rock, folk, pop, blues, jazz, bluegrass – and more!
Can’t make it out? No worries! You can livestream most Saturday performances from our Facebook page!
Are you a musician interested in performing at Java Central?
Can’t make it out? No worries! You can livestream most Saturday performances from our Facebook page!
Are you a musician interested in performing at Java Central?
Scheduled Performances:
RICK BARR
Saturday, Mar. 15, 2025
7-9:30 p.m.
Singer/Songwriter
Rick is a popular and prolific performer and songwriter who plays all over town, and hosts several of his own open mics. Rick’s deep vocals and styling are often Johnny Cash, but he will also play his original songs from his CDs, and a very eclectic mix of covers: country and classic rock to blues and folk.
STRING THEORY
Saturday, Mar. 22, 2025
7-9:30 p.m.
’60s – ’90s + Acoustic Rock
This excellent upbeat band is one of the best around that plays spot on classic ’60s – ’80s+ rock: Jefferson Airplane, Beatles, Police, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and much more. Excellent musicians with great vocal harmonies – and Arie’s awesome lead vocals! A JC favorite – they are lots of fun and entertaining!
THE BRICKWALK NIGHTS
Saturday, Mar. 29, 2025
7-9:30 p.m.
Vocals, uke, guitar, sax
A JC favorite band performing a widely diverse and upbeat program – Lots of fun and great entertainment! Featuring singer/uke player Brady Fulton, singter/guitarist Carlton Hockaday, Caroline Crow (vocal harmonies) Banana Man (Andrew Kovaleski) on sax, Noah Tolson on percussion, and Dan Thompson on bass.
Can’t make it out? No worries! You can livestream most Saturday performances from our Facebook page!
Are you a musician interested in performing at Java Central?
Can’t make it out? No worries! You can livestream most Saturday performances from our Facebook page!
Are you a musician interested in performing at Java Central?
STRING THEORY
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025
7-9:30 p.m.
‘60s-‘80s+ Acoustic Rock
This excellent upbeat band is one of the best around that plays spot on classic ‘60s-‘80s+ rock: Jefferson Airplane, Beatles, Police, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and much more. Excellent musicians with great vocal harmonies – and Arie’s awesome lead vocals! A JC favorite – they are lots of fun, very good and very entertaining! String Theory Classic Rock Group
DAVE HAWKINS,
MICHAEL RONSTADT &
SERENITY FISHER
Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025
7 – 9:30 p.m.
A Special Night with Three Gifted Songwriters and Recording Artists with Illustrious Careers
DAVE HAWKINS is a touring singer, songwriter and recording artist from Nashville, Cincinnati and now Columbus. He loves our “listening room” approach and has played several wonderful Saturday nights and even Open Mics at JC. davehawkins.com
MICHAEL RONSTADT is nationally known as a marvelous cellist, singer, composer and guitarist. He tours as well, but is originally from Tucson, AZ as part of the musical Ronstadt family (yes, including Aunt Linda) and now lives in the Cincinnati area. michaelronstadt.com
SERENITY FISHER is an excellent songwriter, pianist and bandleader of Serenity Fisher and the Cardboard Hearts – and is Michael’s wife! serenityfisher.com
STEVEN STANLEY
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025
7-9:30 p.m.
Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter
Steve is a marvelous singer/guitarist/songwriter from Mansfield, OH who has always wowed us at JC. Excellent originals and diverse covers (think Neil Young). He has won the Ohio Music Award’s “Adult Contemporary Song of the Year” and has been a finalist at the Columbus Songwriters Association’s annual songwriters contests several times. Steve also won first place in the Adult category at the Ohio Theatre’s talent contest. He mainly plays close to home in Ohio venues, but he has performed professionally all along the east coast, and as far away as Brazil. stevenstanleymusic.com
THE CASTROS
Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025
7-9:30 p.m.
Award-winning Singer / Songwriter Duo
Award-winning Westerville singer/songwriter duo, Marco and Sara Castro, perform wonderful originals (Pumpkin Pie, My Dear) and creative covers (Billie Jean). They tour central Ohio, to NYC, Austin, Chicago, Florida, Nashville, and New Orleans. and even Europe. They are fun, upbeat and a favorite of JC! The Castros on Bandcamp
ALMOST NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW
Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024
7-10 p.m.
Hosted by the BRICKWALK NIGHTS
Our popular annual end-of-year music bash, featuring several of our top bands. The evening will be hosted by the very popular and fun BRICKWALK NIGHTS band with Brady, Carlton, Caroline, Noah, Dan and Banana Man.
Featured bands include STRING THEORY, OFF THE CHARTS, and more?
Finger foods buffet, JC specialty drinks. Adult drinks available through our neighbor, High Bank, via DORA.
STARLIT WAYS
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
Exceptional and Stylish Music Duo – Holiday Show
ROSE is a wonderful song stylist with great flair – and sings some beautiful fluent French (she is from French Gabon). CHRIS plays a mean guitar and adds excellent backup and lead vocals of his own. Together they are a dynamic musical duo singing a diverse program from standards and jazz to pop to Broadway, and even Country! The best in town.
THE MEEK QUARTET CHRISTMAS SHOW
Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
Four-Part Vocal Harmony
(MEEK = not their attitude, but last name initials!) is a fun, entertaining and very talented four-part vocal harmony group: Dan and Pat Epley, Tom Kaelber and Rob Montgomery. They play very eclectic music – from pop to country, gospel and even cowboy songs! But this will be a special Christmas show – with sing-along, decorations, trivia – and lots of fun!
They will generously donate all of their proceeds from this show to St. Jude’s Research Hospital.
THE BRICKWALK NIGHTS
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
Vocals, uke, guitar, sax & more
A JC favorite band performing a widely diverse and upbeat program – Lots of fun and great entertainment! Featuring singer/uke player BRADY FULTON, singer/guitarist CARLTON HOCKADAY, CAROLINE CROW (vocal harmonies), BANANA MAN (Andrew Kovaleski) on sax, NOAH TOLSON on percussion, and DAN THOMPSON on bass.
GARY PUCKETT
Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
Iconic Westerville Banjo player (R.U. Bound), singer, composer (Grandfather Mountain album) and music teacher – Gary has been a professional teacher and musician for decades. His specialty is American Roots music, which covers bluegrass, old time, blues, country, ragtime, and early jazz. Plus, he is an expert three-finger and clawhammer style picker and teacher. Gary has also gained the reputation as a talented and prolific composer of instrumental music.
Joining Gary: Americana veteran players – Pat Casey (accordion), Renilda Marshall (guitar) and Brian Szuch (guitar).
LONG TALL DEB & COLIN JOHN
Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
Award-Winning Blues
Texas-bred blues vocalist and songwriter Long Tall Deb and Hawaiian Big Island slack key guitarist/singer Colin John. Best described as “genre-bending” and “refreshingly original”, the richly-textured layers of their music incorporate world influence with a soul-blues base picked up on their travels throughout India, Nepal, Hawaii and the American South. Their latest CD, “Dragonfly” climbed high on the Blues charts.
CHARLES SEALY
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
Blues and Country
Charles is an excellent BLUES and COUNTRY singer/guitarist with a wonderful deep voice that reaches way down – great for the blues, and his is spot on Brook Benton and “Rainy Night in Georgia”! He does marvelous creative adaptations of standards such as “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and he plays dynamic electric and steel guitar with great riffs.
OFF THE CHARTS (CAROLINE and DAD and WES+)
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
Favorite chart hits and singalongs
Eclectic multi-genre classic hits and singalong favorites with the very popular and very entertaining Caroline Crow, Frank (Dad) Hennebert and Wesley Crow. They started at JC, but now perform all over town. OFF THE CHARTS performs with great vocals and awesome harmonies on a really diverse show. Caroline has contagious energy and charm, wonderful vocals and keyboard; Frank can sing almost any song spot on, with hundreds of songs and originals, Wesley Crow is an awesome lead guitarist and singer.
THE BOURBON LEGENDS
Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
Rock, Bluegrass, Americana, Country
With MARTY LEEDY, formerly the tenor with bluegrass /country /Americana bands Strung Up and Southern Accent. Marty is back with a new band of Southern rock – and more. THE BOURBON LEGENDS – Despite diverse musical backgrounds including rock, blues, bluegrass, reggae, and country, a band emerges, dedicated to a unique blend of these influences.
They wowed us in May with a great diverse and upbeat show!
RICK BARR
Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
Acoustic Rock, Folk, Country
RICK BARR is a very popular and prolific performer and songwriter who plays all over town, and hosts several of his own open mics. Rick’s deep vocals and styling are often Johnny Cash, but he will also play his original songs from his CDs, and a very eclectic mix of covers: country and classic rock to blues and folk.
WALHALLA RAMBLERS
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
BLUEGRASS!
This excellent new bluegrass/Americana band (formerly Clintonville Grass) features CARL YAFFEY (banjo), LEA ANNE KANGA (bass, vocals), MIKE BARRIE (mandolin, vocals), WILSON BURROWS (guitar), ANDY VERHOFF (guitar, vocals). They have all played for years in various bands, now culminating in WR.
BILL PAGE
Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
with MARY BORGIA
BILL PAGE plays classic Americana style music, has a great deep voice with a smooth delivery and a fine fingerpicking guitar style .Bill’s folk/rock setlist includes various songs by John Denver, Johnny Cash, Gordon Lightfoot, Jerry Reed, The Eagles and more.
Joining him will be singer/songwriter MARY BORGIA.
CAP CITY SWING
Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
Milo and Cherie Jazz Trio with Paul Strawser
The MANNINOS are back – trumpeter MILO and vocalist CHERIE, with pianist PAUL STRAWSER – to wow us with their great jazz interpretations and more: from classic jazz standards, to swinging dance tunes to blues and popular favorites. Great music, great people, great show!
SHOHEI TOYODA
Saturday, July 20, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
International guitar champion from Japan
Shohei is a virtuoso guitarist and an excellent singer/entertainer. He was born in Japan, raised in Dublin, OH, educated in Boston (performance major at Berklee College of Music) – and started out at Java Central! An all-time JC favorite.
First Prize and Best Arrangement Award – Japan’s National Finger-Picking Guitar Contest
Grand Champion of the “Home of the Legends” International Thumb-Picking Contest in Mulenburg, KY
Back on US tour, we are proud he’s back for another great show!
SINGER / SONGWRITER SHOWCASE
Saturday, June 22, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
with Dick Plunk and Friends
Dick is a wonderful singer/songwriter who is a regular performer at our Open Mics and runs the monthly JC Songwriter Circle. He and five other talented singer/songwriters will perform singing their own excellent original songs in the round.
JC BARISTA MUSIC SHOWCASE
Saturday, Apr. 13, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
The talented staff of Java Central will present their MUSICAL talents on stage. Several are currently in bands, on is a former member of a national recording band, all have performed publicly in the past, including at Java!
Scheduled to Appear:
TAYLOR LUMLEY*
LEXI MCQUEEN
MILO HERMANN
JUNE CROWE
JAYME MAGRUDER
KATY SPITTELL
BRANDON CLARKSON
(*formerly of Beartooth)
10 CENTS OFF
Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
Country, bluegrass, rock
TEN CENTS OFF is a bluegrass, folk, classic rock band that performs throughout central Ohio – and is a regular at Java Central. You may have seen them recently at the Westerville Farmer’s Market or at the Union County Fair – and at Java Central!
The band features husband/wife Mike Lyons (guitar, vocals) and Laura Lyons (guitar and lead vocals), plus drums and bass.
DAVE HAWKINS and MICHAEL RONSTADT
Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023
7-9:30 p.m.
Award-Winning Songwriters/Recording Artists
Nashville Touring artist singer/songwriter DAVE HAWKINS has been touring and recording professionally since 1976. Since his early career around Columbus, Ohio, Dave has expanded his core repertoire to Americana – country, roots rock, folk, and other styles. Dave has performed and recorded with such international stars as Sam Bush, Aoife Clancy, Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), and Peter Yarrow (Peter Paul & Mary), he loves the intimacy of smaller venues.
MICHAEL G. RONSTADT (cello) is an adept multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer, captivating audiences throughout North America for over two decades. Ronstadt traverses a mélange of musical styles that range from anywhere between folk, jazz, classical, Americana and the wildly ethereal. Nephew of Linda Ronstadt, Michael brings a rich musical heritage and absolute knack for improvising.
LONE ROVER
Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023
7-9:30 p.m.
Twangy Folk tinged with Tin Pan Alley
ROB MACCABEE and CHRIS CHROMLEY – two great friends and musicians – guitars, trumpet, trombone – growing through life and music – high school and college jazz bands, rock bands, pop bands, and now fused with their love of ’70s FM and country. Rob was horn-player, leader of funk-jazz group “New Basics Brass Band” – performing in Austin, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and with the Supafun party band.
JAZZ with BYRON STRIPLING and BOBBY FLOYD
Monday, Aug. 28, 2023
7-9:30 p.m.
Special Monday event. Do not miss!
BYRON STRIPLING – International trumpet player, singer, Director of Columbus Jazz Orch. And the Pittsburgh Pops Orch.
BOBBY FLOYD – national, Grammy nominated jazz pianist
LUKE MOSSBURG
Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023
7-9:30 p.m.
Country Singer/Songwriter
Luke Mossburg is a very popular country singer/songwriter who has played JC since 2010 and has always been a favorite here. He writes wonderful story songs from the heart, and his country voice is exceptional. In addition, Luke performs throughout central Ohio and regionally, including Nashville.
Joining him will be THE HEN AND THE CROW – an upbeat new country/Americana/bluegrass duo with Caroline and Wesley Crow (of Caroline and Dad/5th House.)
WRYGRASS
Saturday, July 8, 2023
7-9:30 p.m.
BLUEGRASS!
A new bluegrass band with some favorite veterans, WryGrass consists of JOHN GEORGITON on fiddle, BRENT DAVIS on banjo, LARRY TANNER on mandolin, TIP HOUSE on guitar, and JACKIE LAMUTH on bass. They all share vocals and harmonies.
BRICKWALK NIGHTS
Saturday, May 27, 2023
7-9:30 p.m.
Java Central is presenting a SPECIAL TICKETED FUNDRAISING EVENT hosted by and featuring one of our favorite bands, The Brickwalk Nights.
This is an opportunity for public involvement by financially supporting two of the community music activities that we will present this summer:
JC LUNCHBOX CONCERT SERIES every Tuesday from 11:30-1pm, June 6 to September 26, and our first ever BLUEGRASS FEST from 1-8pm, Sunday, Aug. 20th!
DICK PLUNK
Saturday, July 15, 2023
7-9:30 p.m.
And Songwriters Showcase
Dick is a wonderful singer/songwriter who performs at JC on Saturdays, at our open Mics and jams, and who runs the Java Central Songwriter Circle (every 2nd Wed of the month.)
Joining him will be excellent JC Circle singer/songwriters ANGIE CAMPBELL, RALPH LEESEBERG, JOHN HOGAN, BERHARDT DEBATIN and JUNE COOMBS.
JOHN MORGAN QUARTET
Saturday, July 27, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
“A Band With No Name” *
John is an excellent fingerstyle guitarist, songwriter and singer, recording artist – and a wonderful entertainer! He performs throughout Columbus, and also leads our great Tuesday night jams at JC. His music has been played on NPR and on numerous TV shows. In addition, John has been a teacher and Artist-in-Residence at Riverside Hospital for twenty years. He has written a wonderful book about his experiences there, Notes in the Key of C.
* A BAND WITH NO NAME (Pop, rock, blues, bluegrass, gospel and original music) – features John, DAVE HEINMILLER (top dog of Heindog and Stadz), and DON and DEBBIE (Flower) SMITH who have been with numerous bands, including the Fishouse Fellowship Band.
AMHRÁIN
Saturday, March 16, 2024
7-9:30 p.m.
IRISH MUSIC for St. Pat’s Weekend
Amhráin (Irish for “songs”) featuring JASON BURTON, JOHN GRUBB, and JOHN HOGAN, is an enticing blend of Appalachian hills and East Coast folk, applied to Irish pub songs and ballads. Think- Christy Moore, Richard Shindell, Jack Hardy, The Dubliners, The Cancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. They are always a hit at JC and were great on past 4th Fridays.
BLUESSWING
Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023
7-9:30 p.m.
“Jazzy, Bluesy, Swingy. What a combination! See this new band when you get a chance. It includes a great mix of local musicians” – Bill Cohen
BluesSwing explores the blues and popular song roots of American music, from W.C. Handy to B.B. King, from Thomas “Fats” Waller to Nat “King” Cole -and adds the occasional Beatles or Elvis number to spice things up. The solid rhythmic foundation of bass (CARL YAFFEY) , and banjo (JACKIE LAMUTH) allows our tasteful lead guitar (JOHN SHERMAN) and distinctive vocals (BILL KERWIN) to send this classic mix of tunes straight to your hearts.
THE RAVINES
Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023
7-9:30 p.m.
Pop/Rock Originals
Singer/songwriter JAMIE RAVINE SAGLE and bassist DAN THOMPSON are a popular rock/pop band taking on the Columbus music scene with great original songs. Jamie is so good and has played all over town and you know Dan from JC gigs with The Brickwalk Nights and Molly Winters.
THE PHANTAZMIX
Saturday, June 17, 2023
7-9:30 p.m.
aka JC’s own Aaron and Heidi Herzog – and friends!
You know them as an integral part of JC’s management, but Aaron and Heidi have performed for years as The Phantazmix. They performed at JC in Feb. and last year they performed at Natalie’s in Worthington with The Castros. They are a 90’s cover band focusing on jingle pop and grunge with sprinkles of a variety from other decades. Heidi’s “Wild Horses” is a must hear!
FIRST ANNUAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL !!!
Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023
1-7 p.m.
Special Free All-Day Event!
5 Bluegrass Bands with JC connections – A great day for excellent music and fun.
1:00 – WRYGRASS band – new band with talented veteran players
2:00 – TEN CENTS OFF band – Mike and Laura Lyons and band
3:00 – ALUM CREEK – great 4-part harmonies and outstanding vocals
4:00 – HEN AND CROW – bluegrass/Americana duo, Carloine Hennebert Crow and Wesley Crow (Caroline and Dad band, 5th House band)
5:00 – 7:00ish – GARY PUCKETT Trio with Pat Casey and Brian Szuch
MILO MANNINO SALUTES THE GREAT TRUMPETERS
Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023
5 – 7 p.m.
New Orleans trumpeter and Big Band leader MILO MANNINO and his trio showcase decades of great trumpet players and their iconic songs: Clark Terry, Al Hirt, Harry James, Chuck Mangione, Dizzy Gillespie, Clifford Brown, Freddie Hubbard, Art Farmer, Herb Alpert, Thad Jones, and King Oliver.
JAZZ HAPPENS
@ Italian Village
Sunday, May 28, 2023
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Broadway, Jazz, Pop and Blues Quartet
“If you don’t know me yet, think of me as the love child of Bette Midler and Bonnie Raitt.”
In addition to songs made popular by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Carole King, Cole Porter, and Barbra Streisand, DEBÉ is also writing and performing original music. She is currently performing with NORWIN MERGLER and DENEEN TROMBETTI – both amazingly talented musicians and entertainers.
CAP CITY SWING
@ Italian Village
Sunday, May 21, 2023
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
New Orleans Jazz Trio
A native of New Orleans, CHERIE MANNINO has enjoyed an exciting professional singing career in New Orleans, Los Angeles, Columbus and abroad. Her vocal experiences include performances with timeless greats, including Tony Bennett, and singing backup for jazz icons, Keely Smith, and Rosemary Clooney, as well as pop diva, Linda Ronstadt.
Born and raised in New Orleans, MILO MANNINO has been playing his trumpet in The Big Easy and Columbus, Ohio for the past 45 years. Leading his own groups, including the North Columbus Big Band, formally the Crescent River Big Band, Milo has performed and worked with great artists like Smokey Robinson, Four Tops, Anne Murray, Connie Francis, Bobby Vinton, Al Martino, Regis Philbin, Milton Berle, Shirley Jones and Keely Smith.
HAWA
Saturday, June 24, 2023
7-9:30 p.m.
Singer/songwriter/pianist – just back from Nashville
HAWA Tarawally wowed us with her talent last year with a show at JC, and last week jamming with Lil’ Red and the Rooster, with her open mic performances, at our jam and online music. She is very talented and fun and has a great stage presence. “hawa”, a Columbus, OH born multiintrumentalist-singer-songwriter entered the scene with a bang with her debut single “Beloved” last year. Often using organic piano, orchestral strings, punchy brass, and groovy bass, hawa somehow incorporates elements that span multiple genres.
During the past year, she has been “living the dream” in Nashville, and is now back home for a couple of months. See her while you can!