Java Notes was inspired by Coffee with Conscience, an outreach program at the Westfield United Methodist Church in New Jersey. In 2000, Westfield started the coffee house concert series as a way to involve members of the congregation in another form of service to the larger community, raising much needed funds for worthy causes while:
- providing the participants with the opportunity to serve the larger community
- providing artists with a venue to display their talents
- providing an audience with a cultural experience
- generally strengthening the local community by bringing a group of people together for an evening of music in a comfortable setting
After much support and guidance from Ahrre Maros, the director of the Westfield project, The Sun Prairie United Methodist Church made a committment to support our community with a similar series.
Java Notes was born from this inspiration and will have its first concert season in 2008. Java Notes features musical performances by professional folk artists from around the country in a coffeehouse atmosphere. Funds raised from each concert are used to help people in need through local nonprofit partners. Performances will usually be held on Friday or Saturday evenings.
Performances will be held at the Sun Prairie United Methodist Church, located at 702 North Street in Sun Prairie (about 5 miles North of Madison) or at a guest venue (be sure to check the location of the show you are coming to). Fair trade coffee, hot chocolate and desserts will be served. Ticket prices are $15 at the door in person, or $13 with a credit card through our online advance ticket office or through mail order. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. with the shows beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The opportunity for Sun Prairie United Methodist Church to provide this outreach would not have been possible without the grant provided to us through the Wisconsin United Methodist Foundation.
The concert series will benefit the residents of Dane county by bringing together all types of people for an evening of great music supporting worthy causes. Our nonprofit partners have a far reach, touching the lives of youth, families, and homeless residents, those living in poverty, and residents with serious health issues. The events are intended to provide the type of entertainment that is missing from so many of our communities…Entertainment that fosters community and friendship while being structured around a good cause, which presents a win-win situation for everyone involved.
You are invited to come enjoy the music while providing for those in need in Dane County.
Past Performers:
Scott & Michelle Dalziel The fresh and soulful sounds of Scott and Michelle's voices, combined with their high energy performance, memorable and meaningful songwriting, and instrumental finness, put them in a category all their own. Scott and Michelle Dalziel performed on January 12, 2008. The concert benefited the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County.
Justin Roth Opening John Statz Blending intricate guitar work, smooth vocal melodies and a groove, Justin offers up a rousing potpourri of new acoustic folk. Take an eye off him for a second, and you would swear that there were more instruments on stage. John Statz, Justin's opening actrecently won a MAMA award for "Folk/Americana Album of the Year" for his first album, Dusk Came Slow
Greg Greenway Opening Erin O'Brien A rare combination of instrumental expertise, a soulful and moving singer, powerful poet, and sparkling entertainer, Greenway is one of those difficult-to-categorize performers who have found a home in the modern acoustic genre. Erin O'Brien performs story-driven roots-folk music punctuated by innovative rhythms and vocals that morph effortlessly in range and style.
Joe Jencks & Helena Nash Opening D.P. Knudten Joe Jencks is the type of musician that will cause you to drop that morning newspaper or pull your car to the side of the road when you hear his songs. The eclectic sound of Joe Jencks & Helena Nash invites inventive and powerful expression of Nash’s harmonies and showcases her soulful lead singing, creating a space for her luminous spirit and joy of singing to shine through. D.P. Knudten is described as "an outstanding contemporary singer/songwriter in the truest sense of the word," D.P. crafts and performs songs written from his own slightly skewed point -of - view.
Johnsmith Opening Michael Gruber Whenever you read or hear about the music of Johnsmith, certain watchwords always come up, regardless of the source. Words like uplifting, or integrity, heart, or soul. His songs and voice go straight to the heart, because that’s where they come from. Michael Gruber "leaves no base uncovered: The songwriting, singing and musicianship are all strong, along with a dash of personality that is both whimsical and vulnerable.” Aaron Nathan, Capital Times
Krista Detor Opening Ritt Deitz With attention placed in every detail, Detor continues her incredible talent to weave fantastic stories with her distinct songwriting, penning twelve new songs that are thick and rich with mood and clarity.." Ritt Deitz has released 5 CD's and was also nominated in 2007 for 2 separate Madison Area Music Awards: Best Folk/Americana Artist and Best Folk/Americana Album (for AFTER THE MOUNTAINS).
Carrie Newcomer One of the definitive voices of the Heartland, singer and songwriter Carrie Newcomer is not afraid to take on serious subjects, and does so with a healthy measure of good humor. Her songs and stories cut across secular and spiritual boundaries. Recent collaborations with influential authors, activists and theologians include Parker J. Palmer, Phillip Gulley, Jim Wallis, Scott Russell Sanders, Brian McLaren and Barbara Kingsolver.