The sound of acoustic guitar, delicate singing and the sturdy scent of heat espresso crammed the area of Taylor Down Beneath (TDU). Throughout the room, many individuals studied and tapped alongside to the music; some cheered and mentioned the vocals of the artist on stage and others watched the efficiency as they stood in line for espresso.
This was the scene on the Java Jam, an occasion held by the College Program Board (UPB) on Jan. 26 to have a good time the opening of Merge Espresso Firm on campus.
“With the ability to be right here for a group occasion, the place perhaps we are able to get extra individuals to check out this new spot and get collectively extra usually — it feels actually nice. I like it!” Adam Paddock, the Jam’s headlining artist, stated.
Recent out of Ohio State College, indie-pop performer Adam Paddock primarily performed his unique music, together with a track he stated he’d written the evening earlier than — seemingly amusing the viewers — in addition to protecting Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” to the obvious delight of the gang. Paddock spoke at size about his expertise performing on the occasion and talked about his “love and gratitude” for the gang and ambiance.
“I feel that is the very best kind of crowd to play for as a result of I look and sound like a number of you guys,” Paddock stated. “I simply wish to hang around with you guys. I really like the way you guys reply to me right here. Everybody may be very emotive.”
Paddock additional expressed his love for the area and the entire “vibe” that these varieties of school occasions have and the way properly they will do for the campus group. Paddock, who was an RA in faculty, emphasised how essential it was to “carry individuals collectively and construct a group the place everybody feels snug,” particularly on campus. Paddock additionally expressed reward for the college’s planning for this occasion and his “hope to return for the longer term.”
Likewise, the Java Jam’s attendees additionally had constructive issues to say about Paddock. Kieran Donohue, a sophomore psychology main, stated his efficiency was their favourite a part of the occasion.
“I feel he’s an ideal singer,” Donohue stated. “I seemed him up on Apple Music and will certainly take heed to him later. I’m excited to have found a brand new artist to take heed to.”
Freshman communications main Lorenzo Salas expressed his “love for the ambiance” that Paddock delivered to the occasion and the way properly Paddock made it “thrilling but additionally very comforting and relaxed” together with his amusing anecdotes between songs.
Together with the stay music and free scorching cocoa, the primary focus of the occasion was the opening of Merge Espresso in TDU, and Donohue praised the friendliness of the employees the area’s enjoyable aura.
“I obtained a caramel macchiato [and] it was actually good,” Donohue stated. “It’s good to have such an in depth espresso place, particularly since I examine right here on a regular basis.”
Serving as a revamped spot on campus for college students to get pleasure from espresso, examine and hang around, the Java Jam was Merge Espresso’s large likelihood to make an impression on JMU college students and workers. The lengthy traces and variety of college students sipping out of Merge Espresso cups suggests college students welcomed the corporate’s arrival on campus.
“JMU already has areas to dine and examine — Provider and Rose Libraries, Pageant and the Scholar Success Middle. It’s cool that TDU can be part of them and grow to be one in all these premiere spots,” Salas stated. “It actually opens up new alternatives for college students to hang around and collect on campus.”
In contrast to Panera, Dunkin’ and the a number of Starbucks areas on campus, Merge Espresso is a neighborhood enterprise distinctive to Harrisonburg. The corporate’s growth to TDU marks its third location, including to a downtown Harrisonburg storefront and one other location close to Jap Mennonite College.
“I feel it’s actually essential that JMU is incorporating a small and native enterprise reasonably than having main chains be the one choices for college students,” Salas stated. “I feel it’s essential to provide small companies a chance. It sends the message that JMU actually does care about native companies and the Harrisonburg group, and I really feel that celebrating its arrival with such an enormous occasion does an ideal job of exhibiting that JMU cares.”
The Java Jam doesn’t solely spotlight JMU’s dedication to the Harrisonburg group, however its dedication to fostering a cushty atmosphere on campus as properly.
“I actually love campus occasions like this,” Donohue stated. “They make me really feel extra concerned with the group, and seeing individuals come collectively is all the time good.”
Salas additionally talked about the significance of school occasions just like the Java Jam and the way they are often thrilling alternatives to carry individuals collectively and “get individuals out of their rooms to expertise one thing distinctive and totally different.” Salas additionally stated how properly the college did to make sure the “opening of what’s going to certainly grow to be a daily spot” was grand and notable.
“Individuals got here for the music,” Salas stated, “however they most undoubtedly stayed for the nice espresso.”
