Jammin' at Java Jo'z

Java Jo’z is a coffee house on Winchester in Murrieta where mostly local bands are jammin’ and jumpin’ every Friday and Saturday night. If you want to see them “strut their stuff” it will only cost five dollars. That’s about the price of a hamburger nowadays. It’s well worth it, not only to be entertained by some talented musicians, but also to help out local bands that are just trying to get some exposure.

The man behind the concert effort is Bill Gould, owner of a Temecula company called Full Value Entertainment. Gould successfully promotes local musicians and has a lineup of four or so bands on a weekend night. It surprised me to see the long list of bands that have played, or are scheduled to play, at Java Jo’z.

Java Jo’z is a cozy place that serves some great food and drink both night and day. It’s a quieter place during the day, however, and is very kid-friendly. In the back there is even a place with toys so that children can entertain themselves while Mom sips a relaxing chai tea latte or one of their delicious smoothies. Other drinks offered are iced tea (with your choice of several flavors) and a wide selection of hot teas and coffee drinks.

While enjoying my delicious Moroccan mint iced tea, I asked if the establishment served alcohol. One of the employees gave me a definite “No.” “We even kick them out of the parking lot if they have alcohol there,” she said.

It’s hard to choose a sandwich because they all sound delicious, but my favorite is from the “Build Your Own” menu. These sandwiches are all basic, with items to add if you so desire. I chose a turkey and jack cheese sandwich, which was standard with lettuce and tomato, then I added avocado. The sandwich was a meal in itself, and I probably should have taken some home, but I knew my clapping and yelling at the concert would use up a lot of calories!

Which brings me to the subject of my first, and certainly not my last, concert at Java Jo’z. As a member of the over-40 crowd I was definitely in the audience’s minority. Come to think of it… there weren’t many in the audience over 25. This particular concert seemed to attract a younger crowd, as many of the band members were younger.

I was at the Friday, August 11, concert and the bands that entertained us were Peachcake, Farewell Darla, Panima, Sorrow Underfoot and Few Thy Voice. The concert began at around 7 p.m. and ran until about 11:30. The bands presented various interpretations of rock from the young enthusiastic singers and musicians.

The band Sorrow Underfoot is from Fallbrook. They are a Christian all-girl pop/punk/rock band that has been together since January. Lead singer Shannon Taylor said that they formed the group as a way to reach out with the Christian message to junior and senior high school students. Their first performances were for local youth groups. Then, they had the opportunity to play at Spirit West Coast’s Indie Showcase at the Del Mar fairgrounds. Since then they have played, and are scheduled to play, at various venues in San Diego, Riverside and Los Angeles counties. The band members agree that they not only have fun performing, but enjoy getting to know the kids who attend their concerts. All of the band’s songs are original. Shannon writes the lyrics and chords and then each band member adds what applies to her particular instrument. Brittany Taylor is the guitarist, Emily Kettering plays the bass and newly installed Crystal Strablin is on the drums.

Java Jo’z seems like a healthy place for teenagers who want to do something other than hang out at the mall. It’s a place where they can kick back… listen to some great local bands, eat a healthy sandwich or sip a latte or smoothie.

Java Jo’z is located at 39209 Winchester in Murrieta. (Traveling east, it is on the left side.) Find out more about Full Value Entertainment at http://www.fullvalueentertainment.com or by calling (951) 491-9053.