Blog and News
Two McKnight Place - HAPPY HOUR - - posted 5.5.24
April 29, 2024
Java Jived performs at Two McKnight Place
Under the Johnquil Pines - - posted 4/25/23
April 20, 2024
Java Jived performs on the (traffic) island near
1628 Jonquil in Webster Groves, 63119
Java Around the Town - - posted 4/19/23
Dec 2 WinterMarkt - Greg Freeman Park
Dec 16 Le Macaron - Webster Groves
Java Around the Town - - posted 11/5/23
June 21 found Java Jived at the Milligan House across the street from Old Orchard Church in Webster Groves.
September 19 Java Jived performed as part of a fund raising event for the Bach Society at Maryland Walk.
On September 19 The ensemble debuted at Friendship Village South.
Sunday in Ferguson - - posted 5/4/23
April 30 Immanual United Church of Christ "Youth" Sunday Service brough Java Jivers out bright and early on Sunday morning for prelude, special music and postlude at the church of Java Jiver Bass - Paul Buschmeyer. Special thanks to Claudia Buschmeyer for "sitting in" for this gig which featured the ethereal "All Creatures of Our God and King" arranged by Anders Edenroth, as well as "Fire in the Furnace" and "Joyful, Joyful" arranged by Greg Roig.
Spring! Sing! Sing! at Blue Strawberry - - posted 5/4/23
April 16 Java Jived returned to the Blue Strawberry with a high energy trip down memory lane!
A Return to the Gatesworth - - posted 5/4/23
March 15 found Java Jived returning to one of our favorite venues where the Senior residents are always up for a "rockin' good time."
Webster Garden Cafe Concert- - posted 8/23/22
On August 20, Java Jived had their debut performance at the Webster Garden Cafe. Despite some threatening weather, the group and their audience encountered only a few drops of rain. Resident sound man and guitarist par excellence Greg Roig was featured on several pieces including "Scarborough Fair" when he accompanied Phyllis Pasley, "Big Yellow Taxi" when he accompanied Betsy Roig. Greg also accompanied the ensemble on "Here Comes the Sun" and "Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In." Tom Pasley, percussionist and Mark Luetzow also helped accompany the voices.
First Congregational Church - Garden Party Fundraiser - posted this /8/14/22
On August 12, Java Jived returned to a backyard garden party in support of First Congregational Church in Webster Groves hosted by Rosemary Henley. Java Jived is so grateful to First Congregational, where Java Jiver Mark Cereghino is a member. The church has provided us space for performances, rehearsals and recording sessions on multiple occasions. We are thrilled to be able to "give back" in this way. The selections were well-received and the good news is that the outdoor party was not spoiled by rain - despite our choosing to sing "Soon It's Gonna Rain."
Gatesworth - June 2022 - posted 8/14/22
We're back. After a long hiatus, Java Jived was able to return to one of its favorite venues, sharing jazz classics with an enthusiastic audience. A highlight was alto soloist Robert Hmiel singing "Sunny Side of the Street" accompanied on Tuba by Mark Scharff! Great fun!
Java Jived returns to Greg Freeman for Wintermarkt 2021 - posted 12/8/21
Scores of shoppers, crafters, entrepreneurs, artists and musicians flocked to Greg Freeman Park for the annual Wintermarkt. The event was helped along by some gorgeous weather as well. Java Jived singers sang unaccompanied selections celebrating a holiday mood. The exception was the final number, "Feliz Navidad" - when they were joined by Tom Pasley and Mark Luetzow on percussion, and Greg Roig - who played guitar. Even members of the crowd joined in singing the final song. Greg not only managed the sound system for Java Jived, but he also volunteered to assist with sound for other performing groups throughout the event. A good time was had by all!
Java Jived debuts at the Blue Strawberry - posted 10/19/21
A lively crowd, good food, and cheerful libations marked Java Jived's first indoor concert venue performance since June of 2019. Java Jived performed at the Blue Strawberry Showroom and Lounge located at 364 N. Boyle, St. Louis, MO 63108 on Sunday November 21, 2021 at 5pm. With repertoire that was an homage to the changing seasons and some classic hot jazz tunes, audiences seemed "In the Mood" for a great time. "We were a little nervous about the stage space. With eight singers, a grand piano, percussion and guitar - we were a little worried... but it all worked out fine!" said Phyllis Pasley, alto. Audience members remarked how great it was to have the opportunity to hear live music again. A comment with which many jivers strongly agreed!
Java Jived Performs from the Mudd’s Grove Porch to help raise donations for our “Porch Project”
posted 10/19/21
Mudd’s Grove
302 West Argonne Avenue
Wednesday, September 22, 6:30-7:30 PM
Bring your wallet and an open heart!Plus a blanket or chairs, a picnic basket, and your favorites beverages
Midden House Porch Concerts "Getting Closer- SUCCESS posted 9/2/21
Java Jived offered another sereis of free open rehearsal/concert at Milligan House near Old Orchard Church, 640 Amelia Ave. Webster Groves, MO 63119 in May, 2021. On the first and again on the 22nd, the members of Java Jived brought an appreciative crowd on the lawn a concert of stellar Jazz classics. Audiences brought their own seating and remained socially distant while enjoying fabulous weather and great jazz.
Autumn POP-UP "open rehearsal" Concerts - SUCCESS posted 11/12/20
With a long hiatus with no rehearsals and no concerts due to COVID-19 Coronavirus, Java Jived reunited in fall of 2020. With socially distant outdoor rehearsals on the Luetzow's deck, the group prepared for some "pop-up" concerts we referred to as "open rehearsals."
With limited time to rehearse, and with a two members unable to join us, we selected literature with fewer "parts" and greater flexibility. "It was so great to be singing again!" remarked alto Phyllis Pasley, even though her long-time part-mate Roberta Hmiel's absence was deeply felt. Baritone Paul Hahn was unable to rejoin the group for these concerts, and was also greatly missed, especially on the closing number "BLUE MOON" where Bass Paul Buschmeyer was left to doo-wop the bass line as a solo without his traditional partner. Despite the keen sense of loss at being down two singers, the rest of the Java Jived team successfully performed at Milligan House on October 17 and at Greg Freeman Park on November 7 - to appreciative and socially distant crowds. Greg Roig ran our sound and played guitar on "Here Comes the Sun," and bass guitar on "Long and Winding Road"
Gatesworth Residents Enjoy Concert posted 6/25/19
Java Jived returned to the Gatesworth on June 12, 2019 for a concert featuring a mixture of music from the 1920's-1970's. Audience members enjoyed a special set of music celebrating WWII including several songs that had the crowd on their feet! "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree," "I'll be Seeing You," "A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square" and "In the Mood" to name just a few. Mark Cereghino performed a solo version of "Breakin' Up is Hard to Do." In a special treat, Greg Roig, or often time sound man, picked up his guitar and accompanied the group on our version of The Beatles song "Here Comes the Sun."
Java Jived in Southwest Missouri posted 6/25/19
June 1, 2019 was a busy day for Java Jivers. The day began with a concert at the first annual Branson Regional Arts Council Fundraiser and BBQ in downtown Branson, MO. Java JIved was the opening act of the arts and crafts festival in its inaugural year. "We hope to have this be an annual event!" said Jim Barber - one of the event organizers and emcee for the day.
The evening brought the group back to Villa Vista for their 4th appearance there. "We love being in such a beautiful venue, and being able to benefit the local community," said alto Phyllis Pasley. "This year we were blessed to be able to give back to the community in two ways!"
May the 4th be With You - JJ goes STAR WARS posted 6/25/19
So much fun! Java Jived returned to The Emerald Room at the Monocle on May 4, 2019 with a concert celebrating all things celestial in honor of Star Wars Day - May the 4th. We brought forth nearly every reference to the sun, moon and stars from our repertoire and even added a few new tunes. A medley of melodies from Star Wars, and Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In - to name a few.
"Java Jazz Noel" posted 1/18/19
December 15-16, 2018 Java Jived joined members of the Oikos ensemble to present concerts at Parkway United Church of Christ and First Congregational Church of Webster Groves UCC. Rev. Cliff Averie's vision to re-imagine the Christmas story through a jazz lens was realized as members of Java Jived joined Kim Fuller Barnes, Carolbeth True, Tim Osiek, Glen Smith and David True. The free concert was underwritten by local businesses. Audiences at both venues enjoyed a reception which followed the concerts.
"Festivities at Freeman Park - Wintermarkt 2019" posted 1/18/19
On December 1, 2018 Java Jived returned to the Greg Freeman Park in the Skinker-DeBalivier neighborhood to perform at the annual Wintermarkt - an outdoor crafts fair. Artists from the region as well as local junior crafters offered their wares for sale. Many took advantage of this annual opportunity to enjoy "chestnuts roasting on an open fire," although that was NOT part of the JJ repertoire shared this year. Seasonal selections included "Deck the Hall" and "Mary Did You Know."
"Birds and the Bees and the Bs" posted 8/13/18
On July 8, 2018 Java Jived returned as part of the "Jazz at Holmes" series to Washington University's Holmes Lounge. Despite the heat, JJ served up some cool jazz tunes - literally about birds! Songs included "A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square," "Lullaby of Birdland," and "Skylark." Other songs performed by Java Jived celebrated the joys of love, and many of those featured composers whose name begins with the letter "B" including Burt Bacharach, JS Bach, Irving Berlin, Lionel Bart, the Beatles and more. "I enjoy singing in this space," said Paul Hahn, baritone. "The acoustic is bright and it is great to have an intimate audience setting like this."
For this performance, the group was assisted by Tom Pasley on percussion and Greg Roig running our sound equipment.
"All JIVED UP" JJ at the Midden House posted 6/13/18
June 10, 2018 found us returning to the historic home of Paul and Patty Midden in St. Louis' Compton Heights neighborhood. Java Jived first sang in this setting for an event to benefit the St. Louis Symphony - in their "Parties of Note" series in 2015. The 2018 private ticketed event was held to benefit the Bach Society of St. Louis. The names of composers surround the music room as well as a model train. "It's like the planned the room just for our repertoire!" joked alto Phyllis Pasley. "We started the concert with the music of Bach - and there's his name on the wall... We ended the concert with Duke Ellington's "Take the A Train" and there is the train!" With a generous and wonderful audience, a marvelous acoustic and fabulous food - it was a win-win situation for audience, performers, and the Bach Society of St. Louis.
Valentine Sweethearts at the Gatesworth - posted 2/18/18
Java Jived spent Valentines Day with the sweethearts in our audience at The Gatesworth on Wednesday February 14, 2018. The songs centered around the theme of "getting away from It all" with a snowbird's desire for warmer climes and traveling with a special someone. We were able to perform some of the tunes we had planned to perform at the monocle - including "Here, There and Everywhere" and "Let's Get Away from it All." Songs inspired by thoughts of romance included the women performing "Mr. Sandman" and the men singing "Put Your Head on My Shoulder." The show also featured Mark Cereghino performing "Somewhere" from West Side Story and Betsy Roig performing the classic "My Funny Valentine."
Let's Get Away from it all - posted 1/21/18
Java Jived returned to the Emerald Room at the Monocle in the Grove neighborhood on Friday January 19, 2018. With a program inspired by the idea of travel and spiced with vaudeville-style jokes - the ensemble played to a full house. Soprano Betsy Roig, Alto Phyllis Pasley and Percussionist Tom Pasley were so sorry to have missed this performance due to fighting seasonal illnesses. The rest of the group stepped up to face the challenge of performing without several members of the group. The good news was that it gave Java Jived a chance to feature some of the less-frequently performed repertoire which featured the men's voices - with Roberta Hmiel helping out on a piece or two. Director Mark Scharff said, "The Monocle loved having us, and the patrons loved it too. We'll be back!"
