This news story originally provided by The Huntington Herald-Dispatch

November 3, 2005

Beats 'N Brunch 'N Treehuggers' Ball

By DAVE LAVENDER
lavender@herald-dispatch.com

HUNTINGTON When former NYC-based DJ Jesse Clark came back to Huntington, he tried spinning records at a couple clubs but found people clamoring for "loud, obnoxious and obvious" music.

Then Clark wandered into the new Java Joint, decorated in a collage of vintage Wonder Woman, locally painted abstract art, and locally-made ornamental iron work, and found a perfect home for his funky and mellow beats.

Clarks Beats N Brunch, served up every other Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., is just one of the cool musical entrees being served up at Java Joint, the eclectic restaurant, coffeehouse and bar that opened up Sept. 5, in the space at 1555 3rd Ave., that was formerly occupied by Calamity Cafe.

Like Calamitys open door to art and music and people of all stripes, Java Joint is slowly grinding out its own house blend of music that includes the Tuesday night Harmonica Club jam at 7, the Beats N Brunch, and an open stage for everything from Friday night jazz jams to hosting singer-songwriters and bands traveling through the region.

Clark, a Huntington native who spent seven years DJing in New York City, before moving back to Huntington about eight months ago, said the Joint with its art-splashed walls and comfy old couches and chairs is a nice space to spin the trip hop, old-school hip hop, deep house, classic funk, jazz and classic R&B on his turntables parked near the front window.

"I am just impressed with the environment and it is kind of neat to have a clean slate that is very positive," Clark said. "I think it offers a great empty canvas to create to something good."

At each Beats N Brunch, Clark has been putting out disposable cameras around the coffeehouse for folks to click at their leisure. He gets the photos developed and they are inserted into a Beats N Brunch photo album he brings to each session.

"It creates a little community," Clark said. "Its something to do. Take pictures of your friends. We develop them and put them in the album, then you can see pictures of who was here last time."

Jason Arthur, who owns Java Joint with Amber Clifford, said the music scene is naturally taking shape and they hope to grow it.

Theyve made about 12 more feet of space in the main room to make the space more band friendly, and moved the electrical outlets to the far wall so bands no longer have to be backed up against the outside door.

Still looking for a good host to resurrect the Wednesday night open mic night, Arthur said theyre stoked about getting to carry on a rowdy Calamity tradition of hosting the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalitions 16th Annual Treehuggers Ball at 8 p.m. Friday.

Filled with foot-stomping Earth-friendly music from Brett Senters and Co., Tonya Adkins, and the perennial headliners Big Rock & The Candy Ass Mountain Boys, The Treehuggers Ball is a rollicking party fueled by kindred spirits together for a common cause.

Donations for Treehuggers Ball are $5 at the door and go toward OVECs Stop Mountaintop Removal Campaign.

Bring some extra coin because the Ball also includes a silent auction with an assortment of items from gift certificates and items from local stores such as Happy Camper, Avalon, Empire Books and Hillbilly Hotdogs, to a harp donated by Mary Ramsay, a Connecticut minister and OVEC member.

Vivian Stockman, OVEC project coordinator, said they are grateful for the chance to carry on the Ball at the same location.

"To be at the same location for 16 years is real amazing," Stochman said. "To think a small, little local environmental group has been around that long is something, and in spite of our small size, we've had some major victories too."

Stockman said its a great time for the public to come and check out what OVEC is all about and to have a good time doing it.

"I think it is good chance for like-minded people to get together and blow off some steam," Stockman said. "It is always fun and lot of people appreciate that they can have fun and support a cause dear to their hearts, which is ending mountain top removal."