Jammin’ Java
There’s something to be said about a strip-mall coffee shop that can manage to book a former Beatle for an acoustic set.
Granted, the aforementioned “Beatle” was Pete Best. Either way, Vienna’s Jammin’ Java has certainly found its niche in the Metro area rock scene. In the morning, the venue is a light-hearted suburban coffee shop and café, serving up with fresh, inexpensive sandwiches and salads accompanied by daily family-friendly live performances. In the afternoon, scores of pseudo-bohemian teenagers descend upon the space to sip lattes and soak in its hip, “too cool for high school” vibe. When evening comes, the lights are turned low and the dining area transforms into one of the most intimate concert spaces in the area.
Jammin’ Java is owned and operated by local musicians Daniel and Jonathan Brindley, which explains the scrutiny with which featured performers are selected. Since the Brindley family took over the space in 2001 (before then it was actually a Christian coffeehouse), the small venue has attracted a surprising collection of big names from indie and popular rock, including Rage Against the Machine / Audioslave guitarist Tom Morello, Erin Mckeown, Citizen Cope and Teddy Geiger.
As a heads up - due to limited space and the venue’s strict first-come-first-serve policy, it’s usually a good idea to arrive about an hour before the scheduled show time.
