What started as a small coffee shop in 2007 has grown into a cornerstone of Westerville’s arts and culture scene. Java Central, located in Uptown Westerville, has become a go-to destination for both coffee and music lovers.
The transformation began in 2009 when Ralph and Jane Denick became co-owners and partners. Envisioning it as a “music and arts” café, they expanded the space to include an art gallery and a dedicated music venue. This marked the beginning of Java Central’s contribution to the local music scene.
Java’s atmosphere is cozy, with plenty of seating in the back near the stage and additional seating in the front and around the outside. The stage is well-positioned in the corner of the back room, allowing patrons to view it from anywhere in the venue, even if seated on the other side of the room. The walls surrounding the stage are adorned with art, much of which is often up for sale. The seating includes a mix of larger plush chairs and wooden ones, creating a homey feel.
Java Central offers multiple live music events throughout the week. Every Friday night, Java Central hosts an open mic night, providing a platform for local musicians to showcase their talents. Sign-ups are done via an email form sent out by Ralph Denick every Friday at 11:30 a.m. To receive the sign-up email, musicians must register through the Java website under “musician inquiries” or speak directly with Ralph. These 15-minute slots run from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and fill up quickly.
On Saturday nights, invited artists take the stage, offering more of a concert experience. These performers are typically booked by Ralph and are paid for their performances, earning around $100-$200 per gig. Heidi, the events coordinator at Java, says that “Ralph deals with everything music.” To perform on a Saturday night, musicians typically need an invitation from Ralph, which can be extended through submitting a form or contacting him via social media. The music on Saturdays can range from classic rock to blues.
Jeff Chesser of Alum Creek Band singing with Kris Chesser and Neil Aring playing guitar
While Friday and Saturday are the regular music nights, Java Central occasionally hosts performances on Tuesdays by the Morgan After Jam Band. Although the band plays there, they are not associated with Java.
The live music at Java Central attracts a diverse crowd. Some patrons are dedicated regulars who appreciate the atmosphere, while others come specifically to enjoy the music and socialize. One patron, who often visits Java after work to study, says he “likes the atmosphere and likes the people who work there.”
For anyone wanting to listen to the music from home or catch up on a missed performance, Java also has a live stream on its Facebook page. Performances are archived for everyone to enjoy.
