Peter Mayer writes songs for a small planet—songs about interconnected- ness and the human journey; songs about the beauty and the mystery of the world. Whimsical, humorous, and profound, his music takes you up mountains, across oceans, into space, and back home again. A native of Minnesota with a background in Theology, Peter is not big on love songs, but prefers delving into science, nature, and things spiritual.

"His guitar work is breath-taking, his lyrics mind-spinning, his singing soul-soothing and his feet-on-the-ground optimism nothing short of healing."  —Marilyn Rea-Beyer, music director, WUMB Radio, Boston

Peter started touring full-time in 1995 and has gradually amassed a dedicated, word-of-mouth following, selling out shows from Minnesota to Texas, New England to Colorado. He has seven CDs to his credit, and has sold over 50,000 of them independently. His accolades include numerous nominations for Minnesota Music Awards, and selections as a finalist in several songwriting competitions including Telluride and the Rocky Mountain Folksfest, where he has been invited back to perform and teach songwriting at the highly regarded Rocky Mountain Songschool.

Peter’s latest CD is entitled "Midwinter" and features 12 new original songs. He is currently working on a collection of novelty songs which is due out in 2007. Peter is an artist of relevance and insight whose music is not to be missed.

Charlie Zahm is one of the most popular soloists at Celtic music festivals, Maritime, and Early American music events anywhere east of the Mississippi. With a baritone voice some have described as "coming along once in a generation,"  Since he's been old enough to sing, Charlie has been entertaining audiences with the beautiful Celtic songs and melodies he first heard in the largely Scottish province of his mother's birth, Ontario, Canada. Keenly aware of his own heritage, which includes healthy doses of Scottish and Irish blood on both sides of his family, Charlie has collected several hundred popular (as well as beautiful and obscure) selections and performs them for thousands of fans up and down the Eastern Seaboard and across America. Today, as one of the most sought-after Celtic singers on the East Coast (he is one of the few singers in the world to be invited to sing live with Scotland's “Black Watch”), Charlie performs regularly everywhere from concerts and festivals to television shows and Celtic-themed Caribbean cruises.

Charlie has become one of the most successful performers on the Celtic festival circuit, weaving magical moments of Scottish and Irish history for the listener and viewer, with passion for the performance and a chosen repertoire pleasing to all members of the family. A master of the guitar as well, Charlie brings an authentic love and respect for the music he sings---and with dashes of humor and a light in his eyes, he will draw you into the stories of his songs.

Les Sampou has been in demand as a live performer for two decades, playing clubs and concert halls and such prestigious festivals as Montreal Jazz Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival (where she won the coveted New Folk Award out of 700 contestants), Philadelphia Folk Festival, and Falcon Ridge to name a few. She has given workshops at Berklee School of Music and appeared on the top syndicated radio programs such as Acoustic Cafe, World Cafe, and NPR. Sampou has released four albums: two on her own label, MoNando Music, and two on Rounder Records, all grabbing the attention of DJs and press people nationwide who gave her unanimous praise. Her second album, "Fall from Grace", topped the Gavin Americana charts nationwide. Boston radio station WUMB awarded her "Best New Artist of the Year."

Sampou has easy command of a full-range of American music styles and it's easy to see why. Her influences range from old timey music by such artists as Elizabeth Cotton and Jimmie Rodgers, to sixties folk music from Joan Baez and Pete Seeger; R&B and Motown tunes by the likes of Percy Sledge, Sam Cooke and Wilson Pickett, and a wide variety of country blues covers by musicians including Memphis Minnie, Robert Johnson, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson and many more. Some of Sampou's more modern influences include Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, and Lowell George of Little Feat. Early on Sampou was taught by her mentor and friend Paul Rishell (W.C. Handy Award winner) a collection of classic country blues songs which she performs to this day.

The Peabody Consort is an ensemble of some of the finest music students (and alumni/professionals) from the world-renowned Peabody Conservatory of Music.  Specializing in Renaissance and Baroque music, the Consort brings some of the most magical Christmas music you will ever hear during the season.  Many of today's carols and tunes are rooted during these musical eras, and you will hear them on period instruments—but with a touch of 21st century personality. 

Musicians include:

Andrew Arceci, direction, viola da gamba, cittern

John Armato, lute

Jeffrey Grabelle, viola da gamba

Jacob Lodico, recorder, crumhorn

Emily Noel, soprano

This is a musical event not to be missed—and a very rare opportunity for Harford County concert-goers.  We are absolutely thrilled to have The Peabody Consort as our Christmas concert this year, and are confident that you will be thoroughly enchanted with the evening, and immersed in the the Christmas spirit.

Java Joan Concerts is a non-profit musical series held at the Prince of Peace Church in Edgewood, MD.  JJC was designed to creatively serve the community in music, fellowship and charitable outreach. We strive to present quality musical performances— drawing primarily on talent from established and diverse professional acts.  We combine the casual qualities of a coffee-house and the distinctive qualities of a concert series— the result is a unique environment, and a very pleasant evening.  For those who followed our very successful debut season (last year), our 2007-2008 season has taken the next step.  We are still in a little bit of shock at the season we're putting together.  Our performers this year are top-shelf, seasoned, professional musicians, who are in demand around the region and throughout the country.

Peter Mayer makes music at the pinnacle of the singer/songwriter world.  He has the whole package.  From his exquisite songwriting, to his distinctive and perfect vocal, to his dazzling guitar work— he sets a high bar for songwriters anywhere.  We are not only delighted and privileged, but also looking forward to just being in the audience while Peter is in concert at Java Joan.  Charlie Zahm is the consummate Celtic performer.  He is as prolific and busy a performer as you will ever find, and is one of the modern-day icons of the Celtic genre.  You can't travel far, east of the Mississippi, without hearing of Charlie performing at a festival, concert hall, coffee house, and the like.  We're thrilled to have Charlie, and probably some of his extensive following, come to our venue.  Les Sampou is a rare find from the New England area.  Up there, she is near legendary for her bluesy, but eclectic, voice and guitar.  Les has made a sort of fusion from diverse American music styles, and put it into original and gripping music.  Les has been storied on the World Cafe, national public radio, and other national media.  We're very excited to bring Les down to Maryland to share her infectious music with our concert series.  We are especially excited to bring The Peabody Consort to Java Joan for a Renaissance Christmas event.  These premium musicians are at the top of their game.  Specializing in ancient music, they bring a joyous, fun, and enchanting Christmas experience.  Don't miss this one— advanced tickets are recommended.  George Maxey is back by popular demand for our February concert.  George has been making music for many years, and over the last 5 years has taken on his own song writing— with great success.  His music revolves around life observations, hilarious stories, cutting insight, and a lot of just plain fun foot stomping songs.

We hope you will join us for one of our concerts-- they are quality acts (often nationally renowned), usually at a fraction of what it would cost to attend elsewhere.  We are very confident that you will agree.