Java Joe's is a neighborhood hangout on Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach, just a short block away from the Pacific Ocean. In its metamorphosis to its present incarnation as a coffee house and venue for local talent, it has served in the past as a bank, and at one time, some say a hamburger joint. Maybe this accounts for the eclectic, albeit funky decor - high wooden-beamed ceiling with propeller like fan, faux archways against the far wall above the small stage, in which a black mannequin stands watch, sometimes in a sequined top hat, dim overhead lighting covered by various organic lampshades made of coconut shells and palm fronds. The wall decorations are equally zany. In one corner there are murals of bookshelves complete with painted volumes. A small expresso bar with pastel-chalk menu fits nicely in another niche. Further back is a blue-screened monitor for connecting to the Internet. The sound system is adequate, but changes frequently depending on the performers and their collection of amps and speakers. The stage lighting is horrendous, and an array of votive candles often are used as footlights, or to supplement the meager wattage. Yet I wouldn't change anything, for here perform some of the most outstanding talent in the San Diego music scene.

Jewel often appeared here, and still sometimes drops by for a surprise set whenever the Rugburns play and her own schedule permits. Other artists with albums available who perform regularly include Cindy Lee Berryhill, Gregory Page, Lisa Sanders, Steve Poltz of the Rugburns, Randi Driscoll, Elizabeth Hummel, and an array of new names and faces who show up for the weekly open mike night, in which everybody with the guts to play at Java Joe's gets to do two songs, or ten minutes in the very dim spotlight. With such talent, audiences that are devoted to listening to their favorite musicians, and good vibrations from past shows, along with very affordable or free ticket prices, this spot has become my favorite haunt and watering hole for the local music scene. It was here that I heard Kelly Hoyer perform twice during July of 1997.

Kelly could play in a darkened cellar during a power outage and light the place up with her talent, and musical radiance. She is that good. I don't know for how long she has been singing, but for her barely 18-years she has the grace and maturity of a seasoned trooper, and the confidence of someone who loves her craft, and conveys that joy so well to the audience. She reminds me a little bit like Sara Hickman, in her comfortable style and chatter, or Leah Andreone in her bell-like, belting mode, or even Jill Sobule when she makes you a confidant and lets you in on her secrets. But for all those similarities, Kelly is unique and her own woman.

Accompanied by Jim Roach on drums or guitar, Rob Harvey on bass , and occasionally by Sarah Price on violin, and playing guitar herself, Kelly opened with "I Dream" wearing a simple black blouse with lace U-neck, jeans, and medium length blond hair, barefoot, and very pretty. Her music is enchanting, personal, mature, and riveting. From the song "Death Sand" and its allegorical lyrics of "Life slipping through your fingers till there's nothing", whose classical overlay reminded me of something from an October Project album, to the imagery of "The O.B. Song", an ode to fraternity boys, sunburned coeds, the crazies on the street corner, the homeless, and local characters and legends, to another narrative verse, "San Francisco" I was spellbound by her music, along with everyone else in the audience. Her lyrics are drawn from her own life experience. "Alison's Song" was written for her best friend who moved away when she was fifteen. "Easily Amused" was inspired by the fun of doing nothing one Halloween while hanging out with some friends. "The Love Song (that no one ever wrote for me)" was written and sung at her cousin's wedding. "Front Porch" was about her view of the neighborhood and family security. "Worthy" dealt with imagining what it would be like to be sought after by someone who might have foolishly ignored her in the past. "I Dream", perhaps my own favorite, is about her future hopes and aspirations. The feelings and message in all of them ring true, something that our poets and songwriters do so well and capture and distill for us like precious nectar. This is someone who is a keen observer of life, as well as an active participant. To this mix, she added covers of Ani Difranco's "The Whole Night", Jewel's "Who Will Save Your Soul", and Patti Rothberg's "Inside" -- some of her favorite artists and heroes. When someone in the audience shouted that she sang better that Jewel, Kelly modestly tossed it aside, but I think that just might be a fair statement of fact.

Please keep an eye out for this lady, and try to catch her music while she is still on the local scene. And to Kelly: please never stop dreaming. Let your music take you to wherever it may lead. My own prediction is that it will take you as far as you'd like to go with it. Sweet dreams!