What turns a nice summer night into a fantastic summer night?  RIVER JAM FREDERICTON does!!

This annual event is one that both musicians and music lovers anticipate. River Jam Fredericton features 20 local bands on 4 stages under 1 roof! The musicians are from along the Saint John River valley and play all styles of music including jazz, blues, country, funk, R&B, rock, folk and more. It’s an opportunity to take in tons of talent and to connect with the wonderful community of music goers in a unique setting.

The volunteer organizers put their hearts & souls into making this memorable celebration of local talent something the city will buzz about until next year.  All bands play without receiving financial compensation to allow for all proceeds from the event to be used to fund musically-focused community groups/ projects.

This 17^th annual edition includes returning favourites Downtown Blues Band, Mad Mary, The Walking Contradictions, Mark Roberts & The Shore Road Drifters, The Cathy Hutch Band, Different Folk, Flanagan Sextet, Maggie’s Farm, Free to Grow, The UnHeard, Common Thread, Crosscut and new contributors this year Jon Fidler, Dulcinaya, Frantically Atlantic, Contagious Band, Davis/Bartlett/Cunningham Trio, Van Lantz, Crossroad Devils, Resurgence. Visit the Facebook page for short bios on each of the bands.

Each year during River Jam Fredericton a special award is presented in honour of Diane London, beloved diva of the Downtown Blues Band, whose final performance was at River Jam 2004 before losing her battle to cancer. The award is presented to a local musician, artist, or arts related woman with a creative spirit and talent, who gives of themselves to the community and who exemplify the spirit and character of Diane. I was very honoured to receive this award last year (2016) as it is a great tribute to the spirit of an amazing woman who certainly lives on in the community she was such a huge part of.

New to this year’s schedule in celebration of Canada 150 they’ve added two new events:

Just Gotta Sing! Moon Joyce, along with Alex Good, invites everyone to gather near the main ballroom to learn to sing the uber-Canadian folksong “The Log Driver’s Waltz” (Wade Hemsworth). Once the song has been learned the group will move to the outdoor stage to share it with an appreciative audience while recruiting them to sing as well. Lend your voice to bring this song to life and help celebrate Canada 150! (songsheets will be provided)

Pontoon Boat Cruises! Free to River Jam patrons, the pontoon boat will be departing from the Delta dock on the hour starting at 6PM.

Hopefully you can glean from this brief overview that River Jam Fredericton is an event with a truly big heart! Our great community will gather together to celebrate our local musicians in all their diversity in a very special way and we want you to join us!

Tickets are $22 in advance or $25 at the door. You can pick yours up online at www.Eventbrite.ca or in person at Tony’s Music Box or the Delta Hotel.