Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05

Inaugural Asheville Music Jamboree Brings Music to Western N.C. June 1 to 3

Festival to Feature More Than 25 Bands

Story by David Brewer

If you can’t make it to one of those overpriced and overpopulated monster festivals held in sweltering Tennessee or Kansas but still want to get down festival style, then look no further than the Asheville Music Jamboree. Fans will be treated to two stages full of musical talent spanning numerous genres in a great venue just down the road.

Called AMJam for short, the event will be held from Friday, June 1, to Sunday, June 3, at Deerfields, a 940-acre family-owned tract of unspoiled wilderness offering camping, swimming and hiking located in Mills River, 20 minutes south of Asheville. The venue has previously hosted Smilefest, the Mountain Oasis Festival and several smaller festivals.

Headlining the festival will be the hip-hop-meets-dancehall-jamband music of Michael Franti & Spearhead, Keller Williams & The WMDs featuring Jeff Sipe, Gibb Droll and Keith Moseley, Acoustic Syndicate, The Avett Brothers, Toubab Krewe and Donna The Buffalo.

Supplementing the stellar headlining acts will be 22 top regional acts, many of whom perform regularly in the High Country. Representing local acts will be Hope Massive, the Lost Ridge Band and Possum Jenkins.

For festivalgoers with small children in tow AMJam will have a kid’s universe, featuring arts and crafts, face painting, balloon animals, live music, a Sunday children’s parade and more.

Tickets can be purchased at www.amjam.net for $110, but will rise to the gate price of $125 on May 15. Kids 12 and under may enter free with a paid adult. Kids ages 13 to 15 may enter for half price at the gate.

A limited number of vehicle and RV camping spots are available in advance for $35 and $75 respectively.

For more info, including a complete artists’ lineup, click to www.amjam.net.

Want To Go?

Date: Friday, June 1, to Sunday, June 3
Location: Deerfields, Mills River, N.C.
Cost: $110 (price will rise to $125 on May 15)