June Jam going strong after 46 years

Triple Rail Turn performs at last year’s June Jam

Delaware’s longest running outdoor music festival, June Jam, will return for its 46^th year at G&R Campground in Houston, Delaware. The festival is planned for June 15 with the gates opening at 10 AM. This year’s event will be in honor of Bob Hartley, founding member of June Jam and president of the organization, who passed away in late April.

“None of us expected Bob’s stage to go dark, none of us wanted this, we say farewell to our leader today, but we will not say farewell to his June Jam,” a post on the June Jam Facebook page read on April 25. “The show will go on; we know what to do. He taught us well. We will show you at the 46^th Annual June Jam in just a few short months.”

June Jam began in 1978 when three friends of Hartley’s were electrocuted in an accident, causing the death of one of them. Hartley and others held an outdoor concert to raise funds for the families. The following year, they raised funds for a family that lost everything in a fire. As the event grew, the organizations they helped also grew. Over the years the festival has provided funds to veterans, children, cancer victims and the homeless. The organization was also instrumental in opening Home of the Brave and Peachtree Acres.

“This year, we will be supporting the battle against children’s cancer and assisting veterans,” Lynn Fowler said. “Although this year will be difficult without Bob, we are determined to make this one of the best Jams ever in his memory.”

This year’s lineup includes Shoot To Thrill, an all-female AC/DC tribute band. Tommy Conwell will make an appearance along with Joey Fulkerson. Nothin’ But Trouble, a 2024 inductee to the Delaware Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are also scheduled to appear. Pistol Whipped with Tim Cano plus Stone Jack Ballers will be at this year’s June Jam along with Trailer Park Casanovas and Nite Train.

Tickets are available online or may be purchased in person at Music & Arts in Camden. Tickets are $34 each until May 31 and then rise to $37 until June 11.