Last weekend, in the rolling hills of New Hampshire, Jerry Jam celebrated it’s 21st anniversary in remembering the life of Jerry Garcia, and celebrating the music of the Grateful Dead. What started out as a gathering of friends and family has since turned into a full blown festival on the grounds of Klay Knoll Farm in Bath, NH. Fans of the festival drove in from near and far to attend. The great thing about the fest is that VW bus owners got in for free and had their own special camping spot up on the ridge. If you’ve never been, it should be known that the grounds are in a natural amphitheater setting. Buses up on the hill have a prime viewing and listening spot for the stage down below. The views and natural setting surrounding Jerry Jam are just as beautiful. Rolling hills surround the venue, with streams and waterfalls nearby. In the morning, a quiet fog rolls over the grass creating a picturesque wake up call as peaks of hills stick out from wispy low lying clouds.
This family friendly festival had something for everyone. A kids tent, set up with all kinds of games, toys, and activities throughout the day, made it easy to enjoy time with the family without missing a moment of the music. Family camping was also available so those with young children could enjoy a quieter area to call home during the weekend.
Food vendors of all kinds made sure to feed the masses. Everything from pizza, to banana bread smoothies, to vegan delights were available to quiet those hunger pangs. Hydration stations made it easy to stay hydrated throughout the humid weekend. Attendees were also able to bring coolers down to the stage area, where many set up camp with chairs and blankets.
The music over the four days was non-stop. Thursday’s line-up began in the afternoon with something for everyone. Sly Richard opened up the four days of music with their mix of rock, blues, Americana, and good ol’ jamming. Barnyard Pimps, kept the party going before Hayley Jane and the Primates busted out their grooves. Melvin Seals made his first appearance of the festival as he performed with Cats Under The Stars. Keller Williams and his Compadres closed the first night of the run on the main stage, followed by Entrain at the late night stage.
Friday was a full day of music, starting with bluegrass from Puddn’head. The afternoon followed with such acts as Jack Alexander, Los Huevos, DEAD Undercover, and Otis Grove with Akashic Horns. The evening was crammed with heavy hitters, starting with Max Creek, before once again having Melvin Seals take the stage, this time with JGB. As if temperatures weren’t hot enough, Seals’ organ jams were off the charts on fire, as Heidi Harris and Devin Noel, along with Zach Nugent, of Cats Under the Stars, joined the group. Wrapping up the evening’s performances on the main stage was Pink Talking Fish, who began their set with “God Bless America.” Unfortunately, midway through their show, mother nature had other ideas. A thunderstorm rolled through the area and caused a temporary interruption of the music. Once the lightning, and heavy downpours subsided, the band wasted no time picking up where they left off. The late night stage had people dancing well into the wee hours with Blind Owl Band.
Saturday started off hot and steamy, with Hurricane waking up the venue, followed by Rice, a band that threw out chill, relaxed vibes throughout their set. Hints of more rain teased the crowd throughout the day, but continued to hold off. A kids parade, led by The Van Burens, marched throughout the grounds for all to enjoy. Children of all ages strutted their stuff with hula hoops, butterfly wings, drums, and colorful dance streamers, while the Van Burens created a Mardi Gras feel with the music.
Fennario filled the midafternoon with the joyous sounds of The Grateful Dead. A special treat of Midnight North, featuring Grahame Lesh, the son of Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead, was a hit in the late afternoon. However, mother nature decided to rain on the party as buckets of torrential downpours, along with thunder and lightning, fell from the sky. The band was forced to cut their set short to let the storm pass. Doobie Decibel System was up next, just in time for the skies to clear and the sun to finally peak through the clouds. As if the Pied Piper himself were there, the crowds came out in droves, from hiding in tents, to dance the day away.
Early evening crowds gathered to catch the Dead Set Super Jam, featuring Melvin Seals. The group consisted of Tony Markellis, Joe Chapman, Zach Nugent, Russ Lawton, and Dan Sternstein. Wow, that set did not disappoint. Seals squeezed every last drop of energy from his keys, and Nugent lit up the night with electrified guitar tones that just wouldn’t quit. Even after the rains cooled down the venue, the music created a steamy vibe in the air, and had the entire crowd swaying to the beats. Goosebumps ran up and down the arms as the melodies blew everyone away.
After a much needed breather from the super set, Melvin Seals continued right on going with JGB for their evening performance. He didn’t skip a beat, as the jams grew with intensity. Saturday was simply magical, as the rain made way for staggering depths of tones, and lively beats of bliss. The second performance of Pink Talking Fish, once again, finished off the days musical enjoyment on the main stage. The crowd was packed for their performance, and from there, made their way to the late night stage for The Van Burens after hours party jam.
Sunday was filled with Americana, folk, and bluegrass. Parker Hill Road, followed by Strawberry Farm Band got things rolling with the early sets. Sly Dog, and Klay Knoll Farm Band continued the afternoon sets, which were perfection on a sunny Sunday afternoon under bright blue skies and white puffy clouds. The Peacheaters, featuring Dave Brunyak of Pink Talking Fish as special guest on guitar, recreated the crowd favorite tunes of the Allman Brothers.
The festival’s final performance was by Dead Winter Carpenters. This outstanding band featured a mix of bluegrass, folk, and Americana woven throughout their set. Ghostly tones emanated from the rosined bow and had the venue in awe of this hidden gem of a talented band. They didn’t close the festival, but in the words of the announcer who so graciously introduced each and every act throughout the weekend stated, “they are not the last band, but the first band to the countdown of Jerry Jam 2017.”
If you have not been to Jerry Jam, and you live in the New England area, definitely put it on your list of fests to check out. The venue is intimate, naturally beautiful, and forces you to be cut off from the rest of the world due to limited to no cell service. With so many sights and sounds to experience throughout the weekend, it makes for a fantastic festival with friends and family alike. For more information on Jerry Jam, please visit their official website.
Words by Sarah Bourque. Follow on Twitter.
Photography by TJ Mulhall. Special thanks to Sarah French for additional photos. A full gallery of images can be seen below.
