The second annual Jam Jam, organized by and to benefit Sustainable Oxford, is set for September 15 at The Powerhouse.
“All the profits go straight into Sustainable Oxford for operation and administration costs,” said project coordinator Shannon Curtis. “This will be our fall fun fundraiser.”
Curtis has been with Sustainable Oxford since the spring and recently worked closely on launching Sustainable Practices for Our Restaurant Kitchens or S.P.O.R.K. as it more commonly known.
“The idea is to have a fun jam contest and live music,” said Curtis. “We’re also going to have kids activities and a raffle.”
This year’s raffle contest will be for the grand prize of a year-supply of Jam.
“The jam contestants are going to each donate a jar of jam for a big basket,” said Curtis.
Each contestant will submit their own jam, jelly, or similar preserve to be judged by the public.
“We’re pretty lenient on it actually being a Jam,” said Curtis. “It’s really all about having fun and raising money for Sustainable Oxford.”
Whereas last year the vessel for the contestants jams was a pancake dinner, this year attendees will be enjoying freshly baked biscuits.
“We’re currently looking for biscuit maker volunteers,” said Curtis. “The contestants will also be allowed to make their own. One of the women who were asking about the rules is making a bleu cheese biscuit, and she’s doing a jam that’s meant to pair with it.”
In addition to the food, Sustainable Oxford has arranged for Talbot Adams, Starman Jr., and Tyler Keith to perform throughout the evening of the event.
“The guys at [The End of All Music] recommended me to them,” said Adams. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Starman Jr. is a dark bedroom pop artist involved with the local tape label Muscle Beach, started by some employees of Fat Possum Records.
“Bonus recommended Starman Jr. to us and he was happy to do it,” said Curtis.
Tyler Keith is a long time member of the local Oxford music scene and has been played in bands such as Preacher Kids, The Neckbones, and Tear Drop City.
Upcoming projects for Sustainable Oxford include working with Keep Oxford and Lafayette Beautiful for September’s Liter Pledge event as well as Food Month in October where they will be educating the public on healthy and sustainable foods as well as a composting workshop on October 6.
Curtis wanted to specifically thank End of All Music, Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, and Stacy Sanford for all of their help and contributions to making the event happen.
If you cannot make it out to Sustainable Oxford’s Jam Jam but would still like to contribute, you can make a direct donation on their website sustainableoxford.wordpress.com. 
