LH JAMS Music and Arts Festival coming to Clinton County in early August
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LOCK HAVEN -- We're only weeks away from downtown Lock Haven coming alive with music, arts and much more during the 9th Annual LH JAMS Music and Arts Festival on Aug. 8-10
The event is held each year by the Clinton County Arts Council and has seen growth and change during that time, offering a wide range of music tastes along with arts and craft vendors, food, drink and more over a three day period.
"Our 3-day format will include the Thursday evening fundraising concert, Rockin' the Haven -- Unforgettable Fire and Uptown Music Collective at the Price Performance Center, Commonwealth University/Lock Haven campus," Steve Getz, CCAC board member and LH JAMS coordinator said. "This event helps to offset some of the cost of the festival while raising funds for the Jeff Gummo/CCAC Scholarship for the Arts."
"Even though the majority of the festival is free to the public, we ask you to attend this worthwhile event on Aug. 8 to help with the sustainability of our programing," he concluded.
The festival will continue into Friday night concerts at the intersection at Grove and Main Street, followed by the annual all-day music and arts festival on Saturday.
According to Getz, the Clinton County Arts Council/LH JAMS goal has always been to expand how visitors view a wide range of musical genres and art, to never be predictable and always push visitors into appreciating a unique cultural experience.
"We strive to bring a diverse crowd of ethnicity, music and art backgrounds together in a family friendly environment that exposes visitors to a cultural smorgasbord right on Main Street," he said.
2024 is expected to not disappoint with art and craft vendors demonstrating their skills.
"This year we also have street artists creating giant chalk drawings along with performing stilt walkers and jugglers during the afternoon and evenings," Getz said.
Delicious food and drinks will be available through cafe seating at local restaurants along with several food trucks that will offer unique selections.
New this year -- vendors will have a choice to set up both Friday evening and all day Saturday.
Straub Brewery and Oregon Hill Winery are just two of the vendors that will be there both days, according to Getz.
A total of 10 bands are playing during the festival. They come from as far away as New York and Pittsburgh and as close as State College and Lock Haven. Musical genres include jazz, pop, rock, blues and Southern Gothic.
The festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 10, and includes:
Street Performers
Dani Long Leggs and Mister Leggs are new to the festival in 2024. They bring another element of uniqueness that LH JAMS is known for. A touch of "Burning Man East" and "Carnival" you'll see 15 foot tall giants juggling LED batons in bright colored costumes right on Main Street. A family friendly environment geared towards the young and young at heart, Dani and Andrew will interact with the crowds. They may even bring extra hula hoops and other fun props for all to enjoy.
Art & Craft Vendors
LH JAMS juried artisans and crafters are the mainstay of the Saturday Main Street festival. You can purchase one of a kind paintings, photographs, drawings, local honey, handmade soaps, organic salves and scents, tie dyed apparel, premium cigars and much more. A favorite part of the Saturday Street festival is demonstrating artists and crafters. You will be able to watch several artisans demonstrate their trade and ask questions. This is another educational layer to the festival that the CCAC has created to inform the public about the skill and dedication of our regional artisans.
Street Artists
Holly Foy and her creative group will again decorate Grove Street. You may see giant dragons, colorful butterflies, beautiful flowers or a variety of other concepts they come up with. Bring the kids over and discuss the process and maybe you can even be part of the art.
Plein Air Painters
One of the most popular parts of the festival is the CCAC's group of Plein Air painters that create artwork right in front of you. This year, there will be nine artists from all across Central PA. Many are award winning painters so this is your chance to purchase a masterpiece right off the easel! "We consider our plein air artists to be ambassadors of the festival that are happy to interact with the public and answer any questions you may have concerning their artwork," Getz said.
Food Vendors
One of the most popular highlights of LH JAMS is the availability of local food and drinks. Adult beverages are allowed to be purchased and consumed within the festival perimeter. To keep the festival a safe family friendly environment, no outside drinks can be brought into the festival perimeter. Security will be present to enforce any infraction. Bags and purses may be searched. Please keep this in mind as you plan your stay. Most downtown restaurants will provide cafe seating during the festival. Typically local restaurants offer specials during LH JAMS. It is also recommended that you make reservations to assure a table when you wish to dine. Straub Brewery and Oregon Hill will also be set up with their beer and wine garden on Friday evening and all day Saturday. Three food trucks will be offering a wide variety of cuisine, including egg rolls, tacos, burritos, BBQ sandwiches and other tasty selections.