Today, Summer Jam 50 festival–a new gathering set to celebrate 50 years of music since one of America’s most iconic musical gatherings, the Watkins Glen Summer Jam–will take place in Lafayette, N.Y., on July 28 and 29. The original festival featured the music of The Allman Brothers Band, the Grateful Dead and The Band, and the upcoming event will host an array of artists inspired and influenced by the group’s sound.
The brand-new and serene 500-acre natural setting of Wonderland Forest is located just 15 minutes south of Syracuse and will serve as the perfect backdrop for its first-ever festival. The event will feature music from Dark Star Orchestra, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, and The Weight Band. Each band will perform both nights, ensuring that Summer Jam 50 fully honors the historic spirit of the original weekend. On Friday, the music offering will highlight the “Soundcheck,” which was the magical tuning of the sound system that led to the legendary jams five decades ago. Saturday will host another full day of music, culminating with a full two-set recreation from Dark Star Orchestra of the Grateful Dead’s original show from the Watkins Glen Race Track on July 28, 1973.
Dan Mastronardi, the owner of Wonderland Forest, shared his elation in hosting Summer Jam 50 as the venue’s inaugural event, saying, “We are honored to be hosting our first event at Wonderland Forest by recreating this iconic music festival. Wonderland Forest promises to be an amazing new venue experience for music lovers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.”
A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit The Allman Brothers Band Museum in Macon, Ga. (known as “The Big House”). The not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Big House Foundation’s primary mission is to preserve and promote the rich musical heritage and inclusive, diverse culture of The Allman Brothers Band through music education programs and exhibits.
Summer Jam 50 at Wonderland Forest tickets will go on sale on Thursday, May 11, at 12 p.m. ET. Learn more and find tickets to Summer Jam 50 here.