The Jam in Jubilee Summer Concert Series returns to Abbotsford for its 10th anniversary year, starting on July 10.
The series takes place at Jubilee Park, located in downtown Abbotsford in the area of South Fraser Way and McCallum Road.
Jam in Jubilee director Sophia Suderman said attendance at the series has grown by more than 450 per cent in the last five years since the Abbotsford Downtown Business Association passed on ownership of the festival to a youth-oriented group called the Jam in Jubilee Committee.
The committee attributes the festival’s growth to a new focus on procuring the Fraser Valley’s most exciting indie music talent for its main stage.
Suderman said the festival has grown popular among 15- to 30-year-olds while still maintaining a family-friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Jam in Jubilee is run entirely by volunteers, and the past four series were fuelled by an estimated 25,000 volunteer hours.
Suderman said the majority of those volunteer hours was donated by the same demographic that has been flocking to the festival in recent years.
‘I think Jam in Jubilee represents a 'cause' to a lot of young people in Abbotsford who are hungry for a stronger arts community," she said.
This year's concert series runs every Thursday at 7 p.m. from July 10 to Aug. 14. Confirmed acts include Young Liars, Jay Arner, Derrival, and Open Letters.
An added feature is the "After Dark Series" in which the Townhall Public House and UFV's CiVL Radio host shows on Thursday nights after the other bands have played in Jubilee Park.
"It’s great to finally see youth culture in Abbotsford coming up from the underground and being truly supported," Suderman said.
There are still opportunities for volunteers to get involved with Jam in Jubilee this summer. For more information, visit jaminjubilee.com.
July 10- Rachel & Ted; Jay Arner; Kin; Rare Vos (for the ‘After Dark Series’)
July 17- Rock Salt; Derrival; Queen Bee and the Buzzkills; Warm Amps (for the ‘After Dark Series’)
July 24- Groovedaddy; John Welsh; Vicious Cycles; Minnesota Nice (for the ‘After Dark Series’)
July 31- Quinn & Tonic; Tommy Alto; Open Letters; The Tourist Company (for the ‘After Dark Series’)
August 7- The New Atlas; Ballantyne; Film Festival (short local films); This is the SHOES (for the ‘After Dark Series’)
August 14- Kat & Tony; Doja; Young Liars; Harma White (for the ‘After Dark Series’)