They’ll be jammin’ in June in DeKalb County

FORT PAYNE – It’ll be a Dixieland delight as events will be jamming in June in DeKalb County.

Yes, we’re talking about June Jam. It’s back!

And it feels so right.

The Jam, one of the biggest country music events from the 1980s and ’90s, returns to its home in Fort Payne on June 3. The festival features an incredible lineup of musicians while benefiting those in need and disaster relief in and around the state of Alabama.

Supporting acts include Randy Travis, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Frontmen, Exile, Mark Wills, Neal McCoy, Dailey & Vincent, Home Free, The Malpass Brothers and Dee Jay Silver.

Alabama, featuring founding members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, will headline the concert. The concert is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at the DeKalb County VFW Fair Grounds. Ticket prices are $49.50, $79.75, $150 and $250 (plus applicable fees) and may be purchased from ticketmaster.com.

A brunch at Cook Castle for the Jeff & Lisa Cook Foundation leads off fan appreciation June 2. There will be a public Celebration of Life for the late singer at noon June 3 at the VFW Fairgrounds. Each event is ticketed separately. Ticket information is available through the Alabama fan club.

The concert highlights a chorus of events next month ranging from a free family festival featuring a version of HeeHaw and a fiddler’s convention to a concert under the stars.

• June 1: Teddy Gentry’s “Singing with the Stars” will be at the Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium. The event features a singing competition for local artists and a concert by Wildwood with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Advocacy Center of DeKalb County. Doors open at 4 p.m. with the show beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Call 256-997-9700 for more information and to buy tickets in advance. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.com/events/teddy-gentrys-sing-with-the-stars-talent-contest/.
• June 2: The Fans Songwriter Showcase Spectacular will feature songwriters Jamey Johnson, Gary Baker, Ronnie Rogers and Chris Tompkins. Tickets are $50 and available exclusively through the Alabama Fan Club. Boys in the Band, an Alabama tribute band, will perform following the Songwriter Concert. The concert is reserved for Songwriter Concert ticket holders only. The show starts at 7 p.m. and is in the Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium, 200 Gault Avenue South.
• June 3: The 133-year-old Fort Payne Opera House hosts the DeKalb County Fiddlers’ Convention. The competition features 12 categories and more than $5,600 in prizes and awards. It is a showcase for bluegrass players of all skill levels to show off their talents. Admission is $10 per person ages 11 and older. Built during the city’s industrial boom and opened in 1890, Fort Payne’s Opera House is the only one in the state of Alabama still in use. It has been used as a theatre, movie house, and public forum. For more information on the event, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.com/events/111th-dekalb-county-fiddlers-convention/.
• June 10: The annual Bluegrass on the Rim, an evening of authentic mountain music under the twinkling stars, returns to the Little River Canyon Center. Featured acts include Foggy Hollow, Valley Road and Three on a String. The event is held outdoors and festival goers are encouraged to bring a chair and/or blanket. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7 p.m. Admission charged. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.com/events/blue-grass-on-the-rim/.
• June 10: Northeast Alabama Community College hosts the Latino Festival on campus from noon to 4 p.m.; admission and all activities are free. Entertainment includes a Mariachi group, DJ and authentic dancers. Kids and adults can enjoy a climbing rock wall, trackless train, inflatables, giant Jenga, Mexican bingo, puppet show, photo booth, pony rides, and much more. Free ice cream and soft drinks will be served and there will be food vendors of authentic Mexican food. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.com/events/summer-latino-festival/.
• June 10: Hammondville’s Hamfest features a car show, arts and crafts, a variety of food vendors, barbeque contest, a children’s area and other free family fun. Activities will be in Hammondville Park on U.S. 11, beginning at 10 a.m.
• June 17: The Fort Payne Railroad is pulling into the Depot for a new show at the historic Fort Payne Opera House. The “Boom Town Opry” will hit the Opera House stage for the first of four performances this summer. Think of it as Fort Payne’s version of “HeeHaw,” with a featured cast of players performing skits alongside musical guests and friends. Each performance will take place during the Third Saturday Cruise-in (June 17, July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16). Admission is a suggested donation of $10. All proceeds benefit the restoration of the historic 1889 Opera House. For more information, visit https://visitlookoutmountain.com/events/boom-town-opry-2/.

For information on the above events or on additional things to do in northeastern Alabama, visit www.VisitLookoutMountain.com or call DeKalb Tourism at 888-805-4740.