ABINGDON’S THURSDAY JAMS BEGIN THIS WEEK; NOW ANNOUNCING THE FULL LINEUP OF OPENING ACTS

ABINGDON’S THURSDAY JAMS BEGIN THIS WEEK;

NOW ANNOUNCING THE FULL LINEUP OF OPENING ACTS

Abingdon, VA –  Now in its 6^th year, Abingdon’s Thursday Jams series is one of the region’s most popular summer events.  The shows start this Thursday May 17^th with rising country artist Sam Lewis and special opener KT Vandyke, a rising star from Southwest VA.  Thursday Jams has added some surprising new opening acts to the series, adding even more excitement to the schedule of nationally acclaimed artists.   Thursday Jams kick off each Thursday evening at 7:00pm; headliners go on at 8:00pm.

Presented by Blue Ridge Beverages and the Abingdon Music Experience, Thursday Jams continues each Thursday for 10 weeks, closing July 19; a beer garden is provided by Abingdon Main Street, and local food vendors are on hand each week. Visitors and locals alike turn out for these free, family-friendly events. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the shows.

“We have been overwhelmed with the requests from artists to play this series, and there just aren’t enough days to showcase all of the talent we’d like to,” according to Event Coordinator Sara Saavedra.  “This has created a situation where each concert date not only has a fantastic headlining band, but often has openers who are also booked at big festivals like Merle Fest and Floyd Fest. We have so many openers this year that are nationally touring acts themselves.”

Other opening acts include Trongone Band (June 14), Cicada Rhythm (July 12) and Songs from the Road (June 28) a NC bluegrass super-band, made up of members who have shared the stage with Bela Fleck, Larry Keel, Steve Martin, Bobby McFerrin and have received numerous IBMA and Grammy awards. For a full listing of musical acts and dates, visit www.abingdonmusicexperience.com.

Thursday Jams, which draws thousands of locals and visitors to downtown Abingdon each year, is sponsored in part by Eastman Credit Union, Universal Fibers, First Community Bank, Bank of Marion, Food City, and Johnston Memorial Hospital, with media and hospitality sponsorship from WNCW 88.7, The Loafer, and JJ’s Restaurant.

No outside alcohol is allowed. In case of inclement weather, updates will be posted to social media, and Wolf Hills Brewery will serve as the alternate venue, located at 350 Park Street SE in Abingdon.

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Thursday Jams 2018 Lineup

May 17, 2018

Sam Lewis

Opening act: KT Vandyke

May 24, 2018

Reverend Shawn Amos

Opening act: Mr. Nobody & The Extras

May 31, 2018

Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics

Opening act: Shake it Like a Caveman

June 7, 2018

Steel Wheels

Special Guest Sinners & Saints

June 14, 2018

Cris Jacobs

Special Guest Trongone Band

June 21, 2018

Heather Gillis Band

Opening act: Sparks & Lazers

June 28, 2018

Acoustic Syndicate

Opening act: Songs from the Road

 July 5, 2018

Super Doppler

Opening act: Okey Dokey

July 12, 2018

Eilen Jewell

Opening act: Cicada Rhythm

July 19, 2018

Sweet Crude

Opening act: TBD

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