Juneberry Jams celebrates farm, food, music

Juneberry Jams, a celebration of music, food and farm, is scheduled to return over three weeks in June at Juneberry Ridge in Norwood.

Experience the rhythm of the ridge and the bounty of summer at the fourth annual festival, which kicks off June 1 for another season of homegrown live performances, guest speakers and regeneratively-farmed food.

Regenerative farming shares center stage with the music and food and includes fireside chats with industry leaders such as Jack Algiere of Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, author and educator Daniel Firth Griffith and Roger Dick of Uwharrie Bank.

These experts will lead discussions about how farming is the future and the role the community plays in shaping a healthy food system for all.

“Regenerative agriculture is quickly becoming a buzz word across major industries,” says Ashton Thompson, chief operating officer of Juneberry Ridge. “There’s no better place to learn about soil health, local food and holistic farm management than our local farms forging a path for healthier agriculture.”

Juneberry Ridge is a 750-acre regenerative farm and nature retreat about an hour east of Charlotte. Founded more than 10 years ago, it has grown into an agritourism destination with event space, private cabins, farming, culinary experiences and a 43,000-square-foot greenhouse.

The Juneberry Jams festival — taking place over three Saturdays in June — is a family-friendly jubilee of nature, music and discussions.

Gates open each day at 4:15 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or chairs (no tents) to claim a spot on the grassy field near the stage.

The daily event lineup includes:

• June 1

* 5:15 p.m.: Jack Algiere, who will talk about how he and Stone Barns Center built a regenerative farming operation that’s also training the next generation of farmers.

Jack Algiere

* 6:30 p.m.: Ellie Morgan, with an acoustic soulful pop sound, drawing on influences from Taylor Swift to Colbie Caillat.

Ellie Morgan

* 7:30 p.m.: Folk trio Ashes & Arrows from Asheville.

Ashes and Arrows

• June 8

* 5:15 p.m.: Roger Dick will lead a discussion about how farming is the future and how important a role the community plays in shaping a healthy food system for all.

Roger Dick

* 6:30 p.m.: Chelsea Locklear combines jazzy acoustic guitar with splashes of rap, hip-hop and singer-songwriter vibes.

* 7:30 p.m.: Beatles 4 Sale, a Nashville-based tribute band.

• June 22

* 5:15 p.m.: Daniel Firth Griffith will share the meaning of rewilding and relational conservationism and what “being human” means to him.

Daniel Griffith

* 6:30 p.m.: “The Voice” alum Jake HaldenVang brings a blend of rock, soul and blues.

* 7:30 p.m.: Red NOT Chili Peppers.

The festival also features fare for purchase including regeneratively-raised smoked chicken and ancient grains, regeneratively-raised lamb platter, regeneratively-raised pork muffuletta sandwich and aquaponically-grown garden salad and vegetables.

“You’ve never had festival food like this,” Thompson says. “Our chef-prepared concessions are made with regeneratively-farmed ingredients sourced just steps away from where you sit.”

The festival also includes a community village, showcasing local businesses and nonprofits, offering information about Stanly County and hand-crafted merchandise for sale.

Tickets to attend Juneberry Jams start at $25 per person or $50 for a three-day pass. Children under 12 are admitted free.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, the community village and to buy tickets in advance (prices increase day-of), visit juneberry.com/jams .

The festival is rain or shine. No pets or outside food and drink are permitted. Reusable water bottles are allowed and encouraged. Refill stations will be provided.

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