Jam @ the Dam – July 15 – Tickets on Sale Now!

Many of us are fond of live music. The chills that go down our spine when we hear that one lyric live, that is meaningful to us, or when our favorite artist takes the stage is so exciting. There is nothing like that feeling! With that in mind, local businessman, George Zwally, owner of Z-Topia Entertainment has organized the state’s newest family-friendly extravaganza, Jam at the Dam. This event is taking place on Saturday, July 15 from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. at 1545 Monroe Tpke. at the site of the Old Stevenson Dam/lumber yard in Monroe.

The Dynamic Duo- Thompson Square

Zwally has always enjoyed giving back to the local community and thought that this massive piece of property would be the perfect spot for an event that offers fun for the entire family. “I want this to be one of the most fun and approachable festivals in the state. I wanted to create an event that offers audiences the chance to see world-class acts in a relaxed setting, and one that won’t break the bank,” said Zwally. “I want to offer folks a wide-ranging potpourri of music, food, and rides that will be uplifting. I think it is so special to be able to gather together in one place to celebrate music, our town, and our heritage with friends, new and old,” added Zwally.

Hitmaker- John Waite

In addition to performances by local bands, the star-studded entertainment line-up won’t disappoint. The Jam will kick off at 6 p.m. with a performance by John Waite who will be performing his catalogue of hits from his 40-year career as a solo artist. Get ready to get up and dance to some of the most loved songs from the 1980s and 1990s like #1 Worldwide hit ‘Missing You’, The Baby’s, ‘Isn’t It Time,’ “Bad English,” and ‘When I See You Smile.’ Waite’s impressive performance includes everything from power ballads to new-wave-styled pop that will have you rocking.

John Waite performs so many hits!

At 8 p.m., the headliner, Thompson Square, takes the stage. This famous Nashville, Grammy Nominated dynamic duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson has won multiple awards and appeared on many primetime TV specials. They’ve been praised as “remarkable” by Taste of Country, “deeply personal and emotional” by Sounds Like Nashville, and “vivacious” by Rolling Stone. One thing that has resonated with audiences around the world is the connection that this husband and wife team has with each other. Their music radiates with an intensity that draws audiences in. Gorgeous vocals, and heartfelt lyrics that give the music a timeless quality and country feel are highlights of their performance which includes their hits like “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” “If I Didn’t Have You,” and “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About.” Thompson Square’s openness with their audience makes them one of the most intimate acts today, and one that is hard to forget.

Come Join the Fun @ Jam at the Dam

In addition to the exciting music line-up, there will be a beer and wine garden for those that work up a thirst as well as a variety of food trucks that are sure to please almost any palate. Remember to bring your lawn chair and sit back and relax @ Jam at the Dam.

Tickets are going fast for this sell-out event and are now available online at https://www.jamatthedam.com and at the gate the day of the event. Tickets cost $45 and include full access to the concerts. Children 13 and under are free with one paying adult. Food trucks and the beer and wine garden are at an additional cost. Free parking is available at 421 Old Zoar Road in Monroe.

If you’re looking for great food, tasty brews, world-class music, and outdoor fun for the whole family, head to “Jam at the Dam” on Saturday, July 15th.

Rooted in Tradition: Giving Thanks To the Strawberry @ Institute for American Indian Studies

Traditionally, Native American communities tracked time by observing the change of seasons and following the lunar full moon cycle. Native American named each full moon cycle after activities or events that they associated with that time of year. Colonial Americans adopted some of the Native American full moon names and applied them to their own calendars. These descriptive names are still in use today.

The Algonquian’s of Connecticut named June’s full moon the “Strawberry Moon” because this is the time of year when the wild red strawberries began to ripen. To celebrate this treasured fruit, the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut is hosting a family-friendly series of activities honoring the gifts and the significance this fruit has to many Native American communities. This fun-filled cultural event is being held on Saturday, June 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Most of us would agree that it is difficult to resist a perfectly ripe strawberry, which is one of the most popular fruits in the world! At this event, guests will learn how strawberries were used as a medicine, in cuisine, and in ceremonies. Visitors of all ages will enjoy strawberry refreshments as they listen to traditional Native American stories. A high point of the afternoon will be a guided plant walk along the museum’s trails with Jesse Rose Komaromi, a member of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Along the way, guests will learn about reclaiming relationships with the natural world as seen through an Indigenous lens. A takeaway from this experience is that this humble fruit represents life, good health and so much more.

Pre-registration for this event is advised because space is limited on the walk. To register, visit https://www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call 860-868-0518, ext. 453. The price to participate is $15 for non-members, $5 for members, and an additional $5 for the guided forest walk.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.