Jam4Dan is an annual benefit concert held every January in Topeka. It honors Dan Falley (a Kansas Music Hall of Fame musician who inspired and taught hundreds of Kansas young people), raises scholarship funds to give Kansas youth an opportunity to further their musical studies, and provides musicians a unique opportunity to come together to share their love of music.

The first Jam4Dan was organized in January, 2008, to help Dan’s family meet its obligations after Dan died in a car accident north of Topeka. The mood of the day was somber, given the passing of a man many had called friend and who had influenced the Topeka music scene since the late 60s. As folks poured in and the musical intensity swelled, it became apparent there was good to be drawn from misfortune.

Why couldn’t the Topeka music community come together annually to create inspirational music and provide for an opportunity for local players to get to enjoy each other’s company?

When planning started for Jam4Dan II, it was decided scholarships would be the best way to memorialize Dan’s immense influence on hundreds of guitar students over four decades. The event gained significant steam when local luthier Joel Edison donated a custom built guitar that was raffled with all proceeds going to the scholarship funds. Since with Jam4Dan II, Joel has contributed eleven guitars and counting.

Since 2009, about $38,500 in scholarships has been awarded to over 150 deserving young musicians in the form of free lessons that stretched from two to six months. By 2010, so many high-quality bands wanted to participate, the event expanded to two days. In 2011, the Jam4Dan Youth Showcase was added, which really reinforced the connection to the scholarship program. The youth showcase was expanded in 2012. In 2013 a third night of entertainment was added. As of 2022 over 250 bands have donated their time and talents, many returning in later years, and hundreds and hundreds of fans have enjoyed the scene that only this special event can offer.

Jam4Dan Trustees
Katie Turner - president
Danl Blackwood - media coordinator
Bill Beasley - community outreach
Mike Powell - event coordinator
Penny Renner - volunteer/sponsors coordinator
Dave Houser - event logistics
Kim Houser - secretary
David Schaffer - youth coordinator