Jam4Dan13 - 2020 Vision!

What an awesome Jam4Dan13!! First-time and long-time performers provided an outstanding show, and all volunteering their time for Jam4Dan.

Every year we have several acts debut for their first Jam4Dan. Some of the first-timers this year included Greg Fox and Ryan Wills, Lazy Wayne Band, The Box Turtles, No Good Johnny, and Trustee Danl Blackwood's grandson, Khalil Blackwood. Khalil flew in from Denver for his Hip Hop performance, and set a new record for longest distance traveled by a Jam4Dan performer. Of course, after 12 years and 13 events we have some veterans. Michael Powers is still the reigning champion with his 10th participation this year (missing 11 straight performances only because of the Jam4DanX Sunday weather cancellation). Trustee Mike Powell's band Swift Kick logged their 9th event and Greg Spreer has now performed 8 Jam4Dans (3 with his band Back Porch Blues Band and 5 with Santiago Brothers).

We also saw the return of a few acts that had been absent a few years. Chance Encounter returned for the first time since Jam4Dan9 and ODDYSSeY returned for a reunion having not performed since Jam4Dan7. The real surprise came about due to a last minute cancellation. Blues singer extraordinaire, Ellie Smith, was already on tap to lead the Jam4Dan Trustees Jam on Sunday evening. When illness stopped a band from making it, we were able to quickly put together a quasi-reunion of Ellie and The Commotion, having last performed in Jam4Dan6!

The always popular Jam4Dan Youth Showcase on Saturday morning did not disappoint, featuring an amazing group of kids! Randy Klingbeil and his students kicked it off at 11am, followed by Walter Evans and guest vocalist Lyda Livgren. Next up was Eisenhower Middle School's Midnight Eagles with a whopping 14 performers on stage at the same time. Rounding out the Youth Showcase was David Schaffer and Top City Music's Youth Showcase with an impressive itinerary of young performers.

We have to relate what we call, "The Quintessential Moment" for Jam4Dan13. This is the moment in every Jam4Dan that re-affirms why we do what we do. There is always one, and this year it came early. First-time performers Right Side Down were in a real "jam" when their bass player was delayed arriving into KCI and ultimately could not make their scheduled appearance. They are only a 3-piece group and they were noticeably disappointed that they might not be able to perform. These 17-year old players did not give up, though. While discussing possible ways the two remaining members might go on, feelers went out the musician world that a band was in trouble and needed help. Devin Chance was scheduled to go on following Right Side Down and was asked if he could fill in on bass. Devin plays Lead guitar in Chance Encounter but after only a few minutes of review of their set list, he not only filled in on bass for their set but absolutely killed it. We have nominated Devin for the Jam4Dan13 Superman Award. His actions exemplified the reason for everything we aspire to promote.

Once again, Jam4Dan Trustee Joel Edison crafted and donated a beautiful hand-rubbed guitar to raffle - Ella, named after our new Jam4Dan Photographer, Ella Morgaine. Last year's winner, Latasha Lake drew winning ticket and the Jam4Dan13 custom guitar went home with Dan Kious.

The Trustees wish to thank all the musicians and volunteers who contributed to our efforts. And, once again we want to send a special thanks to Dan Kious who provided excellent sound all weekend! And we cannot say THANK YOU enough to all those attended and helped generate donations.

This year, we are pleased to announce that we are able to set a budget of $5000 for scholarships throughout 2020.

The scholarship application process has been changed to allow applications to be submitted throughout 2020. Approved recipients will be announced monthly and funds will be issued to all instructors on a quarterly basis. For complete details on the application process, go to jam4dan.com/scholarship.

The Dan Falley Memorial Fund & Scholarships Trustees for 2020 are Mike Fox, Joel Edison, Katie Turner, Danl Blackwood, Bill Beasley, Mike Powell, Penny Renner, Kim Houser and Dave Houser.

Save The Dates - Jam4Dan14 - January 15-17, 2021