July Jamz coming back
Published 1:32 am Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Preparations are under way for Andalusia’s own summer concert series.
This is the second year the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce will host July Jamz.
“It’s a free family event, held in the month of July on Thursday evenings,” said Chrissie Duffy, chamber executive director. “It’s an open-air venue at Springdale and includes a foam frenzy for kids. The show concludes with fireworks each night.”
Duffy said in the first year, attendance averaged 400 to 500 people per show.
Right now, Duffy and Chamber Assistant Director Maggie Jones are working to secure sponsorships for the event and narrow down the concert line up.
“Sponsorships are a new thing,” she said. “We are trying to get the word out early. We wanted to gain some sponsorships for the event in order to show the community like it, and this is one of the best ways to keep it going.”
Duffy said one of the main sponsorships available is for the foam canon.
“We’ll have signage around the machine and announce them at every concert and they will be on any promotional materials we have,” she said.
Cost is $2,500.
They need three more title sponsors for each entertainer. Andalusia Health has committed to being a sponsor for one week.
The cost is $1,250.
Duffy said there will also be stage sponsors, where businesses will be recognized on 3 foot by 3 foot signs.
The cost is $350 each and the signs will be up the entire series.
The final option is opening act sponsors.
“We need businesses to commit to provide gift cards for the young performers we ask to do the opening acts,” she said. “They are usually high school or college kids.”
Duffy said these sponsors will get voice recognition at the event.
“We need businesses to commit as soon as possible,” she said. “The sooner we get commitments, the better. We want chamber members to participate.”
Another new addition is food vendors.
“If anyone would like to become a food vendor, just contact the chamber,” she said.
The chamber is also looking for opening acts, she said.
“We know we have Jessica Meuse and Issues booked,” Duffy said. “Issues will play on July 14 and Meuse will play on July 28.”
They are waiting on confirmation from the Carroll Williams Band and 10-6 Upstairs.
“We gave last year’s performers first choice,” she said. “Anyone interested in being an opening act, we ask that you contact us at the chamber.”