Jam Jam fundraiser is tonight at Powerhouse

Published 10:50 am Thursday, September 15, 2016

Sustainable Oxford, an organization that has been in town for the past two years, is offering a fundraiser this evening, that may be too sweet a deal to pass up.

Their second annual Jam Jam combines local live bands with jam vendors competing for the best tasting jelly. Of course, plenty of biscuits, provided by the Boys and Girls Club and Magnolia Montessori School, will be on hand to complement the jam as well.

Shannon Curtis, the Program Director of Sustainable Oxford, has a wide-ranging mission to accomplish.

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“Sometimes when people think of sustainability they only think of the environment or recycling,” Curtis said. “But in fact, sustainability covers three aspects: environmental, social and economic. Ideally, they’re all related.”

The organization’s goal is to promote positive sustainability habits from the local government to schools. They draw much of their inspiration from a former non-profit group in Starkville, Gaining Ground Sustainability Institute of Mississippi, who shared many of the same objectives.

Jam Jam spawned from the idea that an all-inclusive theme could bring the Oxford community together.

“It came from this idea of what can bring everyone together?” Curtis said. “Everyone loves jam and music. We’re lucky to have so many awesome local bands.” The Oxford record store, The End Of All Music, assisted in gathering the bands to play for the benefit. The musicians participating in the other kind of “jam” are Talbot Adams, Starman Jr. and Tyler Keith.

When they’re not putting together Jam Jam, Sustainable Oxford offers monthly workshops and forums in the fall, winter and spring to promote their goals for the community. These are hosted at The Powerhouse and open to the public.

The tasting competition on Thursday is open to everyone who thinks they have a winning batch.

“Anybody who wants to throw their hat in, can bring their jam,” Curtis said.

Jam Jam runs from 5:-9 p.m. tonight at the Powerhouse. Tickets cost $10 for adults and the event is free for kids.