By Robyn Roste, Contributor
There are two more Thursday evenings left in the free arts and music series, Jam in Jubilee.
The youth-focused, family-friendly event is a place for community members to enjoy local culture.
“The way it feels when you come to Jam in Jubilee is very much like if you’ve been to a festival in Europe or elsewhere. It’s just a warm, inviting, fun atmosphere,” said Kristin van Vloten, a volunteer organizer of the annual event held at Jubilee Park (2478 McCallum Rd.).
Each week starting at 6 p.m., the multi-disciplinary, multicultural concert series has three musical acts, side-stage performances, a vendor market, art installations, workshops, food trucks, craft beer and an after-hours musical showcase.
“You’ll see all sorts of different people here,” van Vloten said. “It’s a really relaxed way to enjoy music, connect with people and experience some businesses that have a little bit more character.”
Several local businesses, like Old Hand Coffee on Pauline Street, got their start as vendors at Jam in Jubilee.
New for this year’s event is a family-friendly licensed area called The Juice Box. Serving beer from Raven’s Brewing and BC wines, The Juice Box includes a children’s play area and food truck.
The Jam in Jubilee curators book family-oriented or youth-leaning bands for the main stage and more experimental performers for later in the evening.
July 18 is week three of the festival and features Jordan Klassen, Rudegang Entertainment and Jenny Banai on the main stage.
Klassen has toured throughout Canada, the U.S., Europe and Australia, and is best known for his songwriting and arrangements.
Indigenous hip-hop and multimedia group Rudegang Entertainment is composed of artists Status Krew (Hope and Doobie), Onata, and Mamarudegyal MTHC. Banai blends jazz, folk and rock into sophisticated pop music and has toured Canada four times. At the 2018 Fraser Valley Music Awards, she received the distinction of Folk Artist of the Year.
On July 25, the final week of Jam in Jubilee brings Becky Ninkovic to the main stage.
Ten years ago, she performed at Jam in Jubilee with her band You Say Party.
Ninkovic’s solo act is an art performance set to backing tracks with live visual projections and light and shadow play.
Once the main stage performances wrap up, music lovers can continue enjoying Jam in Jubilee at Townhall Pub, near Jubilee Park.
In past years, the After Dark Series has showcased everything from dance music and art rock to hardcore music.
This year’s After Dark performers include Surrey-based hip-hop artist Kid Fresh, Vancouver’s DJ Denise and Mission rapper Known.
“If people like to see art events in our community – and free art events in our community – then they should come out. Come out and support the arts community,” said Jennifer Trithardt-Tufts, executive director of the Abbotsford Arts Council.
Visit jaminjubilee.com or Facebook.com/JaminJubilee for more information.
