Country-rock stalwarts Alabama have enlisted Old Dominion, Shenandoah, and more for June Jam XVIII, taking place June 1 at the VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Alabama will close out the day, which will also feature performances from Lee Greenwood, Montgomery Gentry (featuring Eddie Montgomery), Mark Willis, Exile, John Berry, Taylor Hicks, the Malpass Brothers, and the Castellows. A special surprise guest — described only as a “hitmaking singer-songwriter” in a press release — will take the stage, too, though obviously no further details were given.
The June Jam Festival returned last year after a 26-year hiatus. Alabama launched the charity event in their hometown of Fort Payne back in 1982, and it ran continuously through 1997. Over the years, the festival has raised more than $20 million for the June Jam Foundation; this year, donations will benefit those in need and disaster relief efforts in and around Alabama.
Tickets for June Jam XVIII are on sale now via Ticketmaster, and through the Alabama Fan Club and Museum in Fort Payne.
“We are excited and look forward to playing our songs for y’all at this year’s Jam,” Alabama’s Randy Owen said in a statement. “We have a true mutual love for our fans, and they always support the band and the June Jam Foundation.”
“When we started the first June Jam in 1982 as a charity concert event, it was attended by over 30,000 fans,” Teddy Gentry added. “At the time, it was the largest country music festival in the United States. Now we are getting ready for our 18th concert. We want to welcome everyone to Fort Payne, Alabama, our hometown. Come have a great time and help others in need!”
While the June Jam concert is the main event, there are a whole lot of other festivities scheduled in the lead up to the festival. The Miss June Jam Pageant will take place May 4; the Alabama June Jam Parade will be held May 29; Gentry will host a talent show on May 30; and Alabama will anchor a “songwriters showcase” on May 31 with Lee Thomas Miller, Brice Long, and a surprise guest. Full info is available on Alabama’s website.