“For those about to rock, we salute you!”
The immortal words of AC/DC — though, in the case of the upcoming Vet Jam, it’s the rockers who will be doing the saluting.
On Saturday at the V.F.W. Events Center in Bradford, local bands and music lovers will harness the raw power of rock ‘n’ roll to raise a few decibels and a lot of money for the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation (PVF).
Doors open at noon with the national anthem to be sung at 12:45 p.m. and performances scheduled from 1 to 10 p.m.
“We have a wide range of music for all,” said Vet Jam committee member Sandi Rimer. “The day starts out a bit light and we end the evening with some heavier rock to suit to evening crowd.”
Though a precise line-up hasn’t been determined, this year’s bands include: Counterfeit – Cover Band, Vapor, Dog Day Sunrise, Hard Luck Rangers Band, Marshmellow Overcoat, Darkwater Duo, Remedy and Generation Zero.
“Our acoustic acts that perform during band set-ups also do an amazing job of entertaining everyone,” she noted. “We always have some new music as well as the ‘old faithfuls’ that draw the people in.”
Acoustic acts include: Jim Ronan, Tyler Calkins, Jay Rhodes, Taylor Brinker, Josh Hatcher and Michael Kramer.
Admission to the sixth annual event is $5, and food and beverages will be available for purchase on site.
According to the official “Vet Jam 2018!” Facebook page, the entire day’s revenue will be donated to the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation.
There will also be raffles, auctions and T-shirt sales to boost fundraising for the cause.
Last year, Vet Jam raised about $22,000 for the foundation, and event organizers are looking to surpass that figure this time around.
“Our goal is to raise more money than the previous year,” said Rimer, adding, “We would honestly like to acquire corporate sponsors in the years to come for some significant donations.
“So many of our veterans and their families need more than their benefits allow,” Rimer explained. “This is where (Chairman) Mike Gould and his Foundation make the difference.”
The Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation serves to assist veterans in need of shelter and necessities of living, providing aid, comfort, assistance and support for veterans throughout Pennsylvania, including veterans of war, armed conflict and peacetime veterans and their families.
“To listen to (Chariman Gould) speak so passionately at our events makes you realize that the money raised, although never enough, goes to veterans/families in need,” Rimer said, emphasizing that “every cent raised is used for this purpose. The PVF runs on volunteers.”
Held close to Valentine’s Day and for a cause near and dear to the hearts of so many local folks, it seems the Bradford community is eager to embrace Vet Jam and show some love to those who have sacrificed so much for love of country.
“We usually get 300-400 people throughout the day, but I’m expecting more this year and we can accommodate them all,” Rimer said.
And, for an event which takes place in cold, snowy Bradford each February, Vet Jam continues to bring the heat.
“It has grown wonderfully! We have more donations every year and bands are calling us to play!” Rimer exclaimed, relating that musicians have already reached out trying to book themselves for next year. “The bands are always stoked to play for the vets!”
She is pleased so many people want to participate, indicating Vet Jam is a natural fit for the area, having evolved organically from humble origins.
“This event was started on a whim to give local bands and musicians a chance to play together under one roof,” she said. “We started bouncing around some charitable ideas, and the Vets Event Center was the perfect venue and the PVF was the perfect charity!”
Unable to attend? No need to fret!
Checks made out to the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation may be delivered to the Bradford Vets Club through Feb. 17. Donations may also be made directly to the foundation online atpaveterans.org
The V.F.W. Events Center is located at the Bradford Vets Club at 94 Barbour St., Bradford.
Event sponsors include: 100.1 The Hero, S&B Sound and Production Services and
Lt. John C. Roche Post 212 V.F.W.
Corporate sponsors and auction items are still being sought for the event.
“No donation is too small,” organizers state online. “Join us for a day full of music, food, drinks, giving and fun!
“To all you veterans, we salute you.”
