The East Ridge Parks and Recreation and the city of East Ridge are presenting a free concert series at Camp Jordan Park at I-75, Exit 1 on Aug. 30, Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. Camp Jordan Jams was created to bring people together for fun, fellowship, music and food.
East Ridge Parks and Recreation Director Stump Martin said that the Camp Jordan Park Amphitheatre is the perfect location for this concert series.
”The series will be on Saturday nights with the headline act performing from 7-9 p.m.,” Mr. Martin said. “We want to bring people from East Ridge and throughout the region to Camp Jordan Jams. We want the people with their chairs and blankets, as well as the many car clubs and motorcycle riders to show up and have a good time.”
Mr. Martin said this is an effort to give something back to the community and create a safe happening place in the area for folks to gather to have fun.
“We are going to introduce Camp Jordan Jams this fall and if we have the success we anticipate we will schedule more free concerts in April, May and June,” Mr. Martin said. “Camp Jordan is a happening place to be all of the time, however with a Bass Pro Shop scheduled to be built adjoining the park we can expect even more activity in the future.”
Mr. Martin said that both vending and political spaces are available for a $50 donation per concert to the East Ridge Needy Child Fund.
To guarantee a spot contact Janet Middleton at 490-0078.
Camp Jordan Jams will open on Aug. 30 with Nashville performer Travis Dukes. The multi-talented singer, songwriter and performer has opened for acts like the up and coming Charlie Worsham and Billy Dean.
Chattanooga area band, The Beaters, will take the stage on Sept. 20. The band is in the Chattanooga Music Hall of Fame and has been together since 1985.
An offer has been made to a group for the Oct. 18 concert and the Parks and Recreation Department is awaiting a confirmation.
Dukes is a coal miner's son, who grew up singing in the church choir as a boy and later made his way through college performing in various venues around Bowling Green, Ky. He has a degree in special education and taught in the Williamson County, Tenn., school district for three years before making music his full-time profession.
“I learned a lot from the kiddos,” said Dukes. "Patience is key.”
With roots in gospel, his varied influences also include the music of Nirvana, Garth Brooks, Tom Petty and Eminem.
“I really get into the storytellers,” said Dukes. “It's how a story is shared through music that relates to everyone.”
For more information call 490-0078 or email jmiddleton@eastridgetn.gov