Jam Fest Celebrates Austin's Youth

The Third Annual Jam Fest will take place at the Belmont on Saturday, November 14^th from 3 to 7 pm.  Seven bands ranging in age from 10-18 are scheduled to take one of two stages that will be set up for the 5-hour event and fundraiser for Eanes Education Foundation.  The event is sponsored by The Kids are Alright Festival and Dr. Randy Kunik, the originator of the first event.

Randy Kunik, well known as an orthodontist in Austin, started the Jam Fest in 2007, not only as a charity fundraiser, but as a way to show appreciation for his young patients that were up and coming musicians.  “Kunikpalooza", as it was originally named, featured several bands and was at the leading edge of a trend to recognize and mentor youth interested in playing music. 

“When I started this event three years ago it was a way to show appreciation for my patients that played in bands.  Since James Mays came on board as an organizer, Jam Fest is now part of a larger effort to promote music to Austin’s youth and to help their interest flourish.  It’s exciting to be at the forefront of a movement that is centered in Austin,” comments Kunik.

“The ‘Underage’ music scene is the fastest growing part of the music business and Austin is well on its way to being the flagship of this scene in the US.  I think we are very lucky, since Austin has an affinity for great music, and there are sponsors like Randy Kunik who will take a risk to support young talent.  To me, it’s an honor to help our next generation of artist evolve and emerge.” -
James Mays

Auditions for Jam Fest took place on October 11^th and bands ranging in ages from 8-18 were encouraged to try out for a berth on the coveted roster of chosen bands. 

The 2009 Jam Fest bands include South of Center, ThorBjorn, Loose Wheels, Comintern, After Math, Georgia Napolitano and The Fireants.

Tickets are currently on sale for $7 via Frontgate tickets www.frontgatetickets.com.

For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Austin-TX/Jam-Fest/141891094525  

or twitter.com/AustinJamFest