BANDS DONATING TIME TO JAM

The live-music jamboree that put Shebandowan on the rock 'n' roll road map is making a comeback this summer. When Shebando Jam resumes on Aug. 10 following a 12-year hiatus, four bands featuring professional musicians will hit the stage at the village's community centre grounds. Organizers say a donated sound system will be set up in advance at the rain-or-shine event, so the musicians — who are donating their time — just have to show up and play. "We're going to treat them like they're real rock stars," event co-organizer Danusia Klimkowski said with a chuckle on Monday. Though Shebando Jam was an annual summer hit between 2009 and 2012, Klimkowski said volunteers became burned out and the event went dormant despite its success. Over the years, Klimkowski said "people kept asking me when we were going to get it going again. But it's a lot of work. You have to start serious planning in January." She said this year's version is a tribute to the late Otis Kesmarky, who largely inspired the jamboree. "The kindest soul you would ever meet," said Klimkowski, who expects about 500 rockers to attend the August gathering to hear "some good, old-fashioned rock 'n' roll." Klimkowski said logistics started to come together this spring, but she didn't want to spread the news until all four bands had fully committed to the gig. "I just want to emphasize that they are all volunteering their time," she said. Any leftover proceeds from the event are to be put towards ongoing maintenance of Shebandowan's community centre, Klimkowski said. The centre is located off Highway 11 on the Shebandowan Loop Road. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Patrons must be at least 19 years old to enter. Ticket information is available online at eventbrite.ca.

Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative reporter, The Chronicle-Journal

2024-05-07T16:33:19Z dg43tfdfdgfd