This past Friday, the University of Georgia’s fraternity, Sigma Nu, held its biggest charity fundraiser of the year, Jam for Cam. Many students, locals, and out-of-town visitors flocked to The Southern Brewing Company to spend their night enjoying live music, good food, and fun.
On October 7th, the doors to the Southern Brewing Company opened up for fans of live music and supporters of the Jam for Cam Charity Organization. Jam for Cam was founded back in 2018 by the UGA Sigma Nu Fraternity, after the passing of one of its brothers from childhood cancer. The organization’s goal is to create and push for change within the UGA community. The non-profit raises awareness for melanoma through its annual Jam For Cam music festival, as well as through their smaller fundraising pushes during the school year. Last fall, the organization was able to fundraise over $175,000 with 8,000 people in attendance.
Thousands of supporters came to see some of their favorite local and national artists. The event started at four in the afternoon and lasted until midnight. The lineup for the night included Florida Man, Wim Tapley and the Cannons, The Regulars, The Orange Constant, Supper Club, and Ripe. Florida Man, Wim Tapley, and The Regulars are all Athens artists and UGA students or alums. Each had their own genre of music and style that they brought to the event. Each played a mix of covers and originals that hyped up the crowd.
The Orange Constant performed at around 6:30pm until 8:00pm. The band was formed back in 2012 and currently lives in Athens, Georgia where they are growing their band and producing music. They played their songs, “Good Intention,” “Red Ryder,” and “The Fountain.” They label their music as vintage-rock with a hint of a contemporary twist. Supper Club followed their set with their songs, “Naked Gold,” “Muddy Pass,” and their newest single, “Wichita,” which was released the same day.
To close out the night, Ripe came onstage around 10:30 and electrified the audience. Beach Balls were flying, people were jumping, and the lead singer of the band even got to “call the dawgs.” Ripe played their greatest hits, such as “Downward,” “Pretty Dirty (In the Fading Light) “ and their newest singles, “Settling,” and “Noise in the Forest.” They brought the house down and finished up the event with a bang. They are currently in the midst of recording and releasing a new album. Every artist had an amazing performance and was able to pay tribute to the foundation.
The event also included pop-up creative tents, food trucks, sponsors, and merchandise. People were able to enjoy some beloved Athens favorites, such as Café Racer, Chick Fil A, and Meatballerz. The brewery and the charity also collaborated on a limited-time “Jam For Cam,” beer that was sold at the event. Folks were able to sit back and sing along or could dance up at the barricades all night long. The event was a success and the charity will continue to have
fundraising nights in downtown Athens, Georgia in restaurants or bars, such as Clarke’s Paloma, Pauley’s, and Silver Dollar.
I am a currently a student at the University of Georgia studying Entertainment and Media/Film Studies. With my extracurriculars here at UGA, I like to get involved with production, such as UGA Miracle, Entertainment and Media Industries Club, my sorority Chi Omega, and Grady News Source. I enjoy taking photos and videos, attending concerts, creative writing, hiking, and traveling!
