Award-winning bluegrass bands are coming to Blue Ridge July 31-Aug. 1 to perform at the third annual Ridge Jam festival. The two-day festival serves as a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and last year raised thousands of dollars for the charity. Music starts at noon on Friday and at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the old farmers market, a covered pavilion that offers shade and shelter at 787 Summit St., Blue Ridge.

Headliners include bluegrass legend Junior Sisk, 2013 International Bluegrass Music Association Male Vocalist of the Year, who announced he is retiring in September of 2027. The Grascals, two-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year, close out the show on Friday night led by stellar banjo player Kristin Scott Benson.

Saturday is jam-packed with music, including a 90-minute closing performance by high-energy Appalachian Road Show, an all-star band led by Ellijay’s own Barry Abernathy. The band was named New Artist of the Year and Instrumental Band of the Year in 2021.

Bring a chair. Rain or shine. No coolers or pets permitted.

Gates open at 10:00 am. Daily live music, vendors, food trucks, band merch, camping, jamming and memories!