Utica, New York — The inaugural JAM (Justice, Arts, Music) Fest take place on Saturday, October 14 in Utica. It will be held at three adjacent venues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: DeSales Center (309 Genesee St.), Utica Public Library (303 Genesee St., second floor – Gallery), and Kopernik Park (corner of Genesee and Eagle Streets).
This free event features many musical, dance, and spoken word acts including Steve Zacaroli, Taryn Jessen Band, Ashley “Jacerase” Engram, Gracie & Karl’s Celtic Show, Cassandra Harris-Lockwood, Toxik, Edelweiss Schuhplattlers, Jenni’s Little Secret, Megan Faulkner, Yeritssa Padilla, J. Schnitt, J Easy, Bob & Betsy, Kevin Keating, Adi Shakti World Fusion Bellydance, Trizzy Beats, and Mark Kehl.
“Celebrating Progressive Values through Music, Arts, and Family Fun” is the theme of the Fest. The JAM Fest will lift up a positive message of inclusivity, diversity, peace, social justice, unity, kindness, and working together to solve common problems.
Children’s activities will be set up throughout the festival. It will include face painting, puppet shows, and art activities BB Designs will provide a *hand + paint involved craft activities for kids.
Sponsored by the Central New York Citizen Action and Citizen Action of New York, the JAM Fest will also feature crafts, art and film exhibits, children activities, nonprofit, and health information, and community discussions. It aims to bring people together to showcase local art and music as well as create a common public space for a dialogue on how we can bring about positive and progressive community change. This is a nonpartisan event.
Co-sponsors include: Central New York Labor Council, 1199SEIU, YWCA Mohawk Valley, Thea Bowman House, and the DeSales Center.
There will be a free giveaway of Chobani yogurt. The Polish Road House food truck will be located on Eagle Street.
Short films dealing with economic justice, racial and gender inequality, immigration, and other current issues will be shown at the Utica Public Library. Local nonprofit agencies and businesses such as OnPoint for College and United Health Care will also have exhibits showcasing products and services.
The Central New York Labor Council will hold its 2017 Organized Labor Charitable Giving Campaign for United Way and SEFA at the Fest.
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