In celebration of one of America’s largest musical gatherings that took place at the Watkins Glen race track in upstate New York 50 years ago this summer, featuring the timeless music of The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead & The Band; today, Wonderland Forest announces ‘Summer Jam 50’, a festival honoring the 1973 music and the 2023 moment.
Summer Jam 50 celebration happens July 28 and 29 in Lafayette, New York, as the inaugural event at Wonderland Forest, a brand new 500 acre venue located 15 minutes south of Syracuse. The serene nature-focused location serves its expansive rolling hills as the backdrop to an enormous weekend featuring two nights of music from Dark Star Orchestra (Celebrating the Grateful Dead Experience), Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country featuring Peter Levin and many more friends (A Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band), and The Weight Band (Celebrating the Music of The Band).
Each band performs both nights, Summer Jam 50 fully honors the historic spirit of the original weekend, where Friday’s music offering highlights the ‘Soundcheck’ - the true magical tuning of the sound system set to reach the ears of over half a million in attendance leading to legendary jams. Saturday features another full day of music culminating with a full two-set recreation from Dark Star Orchestra of the Grateful Dead’s original show from the Watkins Glen Race Track on July 28, 1973.
Brimming with excitement over the new venue and its upcoming inaugural event with Summer Jam 50, Wonderland Forest’s Dan Mastronardi says “We are honored to be hosting our first event at Wonderland Forest by recreating this iconic music festival. Wonderland Forest promises to be an amazing new venue experience for music lovers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.”
A portion of the event’s proceeds to benefit The Allman Brothers Band Museum in Macon, GA (known as ‘The Big House’). The not-for-profit 501(c)(3) Big House Foundation's primary mission is to preserve and promote the rich musical heritage and inclusive diverse culture of The Allman Brothers Band through music educational programs and exhibits.
Summer Jam 50 at Wonderland Forest tickets go on sale Thursday, May 11 at 12 PM ET. Full information and Summer Jam 50 tickets are available at www.wonderlandforest.com. Anyone interested in joining the team at Wonderland please email [email protected]
