The brief background tale as to the origination of this festival is one of two non-traditional people who lost several folks dear to them early in life and planned a wedding in Las Vegas with the remaining two immediate family members. However, 22 friends could not say no and Vegas was a full-on wedding. So upon our return we created a concert as a reception. Over 100 friends were invited to hear three bands made up of friends and others brought in for the occasion. We sent tickets instead of invitations. Longtime bluesman Catfish Hodge was accompanied by a very full band of local and national musicians. Camp VI was put together by Bob Regimbal (Bob Lift) and a bunch of friends. Our third band, Angora Would was a one-time collaboration between members of Babyfat and a future member of CubanStack. The consensus was "Do This Again Next Year!"..........And so was born the Wilderness Jam.

This festival would not be possible without the help of many kind people every year. At the very top of the list is the entire McDowell family. They own the Cove Campground and have allowed us to commandeer Camp VI every year for the Wilderness Jam. Mr. McDowell's vision back in the 60's, his hard work then and now, along with his family's, has created the most beautiful campground in Virginia. Our only goal is achieved when your experience will want to be shared with others in the coming years. Everybody knows somebody at Wilderness Jam!
In no particular order, special thanks to:

All those who have experienced Wilderness Jam and shared their memories with others; every musician that's taken the stage and captivated us; all members of the sound crews, that guy Scott, Stagecoach Productions, and now and forever Dawghouse Audio, who've all helped us hear new sounds; our new friend Glen of Grin Lighting; numerous medical, security, stage and staff volunteers; any vendor that's vended; artists, designers, and advisors that have lent a hand; Phase Two Trucking, Lloyd's Transfer, Ann Singer, Alton Vogt, Neil Stillmock, Bob & Brenda Regimbal, Tony Mazzuca, Rob and Charlie Hornfeck, Tom White (aka ClubTdub), Chops (Dave Conlon) & Laura, Melanie Conlon, Bunny McIntyre, Pete Anderson, Bill Taylor, Bill & Pam Quinones, John Feldman, Rob Granlund, Dave Johnson, Monica Washington, Gary Morris, Kim Hockman, Derb Coldsmith, Warren & Vikki Whitacre, Mike, Kathy, & Mike JR Pond, Sage, John Duncan, Kenny, Timmy Stiegler, the clean up & tear down volunteers, Rebecca Anderson, Colene Visser, Roaddawg, all Bob Lift volunteers, Vince Welnick, Gent Treadly, Tom Constanten, Paul Kantner and Jefferson Starship, Danny Hutchins, Eric Martinez, Bloodkin, Josh Stack, and of course Babyfat - for always playing their last show! 


Lots of Love,

Stephanie & Arty
Continually Updated

In Loving Memory of Mike Jaymes and Vince Welnick