James Dean Kindle & His Country Combo plays Juniper Jam on Aug. 31 in Enterprise.

ENTERPRISE — The Wallowa Valley Music Alliance announces the 14th annual Juniper Jam, billed as “The sweetest little music festival in Eastern Oregon.”

The big event takes place on Aug. 31 (Labor Day weekend) at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds in Enterprise.

This fun-filled day of music starts at 11 a.m. and continues non-stop on two stages, all day until about 10 p.m.

Tickets are $35 at the gate or $30 in advance at Joseph Hardware, The Bookloft, and M. Crow, or online at www.juniperjam.com. Admission is free for ages 12 and younger who attend with a ticketed adult.

Camping is available for $25 per night at the fairgrounds with a festival ticket — register online for camping at juniperjam.com.

The music

Festival-goers will enjoy many styles of music, including folk, country, Americana, roots, rock and blues, as well as great food and drink, local artisans, plus children’s activities.

Although the musical genres presented at Juniper Jam are varied, the common thread is original music — honoring the song and its writer.

“Juniper Jam is Oregon’s only all-original music festival, and we’re looking forward to another eclectic lineup of bands,” said Janis Carper, festival director. “As always, we are very grateful to our sponsors and hard-working volunteers who make this event possible.”

A funk band from Portland, Far Out West returns to the festival, featuring guitarist Liz Chibucos, and rising Americana star Margo Cilker brings her band this year, plus a band set from her bassist/husband Forrest VanTuyl with his witty and poetic cowboy style.

The Muddy Souls bring lively, groovy bluegrass from Eugene, and country crooner James Dean Kindle & His Country Combo are coming from Pendleton.

Wallowa County-raised Meredith Lane makes her Juniper Jam debut, along with Chris Baron & Two Secrets and Mr. Vale’s Math Class, both from the Portland area.

In addition to the main stage, the Tunesmith Stage will also feature musicians, opening with a songwriters-in-the-round set from David Henry, Holly Sorensen and Claire Webb.

“Music is non-stop between the two stages all day,” Carper said.

About

Juniper Jam is a fundraiser for the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance, which has enriched Wallowa County and the greater Inland Northwest with music performances and music education since 2004.

WVMA programs include Tunesmith Night, which features three songwriters singing original music once a month from October through May, the Courthouse Concert Series which runs Thursday evenings in the summer at the Wallowa County Courthouse and the Wallowa Fiddle Tunes Camp in July.

For complete festival information, visit www.juniperjam.com.

More Music

Labor Day weekend brings lots of music to Wallowa County, in addition to Juniper Jam. Here’s a look at who’s playing:

Thursday, Aug. 29

• Desert Moondogs Band, 5:30 p.m., Wallowa County Courthouse, Enterprise
• David Henry & Neal Goldberg, 7 p.m., The Range Rider, Enterprise

Friday, Aug. 30

• Dan Zundel, 6 p.m., Wallowa Lake Lodge
• David Henry with Rut Nut, 6 p.m., Terminal Gravity, Enterprise
• The Dalles Cowboys, 8 p.m., The Range Rider, Enterprise

Saturday, Aug. 31

• John Grant, 6 p.m., Wallowa Lake Lodge
• Bag of Hammers, 10 p.m., The Range Rider, Enterprise

Sunday, Sept. 1

• Ashleigh Flynn & the Riveters, 4 p.m., Terminal Gravity, Enterprise