The swallows have returned, and spring bulbs pop with color. Wildflowers pepper the woodland trails, and the general feelings of restlessness and excitement can only be blamed on spring fever, a tolerable malady. Spring is here at last—a time to celebrate life and the creative flow.

Saturday, March 18, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce is bringing together some of the finest local musical talent in a unique forum. They’re shining the spotlight on eight talented individuals inside the cherished setting of the Old City Hall on Main. The Jacksonville Arts and Music Showcase or, JAAMS, is bringing spring into focus in time for a weekend of inspired sights and sounds. This is a new event for 2023 and promises great fun and a good measure of small town camaraderie.

Belita Paluay, owner of Belita Space and chairperson for the event, shared her enthusiasm. “This event is near and dear to my heart, as I have really enjoyed working with some of these amazingly talented musicians for my Third Thursday on Third Street benefit events during the warmer months. I hope that this showcase provides a unique and inspiring opportunity for them to enjoy the spotlight and each other. It will be a joy to gather in such a meaningful place and celebrate their exceptional talent. I look forward to really being able to hear them in this intimate theatre-style setting.”

Music lovers will be able to kick back, tune out the background noise, and enjoy a melody-filled day of four sets with never-before-heard match-ups. Phil Reed of the Brothers Reed and country/folk singer and guitarist Matthew Jolliff, a relative newcomer to the local scene, will start things off right. Local favorite and radio personality Danielle Kelly is next up with pianist Riley Owen. Late afternoon will find vocal powerhouses, Jeff Kloetzel and Shae Celine sharing the stage, and Aaron Reed (the other half of the folk singing Reed duo) with Adam Gabriel, (acoustic soul, singer-songwriter), will round out the evening in style.

Phil Reed shared high praise for his stage mate. “I’ve known Matt for several years now, and he is one of my favorite singer/song-writers in the PNW. I feel like everyone who gets a chance to see him perform becomes an instant super-fan. His songs focus on catchy hooks and emotional and edgy lyrics—every line sung with gusto that would easily throw the average singer’s voice in one night. I’m honored to share the stage with him, but mostly I’m excited for some true music appreciators to hear him in a good listening room.”

Danielle Kelly is excited about the fresh idea and for her connection with Riley Owen. “This event is going to be like a game of musical chairs for this community. It’s a great opportunity to shake things up and play with new playmates, on new playgrounds. I’m looking forward to preparing and performing some new material with a new-to-me musical partner, hoping to challenge my muscle memory, and find some new ideas. I think this mashup of musicians will be exciting for the players and audiences alike.”

Aaron Reed is stoked. “I am so stoked to be a part of this event! Getting a chance to share the stage with some of my favorite performers in a unique setting where we are all mixing it up and getting out of our comfort zone, is right up my alley. I’ll be sharing a set with Adam Gabriel, who I think is the most talented singer in our valley. His voice is somehow raw and refined all at once. We are putting together tunes to play together, as well as individual songs that will complement each other’s styles. Can’t wait!”

Belita explained the purpose. “Jacksonville Art and Music Showcase (JAAMS) is a day-long festival that encourages local artists, musicians and our community at large to collaborate, co-create and perform in a cooperative showcase. The depth and breadth of our exceptional local musicians are often overshadowed by the wine and conversation at the tasting rooms and wineries where they provide entertainment. This showcase gives them an opportunity to hold the spotlight, inspire each other and the audience while they share the stage during these intimate shows. Gathering in the historical Old City Hall location makes the experience even more special. We’ll have the Las Palmas food truck parked between the venue and Gogis during the event. Garon Lee Sound will master the challenging acoustics in the historic space and monitor the volume levels to make sure our event is respectful to our neighbors.”

Springtime in Jacksonville will spark with a synergy of music and art, with fine artists exhibiting original work in Art Presence Art Gallery and local businesses. The Chamber’s goal is to extend the scope of this all-day festival to encourage more unification among various businesses—wineries with breweries, restaurants and wineries, lodging and merchants, etc.

“This signature event invites and attracts visitors to discover and rediscover, linger and enjoy the abundance of history and the warmth and richness of Jacksonville culture,” Belita added. “This event is designed to bring visitors and locals together to share the very best of Jacksonville.”

Since space for the concerts is limited, be sure to visit www.jvilleartandmusic.com soon for further information and to purchase tickets before they’re sold out.

Jacksonville Art and Music Showcase (JAAMS)
Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Old City Hall
❶ Phil Reed and Matthew Jolliff
❷ Danielle Kelly with pianist Riley Owen
❸ Jeff Kloetzel and Shae Celine
❹ Aaron Reed with Adam Gabriel
Purchase Tickets at www.jvilleartandmusic.com
Food available at Las Palmas Food Truck at venue.