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Each summer Dam Jam brings regional music, vendors, food, and visitors to a hidden-away corner of Calumet. The Dam Jam Music and Camping Festival highlights the Calumet Lions Park hidden on Waterworks Road. The park was created in partnership between the township and the local Lions Club to create a space for outdoor recreation close to residential areas. While also attracting regular visitors with plenty of space to spend time, playing disc golf, hiking around the grounds, and more.
“Well, I think Dam Jam has helped to promote the park and let people generally know that it’s here. A lot of people didn’t know it was here until the last few years from now. It’s picked up now and people have taken to it a lot. Every time we come here, it seems like there are more people out here, more people throwing desks. They upgraded the horseshoe pits quite a bit. They have a permanent fire pit here now, which is nice because we utilize that every year.” – Josh Mortti, Co-Founder, The Dam Jam Music and Camping Festival
Since 2016 Dam Jam Music and Camping Festival has invited people to camp out at the park, enjoy fun jams, and comb over local artisan wares, and unique food options. In that time the festival has built a small following of recurring visitors who enjoy the whole experience.
“So this year we have four food vendors that will be at the park this year serving food for our customers. Bazio Biscuits will be here Saturday morning serving breakfast. Rockskipper Fish and Chips from Calumet will be here all weekend. Sancho’s Eatery from Marquette will be slanging sandwiches. 7 Wonders Chuck Wagon will be here as well from L’Anse. The big thing with the festival experience is the community that you build within it and you know we have people that have been coming for years. Being able to stay on site is one of the goals we had from the beginning because being able to fully immerse yourself in the music the art and the park is kind of one of our main goals. We have an eclectic mix. It’s a jam and improv-heavy. So, I mean, don’t expect to hear the same songs twice from our headliners.” – James Neuman, Co-founder, The Dam Jam Camping and Music Festival
Dam Jam Music Festival will raise funds to support the Calumet Lions Park. This year’s lineup includes performers including the Stan P Band, Stormy Chromer, Not quite Canada, Mr. Ceaser, Lupine, Cathy Isaacson and the Backroads Band, and many more on four stages. Music starts Friday before camping out for the night. Dam Jam Organizers ask campers to please not bring campfire rings or fireworks. Those interested in learning more about Dam Jam music Festival’s tickets, vendors, rules, and camping options can find more details here.
