NORWOOD — Back again for its fourth summer festival and concert series, the annual Juneberry Jams event at Juneberry Ridge is set to return to Norwood next month with its unique combination of musical acts and guest speakers.
Hosted at the 750-acre regenerative farm and corporate retreat at 40120 Old Cottonville Road, each festival date across three Saturdays in June will offer a pair of performing artists, a fireside chat with authors, teachers and prominent thinkers in the area of regenerative farming, as well as a mix of farm-centered experiences for those who attend.
“Juneberry Jams is back for its fourth season of farm luminaries, farm fresh foods, and their best ever line up of music entertainment,” Juneberry Ridge announced in a promotional release.
“Experience the rhythm of the ridge and the bounty of summer at this annual farm and music festival in Norwood, NC. The 750-acre regenerative farm, education center, and events destination has produced another unforgettable season of homegrown folk and rock music, enlightening guest speakers, and regeneratively farmed food.”
The summer series is scheduled to kick off on June 1 with Festival Day 1’s “Farm Fresh Folk” theme — a night that will include acoustic pop singer Ellie Morgan, Asheville-based folk trio Ashes & Arrows, and agroecology farmer Jack Algiere.
Festival Days 2 and 3 are now scheduled respectively for June 8’s “Community, Charisma, and Classics” night and June 22’s “Stewardship, Style, and Spice” night.
The former is headlined by the Nashville-based Beatles cover band Beatles 4 Sale and supported by singer-songwriter Chelsea Locklear. Roger Dick, president and chief executive officer of Uwharrie Capital Corp. will begin the night with a speaking appearance.
Festival Day 3 is fronted by tribute band Red NOT Chili Peppers with opening support from “The Voice” alum Jake HaldenVang and as well as author Daniel Firth Griffith.
Speakers are set to begin at 5:15 p.m. on each of the three nights, while the opening acts and headliners are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively.
For dining, the event will offer four chef-prepared entree items to attendees: regenerative smoked chicken and ancient grains, aquaponic garden salad and veggies, regenerative lamb platter, and regenerative pork muffuletta sandwiches.
Single-day tickets are currently on sale at juneberry.com for $25, while a three-day festival pass (June 1, 8, 22) is available for $50. Admission is free for children under 12.
Juneberry Ridge has become North Carolina’s largest residential renewable energy system. The farm includes rainwater-harvesting technology, an organic greenhouse and stocked fishing ponds, among many other amenities.
In a video statement shortly after the formation of the venue, Juneberry Ridge founder Judy Carpenter discussed the goals of the nature retreat and lakeview conference center.
“There is a new sense of urgency with both our mission and our vision,” Carpenter said. “Juneberry needs to be sustainable, based on restorable agriculture and needs to make a sustainable profit as well. This company is built to last and is going to be here 300 years from now. I just want to leave the earth in better shape than it was when I got here.”