Kempton Music Center patrons spent the weekend Jammin’ for Animals July 26 to 28.
The family-friendly and pet-friendly three-day benefit for the Humane Society of Berks County honors the memory of Bobby Jones, an avid supporter for the Humane Society. This was the first year the event was held at the Kempton Music Center.
Bobby’s brother, Todd Jones, created the fundraising festival in his memory five years ago.
‘He used to drive by on his way to work and drop off 50-pound bags of dog food at the Humane Society anonymously. After he passed away, I wanted to do a festival and right away I made it a benefit for the Humane Society,’ said Todd.
The past two years, Todd has been able to donate about $2,300 to the Humane Society.
The festival featured live art including painting and glassblowing, children’s activities, Kids Yoga, Henna & face painting, up-close magic and carnival acts by Jim Stilianos, Balloon animals, workshops on juggling, hooping, tie dye, jewelry and pottery.
‘It’s all about the community and the kids,’ said Todd.
For adults there was yoga, piercing & tattooing seminars, Chinese auction, raffles, and food drive held by Strangers Helping Strangers, as well as numerous vendors.
‘And it’s completely grassroots. There’s no corporate sponsors, it all comes from within, great volunteers and bands play for free or a quarter of the cost,’ said Todd. ‘It all ties into a good cause.’
Rob Hunt of Flagship Music Productions for the Kempton Music Center said, ‘The music is always good.’
The music lineup included the Cris Jacobs Band, Juggling Suns Project, Willie Jack & the Northern Light, The Folkadelics, Flux Capacitor, Mysterytrain, Tony Roy & Yawd Lynk, Copper Into Steel, Hexbelt, Dr. Slothclaw, Pan, Echoes Talk Back, The Brummy Brothers, Eric Waldman, Lyle Rickards, Jim Speese & Mark Steffy (of Cloud Party), and DJ Spacecase.
‘A lot of local and regional acts coming in and all playing for a good cause and helping the animals,’ said Hunt.
Next at the Kempton Music Center is the Marshall Tucker Band Aug. 3. See story on C5.
For more info visit http://kemptonmusiccenter.com/.
