Faith in southwest Georgia music lovers brings Honey Jam to Chehaw
Oct. 1—ALBANY — Call it a shot in the dark. A desire to make Albany more interesting. The results of a long-held dream.
The Oct. 9 Honey Jam 2022 at Chehaw Park is all of that for One Love Promotions' Tara Fletcher. But it's a whole lot more.
"The idea behind Honey Jam is to bring something exciting to Albany, to give the people of southwest Georgia something fun to look forward to right here at home," Fletcher said. "There are a lot of music lovers in our region, and most of them have to travel a long way to see live music. Honey Jam — and One Love Promotions — is an effort to bring those opportunities to our region. In the time of high gas prices and travel expenses, it's nice to have something fun to do right here at home."
Honey Jam, which kicks off at 6 p.m., features headliners Handsome Jack, a New York trio that has drawn favorable comparisons to Creedence Clearwater Revival and other blues-based rockers. Also on the bill are Adel's Page Brothers Band, one of the region's most well-loved bands, and Far 2 Fresh of Thomasville, a group whose set list may include anything from hard-core country to hard rock ... and all genres in between.
Joining the musicians will be the Savannah-based sideshow artists of Dead City Collective, a group whose talents include fire breathing and other feats that are not for the faint of heart.
"The idea was to try and put together a lineup that would appeal to as many people as possible," Fletcher said. "I think we've done that. Handsome Jack is one of those bands that is on the verge of breaking big — much like Chris Stapleton did when he played here in Albany. They are talented musicians who have grown a sizeable following in our region.
"The Page Brothers are southwest Georgia favorites, and Far 2 Fresh put on a high-energy, entertaining show. As for Dead City Collective ... well, you just have to see them to believe them."
Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and Dead City Collective will give an idea of what's to come starting at 6 p.m. The sideshow artists also will perform between sets. Headliners Handsome Jack are expected to take the stage around 8:30 p.m.
Food, alcohol and other vendors will be on hand for the Honey Jam, and children 12 and under will be admitted free of charge. No outside coolers are allowed. Tickets will be available at the gate and may be purchased in advance by calling (229) 206-0900. Free sodas and water provided by Buffalo Rock Pepsi will be available for designated drivers.
Honey Jam sponsors include Phoebe Putney Health System, Albany Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chehaw, Bottom's Up, Mellow Mushroom, BJ's Buffet, Kay Fuller and Sons, Safeguard, Adams Exterminators, Buffalo Rock Pepsi, Billy Mathis and Merry Acres Inn.
"We appreciate our sponsors so much," Fletcher said. "And I want it known that we didn't have to beg or twist anyone's arm to get them on board. These are important parts of our community led by people who want to see good things in the community.
"We stepped out on faith to bring this show to southwest Georgia with the belief that the people in our region will want to have events like this on a regular basis. If we get the kind of support we know southwest Georgia is capable of bringing, we'll do more things like this.
"So come on out to Chehaw, southwest Georgia. Let's get together and feel alright."
