Bomber Jam 2015 9/20/15
4th Annual Musicians BBQ & Fundraiser to Benefit the National Brain Tumor Society
Indian Acres Tree Farm, Medford NJ
“Bomber Jam raises almost $10,000 for the National Brain Tumor Society’s Philadelphia Race for the Cure”
By Barry Brandow
What started out 4 years ago as an intimate backyard fundraiser featuring local bands, musicians and open jams has quickly evolved into a much larger, all day, family friendly event that raises money for The National Brain Tumor Society. This organization is a charity that has significant meaning to event co-founders Joe and Deb Scialabbo, whose 26 year old son, Kris, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor a few years ago. Along with the help of Mike Massamino (an accomplished bass player in the South Jersey area) and his wife Ameilia, who are friends, neighbors and fellow co-founders, the event has quickly outgrown the huge backyard, making it necessary to move to the much larger venue. The nearby Indian Acres Tree Farm in Medford New Jersey, with its 20ft by 20ft covered stage, appears to be the perfect new home for Bomber Jam. There is also plenty there for everyone. A beautiful atmosphere, with picnic tables throughout, several swing sets and recreational activities, including a “bouncy house,” petting zoo, and even a hay ride during the day, provides the perfect way to spend a weather perfect day with the family. For a donation of $20 per person ($30 for a family of 4), you are able to enjoy great music from the many local bands performing from 2 pm to 11pm. Your donation also includes delicious food and snacks all day, plus beer and other beverages. There are t-shirts for sale, two 50/50 cash raffles, and several beautiful gift basket raffles with awesome items donated from many local businesses.
Many of the bands and musicians performing at this year’s Bomber Jam have participated before, some since the event’s inception 4 years ago, all donating their time and energy for an amazing cause. The growing lineup made it necessary to add a smaller side stage for acoustic acts performing during the set breaks on the main stage. With only so many hours in the day, some bands wanting to participate unfortunately had to be turned away, but were invited to partake in the open jam sessions that took place earlier in the day from 2pm to 4:30, and again from 10:00 to 10:30. The vast line up gracing the main stage included some of South Jersey’s finest bands, such as Jersey Peaches, Greenwood Inn Blues Band, Quixote Project, Reggie Wu and Mark Evans, Black Cherry, Fuzzy Paradise, Whiskey Grin, Deck Band, and 23 North. Also, acoustic performers Native Riff, Jakki Roberts, John Callahan, Nik Greeley, Taylor Lanahan, and Eric 13 kept the music flowing on the side stage in between.
One of the bands that caught my, as well as everyone else’s, attention most was the alternative metal band called Pool of Thorns who took the stage at 7:30 pm. While most of the bands there were of the traditional rock style, Pool of Thorns (known as one of the best and hardest working metal bands in the ‘Jers-adelphia” area) were a giant step out of the box and the first metal band to perform at Bomber Jam. Donning macabre style attire, the four piece band consisting of Sam Ross on bass, Zach on guitar, Carlo Leto on drums, and the beautifully captivating Domino Del Sol on vocals. The band had the eager crowd surrounding the stage for a much closer look. While they played a few original tracks from their latest CD, “Final Hour,” Domino seduced the audience with her passionately hypnotic vocals and stage presence. Showing versatility as well, P.O.T. took a few pop classics and put their metal twist on two familiar songs, Simple Minds’ “(Don’t You) Forget About Me” and Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like The Wolf,” while the crowd tried to sing along. During their short but ambitious performance, it was easy to see how this talented quartet had built its loyal following. They put on a very entertaining show that everyone enjoyed and had everyone wanting more… especially me! I definitely look forward to seeing them play again. With a lot of hope, and a little luck, Pool of Thorns might be back to play at Bomber Jam again next year.
Since time ran late and close to curfew, the scheduled All Star Jam had to be cancelled. Instead, the band 23 North extended their set and delighted the crowd with an explosive version of the Rage Against the Machine hard rock classic “Killin’ In The Name Of” to end an amazing day of music.
With close to 500 tickets sold, Bomber Jam was a huge success. The all-day event raised close to $10,000, which is almost as much as the 3 prior years combined. If a trend continues to be set, it is safe to say that the event will continue to grow and continue to help raise the much needed funds for an amazing cause, The National Brain Tumor Society’s Philadelphia Race for the Cure. If you were unable to attend Bomber Jam but would still like to donate, go to the National Brain Tumor Society page and click on “Team S-Bo” or click the following link here.
Hopefully we’ll see you next year for Bomber Jam 5 in 2016.
Special thanks to Randy Harris