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It’s been a whirlwind of activity getting ready for the Suwannee Valley Flood Jam Aug.16-18 but the time has arrived and everything is ready to help thousands of victims of Tropical Storm Debby that affected more than 10,000 people in Columbia, Hamilton and Suwannee counties in North Florida. Musicians nationwide will perform at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park located on the banks of the Suwannee River Aug.16-18 in Live Oak, Fla with 100 percent of the net proceeds going to help these flood victims.

SPONSORS – The event is sponsored by The Suwannee Music Foundation and The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park.

COLUMBIA, HAMILTON AND SUWANNEE COUNTY RESIDENTS GET FREE ADMISSION -Residents of Suwannee, Columbia and Hamilton counties will receive free admission to the event by showing proof of local residency with valid identification at the box office.

EXCITING LINEUP OF ENTERTAINERS – The Suwannee Valley Flood Jam is proud to announce performers including Grammy Award winner Kofi Burbridge, Peter Rowan, Donna The Buffalo, The Lee Boys, The Swingin Johnsons, Jamie Davis, The Heavy Pets, The Legendary JC’s, Mercy Mountain Boys, Beebs & Her Money Makers, Flannel Church, State Of Mind, Shane Pruitt, Down The Hatch, Main Stream, funkUs, Asheville Flood Commission, Stephanie Renee & Wreckless, Randy & Beth, Catfish Alliance, Chroma, Applebutter Express, Aquaphonics, El Groundscoro, The Resolvers, The Funky Seeds, DJ Craig Heneveld, The Funky Nuggets, Flt Rsk, $BIG BUCKS$ CREW, DJ Triclops, Kidd Yzer, DJ Chef Rocc, C-Minus, Vlad The Inhaler, Mason Masters, Jeff Randall, DJ Ginsu, DJ Natural, Gris Gris Boys, Dark Water Social, Bibb City Ramblers, The Paralounge Drummers, Honey Henne Lime, Dead Keys and Nicole Nouveau.

TICKET INFO – Two-day tickets are $45 in advance, $65 at the gate and include primitive camping. Single-day tickets are $20 per day and available only at the gate. Day tickets do not include primitive camping.

PRE-PARTY THURSDAY NIGHT IN THE MUSIC HALL 6 P.M. – 1:30 A.M. – A Thursday Night Pre-Party will be held Thursday, Aug.16, in The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Hall from 6 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. Entertainment includes Ted “Teddy Mac Elvis” McMullen with Karaoke, Quartermoon and Greenhouse Lounge. $20 ticket available at the door only and includes music and primitive camping. All residents of Columbia, Hamilton and Suwannee counties will be admitted free of charge.

BUSINESS EXPO FOR FLOOD VICTIMS – During the Flood Jam a business expo for flood victims will be held Saturday, Aug. 18, to bring flood victims together with local businesses who are members of the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce and/or the Lake City/Columbia County Chamber of Commerce such as banks, home builders, contractors, real estate agents, insurance companies, volunteer agencies, legal assistance, faith-based organizations, home restoration companies and others who can help flood victims. Deadline for chamber members to sign up to participate free of charge is Aug. 13. Check musicliveshere.com, the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce at www.suwanneechamber.com/ or call 386-362-3071; or contact the Lake City/Columbia County Chamber at 386-752-3690 or go to their website at www.lakecitychamber.com for more information. FEMA, SBA, crisis counseling and financial counseling will also be available during the expo.

ONLINE CHARITABLE AUCTION TO HELP VICTIMS – An on-line charitable auction will also be available to all, including those not able to attend. Whether in person or not, folks will have the opportunity to bid on a variety of great items including artist memorabilia, diamond and gold jewelry, music instruments, collectible items and much more. Stay connected to www.musicliveshere.com for updates, to view the online auction and to purchase tickets.

TROPICAL STORM DEBBY DEVASTATES AREA – On June 24, 2012, Tropical Storm Debby settled over North Florida for four days, dumping more than 25 inches of rain in some areas of Columbia, Hamilton and Suwannee counties. The Suwannee River rose to near record flood levels and dozens of sinkholes developed around those counties, destroying many businesses and homes while making roads impassible. The storm flooded some 1,500 families out of their homes – many were left without shelter, cars, clothes, food or any worldly possessions. The flood affected over 10,000 other people throughout the tri-counties.

HOW FUNDS RAISED WILL BE DISTRIBUTED – One hundred percent of net profits from the Suwannee Valley Flood Jam will be donated to locally based charities Love INC based in Live Oak, Fla and The United Way based in Lake City, Fla. These two charities will use the funds for long term recovery efforts with families from the three counties. According to Love INC’s Executive Director Lisa Kriehn, long term recovery could take as long as two years.

SUWANNEE MUSIC FOUNDATION, SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK AND HUNDREDS HAVE VOLUNTEERED – Since the flood, the Suwannee Music Foundation and the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park have partnered with Love INC. to deliver supplies and provide relief to affected households. These charitable efforts by music lovers everywhere have helped hundreds of people who in this desperate time of their lives have virtually nothing. Volunteers at both agencies, along with hundreds of others volunteers throughout the three counties and from near and far, have donated thousands of hours to help family, friends and complete strangers, wading in waist deep, contaminated water to bring out precious personal belongings, prized children’s toys and helping families find suitable temporary homes as well as pulling out soaked belonging and drywall so recovery can begin. Some homes remain flooded.

OUTSIDE DONATIONS WELCOME – If you cannot attend the Suwannee Valley Flood Jam but wish to make a donation, please contact us at the sites and numbers below.

For more, go to the Suwannee Valley Flood Jam website at www.suwaneevalleyfloodjam.com, contact the SOSMP at 386-364-1683, email spirit@musicliveshere.com or go to www.musicliveshere.com. If you would like to make reservations for RV parking, cabins and/or camper parking at the SOSMP for this event, call or contact the SOSMP at the above numbers, website or email address.

The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is located at 3076 95th Drive 4.5 miles north of Live Oak, Fl off US 129 at the famous Suwannee River. The park is 4.5 miles south of Interstate 75 and 4.5 miles north of Interstate 10 off US 129. Keep an eye out for the SOSMP sign and white painted board fence!

About Love INC


Love INC. (Loveinc-suwanneecounty.org) is a Non-Denominational Christian organization which is a registered 501(C)(3) charity and operates under the tax exempt guidelines as designated by the IRS. Love INC. has been providing food and services to the people of Suwannee County from day one and has demonstrated a commitment to keeping overhead low and keeping all donations here in the immediate area.

About The United Way


The United Way of Suwannee Valley works to assist at risk households recover from natural disasters. The Suwannee Valley Long Term Recovery Committee assists at-risk households recover from natural disasters through various social services. These agencies include senior care for impacted house households with residents age 60 and over, legal services to assist with legal issues arising in disaster situations, and various agencies that assist affected households with food, water, household items, clothes, rent, and utility assistance.