Press Releases

April 16, 2010 - Big Spring Jam 2010 Cancelled

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Due to current construction in the downtown area, the 2010 Big Spring Jam Music Festival has been cancelled for this year. The overwhelming amount of construction in the downtown area has caused the stage locations to be severely restricted. The Von Braun Center facility is a key operational component for distribution of equipment and support of the Big Spring Jam. Current renovation projects prevent the VBC from being able to fully support the Jam as it has since the inception of the Jam.

The Jam organizers are continuing to plan for the 2011 Big Spring Jam to be held in downtown Huntsville where it has taken place for the past 17 years.

Steve Maples
VBC Executive Director
Office Phone: (256) 533-1953
stevemaples@vonbrauncenter.com

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September 17, 2009 - Big Spring JAM XVII Announces Scholarship Opportunity

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – For the second year in a row Big Spring Jam, the Southeast’s premiere music festival is awarding scholarships of $1,000 each to at least two deserving students. Big Spring Jam XVII is proud to introduce the Big Spring Jam scholarship in hopes of helping hard working students in North Alabama. Eligible students are encouraged to apply by the September 30, 2009 deadline.

Big Spring Jam College Scholarship Information
Each selected student for the scholarship will receive a $1,000 scholarship at the beginning of the spring semester once the Scholarship Committee Chair has received enrollment verification from the Institute’s Registrars Office where the student is enrolled (the student is responsible for providing this verification). This scholarship will be sent to the student’s school to be applied to the selected student’s account.

Eligibility:
The general public is eligible under this program and invited to apply. Students attending any accredited university, college or junior college (including graduating high school seniors who have been accepted to attend such an institution and students currently attending such an institution pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree) will be eligible for the scholarship. Students in pursuit of a degree in music or the entertainment industry will be given special consideration in the awarding of the Big Spring Jam College Scholarship.

Selection Process:
The Scholarship Committee will rate the scholarship applications based on established criteria. The Committee members will use a standardized rating form to determine the scholarship recipient.

Scholarship Award Criteria:
In the selection process, the Scholarship Committee will use the following criteria:

Eligible scholarship candidates must have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA in their last two years of school (applicants are required to include the appropriate transcripts verifying the aforementioned average with the scholarship application.)
Statement of financial need.
Submission of one-page essay on “Why I Should Receive the Big Spring Jam XVII College Scholarship Award.”
Two letters of recommendation – one from a professor/instructor and one from an employer/team leader/club leader/community leader
Fully completed application and adherence of instructions.
Career objective and resume attributes. (Among otherwise equal applicants, preference will be given to those expressing an interest in the public assembly facility management field and those enrolled in degree programs that are viewed as particularly relevant to this field.) Consideration will only be given to students who return the signed application, including high school and/or college transcripts with other requested materials no later than September 30, 2009 to the address listed below. Applicants will be notified in writing by November 1, 2009.

Application Submittal:
Applicants should download and complete the application in full at http://www.bigspringjam.org/pages/scholarship.html and email to scholarships2009@bigspringjam.org. Email is preferred for submittal; however, you may mail or fax the application to:

Big Spring Jam Scholarship Committee Chair
Von Braun Center
700 Monroe Street
Huntsville, AL 35801
Telephone: (256) 533-1953
Fax: (256) 551-2203

Huntsville, Alabama’s Big Spring Jam is one of the largest music festivals in the Southeastern United States. Since its debut in 1993, Big Spring Jam has donated almost half a million dollars to area charities, health and human services agencies, and arts and entertainment organizations and will continue that tradition this year. For more information, contact the Jam office at 256-533-1953 or visit the web site at www.bigspringjam.org.

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September 17, 2009 - Big Spring JAM XVII Seeks Grant Applications from Local Charitable Organizations

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Big Spring Jam XVII continues its rich tradition of giving back to the North Alabama region as it seeks to aid local non-profit organizations through charitable contributions. The Southeast’s premiere music festival is now accepting applications from qualified charities wishing to receive a one-time supplemental funding grant.

Interested charitable organizations are to provide the information listed below in an electronic or typewritten format. Handwritten applications will not be accepted. Applicants are to provide the information requested prior to September 30, 2009. Application submissions can be e-mailed to charity2009@bigspringjam.org or mailed to:

Von Braun Center
Attn: Big Spring Jam Charity
700 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801

The charity awardees will be announced after Big Spring Jam XVII.

For more information, please visit http://www.bigspringjam.org/pages/charityApplication.html

Charitable Grant Application Information Needed:

Agency Name
Contact Person and Position
Mailing Address
Phone Number
Fax Number
E-mail Address of Contact
Is your organization a 501 ( c ) 3 organizations as defined by the Internal Revenue Service?
How long has your organization been in operation?
Describe the mission of your organization.
Describe your top three funding sources.
What is your annual budget?
How many people does your organization serve?
Describe the project for which funds provided by the Big Spring Jam would be
dedicated.
Do you have sources for supplemental funding should Big Spring Jam funds not
cover the entire cost for your project?
What is the total budget for your project? Please provide detailed information.

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September 16, 2009 - Big Spring Jam XVII Media/Press Infomation

Credentials
Media credentials for Big Spring Jam are issued to accredited members of the media who are on specific assignment for a publication, information, or wire service or broadcast outlet. Credentials WILL NOT be issued to freelance journalists or photographers NOT on specific assignment.

Requests MUST be received at our office no later than Monday, September 21, 2009 and be signed by a manager/editor on the letterhead of the requesting company. Each name and the individual’s title and purpose (press, photo, video, etc.) should be listed on the letter.

Big Spring Jam’s Media Relations will evaluate the request, assign the appropriate media credentials and forward a confirmation email should the request be approved.

Please email credential requests to:
Brandi Quick
Email: publicrelations@vonbrauncenter.com

Media Check-In *** PROCEDURES***

Like 2008, this year, all persons approved for media credentials must check-in (in person) upon arrival to the Jam each day to pick up his or her daily press pass. Media check-in is located at the southwest corner of the Monroe Street Parking Garage on the bottom level (Across from the VBC). Each person checking in must show his or her valid ID and press credential from the media outlet that he or she is representing. Each person will receive the daily credential badge and will be required to wear it at all times while on site.

Media Credential pick up hours during the Jam are as follows:
Friday, September 25, 2009 from 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Saturday, September 26, 2009 from 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Sunday, September 27, 2009 from: 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Interviews
Big Spring Jam encourages interviews by the media with acts coming in to perform during the festival weekend. Our Media Relations Team will be happy to assist you with contact information, bios, and anything else that may enhance your assignment. All interviews must be done prior to the event. There will be no interviews on-site during the event--- no exceptions. To increase the chances of getting the interviews you desire, please submit your interview requests as early as possible.
Deadline for requests: September 21, 2009 by 5 p.m.

Photography
Some acts may prohibit photography entirely by contract. Please abide by the instructions of the stage managers and/or media team members at all times.

Backstage Policy
Media credentials do not allow access to backstage or other off-limit areas.

For any other questions please contact:
Brandi Quick
Email: bquick@vonbrauncenter.com
(256) 551-2280

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August 25, 2009 - Big Spring Jam XVII Schedule of Acts Announced

As the summer winds down, Huntsville will be winding up with a slew of great acts. For the 17th year the Big Spring Jam will be providing unparalleled entertainment September 25th – 27th at Big Spring International Park in downtown Huntsville.

The most recent addition to the Big Spring Jam list of acts is Fort Payne native and the lead singer from Alabama Randy Owen, who will be the main act on the WDRM stage on Friday, Sept. 25th. Other performers on the WDRM stage Friday beginning at 6:00 p.m. include Nash Street, Brady Seals, The Kentucky Headhunters and John Anderson. WDRM’s lineup on Saturday beginning at 4:30 p.m. consists of Tyler Dean, Carter Twins, Her & Kings County, Jonathan Singleton & the Grove, David Nail, Darryl Worley and Trace Adkins. Sunday starting at 4:30 p.m. WDRM will have Bradley Walker, LoCash Cowboys, The Lost Trailers. Heidi Newfield and Sara Evans.

On Friday night beginning at 6:00 the Coca-Cola stage will host Dwayne Dopsie & The Zydeco Hellraisers, Here Come the Mummies, WAR and the Village People. Saturday night starting at 4:30 the performers include Cage the Elephant, Manchester Orchestra, Silversun Pickups, Pop Evil, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Collective Soul. Sunday night’s program will begin at 4:30 and will include Nathan & The Zydeco Cha-Chas, Jason D. Williams, Paul Thorn Band and Huey Lewis & The News.

WZYP has an array of performers beginning Friday night at 6:00 with Moon Taxi, Truth & Salvage Co., Tonic and The Black Crowes. Saturday night will go off with a bang at 4:30 with Nathan Rateliff & The Wheel, Teen Getaway, Hot Chelle Rae, Matthew Mayfield, Jesse James, Honor Society and The Fray. WZYP will wind down the weekend starting at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday with Within Reason, Framing Hanley, Saving Abel and Akon.

Gates will open Friday at 5:00 p.m. for Jam Fans and 5:30 p.m. for general admission. Saturday the gates will open at 3:30 p.m. for Jam Fans and 4:00 p.m. for general admission. The gates will open Sunday at 3:30 p.m. for Jam Fans and 4:00 p.m. for general admission.

Tickets for the valley’s premiere music festival are on sale now via www.bigspringjam.org. Three-Day Passes are $45. Individual Day Passes can also be purchased in advance for $25 online at www.bigspringjam.org and at the gate for $30. There are numerous corporate ticket outlets to be announced and the Jam encourages other companies throughout North Alabama and Southern Tennessee to support the event by becoming a ticket outlet. Interested companies should contact the Big Spring Jam Ticket Office at (256) 551-2209.

To stay up to date with the latest Big Spring Jam artist updates, additions and news, fans should visit the festival’s web site www.bigspringjam.org. The website allows fans to register to receive instant news blasts via e-mail as well as qualify to win free Jam tickets. Fans can also register for “meet and greet” opportunities with several Jam artists.

In addition to ticket outlet opportunities, the Big Spring Jam is has several new sponsorship avenues available to the Huntsville community this year. Sponsorship availability is limited; so don’t wait to reserve your company’s spotlight at Big Spring Jam XVII. Contact Sponsorship Sales Manager Lacy Pruitt today at lpruitt@vonbrauncenter.com or by phone at 256-551-2236.

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July 31, 2009 - Next Wave of Big Spring Jam XVII Acts Announced

The ever-expanding line up of performers for the Big Spring Jam XVII Music Festival continues to grow as the next wave of musicians is announced. For the 17th year the Big Spring Jam will be providing unparalleled entertainment September 25th - 27th at Big Spring International Park in downtown Huntsville.

Two of the acts include Country sweetheart and singer-songwriter Sara Evans along with the legendary band WAR, who is known for its fusion of musical styles and elements. North Alabama favorite and Athens native Bradley Walker will be taking the crowd by storm with the humble sounds of bluegrass. In addition, rock fans can jam to Cage the Elephant, Saving Abel, Framing Hanley, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Pop Evil, Silversun Pickups, Manchester Orchestra and Moon Taxi. Country fans will rejoice when they are front stage listening to John Anderson, The Kentucky Headhunters, The Carter Twins, Nash Street and Jonathan Singleton & the Grove. Everyone will enjoy the sounds of Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Cha’s and Dwayne Dopsie &The Zydeco Hellraisers who are straight from Louisiana. These newly added acts are just a few of the talented artists that the Jam has lined up for this year’s festival.

There are a variety of acts that will continue to be added to the overwhelmingly capable artists already performing. Several of the acts already announced include hard-rock jam band The Black Crowes, hip-hop icon Akon, country music superstar Trace Adkins and straight from the current Jonas Brothers tour pop band Honor Society. Not to mention The Fray, Huey Lewis & the News and The Village People. The weekend is sure to be full of great music and great fun!

To stay up to date with the latest Big Spring Jam artist updates, additions and news, fans should visit the festival web site www.bigspringjam.org. The website allows fans to register to receive instant news blasts via e-mail as well as qualify to win free Jam tickets. Fans can also register for “meet and greet” opportunities with several Jam artists.

In addition to ticket outlet opportunities, the Big Spring Jam is has several new sponsorship avenues available to the Huntsville community this year. Sponsorship availability is limited, so don’t wait to reserve your company’s spotlight at Big Spring Jam XVII. Contact Sponsorship Sales Manager Lacy Pruitt today at lpruitt@vonbrauncenter.com or by phone at 256-551-2236.

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July 9, 2009 - Second Wave of Big Spring Jam XVII Acts Announced

The Tennessee Valley’s best value in music entertainment continues to expand its super-star line up of performers as the second wave of acts are announced for Big Spring Jam XVII. The region’s premiere music festival celebrates its 17th anniversary as it returns this September 25th – 27th to Big Spring International Park in downtown Huntsville.

“Heart of Rock and Roll” 80’s rock legend Huey Lewis & The News join the impressive roster of Jam XVII acts along with soulful music storyteller Paul Thorn. In addition, Jason D. Williams will tickle the ivories for adoring fans. These recently added acts are just a few of the Jam’s strong line up of over 45 talented and diverse performers.

Previously announced acts that will also be showcased at Big Spring Jam XVI include Grammy-nominated, chart-topping rock sensation, The Fray, and hip hop phenomenon Akon. Classic rock legends the Black Crowes and country music superstar Trace Adkins are also part of the all-star Jam line up this year. In addition, the Jam boasts a weekend full of other top music industry performers including The Village People, Tonic, and The Lost Trailers. Heidi Newfield and Honor Society will also light up the September skies at Big Spring Jam XVII.

Don’t forget that many more acts will be announced continuously throughout the summer! To stay up to date with the latest Big Spring Jam artist updates, additions and news, fans are encouraged to go to the festival web site www.bigspringjam.org. There, fans can register to receive instant news blasts via e-mail as well as qualify to win free Jam tickets and “meet and greet” opportunities with Jam artists.

In addition to ticket outlet opportunities, the Big Spring Jam is opening up several new sponsorship avenues to the Huntsville community this year. Sponsorship availability is limited, so don’t wait to reserve your company’s spotlight at Big Spring Jam XVII. Contact Sponsorship Sales Manager Lacy Pruitt today at lpruitt@vonbrauncenter.com or by phone at 256-551-2236.

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June 18, 2009 - Big Spring Jam XVII Tickets On Sale Now as First Wave of Acts are Announced

The Tennessee Valley’s best value in music entertainment returns this September as Huntsville’s Big Spring Jam Music Festival marks its 17th anniversary. The event is scheduled for September 25th – 27th at Big Spring International Park in downtown Huntsville. Organizers have confirmed the first wave of performers among more than 45 musical acts scheduled to perform at Big Spring Jam XVII. Tickets for Big Spring Jam are available for purchase now via www.bigspringjam.org.

The Grammy-nominated, chart-topping rock sensation, The Fray, makes its Big Spring Jam debut, as well as hip hop phenomenon Akon. Classic rock legends the Black Crowes and country music superstar Trace Adkins will join the all-star Jam line up this year. The Village People will also take the stage at the Jam as they celebrate 31 years as the world's disco icons. Other confirmed acts include Tonic, The Lost Trailers, Heidi Newfield and Honor Society.

These incredible acts are only the beginning! In addition, many more acts will be announced continuously throughout the summer! Fans can keep up to date with the latest Big Spring Jam artist updates, additions and news by going to the festival web site www.bigspringjam.org. There, fans can register to receive instant news blasts via e-mail as well as qualify to win free Jam tickets and “meet and greet” opportunities with Jam artists.

Huntsville, Alabama’s Big Spring Jam is one of the largest music festivals in the Southeastern United States. Since its debut in 1993, Big Spring Jam has donated almost half a million dollars to area charities, health and human services agencies and arts and entertainment organizations and will continue that tradition this year. For more information, contact the Jam office at 256-533-1953 or visit the web site at www.bigspringjam.org.

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April 6, 2009 – Big Spring Jam XVII is Looking for Submissions for Artwork Contest

The Big Spring Jam XVII is calling all talented artists to submit logos for this year’s Big Spring Jam Artwork Contest. Artists are asked to create a logo to reflect his or her interpretation of Big Spring Jam XVII. The winning graphic design will be named the official artwork of Big Spring Jam XVII and may be used in Jam promotional materials including posters, tickets and signage.

Artists should turn in their contending artwork to the Von Braun Center Administration office labeled “Attention: Big Spring Jam Artwork Contest” no later than 5:00 pm on April 24, 2009. Entries may also be emailed to bsjartwork09@vonbrauncenter.com by the cut-off deadline. Please include the name, phone number, mailing address and email address of the artist with each entry.

The winner, to be selected by an anonymous voting committee, will receive a Big Spring Jam Prize Pack valued at over $500. The logo winner will be awarded with four Jam Fan weekend passes, a two night’s stay at the Holiday Inn Downtown during the Jam weekend, Big Spring Jam XVII T-shirts, and more!

North Alabama’s premiere music festival, Big Spring Jam XVII, is to be held in Big Spring International Park in downtown Huntsville on Friday, September 25th through Sunday, September 27th. Huntsville, Alabama’s Big Spring Jam is one of the largest music festivals in the Southeastern United States. Since its debut in 1993, Big Spring Jam has donated almost half a million dollars to area charities, health and human services agencies and arts and entertainment organizations. For more information, contact Public Relations publicrelations@vonbrauncenter.com 256-533-1953 or visit the web site at www.bigspringjam.org.

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