Looking for something to do next weekend? For the family to enjoy? How about camping? Live bands? What if I told you there’s a festival that has all of that covered?

Jam Sessions in Thunder Valley is a family-friendly music festival for all to camp out and enjoy, this is their 6th year doing it.

Kim Durham, one of the coordinators, said the event is about supporting the local live music community by featuring some of the best local live music acts that Central Illinois has to offer. 

Thunder Valley is in Bartonville.

"The main stage overlooks the racetrack and the gorgeous tree-lined rolling hills that surround the track, which is where the nickname "Thunder Valley" came from," said Durham.

She said the festival is planned and run by a group of volunteers, with 100% of profits being split between the performing bands and Peoria Motorcycle Club (PMC), who generously provide their facility for the event as well as help with some of the overhead costs of insurance, advertising, etc. 

Shout out to the volunteer crew lead, Ron McFall, who helped get the festival started by connecting with the PMC.

"This close relationship that he built with the members of PMC eventually led to some organic conversations that sparked the interest in co-hosting a family-friendly camping festival that featured local musicians," said Durham. 

The gates open at noon on Thursday, June 23rd. That evening will be the official music opening for The Jam Sessions.

"That will be a really special night, as it's a chance for anyone that's interested in sharing their music to be able to take the stage." "We encourage attendees wanting to perform to bring their instruments to get up and play a few," said Durham.

For more information on the event, visit their Facebook.