The longest running music festival in Delaware will return for its 48th year on June 20, 2026 at G&R Campground in Houston. The outdoor concert raises funds for charity and has since its inception.
“Still volunteer-run, still built by this community, still rockin’ for a reason,” a social media post on the organization website read. “June Jam has never been about big corporate stages or flashy productions. It’s about heart, even though we think our stage hits home every time. It’s about neighbors showing up for neighbors. Every ticket sold, every raffle ticket goes back into the community. This festival is powered entirely by volunteers and proceeds go directly to local charities.”
June Jam began with a simple idea to bring people together, give back and keep the music playing, the organizers say.
“The mission has not changed, and it won’t,” the post reads. “That’s something we’ll never stop being proud of.”
This year, the lineup includes AMP Kids, students at the Academy of Music Performance, downtown Salisbury’s nonprofit music school that empowers students of all ages to learn, play and perform. The school offers private lessons, rock bands, camps and community events.
Tribal Sun will also appear at June Jam this year. They are a Godsmack tribute band, delivering a high-energy rock show featuring hits like “Voodoo” and “I Stand Alone.”
Leadfoot will also appear, formed in 2021 in Newark when guitarist Jeff Shelton and vocalist Mike McCarter 
hooked up with drummer Rick Potts and bassist Paulie Personti to form a band. That winter, the foundation for Leadfoot was laid and they quickly gained a reputation for their big vocals, hard rocking, bass driven sound, becoming one of the premier cover bands in the area.
Also appearing at June Jam this year is Geezer as well as Storm. Storm brings the best high energy classic rock from the 70s, 80s and 90s to keep everyone dancing. The Jim Cochran Band will make an appearance, a group of seasoned musicians with “no egos, just a love of music.”
Trailer Park Casanovas return to June Jam this year. One of the most popular cover bands in the area, the group is based in Dover and was formed in 1999. They are known for high-energy dance rock and three-part harmonies. The band took an eight-year break but have since reunited, better than ever.
The headliner for this year, Triple Rail Turn, is an extremely popular alumni of the June Jam stage. Known as the modern country band in the area, Triple Rail Turn is this area’s answer to country music. With a unique collection of musicians from varying backgrounds, this band can put on a show. They bring an amazing amount of talent and energy to any stage they step on.
Over the years, June Jam has raised over $1 million for local charities including Toys for Tots and the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. A few years ago, they made the decision to donate funds to smaller charities and individuals. The festival was started by Bob Hartley as a way to raise funds for the families of three classmates who were electrocuted while working on a roof in Magnolia in 1978. One of the men died, while the other two had extensive injuries. Hartley died in his sleep in April 2024 at the age of 68.
Although the first benefit concert was held in 1978, the name June Jam was given to it in 1979 when it was held at the Camden-Wyoming firehall when they raised funds for a family that lost everything in a fire. For several years, the event was held at McCaulley’s Pond in Felton before moving to G&R Campground. The website gives homage to former owner, Norman Dempsey, who opened G&R Campground so his mother could attend church camps close to home. The campground, which was sold a few years ago, is still the oldest black-owned campground in the United States.
During COVID, to give back to the campground for their support over the years, The Lighthouse stage was constructed. The organization states that the stage represents the kind of relationship June Jam has been built on which is people showing up, lending a helping hand and giving back to the places and people who helped keep the tradition alive.
“It was built during a difficult time as a gesture of appreciation for Norman, the campground, and the years of friendship, hard work and hospitality that helped shape June Jam’s home at G&R,” the June Jam website reads.
Tickets are available on their website. Camping reservations are now open and can be booked online as well.
“Thank you for continuing to show up, year after year,” social media from June Jam read. “Year 48 is for the music, the memories and the mission. Let’s do it again.”
