<p>James Dean Kindle and the Eastern Oregon Playboys opened for Beirut earlier this month at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland. The Pendleton-based band is among the line-up during this weekend’s Juniper Jam, a music festival featuring nearly 12 hours of music at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds in Enterprise.</p>

Billed as the sweetest little music festival in Eastern Oregon, Juniper Jam will feature nearly 12 hours of non-stop music. The gates open Saturday at 10 a.m., with music from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Wallowa County Fairgrounds in Enterprise.

Festival-goers will be treated to many styles of music including folk, country, Americana, rock and blues. Tickets are $10 per person, with children under 6 admitted free of charge. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance at www.juniperjam.com or at Wallowa County merchants, including Lears Main Street Pub & Grill and The Bookloft in Enterprise, The Sheep Shed in Joseph, The Blonde Strawberry in Wallowa and The Lostine Tavern.

The event, sponsored by the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance, also features local fine art, food and beverage vendors and activities for kids. Organizers are thrilled to offer a great lineup of musicians from around the Northwest, said Festival Director Janis Carper. 

Juniper Jam is a celebration of original music, featuring local and regional talent, with something for everyone, she said. Its also a great value for your entertainment dollar.

  A favorite at last years festival, Corn Mash returns to the events main stage. The Moscow, Idaho bands eclectic mix of original rock, swing, blues, country, punk, funk and bluegrass is always delivered with an abundance of energy. Also appearing at this years festival is Fruition, a Portland-area band that has amassed a dedicated following due to their compelling songwriting, glowing three-part harmonies and ripping string instrumentation. Their shows have been described as ecstatic revivals, where high-energy dance music meets heart-melting soul numbers. The Kevin Jones Band from Seattle makes a Wallowa County debut this year and features a laid-back bluesy-rock style with a multitude of instruments and great vocal harmonies. A returning favorite from the very first Juniper Jam, Pendletons James Dean Kindle and the Eastern Oregon Playboys, will grace the main stage with their energetic and quirky Americana-pop sound. Another newcomer to the festival is Buffalo Death Beam, from Pullman, Wash. Not only is their band name truly original, their music is too modern, folk-inspired melodies with eerily beautiful harmonies backed by guitar, violin, banjo, mandolin and piano.

Although the musical genres presented at Juniper Jam are varied, the common thread is original music honoring the song and its writer. In this tradition, the Tunesmith Stage will kick off the festivities in a format inspired by the regular monthly songwriter showcase presented by the Wallowa Valley Music Alliance. It will feature round-robin style performances by Rodd Ambroson, Chase Nebel, Al MacLeod,  Carolyn Lochert, Janis Carper and Simon Tucker. Alternating with main stage performances, music continues with Jonathan Warren & the Billy Goats from Boise, Idaho, and Sons of Guns out of La Grande, wrapping up with a short jam session. See www.juniperjam.com for the complete schedule, including last minute changes. Call 541-426-3390 for more information.