Jackson Free Press

You might have noticed the downtown streets blocked off as you came to work this morning. But just in case you've been hiding out, been out of touch or been procrastinating on buying tickets, we're here to tell you: Jackson's homegrown, big-time music and arts festival kicks off tonight. It's time to JAM, y'all!

The party starts at 5:30 p.m., with Shamarr Allen on the Budweiser stage (that's the main stage), Eric Stracener & The Frustrations on the VisitJackson.com/ItsDowntown.com stage (hey, they didn't ask us for naming suggestions), and The Hustlers on the Trustmark Stage. The last acts tonight come on between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., with Medeski, Martin & Wood, Guster and 7even:Thirty & 5th Child.

Tomorrow, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., it's FREE JAM, featuring the Arts Fair and KID!JAM, along with local musicians, an aerobics demo and Chef Luis Bruno talking about healthy food. More than 60 regional and local artisans will be displaying and selling their work, including favorites like Anthony Difatta, Roy Adkins, Jerri Sherrer and dozens more. For kids, look for the interactive playground and lots of family activities.

Gates reopen at 3:30 p.m. tomorrow for ticket holders. Look for national headliners including Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Tantric, Drowning Pool and David Banner on the main stage, and acts as diverse as Blue Mountain, Eddie Cotton, PyInfamous and Signals on the other stages.

For a complete schedule, ticket information and more, be sure to head over to the Jubilee!JAM Web site. You can also follow the fun on Twitter, of course.

And in case you've really been hiding out, don't forget that it's summer in Mississippi, even if the calendar says summer doesn't officially start until Sunday. That means it will be hot out there. Be sure to stay hydrated, and that doesn't mean drinking only beer and sugary, caffeinated soft drinks. You'll need water and plenty of it. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water.

Have fun this weekend—JAM, y'all!