Fam Jam to rock Gilberts Community Days

Fam Jam brings together a group of parents and kids who not only live together and call each other family but go out of their way to practice and play music together.

At least a dozen of those involved in the 17-member group will headline Saturday’s performances at the Gilberts Community Days festival which runs from June 2-5.

William Beith, who plays the Hammond organ with the band, joined in 2007 after inviting the group to play at a festival he organized in Campton Hills.

“We all just get together and play and have a good time,” Beith said.

The original members started playing at a multifamily cookout. The parents had met and become friends after various interactions while bringing their kids to music lessons and band concerts. They all lived in the Campton Hills area and decided one day to get together and jam.

The band doesn’t make much money from their gigs and they don’t practice all that often. But when they do come together, it’s a chance to enjoy the company of friends and the thrill of making music.

“It affirms family and it affirms the place that music used to have as a very strong social force in the family unit,” Beith said.

Fam Jam will go on stage at 8 p.m. June 4 in Town Center Park. The band brings together vocals, guitar, drums, piano, organ, saxophone, violin, bass and harmonica for rock covers, mostly dating to the 1960s. Band members range in age from about 20 to 50 years old.

Several other musicians and bands are also lined up for the weekend festival, which also will feature carnival rides, food, a car show, games and a magic show. Admission is free.

Visit villageofgilberts.com for a more complete list of events.