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SALISBURY — Salisbury is gearing up for a musical celebration intertwined with a green initiative and local farm foods as Happy Roots presents the return of the long-running “Earth Day Jam.”

Earth Day Jam began in 2012 and proved an inspiration for forming the local nonprofit organization that’s mission is to provide nature-based therapeutic and educational services through school garden programs and community garden projects. The event is scheduled for this Saturday and is a unique farm-to-festival benefit concert that supports Happy Roots efforts.

Thanks to a Rowan Arts Council grant to support local arts, event talent buyer and Happy Roots Co-founder/Director Ashley Honbarrier was able to put together its biggest lineup to date. 

Leading the charge is the Grammy-nominated artist Devon Gilfillian, renowned for his soulful melodies. Having ascended the ranks in Nashville, Gilfillian’s journey is marked by accolades, including appearances on platforms like Kelly Clarkson and Stephen Colbert. 

Honbarrier used to work with Charlotte-based entertainment company Midwood Entertainment, who has also been an Earth Day Jam sponsor. Through the years at Midwood, she worked with many national touring bands and regional festivals. One of those being Gilfillian. The artist has been following Happy Roots and is making a one-off trip special performance to support the nonprofits mission.

Accompanying Gilfillian are other acts such as the four-time Grammy-nominated Yarn, the brass-funk-rock ensemble Empire Strikes Brass featuring Grammy award-winner Debrissa McKinney, and the bluegrass talents of Carolina Detour. 

Catawba College stands as the event’s title sponsor. Happy Roots expressed gratitude for Catawba College’s involvement, coinciding with its partnering with student interns and highlighting its shared vision for a sustainable future.

Veteran sponsors like Rockwell Farms, New Sarum Brewing Company, Shug’s and Miller Davis Agency are also sponsors. Rockwell Farms, a stalwart in sustainable agriculture, has  36 acres of environmentally controlled greenhouse space. New Sarum Brewing Company adds local flavor with its crafted brews, while Shug’s injects vibrancy through its fusion of art and local cuisine. Miller Davis Agency amplifies Happy Roots’ message, furthering awareness of their initiatives.

Earth Day Jam promises a dynamic experience with two stages hosting a diverse array of artists and over 80 vendors and educators showcasing eco-friendly products and services. Festival-goers are incentivized to contribute to waste reduction goals by bringing reusable refillable water bottles, one of the boxes on the “Eco-Bingo” card. Upon completion, “Eco-Bingo” will earn participants Earth Day prizes. 

Although Earth Day Jam offers free admission, there are VIP tickets on offer. These tickets provide access to exclusive perks, including chef-prepared farm-to-table tastings, complemented by craft brews from New Sarum Brewing, one of the event’s premier sponsors. Additionally, VIP attendees will indulge in a special entree paired with wine from Childress Vineyards, another local sponsor from North Carolina.

The event, running from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., is open to the public, with a downtown trolley facilitating transportation. A trolley map and festival map can be found on the event website and social media.

Additionally, the Salisbury Train Station’s proximity and “Stay & Play” packages offered by the Rowan Tourism Authority enhance accessibility and lodging options for attendees.

Figures such as Tony Hillery of Harlem Grown, an advocate for urban farming and environmental education, and Samantha Foxx of Mothers Finest Urban Family Farms, a beekeeper and urban homesteader, will also be part of the event.

Happy Roots, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, spearheads Earth Day Jam with a commitment to nature-based therapeutic and educational services. Those interested in supporting or participating in Earth Day Jam can find more information on the festival website.