American Legion Plays Host to Marathon Jam

American Legion Plays Host to Marathon Jam

Chapel Hill 1360 WCHL

By Chris Moffitt

02.25.11

The American Legion Post 6 will be the site of a bluegrass music marathon.

The Legion will play host to the fourth Marathon Jam on Saturday.  The jam was conceived and organized by local bluegrass musician and writer John Santa and will feature musicians in the Chapel Hill area playing bluegrass and country music for 12 hours trying to raise as much money as possible.  The event has raised money for numerous local charities in the past with this year’s proceeds going to the Fisher House. 

Member of the American Legion Post 6 Lee Heavlin says the Fisher House was chosen because of the work it does with military families.  "The Fisher House is a special charity for us because what the Fisher House does is similar to what the McDonald's House does for families only it's for military families," Heavlin says.

The local jam is just one of many Marathon Jams being organized around the country as well as in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Heavlin says the event is open to anyone who wants to come in and jam.

"It's a fun event for the family," Heavlin says.

In the past three Marathon Jams, musicians were able to raise a combined $27,000 for the Fisher House. John Santa says the jam isn't about politics, it's about helping families.  "It's not about a military thing, it's about kids not seeing their parents," Santa says.

The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the American Legion Post 6.  The event is free and open to the public and spectators are welcomed.  For more information on the Marathon Jam and how you can participate, visit www.marathonjam.com.