The Potomac River Jam is back for its second year with a host of local musicians, nature activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Join Potomac Conservancy for this free, day-long celebration of the river and canal on Sunday, October 18, from 8 am – 4 pm.

Enjoy a sampling of this summer’s River Center events while spending the day along the C&O Canal. Come early to join us for nature walks and a photography workshop. Later, enjoy a canoe ride to Minnie’s Island, and relax to the sound of live, acoustic musicians. A variety of children’s games, face painting, and pumpkin painting will also take place throughout the day.

“We’re excited for everyone to come celebrate the river with us,” says Hedrick Belin, Potomac Conservancy President. “It will be a great chance to meet other river lovers and members of the community while enjoying the gorgeous fall scenery around Lockhouse 8. We have a great line up of musicians and activities planned for this year and expect a great turnout.”

Events to include:

Nature Walks along the C&O Canal
• 8-9 am: Join photographer Joanne Miller for some one-on-one pointers as you capture the sights along the C&O Canal. Bring your favorite camera and a good eye.
• 9-10 am: Catch a glimpse of this fall’s winged wildlife on a morning bird walk with Kevin Mack.
• 10-11 am: Learn about common tree species found in the Potomac River watershed on a “Tree ID” walk with Laura Miller.
• 11 am-12 pm: Hear the history and folklore of common trees, weeds and wildflowers on a medicinal plant walk with Randa Steblez.

Featured Musicians:
• 12-12:30 pm: Rick & Audrey specialize in instilling a sense of wonder and excitement for younger audiences and as a duo, have established themselves as award-winning songwriters and notable performers in festivals and venues around the DC area. In addition to playing for kids, they also lead the 6-piece contemporary folk band, Sense of Wonder.

• 12:45-1:30 pm: Tom Verratti aka Potomac Passion is a local three-finger banjo player covering a wide range of musical taste ranging from blues to folk to ragtime and straight up Bluegrass.

• 1:45-2:30 pm: Kensington Station is a Maryland folk trio with its roots going back to the “folk scare” of the early 60’s. The group—Fred Cherney, on guitar and banjo, Jim Jones on guitar, and Leslie Smile on violin—has a repertoire of traditional and 60’s folk standards. They are also known to throw in a lively mix of Irish, Old Time, and contemporary tunes.

• 2:45-3:30 pm: Eric Maring, a native of Washington, D.C., is a folk-pop singer/songwriter/guitarist who has performed around the world. His music includes elements of rock, pop, and folk while including references, both musically and lyrically to his travels through Asia and South America.

Canoe Rides:
9 am, 12 pm and 2 pm: Take a canoe ride to Minnie’s Island. First come, first served-- sign up at event for a timeslot.

This event is supported by our sponsors: Mom’s Organic Market, Giant, McCutcheon’s Apple Products, Inc., and Bethesda Co-op Natural Food Market.

About the River Center at Lockhouse 8
The River Center is open Saturdays and Sundays from May through October from 10 am ‘til 2 pm for tours of the lockhouse and interactive exhibits. Inside the River Center, the Conservancy installed a new exhibit, “Backyard to the Bay,” that connects what happens on the land and the health of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Visitors are guided by the Potomac Conservancy’s volunteer docents who lead tours, answer questions and discuss the historical and cultural significance of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River to the regional economy and the local quality of life.

For additional information about the River Center at Lockhouse 8, including directions, contact Bridget Chapin (details above) or visit www.potomac.org/site/discover-rclh8/.

About Potomac Conservancy
Since 1993, the Potomac Conservancy has protected the health, beauty, and enjoyment of the Potomac River and its tributaries. Its conservation programs address the goals of improving water quality, protecting the river’s scenic integrity, enhancing recreational resources, and building an informed and engaged constituency, using a range of tools, including restoration, permanent protection, advocacy, and citizen education and engagement.

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