George Zwally, owner of Z-Topia Entertainment, recalls the chills going down his spine while hearing meaningful lyrics sung by his favorite artists when they take the stage in live performances. Now he wants to bring that same feeling to an audience in Stevenson with a Jam at the Dam, a concert to be held at Z-Topia, 1545 Monroe Turnpike, on Saturday, July 15, from 1 to 11 p.m.
Zwally, a local businessman, said he enjoys giving back to the local community, adding he believes the site of the former Stevenson Lumber Co., a massive piece of property, is the perfect spot for an event offering fun for the entire family.
“I want this to be one of the most fun and approachable festivals in the state,” he said. I wanted to create an event that offers audiences the chance to see world-class acts in a relaxed setting, and one that won’t break the bank. I want to offer folks a wide-ranging potpourri of music and food in an event that will be uplifting. I think it is so special to be able to gather together in one place to celebrate music, our town and our heritage with friends, new and old.”
The concert was made possible through the efforts of chief organizers Greg and Peggi Gnandt.
Zwally said the star-studded lineup of entertainers won’t disappoint.
John Waite takes the stage at 6 p.m. performing a catalogue of hits from his 40-year career as a solo artist. The audience will dance to popular songs from the 1980s and ’90s like the No. 1 worldwide hit “Missing You”, The Babys’ song “Isn’t It Time”, and Bad English’s song “When I See You Smile”.
Waite’s performance will include everything from power ballads to new-wave-styled pop.
At 8 p.m., the headliner, Thompson Square, takes the stage. This famous Nashville, Grammy nominated duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson have won multiple awards and appeared on many primetime TV specials.
They’ve been praised as “remarkable” by Taste of Country, “deeply personal and emotional” by Sounds Like Nashville, and “vivacious” by Rolling Stone.
One thing that has resonated with audiences around the world is the connection that this husband and wife team has with each other, according to Zwally, who said their music radiates with an intensity that draws audiences in.
Thompson Square’s hits include “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not”, “If I Didn’t Have You” and “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About”.
Aside from the concert, the event will have a mobile axe throwing truck and goodies like popcorn, candied apples and cotton candy. The event will also have two beer and wine gardens and a wide variety of food trucks.
Tickets, which cost $45 and include full access to the concerts, are available online at https://www.jamatthedam.com and at the gate the day of the event. Kids age 13 and younger are free when accompanied by an adult who bought a ticket.
The cost of axe throwing, food trucks, and the beer and wine garden are not included in the ticket price. Free parking is available at 421 Old Zoar Road in Monroe.
