In Western New York, a group of live music fans have come together to give back to the community while fostering the development of young musicians. Junior Jerry Jam (JJJ) is a grassroots not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to inspiring young musicians and music lovers by introducing young people to professional musicians in a fun, safe and family friendly environment.
Embodying the belief that Buffalo is truly the City of Good Neighbors, Junior Jerry Jam (JJJ) is committed to raising money and awareness to support local non-profits and other community organizations, so as to strengthen and deepen bonds throughout the greater Buffalo community.
Founded by long-time Grateful Dead fans Stu and Judy Weinstein, Junior Jerry Jam was started in 2021 after the couple sensed a need for family friendly music events in the vibrant Buffalo music scene. Stu and Judy had shared their love of music with their five children as well as their grandchildren over the last few decades, and in the post-pandemic era, they were moved to reach more kids and families. The Weinstein’s sought to provide live music events for young people and their parents, but also to combine the positive feeling that comes from giving back to the Buffalo community that they are so proud to be a part of.
I just love watching the joy in young kids’ faces when they are at live music. They don’t stop smiling and dancing. Their ability to make new friends at these events is a beautiful thing to watch. There is no judgment, only love and oneness.
Judy Weinstein
The roots of Junior Jerry Jam are of course, connected to the Grateful Dead, thanks to Judy bringing Stu to his first Dead show at Ventura County Raceway in California, many years ago. Stu has thus learned to share his appreciation of the Grateful Dead, and in the summer of 2021, having visited their grandkids in New Jersey, the couple were inspired by their son bringing his kids to a local show, which got the wheels turning.
Stu told the Buffalo News in 2022 “I’m a very community-minded, family-oriented person and a huge lover and supporter of live music.” With that sentiment in mind, Junior Jerry Jam has created events for the whole family to enjoy, giving parents a way to pass on the love of live music with their kids in a fun , safe environment.
Past events held by Junior Jerry Jam include their first event in December 2021, “The Kids They Dance and Shake their Bones” at Buffalo Iron Works, which led to $3,000 being donated to Buffalo String Works. In 2022, JJJ picked up pace with a Dogs in a Pile soundcheck show, dubbed “Dogs to the Rescue,” at Buffalo Ironworks, netting $1500 for the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter (view the soundcheck here). They also held events in the Kids Village at Cobblestone Live in July 2022, a moe.queous soundcheck show at Town Ballroom this past October (with $1,490 donated to American Cancer Society) and a Holiday Shakedown at Babeville in December, featuring Workingman’s Dead, leading to a $3,000 donation to Buffalo String Works
Coming up in 2023, the first event for Junior Jerry Jam will be “Dogs to the Rescue” featuring Dogs in a Pile performing a soundcheck show at Buffalo Ironworks on March 12th at 5:30 pm. That night, the group will be raising funds for the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter. Looking ahead to the summer, JJJ will once again host the Kids Village at Cobblestone Live in July, and have another Holiday Shakedown slated for December. More events are in the works beyond these, as Junior Jerry Jam is just getting started.
Photos from past Junior Jerry Jam events courtesy of Strawberry Island Dweller, Matt Shotwell.
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