How Beaver Jam Grew From a Small Gathering Into a Catskills Music Festival

Beaver Jam returns Saturday to the Wild Wander property in Glen Wild, NY, bringing together live music, local artists, food vendors and outdoor enthusiasts for a one-day celebration of Catskills culture.

Now in its third year, the festival has grown well beyond its modest beginnings.

“We had planned to basically throw a small festival, and now we’re on the third year and it’s grown substantially,” said founding member Greg Castro. “It’s gone from just a few friends hanging out on a stage to now we’re building a big stage and we’ve got a great huge PA system and a bunch of bands.”

The festival takes its name from the beavers that inhabit the property and reflects an appreciation for the natural setting as much as the music.

“It’s a celebration of all of our local arts and culture and food and music and everything like that,” Castro said. “There’s plenty to do. There’s going to be a lot of beautiful things to see.”

This year’s event features roughly 15 musical acts, along with sculptures, live painting, vendors and food. Performers include Joey Eppard of the Hudson Valley band 3, as well as local artists Good for Mondays, Richard Traviss, Faith Kelly, Ailise, and more.

For Castro, who will also perform with his band Electric Chords, one of Beaver Jam’s biggest successes has been helping local artists develop their craft.

“I personally know people who the first year saw the event, the second year participated as a solo act, and the third year are now playing with a full band,” he said.

Looking back, Castro said his favorite moments come from seeing attendees discover what the festival has become.

“It’s lovely to me to see people come in and be so excited at what’s happening in their community,” he said.

Image: BeaverJam takes place from noon to midnight on June 5. (beaverjamny.com)