Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., reminds everyone that the fifth annual Dam Jam, a celebration of the region’s drinking water, is this Saturday, August 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event takes place at the Willow Grove Nature Center at Cromwell Valley Park in Towson, 2175 Cromwell Bridge Road, and at the nearby Loch Raven Dam on Loch Raven Drive. 

Dam Jam features visual artists and craft artisans, live music, history displays, native wildlife presentations, organized hikes, BIG fire trucks, giveaways and more. Admission is FREE, and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets to experience the entire day's events. Food vendors will also be on-site. 

Plenty of parking is available at the park, with continuous free shuttles to take visitors to Loch Raven Dam. 

“This is an occasion to have fun and also to learn about our regional water system, our history, and our watershed lands. Loch Raven Reservoir and Cromwell Valley Park are two of the most beautiful places to explore in Metropolitan Baltimore,” says Director Chow.  

Top notch musical entertainment will be provided by Hot Club of Baltimore beginning at 10:45 a.m., doing 30’s/40’s Jazz. They have performed at the best clubs in the region, as well as from California to New York. They also known for their interpretations of the music of Jean "Django" Reinhardt, regarded as one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Take a listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtF3UxtaDg0. 

The afternoon music entertainment is provided by Gary and the Groove. This talented group is well-known at clubs throughout the area, and they capture the sounds of summer pop, soul, and R&B. Here’s a sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y9n1MK__tU 

Participating agencies/sponsors include:

Baltimore City Department of Public Works, Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability, Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, Hamilton Arts Collective, Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, and Gannett-Fleming, Inc.

 Schedule of Events

 At Loch Raven Dam 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.:

Historical Society of Baltimore County 

Baltimore City Historical Society 

Providence Volunteer Fire Company 

Dam Open House and Tours (continuous) 

At Cromwell Valley Park: 

10:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Hot Club of Baltimore on stage

1:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Gary and the Groove on stage 

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Face painting and balloon animals

10:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m.
Carrie Murray Nature Center (wildlife)

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Baltimore County Fire Department Texas Station

Times to be determined
Phoenix Nature Center (wildlife)

Times to be determined (weather dependent)
Cromwell Valley Park Hawk Watch

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Demonstration at 11:00 a.m.)
Chesapeake Search Dogs

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Baltimore Bird Club

1:00 p.m.
Hike Into History – Historic Lime Kiln and Balancing Reservoir (easy to moderate hikes)

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Artists/Art Sales

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Food Sales

10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Water, Wastewater, Sustainability, Energy and other displays. 

The event and parking are free.

For more information about Dam Jam 2016 please call 410-545-6541.