THE STORY

J.A.M was birthed as a despondent all-originals project for frontman, Andrew Saltz, (now Andrew Clingan), in 2022. In 2022, Andrew recorded off and on in a homespun bedroom recording setup to create what would become the first few pieces of the band's freshman record. This is not Andrew's first attempted project however, with him writing what has now been vaulted music dating back to 2017. But by 2023, Andrew was seeking to introduce a collectively working project into the circuit unlike anything anyone had ever seen before.  After a year of development and deliberation, Andrew founded J.A.M with Jeremy Hambrick (drums) and Mark Bumgarner (bass). In time they created the foundation for what has become the East Coast's first ever Indigenous rock experience. A premiere act, now based out of Cherokee, NC, residential each winter now at Harrah's Cherokee Casino.  As more songs were written and previewed for more and more receptive crowds, reviews began popping up, and things seemed to be looking up for the group. It was at this point though, Mark Bumgarner. original bassist, and Jeremy Hambrick (drums), due to many personal conflicts, required new musicians be auditioned and made readily available for work they feared they would miss. During this time, Austin Blakley and Evan Hamlin were temporarily introduced. However, shortly after this, due to private personal differences and malignity directed at members by them, they were quickly replaced. With renewed hope, J.A.M would then officially hire Christopher Powers, Jr. on bass. Shortly after, Jonny Mclahlan, Collin Pumpernickel, and William Elliot would be immediately hired, utilizing veteran bassist Mark Bumgarner, Nashville guitarist Jaret "Sweet Tea" Carter, and Alan Johnson as direct backups. It was then Jeremy Hambrick (drums) due to a child on the way decided it was in the group's best interest to share his position with Elias Grimsley. Finally, five years into the making, it was then a newly solidified band, insured for any situation and adaptable for any entertainment setting, began to rightfully take off.  With renewed vigor, Andrew and the all-new group went to work recording the first tracks of J.A.M's self-titled freshman record. Putting together material for not only their first record, but a second, and a new stage show as well, the band began booking and touring in 2023. As the stage show has become more elaborate, EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee) tribal dancers and friends, Kerry Reed and Charles Medsteth, have also been added to the talented ensemble, as well as other elaborate audio and visual elements. With a clear vision, J.A.M has now become a multi-award winning residential entertainment attraction in and around Cherokee and the Great Smoky Mountains.