For 20 years, the John Jarrard Foundation has connected North Georgia with singers and songwriters through concerts. But that's not the only chord the foundation has struck in the community.
The foundation's namesake, John Jarrard, was a Gainesville native who moved to Nashville to pursue a career as a country singer-songwriter. Before a diabetes diagnosis claimed his life, his songs were recorded by Alabama, George Strait, Diamond Rio, Tracy Lawrence, and others, and he racked up 11 number one hits. He raised over $100,000 for diabetes research, awareness and education programs.
That's why the John Jarrard Foundation aims to give back through its concerts.
"We're just fortunate to be in our 20th year, and raised a lot of money," said Executive Director Jody Jackson. "Over $2 million for local charities - Boys and Girls Clubs, the Good News Clinic and the Good News Shelter, as well as Sisu, and the North Georgia Food Bank."
One of the annual shows is coming up Saturday. The Lake Show will be held at the Lake Lanier Olympic Venue, and will be accessible on land or by boat.
"We promote this as a kick-off-the-summer event, so we do promote boating at the event," said Jackson. "We set up speakers on the backside of the stage, so if you stay on your boat you can hear the concert. Or, you can pull up and anchor, come up, buy yourself a wristband, come in and eat, drink, and hang out."
Gates open Saturday at 5 p.m. and the music starts at 6 p.m. There will be food, drinks, and fireworks. Jackson said there are slips for those traveling by boat but they are not reserved. Ticket information can be found here.
In the fall, the foundation hosts the Annual John Jarrard Foundation Concert. It's hosted on the Brenau University front lawn, and features multiple musical acts. COVID-19 prevented the 2020 concert, but 2019 featured a line up of songwriters with over 25 hit songs.
"I love the impact we've made on the music scene, I think we've brought a lot of great to Gainesville, Georgia, over the last 20 years," said Jackson. "We've brought Grammy award winners, songwriters, hit musicians, it's just incredible. Steve Cropper, who is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jimmy Hall, who is in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, and of course, a lot of great hit songwriters."
"I think we've kind of developed a music family in Gainesville," Jackson said. "I used to travel with artists before I moved back here, and there's nothing at all like the John Jarrard Foundation. There's not any community that's come together like this to have a few concerts a year that everyone loves, to come out, socialize, help out and spend their money for a good cause."
