Christmas Jam!
Contributed by Roland Roberts
What began as a humble potluck dinner in a cozy tavern in my little community of Fishhook has grown into something much bigger: Christmas Jam, an annual holiday-concert extravaganza dedicated to raising money to support families in need at Christmas in the Matsu Valley. Back in its earliest iteration, my bandmates and I gathered with a few close friends, set aside a few casseroles and warm bowls of stew, tuned up our instruments and invited neighbors to share some music and a simple dinner while we took up a collection for the Matsu Valley Special Santa program. That winter evening inspired the idea that music and food could combine into a meaningful way to support children facing hardship.
As word spread, the gathering morphed into a full-blown concert event moving from the Fishhook Bar, to the Palmer Train Depot and now to the MTA Events Center. While Christmas jam has now gotten too big for the original potluck dishes to remain part of the festivities, the good folks form The Palmer Alehouse will be serving pizza and Christmas libations. Every ticket sold, every donation given, goes toward providing gifts, warm clothes and holiday meals for kids whose families might otherwise struggle this season. The warmth of the dinner table and the sparkle of the stage became intertwined.
Today, Christmas Jam in Alaska is more than just a show—it’s a community-embracing celebration of the season. Friends and family from all over the state gather to spread Christmas cheer, then the lights dim and a 3-hour rock show from some of Alaska’s favorite bands: Good Company, The Jephries and The Roland Roberts Band begins. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, local sponsors and volunteers ensure that the proceeds reach the children who need them most.
In a place where the winter nights are long and the cold can feel sharp; Christmas Jam serves as a beacon of light and generosity. What started around a simple potluck circle has become a joyous tradition—one where music, community, and charity converge to remind everyone that the holiday spirit is strongest when we come together and lift each other up. The boys and I cannot believe what an incredible event this has grown into, and we cannot wait to see you all there.
Cheers and Merry Christmas,
Roland Roberts