Nick Balzano’s Watkins Jam was created to honor 50 years since the Watkins Glen Summer Jam with The Band, Grateful Dead & The Allman Brothers Band…

In my many years as a musician in the LI Jam Scene, I have worked with a number of talented musicians who were directly inspired by the music of The Band, Grateful Dead & The Allman Brothers Band. The songs, drumming styles and even the communities they’ve created have had a huge influence on the path I’ve chosen as a musician. I WISH I could’ve been present to feel the energy of that crowd, gathering for the same purpose. Great Music.

This idea has taken many forms. It went from being a multi-band show, with each band taking on one of the three greats, to an open & rotating cast with myself at the helm; creating supergroups to take on each catalog. All along with one goal in mind, to celebrate great music. After celebrating the 50th anniversary with 3 shows, NBWJ will now meet each July with a new cast of friends on the anniversary of “the largest music gathering ever”!

past shows: