Doyle Dykes, Confederate Railroad headline Ocoee River Jam 5

Strung Like a Horse will close out Friday night's music.

Doyle Dykes and Confederate Railroad are among 20 acts set to perform this weekend at Ocoee River Jam 5, which kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, July 28, and winds up late Sunday, July 30.

The festival takes place at Jam Field - aka Snyder farm, 599 Highway 64 in Ocoee, Tenn. Growing by leaps and bounds over its first four years, the jam is quickly becoming the signature music festival of the Ocoee area.

Dana Teasley, ORJ secretary and treasurer, says the first Ocoee River Jam launched with eight bands.

"We have some local favorites, such as Blues Hammer and Dagger Blue, that have played every year, along with several of the individual artists," she says.

Natchez Tracers, a Southern funk band from Nashville, play OJR on Saturday night.

With his new album, "The Return of the Falcon," just released this month, guitarist Doyle Dykes is expected to draw a crowd Friday night.

Of the 20 acts scheduled this weekend, Teasley says there are don't-miss acts each day.

"Friday we have the famous Doyle Dykes taking the stage and up-and-coming act Strung Like a Horse, who is being noticed in Nashville. Saturday, Jess Goggans returns. She is a past recipient of Chattanooga's Singer-Songwriter of the Year award.

"On Sunday, Confederate Railroad is the headliner, and there are two up-and-coming stars, Callista Clark, a 13-year-old from Georgia, and Tyson Leamon, who is gaining recognition in Nashville."

Teasley says 1,200 visitors turned out for last summer's Ocoee River Jam. In addition to its music, a big draw for the festival is the beautiful setting with its view of the Chilhowee mountain range in combination with being family-friendly.

Teasley says Sunday is Family Funday when ages 17 and younger are admitted free. Activities have been scheduled for children that day: park ranger Angelo Giasanti will give a wildlife presentation at 3 p.m., and there will be tie-dying at 4 p.m. Studio 22 will lead youth yoga, and there will be a Kids Zone with water activities, bounce houses, face-painting and arts and crafts.

Food and beverages are sold on-site; no coolers or outside food and drink may be brought in.

A new addition this year is off-site camping with a shuttle carrying folks between campsite and jam field. This is offered through a partnership with ORJ and local outfitters. The $60 camping ticket includes a weekend pass, three nights of camping and a meet-and-greet with Confederate Railroad. Sales end on Friday, July 28, if not sold out by then.

General admission tickets are $20 per day, $40 weekend pass, and children 12 and under are free all weekend. Proceeds are distributed to area youth organizations. In four years, jam planners have donated more than $15,000 to youth programs.

For more information: ocoeeriverjam.com.

Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.