Written and photographed by: Jasmine Bowens
Jam on the Grass, a grassroots music festival, marked its 12th celebration on Sept. 20 at the Abington Arts Center in Jenkintown, Pa.
First, let’s talk about the Abington Arts Center. As a Philadelphia native with family just seven miles away, I had no idea this beautiful gem even existed. The Arts Center is located on the historic Alverthorpe Manor, and it’s truly a piece of American women’s history right on the northwest outskirts of Philadelphia.
Before finding its permanent home, the center began as the Old York Road Art Guild, a collective of 26 women who came together in 1939 to share and teach their love of the fine arts. The group eventually became a nonprofit under its current name in the 1960s. By 1970, they moved into the 27-acre Alverthorpe Manor estate, which now serves as a contemporary art museum and community hub offering art classes, events and even hosting weddings. More than 80 years later, the guild’s mission lives on.
With such a rich history, beautiful grounds and a central location, it’s no surprise that Philadelphia-based organizer Candice Johnson, owner of The Wallflower Observer, and the psychedelic garage-blues band Three Fourteen chose the Arts Center to host the 12th Jam on the Grass. This event blended music, art and movement into one unforgettable experience. This year’s theme was nostalgia, honoring the past while embracing the future.
The theme was evident throughout the festival setup. The layout of the grounds echoed the festival’s origins in a garage, reminding everyone of how it all began. It resembled a backyard including a smoking shed, a space away from the attendees of all ages. One heartfelt tribute included honoring Sir Lance A Lot, the beloved dog of Three Fourteen’s Greg Hoffman, who recently passed away. Images of Sir Lance appeared in the festival’s marketing as well.
Prior to the event, I took a look at the lineup and listened to a few of the songs from each of the musical acts in order of appearance at the festival. Angelo Outlaw Trio was slated to be first on stage at 1 p.m., Miss Cantaloupe at 2:20, Coop A Loop at 3:40, Sug Daniels at 5, Three Fourteen at 6:30, and the show closer Magic Beans at 8:45.
I knew I wasn’t going to be able to stay for the whole festival and would be available later in the afternoon, so I paid special attention to the first three bands in my listening session.
I listened to Angelo Outlaw Trio’s Access of Time album, released March 15, 2024. It’s been a while since I listened to jazz music, and The Angelo Outlaw Trio was a refreshing welcome back. I recommend “Diamonds” and “Speed of Light” on the Access of Time album. Both are a little more fast and up-tempo than the others. “Time Traveler” is a great song too. Actually, listen to the whole album. Play it while you’re studying or doing whatever. Check him out live if you have the chance too. When was the last time you watched someone play the xylophone?
Miss Cantaloupe is a local festival regular whose music reminds me of a chaotic yet beautiful, bright and breezy Saturday afternoon as you hurry to get ready to host a BBQ, the moments when getting ready becomes more fun and less hectic. I wasn’t familiar with her work, so I delved into her discography. I landed on her most recent album, Pout Party, released Aug. 14, 2025. Once I started listening, I realized that I had heard one of her songs before. I believe I heard her single “Bestie” in passing. It belongs in a rom-com movie. It has a very airy ’60s vibe. The whole album is fun and an easy listen.
I figured I would arrive during Coop A Loop’s set but wasn’t sure, so I made sure I listened to Eric Cooper of Coop A Loop. It’s important to note that Eric is a soloist. Since I didn’t know too much about Eric or his music as Coop A Loop, I listened to his album The Sequel, released April 22, 2025, and Coop A Loop the Album, released in 2020. “Coop City” from The Album, and from The Sequel I like “Through the Wind Portal” and “Purple Sunflower.”
After doing my research on the artists, I felt ready to discover new music. Sept. 20, 2025, couldn’t have been a better day for the event. The festival opened at 11:30 a.m. with “Yoga with Melissa.” An hour later, as guests explored vendors and the property, the music began.
I arrived just as Coop A Loop wrapped up their set and Sug Daniels prepared to perform. As the day went on, the crowd shifted, but the turnout was strong. Families, groups of friends and solo adventurers all spread across the spacious grounds. There was plenty of room to sit, stretch out or simply wander. A major bonus was the indoor, air-conditioned bathrooms conveniently located at the entrance of the venue. The trek to the food trucks had you walk past the stage. Everything sounded smooth no matter where you were situated in relation to the stage.
I grabbed a giant gyro from one of the trucks and settled on the grass. No blanket or chair this time, but thankfully the ground was dry. From there, I listened to Sug Daniels and people-watched. I’ve never heard of Sug Daniels, and it was nice to discover her music live. Yes, I listened to “Sip the Years” from the album The Future Already Happened, but hearing her live gave me a holistic feel of who she is as an artist.
Later, I stopped by the Liberty Cannabis table, where the festival sponsor handed out plenty of free swag. I also picked up a 3D-printed dinosaur from Imagination Creations 3D Printing. There were plenty of vendors, from knickknacks to musical and visual artists selling their wares.
As dusk settled in, Three Fourteen took the stage. Their set perfectly bridged the day’s sunny, family-friendly atmosphere with the evening’s more energetic vibe. I’m not sure of the songs they played, but since they were the headliners, I made sure I revisited their latest album when I got home. I knew Out Yonder was their latest album, released March 2025 and recorded live, but with my first listen I didn’t give it the undivided attention it deserved and I couldn’t stay through their full set.
As I was leaving, it was clear that I should have planned to arrive earlier and stay until the end. People were leaving as I came into the festival, but those parking spots were quickly replaced by those who came later looking to enjoy the second half of the show. I was sad to leave because the vibe was great.
By the time I left, I was full, had met new people and discovered new bands to follow. I wasn’t able to stay for Magic Beans, the last act, but I listened to some of their songs while I wrote this article. Very tranquil. Jazz rock, but less on the rock. It’s just chill. Impendo Destructo is their current full-length album. Press play and take a listen.
The 12th Jam on the Grass was my first, and it ended on the perfect note. Next year, I hope to see an even bigger crowd, and I’ll be sure to spread the word. For more information about Jam on the Grass, please follow both The Wallflower Observer and Three Fourteen.
Contact :
Sug Daniels | Instagram |Facebook|Linktree| TikTok
Miss Cantaloupe | Linktree |
Coop A Loop | Instagram |Facebook|
Three Fourteen | Linktree |
Magic Beans | Instagram |Facebook|Twitter/X| YouTube
Angelo Outlaw Trio| Apple Music | Bandcamp |
