Steel Jam ’04 was our first attempt of putting together a group of steel guitarists to showcase their talent. The show was held at the Par-A-Dice Pavilion. The Par-A-Dice was great assistance in our inaugural show. We had no idea of what to expect but as it turned out we had a great concept. The show was in June 2004, and we had a full day of steel guitars in concert featuring some of the Midwest’s finest steel guitar players. The turnout was more than we had expected, and we immediately decided to start preparing for Steel Jam ’05.

Steel Jam ’05 was Sunday, June 26, at the Par-A-Dice Hotel Ballroom. The Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino was instrumental in helping us achieve our new slogan “Raising The Bar.” By using the hotel ballroom, we were able to take the show another step up the ladder. We incorporated many new and exciting ideas for Steel Jam ’05. We used big screen TV so the audience could feel much closer to the action no matter where they were sitting. The show was carried on Steelradio.com for the entire world to hear. We also videotaped the entire show as well as recorded it for future DVDs and CDs. Steel Jam ’05 found us bringing in our first major steel player. Steel guitar hall of fame member Doug Jernigan was in top-notch form as he performed to the delight of the audience. The new CISGA staff band was formed, and we were so proud of each and every one of them throughout the entire show. Our slogan of “Raising The Bar” was definitely met on Steel Jam ’05.

Click here to review pictures from Steel Jam ’05.

Steel Jam ’06 was held on Sunday, June 25, 2006 at the Par-A-Dice Hotel ballroom. This year we “raised the bar even higher.” The show was again broadcast on Steelradio.com for the entire world to hear. We also videotaped and recorded the show for future DVDs and CDs. We were pleased to feature Joe Wright, DeWitt “Scotty” Scott, Russ Hicks, and Bill Stafford, as well as many great steel guitar players from throughout the Midwest.

Click here to review pictures from Steel Jam ’06 by Laura Richter.
Click here to review pictures from Steel Jam ’06 by Darin Hamilton.

Steel Jam ’07 was held on Sunday, June 24, at the Best Western Ashland House Inn in Morton, IL. One of Nashville's finest players, Terry Crisp, was the featured artist this year, and was joined by his wife, Kristi, an accomplished piano player and vocal.

Steel Jam ’08 will return on Sunday, June 29, at the Best Western Ashland House Inn in Morton, IL. Our featured artists are Don E. Curtis and Joe Wright. See sidebar for details.

For more information, e-mail CISGA
or call (309) 647-9737