If free, live music for a good cause sounds like fun to you, you may want to check out Pavilion Jam 2003.

The non-profit event will be held from 2 p.m.—10 p.m. Aug. 9 at the Herman Park Pavillion in Boone.

During the event, donations of money, cans, bottles and non-perishable food items will be accepted for the Boone Food Pantry.

Don Ely, the Pavilion Jam’s emcee and host, says he began running the annual event a few years ago after his friend, Jim Haberer, decided to stop putting on the show. Haberer’s decision was mainly due to problems with new expenses for renting the venue, he said.

Herman Park was a venue provided to the community for various events when Haberer handled the event.

“It’s a tradition. I took over because I didn’t want to see it stop,” Ely says.

“I got local businesses involved. They get a little advertising and that’s what pays for the event’s bills.”

Sandra Porter, the event’s public relations attendant, says one of the benefits of the Jam is it helps support local musicians, who perform at the event for free.

Ely says booking bands for the Pavilion Jam isn’t a problem.

“They beat my door down,” he says.

“I get more offers than I can schedule.”

Rob Lumbard, who Ely says is a large act in Des Moines, is playing at the Jam.

“He is one of the main attractions,” Ely says.

“A lot of people around the area like him.”

Lumbard, a self-described “finger-pickin'” guitar player, says he played at the event about six years ago and had a really good time. The experience made him want to come back to play again.

Lumbard says he also enjoys doing volunteer work.

“I like to give something back,” he says.

Ely says the event turned in 273 items to the Boone Food Pantry last year.

He said he believes the number will increase at this year’s event, due to some new acts.

Among the performers, who will each play 30—45 minute sets, are Ryan Williams & Eric Moffitt, River Bottom Psychobillies, Pat Shaw, Rich Simmons, Mike Henson, a/k/a, Brent Ferguson and Case of the Blues.

“It’s a day of fun for the community and local musicians,” Ely says.