Alabama June Jam 2023: Full Lineup and Historic Return
Alabama revived its legendary June Jam charity concert in Fort Payne after a 26-year absence, drawing nearly 11,000 fans.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Originally Published: May 6, 2023
Updated: August 4, 2026
Alabama brought one of country music’s most historic benefit concerts back to Fort Payne, Alabama, in 2023.
June Jam returned to the VFW Fairgrounds on June 3, 2023, marking the first edition of the festival since 1997. Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry led the homecoming event, which featured performances from Alabama, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, The Oak Ridge Boys and several other country artists.
The sold-out concert drew nearly 11,000 fans and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable grants and disaster-relief efforts.
Looking for more recent Alabama fan events? Read our complete guide to Alabama Fan Appreciation Week 2026, including the June Jam Songwriters Showcases and Fandemonium at the Farm.
Alabama’s 2023 June Jam Lineup
The final lineup for Alabama’s 2023 June Jam included:
Alabama
Jamey Johnson
Jake Owen
The Oak Ridge Boys
The Frontmen
Chapel Hart
The Isaacs
Worth The Wait
Exile
Mark Wills
Neal McCoy
Home Free
Janie Fricke
The Malpass Brothers
Dee Jay Silver
Country Music Hall of Fame member Randy Travis also made a special appearance during the event.
The Frontmen featured three familiar voices from some of country music’s best-known bands: Richie McDonald, formerly of Lonestar; Tim Rushlow, formerly of Little Texas; and Larry Stewart of Restless Heart.
Storme Warren hosted the daylong concert.
June Jam Returned After 26 Years
The 2023 concert marked the 17th June Jam and the festival’s first appearance in 26 years.
Alabama originally created June Jam in 1982 as a way to bring country music fans to the band’s hometown while raising money for charitable causes. More than 30,000 people attended the inaugural event.
June Jam continued annually for 16 years and grew into one of the country’s largest music events. Attendance reached approximately 67,000 in 1991 before the original run concluded in 1997.
Past June Jam performers have included Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, The Judds, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Trisha Yearwood, Charley Pride, and Charlie Daniels.
Through its various events, the June Jam Foundation has raised more than $20 million for charitable organizations and people in need.
The 2023 June Jam Honored Jeff Cook
The return of June Jam also provided an opportunity for fans, family members and fellow artists to remember Alabama co-founder Jeff Cook.
Cook died in November 2022 following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. A public celebration of life was held at the VFW Fairgrounds before the June Jam performances began.
Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry remembered their longtime bandmate during the event, while several performers joined Alabama in celebrating the music and legacy the group created together.
What Happened at Alabama’s 2023 June Jam?
The revived June Jam sold out and attracted nearly 11,000 fans to Fort Payne.
According to Alabama, the event raised hundreds of thousands of dollars that would be distributed through future grants supporting disaster relief and other charitable needs.
The successful return was followed by June Jam XVIII in 2024. Organizers then announced that the full concert would take a strategic pause in 2025, although Alabama’s annual fan-appreciation activities continued in Fort Payne.
In 2026, Fan Appreciation Week included two June Jam Songwriters Showcase events hosted by Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry. A full outdoor June Jam concert at the VFW Fairgrounds was not included in the published 2026 schedule.
Alabama’s 2023 Fan Appreciation Week Events
Several special events were held in Fort Payne leading up to the 2023 June Jam concert.
Teddy Gentry’s Singing With the Stars Talent Contest
The annual talent competition was held at the Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium on June 1.
Teddy Gentry’s Coin Show
The June 2 event took place at the Buffalo Coin Shop inside the Alabama Fan Club and Museum. Proceeds benefited the DeKalb County Children’s Advocacy Center.
Fans Songwriter Showcase Spectacular
Jamey Johnson, Gary Baker, Ronnie Rogers, and Chris Tompkins participated in the June 2 songwriter event at the Fort Payne City Hall Auditorium.
Alabama tribute group Boys in the Band performed following the showcase.
Brunch at Cook Castle
A benefit brunch supporting the Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation was held at Cook Castle on June 2.
Jeff Cook Celebration of Life
A public celebration honoring Jeff Cook was held at the VFW Fairgrounds before June Jam began on June 3.
Alabama June Jam FAQ
When was Alabama’s 2023 June Jam?
Alabama’s 2023 June Jam was held Saturday, June 3, at the VFW Fairgrounds in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Why was the 2023 June Jam significant?
The concert marked the return of June Jam after a 26-year absence. The previous June Jam had been held in 1997.
Who performed at June Jam 2023?
The lineup included Alabama, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, The Oak Ridge Boys, The Frontmen, Chapel Hart, The Isaacs, Exile, Mark Wills, Neal McCoy, Home Free, Janie Fricke and several other performers. Randy Travis made a special appearance.
How many people attended Alabama’s 2023 June Jam?
The sold-out event drew nearly 11,000 fans to Fort Payne.
Is June Jam a charity event?
Yes. Alabama created June Jam as a benefit concert, and the June Jam Foundation has raised more than $20 million for charities and people in need.
Did June Jam return after 2023?
June Jam returned for an 18th edition in 2024. The full VFW Fairgrounds concert took a strategic pause in 2025. Alabama continued holding fan-appreciation events, including June Jam Songwriters Showcases during Fan Appreciation Week 2026.
Is Alabama’s June Jam the same as Fan Appreciation Week?
June Jam is traditionally the major concert connected to Alabama’s broader Fan Appreciation Week. Fan Appreciation Week can also include songwriter showcases, talent contests, fan gatherings and fundraising activities even when the full outdoor June Jam concert is not held.