Submitted Photo The annual Randy Jam honors Randy Holmgren, pictured here.

A well-respected Jamestown musician who was taken far too soon will again be remembered in an annual benefit that bears his name.

The life of Randy Hofgren will be honored Sunday, Oct. 6, with the sixth annual Randy Jam scheduled to take place at the Sheridan VFW from 1 to 6 p.m. in honor of an accomplished musician who passed away in 2014 at the age of 42 after a brief illness.

Hofgren was a highly respected musician who played with several regional acts including Synergy, Everett Lee and Underground Stampede and Sacred Fire. Hofgren’s musical career included playing and touring with the Sean Patrick McGraw Band, opening for country superstars Toby Keith in 2009 and Eric Church in 2010.

The five-hour event will include live music and other activities. In the past, the event was coordinated to help raise money for a scholarship fund that bears Hofgren’s name, however his former bandmate and organizer of the event said it was decided to make this year’s event a fund-raiser for the veterans programs that the Sheridan VFW implements. Organizers believe that this will focus on the spirit of their friend. “Randy was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back if he thought it would help you. He was the most giving and caring individual I have ever known and we miss him every single day,” said Lorie Mets, co-organizer of this event.

“It’s really primarily about Randy’s friends remembering Randy,” McGraw said. “He was loved by many people, and we’ve been very blessed to have big turnouts every year. The Randy Jam is a wonderful gathering of people who all had Randy in common. And I think he would approve of people being festive in his memory instead of sad.” “We play this event because Randy was an inspiration, not only as a musician but as a person, too. He always gave 100%” ( Furious George Band members)

The lineup for this year’s Randy Jam will include: Sean Patrick McGraw; Smokin’ 45; Uncle Ben’s Remedy; Derek Davis and Friends; Big Tone; Furious George and The Jetski’s. The event will again feature DJ Felony as the emcee and the jam of all bands at the end of the event. Bands will change out periodically throughout the day so come spend the whole day with us for the best live music this area has to offer! McGraw said attendees of all ages are welcome.

“We wanted it to be family-friendly, so that’s why we’re holding it at the VFW,” he said. “I really wanted to have a gathering where we could just celebrate what a great guy he was, and the fact that we knew him and had him in our lives. I’m looking forward to having people that knew Randy, and had him in common, get together and reminisce.”

The Sheridan VFW is located at 2556 Main Road, Silver Creek. There is a $5 cover charge to attend. Refreshments will be available as well as a cash bar. Organizers will also be sponsoring a basket raffle and 50/50 raffles throughout the day. T shirts will be available for purchase as well.

For more information, call Mets at 785-7820, find “Randy Jam VI” on Facebook or email lori0101@roadrunner.com.