From left, Radford Vance, Michele Birkby-Vance, Karen Artis, Bernie Cunningham and Bob Artis are the Allegheny Drifters, one of the bands scheduled to perform at the 22nd January Ice Jam.

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the January Ice Jam, once again bringing people of all ages together to enjoy bluegrass music.

All activities will take place Friday and Saturday at the Days Inn on Route 8.

The Ice Jam originated in 1997 as a way of bringing bluegrassers together during the winter months since festivals typically take place outdoors during the summer.

As many as 28 different bands will donate their time and talent at the Ice Jam playing traditional, contemporary and gospel bluegrass music. Bands scheduled to appear include Keep Off the Grass, Glass Run Road, Echo Valley, Hickory Bottom Band, Copper Watch, Matt Efaw and Rural Free Delivery, The Done Inn String Band, The Allegheny Drifters, Well Strung, Better Late, and The Springtime Hill Barn Band.

Many bands donate CDs of their own bands to raffle off during the festival.

The Ice Jam officially begins when the first band takes the stage at 7 p.m. Friday. Music will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday. Bands play for 30-minute sets until about 11 p.m. both nights.

Admission is free. Donations are accepted with the proceeds benefiting the Bluegrass Relief Fund.

For more information, visit www.januaryicejam.com.