The first Conor Johnor Jam: a charity music festival

On Sunday, June 2 (1-8 p.m.), the Conor J. Casey Foundation will host the inaugural Conor Johnor Jam, in support of “Feed the Need,” which “embodies Conor Casy’s legacy of feeding others.”

In a previous Buffalo Rising article, I wrote:

Conor Casey (November 17, 1987 – June 7, 2022) was 24 years old when he opened Coco Bar & Bistro with owner Maura Crawford. For over a decade, Conor has made a name for himself as an adventurous chef who is always up for a challenge. From winning an award for best mac and cheese in WNY to operating the ingenious Crêpe Chalet during the pandemic, Conor was driven by his love of food and creative ways to bring his culinary creations to life into the hands (and mouths) of his friends, family and loyal customers.

It was towards the end of the pandemic, a week before Coco was scheduled to reopen, that Conor was diagnosed with cancer. He was 34 when he succumbed to the disease, leaving behind a legacy that continues to grow thanks to his family and friends who help fuel the passionate fire that Conor lit during his culinary career.

As for the name “Conor Johnor Jam”, Conor Johnor was the nickname his sister gave him, as “John” was his middle name. The name also suited the name of the new music festival perfectly – an event that would revolve around Conor’s love of music, food and feeding people.

With The Conor Johnor Jam, the foundation seeks to remember Conor for what he loved most, not what took him from us. “Feed the Need” embodies Conor’s legacy of feeding others, and this music festival aims to do just that by supporting those in need through the joy of music and food. This music festival aims to do just that, supporting those in need, through the joy of music and food. – The Conor J. Casey Foundation

This June 2 ticketed event promises a day filled with great food, drinks and musical performances from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wings in Orchard Park. Proceeds from the festival will support the foundation’s mission to raise and distribute capital for nonprofit organizations throughout WNY that provide food to those in need, and to teach, encourage and share knowledge about autonomous community food practices.

Conor passed away in 2022 at the age of 34, just 14 months after being diagnosed with glioblastoma. The Conor J. Casey Foundation was established in the summer of 2023 to honor Conor's legacy as a chef, and a friend to Buffalo.

The Conor Johnor Jam will feature five incredible bands, each bringing their unique sound to the stage. The range includes:

• PA Line: Known for their infectious energy and engaging folk-rock sound.
• Folkfaces: Bringing a blend of folk, jazz and blues that is sure to captivate.
• Ten Cent Howl: offering a powerful blend of Americana and folk music.
• The Kensingtons: offering an eclectic mix of genres with their distinct style.
• The Traitors: rocking the stage with their dynamic performances.
• Additionally, attendees can enjoy non-stop entertainment with DJ sets between acts.

Included in the price of admission, festival-goers can indulge in a variety of food, beer and wine options, making it a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience. The event promises to be a celebration of community, music and culinary arts.

An $80 rate includes a day of live music, beer, wine and food. A cash bar will be available.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.conorjcaseyfoundation.com/conor-johnor-jam