The Backyard Jamboree, aka Doug Fest, aka The Summer Waltz, aka the hottest BBQ of the season.

By Veronica Mork

My first event with the Jeremy Wilson Foundation went by three names: The Backyard Jamboree, aka Doug Fest, aka The Summer Waltz. Hosted by Doug Saulter and Liz Robbins, this beautiful backyard bash had everything you could want for a day in the sun: music, friends, dancing, food, and, of course, a sacrificial tribute.

Paul Brainard, Jeffery Evans, and John Becher lead the drum line.

AUG 8 2026 - I took the opportunity to meet some of the lovely characters who are clearly at the heart of the JWF community. They welcomed me into the party with open arms—and an endless supply of Jell-O shots. I turned down the shots as they turned up the music, and everyone brought me along for the ride. It was a pretty perfect introduction to the JWF: a little chaotic, very musical, and full of people who know how to have a good time.

As we set up, music played and people steadily streamed over to enthusiastically greet Jeremy. Being the most popular person at the event really comes in handy when it also happens to be your birthday, and Jeremy received the best rendition of happy birthday I have ever heard. It is, apparently, easy to get a whole crowd of people to sing to you on-key when most of your friends are musicians and LaRhonda Steele, Arietta Ward and Mary Etta Callier, backed by the Reselectics, lead the pack!

LaRhonda Steele, Arietta Ward, and Maryetta Callier backed by the Resolectrics sing “Happy Birthday” to Jeremy Wilson.

The party took to the streets shortly after we arrived, led by a New Orleans drum line parading through the front yard and wrapping around the neighborhood – the band consisted of mostly brass and percussion, and was followed by gleeful attendees wielding flags, noisemakers, and spray bottles for the heat. We paused in front of a school while the band played in the shade and the rest of us danced in the street, passing around a box of donuts in between songs. It was the kind of scenario where it was impossible to stand still and just observe. You could feel the music in your surroundings - echoing off the bricks of the nearby buildings and bumping around through the air, filling the bodies of this spirited crowd with the urge to dance. 

The re-entry into the backyard was greeted, of course, by more music and celebration of this life, this community, and the people that bring it all together. 

Throughout the afternoon, everyone was invited to sign their names and write wishes onto a watermelon before it was ceremoniously sacrificed against the pavement. Naturally, I added my own name, hoping it might bring me a little good luck.

And honestly, after getting to meet and connect with so many wonderful people in such a special atmosphere, I’d say the watermelon worked.

Jimmy Russel and Jeremy Wilson

We were able to raise $8,191 dollars thanks to everyone’s generous donations including from two anonymous donors who matched $3000 dollars each!

The Jeremy Wilson Foundation would like to thank our hosts, Doug Saulter and Liz Robbins for putting on such an incredible event.

Thank you to The Resolectrics: Tate Peterson, Bob Dunham, John Becher, and Steve Kerin; Queasy Gumbo: Steve Kerin: Sean Badders, Jimmy Russell, and Shook Mathew; Casual Eddy: Jimmy Russell and Taylor Kingman; and all of the special guests Paul Brainard, Kris Stewart, Chelsea Luker, Reggie Huston, Maryetta Callier, LaRhonda Steele, Arietta Ward, Sam Dechenne, Jeff Lane, Jeffery Evans, Steve Vortigen, Dave Barmon, and Kyle Moliter.

Thank you to Cary Renzema on sound and Jane Clair for MCing.