The first annual Jordan Lake Arts and Music Festival will take place this weekend at historic Jordan Lake Farm, a recently opened arts venue located on a circa 1800 farm just one mile from the lake.

The festival will feature local musicians, dancers, visual artists, environmentalists and families to celebrate the arts and raise money for the preservation and upkeep of Jordan Lake.

Scheduled performers include popular bluegrass bands Big Fat Gap and The Steep Canyon Rangers, celebrated local bluesman John Dee Holeman, newcomers Bombadil and the Holy Ghost Tent Revival and international favorite dub Addis.

A variety of artwork and crafts by local artists, lots of food and kids' activities will be on tap.

The festival is presented by Jordan Lake Arts and Music, LLC, a nonprofit dedicated to showcasing local musicians and artists.

Striving to provide a supportive environment in which people of all ages might explore and experience the arts, Jordan Lake Farm includes a variety of stages and galleries, with year-round opportunities to enjoy the arts.

The Fire Truck Stage -- a hardwood stage built onto the deck of a restored fire engine -- exemplifies the site's style: a funky, playful venue that takes arts and music seriously.

"I want to encourage folks to smile, meet and greet, raising awareness of a litter problem at Jordan Lake, and to educate and empower our visitors and boaters," said founder George Faget. "We will all benefit."