The energy at Beautiful Eagle Creek was electric on Saturday, March 8, 2025, as music lovers gathered for this year’s much-anticipated GATA Jam. With an all-star lineup featuring Landon Smith, Will Moseley, Ella Langley, and headliner Riley Green, festival-goers enjoyed an unforgettable night filled with live performances, community spirit, and support for local businesses.
GATA Jam wasn’t solely about the music; it also provided a platform for local vendors to showcase their offerings.
Cooper Cook, representing Arena Graffiti, highlighted the festival’s impact on small businesses. “This is a great opportunity for us to grow and connect with the community,” he stated. While it was still early in the day, Cook anticipated a significant turnout and increased sales, especially of popular items like graphic T-shirts and hats.
Sunset Slush Statesboro, an Italian ice vendor, echoed this sentiment. “This festival gives us a captive audience and helps us uniquely serve the community,” they remarked. Although foot traffic was slow initially, there was optimism that business would pick up as the night progressed.
For performer Will Moseley, GATA Jam represented a homecoming. As a Georgia Southern University alumnus and runner-up from American Idol season 22, Moseley conveyed his excitement about playing in front of a familiar audience.
“Georgia Southern is a huge community with a small-town feel. It means so much to be back here,” he said. Moseley also discussed his preparation for festival performances, underscoring the fast-paced nature of traveling between shows.
“Last night we were in Texas, and tonight we’re here in Statesboro running on an hour of sleep. But the adrenaline and energy from this crowd make it all worthwhile.” Fans enjoyed a blend of original songs and covers, with the highlight being the closing song, Jesus in Georgia, which Moseley described as a “Southern rock, bluesy, funky song that just screams South Georgia.”
The excitement for Riley Green, the festival’s headliner, was palpable.
Fans like Reagan and Kendall Drury were thrilled to attend, with Kendall even surprising Reagan with tickets as a Christmas gift. “We love Riley Green and Statesboro,” Reagan said enthusiastically.
Anthony Ashe, another festival-goer, was experiencing GATA Jam for the first time and was particularly eager to hear Green perform Georgia Time. “The space here is great—plenty of room to move around, and everyone’s just having a good time,” Ashe shared. He also noted the welcoming nature of the crowd, reminiscing about a heartwarming encounter with an older couple he met in line.
As the night wore on and music filled the air, GATA Jam 2025 became more than just a concert—it was a celebration of music, community, and Southern spirit.
This year's event left an indelible mark on Statesboro, from the energy of live performances to the camaraderie among fans and support for local businesses.
Would attendees recommend GATA Jam to others? The response was a resounding “100%.” For those who missed out, one thing is for sure—this festival is a must-attend event for years to come.