10/10/2025
SAMJAM RAISED $102,000 IN
REMARKABLE TEN-YEAR RUN
Proceeds Went to Research, Services for People with NF
By Tom Emery
CARLINVILLE – Throughout its ten-year run, the SamJam concert series became a cherished annual event in Macoupin County. The concerts helped a lot of people, too.
SanJam4NF, Inc., the organization that mounted the SamJam concerts, recently announced that the final concert, held in April, resulted in a $10,000 donation to NF Midwest.
With that gift, the organization exceeded its decade-long goal, contributing a total of $102,000 to support research and services for people living with neurofibromatosis (NF).
The SamJam event was created in 2014 to honor Sam Oswald, a 40-year-old Carlinville resident who has endured years of struggle with NF, which affects 1 in every 2,500 worldwide.
NF is most often noticed in childhood or early adulthood, and appears equally across sexes, races, and ethnic groups. Though less familiar to the general public, more patients suffer from NF than muscular dystrophy, Tay-Sachs disease, and Huntington’s disease combined.
Over the past ten years, SamJam became a beloved community tradition, raising awareness of NF as it drew support from across Illinois and beyond.
All proceeds from SamJam have supported NF Midwest, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children, adults, and families affected by NF in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and eastern Missouri.
The success of SamJam is cause for celebration, and Peter Oswald, Sam’s father and the festival organizer, looks back with tremendous gratitude.
“The 2025 SamJam’s Finale marks the end of a ten-year run,” said Peter Oswald. “With rising expenses and volunteer demands, it became increasingly difficult to continue. But we are deeply grateful for the support we received from our community, sponsors, and donors throughout the years.”
Those sentiments are echoed by Peter Oswald II, Sam’s brother and a fellow organizer. “What started as a small local celebration grew into a larger annual event,” he said. “Our sponsors and donors have been incredibly generous, and we’re proud to have combined great music with a meaningful cause."
Throughout its ten years, SamJam hosted 38 bands and 161 musicians, presenting 66 hours of live progressive bluegrass, Americana, and blues on stage at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds near Carlinville and The Rustic Venues, near Girard. Artists came from across the Midwest and as far away as Colorado, Tennessee, and New York to perform.
Sam Oswald’s story remained at the heart of the festival. Since he was diagnosed with NF at age four, Sam has battled spinal fusion, two brain tumors, shunt revisions, bone grafting on both legs, knee surgery, dermal tumor removal, and eye surgery.
Despite facing numerous surgeries, chemotherapy, and ongoing medical challenges, Sam has continued to live independently, and inspire others with his resilience and positivity. He says that giving back was the message of SamJam.
“Supporting SamJam has been about more than just great music,” said Sam Oswald. “It’s been about standing with patients and families dealing with neurofibromatosis.
“I’ve considered myself to be very lucky with a supportive family and friends,” continued Sam. “I’m proud that our supporters have helped us reach such a great fundraising goal, and we know the funds raised will continue to make a real difference in the lives of those facing NF.”
The board of directors of SamJam4NF, Inc. were integral in managing and organizing the annual events. The board includes Peter Oswald, Steve Boente, Lee LoBue, Peter Oswald II, Rick Fehr, and Jono Verticchio.
The 2025 SamJam’s Finale was made possible by generous sponsors, including Wall Street Financial Group, The Goodman Agency, CNB Bank & Trust, Verticchio Law Office, Carlinville CPA Group, and Carlin Villa Motel. Player sponsors were Carlinville Eye Care, Heinz Furniture, Main Street Florist, Sleepy Dino Books, Crowe Boot & Shoe Co., Kahl’s Greenhouse, Starr’s Primal Meats, and Mark Oswald, RE/MAX Innovative.
To continue supporting NF research and patient services, donations can be made directly to NF Midwest at www.nfmidwest.org.
Photo: Peter Oswald, left, and Sam Oswald prepare a $10,000 donation for NF Midwest, culminating a successful ten-year run for the SamJam music event that raised $102,000.
