Jax River Jams goes hip hop with free Thursday night EarthGang concert in Jacksonville
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The free Jax River Jams concert series returns to the banks of the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville on Thursday nights through April.
The series started in 2021 as a way to get people back downtown after the pandemic and to give downtown workers a reason to stick around after office hours. The free shows were held at Riverfront Plaza for the first three years, but have moved this year to Ford on Bay, a riverfront lot just up the street, due to ongoing construction.
The series, which has already seen a show headlined by Rodney Atkins, continues Thursday evening with hip-hop duo EarthGang. (Last week's scheduled show featuring headliner Bishop Briggs was canceled due to severe weather.)
Here's what you should know before heading to the show.
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Who is EarthGang?
EarthGang is an Atlanta-based hip-hop duo made up of Olu (aka Johnny Venus) and WowGr8 (aka Doctur Dot), who met in high school. They released their first mixtape in 2010 and first full-length album in '13. They've also appeared on collaborative records with Dreamville artists and Spillage Village. The "Ghetto Gods" album released in 2023 includes guests J. Cole, CeeLo Green, Nick Cannon, Future and others. Following the Jacksonville show, EarthGang hits the road opening for Wiz Khalifa and Kid Cudi.
What songs might I know from EarthGang?
"Down Bad" is their biggest seller and "Proud of U," "Top Down," "Up" and "This Side" are included in most of their live performances.
What time does EarthGang play at Jax River Jams?
EarthGang is scheduled to take the stage at 8:30 p.m.
Who else is playing with EarthGang at Jax River Jams?
Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Full Plate Fam is scheduled to perform at 5 p.m.
Michigan rapper Jeff Skigh featuring BayBro, Figga Da Kid, King Ca$hes and Twicee is scheduled to perform at 6 p.m.
Jacksonville "musical collective" L.O.V.E. Culture featuring Ebonique, Wahid & Mr. Al Pete is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m.
Where is Jax River Jams?
The free concerts will be at Ford on Bay, a riverfront lot on Bay Street between Newnan and Liberty streets near the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.
What should I bring with me to Jax River Jams?
If you plan to sit, bring your own chair or blanket. Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed and you pick up after them. Prohibited items inside the venue include scooters, bikes or skateboards, illegal drugs, coolers, tents or weapons. Smoking is prohibited on the grounds.
Why did Jax River Jams move to a new location?
Previous shows were held at Riverfront Plaza, the former site of the Jacksonville Landing. Construction is underway on a new park at the plaza, so the concerts were moved down the street to Ford on Bay.
What other shows are in the Jax River Jams series?
Rodney Atkins headlined the first show in the series, on April 4. Bishop Briggs was slated to headline the April 11 show, but it was canceled due to high winds. The next show in the series is April 25, with pop singer Andy Grammer, with Let’s Ride Brass Band, The Apostle Floyd Encounter and Madison Hughes
How much are tickets for Jax River Jams shows?
The shows are free.
What is Ford on Bay like?
It's the former site of the Duval County Courthouse and now sits as an open field behind the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. The stage will be on the Liberty Street side of the site.
Where can I park for Jax River Jams?
There are thousands of parking spaces in downtown Jacksonville, on the streets and in public lots and garages. Note that parking fees are enforced until 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Will there be food trucks at Jax River Jams?
Nine local food trucks are scheduled to be at the Jax River Jams shows: Chinchilla’s Eats on the Streets, Crown Majestic Kitchen, Eat Happy Jax, Freddy Fingers Chicken, Rad Ringo’s Mini Donuts, Mitchell’s Boiled Peanuts, Mother Truckin Pizza, Alexander & Sons Shrimp Co. and Jammas Jax.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: EarthGang headlines Thursday night Jax River Jams show in Jacksonville
