Jump Street Drive Music Festival set to rock the city this weekend

Cady Davis, News-Topic, Lenoir, N.C.
·3 min read

Jul. 19—LENOIR — The Jump Street Drive Musical Festival is coming this weekend to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Lenoir.

Lester Whittington, manager at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, said he created the music festival eight years ago in order to bring more diversity to Caldwell County.

"I think it's important to broaden our horizons with different genres of music," said Whittington. "We changed the name last year to recognize the past members of the Jump Street Drive band, who played a big part in our community.

"I'm glad some of them are still around today to see the fruits of their hard work back then."

Members of Jump Street Drive used to rehearse together in the multi-purpose room at the MLK Jr. Center. Whittington said the band was a huge part of his childhood growing up.

"That was my first experience with music, as far as seeing guys playing instruments like drums, guitars, keyboards," he said. "I used to sit here and just watch them rehearse. Then when I got older, I got to see them perform. I thought they were awesome.

"That's one thing I like about doing this festival," Whittington continued. "These guys are older now, and they need to be recognized for their contributions to this community and the city of Lenoir."

Jump Street Drive's sound is a mixture of genres, including funk, rhythm and blues, and soul. They have covered songs from bands like Earth, Wind and Fire, the Commodores, Parliament, and more. Their CD (including an original song) will be on sale at the festival for $10. New T-shirts will also be on sale for $20.

The two-day event starts at 6 p.m. Friday, July 21, with a performance by DJ Fuzz. There will also be a special recognition Friday night of Manifred Davenport, better known as Sugar Sweet DJ. There will not be food available on Friday night. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks.

The festival continues Saturday, July 22, at 6 p.m. with performances by DeJaVu Band, JaVonne Jones & Frank B., and Adrian Crutchfield. Food trucks and vendors will be onsite Saturday, including Bubba & Mert's Burgers, James Murdock Chicken and Fish, and Mee Mee's Jewelry.

The Jump Street Drive Music Festival will be in the ball field at the MLK Jr. Center. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and umbrellas. If it rains, the event will be moved into the gym.

The Jump Street Drive Music Festival is held on the weekend of the fourth Saturday in July. Last year, Mayor Joe Gibbons proclaimed that every fourth Saturday in July will be Jump Street Drive Band Day at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center.

The MLK Jr. Center is located at 313 Greenhaven Dr. NW. During the two-day festival, additional parking will be at the Freedman Cultural Center. A shuttle bus will be available to take guests to and from the festival.

For more information, call 828-757-2170.

"Come out and enjoy yourself," said Whittington. "You can't beat good atmosphere like that."