Downtown Vision Inc. announced a four-band lineup for its Jax River Jams Concert Series in April at the former Jacksonville Landing site.
Performers include country singer-songwriter Chase Rice; pop-punk band New Found Glory; hip-hip artists and Jacksonville natives Quad City DJ’s; and rock band Sugar Ray.
The free concerts begin at 6 p.m. April 8, 15, 22 and 29. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the headline act starting at 7:30 p.m.
The city renamed the Landing site at 2 Independent Drive W. as Riverfront Plaza.
DVI officials said the concert series will include a small business and artists’ market, food trucks and bars with local craft beers and spirits.
According to the Feb. 23 news release, DVI will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 guidelines, including social distancing. Face masks will be required. Hand sanitizer stations and face masks will be available on-site.
“Whether you love county, Hip Hop, rock, punk-pop, Latin or folk, there’s some great music for everyone at Jax River Jams. Downtown is open and ready to welcome everyone back safely,” DVI CEO Jake Gordon said in the news release.
The nonprofit DVI administers the 90-block Downtown Business Improvement District.
The organization announced the concert series Feb. 10 in a news conference at the former Landing. Gordon said then that DVI and Downtown businesses want to cultivate the riverfront amenity.
“We invite employees to stay Downtown after work, and for the community to come Downtown and enjoy this free live music concert series safely in a spacious outdoor environment,” Gordon said.
The release said 20 partner organizations created and are sponsoring the concert series. VyStar Credit Union, headquartered at 76 S. Laura St. adjacent to the former Landing site, is the title sponsor.
“At VyStar, we believe Jacksonville is at its best when we have a thriving Downtown that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages,” VyStar President and CEO Brian Wolfburg said in the release.
“The upcoming concert series is a great example of what can be accomplished when we work together, and we are thrilled to have it take place in our backyard.”