Jax River Jams free concert series returns Thursday with Rodney Atkins, more
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 will move this year to Ford on Bay, a riverfront lot just up the street, due to ongoing construction.
The series kicks off Thursday with a show by country singer Rodney Atkins, plus opening sets by Levon, Jackie Stranger and Rambler Kane.
Here's what you should know before heading to the show.
Who is Rodney Atkins?
Rodney Atkins is a Tennessee native (and no relation to Trace Adkins, Rhett Akins or Chet Atkins). He released his first single in 1997 but didn’t cut his first full-length album until 2003. His second album, “If You’re Going Through Hell,” went double-platinum and spawned four No. 1 country hits. In 2022, he teamed up with his wife, country singer Rose Falcon, on an EP, “Rod + Rose.” He last visited Northeast Florida in 2022, when he played the Clay County Fair.
What songs might I know from Rodney Atkins?
Atkins has had No. 1 hits with “Cleaning My Gun (Come On In, Boy),” “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before the Devil Even Knows)” “Watching You,” “These Are My People,” “It’s America” and “Take a Back Road.”
What time does Rodney Atkins play at Jax River Jams?
Atkins is scheduled to take the stage at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4.
Who else is playing with Rodney Atkins at Jax River Jams?
Gates open at 4:30 p.m.
Rambler Kane plays at 5 p.m. Kane is a Jacksonville singer-songwriter who is planning to release an album this spring.
Jackie Stranger plays at 6 p.m. Stranger is a Jacksonville multi-instrumentalist who released an EP in 2017.
Levon plays at 7 p.m. The Nashville trio previously toured with REO Speedwagon.
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.
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?
April 11: British electro-pop musician Bishop Briggs, with Future Joy, Kenzie’s Place with Kale that Raps and Coyboi
April 18: Hip hop duo Earthgang, with L.O.V.E. Culture featuring Ebonique, Wahid & Mr. Al Pete; Jeff Skigh featuring BayBro, Figga Da Kid, King Ca$hes and Twicee; and Full Plate Fam
April 25: 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: Rodney Atkins kicks off free Jax River Jams concerts in Jacksonville
