Jackson’s Fondren neighborhood’s Fondren Live activity lineup

No matter what you’re craving, be it live music, delicious food, eclectic shopping, fine art, craft brews or even the latest Hollywood blockbuster, Jackson’s Fondren neighborhood should have you covered this Thursday, July 7.

The free event is called “Fondren Live” and is set to begin at 6 p.m. in the neighborhood’s historic business district (centered roughly by Old Canton Road, Fondren Place, North State Street and Duling Avenue). 

The show will go on, rain or shine, said Fondren Renaissance Foundation Director Rebecca Gavin, but she noted some outdoor activities may depend on the weather.

“Mother Nature hasn’t cooperated with us for the last two months so we have to acknowledge that there’s a chance of a few raindrops falling—and the chance of extreme heat is about 100%,” Gavin said. “But the good news is we have plenty of restaurants, shops, a bowling alley and a movie theatre to duck into until the weather clears. And, we will have water stations around so everyone can stay hydrated.”

Street parties have been a part of the neighborhood’s fabric for 25 years, dating back to the first “Fondren Festival” in 1997. Some activities are officially organized by the Renaissance Foundation while others are independently created. “We encourage all of the businesses to create their own events,” Gavin said.

Here is a roundup of some of the scheduled activities:

• Fondren’s newest coffee shop and cafe, Deja Brew Bistro, located at 425 Mitchell, will be celebrating their first Fondren Live. Owner Cynthia Pickens invites guests to visit and check out their extensive menu, including the “Smash Burger,” a specially-grilled fresh ground beef patty with all the fixings. “Everybody loves it,” Pickens says.

• Fondren residents Edley Jones and Barry Crockrell, performing as the Diddy Wah Daddies, will be set up near the corner of Duling Ave. and North State with a playlist covering everything from classic rock to country.
• Also at Duling and State will be the Soule’ Coffee & Bubbletea food truck, allowing visitors to get a taste of the soon-to-open coffee and tea cafe in Fondren Village.
• Brown’s Fine Art & Framing on Fondren Place will be hosting an opening reception for “Local Landmarks,” an exhibition featuring works by Vicki Armstrong, Kit Fields and David Waldrip.
• The Pineapple Bar, a new vendor across from Brown’s on Fondren Place will feature fresh fruit drinks served in a real pineapple.
• The End of All Music, a record store on State St. will host live performances by Schaefer Llana and Cody Rogers. “Cody will also be releasing his second album called ‘Tishomingo’ and we will have copies available for sale,” said assistant manager Sam Lane. A $5 donation will be requested for the musicians.

• The Vault, a unique automotive showroom on Commerce Park Dr. will be displaying some of their classic and exotic vehicles outdoors.
• Vendors from the JXN Flea Market will bring specially curated, locally-produced arts and crafts to Duling Ave. The street will also have balloon art for kids and adults from Gabby’s Balloons, a craft beer tent courtesy of Saltine Oyster Bar, and a wide assortment of other displays.
• Duling Hall will host the celebrated rock band Drivin N Cryin with special guest Katy Guillen & The Drive. Formed in Atlanta 35 years ago, Drivin N Cryin is known worldwide for such hits as “Straight to Hell” and “Fly Me Courageous” and has released nine full length albums. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with showtime set for 7:30. Advance general admission tickets are $20 and available through ardenland.net.
• The Capri Theatre will be premiering the new Marvel Comics-based adventure film “Thor: Love and Thunder” starring Chris Hemsworth, Christian Bale, Tessa Thompson, and Natalie Portman. The film is rated PG-13 with showtimes at 3:00, 5:45, and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available from caprimovies.com or at the door.
• After the street party concludes at 8 p.m. there will be an additional outdoor dance party called “Afterglow” in the Fondren Guitars parking lot on Old Canton. Sponsored by Members Exchange Credit Union, featured musical guests will be the R&B dance band
• “Time To Move” as well as the “Epic Funk Brass Band.” Fondren Guitars will also be hosting live music on their rear stage throughout the festival with food, beer and beverages available for purchase. “We expect a good turnout—it’s always a lot of fun,” said store manager Will Ready.