Rising Stars Fife and Drum has performed its trademark blend of Folk, Pop, Blues, and Gospel since 2003. As noted on the group's website, "Each member brings a unique musical aesthetic to the band, and over the years, we’ve grown comfortable jumping genres and mashing up influences." Based in North Mississippi but with roots going back to the Jackson area with band leader Sharde' Thomas's grandfather Othar Turner, Rising Stars continues to tour across the U.S. and the world.

This Little Fife - Rising Stars Fife and Drum

Once Jock Webb began playing the harmonica in his twenties, his life was never the same. Jock's unique style is reminiscent of traditional blues and juke joints. He says on his social media account, "Traditional Blues is the flavor that I savor." Originally from Alabama, Jock continues to perform in Jackson and across Mississippi and the Southeast. Today, he plays his blues with his trusty harmonica, and we can't get enough of it.

Hey There, Harp! - Jock Webb

Four Washington is a family band made up of Jackson-area siblings. Online viewership of their harmonies has reached 1.3 million followers on TikTok and over 11 million likes. This proud Mississippi group has been featured on the Steve Harvey Show and had a shoutout from pop star legend Rihanna. Four Washington often takes the stage right here in Jackson, recently performing Beautiful: The Carole King Musical for a two-week show. Beautiful is exactly how you’d describe their angelic harmonies.

Shine Strong - Four Washington

Allison Jenkins and Denny Burkes are influential figures in the Jackson music scene. Allison, a versatile singer and vocalist, performs at various venues and collaborates with Ballet Mississippi, Milsaps College, and others, contributing to two albums. Denny, a singer and drummer, has been active since 1985, playing with groups like The Hot Mops and The Soul City 3, and performing nationwide and internationally. Both artists significantly enrich Jackson's vibrant music community.

So Sweetly - Denny Burkes and Allison Jenkins

Dear Silas—a singer, rapper, and trumpeter—was born into a musically inclined family in Jackson. He's become a nationally recognized artist, blending Hip-Hop, R&B, Jazz, and Soul. His song “Skrr Skrr” reached the No. 1 viral record spot on Spotify with over 2.6 million streams in its first two weeks. Silas has released four albums and collaborated with dozens of other artists in creating his personal blend of music.

The Light - Dear Silas

Bobby Rush, who lives in Jackson, began his musical journey performing in Louisiana, Arkansas, Chicago, and Mississippi in the 1950s. Rush is a three-time GRAMMY winner, a Blues Hall of Famer, and still tours internationally today. Bottom line, Bobby isn’t stopping any time soon. He wants to show the power of the blues because “it’s the root of all music… if you don’t like the blues, you probably don’t like your mama.” We like the Blues and want more of it.

A Legendary Take - Bobby Rush

Barry Leach began his guitar career at age 12. Over the years, the Jackson-based artist has made a name for himself for his unique blend of multiple genres and styles. Barry's music endeavors today include the jazz ensemble “The Vamps,” a solo project called “Stepfingers,” and his band, “The Barry Leach Group.” He has performed with various acts like Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Carmine Appice, Dorothy Moore, and Mac McAnally, making Mississippi music his own.

Flickering Six Strings - Barry Leach

Stephen Brown (AKA 5th Child) is a hip-hop artist and music producer who combines real-life experiences with poetic themes. He has nine full-length albums and four instrumental albums and performs at venues throughout the southeastern United States. As an artist, 5th Child embraces his roots. About his hometown, he says, "Jackson is a very inspiring place to come from" because of its resilience:  "The way we move and the way we succeed... we're built tough."

This Light - 5th Child

Started in Jackson, Mississippi, in 2016, Epic Funk is a second-line brass band with a big, bold New Orleans sound, bringing the party wherever they go. The group's new single, Box Truck, began streaming in April with more on the way, and the band appears frequently in Jackson, New Orleans, and across the region. The mission of Epic Funk, as their website conveys, is to "push musical boundaries and captivate audiences with… infectious energy.” Mission accomplished and continuing.

Second Line Time - Epic Funk Brass Band

This project is inspired by a song full of energy and joy - and a song very important to the Freedom Movement - This Little Light of Mine. And with 2024 being the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, we're blessed to have artists from Jackson—with roots in the City With Soul—create music instilled with the heart and soul of This Little Light. These artists wrote instrumental or lyrical pieces, exploring and expanding on the original melody and lyrics or venturing to wherever the spirit of This Little Light might take them. You're invited to listen, enjoy, and get the full story at letitshinejxn.com.

This Little Fife - Rising Stars Fife and Drum

Let It Shine by Visit Jackson

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