Duckworth takes small step towards musical festival

Scott Duckworth has long thought Jasper should have its own musical identity. On Saturday, April 7, he will take a small step towards that goal.

Duckworth, who owns and operates Crossroads Music, will host a trio of bands that will perform a variety of music in front of his store at 536 S. Wheeler in the Greentree Plaza.

"It sort of a grand opening but we are also trying to promote some music and bring in school bands and a rock and roll band and allow them to show their stuff," Duckworth said.

From 1-1:30 p.m., the Newton High School band will perform. At 1:30 p.m., the Merryville Jazz Band will perform. At 2:15 p.m., Load Zoned Bridge of Kirbyville, will take the stage as the final music act of the day.

Duckworth hopes this will be the first step in developing an annual musical festival for Jasper.

"This is a testing of the waters to see what kind of response we will get," Duckworth said. "I have always wanted to bring a music festival to Jasper. We need it - other towns are doing it, why aren't we doing it?

"It would be nice to get some other people involved to promote it and make it bigger every year," Duckworth said.