Inaugural Jacob Barker Musicfest rocks downtown amphitheater
Two-day music fest to raise money for cancer research
JACKSON, Tenn. — The inaugural Jacob Barker music festival has been rocking the amp in downtown Jackson for two days raising money to help young children.
When Jacob Barker was diagnosed with cancer in his eye St. Jude Children’s Research hospital was there to help with ground-breaking care that didn’t cost the family a dime.
More than a year later, the Barker family is determined to give back to the hospital that gave them a piece of mind.
“He’s just like a regular 4 year old kid now,” said Jacob’s father Ronnie Barker. “We are blessed, we really are blessed to have something like St. Jude’s so close to home.”
Over two days hundreds from across West Tennessee came here to downtown Jackson to raise thousands for St. Jude Children’s Hospital at the first ever Jacob Barker Music fest.
Almost 2 years ago Jacob barker was diagnosed with retinal cancer.
“I wish they would find a cure for cancer for these children so that they didn’t have to suffer, their parents don’t have to suffer too,” said family friend Linda Yuhas.
Although chemotherapy didn’t save Jacobs left eye, the St. Jude Hospital provided more than $50, 000 in care for free, like it does for all patients.
“When we got back and Jacob got better, I told my wife that I want to do something to help St. Jude’s,” said Barker.
Jacob’s dad Ronnie says he thought his vision of a music fest would attract just a few bands, but turns out almost 30 bands donated their time and their skills for the show.
“All day long I thought they would probably have the bad bands early in the day,” said Randy hall. “They’ve all been good.”
“Great, great we have some wonderful musicians in Jackson,” said Annette Wilson.
“I love it. I love it. I love it. because I’m a lupus survivor so I love it,” said Malikah Williams.
Although the music may have brought out the crowd, the reason the music festival started was enough for some.
“It’s an awesome cause we’re so fortunate to have St. Jude almost in our backyard and they serve so many kids,” said Wilson. “And they never have to pay so that’s the wonderful thing.”
“It’s brought a lot of people together for a good cause,” said Randy Hall. “This the first of many and Ill be here every time.”
The Barker family says they are looking forward to making the second annual Jacob Barker music festival bigger than the first, raising even more money for St. Jude’s.
After two days event organizers say they hope to have raised about $5,000.
