The Riverside Avondale Preservation is set to introduce its latest new event, which will focus on the area’s music history.
The RAP Music Tour event will take place Oct. 12, from 1 to 6 p.m. and will feature live music acts across eight unique stages with the goal for the music to dive into the different musical selections and sounds of the different eras in the Riverside neighborhood of Jacksonville’s creative past.
Each stage will narrate a different story of musical moments and people to be honored and remembered both past and present by shining a spotlight on today’s local musicians, while promoting the walkable and creative historic district Riverside has become known for.
“The event elevates a time in our neighborhood’s history where home values were diminishing, people were moving away, and upkeep for historic homes was a major challenge,” said Shannon Blankinship, RAP executive director. “We usually promote the era that built the neighborhood. This event highlights a period of rampant demolition and decline”.
Unlike a typical music festival with centralized stages, the Music Tour will offer a program and walkable route to unassuming stages and locations throughout the district limited to 1,000 people during the inaugural year for only $20 a ticket per person.
Some of the featured bands that will be playing during the tour include Curt Towne Band, Dyer Davis Group and Duval County Line.
The Riverside Avondale Preservation has been putting on events that help showcase the Riverside area and its charm for years, and the inspiration for the inaugural Music Tour and its format came from the annual Home Tour, which celebrated its 50th year in 2024.
Just like the Home Tour, the Music Tour will share the community's music history at multiple distinct locations throughout Riverside including various homes, yards, parks, and businesses.
The ticketed event will offer a guided program, walkable audio tour, custom Spotify playlist, and wristband with map for each location.
A silent disco focused on Jacksonville-based music will also be available to take part in at Willowbranch Park for ticket purchasers.
Since its founding in 1974, RAP has been an advocate for actively preserving our neighborhood’s historic assets.
