By Emily R. Evans
The Truth Reporter
Saturday, August 23, was the highly anticipated day of the Park Jam, which was held at Promenade Park. This year the park was filled with thousands of people exceeding, as it does every year, the number of people in attendance during the prior year. The group Dru Hill performed along with Shawn Kane who is well regarded by those in the city of Toledo.
Lance Gross hosted the event. Lance Darnell Gross is an American actor, producer and photographer. He’s best known for his role as Calvin Payne on the TBS/BET sitcom Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, winning four NAACP Image Awards for his performance. He also starred in the Fox TV series Our Kind of People with Yaya DaCosta, Morris Chestnut, and Joe Morton.
It was an event that brought people out of the house with good vibes to enjoy music. There were aldo vendors in attendance, food trucks, a beautifully decorated VIP Tent with a chef, among other crowd pleasers. Each lamb chop in the VIP tent was seasoned to perfection and the presentation of each hors d’oeuvre was impressive.
A few of the Toledo natives gave a brief interview to share info about projects. Jeremy Hampton, one of this reporter’s friends from the neighborhood, wants Toledo to join BRB which is a running club. You sign a waiver and run for free with the group. They provide water and there is on-site medical. 24 Main Street is the location to meet if you would like to join the quickly growing group.
Brothers United is also a group Hampton belongs to. The group’s main purpose is to assist fathers in better parental engagement and provide resources. It’s free to sign up. Sisters United is also a new resource group for women.” Love each other more and put our best into the kids and the world will be a better place,” said Hampton.
Jackie B., a Grammy-nominated singer, provides background for her sister Meeka Meeka. She said: “I love the crowd, the food, the ambiance near the water, the people and just the overall experience.” This was her first year performing at the Park Jam and it was a pleasure to speak and chill with her before she went on stage in her super cute attire.
Chalise Morris was at the Jam supporting her fiancé Armone Blakely, who is a talented musician. He plays a plethora of instruments among many other things. Morris feels the Park Jam was an amazing place to network as well as showcase all of the artists.
Dru Hill is an American R&B boy band, whose repertoire includes soul, hip hop soul and gospel music. The group was founded in Baltimore in 1992 by Tamir “Nokio the N-Tity” Ruffin, and as of 2023, is still active. Dru Hill recorded seven top 40 hits, and is best known for the R&B number-one hits “In My Bed“, “Never Make a Promise” and “How Deep Is your Love.” Its original members were lead singer Mark “Sisqó” Andrews, Tamir “Nokio” Ruffin, Larry “Jazz” Anthony and James “Woody” Green. The group achieved popularity in the late 1990s.
Dru Hills performance was simply electrifying!!!! The choreography was precise and very entertaining down to the roses passed out to the beautiful women in the crowd near the stage. Each member proudly showcased beautiful, authentic voices.
I personally grew up listening to Sisco and all of the songs the group sang. The performance was very nostalgic to the people in attendance as we all sang along to each song performed. The group took pictures with many people after the show.
Shawn Kane became interested in music as a seven-year old singing in church and around the house. His unique voice and sound was noticed by record label executives at J Records which led to him signing a million-dollar deal and releasing the highly anticipated solo disc Southern Comfort. After a short break from the industry, Kane is currently working on a new set of projects and movies.
Kane was raised by his grandmother and family. He had to reinvent himself after growing up in an intense environment. Shawn grew up like many of us in Toledo, it was not all glitter and gold and it was a struggle to survive. Everyday life could be a test
Kane feels everyone should know he loves Toledo. His words of advice to anyone reading is to “do what makes you happy, live your life and enjoy your experiences. Envision the You that you want to be and go out and be that person. Know that your dreams will come true with Hard work and dedication so when they do come true, you won’t get overwhelmed with the new life that comes with it. Invest and believe in yourself because we were already born with everything we need to survive and prosper.” Shawn
“ We have the whole world to experience and we can no longer be afraid to live our dreams. Some people never get to see their dreams come true. I’ve seen so many talented people leave Earth before ever experiencing what they desire most in life. They sit on talents that could change life for them and leave a legacy for those that come after them. They keep all ideas inside and it leaves with them . Some people never get a chance to see the Ocean. Fear is a tool to hold you back. No longer allow fear to control your mind and stop you from experiencing life.”