Function in the Junction
The Function in the Junction is a daylong music festival organized by the Ensley Community. The festival started in 1985 as a tribute to the jazz heritage of Ensley's Tuxedo Junction, and in particular that of Erskine Hawkins. The festival is held annually in Erskine Hawkins Park on the fourth Saturday in July. This is done to honor Mr. Hawkins' July 26 birthday. Hawkins attended the festival himself through 1993, the year of his death.
The Function in the Junction features primarily jazz and gospel acts.
2007
The 22nd annual all-day festival began on July 28 with a parade down 19th Street to Erskine Hawkins Park. The Bush Middle School and Jackson-Olin High School bands, as well as the Phi De I drum line highlighted the parade, which was dedicated to former Sherman Heights neighborhood president Charlie James. Festival performers included The Pillars, Christian Heart Gospel Group, Kumba Praise, Marlin Spears, the Donna Todd Dancers, a funk band, Birmingham Heritage Band, a reggae band, Force Five, The Grain, the Umdabu Dance Group, the Kalu Band, Bob Steel and the Steel Water Band and the former Stax Records house band, the Barkays.
2006
The 2006 festival was held on July 22. Performers included The Pillars, the Christian Hearts, God's Chosen Ones, Tekneek, Kalu Band, the Blue Notes, and Grain.
References
- Ruisi, Anne (July 21, 2006) "Function in the Junction festival set for Saturday". Birmingham News.
- Natta, André (July 27, 2007) "The Junction Will Be Jumping This Saturday". The Terminal.