Bands fill Jackson venue even without Sonic Boom
September 28, 2009
Word of the Sonic Boom of the South not performing at Sunday’s Southeast Regional Battle of the Bands did not stop music lovers from packing Jackson’s Veterans Memorial Stadium by the thousands.
Although advertised on the lineup, the renowned Jackson State University band did not perform. Its absence comes as the band deals with the suspension of dozens of members and allegations of hazing.
Still, a crowd of nearly 50,000 filled the stadium to hear area high school bands and musical artists Soulja Boy, Hurricane Chris and others. Most who attended said its not the same without the “Boom.”
“You can always expect their performance to be off the chain. For them to not be here is a big disappointment,” said Brittany Harper of Florence, who was attending her fourth Battle of the Bands.
Outside the stadium, Donald Blackmon of Jackson and his friend debated whether the $20 price of admission was worth it without JSU.
