Jacksonville’s Only Multi-Day Fest for Indie Artists and Entrepreneurs Returns for its 11th Year

Earlier this month, it was announced that the Jacksonville-based Duval Spring Fest, known for providing a platform for locally based music artists, creatives, fashion designers and models, aspiring entertainment entrepreneurs, and small business vendors, will return for the 11th time on Easter weekend again this spring. The venues were just announced today.

Duval Spring Fest founder and organizer Dez Nado emphasized that attendees of this year’s Fest are asked to bring donations of clothing (socks and underwear preferred) and/or sanitary items on any day during Spring Fest weekend for distribution to those in need on Easter Sunday, the last day of this year’s event weekend. Dez also said those who attend Spring Fest this year should expect some “special guest surprises”—adding to the anticipation that the annual event already generates on its own, having garnered over 1,200 RSVPs via Facebook alone in less than 3 weeks since the event page was published.

The event weekend kicks off on Thursday with a private rooftop meet-and-greet for Spring Fest performers, designers, models, and VIPs, followed by the annual Spring Fest fashion show, coordinated by Candice Alvita, on Friday night at Justice Pub in downtown Jax where guests can anticipate a mix of top 40 and hip hop, Caribbean, and R&B music with 93.3 The Beat’s DJ Kool Aid while locally based designers showcase their latest looks as some of Duval’s very own runway models take to the floor-level catwalk. The main event during the weekend will be the annual Mic Madness Artist Showcase Tournament and Block Party—a community-centric, free-to-the-public, family-friendly event that features a unique performing artist competition where locally based music artists go head-to-head tournament style until special guest judges and the crowd choose a “final four”. The eventual top 2 artists will receive prizes worth over $2,000 including an opportunity to perform at multiple events in Atlanta with hotel stay covered during the BET Hip Hop Awards weekend later this fall. Expected guest judges will include former Slip N Slide rep Monica “Russia” Ross, media personality and talent coordinator Ajeania Green, Mix Therapy Studios manager Rashad Taylor, former Sony Entertainment rep Rollo Hustle, and more TBA.

“I think what draws people to the event is its uniqueness, and the opportunities it provides talent as well as community members who just want to find convenient ways to give back to those in need” Dez remarked while also hinting that he himself may be performing during Duval Spring Fest weekend—something not uncommon since the release of his latest mixtape album “LPYH SSNZ: Twerk Tape”, a project he calls a semi-conscious twerk album which has earned over 225,000 streams since its summer 2023 release, and over 25,000 plays on YouTube for his latest two music videos done in promotion of the album (“Flawda Ish” and “Slow Motion”).

For tickets and more information, visit: https://DuvalSpringFest2024.eventbrite.com

Event lineup/additional info:
Duval’s HOTTEST Platform for Indie Artists & Entertainment Entrepreneurs is BACK for the 11th time! #DuvalSpringFest2024 #EasterWeekend
>> THU March 28
Welcome 2 Duval Rooftop Kickoff Media & Industry Mixer 6-9pm @ Private Location | [Address Reserved for Special Invited Guests and Weekend Pass Holders] Jacksonville, FL
>>Each Paid Ticket is Automatically Entered into the Weekend Pass Giveaway Raffle and other Prize Giveaways All Weekend<> FRI March 29
FASHION FRIDAY — Trap vs. Twerk pt. 2 — We’re bringing back the annual Model & Designer Fashion Show + pitting Team Trap vs. Team Twerk again to decide once and for all which sub-genre will take home the title of champ! Which side you taking?
7-8pm Vendor Happy Hour + 8pm-12am Main Event @ Justice Pub 331 E. Bay Street Jacksonville, FL 32202
>>Each Paid Ticket is Automatically Entered into the Weekend Pass Giveaway Raffle and other Prize Giveaways All Weekend<> SAT March 30
Mic Madness Artist Showcase Tournament IV & Community Block Party 3-9pm @ Soutel Plaza – Jacksonville, FL 32208
>>Event is Free/Open to the Public — But Paid Tickets are Available for Reserved Seating Only — Each Paid Ticket is Automatically Entered into the Weekend Pass Giveaway Raffle and other Prize Giveaways All Weekend<
www.youtube.com/LifeGrindDuval | SUBSCRIBE to Live from New Jax City/New Jax City Uncut: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC45nxzzJT9dsKPzATawYWQQ
Bring the lawn chairs, spades tables, and tailgate tents, to the Duval Spring Fest Main Event: the Mic Madness Artist Tournament Showcase & Block Party, and be ready to enjoy performances and see which 2 artists take home the top prizes including a free performance spot during Jax Summer Fest weekend and free performance spots + lodging during 2024 BET Hip Hop Awards weekend for adults — FYI buying VIP tickets directly from performing artists is a great way to support them directly (they make 50% of revenues) and will help them win the annual title of Spring Fest Best Seller. The block party is free to the public, but a ticket is required to gain entry into the VIP area where available.

OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY @ [TBA 3/1]

>> SUN March 31
>>Sunday Service 10am-12pm @ Open Arms Community Church | 2763 Dunn Ave #1 Jacksonville, FL 32218 — Watch Online at https://www.youtube.com/@oaccofficial3227
>> 10th Feed & Clothe Those In Need 1-2pm @ [call 323-379-2476 for location] with Get It Poppin’ Treats — ****VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!****
Chips, snacks, fruit cups, similar food items, water, small juices, clothing, hygiene items, etc. will be accepted at all Spring Fest events — For Donation Drop-Offs BEFORE Duval Spring Fest Weekend Contact: STAFF@VIPSquadNation.com | 323-379-2476 — We Need Volunteers! Please help us give back to the community by volunteering your time 1-2pm on March 31st

Where applicable, TICKETS AVAILABLE AT SUPER EARLY BIRD RATES until Sat Feb 3rd
2nd early bird phase ends Sat March 2nd
After March 2nd, all prices are subject to increase — early purchase strongly suggested
11th Annual Duval Spring Fest Eventbrite Page: https://DuvalSpringFest2024.eventbrite.com
11th Annual Duval Spring Fest Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/410956304589292/
For VIP: Email STAFF@VIPSquadNation.com for reservations/inquiries
PERFORMANCE SPOT (WITH ADVANCE PROMO AND FOOTAGE): EMAIL STAFF@VIPSQUADNATION.COM FOR INFO
VENDOR SPOT (WITH ADVANCE PROMO): EMAIL STAFF@VIPSQUADNATION.COM FOR INFO
EMAIL STAFF@VIPSquadNation.com to pay for any ticket option via CashApp, Venmo, etc.

CW17 Commercial features “Flawda Ish” and “Flawda Ish (remix)” feat. Blood Raw, Ice Billion Berg, J Chat, LDotG, TyWatcher – single from the album LPYH SSNZ: Twerk Tape by Dez Nado available TODAY @ SPOTIFY
and your Favorite Streaming Apps, as well as @ www.VIPSquadNation.com where you can also buy the whole #LPYH90sTape album for the exclusive price of $4

**MASKS & SOCIAL DISTANCING ENCOURAGED FOR INDOOR AREA– Limited Entry**
Guests MUST have tickets in order to attend ticketed events, no exceptions
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>> CONTACT: 323-379-2476 or STAFF@VIPSquadNation.com <<
www.VIPSquadNation.com