LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Music stars at all levels of fame hit the stage to perform at Waterfront Park.
What You Need To Know
- Trip J Band is a home-schooled group of brothers who perform original music and covers
- All of the band members are self-taught musicians
- They performed as Trip J Band for the first time at Waterfront Park in 2020
- They split, tithe, donate and save money earned from bookings and tips
Trip J Band, a group of young brothers, launched their music journey in the same park.
Trip J is short Triple J. Each J stands for a member of the group.
The group includes 13-year-old piano player Jeriel Evan, 12-year-old bass player Jahmai Evan and 9-year-old percussion player Jedediah Evan who also plays a little bit of it all.
“We really like hyping up the crowd before Michael Jackson songs,” said Jeriel.
Each of the self-taught musicians found their love for music performing in the children’s choir at their church.
“When I started hearing some songs that sounded cool at church, I went back home and I played them,” said the oldest sibling.
His little brothers followed the beat behind him.
Jeriel said one of his favorite songs to cover is “Happy” by Pharrell Williams and nothing makes the brothers happier than making music together.
“Whenever we’re playing gigs and when we have this note, and Jariel, he nods to us and we know what he's gonna do. That's one of the best things about it,” said Jahmai.
“It’s a special feeling that we get if we play something that sounds really cool, then we play really good music, then we sort of get lost in it,” said Jeriel.
Jedediah, the youngest, said making good music takes a lot of practice.
“We get messed up but then we get back on track, and we make the songs real perfect,” said Jedediah.
The drum player said he hopes to perform in Africa one day.
“Because we're black skin and we like to hear African people, and we've actually played African songs,” said Jedediah.
The music makers turned their skills into a moneymaker by accident.
In Sept. of 2020, the brothers did not want to practice, so their father told the boys to pack up the acoustic instruments they had at the time and took them to the Big Four Bridge at Waterfront Park.
“He said, 'I know you're not going to really make that much money because you didn't practice today,' but we played there and we got $100 the first day,” said Jeriel.
That day was their first time performing as Trip J Band and since then, they have been booked for several events, including at Mellwood Art Center and restaurants. They also return to Waterfront Park often to perform original content and covers of the greatest hits.
The boys said they are grateful for the valuable lesson and all of the tough love from their parents.
“It’s like Joe Jackson but minus the whoopings,” said Jeriel.
The band has been a learning opportunity on saving money and giving back.
Each member gets $10 for every $100 they earn.
“What’s left in the money we tithe off of, then what’s left after that we put in our Trip J account which we use for haircuts, equipment, and stuff,” says Jeriel.
They also donate a portion to Waterfront Park where it all started.
“I think we are a positive influence to other kids that they can do good stuff, just like we're doing,” says Jeriel. “It doesn't have to be music but it can be something positive throughout your family or community.”
Singing little sister Xiyanna hopes to one day join the band, but until that day comes, she’ll continue to be the biggest fan of her big brothers who she said are “So good. Like, 10 times amazing.”
You can follow Trip J Band on Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date on performance dates and times.