JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – All eyes will be glued to the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade on Wednesday, with Mississippians entertaining crowds along the parade route.
Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South and Mississippi’s musical legacy appear on the national stage, showing why we’re the birthplace of American music.
“Here on the biggest of stages is an incredible opportunity for us,” said Governor Tate Reeves.
He and the First Family are in Pasadena, California, and will be atop the state float during the 136th Rose Parade.
Adorned with 13,000 yellow roses, it pays homage to Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Jimmy Rogers, and Bobby Rush.
It is a reminder to the world that Mississippi is the birthplace of American music, and bringing live sounds of southern music is Jackson State University’s Sonic Boom of the South.
“I don’t know who all is gonna be in the parade, but I do know who is gonna take the show,” added Reeves.
“It’s an opportunity for us to share with the world what we’ve always known, which is that we have the greatest band in the land, that Mississippi is home, it is the birthplace of music, and that we are maintaining that tradition,” said Dr. Lisa Beckley-Roberts, Chair of Jackson State University’s Department of Music.
Visit Jackson sees this as a chance to showcase the city and state.
“This is a place that we’ve belonged for a long time, but we’re finally taking our place,” said Visit Jackson spokesperson Yolanda Clay-Moore. “We have such a rich culture and tapestry a musical footprint.”
It’s been quite a year for JSU, performing at the Super Bowl in February and now starting the New Year in the Rose Parade.
“A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students and now to cap off this year and to be in California and to be performing at the Rose Parade, we’re all just overwhelmed with gratitude,” added Beckley-Roberts.
The Rose Parade airs Wednesday at 10 a.m. on NBC.
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Jackson State University’s famous marching band, the Sonic Boom of the South, has been selected to represent the state of Mississippi in the prestigious Rose Parade. This incredible honor will showcase the talent and dedication of the students in the band, as well as highlight the rich musical tradition of Mississippi.
The Sonic Boom is known for their high-energy performances and innovative choreography, making them a crowd favorite wherever they go. With their distinctive sound and dynamic presence, they are sure to captivate audiences at the Rose Parade and leave a lasting impression on viewers from around the world.
This opportunity not only recognizes the hard work and skill of the Sonic Boom, but also shines a spotlight on the state of Mississippi and its vibrant cultural heritage. It is a chance to showcase the talent and creativity that abound in the Magnolia State, and to demonstrate the unique contributions that Mississippians make to the world of music and performance.
As the Sonic Boom prepares to march down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day, we can all take pride in knowing that they are representing not just Jackson State University, but the entire state of Mississippi. Let’s show our support for these talented musicians and wish them the best of luck as they take center stage at the Rose Parade. Go Sonic Boom! Go Mississippi!
Tags:
JSU Sonic Boom, Mississippi State, Rose Parade, HBCU marching band, college band performance, Southern University, Jackson State University, Mississippi pride, parade participation, marching band excellence, historical black colleges and universities
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