Space Coast River Jam concert to celebrate young readers and writers

Space Coast River Jam should make plenty of people happy, but six families in attendance are going to be ecstatic. The event will be Friday, May 14 at Cocoa’s Riverfront Park.

Hosted by Rolling Readers Space Coast, River Jam is not just a celebration of music, but also a toast to local young writers and artists. Six of these young people will walk away, courtesy of Rolling Readers, with Florida Prepaid College Savings Scholarship to the college of their choice. That should give mom and dad plenty of reason to do a little happy dance or two.

“It will give these families a memorable occasion,” said Rolling Readers executive director Michael Payne.

The night of music, food and drinks supports and celebrates the literacy of Brevard’s youngest readers. Rolling Readers Space Coast has a long history connecting Brevard students in Title I elementary schools with books that can change their lives. More than 150 volunteers share the joy of reading with children, both one-on-one and as a group. The program's goals are to motivate young people to read, improve their reading skills, grow their imagination and make a lasting positive impact in their future.

Reading is a necessity that makes a huge impact on a child’s life. Children with poor reading skills early in their school years often begin to fall behind in school by the third grade, many never catching up. Research shows that children who are weak readers in third grade are four times less likely to earn a high school diploma.

Reading to children, as Rolling Readers volunteers do, is extremely beneficial. Yet less than half of this nation’s children, from infants to five-year-olds, are read to by their parents or caregivers, leaving the majority at a disadvantage.

Rolling Reader programs aim to impact these statistics with just 30 minutes to an hour each week, the time it takes volunteers to share beloved stories and assist children in developing better reading skills.

By reading to children, Rolling Readers staff and volunteers discovered that a result of instilling the love of reading among students, the children began to write. As a result, the organization launched Rolling Readers WRITES, which gives students the opportunity to create and express themselves through written word on any subject, fiction or non-fiction. Young artists are encouraged to partner with their peers to illustrate their narratives. Three of these young authors and writers will be selected from entries submitted this year to the WRITES annual competition.

Of course, it has not been the easiest of years for a program that places volunteers in a school setting, but Rolling Readers has become well versed in the virtual world.

“It was difficult, but we got it done,” said Payne.

Now it is time to party, with musical groups that include Hot Pink, Swaag and Cherry Down. Food trucks will be plentiful, as will the good times. For those who prefer the comforts of home, the event will be streamed via Facebook Live.

Through the gift, Rolling Readers Space Coast is opening the doors to a realm of wonder and opportunity, and that deserves good music, singing and dancing at Space Coast River Jam.

Space Coast River Jam

Where: Riverfront Park, 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa Village

When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, May 14

Tickets: $10 for general admission tickets, which require bringing you own chair; $50 for VIP tickets, which include seating in a designated area in front of the stage, plus a reception.

Info: 321-254-9976

On the web:  rollingreadersspacecoast.org/space-coast-river-jam

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