Spotlight-JuTaun

Ju-Taun

By Caitlin Crawford

For the Salisbury Post

Ju-taun (pronounced zha-tawn) is a group of four young men (brothers Jake and James Evans, Peter Garcia, and Samoeun Cheng). Inspired by legends Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Michael Jackson, they began their career by performing at local venues and on their own high school stage.

After taking second place in a Philadelphia talent show in 1999, the boys officially became a group. The name "Ju-taun" came from taking letters from each of their names and combing them.

After meeting David Still, who became the group's manager, they saved up to produce their first album, and formed Climax Entertainment.

The boys started promoting before they even had any CDs with them. They would walk up to random people on the streets and if the people were interested in the music, the group would take the customer's information and money and promise to mail them the CD.

They bought a van and followed B2K's "Scream Tour" and promoted their music by setting up in parking lots before each concert and staying until the last concert-goer left.

After 10 years of doing what they love, Ju-taun is still going strong. They will be performing a concert for Relay for Life tonight at 8 p.m. at Club 315 at 315 East Council Street in Salisbury.

They will also perform at the Blues and Jazz Festival Saturday and will participate in an associated event — Meet the Musicians — Friday from 8-9:30 p.m. at Looking Glass Artist Collective.