AARP, the Hunts, and Us

During the 2020 Match Challenge, the Eskridge Park Foundation was contacted by Marvin and Ann Hunt, Lawrence residents. Marvin grew up on a farm just outside Eskridge and graduated in 1972, the first class from Mission Valley High School. He learned about our efforts from friend and long time resident, Darrell Rush.

Ann and Marvin are lead singer and guitarist, respectively, for the American roots music (aka Blues) band, The House Jumpers as well as their own duo, With a Twist. The pair also launched their own recording studio, House Rent Records in 2012. With the pandemic of 2020, they have branched out in a myriad of ways to keep their music flowing.

One of those ways is through outreach. House Rent Records has formed a team of artists in order to provide and encourage artistic development and community support, “to help rural and urban communities to connect and grow mutual artistic and economic projects.” In comes the Eskridge Park Foundation. Earlier this year, we began discussing ways House Rent Records and others could team up with the Eskridge Park Foundation in order to help us achieve our goals.

The plan is to raise money for the Park through live music performances in the Park this year. The plan is still in its formation stages, but we are all very excited over this potential prospect of bringing together our community after such a difficult year, raising money for our beloved project, and promoting artistic and cultural education and growth. Stay tuned for more updates as we go through the planning process!

Check out Ann and Marvin’s interview with the AARP Kansas group here. Marvin begins talking about Eskridge around the 11:00 mark, but the entire interview is wonderful and brimming with great information!!