Jam honours teenaged skateboarder

By Lethbridge Herald on June 12, 2024.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Skateboarders attempt to do tricks during the Jam for Jax Skate Jam and Tribute Concert at Legacy Park on Saturday.

Justin Seward
LETHBRIDGE HERALD

Skateboard tricks were being attempted and eight community  bands played the music for 11 hours all in support of a young kid  that had passion for both before he passed away suddenly last October.

Jam for Jax Skate Jam and Tribute Concert was held at Legacy Park on Saturday in memory of 14-year-old  Jax McKnight-Hogan.

“Jax was a rock star,” said mother Shanda McKnight.

“He became a rock star I’d say in Grade 8 of middle school when he started the school year learning to play  guitar and by the end he was playing the guitar over his head and he made a name for himself there. 

“And he moved into high school where he was part of the LCI band and he played all sorts of percussion, drums and all sorts of instruments.”

He became a skateboarder during COVID.

 “so part of the jam is a skateboard jam,” said McKnight.

Skateboarders had the opportunity to do tricks for prizes during a product jam and then a cash jam for best tricks.

“I learned more about him probably after his passing,” said McKnight.

“He helped save friends’ lives by keeping in touch and being there for them. 

He was that person to say hi to kids in the hall and make them feel acknowledged and he affected such a huge population of students and even staff who were just  shocked and saddened at his death.”

Funds from the event went to into the Jax McKnight-Hogan Music Fund at the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta and will allow for the gifting of lessons, instruments to go to youth bands.

The funds were raised from merchandise, raffles, a 50/50 and a percentage from the food truck sales.

“We have had so many donations, it is unbelievable,” said McKnight on the community support.

The musicians donated their time to the event and attendees got to listen headliners  Shala Miller, Fawns and September Crows in the evening.

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