J. Hover is dedicated to preserving and growing two of Baton Rouge’s most iconic music traditions—Live After Five and the Baton Rouge Blues Fest. As funding priorities shift, he is focused on strengthening sponsorships, expanding community partnerships, and ensuring these free, community-driven events remain a staple of the city’s cultural identity.

Live After Five, held each spring in Galvez Plaza, draws thousands downtown each week, boosting local businesses and creating a vibrant, diverse music scene that reflects Louisiana’s unique culture. The Baton Rouge Blues Fest, established in 1981, continues to honor the region’s deep-rooted swamp blues heritage while attracting tens of thousands of attendees and generating significant economic impact.

Through innovative partnerships and community support, Hover is committed to keeping these festivals accessible, impactful, and thriving—ensuring they remain a defining part of Baton Rouge for years to come.