Chane makes clear his departure from the event does not mean the first Thursday of the month in historic downtown Fondren will be without activity.

Chane says he is officially hanging up his “First Thursday” cap, but makes clear, his departure from the event does not mean the first Thursday of the month in historic downtown Fondren will be without activity.

In a post to Facebook today, the Fondren’s First Thursday organizer, retailer and artist says, “It is with a heavy heart that I am officially withdrawing my efforts, resources & responsibilities on behalf of FFT” (you can read his full statement here).

“The efforts of [FRF and the State Street Concert Series, among others] will continue in areas such as Duling Ave, Fondren Plaza, Sneaky Beans/ Fondren Corner. The efforts on behalf of FRF with Arts, Eats & Beats and Fondren Unwrapped are independent and will not be affected by this decision,” his post says.

Fondren Renaissance Executive Director Jim Wilkirson says their plans to bring back Arts, Eats & beats on May 4 and move Fondren Unwrapped to the first Thursday of December are unfazed by Chane’s announcement.

“We see the positive momentum that surrounds the first Thursday of the month in the neighborhood,” he stated. “We think the return of Arts, Eats & Beats and a new date for Unwrapped will benefit greatly from a crowd that religiously makes their way out every month to enjoy what Fondren has to offer.”

Glenn Foods’ Nathan Glenn, who is part of the State Street Concert Series, also says the show goes on.

“[Sneaky Beans’] Byron [Knight] and I will continue to do events on State Street every first Thursday with some live music, beer and food specials,” adding that their July and October concert series plans to move forward, too.

“We still feel like first Thursday [works],” Glenn continues. “It doesn’t make any sense not to [use that date].”

Glenn praised last night’s concert on the Fondren Corner parking deck as a “great show” and noted there was “so much going [in the neighborhood].”

Cody Cox, whose record label, Elegant Trainwreck Productions regularly hosts an indie music showcase at Cups (where he is general manager) echoes Glenn and Wilkirson.

“Will we still do something on the first Thursday of the month? No doubt. We’ll keep doing the New Blood showcase and, in Cups, always have something new and exciting to try.” He adds, “You can count on us not stopping, no matter what it’s called.”

Chane extended his thanks to all who helped his efforts by saying, “The lifeline of this event was never just my efforts – it was the great people of jxn and beyond who showed me what community was about.”