Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) has created and filled its newest role with a community leader dedicated to maintaining immaculate vibes and experiences on the riverfront.
The organization named John Best as its first “Maker of Culture” in early April. Best is a DJ who has performed at multiple park events, and is also the general manager of Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ 88.5FM and Cable 19 TV.
“The Maker of Culture (MC) will actively promote the values and mission of Memphis River Parks Partnership and work to create a fun, welcoming and safe environment for visitors to the Memphis riverfront,” the Partnership said in a statement.
Carol Coletta, president and CEO of MRPP said Best has performed in this capacity for “several years” and that it was time to make it official. She added that his work “provides a fun musical backdrop that helps us maintain a warm and inviting culture.
Jasmine Stokes, director of programming and engagement for MRPP, said Best knows the values of the Riverfront, and is an “amazing steward of promoting those values in a fun and effective way.
“He is representative of park values and what we’re trying to convey through music and having a fun time,” Stokes said. “We couldn’t just say ‘ Yeah, he’s the DJ of the Riverfront.’ We wanted it to feel more special and know that he’s more than just the DJ. He is the Maker of Culture.”
Best said before the music, before being a DJ, he’s for the community, and wants to see it grow. He said he reminds park-goers to pick up trash and to be stewards of the space, while also cultivating a fun and engaging environment.
“I have the same mindset from day one to day now: Let’s lift Memphis by bringing positive energy and positive events for the whole family to come to,” said Best.
Part of Best’s commitment to diversifying and boosting engagement in riverfront culture is by playing multiple genres of music for different age groups. He said his goal is to bring all cultures together, no matter race, creed, or religion. “We know that the park is open to all, so I must be able to cater to all,” Best said.
Best also plans to bring DJs specializing in different genres, such as Salsa and House. Best will train and coach the DJs on “park culture and crowd control.”
“The DJs will monitor activity at the Sunset Canopy, interact with park visitors to reinforce good neighbor behavior and sample multiple music genres each week,” the Partnership said in a statement. DJs will also present three-hour sets “during peak park hours” on Saturdays and Sundays through November 30th.
According to the Partnership, Best will also “provide an extra layer of park oversight” by providing the organization with feedback for “continuous improvement in operation.”
“I’m observing the crowd all the time,” Best said, “By me being on this platform, I have a nice view of what’s going on. When I make announcements about things that the park doesn’t allow, and creating commercials that play every 30 minutes to stress whatever the park is pushing, I’m pushing on the microphone. It’s not in an accusatory way.”
Stokes added that while it’s still in its draft stages, Best will help develop and maintain the Tom Lee Park Music Policy.
“Music is so powerful — so powerful — so we want to make sure it’s positive and family friendly,” Stokes said. “It doesn’t have to be Baby Shark all the time, but just making sure it’s not influencing negative behavior at the base level,” Stokes said.