Soulful Sounds, Historic Ground – An Intimate Afternoon in Historic Talbotton
A hush falls over the moss-draped oaks as the afternoon sun casts long shadows across the weathered, wooden façade of the Zion Episcopal Church. On Saturday, October 25, this beautiful, living relic of a bygone era will serve as the perfect backdrop for a truly powerful performance: “An Intimate Afternoon with Musicians,” featuring the Grammy-nominated blues sensation Jontavious Willis and the soulful Lylie Mae Love.
Talbot County, with its rolling hills and deep-rooted history, has a quiet but profound musical legacy. It’s a place where the soulful rhythms of the past still echo in the quiet countryside. The spirit of legendary Georgia blues artists like Precious Bryant, a celebrated talent with ties to this very area, feels particularly close here. This concert is about connecting with the very essence of the blues—a genre born from the rich, intertwined roots of struggle, faith, and enduring hope in the American South.
The Zion Episcopal Church itself is a character in this story. Built in 1848, it is a magnificent example of Carpenter Gothic and Tudor-Gothic architecture. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time. The unpainted, locally-sourced Heart Pine and native walnut interior, put together with wooden pegs and hand-forged nails, exudes an authenticity that a modern venue could never replicate. With a bell tower, a gallery which once seated the enslaved community of the church’s founding families, and a hand-pumped Pilcher pipe organ that has been in continuous use since 1850, the building whispers stories of generations past.
In this sacred and historic hall, the melodies of the blues will find a perfect home. The music of Jontavious Willis, a young man with an old soul, embodies this very spirit. Hailing from nearby Greenville, Georgia, Willis is a multi-instrumentalist whose mission is to reinvigorate traditional blues with the energy of the present. His music, a captivating blend of Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel blues, has earned him a Grammy nomination and the admiration of blues legends like Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’, who have both called him a “wonderboy.” His vocals are dynamic, his technical prowess on the guitar is astounding, and his storytelling is pure Southern charm. When he performs, it’s a spiritual experience—a conversation with the past that brings history to vibrant life.
Opening for Willis is Lylie Mae Love, a talent whose musical journey is as unique as her sound. Known for her “bubblebath music” and haunting, soulful voice, Lylie Mae crafts a sound that is at once mellow and profoundly moving. She approaches music from the inside out. Her performances are intimate and atmospheric, a perfect complement to the stripped-down, authentic style of the headliner. Lylie Mae’s presence on stage will undoubtedly add another layer of depth and sincerity to an already special event.
Attendees will share a glass of wine or beer, surrounded by the echoes of history, and listen to the raw, unfiltered beauty of the blues. The atmosphere will be one of pure connection—to the music, to the artists, and to the powerful history of this place…