Magnolia Mayfest in Pascagoula will feature a trio of Mississippi musical acts, including former Widespread Panic lead guitarist George McConnell.
The show is set for the Grand Magnolia Ballroom on Sunday, May 23rd, and will also include Blue Mother Tupelo and Cary Hudson giving the show a taste of artists from all across the Magnolia State.
A limited number of tickets are available at http://www.grandmagmusic.com for this intimate, socially-distanced event.
McConnell, a Vicksburg native who now resides in Oxford, spent six years with one of the biggest jam bands in the world. He toured all over the world during his time as the lead guitarist with Widespread Panic, and he has continued to play shows as a solo act along with time spent in The Kudzu Kings, a band of which he was a founding member two decades ago. He also spent time touring with the band Drive By Truckers.
“I’m looking forward to being back on the Gulf Coast and adding a new venue to my touring schedule,” McConnell said. “It should be a great show, and I always enjoy sharing the stage with other artists from the state of Mississippi which has produced so many great artists over the years.”
McConnell, who will be making his first ever appearance in Pascagoula, also was a founding member of the band Beanland in Oxford in the 1980’s, a group that also featured longtime Panic keyboardist Jo Jo Herman.
The husband/wife duo of Ricky and Mikel Davis comprise Blue Mother Tupelo, which will co-headline the event with McConnell. They will also be making their inaugural appearance at The Grand Mag. The group, who reside in Como, Miss., have been on the road extensively over the past two decades and become regional favorites of many in the singer/songwriter genre.
“Super songs played by super musicians. It’s soulful/bluesy with Southern Rock, classic country, gospel and even a bit of adult album alternative (AAA) influences.” said the publication Planet Weekly of some of BMT’s latest work.
Hudson is a Pine Belt native who has become a favorite of many along the Gulf Coast over the past two decades. He was a founding member of the band Blue Mountain, and has appeared at many festivals across the country including The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. He was also named one of the best in the Gibson magazine’s list of Top 10 Alt. Country Guitarists of all time in 2008. Hudson has long been a favorite of Grand Magnolia supporters.
The show is set to begin at 6 p.m. Next up on The Grand Magnolia schedule after this show is a performance by legendary classic country music singer John Conlee on Friday, June 11th.
