John O’Connor is a beloved bartender and music connoisseur at Ground Zero Blues Club in Biloxi. The 65-year-old has always been passionate about live music and making people smile. So, when news traveled along the Mississippi Gulf Coast that John’s home burnt down and he was severely injured, Ground Zero staff, patrons, and the community rallied together.
A GoFundMe for John has been set up, and donations of clothing (shirts, size L), pants (size 34, or L), socks, underwear, and shoes (size 11/12) are being accepted at Ground Zero in Biloxi.
Geoff Burnette is the food and beverage manager of Ground Zero in Biloxi. He and John have been at the iconic blues club since its opening two years ago.
“John and I originally worked together at Shaggy’s, and when this opportunity came up, I asked him to come along with me,” Geoff said.
In addition to being a bartender, John is an upper-level Sommelier, a certificate that John is very proud of and is one more thing to add to his resume as “everyone’s favorite bartender.”
Burnette shared that live music is one of John’s passions.
“He is a pursuer of signed albums and ticket stubs. He loves to show everyone his ticket stubs,” Burnette shared. “He is also our de facto frame of reference for Ground Zero’s music line-up. He can tell us anything about any band or musician in terms of where they’re from, how long they’ve been on the scene, the type of music they play… he’s amazing.”
John’s love of the blues and other live music has led him to love the city of New Orleans.
“John loves New Orleans. He can tell you where to park, where to eat, and where to go during Jazz Fest or any live music event in the French Quarter,” Burnette shared.
Ground Zero Blues Club friends, family, colleagues, and patrons continue to pray for John to pull through while offering support the best they can. An integral part of Ground Zero and the community, John O’Connor is more than a bartender; he is family.
“Some may know him as their favorite bartender,” said Burnette. “But we know him as family. He is your family, too. It’s times like these when we need each other the most.”
