May’s Gulf Music Fest to feature Will Kimbrough

Event set for October 25 at JSU Little River Canyon Center

The May’s Gulf Music Fest returns to the JSU Little River Canyon Center on Saturday, October 25, with renowned recording and touring artist Will Kimbrough as the headliner. Doors open at 5 p.m. and music begins at 6 p.m. with a Tom Petty tribute presented by The Collective Review.

Born in Mobile, Alabama, and steeped in the Gulf Coast and New Orleans rhythms, Will Kimbrough has grown into one of the most respected voices in Americana music. He began his music career in college-era bands like Will & the Bushmen, which landed its share of local buzz in the 1980s. He then co-founded the roots-rock outfit The Bis-Quits, which was signed to John Prine’s Oh Boy Records.

It was not just as a frontman that Kimbrough made his mark. As a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter, his fingerprints are all over the Americana and roots world. He has produced or co-produced for artists such as Todd Snider, Adrienne Young, Rodney Crowell, and Steve Poltz, and his songs have been recorded by names ranging from Jimmy Buffett to Little Feat and Jack Ingram. In fact, his collaborations with Jimmy Buffett extend deep: he’s contributed to multiple Buffett studio albums and co-written songs like “Bubbles Up,” which drew mention from Paul McCartney.

Critics and peers have lauded Kimbrough’s gifts. In 2004, the Americana Music Association named Kimbrough their Instrumentalist of the Year, breaking ground in a category dominated for years by legends like Jerry Douglas. He remains an endlessly adventurous artist with a discography spanning several solo releases, including his most recent album “For The Life of Me,” plus projects with ensembles like DADDY and Willie Sugarcapps.

Woody’s food truck will be on hand to satisfy your appetite as you relax and take in the tunes. Visit canyoncenter.org or call 256-845-7213 for more details and to purchase tickets. You can also buy tickets by scanning the QR code on the ad on Page 4, or in the Canyon Center gift shop.. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 the day of the show. The proceeds from the show will benefit environmental education programs. The performance will be rain or shine. Coolers, lawn chairs, and leashed pets are welcome.