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Jontavious Willis’s sole mission is to reinvigorate today’s blues with the spirit of the past. He is inspired by a time when the blues were plentiful, and rhythm reigned supreme. Here, Jontavious leverages his unique sound—a synthesis of his Georgia heritage and reverence for traditional blues—to get the world dancing again. A Grammy-nominated musician and songwriter, Jontavious performs original, toe-tapping tunes in the style of Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel blues. Dynamic vocals, technical prowess, and an abundance of Southern charm keep Jontavious sending jolts of vitality through the blues community. Jontavious was born and raised in rural Georgia, an environment with deep cultural roots that provides his inspiration. He spent much of his childhood singing Gospel music at the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church with his grandfather. An early phenom, his passion for the blues was sparked at age fourteen. Then, he came across a YouTube video of Muddy Waters playing “Hoochie Coochie Man.”
He achieved widespread acclaim when living legend Taj Mahal invited Jontavious to accompany him onstage in 2015. Here, Taj described him as his “Wonderboy.” Jontavious opened for Taj and Keb’ Mo’ during their 2018 joint TajMo tour. Further, this gave him an opportunity to present his work on a national stage.
Blue Metamorphosis, his acoustic debut album released in 2016, garnered rave reviews in Living Blues and Blues & Rhythm. Additionally, it won the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge 2018 Award for Best Self-Produced CD.
Performing solo and with a full band, he articulates a totally original take on traditional blues. Jontavious features prominently in shows and festivals across the world, sharing his unique blend of time-honored yet modern, intellectual yet danceable blues with all.
JAN 22 • 7PM
Tickets>> https://bit.ly/3Vr9pTS
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Minnesota 55403
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