John Mohead may be “the most famous blues artist you’ve never heard of,” but that won’t be for much longer, if the Columbus Arts Council has anything to say about it.
Columbus Arts Council Executive Director Salem Gibson described the singer-songwriter that way Tuesday while talking with The Dispatch about Mohead’s upcoming concert at 7 p.m. Friday at Rosenzweig Arts Center’s Omnova Theatre.
“He’s traveled around the blues circuit for so long,” Gibson said. “He’s been involved in so many festivals, especially in New Orleans, Memphis and this area. He’s traveled around and been a part of so much, but he never really got the chance to go off and make a name for himself.”
Gibson said the arts council is “lucky” to have Mohead come to the city, even if the name is one that east Mississippi listeners may not recognize right away.
Mohead is a Memphis-born, Mississippi-based multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has recorded more than seven albums of original music. He spent 20 years touring the world playing festivals and shows, playing solo under his full name and with his band, “Mohead.”
Mohead has also performed with artists like the Allman Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Sam Bush and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He also once opened for Bob Dylan, who bought his CD.
“Dylan likes more obscure stuff, more obscure artists,” Mohead said. “The stuff I write are mainly kind of story songs, but it’s got a beat to it. It’s got a rhythm. And I guess that’s what he liked.”
Brian Gildea’s company, Gildea Enterprises, has been producing the arts council’s blues series to bring more attention to the genre in the area. So far, the series has featured five other artists, including names like Vasti Jackson, Bobby Rush and Mr. Sipp.
While all these artists have acted as “blues ambassadors,” to the city, Gildea said he is excited to bring Mohead to the city as the latest artist in the series for his songwriting abilities.
“John Mohead is more of a southern troubadour, in sort of a folk tradition,” Gildea said. “He is a tremendous songwriter, and that’s something that’s been lacking in our blues series.”
“This guy is a soulful southern songwriter,” Gildea added. “He epitomizes what Mississippi is about with his music.”
Gildea’s family has a history of supporting the Columbus Arts Council and other art programs in the city. He said the series has acted as an “experiment” to see how much public support there is for blues music in this area, but also as a way to draw more interest and eyes to the area.
Gibson said the Omnova Theatre will give the concert an “intimate, acoustic setting” that makes it feel like you’re in a blues musician’s living room. But with limited seating, Gibson said it is better to order tickets in advance.
Tickets are $25 and are available at the Rosenzweig Arts Center or at columbusartscouncil.com.
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