North Central Florida Blues Society Presents George Worthmore

New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee and 2018 International Blues Challenge semifinalist George Worthmore comes to Gainesville for the first time March 2^nd to play Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville’s finest listening room, courtesy of the North Central Florida Blues Society.

Now based in Sarasota, Florida, Worthmore, a fingerpicking wizard, has played with everyone from Kinky Friedman to the Platters, and owned a blues club in Africa where he brought in famous players from the world over. He’s backed up Ben E. King, rocked out with Ace Frehley of KISS, and played with rock founding father Bo Diddley.  A veteran of the NYC folk scene, Worthmore studied with Dave Van Ronk.

His over 20-year career in the New York City music scene began with a one-year stint as a guitarist with Kinky Friedman. He’s played backup guitar for Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Lou Christy, and The Platters. Guitar monster Rick Derringer was a frequent guest artist, as well as the producer of George’s early work. Known for his quick wit and musical dexterity, George has also been “the other guy” with Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Cassidy in Hot Tuna.

His current show is a tour de force of solo acoustic guitar, from Ragtime to Blues, with some Bach thrown in for the more serious appreciators of the instrument. The music is interlaced with humorous comments and amusing stories about the songs and his experiences.

Jim Weider (the Band) – “George is really a charismatic performer.”