Southport Magazine

George Worthmore, blues, ragtime and classical guitarist, will perform at Playhouse 211 on October 7th.

What: Ragtime and blues
When: Sunday, Oct. 7th; 7 p.m.
Where: Playhouse 211
4320-100 Southport-Supply Rd.
St. James, NC
Cost: $12-15
Info: www.playhouse211.com

When one thinks of Southport, they don’t necessarily think South Africa. I can’t say while considering the quaint coastal town that images of Nelson Mandela and Hillbrow Tower flow through my mind. Yet George Worthmore, a guitarist, actor and performer in nearly all forms, certainly flocked to the southernmost tip of the African continent to fulfill his musical dreams. Again a resident of the United States, Worthmore will take the stage of St. James’ Playhouse 211 theater on Sunday, October 7th.

This artist’s story begins with his first shot at fame—a one-year gig playing back-up guitar for Kinky Friedman, which evolved to bring him stints with Bo Diddley, Ben E. King, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Lou Christy, The Platters and Hot Tuna.

In May 1995, the original owners of the Blues Room—a Johannesburg, South Africa venue—witnessed Worthmore playing at Manny’s Carwash in New York City. Their friendship led the guitarist through three South African tours. By 1997 Worthmore flew the rigors of New York City bustle, and was the new owner of the Blues Room and a new South African citizen.

Under Worthmore’s careful watch, the Blues Room became the city’s premier live music club, garnering “Best of Jo’burg” nods every year for a straight decade. A blues musician by nature, Worthmore once told a Johannesburg reporter, “The blues has its roots in Africa, so it’s only right that it should be played here.”

Not one to stand behind the curtain, Worthmore played his venue often with his band The Divebombers. Folks relished in their vibrant shows. “Watching him through smoke and whisky [sic] fumes that tangle with the sweet strains of his guitar, George sure seems to be savouring the easy life,” one writer scribed in Megalife during the ‘90s. “Surprisingly agile and quick on his feet, the bobbing and weaving jazz singer demonstrates that he can pack a punch.”

The artists bold shenanigans—he’s known for sharing amusing stories, and he’s quick to crack a wise one—landed him a few acting gigs. He worked with Ron Perlman in the 2003 film “Hoodlum and Son,” and William H. Macy in 2008’s “The Deal.”

Worthmore has traveled the world with his music, making stops in Dubai and Mexico. His list of collaborations grows as he collects names like Ace Frehley from Kiss and rocker Rick Derringer. The past few years, though, he’s smoothed down his shows to a mellow, solo acoustic set. He soothes in intimate venues or relevant shops with names like Sarasota Guitar Company, Star Keeper Cafe and Rear Window.

His blues and jazz repertoire expands to include American ragtime; his fingers pick the guitar in these jams almost as fast as his welcoming smile comes over his audience to wrap them in his happiness, too.

Worthmore’s enrapturing concerts inevitably include a bit of classical guitar for those truly enthusiastic about the stringed instrument. From Bach to Chopin, Worthmore strums effervescently and romantically through refined historical pieces such as “The Minute Waltz.” Yet folks shouldn’t be surprised to catch him playing a bit of Thelonious Monk or Doc Watson, either.