THOMASTON — Paul Benjamin, producer of Rockland’s North Atlantic Blues Festival, brings Blues Night to Watts Hall for a special one-night performance featuring soul blues legend Johnny Rawls. The concert takes place Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. at Watts Hall Community Arts, 174 Main St. in Thomaston.
Known as the Mississippi Blues Man, Rawls arrives direct from Mississippi with a career spanning more than five decades. Widely recognized as a pioneer of soul blues, his signature sound helped define the genre. Rawls has released dozens of albums, earned multiple Blues Music Awards and carried the Southern soul tradition to audiences across the United States and around the world.
Born and raised in Mississippi, Rawls was backing major touring artists by age 15 and later served as band director for O.V. Wright before launching his solo career. He continues to tour extensively, performing nearly 200 shows each year. His performances blend smooth grooves with gritty emotion, delivering a deeply human take on classic Mississippi soul blues. This appearance offers a rare opportunity to experience a living legend in an intimate setting.
Blues Night featuring Johnny Rawls is part of Watts Hall’s Grand Reopening celebration, marking the return of the historic venue following a major renovation project. Throughout April, Watts Hall is hosting a full month of events including dance parties, live music, theater, educational programs and family-friendly activities. The reopening celebrates both the restoration of the building and the revival of Watts Hall as a gathering place for live performance and community events in the Midcoast.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 day of show, if available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://wattshallthomaston.com.
Watts Hall Community Arts is committed to ensuring that Watts Hall continues the proud tradition of enriching community life in Thomaston and Midcoast Maine. Our mission is to ensure that this historic building continues to serve as a center for community engagement while promoting the Hall as a premier arts and entertainment venue that contributes to the heart and soul of a vibrant Main Street.
