George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners / Jontavious Willis

Join Victory North and Savannah Music Festival for an evening of funk and blues featuring George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners and Jontavious Willis!
Tickets on sale Friday, September 13 at 12 PM

George Porter Jr. is an award-winning bassist, songwriter, and vocalist, best known as a founding member of The Meters, one of New Orleans’ most influential funk bands. Formed in the 1960s, The Meters helped shape the funk genre, with Porter’s signature bass lines driving hits like “Cissy Strut.” The band is recognized alongside James Brown and Parliament/Funkadelic as pioneers of funk and has been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame four times, receiving a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
Throughout his career, Porter has worked with iconic artists such as Dr. John, Paul McCartney, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and his work has been sampled by major hip-hop artists like A Tribe Called Quest and N.W.A. He continues to lead his current projects, George Porter Jr. & Runnin’ Pardners and the George Porter Jr. Trio, and tours extensively.
Porter remains a central figure in the jam band and festival scenes, collaborating with artists like Dead & Company and Tedeschi Trucks Band. At 74, he continues to perform and recently released Crying For Hope with his Runnin’ Pardners in 2021, receiving widespread acclaim for its social commentary and tight musicality.

Jontavious Willis is on a mission to revive the Blues with the spirit of its rich past. Drawing from his Georgia roots, he blends traditional Delta, Piedmont, Texas, and Gospel Blues to create a sound that makes listeners want to dance. A Grammy-nominated musician, Jontavious is known for his dynamic vocals, technical skill, and Southern charm.
Raised in rural Georgia, he grew up singing Gospel music, and his love for the Blues was sparked at age 14 by a Muddy Waters video. His talent caught the attention of Blues legend Taj Mahal, leading to performances with him and Keb’ Mo’ on the TajMo tour. His debut album, Blue Metamorphosis (2016), earned critical acclaim, and his Grammy-nominated follow-up, Spectacular Class, showcases a range of Blues styles.