The LOU (Lafayette-Oxford-University) Summer Sunset Series kicks off June 1 at the University of Mississippi with a free concert performed by gospel blues musician John Wilkins.
The free concert will be June 1 at 7 p.m. on the Grove stage.
Wilkins is the pastor at Hunter's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Como and the son of blues musician and minister, Robert Wilkins.
Joe York, producer of the Highway 61 radio show, describes Wilkins' music as having secular musical stylings mixed seamlessly with Christian-infused gospel music.
"He's an incredibly wonderful entertainer," York said.
York said he recalled seeing Wilkins in concert as one of the greatest musical experiences he has ever had.
"He's an exciting performer," York said. "You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone around here more entertaining than him."
Wilkins is a native of Memphis. His interest in blues music was aided by being in close proximity to historically musical landmarks such as Beale Street and Stax Records, which is now the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
In the 1960s he performed secular blues and soul music, but continued to play gospel music, Scott Barretta, host of Highway 61, said.
Once Wilkins became a minister, he stopped performing secular music, but continues to record and perform blues-infused gospel music, Barretta said.
"I like the joy he conveys. He really enjoys performing and interacting with the crowd," Barretta said.
Wilkins is also performing at the North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic in Potts Camp July 4-5.
The festival is a celebration of the lives and careers of various blues legends from North Mississippi.
For those who wish to preview Wilkins' gospel-infused blues music before Sunday's performance, Mississippi Public Broadcasting will air a previously-recorded show featuring Wilkins May 31 at 10 p.m.
York said he encourages people to attend the concert because it is a great way to experience quality music in the Oxford/Lafayette Co. community.
"It's a great way to kick off the Sunset Series," York said.
