R.L. Akers

R.L. Akers is the author of more than twenty published volumes of fiction, beginning with Prometheus Rebound in 2013. His works span multiple genres—including fantasy, science fiction, murder mystery, and Young Adult—and have been noted for their detailed world-building. At present, he is working to further expand his Overtwixt and Gray Gaynes series, actively writing new stories and producing audiobook editions of previous titles. A native of Florida, Akers now resides in West Virginia with his wife Sarah and their four children (except when some of them are off at college). Visit him online at RLAkers.com.

Word of South is pleased to welcome R.L. Akers in collaboration with Steph Post.

Lee Bains III

Lee Bains III is a songwriter and poet from Birmingham, Alabama, who has released four studio albums of what Rolling Stone calls “Southern Gospel punk” since 2012. His most recent album, Old-Time Folks, released by Don Giovanni Records in 2022, explored stories of People’s movements in the Deep South to acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone, The New York Times, NPR, and The Guardian. He has collaborated in live performance and on recordings with artists including Lonnie Holley, Moor Mother, Pussy Riot, and Algiers.

After first having his poems published by The New Yorker in 2021, Lee will see his debut poetry collection, WORK LUNCH, published by Hub City Press in the fall of 2026. In addition to touring around the U.S. and Europe, Lee has lent his music to support striking coal miners, immigrants’ rights groups, abortion funds, and anti-racism organizations. He has performed and read at Emory University, the University of Mississippi, Tulane University, Auburn University, and The Royal Institute of Technology (Stockholm, Sweden). He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where he works between tours as a handyman.

Lee Bains will appear at Word of South in collaboration with poet Jacqueline Trimble and Salvation South founder Chuck Reece.

Kevin Bales

Kevin Bales’ career started at the University of North Florida in a budding if little-known jazz program. He met and performed with, and went on to record and tour with, a number ofmonumental artists who had settled into the burgeoning North Florida jazz scene. Giants like Wynton Marsalis, Louie Bellson, Eddie Daniels, James Moody, Ben Tucker, Ira Sullivan,Sam Rivers, and Nat Adderley. He counts among his mentor’s bassist Ben Tucker, multi-instrumentalist Ira Sullivan, guitar legends Nathen Page and Jack Petersen, and the fiercely individual saxophonist Bunky Green. Ten years touring and recording with vocal iconoclast Rene Marie culminated in a Grammy Nominated album. His most recent recording of music composed by Fred Rogers was selected as one of the top 10 albums of 2018 by Cadence Magazine and AllAboutJazz.com.

Kevin has amassed a long list of awards and a reputation as one of the finest jazz pianists performing anywhere. In 1994, less than a decade into jazz, he won the American Pianist Association’s Jazz Piano Competition. In addition to nearly every important jazz venue inthe South, he has performed in some of the most acclaimed clubs and festivals in Americaand around the world: the JVC Jazz Festival in New York, The Bakery in Los Angeles, TheKennedy Center and Lincoln Center jazz series, the Toronto and Edinburgh jazz festivals,and the Moscow Center for the Performing Arts. He will be performing as part of our tributeto Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

Scotty Barnhart

William “Scotty” Barnhart is an American jazz trumpeter. A three-time Grammy winner, he has played since 1993 as a featured soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra, and in September 2013 became its director. He has multiple recordings with pianist Marcus Roberts as well as recordings with Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Ray Charles, and Tito Puente. A solo CD, released with Unity Music, is titled Say It Plain and features Clark Terry, Ellis and Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Jamie Davis and Etienne Charles; it achieved number 3 in the Jazz Charts. Also active as an educator and clinician, he is author of The World of Jazz Trumpet – A Comprehensive History and Practical Philosophy (published by Hal Leonard). He is a professor in the College of Music at Florida State University. Scotty will be coordinating this year’s Word of South New Orleans Jazz Extravaganza.

Daniel Bedrosian

Daniel Bedrosian has been the keyboardist for George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic for the past twenty-plus years, making him the longest tenured keyboard player in the live band’s history. In addition to performing with Clinton and company, he has worked or performed with many musical icons such as Snoop Dogg, Chuck D and Flavor Flav, Ice Cube, Shavo Odadjian from System of a Down, Kendrick Lamar, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Erykah Badu, Queen Latifah, Mumford & Sons, RZA, Flying Lotus, Thundercat, Sheila E, Wu-Tang Clan, The Roots, MonoNeon, Cory Henry, Robert Glasper, Drake, and many more. He has appeared on 25 Strong: The BET Silver Anniversary Special, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Carson Daly Show, I’m from Rolling Stone, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Monique Show, MTV in several nations, and many more. He also wrote and sang the theme music to the internationally broadcast paranormal show “Deathwalker”. Bedrosian writes the Armenian-mythology based “Sons of the Sun” Comic book series, and is the author of the Authorized P-Funk Song Reference: Official Canon of Parliament-Funkadelic 1956-2023, published by Rowman & Littlefield, which has been one of R&L’s all-time best sellers. In 2025, Bedrosian released his newest book Make My Funk the P-Funk published by Bloomsbury press.

Danny will be appearing at Word of South as part of the Graphic Novelist panel, as well as with George Clinton. George and Danny host a YouTube show together called “A Bump by Bump Rundown “. They are continuing the theme of their podcast with a live performance version of their beloved show.

Robert Boone, Jr.

Robert Boone Jr. is a Grammy-winning drummer/percussionist from Augusta, Georgia, currently performing with The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra and serving on the jazz faculty at Georgia State University. Deeply committed to music education and community outreach, he also teaches at various middle and high schools throughout Metro Atlanta. Boone has toured internationally across Japan, Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, with appearances at premier venues such as The Blue Note (Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York), Birdland Jazz Club, Yoshi’s, Churchill Grounds, The Cobb Energy Centre, Sydney Opera House, and Spivey Hall, as well as major jazz festivals throughout the world. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Kennesaw State University, where he studied under John Lawless and Justin Chesarek, and a master’s in jazz studies from Florida State University, where he studied under Leon Anderson. He was also selected to be a member of the 2015 Disneyland All-American College Band. Boone has collaborated with renowned artists including Steve Jordan, John Clayton, Rufus Reid, Wycliffe Gordon, Kurt Elling, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Marcus Roberts, among many others.

Robert Boone will join us at Word of South as part of the Sunday jazz lineup!

Michael Brodeur

Michael Andor Brodeur is the author of “SWOLE: The Making of Men and the Meaning of Muscle” (Beacon Press) and has served as a staff critic across the arts for the Washington Post, the Boston Globe and the Boston Phoenix. He was also the founding editor of BOTH, the Boston-based literary journal and reading series. He lives with his husband in Western Massachusetts.

Mr. Brodeur will appear at Word of South in a “mu-aushup” with Yaniv Danur, pianist and conductor of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. He will also appear in conversation with TSO Executive Director, Amanda Stringer.

Marina Brown

Marina Brown is an award-winning author, poet, painter, and journalist. Her debut novel, Land Without Mirrors, in 2013 won a Gold Medal from the Florida Authors and Publishers Association. Her second novel, Lisbeth in 2015, also won the Gold Medal from the Florida Writers Association. A volume of poetry, The Leaf Does Not Believe It Will Fall, won a Gold Medal at the FAPA, and Brown was nominated for Poet Laureate of the State of Florida.

The Orphan of Pitigliano, was awarded a Gold Medal and 2020 Book of the Year by the Florida Writer’s Association. The next year, a collection of short stories, When Women Danced With Trees, received the Gold Medal for Short Stories from the FWA.

Her 2025 collection of short stories, The Gentlemen of Verona and a new book of poetry Naked Thoughts, have just received a Gold and Silver Medals from the FAPA.

Brown is also an award-winning painter, a nurse, a cellist, a former professional ballet dancer, a blue-water sailor, and a traveler. She speaks French and Italian and lives in Tallahassee.

Ms. Brown will be joining Word of South to facilitate a panel discussion with winners of the Florida Book Award.

Stephanie Burt

Stephanie Burt is a poet, literary critic, and professor with nine published books, including two critical books on poetry and three poetry collections. Burt’s essay collection Close Calls with Nonsense was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. In her book Taylor’s Version: The Poetic and Musical Genius of Taylor Swift, Burt offers an insightful and heartfelt critical appreciation of Taylor Swift, her body of work, and the community that her art has fostered. Drawing from her 2024 Harvard course, Taylor Swift and Her World, Burt examines Swift’s particular form of genius – the collaborative and joyful genius of an artist who has mastered her craft. Her 2024 Harvard course explored Swift’s hits, deep cuts, outtakes, and re-recordings; it also looked into Swift’s precursors and works about her.

Burt’s other works include We Are Mermaids; Advice from the Lights; The Poem is You: 60 Contemporary American Poems and How to Read Them; The Art of the Sonnet; and more. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times Book Review, the London Review of Books, the Times Literary Supplement, The Believer, and the Boston Review.

Stephanie Burt will be interviewed at Word of South by writer and FSU professor Andrew Epstein.

George Clinton

Grammy-winner George Clinton, formerly known for his role in the groups Parliament and Funkadelic, revolutionized R&B during the 70’s. Since his first major hit “(I Wanna) Testify,” George Clinton made his mark in the music world for his psychedelic rock and funk band-format, with eccentric costumes and themes inspired by ’60s acid culture and science fiction. Clinton took Funk to new heights by blending the musical elements of Jazz, Rock, Pop, Classical and even Gospel into his productions, eventually developing a unique style called “Pfunk.”

He’ll be re-appearing at Word of South along with his longtime keyboardist, Danny Bedrosian. George and Danny host a YouTube show together called “A Bump by Bump Rundown “. They are continuing the theme of their podcast with a live performance version of their beloved show.

Sean Dietrich

Sean Dietrich or ‘Sean of the South’ is a columnist, humorist, multi-instrumentalist, and stand-up storyteller known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared on The Today Show and in Newsweek, Southern Living, Garden and Gun and Reader’s Digest. His column appears weekly in newspapers throughout the U.S. He has authored eighteen books and over four thousand columns. He tours his one-man show throughout the U.S., makes appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, hosts the Sean of the South podcast and he’s a really nice guy.

Word of South is delighted to welcome Sean to Tallahassee in April in a performance sponsored by Revell Media!

Yaniv Dinur

Newly appointed Music Director of the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, Yaniv Dinur is lauded for his insightful interpretations and unique ability to connect with concertgoers of all ages and backgrounds. Season 25/26 marks the beginning of Dinur’s ninth season with the New Bedford Symphony. Under his leadership, the League of American Orchestras selected the orchestra to perform at the 2021 League Conference.

Dinur served as Resident Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra between 2016-2024, during which he conducted hundreds of concerts. Recognizing his leadership and impact, the Milwaukee Business Journal selected him as a 40 Under 40 honoree in 2019, an award for young professionals making a difference in the community. He is the founder and artistic director of the Winterlude Chamber Music Series at the Villa Terrace Museum as well as the Milwaukee Chamber Music Festival. Dinur has conducted orchestras around the world, including the Israel Philharmonic, Jerusalem Symphony, Orchestra Filarmonica de Madrid, and many more.

Dinur is the winner of numerous awards, among them the 2019 Sir Georg Solti Conducting Fellow Award, and 2016 and 2017 Solti Career Assistance Awards. He is also a recipient of the America-Israel Cultural Foundation and the Zubin Mehta Scholarship Endowment. Dinur holds a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Yaniv Dinur resides in Milwaukee with his wife, Christina, and two daughters, Josephine and Alexandra.

Yaniv Dinur will appear in at Word of South as part of a “mu-aushup” with writer and music critic, Michael Brodeur.

Steve Dollar

Tallahassee native Steve Dollar is a contributing editor at Flamingo magazine and a regular contributor to the Los Angeles Times. He is the artistic director of the Tallahassee Film Festival.

Steve will be interviewing author and musician Willy Vlautin at the 2026 Word of South Festival.

Earth, Wind, and Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire is a music institution. In 1969, music legend Maurice White birthed the music force named after the elements from his very own astrological charts. With soul as deep as the plant, Earth, Wind & Fire charted a history that will live on forever. They’ve scored eight number one hits and have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. They’ve released 23 albums; eight of those albums went Double Platinum and hit the Top 10, making them one of
the best-selling artists of all time. They’ve won an impressive nine GRAMMY® Awards, including one for Lifetime Achievement (2012). In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their lasting impact on popular music and, in 2019, their contributions to arts and culture were acknowledged in Washington DC with the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors.

The music of Earth, Wind & Fire is more alive than ever as they continue to inspire new audiences and thrill those who have been with them from the beginning. Like the elements in their name, Earth, Wind & Fire’s music has withstood ever-changing trends in the world and shows no sign of vanishing as they continue to create joy and uplifting music that will forever reach a sacred universal atmosphere. From the funky and infectious “Let’s Groove” to the timeless dance classic “September” to the heartfelt “Reasons,” Earth, Wind & Fire’s catalog of hits has become the soundtrack to many lives; now, then and forever.

Carrie Elkin

Carrie Elkin is one of those rare artists with a tidal wave singing voice, and a stage whisper writing voice that brings you to the edge of your seat, emotionally. Like Patty Griffin or Brandi Carlile, she straddles the Americana, Folk, and Indie Rock worlds, where meaningful songs meet the fierce-yet- fragile voices of powerful women. Like these other seminal artists, Elkin has the gift of projecting very personal intimate moments into transcendent universal experiences that move us all.

The voice, the stories, the images, the grace and infectious enthusiasm, it’s a complete package. But it’s the power of her live performances that really have been creating an incredible buzz around this artist. Maverick Magazine said it best, after a recent festival performance: “I have never seen a performer so in love with the act of singing. That’s the gospel truth, and from what I’ve subsequently learned, I’m not the only one to believe or state that. Onstage, Elkin was simply a force of nature.”

Word of South is excited to welcome Carrie Elkin!

Prissy Elrod

Prissy Elrod is a published author and award-winning columnist for Flamingo Magazine, where her humorous “Panhandling” column has delighted readers for almost a decade. Her signature blend of wit, candor, and messy Southern charm earned her the 2025 Charlie Award for Best Column.

She is the author of two acclaimed memoirs—Far Outside the Ordinary and Chasing Ordinary—true stories written with the pace and heart of a novel and embraced by more than a hundred book clubs across the country.

Often called “The Butterfly Girl,” Prissy is a proud Florida native whose work centers on resilience, reinvention, and personal transformation. Through her writing and speaking, she inspires audiences to embrace their own second chapters and rediscover the joy of new beginnings.

Prissy Elrod is joining Word of South as the facilitator of the Florida Book Award nonfiction panel.

Andrew Epstein

Andrew Epstein is the Caldwell Professor and the Chair of the English Department at Florida State University. He is the author of three books — The Cambridge Introduction to American Poetry Since 1945; Attention Equals Life: The Pursuit of the Everyday in Contemporary Poetry and Culture; and Beautiful Enemies: Friendship and Postwar American Poetry – and his work has appeared in many numerous journals and magazines, including the New York Times Book Review, the Times Literary Supplement, Contemporary Literature, The Los Angeles Review of Books, and American Literary History.

Andrew Epstein will be in conversation with Stephanie Burt, author of Taylor’s Version: The Poetic and Musical Genius of Taylor Swift, at this year’s Word of South Festival!

The Eyrie Artists

The Eyrie is an award-winning magazine that showcases the creative endeavors of Tallahassee State College students. The Eyrie (the nest of a bird of prey) was founded by two students, and the first volume was published in 1982, with the motto of quality, good taste, and creativity. The magazine is published annually, produced by TSC students. The 2026 student production team will present the new magazine, with featured readings and art from published students and free copies distributed.

Word of South is proud to host students from TSC, the festival presenting sponsor, sharing their work from The Eyrie. Come join us to celebrate their creativity on Saturday April 25!

Adam Faurot

As Chief Commercial Officer of SPEAR Human Performance, Adam is focused on organizational strategy, revenue growth and creative solutions within the Federal and Commercial Health and Human Capital Industries. Adam’s human performance efforts began as he co-founded TITUS Human Performance in 2001. Since then, Adam has been deeply engaged in efforts to deliver and scale health and human performance programs through comprehensive testing, tracking, and training solutions that inspire human- and economic-performance breakthroughs.

After working with professional and Olympic athletes since 2001, Adam has helped repurpose elite performance training into an effective R&D Innovation Lab to expand the impact of proven methodologies. Adam has been instrumental in scaling outcomes-based solutions such as the CHAMPIONS Program, an innovative public health solution for childhood obesity and at-risk behaviors impacting generations of students and health outcomes as well as the creation of a cutting-edge program directed toward First Responder fitness and job readiness within basic recruit qualification and training.

Adam played in two College World Series and helped lead the Florida State University Seminoles to an ACC Championship in 1995. After graduating from FSU, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers and then traded to the Boston Red Sox. Adam attained a BS in Finance and Accounting from Florida State University.

Adam will be interviewing award-winning baseball player, manager, and author Mike Matheny at this year’s Word of South.

The Firewater Tent Revival

The Firewater Tent Revival is a high-energy six-piece band from Atlantic Beach, Florida (Jacksonville) that blends bluegrass, rock, outlaw country, funk, and fusion, collectively unknown as Psych-O-delic Outlaw Jamgrass. Rooted in traditional instrumentation, they push musical boundaries with thought-provoking originals, eclectic covers, and unlikely mashups. Firewater delivers a foot-stomping, genre-bending live show experience that makes you want more. We are excited to welcome them to Word of South!

Naomi Franquiz

Naomi “Franq” Franquiz (she/her) is a freelance illustrator and comic book artist, born and raised in Tallahassee, FL. After completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts from FSU in 2013, she has since gone on to illustrate pages for comic book series such as Misfit City (BOOM! Comics), Unbeatable Squirrel Girl (Marvel), and Proctor Valley Road (BOOM!). A prolific cover artist for publishers like Dark Horse, Oni Press, BOOM!, and Tiny Onion, Naomi specializes in expressive character art and the horror genre. Her last two graphic novels (All the Lovely Bad Ones, from Page Turner, and Archives of the Unexplained: Unwanted Guests, from First Second) feature ghost stories and hauntings for the YA audience. From misadventures and characters seeking self, to ghost stories and tales of monsters and mayhem, Naomi works hard to illustrate character-driven stories that drive energy and personal connection from page to reader, inspired by the community and peoples around which she grew up.

Naomi Franquiz will appear at Word of South with Bryan Moss, Jim Rugg, and Daniel Bedrosian in our special session on graphic novels and comic book writers.

Dori Freeman

Dori Freeman is a singer and songwriter from southwestern Virginia. She lives in the small mountain town of Galax where she grew up learning to play guitar from her father and singing in the school choir. At twenty-four she released her debut self-titled album produced by musician Teddy Thompson. In the decade since, she has released five albums of original songs. Her songs are characterized by a blend of the Appalachian folk she grew up on, Americana and contemporary country. “The purity of Dori Freeman’s voice and the directness of her songwriting reflect not only her Appalachian hometown – Galax, Va. — but also a determined classicism, a rejection of the ways modern country punches itself up for radio and arenas.” – Jon Pareles, The New York Times

Dori Freeman will appear at Word of South as part of the lineup on the Salvation South stage!

Carla Grover

Carla Grover is an 8th-generation Kentuckian whose art and work celebrate the best of what the state has to offer. She shares flatfooting, ballads, and banjo through her performances, recordings, collaborations, and online courses. She’s released eight albums, including her most recent, Kentucky Queen. Her three most recent recordings have reached #1 on the Folk Radio Charts.

She’s won a slew of awards, including the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest and the Kerrville New Folk Award. She was also recognized as a Master Dancer by the Kentucky Folklife Program, and recently won the “Appy” for Best Dance Educator from the Appalachian Arts & Entertainment Awards. She is the founder of the groundbreaking online Appalachian Flatfooting & Clogging Academy.

With her partner Yani Vozos, she also coordinates the Cornbread & Tortillas Artist Collective, whose mission is to build community by sharing art, music, dance, and cultural heritage.

Carla will appear at Word of South as part of the lineup on the Salvation South stage. We look forward to welcoming her to Tallahassee!

Barbara Hamby

Barbara Hamby is the author of eight books of poems, most recently Burn (2025), Holoholo (2021), Bird Odyssey (2018) and On the Street of Divine Love: New and Selected Poems (2014), all published by the University of Pittsburgh Press, which also published Babel (2004) and All-Night Lingo Tango (2009).

She was a 2010 Guggenheim fellow in Poetry and her book of short stories, Lester Higata’s 20th Century, won the 2010 Iowa Short Fiction Award. Her novel, At the Mamba Room, will be published by Four Way Books in March 2027. Her poems have appeared in many magazines, including The New Yorker, Poetry, American Poetry Review, Ploughshares, Yale Review, and The New York Times. She has also edited an anthology of poems, Seriously Funny (Georgia, 2009), with her husband David Kirby. She teaches at Florida State University where she is Distinguished University Scholar.

Barbara will be appearing at Word of South with author and poet Sandra Simonds.

Keyon Harrold

Keyon Harrold is a GRAMMY® nominated trumpeter, vocalist, composer, and producer whose music defies boundaries. A genre-fluid innovator, he blends jazz, hip-hop, R&B, blues, andcinematic soul into a signature sound that is both raw and refined—emotional and electrifying. With a career anchored in versatility and excellence, Harrold has emerged as one of the mostcompelling voices in modern music.

Harrold’s latest album, Foreverland (2024, Concord Jazz), follows the critically acclaimed The Mugician (2017, Sony Legacy), which redefined the trumpet’s role in contemporary music. As a platinum-selling producer and first-call collaborator, he has worked with legends and luminaries across genres—from Jay-Z, Common, and Nas to Maxwell, Black Pumas, Mac Miller, Keith Richards, YEBBA, Robert Glasper, Sam Henshaw and Destin Conrad. He also co-wrote thetheme song for “The Queen Latifah Show.” In 2025, Harrold performed at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honoring Outkast, Salt-N-Pepa and more!

Beyond the stage, Harrold is a dedicated artistic advisor for Jazz St. Louis and the MATI (Music at the Intersection) Festival in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. A passionate advocate forsocial justice and equity, he uses his platform to inspire change and empower the next generation.

Keyon Harrold will appear at Word of South as part of our tribute to Miles and Coltrane.

Mark Hinson

Columnist Mark Hinson, who is a fifth generation North Floridian, has written for the Tallahassee Democrat and Tallahassee.com, both part of the USA Today Network, for more than 25 years. He has covered the arts and entertainment scene in the Capital City for the same amount of time. Over his long career, Hinson has interviewed and written about such musical figures as Mavis Staples, Philip Glass, George Clinton, Ella Fitzgerald, Renée Fleming, Jim White, Bo Diddley, Sam Moore, Alan Parson, Billy Preston and many more.

Mark will be in conversation at this year’s Word of South with writer Diane Roberts.

Skip Horack

Skip Horack is author of the story collection The Southern Cross, as well as the novels The Eden Hunter and The Other Joseph. His novel Angelfish is forthcoming in spring 2028, and his fiction and nonfiction have appeared in numerous journals and magazines. He is currently director of the Creative Writing Program at Florida State University.

Skip will be joining Word of South with author Kevin Moffett.

Madison Hughes

A self-proclaimed late bloomer, Madison didn’t step into the spotlight until her time on The Voice. Inspired by ’70s folk-rock and modern Americana, her sound is raw, evocative, and timeless. Billboard magazine took notice, calling her “immensely talented” and “on a star-making trajectory.” With her new EP Desperate Man, Madison continues to prove what her fans already know: she isn’t just an artist to watch—she’s one to remember.

Word of South is excited to welcome Madison Hughes to the 2026 Festival!

Stantawn Kendrick

Stantawn Kendrick is a saxophonist and educator from Thomson, Georgia, known for his warm tone, expressive clarity, and deep musical roots in both jazz and the church. A graduate of Valdosta State University and William Paterson University, he became a protégé of Clark Terry, touring with Terry’s big band and quintet for five years as the last saxophonist to work with him regularly. Kendrick has performed with or studied under Mulgrew Miller, Eric Reed, Russell Malone, Kenny Garrett, Joe Lovano, The Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra under Wynton Marsalis and others. His debut album, No Longer Bound, explores themes of struggle, faith, and emotional liberation. He is currently a member of the Legendary Count Basie Jazz Orchestra.

We’re excited to welcome Mr. Kendrick to Word of South as part of the Sunday jazz lineup!

Amythyst Kiah

On her new album Still + Bright, Tennessee-bred singer/songwriter Amythyst Kiah explores the vast expanse of her inner world: her deep-rooted affinity for Eastern philosophies and spiritual traditions, a near-mystical connection with the natural environment, the life lessons learned in her formative years as a self-described “anime-nerd mall goth,” and much more. Produced by Butch Walker (Taylor Swift, Green Day, Weezer) and recorded at his Nashville studio, Kiah’s second full-length for Rounder Records merges her revelatory storytelling with a darkly cinematic twist on the rootsy alt-rock of her 2021 breakthrough Wary + Strange—an LP that landed on Rolling Stone’s list of the 25 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2021 and drew acclaim from major outlets like Pitchfork. With its sonic palette encompassing everything from fuzzed-out guitars and industrial-leaning beats to gilded pedal steel and Kiah’s exquisitely graceful banjo work, Still + Bright makes for a vital new addition to a body of work largely dedicated to exploring the struggle and joy of true self-discovery.

The latest turn in a dynamic career that’s included joining Our Native Daughters (an all-women-of-color supergroup also featuring Rhiannon Giddens, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell), Still + Bright emerged from a deliberate transformation of the songwriting process Kiah adopted after composing her first song on a Fender acoustic at age 13. To that end, the album marks her first time opening up her approach and working with co-writers, including punk legend Tim Armstrong, Sadler Vaden (a guitarist/vocalist for Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit), and former Pentatonix member Avi Kaplan. Although her third LP is an undeniable departure from the anguished emotionality of its predecessor (an album informed by losing her mother to suicide at age 17), Kiah imparts each track with a hypnotic intensity born from boldly stating her convictions. Revealing her rare ability to spin her fascinations into songs uncovering essential truths about human nature, Still + Bright ultimately affirms her as an artist of both daring originality and uncompromising depth.

Word of South is pleased to welcome Amythyst Kiah back to Tallahassee for her second Festival appearance!

Patavian Lewis

Tracey Patavian Lucillience Lewis was raised by her grandparents, George and Stephanie Clinton and due to her incredible intonation at a very young age, she appears on albums with granddad George and the P-Funk All-Stars at starting at age five. Patavian has been writing poetry since age seven. A lifelong artist, she joined George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic as a vocalist in 2014 with her appearance on the album First ya gotta Shake the Gate. She has performed at major festivals around the world including Glastonbury, The Blue Note Jazz Fest, Colour’s Cafe Fest, Byron Bay Blues Fest, Coachella, and many more. She appeared on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon singing backup vocals with the Roots. She formed a vocal duo with her cousin, fellow pfunk vocalist Tonysha Nelson, and they released several singles with accompanying music videos. In 2024, Patavian released her debut solo album and poetry chap book both entitled the Red Balloon, produced by her husband, P-Funk’s Danny Bedrosian.

Word of South looks forward to welcome Patavian to the stage at the 2026 Festival!

Pat MacEnulty

Pat MacEnulty is the author of a historical novel series, crime novels, memoirs, a short story collection, children’s plays, and most recently, the historical coming-of-age novel, Cinnamon Girl (Livingston Press, Sept. 2023). She has a Ph.D. in English from the Florida State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Florida, where she studied creative writing with the late Harry Crews. She currently writes book reviews and features for the Historical Novel Society Review and teaches magazine writing at Florida A&M University. She’ll be hosting the panel of fiction Florida Book Award winners at this year’s Word of South.

Mike Matheny

Mike Matheny is a former Major League Baseball player and manager, New York Times bestselling author of The Matheny Manifesto, and one of the most respected voices on leadership in sports and business today.

Over a 13-year career as a catcher, he earned four Gold Gloves and set defensive records for consistency and toughness. As manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, he became the first in MLB history to lead his team to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons—defying expectations after taking over a World Series–winning team in transition.

Today, Mike inspires and equips leaders, teams, and individuals across industries with his Competitive EDGES framework: Educate, Discipline, Grit, Enthusiasm, and Selflessness. With the authenticity of a coach you wish you had, he helps people “Grow to the Right, Love the Fight, and Lead through Service.” His talks blend powerful delivery, hard-earned wisdom, and actionable steps—leaving audiences motivated and equipped to thrive in life, work, and community.

Mike will be interviewed at Word of South by Tallahassee’s own Adam Faurot and accompanied by the FSU brass quintet. His appearance is sponsored by FSU’s Institute for Governance & Civics.

The Little Mercies

The Little Mercies are an award-winning folk and old-time trio of songwriting multi-instrumentalists. Bronwyn Chelette, Shanice Richards, and Rosalee Walsh united from diverse musical backgrounds through their love of old-time music, giving them the versatility to blend genre lines. ‘Boy Genius meets The Chicks,’ The Little Mercies deliver performances that feel both intimate and electrifying— rooted in tradition while boldly alive in the present. With powerful vocal harmonies, raging twin fiddles, and heart-wrenching originals, their music promises an authentic, exuberant experience.

We are excited to welcome The Little Mercies to the stage at Word of South, where they’ll be appearing with the author Pat MacEnulty.

Alex Miller

Alex Miller is a 6 foot 6 ball of fire! Hailing from the hills and hollers of Lancaster, Kentucky, he’s been lighting up Nashville with his country swagger and Kentucky charm. He has shared the stage with some of your favorite artists, including: Hank Jr, Brooks and Dunn, Josh Turner, Jamey Johnson, Tracy Byrd, ALABAMA, Brett Young, Emily Ann Roberts, Drake Milligan and Luke Bryan! His band, the Kentucky Kowboys, are one of the greatest configurations in country music. If you love authentically “country” music, you won’t want to miss Alex’s appearance at Word of South alongside songwriting legend, Jerry Salley!

Kevin Moffett

Kevin Moffett is the author of two collections of short stories, as well as The Silent History, a collaborative novel that first debuted as a serialized digital narrative for mobile devices, about which The New York Times wrote, “This fascinating project manages to feel relentlessly thoughtful and new.” His most recent novel, Only Son, published in 2025, was longlisted for theNational Book Award. Other honors include a National Magazine Award, a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, a Webby Award for digital innovation, a Pushcart Prize, and inclusion in four editions of The Best American Short Stories. He teaches writing at the University of Virginia and lives in Charlottesville.

Word of South is excited to welcome Kevin Moffett to the 2026 Festival!

Bryan Moss

Bryan Christopher Moss is a visionary Grammy-nominated artist, celebrated for his fusion of traditional fine arts with contemporary styles. Known for his vibrant color palettes and meticulous attention to detail, he explores themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the human experience, often drawing inspiration from nature and urban life. His paintings and illustrations have been featured in exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Art, Harvard University, and the King Arts Complex. He has also partnered with major brands like Sprite, Coca-Cola, White Castle, and many more to produce large-scale murals and other visual marketing. His first graphic novel, The Eightfold Path, written by Steven Barnes and Charles Johnson, was published by Abrams Books in 2022. He currently creates podcasts and educational content about comics and cartoon art for his show, Power to the Panel. You can visit him online at bryanmossart.com or @strangethingsmoss on Instagram.

Bryan Moss will be appearing at Word of South along with Jim Rugg, Naomi Franquiz, and Daniel Bedrosian in our special session on graphic novels and comic book writers.

Gareth Pearson

Gareth Pearson is referred to as “The Welsh Tornado” which is particularly appropriate, seeing as this special talent combines fingerstyle pyrotechnics, with explosive lead runs making Pearson one of the most exciting acoustic musicians gigging today.

Gareth has a distinctive style that can be heard through his creative and innovative arrangements which cover a wide spectrum of genres, including country/folk/classical/pop/rock/jazz/swing and bluegrass music, along with his own beautiful and often intricate original compositions.

Drawing his playing style initially from influences such as Chet Atkins, Merle Travis, Jerry Reed and Tommy Emmanuel, he has developed a style that is both inspiring and entertaining.

With appearances throughout Europe and a growing reputation, Gareth was invited to perform at the 2008 Canadian Guitar Festival where he came to the attention of Candyrat Records. This lay the seed for Gareth to be the first UK guitarist to be signed by the label. On its release, Gareth’s debut album “Urban Echoes Vol 1” was selected by Acoustic Guitar editors and frequent contributors as one of the “Essential Acoustic Albums of 2010”.

With Appearances at the 2009 Montreal Guitar Festival, USA and Worldwide tours and Guitar workshops, Gareth’s reputation as a performer and teacher is constantly growing. Word of South is excited to welcome him for the 2026 Festival!

William Peterson

William Peterson is a Professor of Music in Jazz Studies and Music Theory/Composition at Florida State University, where he teaches jazz piano, jazz arranging and jazz combo. He holds the M.M. degree from the Eastman School of Music and the B.M. from the University of Cincinnati. He released “Singularity”, a duo recording on Centaur Records with FSU faculty member trombonist Kevin Jones in 2021. He has previously released a trio recording on Summit Records. He has performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz club NYC, Paraguay International Jazz Festival and Savannah Music Festival as part of Swing Central.

He’ll be appearing at Word of South Sunday as part of our jazz tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane.

Pharaohs of Funk

The Pharaohs of Funk is led by Kirk Gavin and Aaron Watson, a dynamic duo with over a decade of experience captivating audiences across the U.S. and internationally as the acclaimed Tallahassee Horns. Renowned for their versatility and artistry, the Tallahassee Horns have performed alongside iconic legends such as George Clinton, Fred Wesley, Ricky Dillard, and Bobby Watson, among others.

The Pharaohs of Funk bring their unparalleled energy to stages across the Southeast, delivering an electrifying show that fuses soulful vocals and masterful horn playing into an unforgettable musical experience. Audiences are consistently amazed by their high-energy performances and exceptional talent.

Step into the groove and join the journey—experience the magic of The Pharaohs of Funk.

Word of South is excited to welcome Pharaohs of Funk back to the Festival!

Steph Post

Steph Post is the author of the novels A Tree Born Crooked, Lightwood, Walk in the Fire, Holding Smoke, Miraculum and Terra Incognita—gold medal winner of the 2024 Florida Book Award. She graduated from Davidson College as a recipient of the Patricia Cornwell Scholarship for Creative Writing and a winner of the Vereen Bell Writing Award for fiction. She holds a Master’s degree in Graduate Liberal Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Her work has most recently appeared in Garden & Gun, Nonbinary Review, Saw Palm, Black Lily and the anthology Stephen King’s Contemporary Classics. She has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, a Rhysling Award and was a semi-finalist for The Big Moose Prize. She lives in Florida. Connect with Steph Post on Instagram @stephpostauthor, Facebook /stpostvegas, or on her website www.stephpost.com.

Word of South is excited to welcome Steph Post to the Festival, where she will appear in collaboration with R.L. Akers.

Kevin Powers

Kevin Powers was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. Since publishing his first novel, The Yellow Birds, in 2012, his books have been translated into more than a dozen languages. He has been a finalist for the National Book Award and a recipient of the PEN/Hemingway Award, the Guardian First Book Award, the Prix Littéraire du Monde prix étranger, and the Grand Prix de Littérature Américaine, among other recognitions. He was a James A. Michener Fellow in Poetry at the University of Texas at Austin from 2009-2012 and later held a Guggenheim Fellowship in Fiction. A U.S. Army veteran of the war in Iraq, Kevin now lives on Florida’s First Coast withhis family.

Word of South looks forward to welcoming Kevin Powers, appearing with Mark Hinson.

Richard Powers

Richard Powers is the author of fourteen novels, including The Overstory, Bewilderment, and Orfeo. He is the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, the Pulitzer Prize, and the National Book Award. He lives in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Powers’ 2024 release, Playground, is the 2026 selection for One Book Tally, which is the community read created by the Midtown Reader. Check Midtown Readers website for details on where you can get your copy of Playground, as well as opportunities to discuss the book with Tallahassee neighbors. Then, join us at Word of South for Richard Powers’ appearance on Sunday April 26!

Chuck Reece

Chuck Reece and his wife Stacy are the founders of the online magazine Salvation South, and
believe that every Southerner sees their home region differently. Their stories are as unique as
the South’s people, and Salvation South wants to give every Southerner who has a knack for
telling a good story a place to tell theirs. Salvation South also extends into the world of the
spoken word. Through their partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting, they produce the
Salvation South Podcast, a weekly series of short commentaries about people and things
Southern. In late 2023, that podcast expanded with the addition of Salvation South
Deluxe—special half-hour shows that tell deeper stories about Southerners who are reaching
across the barriers of culture and color that once divided us. A former editor of the online
magazine The Bitter Southerner, Chuck will be moderating the Salvation South stage over the
weekend, interviewing some of the artists, and doing a few other interesting things.

Diane Roberts

If you are a fan of the FSU Seminoles or a resident of Florida, you know – or should know – about the writings of Tallahassee’s own Diane Roberts. Her book, Tribal, a comic, critical analysis of a Southern intellectual’s love of FSU football and distaste for the excesses that go with it, made several Best of Book lists in 2015 and is being reissued in a 20th anniversary edition by the University Press of Florida. Dr. Roberts is a professor of creative writing at Florida State who received her undergraduate degree at FSU and doctorate at Oxford University in England. The author of four books, she is known for her spot-on interpretations of Southern culture and her sardonic sense of humor. Dr. Roberts writes op-ed articles for major newspapers and has been a commentator for NPR and the BBC.

Jim Rugg

Jim Rugg is an Eisner and Ignatz Award winning cartoonist, designer, zinemaker, and illustrator. His books include Alien Disclosure, Hulk Grand Design, Street Angel, the PLAIN Janes, Conspiracy Comics, True Crime Comics, 1986 zine, BW, Afrodisiac, Adults Only, Supermag, Octobriana 1976, and Rambo 3.5. He is the co-creator of YouTube’s Cartoonist Kayfabe channel. He is also part of Power Pulp Comics, a new distributor of self-published comics. His comics are part of the Smithsonian permanent collection, the National Archives, and the Heinz History Center. He taught visual storytelling at the School of Visual Arts and the Animation Workshop in Denmark. He loves comic books, zines, lettering, podcasts, running, pro-wrestling, pizza, and cats. Rugg lives and draws in Pittsburgh.

Jim Rugg will appear at Word of South with Bryan Moss, Naomi Franquiz, and Daniel Bedrosian in our special session on graphic novels and comic book writers.

Jerry Salley

Nominated in 2019 for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Salley is the 2018 & 2019 IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Songwriter of the Year and was named the 2003 SESAC Country Music Songwriter of the Year. Salley has had over 560 different songs recorded, and his songs have sold in excess of 19 million records worldwide. Writing and singing in Nashville since 1982, he has written multiple hits in country, bluegrass, and Gospel music.

He has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman, Regis and Kathy Lee, and NBC’S Today Show, where he was honored to sing as background vocalist for the legendary Linda Ronstadt. Jerry was a 2020 Grammy-nominated producer in the Gospel Roots category for producing the multi-artist project, “Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout,” on Billy Blue Records. He also produced the popular Dolly Parton single, a new version of the old Gospel Hymn, “In The Sweet By And By,” released as part of the “Country Faith Bluegrass” project in 2021, which received two 2022 IBMA Awards and the 2022 Dove Award for “Bluegrass/Country/Roots Song of the Year.” He currently has a popular song, “It Takes A Woman,” on Chris Stapleton’s latest album Higher. Stapleton’s recording of this song won the 2025 Grammy for Best Country Solo Performance.

Countless country music stars have recorded his songs, including Reba McEntire (“I’m Gonna Take That Mountain”, “Close To Crazy”), Chris Stapleton (“Outlaw State Of Mind” on the Grammy Award-winning quadruple-platinum album Traveller), John Anderson (“I Fell in the Water”), and many more.

In 2007, Jerry released his first solo project, New Songs, Old Friends, on the Mountain Home Record Label, a Bluegrass CD of all new songs written by Jerry. The project was one of the final nominees for the 2007 IBMA “Recorded Event of the Year.” Since then, he has released Showing My Age (2012), Gospel From My Grassroots (2015), Front Porch Philosophy (2017), All God’s Children Sing (2019), Bridges And Backroads (2020), and A Very Jerry Family Christmas (2021). Salley’s latest album, The Songwriter, released in 2024, is his most personal collection of songs to date as each song on the project was written solely by Jerry.

Word of South is excited to welcome Jerry Salley back to the Festival! This year, he is appearing in collaboration with Alex Miller.

School of Arts & Sciences Band

We are SAST Middle School Rock Band! We’ve performed at Adderley Amphitheater, the All-American City Conference in Denver, FSU, and much more. Our program focuses on creating a community of life-long musicians. Students pick the music, and we perform songs from Metallica, Black Sabbath, Blondie, Led Zeppelin, and many others. Be prepared to be amazed by these talented musicians. Email the director at watkinss2@leonschools.net to book us for future events.

Word of South looks forward to jamming with SAST Rock Band at this year’s festival!

Danny Schmidt

Named to the Chicago Tribune‘s list of the ”50 Most Significant Songwriters in the Last 50 Years,” Austin, TX-based singer/songwriter Danny Schmidt has amassed a cult following for his poetic, poignant lyrics. With a craftsmanship and emotional depth drawing comparisons to Leonard Cohen and Townes Van Zandt, Schmidt is considered a preeminent writer. Sing Out! Magazine proclaimed that: ”Schmidt is a force of nature: a blue moon, a hundred-year flood, an avalanche of a singer-songwriter. His songs are a flood of poetry, mythology, folk wisdom, and surprise. He is perhaps the best new songwriter we’ve heard in the last 15 years.”

Performing solo most often, armed with just his voice, his acoustic guitar, and his acute insight and commentary, Schmidt’s an authentic, timeless troubadour. As songwriter Jeffrey Foucault put it: “Everything about the man is gentle, except for his capacity for insight, which is crushing.”

Word of South looks forward to hosting Danny Schmidt this coming April!

River Selby

River Selby was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Their debut memoir, Hotshot: A Life of Fire, was published in 2025 by Grove Atlantic. They worked as a wildland firefighter for seven years, stationed out of Oregon, California, Colorado, and Alaska. River is pursuing their PhD in Nonfiction with an emphasis in postcolonial histories, North American colonization, and post 20th Century literature and culture. They also hold an MFA in fiction from Syracuse University. River is currently working on their second book.

River will be at Word of South with author Diane Roberts.

José A. Serrano

José A. Serrano is an accomplished upright and electric bassist whose artistry bridges Jazz, Latin, and classical traditions. Raised in Venezuela and now based in Tallahassee, José holds classical training and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance from Florida State University. He has performed with the FSU Jazz Ensemble alongside Monti Alexander in a PBS-broadcast concert and appears regularly as a collaborative chamber and ensemble player across regional stages.

Alongside an active performance career, José is dedicated to education. He works as a math teacher and offers private lessons in bass and musicianship, mentoring students of all ages. His dual background in rigorous classical technique and advanced jazz study informs a warm, rhythmic, and harmonically rich approach to performance and teaching. José continues to expand his repertoire, compose and arrange for small ensembles, and connect audiences through expressive, culturally rooted programming.

Word of South is excited to welcome José as part of the Sunday jazz lineup!

The Shaelyn Band

The Shaelyn Band is a Florida-based, national recording and touring band capable of shifting from classic, soul, blues and funk, to rock. The band formed in 2020 and has continued to develop and grow, building on the foundation of family first and sharing genuine love with each and every heart they connect with.

On September 9th, 2022, The Shaelyn Band released their self-titled album The Shaelyn Band. The album delivered an array of emotions with its various songs of experience like, “Good Time,” “Always You,” “Stay Home Love,” and “Just Can’t Leave” to name a few. On October 18th, 2023, The Shaelyn Band released their second album titled Juke Joint! Songs like “Fake Love,” “Saturday,” and “Blues Storm” really bring the grooving vibes of the South to the world through passionate growls and raspy vocals, as well as synchronized harmonies.

Word of South looks forward to welcoming The Shaelyn Band!

Sandra Simonds

Sandra Simonds, an award-winning writer and professor, is the author of ten books. Sandra has taught at Thomas University, Bennington College, Florida State University, and the University of Montana. Much of her writing focuses on capitalism, class, ecology, and gender through avant-garde experiments with genre and form. She is the author of nine collections of poetry, including Burning Oracle, forthcoming in 2026. She is also the author of Triptychs, which was a 2022 New York Times selection. Her awards include the University of Akron Poetry Prize for Further Problems with Pleasure, and the Cleveland State University Open Poetry Prize for Mother Was a Tragic Girl. She has been a finalist for numerous awards including the National Poetry Series.

Her first novel, Assia, based on the life of Assia Wevill, won the 2023 Vermont Book Award in Fiction and was shortlisted for the Dzanc Fiction Prize. Her poetry, criticism, and creative nonfiction have been published in the New Yorker, The New York Times, Best American Poetry, Poetry, American Poetry Review, Chicago Review, Granta, Boston Review, Ploughshares, and others. She was the recipient of the Reader’s Choice Award from the Academy of American Poets and is currently working on a book of experimental essays that are a hybrid of memoir, journalism, and literary criticism. Pieces from this manuscript are forthcoming in McSweeneys, Gulf Coast, the Seneca Review and elsewhere. Sandra has also been granted residencies at The Arctic Circle Residency, Millay Arts Colony, the Story Villa in Finland, Vermont Studio Center, and Studio Faire in Southern France.

Sandra will appear at Word of South with poet Barbara Hamby.

Stop Light Observations

Stop Light Observations is a dynamic four-piece group hailing from Charleston, South Carolina. Their versatile sound is a unique blend of blues, pop, and indie rock infused with electronic beats and the soulful vocals of Will Blackburn. From songs like “2young” to “Security,” their music is a true reflection of their unique personalities, and their live shows are a testament to their authenticity and raw talent.

SLO is Oleg Terentiev (Drums), Michael Ahern (Bass), David Beam (Guitar), Charlie Kendall (Guitar), Jeremiah King (Keys), and Will Blackburn (Vocals). Word of South is excited to welcome them to Tallahassee!

Harvey Street

Harvey Street blends indie and alt-rock sensibilities with grace, carving a powerful new groove into contemporary music. Described as “disciplined electricity,” the band is best known for their energetic live experience. In addition to four headline tours, the band has supported notable acts such as Flipturn, Moon Taxi, Futurebirds, The Stews, Arcy Drive, Daniel Donato, Winyah, Penelope Road, and Stop Light Observations along the way.

The Raleigh, NC alt-rock 5-piece just announced their “Down and Out” Southeast headline tour. Word of South is excited to be one of the stops!

Mandy Stringer

Dr. Amanda (Mandy) Stringer has been CEO of the TSO since 2010. Under her leadership the TSO has greatly expanded its reach into the Tallahassee Community, and has achieved budget growth of 233% through increased annual fund donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants. Mandy is active in the industry’s national association—the League of American Orchestras (LAO)—and has not only served as Vice-Chair of her constituent group, but has been a speaker at the LAO’s national conference.

In 2016, Mandy was chosen to participate in the LAO’s “Emerging Leaders Program,” a highly competitive program where 9 participants nationwide are chosen based on their potential to make significant contributions to their orchestras and to the field as a whole. She is also a graduate of the LAO’s prestigious “Essentials of Orchestra Management” program. Her business acumen, coupled with artistic creativity, has resulted in establishing the Tallahassee Symphony as a cultural pillar of the city.

Mandy has been on the music faculties of the University of Oklahoma and Florida State University, and has been involved in the Tallahassee community through managing the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music, acting as a Knight Foundation Creative Communities Institute Catalyst, participating in the Leadership Tallahassee program, membership in the Florida Economic Club, serving on the Leon High School Foundation Board of Trustees, and sitting on the Leon County Tourist Development Council.

Mandy will appear at Word of South in conversation with classical music critic and writer, Michael Brodeur.

The Funky Taters

Based out of Tallahassee, Florida, The Funky ‘Taters play music that will “make a dead man dance.” Our unique style of Southern Gulf Coast music is based on jazz and blues, distinguished by a funky second-line beat similar to that of many New Orleans bands.

In addition to a funky bass and inspired lead guitar, the band features strong vocals and four-part harmonies. Two saxophones and two trumpets complete a bright, piercing, and powerful brass sound. The vest frottoir (washboard/rubboard) accents the solid rhythms of the trap drum kit.

Band members include Mike Lewis (founder, vocals, rhythm guitar), Jan DeCosmo (vocals, washboard), Jordan Green (drummer), Chris Seepersaud (vocals, lead guitar), D’Arthur

Godwin (bass), Tom Buchanan and Kwame Storey (trumpet), Bill Landing and Woodson Touloute (sax), and Deanna Miller and Shanice Richards (vocals).

Our first album of originals, Wildlife Refugee, featured Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes on accordion (New Orleans) and Derron Ellies on steel pan (Trinidad). Our second album of originals is in the works now.

We look forward to welcoming The Funky ‘Taters to Word of South!

Kaleb Thompkins

Kaleb Thompkins is an emerging bassist from Tallahassee, Florida, whose musical journeybegan in his family’s church. His musical DNA is a fusion of jazz, R&B, funk, gospel, and hip-hop—each influenced by legends like B.B. King, James Brown, Donny Hathaway, Christian McBride, and Marvin Gaye.

Currently pursuing a graduate degree in Jazz Performance at Florida State University, Kalebhas showcased his skills on stages around the world. He has performed with renowned artists, including Grammy-winning musicians such as The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon, Jason Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Herlin Riley, Ulysses Owens Jr., Dan Wilson, Scotty Barnhart, Brad Leali, Leon Anderson, The Four Freshmen, and Longineu Parsons. In 2024, hewas selected for the prestigious donor-funded Jazz Aspen Academy under the artistic direction of Christian McBride. In 2025, Kaleb was selected for Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead residencyprogram under the artistic direction of Jason Moran. Kaleb was also selected for the RaviniaSteans Institute under the artistic direction of Billy Childs, Steve Wilson, and John Clayton.

Kaleb Thompkins will be joining the jazz lineup at this year’s Word of South, which he’s done forthe last several years. We’re delighted he can join us again!

Jacqueline Trimble

Jacqueline Allen Trimble is a National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Fellow, a Cave Canem Fellow, and a two-time Alabama State Council on the Arts Fellow. Her work has appeared in Poetry, The Offing, The Rumpus, Poet Lore, Salvation South and other journals, has been widely anthologized, most notably in This is the Honey: An Anthology of Contemporary Black Poets, and has been featured by Poem of the Day, Poem-a-Day, and Poetry Daily. Her first collection, American Happiness, won the Balcones Poetry Prize, and her next collection, How to Survive the Apocalypse, was named one of the ten best poetry books of 2022 by the New York Public Library. Trimble is Professor of English and chairs the Department of Languages and Literatures at Alabama State University. She serves as the Poet Laureate of Alabama.

Word of South is delighted to have Jacqueline Trimble join us for a repeat visit. She will appear in 2026 with poet and songwriter, Lee Bains and Salvation South founder Chuck Reece.

Willy Vlautin

Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, Willy Vlautin has published seven novels, The Motel Life (2007), Northline (2008), Lean on Pete (2010), The Free (2014), Don’t Skip Out on Me (2018), The Night Always Comes (2021), and The Horse (2024). A new novel, The Left and The Lucky, will be published by Harper in April 2026. Vlautin has received the prestigious Joyce Carol Oates literary prize, was a Pen/Faulkner finalist, and is in the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame and the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. The Motel Life, Lean on Pete, and The Night Always Comes have been turned into major motion pictures. Vlautin has also founded the bands Richmond Fontaine and the Delines.

Word of South looks forward to hearing more from Willy Vlautin at this year’s festival, where he’ll be in conversation with Steve Dollar.

Frank X. Walker

Multidisciplinary artist, Frank X Walker is Professor in the department of English and Creative Writing at the University of Kentucky. A Cave Canem Fellow and co-founder of the Affrilachian Poets, he is the author of thirteen collections of poetry including Load In Nine Times, winner of the 2025 Pen/Voelcker Award for Poetry and Turn Me Loose: The Unghosting of Medgar Evers, winner of the NAACP Image Award, and Buffalo Dance: The Journey of York, winner of the Lillian Smith Book Award. Voted one of the most creative professors in the south, he is the originator of the word, Affrilachia, and is dedicated to deconstructing and forcing a new definition of what it means to be Appalachian. The Lannan Poetry Fellowship Award recipient has degrees from the University of Kentucky and Spalding University as well as four honorary doctorates from the University of KY, Centre College, Spalding University, and Transylvania University.

We look forward to welcoming Frank X Walker to Word of South as part of the Salvation South stage!

Maddy Walsh and The Blind Spots

Maddy Walsh is the lead singer, co-songwriter and co-founder of nationally touring, Ithaca NY-based Moxy Rock band Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots, with whom she has released four records (El Camino Dream, 2010; Small Stampede, 2012; Rhizomatic, 2015; and Talk, 2018), several singles, and accompanying music videos. A new record is also on the horizon.

Walsh holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Creative Writing from the State University of New York at Binghamton and a Master’s Degree in the same field (with a concentration in poetry and creative nonfiction) from California State University at Sacramento. She finds her greatest joys in music, travel, yoga, kids, cooking, red wine, thrift shopping, driving around with her partner in all things (the co-founder and co-songwriter for MW&TBS and most of her musical projects, guitarist, composer, and husband), Mike Suave, and in her baby boy, Rhodi Rocket.

While Walsh often writes music for joy, dancing, and connection, her catalog also showcases her fierce sense of social justice and empathy within our conflicted political climate and complicated world, displaying a heart as big as her voice, as the two walk hand-in-hand through her songs

The Wild Ponies

Doug and Telisha Williams, partners in love and music, have spent the last 20 years building their careers as the Nashville-based, country-folk band Wild Ponies. They’ve released five albums, hosted the long-running Wild Ponies Happy Hour radio show on WSM, led nine annual distillery tour Trail Rides for fans and friends, and garnered devoted musical audiences all over the world. Their live shows, which have often totaled into the hundreds per year, are notoriously personal.

Their most recent album, Dreamers, is Wild Ponies’ most ambitious record yet. These 11 songs explore what exists beyond the traditional nuclear family. By growing both their nuclear family and wider community, Doug and Telisha have come to the realization that time may be finite, but love is infinite.

Word of South is pleased to host Wild Ponies at our 2026 Festival!

Paul Wilborn

Paul Wilborn is an author, musician, and arts administrator.

His new novel, The Everlasting Life of Charlie Wall, was published in April by St. Petersburg Press. His debut novel, Florida Hustle, earned a starred review from Kirkus and was named one of the “100 Best Indie Books of 2022,” by Kirkus. His 2019 short story collection, Cigar City, won the Gold Medal in Fiction from the Florida Book Awards.

Recent musical appearances include the Suncoast Jazz Festival, Stovall House, Radio Theater Project, Dunedin Public Theater, freeFall Theater and the New Tampa Performing Arts Center.

Paul’s Word and Music performances feature a full short story from his debut collection, plus songs by his pop band, Front Porch Picnic at each story break. The story is read by Eugenie Bondurant, star of The Hunger Games, The Conjuring – The Devil Made Me Do It, and Marvel’s Werewolf By Night. Along with Paul on piano and vocals, Front Porch Picnic features former Atlanta Rhythm Section guitarist and vocalist, Robin Sibucao.

Paul was an award-winning reporter for the St. Petersburg Times, The Tampa Tribune and the Associated Press in Los Angeles. He is currently executive director of the Palladium Theater at St. Petersburg College. A Florida native, Paul and his wife live in St. Petersburg.

Word of South is looking forward to hosting Paul Wilborn for a repeat visit to the Festival! He’ll be in collaboration with the novelist Rhett DeVane in our session on humor in literature.

Yonder Mountain String Band

YMSB formed in 1998 in Nederland, Colorado, as a pioneering progressive bluegrass (“jamgrass”) group. Today, they are celebrated for blending traditional bluegrass with rock, punk, and improvisation. Inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame in 2023, the band has released over 10 studio albums and is renowned for high-energy live performances featuring extended jams, inventive improvisation, and collaborative songwriting.

Opening Nights at FSU, in collaboration with the Word of South Festival, is presenting Yonder Mountain String Band on the Adderly Amphitheater Stage at Cascades Park the evening of Saturday, April 25. The Currys will open for Yonder Mountain – we can’t wait to see you there!