John Paul White at the 30A Songwriter’s Festival at Fonville Press in Alys, FL 2025
Photo and Review by Trey Merrill
January 17, 2025
Fonville Press, Alys Beach, FL
John Paul White delivered a captivating and intimate performance at the 30A Songwriter’s Festival, reaffirming his status as one of the most respected voices in modern Americana music. Despite battling vocal issues, he powered through with grace, humor, and a setlist that highlighted his remarkable versatility as a songwriter and performer. The evening seamlessly blended original compositions, beloved covers, and songs from his time with The Civil Wars, all delivered with his signature mix of vulnerability and strength.
The performance took place at Fonville Press, a charming bookstore and coffee house nestled in the picturesque setting of Alys Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast. While the white pop-up tent outside the venue created a unique atmosphere, it felt less than ideal for an artist of White’s caliber. A more fitting setting such as Caliza or a dedicated performing arts theater, would have better complemented his artistry. Nevertheless, White’s talent shone through. If he hadn’t mentioned his vocal struggles, the attendees would have never noticed—a testament to his professionalism and perfectionism. The evening showcased his enduring artistry and ability to connect deeply with his audience.
Setlist Highlights
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through his career, offering something for both longtime fans and newcomers:
1. I Wish I Could Write You a Song
2. My Dreams Have All Come True
3. The Hurting Kind
4. Billie Jean (Michael Jackson cover)
5. Between the Bars (Elliott Smith cover)
6. Safe & Sound (co-written with Taylor Swift)
7. 20 Years (Civil Wars cover)
8. No One Will Ever Love You
9. This Life (co-written with LeAnn Rimes)
10. Barton Hollow (Civil Wars cover)
11. Falling (Civil Wars cover)
12. Holes (co-written with Rascal Flatts)
13. I Had Me a Girl (Civil Wars cover)
John Paul White’s setlist was undeniably strong but I couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment when the night ended without a performance of “The Once and Future Queen’, my favorite track off his “Beulah” album. When I attended Rodney Crowell’s songwriting camp “It Starts with a Song” in the summer of 2003 John Paul White was one of my instructors. In our group of 12, we had never heard anyone sing like he did. The song with it’s haunting melody and poignant lyrics, will always hold a special place in my heart, and I had hoped to hear it live. Still, the songs he did perform were delivered with such passion and artistry that it was hard to stay disappointed for long.
Performance Details
The wind added an unexpected element to the evening, rattling the tent’s canopy and creating a symphony of clinking metal rings. John quipped that it sounded like “a bunch of puppies,” drawing laughter from the audience. Despite the distraction, he remained focused and engaging, turning potential chaos into a charming moment of connection with the crowd.
One of the highlights of the night was White’s performance of “Barton Hollow”, the title track from The Civil Wars’ debut album, which earned the duo a Gold Record. The song’s raw energy and haunting harmonies transported the audience back to the peak of the duo’s success. While The Civil Wars’ music remains iconic, I’ve come to believe that John’s solo work, particularly his album “The Hurting Kind”, surpasses even those heights. His solo material feels more personal and expansive, showcasing his growth as an artist.
Personal Reflections
John Paul White’s voice was in fine form despite his claims of vocal strain. There’s a purity and depth to his tone that is rare in modern music. His ability to convey emotion through subtle phrasing is unparalleled. Whether he was singing a tender ballad or a gritty anthem, every word felt intentional and heartfelt. The first time I saw White up close had been in his songwriting class. When we walked out the classroom the consensus was that only Roy Orbison and Robert Plant sang like that. White doesn’t need an auto-tuner or an amp with special effects. He is all emotion, heart and throat and he makes it look easy.
The evening at Fonville offered a glimpse into John’s personality and humility as well. I had the chance to visit with him after the show and he was as kind and approachable as ever. We talked about Carter’s Vintage Guitars in Nashville, a place I had visited two days earlier. He laughed and admitted he had to stay away from there to avoid emptying his wallet. He also shared some wisdom about buying a vintage Gibson Guitar and recommended buying one from the mid-1960s or earlier. We spoke about how expensive they were and how unique their tone was. He said, “aging wood, superior craftsmanship, old-style bracing and even the glue were all key in creating that iconic sound”.
Fan Favorite Moment
John’s choice of guitars was a stunning 1957 Gibson J-45 Sunburst acoustic which added to the magic of the performance. It’s rich, warm tones complemented his voice, creating a sound that was both timeless and deeply evocative. Remembering back to his songwriting class, John’s talent still shines bright. He is a generous teacher, offering insights into his creative process and encouraged each of us to find our own voice. At the time, I wasn’t a devoted fan of The Civil Wars, finding their music a little too mellow for my taste. After seeing and hearing John up close it changed my perspective. Understanding the stories behind the songs was intriguing. Witnessing his passion for music was the final key that completely changed my perspective. I left the camp a dedicated fan, not just of The Civil Wars, but of White as a solo artist.
Conclusion
John Paul White’s performance was a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to connect with his audiences on a deeply personal level. His music transcends genres, blending elements of folk, country, and rock into a sound that is uniquely his own. He performs haunting ballads and heartfelt covers with authenticity. He brings an artistry that is increasingly rare in today’s music industry.
As the night drew to a close, I reflected on the journey White’s music has taken me following my initial indifference of The Civil Wars. His performance was a reminder of how music can transform and inspire and I gained a deep appreciation for his solo work. .John Paul White is not just a musician; he’s a storyteller, a true artist and an incredible teacher. While I hope to hear him sing “The Once and Future Queen” in the future, I’m grateful to have seen him at the festival. On a cold, windy evening in Florida, John shared with us a gift of voice that we won’t soon forget.
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