Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music will open its 2025–26 Jubilee Artists Series with acclaimed lyric baritone Jacob Keith Watson in concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 in Fickling Hall, located in McCorkle Music Building. The performance will feature selections from the Broadway canon, showcasing Watson’s expressive voice and commanding stage presence. Tickets are available now.

Currently appearing in the Lincoln Center Theater revival of Ragtime — garnering rave reviews from publications like Variety, which hails the show as “a timely, glorious panorama of changing times in America” — Watson brings a wealth of stage experience to Macon. His Broadway credits include the recent Tony-nominated revival of Merrily We Roll Along; Carousel; Hello, Dolly!; Amelie; The Phantom of the Opera; and Violet, as well as national tours and concert appearances across the country. Known for his versatility and warmth, Watson’s artistry bridges the worlds of opera, television and musical theater with ease.

The concert is a reunion for Townsend School of Music Dean Dr. Gary G. Gerber, who once taught Watson voice when he was an undergraduate student at Ouachita Baptist University.

“I’ve been privileged to see Jacob’s star rise and can’t wait to share his energy and stage presence with Mercer students and faculty,” Dr. Gerber said. “Anyone who loves Broadway musicals should be delighted to see this soloist, who has shared the stage and screen with stars as wide-ranging as Jonathan Groff, Jessie Mueller, Joshua Henry, Sutton Foster, Taraji P. Henson and many more. We’re so lucky to have the opportunity to present high-caliber artists in Macon in intimate venues at a low cost, due entirely to the generosity of the Fabian Center for Musical Excellence.”

In her life, Josephine “Jo” Phelps Fabian was a dedicated arts patron, donor, board member and advocate who loved classical music and opera. She frequently attended concerts at Townsend School of Music. 

“Through the invisible hands of music, the soul is touched and healed,” Fabian once said.

Through the Fabian Center for Musical Excellence, the Jubilee Artists Series features leading artists performing concerts that are free or low cost to the public, making the best of music available to all.

The Jubilee Artists Series continues throughout the season with internationally celebrated ensembles and soloists, including sacred music ensemble The Tallis Scholars on Dec. 9 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, all-female brass chamber group Seraph Brass on Feb. 5, 2026, and GRAMMY-winning pianist Michelle Cann on March 13, 2026. 

Series subscriptions are available for just $30, offering audiences a season of extraordinary artistry at an exceptional value. Tickets are available for each show here. Admission is free to students with a Mercer or other valid student I.D., with tickets held even for sold out performances for students. Call (478) 301-5470 to reserve tickets, or pay at the door.