Leader of The New School: How Lighthouse Band Is Shaping the Future of Lowcountry Music
- Nailah Herbert
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
In a city where jazz, gospel, soul, blues, and Gullah traditions have shaped generations of musicians, Lighthouse Band is emerging as one of Charleston’s most promising new voices. More than a live entertainment group, the ensemble is building a movement centered on excellence, authenticity, and community connection.
Led by bassist and vocalist Jailan Williams, Lighthouse Band blends jazz, soul, R&B, blues, gospel, and contemporary pop into what the group describes as a “timeless and engaging live music experience.” The band’s name reflects its mission: to serve as a source of hope, encouragement, and light through music.
For Williams, honoring Charleston’s musical heritage begins with respecting the many influences that have defined the Lowcountry while allowing music to evolve for a new generation.
“Charleston does have this very rich history when it comes to music, from jazz to gospel to soul to Gullah,” Williams said. “Our band is honoring that by serving as a prime example of a young, talented, professional group that pays homage and respect to all of those different sounds.”
Rather than limiting themselves to a single genre, Lighthouse Band embraces a jazz fusion approach that allows the musicians to blend multiple traditions into one cohesive sound.
“There’s not one particular sound that we stick to,” Williams said. “A lot of our music has roots tied to jazz, R&B, soul, and blues. Music continues to evolve, and that’s the beauty of it. You can shape it into something meaningful for the listener.”
Williams credits Charleston with shaping both his artistic and professional journey. After studying business, music, and the arts at the College of Charleston, he immersed himself in the Lowcountry’s creative community through church music ministries, jazz ensembles, restaurants, and educational programs.
“The Lowcountry is a rich gumbo when it comes to music,” he said. “It’s a melting pot, and that diversity shows up in the music and the arts.”
While Lighthouse Band has earned a reputation for polished live performances at weddings, boutique hotels, historic venues, and community events, Williams believes audiences connect with the group for a different reason: authenticity.
Earlier this year, the band established three guiding principles that now define every performance and business decision: MAP—Moral, Authentic, and Professional.
“We wanted authenticity to be the focal point of the group moving forward,” Williams said. “We’re not just playing songs exactly how they sound on the record. We’re adding our own taste and making sure every performance sounds like us.”
That philosophy has resonated with audiences throughout the Charleston area.
“People have told us they stayed after finishing their meals because they wanted to hear us play,” he said. “Other musicians have said they appreciate that we’re actually learning the music and then creating something authentic from it.”
For Williams, however, Lighthouse Band’s purpose extends beyond entertaining audiences. The ensemble was intentionally built around relationships, character, and community. Its members—Jorge Chocobar (keyboard and saxophone), Carl Taylor II (guitar), Justin McKenzie (drums), and Williams himself on bass and vocals—first connected while working together at a local music store before deciding to build something of their own.
“We not only wanted to build a band that was talented and skilled, but we also wanted to build a band full of good people,” Williams said. “Community starts with relationships, leadership, and the people around you.”
Rooted in Christian faith, the group views music as a tool for bringing people together and creating positive cultural impact.
“We want to be an example for other young musicians who want to be part of something bigger than themselves,” Williams said. “We believe music has the power to uplift communities and create lasting memories.”
As Charleston continues to expand as a cultural and tourism destination, Williams believes the Lowcountry is uniquely positioned to become an even stronger hub for live and original music.
“Charleston is one of the most popular tourist cities in the country, and it’s only going to continue growing,” he said. “All of these restaurants, hotels, festivals, and events need musicians. It’s a prime opportunity for artists who want to build a brand and build a career.”
He also believes the region deserves greater recognition for the talent already thriving within it.
“Charleston really is a musical hub, and I think it’s underrated,” Williams said. “There are incredible musicians here, and Lighthouse Band wants to be one of the groups helping lead the way.”
That vision is also being recognized by cultural leaders who see the importance of supporting Charleston’s next generation of musical voices. Okeeba Jubalo, Executive Creative Director of the North Charleston Arts District, believes Lighthouse Band represents the type of artistry needed to continue expanding the region’s cultural influence.
“Charleston is home to incredible, seasoned musical talent, but there is a clear demand for a fresh voice dedicated to original work,” Jubalo said. “I’m thrilled to collaborate with Jailan and The Lighthouse Band as we continue to elevate the cultural landscape of North Charleston and beyond.”
Although the band has been together for only two years, its growth has been significant, earning opportunities to perform at premier venues across the Charleston area while preparing to release original music that reflects the heart of its mission.
“When I understood that this was bigger than me, I took it very seriously,” Williams said. “I’m excited for what’s to come as we continue creating music, building relationships, and striving to be the gold standard when it comes to professionalism and live performance.”
For Lighthouse Band, success is not measured solely by applause at the end of a performance. It is found in creating meaningful experiences, building lasting relationships, and contributing to a musical culture that will inspire generations to come.
As Charleston’s cultural landscape continues to evolve, Lighthouse Band is proving that honoring tradition and embracing innovation are not competing ideas—they are the foundation for building something that lasts.
Carl Taylor II, Jorge Chocobar, Justin Mckenzie & Jailan Williams
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