LIZ JANE
A Thrill of Hope Tour
story by KATE HAMILTON PARDEE photo by JOHN WOLLWERTH
What is the exciting musical event that the beautiful South Carolina towns of Port Royal, Walterboro, St. George’s, and York have in common with Glen Cove, New York? They are all stops on the talented Port Royal musician Liz Jane’s A Thrill of Hope Tour, and the performances in these towns are not to be missed.
Music began early for Liz Jane when, at age five, she discovered that her long, delicate fingers were perfect for playing the piano. Inspired by her mother, Melissa, also a pianist, Liz Jane soon began working the keys creating lovely melodies. Liz Jane was then accepted to begin specialized piano instruction, and her journey began.
Liz Jane continued to feel her mother’s influence, soon joining her in the study of guitar at the Port Royal Music School, where Liz Jane and her mother both took lessons. Her instructor, Jim Batchety, a New York transplant, had been very involved in the smooth jazz movement in New York in the 1990s. Of Liz Jane, Batchety says, “I immediately saw exceptional organic talent in Liz, and with each step in her instruction,” she blossomed.
“Jim changed everything for me musically,” says Liz Jane. “He pushed me to learn and play out of my comfort zone and continues to influence me while being a significant musical confidence builder.”
Liz Jane attended local Beaufort schools and began to play local venues, including Savannah and Bluffton, and has continued to build a stronger faith in her musical abilities. As Jim and Liz Jane’s musical relationship grew and developed, Jim invited Liz Jane to join his smooth jazz band – Horizons.
Liz Jane later attended the College of Charleston, where she studied Economics and Data Science. Although she enjoyed her studies at the college and later worked in the field, music remained a constant longing in her heart. As she returned to songwriting, the music soon prevailed for Liz Jane, and, along with Batchety, she began to plan their first tour.
Her first album, A Thrill of Hope, features traditional Christmas carols reimagined and rearranged in Liz Jane’s beautiful and unique style. “Every year, we wanted to do better and get to a new level of music. This includes goals of performing at new towns and new venues.” One of the priorities was booking gigs. Although Liz Jane is still a bit unknown, many arenas and theaters were open and excited about her Christmas show. “These historic and beautiful venues had been affected and remained dormant by the pandemic. They were very welcoming to us coming to perform and their beloved theaters coming back alive in their communities,” Liz says.
The A Thrill of Hope Tour, named for Liz Jane’s album, also has a poignant meaning to Liz Jane. “One of my favorite songs is O Holy Night — the lyrics are so profound, especially now after a few hard years for everyone. They describe what is wonderful about this season, where a broken and tired world is lifted up by the arrival of hope and the idea of a world with laws of love and peace.”
Liz Jane will be joined by Jim Batchety and her other Horizon bandmates, Kyle Fabian, who plays bass, and Stefan Mozer, who plays drums. “We have played together for years, and we know each other very well, so it’s fantastic.” Liz Jane plays a Fender Stratocaster guitar during performances, which has a pristine sound and partners very well with all the other musician’s instruments. Jim will be beside her on his Goudin guitar and says warmly, “I would never play with anyone else like this but Liz.”
The A Thrill of Hope Tour begins in December at the restaurant and music venue, My Father’s Place in Glen Cove, Long Island. This iconic venue, owned by Michael “Epps” Epstein, is famous for finding new talent in the music world. Then aspiring artists such as Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and Madonna played there, launching their incredible careers.
“How amazing that my premier is at a venue where so many famous artists started their careers,” Liz Jane shares. “I am nervous but beyond excited.”
The A Thrill of Hope Tour continues in many small towns in South Carolina, where Liz says, “I am discovering new places and understanding the love the residents have for their communities. A performance like this is very important to them and me.”
The recently renovated Colleton Civic Center, located in Walterboro, SC, is among the venues for the tour. Mark Wysong, the CEO of the Colleton-Walterboro Chamber of Commerce, is the event sponsor and is thrilled to have Liz Jane perform at the first Colleton Christmas concert. “Not only do we respect Liz’s talent, but we are also so glad to have her at our premier, and hopefully annual, Christmas concert.”
The tour will also stop in Port Royal, where it will perform at the second annual Music from the Manger event on Dec 17. This year’s event benefiting the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA is the creation of resident Greg Shelton.
“Not only are we so grateful to benefit from the fundraising from this great event, but how lucky are we to have talented Liz Jane perform in her hometown of Port Royal,” Mike Bostwick, CEO of the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry, shares.
An exciting element of the A Thrill of Hope Tour is the premiere of the new song, “Precious are the Few,” written by Lathan Hudson, Jeff Raymond, and the Grammy Award-winning songwriter Larry Henley.
Lathan Hudson says about Liz Jane, “There is something so fresh in Liz’s voice, her appearance, and her humility that I haven’t seen since my early days in music. This young lady has the complete music package and if you are a Vegas betting man … put all your money on Liz … then roll the dice.”
As Liz Jane prepares for this exciting new tour, she quickly remembers what inspires her. Besides the love of her family, her faith, and the Lowcountry-Port Royal, in particular, she loves the beauty of the water surrounding her and this area. “It grounds me,” she shares. Enjoying long runs on Hunting Island gives her time to reflect and be grateful for what she hopes the future will bring.
Of her journey, Liz Jane shares, “Breaking into the music industry in a significant way is hard and takes a lot of work no matter who you are. I have so many people who believe in me and have helped me in the most meaningful way. As I learn my way, I hope I can help other young women musicians too. When I see some of Jim’s students taking lessons, as I did at their age, I want them to know how much I support them. We need, quite simply, more girl guitar players in this world.”
Poised to begin the A Thrill of Hope Tour, Liz Jane is focused on getting people in the door. “If I can get them in, I will win them over.”
Liz hopes that this tour will showcase her love of performing her reimagined holiday classics and introduce many to her unique and unforgettable style.
In the future, Liz Jane looks forward to spending time in Nashville next year and to fulfilling her dream of playing at the Grand Ole Opry one day. We are all fortunate to have the opportunity to see Liz Jane play in one of many venues during her A Thrill of Hope Tour. “What I love to do is simply just play for people,” she says.
Liz Jane’s love of performing is a gift to her audience as well.
For more information about Port Royal’s Dec. 17 music holiday show benefiting the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA Scholarship Fund go to musicfromthemanger.com. For all other tickets and dates for A Thrill of Hope Tour go to lizjanemusic.com.
