The Jail House — Benjamin Paul Camp

The Jail House Brewing Company was established in 2009. The Jail House had a space next to the building where they had live music. The Jail House is creating a community. On November 17, 2019, I went to hear a local artist by the name of Heavyn Leigh, preform at the Jail House located in Hampton, GA. The Bartender, who also hosts trivia nights, bingo and karaoke, believes the Jail House has a real effect on the community. “I think it brings people together. I do notice a sense of camaraderie and family, like a home away from home feeling.” Only within the past year, has the Jail House created an upstairs space specifically for live music, games, and special events.

Leigh had such a powerful, yet inviting voice. She mentioned her childhood crush being Johnny Cash, which is evident in her ability to connect with her audience, much like Cash did. One of the fans, Emma, said she enjoys what the Jail House is doing. “Breweries are getting more and more popular. “I think it’s good and modernizing Hampton. It’s bringing new culture to the city.”

After her set, I interviewed Heavyn Leigh and asked about where she got her start. She is originally from Georgia, but her music career started in Florida. Upon moving back to Georgia, the Jail House was the first place that hired her. Leigh gladly admits, “I now play here on and off; pretty much whenever I need a gig…It feels comfortable.” Most artists have that place where they go if all else fails, a place filled with familiar faces and good vibes.

Leigh has always said she does not want to be on the radio, which may seem odd for someone who’s trying to make a living, but there is a method to the madness. The relationship between an artist and a fan is the very thing that allows making music to be sustainable. Leigh believes success can take many forms.

Leigh explains her reasons for not going on the radio, “It’s the connection with your fans! I met Megan and Ruddy [people in the audience] in there, and you just can’t do that on a stage in front of millions of people. When you listen to an artist before they’re mainstream, you love them, and then they get mainstream and you don’t love them anymore. It’s because they don’t have that connection with you anymore. They’re on a different tier than you now.”

Were it not for a community, the cities we live in today would cease to exist. There is a multitude of factors within creating and maintaining a community, but the most important is a relationship. There is a connection that all people wish to have with one another. The connection can range from romantic relationships, family, professional and deeply impactful friendships. All of these connections are happening in Hampton and the Jail House Brewing Company is right in the middle of it.