Williamson Branch to Play Holiday Bluegrass Concert in Paragould Nov. 23

JONESBORO — The bluegrass and acoustic music ensemble Williamson Branch will perform favorite holiday melodies at the next KASU-FM Bluegrass Monday concert. The show will take place Monday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Collins Theatre, 120 W. Emerson St., in Paragould.

Based in Nashville, Williamson Branch consists of a mother and father, their three adult daughters and an additional banjo player. The group records for the Pinecastle bluegrass record label.

The band has achieved several hit songs in bluegrass music during its 12-year professional career. In concert, the family performs a mixture of bluegrass, gospel and country music. For its performance in Paragould, however, the band will play music exclusively for the holiday season. The group is known for its high-energy, entertaining and family-friendly shows.

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the band was unable to tour and perform for live audiences, the family began producing daily live online videos. In the two years that followed, Williamson Branch gained more than 500,000 Facebook followers, and its videos were viewed more than 100 million times.

Kevin Williamson was introduced to bluegrass music at a young age. While still a teenager, Kevin played in the bands of acclaimed bluegrass artists Glenn Duncan and Dave Evans, appearing on CDs produced by both. Kevin later formed the band Redwing with his father. The group recorded and toured across North America for a decade. Kevin is also a former member of the Country Gentlemen and the Farm Hands.

Debbie Williamson comes from a musical family but was not introduced to bluegrass music until she met Kevin. They married in 1991 and formed the band Shadow Ridge. Debbie also released a solo CD in 1996.

The oldest daughter, Melody Williamson Keyes, first appeared onstage with her parents when she was a toddler. Melody sings and plays fiddle in Williamson Branch and serves as the group’s onstage emcee. In 2020, she won the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Momentum Vocalist of the Year award, an honor recognizing young, rising stars whom bluegrass industry leaders believe will have long, successful and influential careers.

Kadence Williamson Reynolds plays bass and sings for Williamson Branch. She has participated in Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars, a network of young bluegrass performers, and the IBMA’s Kids in Bluegrass program. Along with her sister Melody, she contributes original melodies to the band’s repertoire.

The youngest daughter, Caroline Williamson, is known to steal the show at the band’s concerts. She sings and plays fiddle, mandolin and ukulele. She is also a member of Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars. With her sisters, Caroline incorporates Appalachian clog dancing into the group’s live performances.

Banjo player Mason Crone is the only member of the band who is not part of the Williamson family. This rising young bluegrass musician has more than 70,000 followers on his YouTube channel, where he offers banjo instructional videos.

Additional information about the group, including videos, is available online.

Tickets to the Bluegrass Monday concert are $10 per person and may be purchased with cash at the door on the night of the concert. Everyone 18 and younger will be admitted free. Advance tickets can be purchased at www.kasu.org/tickets. All ticket proceeds go to the musicians as compensation for their performance.

Groups of eight or more may request reserved seating by contacting KASU’s Marty Scarbrough. The theater doors open at 6 p.m., and seating is first-come, first-served.

Acoustic musicians are invited to participate in a bluegrass jam session beginning at 5 p.m. in the Joe Wessell Building, which is adjacent to the Collins Theatre. A section of seats in the theater will be reserved for jammers and their guests so they can play until the concert begins.

The Bluegrass Monday concert series is a nonprofit presentation of KASU-FM, providing music fans with an affordable evening of family-friendly entertainment. These concerts are held on the fourth Monday of each month.

Press release from Arkansas State University.