PARAGOULD — The high-energy bluegrass ensemble Williamson Branch will present a festive evening of holiday music at this month’s KASU-FM Bluegrass Monday concert. The concert will take place Monday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. at the Collins Theatre, located at 120 W. Emerson Street in Paragould.
Hailing from Nashville, Williamson Branch features a family of performers along with a talented banjo player. The group is known for its engaging blend of bluegrass, gospel, and country music. For the Paragould performance, the band will focus exclusively on seasonal melodies, bringing a family-friendly and entertaining experience to the audience.
Since its formation 12 years ago, Williamson Branch has become a prominent name in bluegrass. Though initially gaining recognition for their music, the group saw their popularity surge during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic when they began producing live videos online. Over a two-year period, their performances attracted more than 500,000 followers on Facebook and garnered over 100 million video views.
The band is led by Kevin and Debbie Williamson, whose musical roots run deep. Kevin—a seasoned performer who toured with notable bluegrass artists Glenn Duncan and Dave Evans—began his career as a teenager and has been part of several respected bands, including the Country Gentlemen and the Farm Hands. Debbie, meanwhile, grew up in a musical family and became involved in bluegrass after marrying Kevin. Their partnership led to the formation of multiple bands, including Williamson Branch.
The couple’s three adult daughters, Melody, Kadence, and Caroline, also play prominent roles in the group. Each contributes unique talents to the family act, from vocals to playing instruments such as the fiddle, bass, and mandolin. They also engage audiences with Appalachian clog dancing during live shows. Banjo player Mason Crone complements the family with his skill and rising profile in bluegrass music, evidenced by his popular instructional videos on YouTube.
Monday's concert will be part of KASU-FM’s Bluegrass Monday series, which aims to provide affordable family entertainment in Northeast Arkansas. Tickets for the event are $10 per person, with free admission offered to those 18 and younger. Tickets can be purchased at the door with cash or in advance online at www.kasu.org/tickets. All proceeds go directly to the performers.
Seating will be first-come, first-served when doors open at 6 p.m. Groups of eight or more can request reserved seating by contacting Marty Scarbrough at KASU. Prior to the show, a bluegrass jam session will begin at 5 p.m. in the adjacent Joe Wessell Building. Musicians participating in the jam and their guests will have a section of seats reserved for them at the concert.
The concert series, presented on the fourth Monday of each month, is hosted by KASU-FM, the public media service of Arkansas State University. The series highlights top-tier bluegrass talent while offering a welcoming environment for music lovers of all ages.
For more information on Williamson Branch, including music and videos, visit their official website.