Paragould families have a festive musical treat on the horizon. The Nashville‑based bluegrass ensemble Williamson Branch will take the stage at the Collins Theatre on Monday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m., delivering a full evening of holiday‑focused bluegrass, gospel, and country tunes.
About the Band
Williamson Branch is a multigenerational family group. Parents Kevin and Debbie Williamson lead the band with their three adult daughters—Melody, Kadence, and Caroline—while banjo player Mason Crone rounds out the lineup. The family records for Pinecastle Records and has built a 12‑year career highlighted by several bluegrass hits and a reputation for high‑energy, family‑friendly shows.
Kevin Williamson grew up immersed in bluegrass, playing with legends Glenn Duncan and Dave Evans as a teenager before forming the touring group Redwing with his father. He later performed with the Country Gentlemen and the Farm Hands. Debbie, a former solo artist, joined Kevin in 1991 and together they created the band Shadow Ridge.
Each daughter brings a unique talent: Melody serves as the on‑stage emcee and fiddle player, Kadence handles bass and vocals, and Caroline adds fiddle, mandolin, ukulele, and Appalachian clog dancing. All three have been recognized by the International Bluegrass Music Association’s youth programs, and Caroline and Kadence are members of Tomorrow’s Bluegrass Stars.
Holiday Concert Details
The Collins Theatre, located at 120 W. Emerson St., will host the concert. Doors open at 6 p.m., and seating is first‑come, first‑served. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased with cash at the door or in advance at kasu.org/tickets. Children 18 and younger are admitted free of charge.
Groups of eight or more may request reserved seating by contacting KASU’s Marty Scarbrough. For musicians who want to join the fun early, a bluegrass jam session begins at 5 p.m. in the adjacent Joe Wessell Building, with a section of theater seats set aside for jam participants and their guests.
Supporting Local Culture
The Bluegrass Monday series, presented by KASU‑FM, offers affordable, family‑oriented entertainment on the fourth Monday of each month. All proceeds from the Williamson Branch concert go directly to the musicians, ensuring they are fairly compensated for their performance.
During the COVID‑19 pandemic, the band pivoted to daily live‑streamed videos, amassing more than 500,000 Facebook followers and over 100 million video views in two years. Their online presence has helped spread the joy of bluegrass far beyond Arkansas, and the upcoming holiday concert promises to bring that same enthusiasm to the local community.
Plan Your Evening
Arrive early to enjoy the pre‑concert jam, then settle into the theater for an evening of holiday classics re‑imagined in bluegrass style. Whether you’re a lifelong bluegrass fan or simply looking for a wholesome night out with family and friends, Williamson Branch’s holiday concert offers a memorable celebration of music and community spirit.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
