An Accomplished Musician, Master of Ceremonies and Entertainer, BLAKE WILLIAMS Has Been in Professional Entertainment for Over 40 Years

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An accomplished musician, master of ceremonies and entertainer, BLAKE WILLIAMS has been in professional entertainment for over 40 years. After 9 years as a disc jockey for WSMT, he toured with Bobby Smith & The Boys From Shiloh and soon moved into the role of banjo player for Lester Flatt and the Nashville Grass until Lester’s death in 1979. Blake went on to work with the Father of Bluegrass, Bill Monroe, for 10 years, making him Monroe’s longest tenured banjo player. In 1991, Blake was invited to play bass with comedian, Hee Haw star and Grand Ole Opry member, Mike Snider where he stayed until 2001. In early 2002, Blake founded the group The Expedition Show (formerly Williams & Clark Expedition) and continues to perform professionally. During his career, Blake has toured 48 states and 7 countries, played Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Lincoln Center. He recorded 2 albums with Lester Flatt and 6 albums with Bill Monroe for which one of them, Southern Flavor, won the ﬁrst Grammy for “Bluegrass Album of The Year”. You can hear Blake’s bass work on 5 albums with Mike Snider and 2 live videos, as well. He has also performed on projects by Patty Loveless and Vince Gill. Blake has recorded three solo projects and performed regularly on the Grand Ole Opry for over 23 years. In addition to his musicianship, Blake is an excellent master of ceremonies and one of the best country comedians in the business. He has also enjoyed songwriting success having his songs covered by Lester Flatt & The Nashville Grass, Rhonda Vincent & the Rage and The Expedition Show. Blake is a 3-time SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) “Entertainer Of The Year” nominee (2007-2009) and he graced the cover of Banjo Newsletter in May, 2008. In 2009, the City of Sparta, Tennessee erected new city limits signs declaring Sparta as the Home of Lester Flatt, Benny Martin, and Blake Williams..

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Traditional Song
3 TraditionalSong l3-9 Traditional Song Week realizes a dream of a comprehensive program completely devoted to traditional styles of singing. Unlike programs where singing takes a back seat to the instrumentalists, it is the entire focus of this week, which aims to help restore the power of songs within the larger traditional music scene. Here, finally, is a place where you can develop and grow in confidence about your singing, and have lots of fun with other folks devoted to their own song journeys. Come gather with us to explore various traditional song genres under the guidance of experienced, top-notch instructors. When singers gather together, magical moments are bound to happen! For Traditional Song Week’s ninth year and our celebration of The Swannanoa Gathering’s 25th Anniversary, we are proud to present a gathering of highly influential singers and musicians who have remained devoted over the years to preserving and promoting traditional song. Tuesday evening will be our big Hoedown for a Traditional Country, Honk-Tonk, Western Swing Song and Dance Night. Imagine singing to a house band of Josh Goforth, Robin and Linda Williams and Ranger Doug or Tim May, Tim O’Brien, and Mark Weems! So, bring your boots and hats, your voices and instruments, and get ready to bring on the fun! Our Community Gathering Time each day just after lunch affords us the opportunity to experience together, as one group, diverse topics concerning our shared love of traditional song. This year’s spotlight will feature folks who have been “on the road” and singing for quite a while.
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4-2-17 Hardisonink.Com Mark Johnson Returns
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The Process of Musical Acquisition for Traditional String Musicians in The
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Mark O'connor Benny Thomasson Was the Greatest Breakdown Fiddler
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