Williams & Clark Expedition could be described by some as a new band on the bluegrass scene. But when you consider the members of the group are Blake Williams, Bobby Clark, Wayne Southards and Kimberly Williams, you know this is not a group of newcomers. All have very impressive musical credentials, having worked for the music’s forefathers, Bill Monroe and Lester Flatt, as well as second generation bluegrass bands, The Bluegrass Cardinals and Tennessee Gentlemen, and more current artists such as Mike Snider, Kathy Chiavola and Larry Cordle. No one can deny the bluegrass pedigree of Williams & Clark Expedition’s members.What is surprising to most, is the band voice that was created when these talented people formed this band just over 8 years ago. With male and female lead vocalists, the Expedition has unlimited options with their performances. While the vocal style of Wayne Southards is more traditional, Kimberly Williams’ style lends a bit more contemporary feel to their sound. And don’t forget the humor! Blake Williams is a master comedian and can work an audience who has never heard him before, into the palm of his hand with his wit and delivery. Toss in the mandolin prowess of 2-time world champion Bobby Clark and you have an unprecedented entertaining band!Williams & Clark Expedition has enjoyed numerous successes since its inception in 2002. The band is the producer and host of the successful Franklin, KY Music Festival that will celebrate its 6th year on September 11-12, 2009 and features some of the greatest talent in bluegrass music and a few outside the realm, too. In 2004 the Expedition was the only bluegrass act to perform for the Country Gold Music Festival in Kumamoto, Japan alongside country artist Darryl Worley and Blue County, which resulted in a feature story on GAC’s “Country Music Across Americaâ€, hosted by Storme Warren. And in June, 2007 they were invited to perform at the prestigious Ryman Auditorium for the venue’s “Bluegrass Nights At the Ryman†series. They are also the host band for the Mid-West SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) awards. But the band received its top accolades thus far when the International Bluegrass Music Association chose them as one of 5 nominees for “Emerging Artist Of The Year†in 2005 and 2007. And Blake Williams has been nominated the past 3 years for SPBGMA's "Entertainer Of The Year" as well. To date, the band has released 5 CDs with their latest, "Brand New Set Of Blues", receiving tremendous airplay throught the country and on XM/Sirius Sattelite Radio.It is no mystery why this band is becoming so popular so quickly. They offer superb musicianship, hauntingly tight harmonies, traditional and contemporary lead vocal styles, original material, humor, and history in every performance. And each member is as personable as they are talented, believing the audience comes first. They do everything they can to show that, from their stage performances, to the lively conversation with any and all who want to visit afterwards. It really is quite simple…
Williams & Clark Expedition loves what they do and it shows!!!
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