Robin & Linda Williams
Doors 7PM / Show 8PM
Seated show
$20ADV / $25DOS
“…Among contemporary country performers, Robin and Linda Williams shine like a diamond amid rhinestones …” David W. Johnson, The Boston Globe
No Depression magazine praises Robin and Linda Williams for creating “music that is both comfortable and thoughtful – a rare combination that explains why and how the Williamses are able to keep on an even keel while musical trends come and go. They don’t play at being country – they are country.”
It was music that brought them together. Linda, a Michigan school teacher, and Robin, a full time musician and a native of the Carolinas, met by chance at an open stage while visiting their parents in South Carolina. Their personal relationship blossomed immediately and within two years they discovered additional magic when they combined their voices in harmony and began their musical career during which they have logged several millions of miles in the continental US, and have toured Europe a number of times.
Their recording career started in Minneapolis, MN where Robin had made many friends and connections as a solo artist and they recorded their first three records for a local company there, establishing a recording template they have used their whole career: original tunes, songs by contemporary artists and time honored numbers from the Appalachian and blues traditions. It was at this time they made their first appearance on a little radio show just getting off the ground, conceived and hosted by Garrison Keillor, called “A Prairie Home Companion,” starting a rich relationship with that icon of American broadcasting that has continued for four decades.
” … Vocally and instrumentally, the Williamses combine impeccable musical discipline with a bare simplicity and an utter lack of pretension.”__ Stephen Holden, The New York Times
As live performers they are second to none. Their stirring concerts have earned them a huge body of fans over the years. But as gifted songwriters Robin and Linda have earned an even rarer honor, the devotion and deep respect of their musical peers. The list of artists who have covered their original songs include some of the greats of country music, names like Emmylou Harris, Tom T. Hall, George Hamilton IV, Tim & Mollie O’Brien, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Kathy Mattea and The Seldom Scene.
“…The Williamses are able to sum up a life in a few details with moving completeness.”__
Washington Post
They established fruitful relationships with five recording companies and have recorded twenty-three CDs to consistently positive reviews and audience acceptance. Their gospel CD, “Good News,” on Sugar Hill Records garnered two nominations for Gospel Album of the Year in 1995. They followed with “Sugar For Sugar” and “Company Of Strangers” both of which spent over fifteen weeks on the Americana Charts. 2002’s “Visions Of Love, “ produced by Garrison Keillor, received several rave reviews from national publications including a three star review in USA Today.
In 2004 they returned to a Twin Cities record company and signed with Red House Records. As of 2017 they have released seven CDs, “Deeper Waters” (“nothing short of a masterpiece – All Music Guide), “The First Christmas Gift “ (a breath of fresh air in an overcrowded, cliché-ridden field. . . ‘Shotgun Shells On A Christmas Tree’ will probably become a bluegrass standard.” – Washington Post), “Radio Songs” (“It doesn’t get any better than these two entwining their pure voices on a glowing, burnished Carter Family jewel.” – Music Row Magazine). “Buena Vista” (“Music and meaning are seamless, genuine, and first-rate, as we have come to expect from this gifted team.” – Dirty Linen), “Stonewall Country” (Robin and Linda handle all the lead vocals, and portray all of the different characters and moods, proving themselves to be wonderfully flexible singers – Oliver di Place), “These Old Dark Hills” (At a time when country music has misplaced its soul, hearing Robin and Linda Williams harmonize is like happening upon an artesian well as you’re about to die from thirst.” – Raleigh News and Observer) and “Back 40” (“. . the 14-tracks raced past me before I knew it, the stamp of a great record if there ever was one.” – FlyinShoes Review).
“…Robin and Linda Williams create music that is both comfortable and thoughtful – a rare combination that explains why and how the Williamses are able to keep on an even keel while musical trends come and go. They don’t play at being country – they are country.” __ No Depression magazine.
Other career highlights include:
A. “A Prairie Home Companion” – Robin and Linda had a 41 year relationship with this popular radio show, broadcast weekly over Public Radio, playing as many as 20 shows a year at one point. They performed with many iconic artists and, subsequent to Garrison Keillor’s retirement as the show’s host in 2016, continue to do shows with him in theaters across the country.
B “Stonewall Country” – A musical developed and written by Robin and Linda and Don Baker, “Stonewall Country” attracted many thousands of fans and ran for 25 years at the Lime Kiln Theater in Lexington, VA. In 2015 a new production of “Stonewall” was commissioned and, thanks to grants from the National Endowment of Arts and the Southwest Virginia Heritage Foundation, enjoyed a successful run at the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA, the State Theatre of Virginia. Robin and Linda performed in the production and continue to offer special shows with stories and songs from “Stonewall Country.”
C. “The Hopeful Gospel Quartet” – This wonderful sideline ensemble included, along with Robin and Linda, Garrison Keillor and Kate MacKenzie. “The Hopefuls” performed for over ten years on the radio, toured the USA, the British Isles and Europe and released two CDs.
D. “A Prairie Home Companion” (the movie) – Director Robert Altman’s last movie, released in 2006, had Robin and Linda playing themselves and included them singing their song “Old Plank Road.” Robin and Linda performed in the movie with many Hollywood legends including Meryl Streep, Lindsey Lohan, Woody Harrelson, Lily Tomlin and Kevin Cline. It was awarded four out of four stars by Roger Ebert who added it to his “Great Movies” list.”
E. “Fortune-Williams Music Festival” – Each September for nine years Robin and Linda teamed up with Country Music Hall of Famer, Jimmy Fortune, and hosted some of the nation’s most renown and award-winning musicians for three days of music in Staunton, VA, drawing thousands of people each year from every state in the union.
F. “Their Fine Group” – After touring and recording as a duo for their first 15 years, Robin and Linda expanded their already big sound and formed “Their Fine Group.” They toured and recorded with TFG for over 20 years. Members included Jim Watson, Jimmy Gaudreau, Kevin Maul and Chris Brashear.
Having come full circle and returning to performing as a duo, Robin and Linda continue to tour constantly. When not on the road they come back to their old frame house built around a log cabin in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley where they have lived for over forty years.