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 6 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 was approached by a group of people in Franklin, KY about helping to establish and host the Franklin, KY Music Festival. The event is now in it’s 6th year and is not only hosted by the band, but is also
produced by the Expedition and has featured some of the greatest talent in bluegrass music and a few outside the realm such as Vince Gill and Marty Stuart. 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 America”, 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. To date, the band has released 5 CDs with the latest, “Brand New Set Of Blues” being released in May, 2008.
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!!!
Blake Williams
An accomplished musician on several instruments,BLAKE WILLIAMS has been a professional bluegrass musician for over 34 years. He first toured with Bobby Smith & The Boys From Shiloh fresh out of high school 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 given the opportunity to play bass with comedian, Hee Haw star and Grand Ole Opry member, Mike Snider where he stayed until 2001. 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 and Williams & Clark Expedition. He has been nominated twice for “Entertainer Of The Year” by SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) and graced the cover of Banjo Newsletter in May, 2008
Bobby Clark
There is no mistaking the signature mandolin sound for anyone other than Oklahoma native,BOBBY CLARK. Having won the National Mandolin championship in Winfield, Kansas, the Buck White International Mandolin Championship in Kerrville, Texas, and the World Mandolin Championship in Des Moines, Iowa, Bobby can only be called a true mandolin virtuoso. Bobby began his musical career alongside another Oklahoma native, Vince Gill as a member of the Bluegrass Review. After moving to Nashville in 1983, he became a well sought after instrumentalist and worked with Vassar Clements, Larry McNeely, Peter Rowan, the Bluegrass Cardinals and spent 16 years with Mike Snider. Bobby has recorded two solo albums and worked on other album projects with the likes of Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill. His original music was featured for several years on TNN and CMT as the theme music for “Celebrity Outdoors” and “Southern Outdoors” and he performed on the soundtrack for the PBS special “Rachel & Andrew”, the love story of Andrew and Rachel Jackson. Bobby is not only accomplished on the mandolin, he is also quite proficient on guitar, banjo and even lap steel. In addition, he has a keen ear for sound and is the owner of Top Dog Recording and Sound in Hendersonville, Tennessee where he takes on the roll of engineer for live shows and in the studio. Bobby also enjoys writing for MelBay.com occasionally with a feature called “What’s In Your Case?”.
Kimberly Williams
A native of Texas,KIMBERLY WILLIAMS moved to Nashville in 1992 after beginning her love for music with her family’s band where she sang and played mandolin. Kimberly has performed demos as a vocalist for top songwriters and publishers in Nashville including Gerald Smith, Vern Gosdin, Hank Cochran, Tom Collins Publishing, Co-Heart Music, and Muy Bueno Music and had a guest appearance on a Mike Snider gospel album. Kimberly put her skills in concert and event production to work when she secured a job as producer for Gaylord Entertainment’s Opryland Productions and Grand Ole Opry Group. During her 7-year tenure with Gaylord, Kimberly produced shows and special events for Opryland theme park, including the popular “Sundays In The Park” event series that included a monthly bluegrass jam, gospel and songwriting events. She managed the Roy Acuff Theatre and booked entertainment for 7 lounges in the Opryland Hotel and Resort. In addition, Kimberly produced convention concerts for some of the biggest acts in music including Lee Ann Rimes, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Chicago, Reba McEntire, Huey Lewis and the News and Stevie Wonder. She has enjoyed 2 guest appearances on the Grand Ole Opry and in 2005, opened her own company, East Public Relations, with a focus on affordable tour support and publicity for bluegrass artists. Kimberly plays bass and is one of two lead singers for Williams & Clark Expedition.
Wayne Southards
One of the most refreshing things you will hear from Williams & Clark Expedition is the stellar guitar work and vocals of WAYNE SOUTHARDS. A native of Salem, Missouri, Wayne moved to Nashville in 1990 with his wife and two sons. He would soon become a highly sought after guitarist and work for country artists such as John Conlee, The McCarters and Sweethearts Of The Rodeo and in addition to working on stage, Wayne also worked behind the scenes as road manager for all three acts. Wayne is a seasoned professional in bluegrass, too. He performed with the Tennessee Gentlemen as their lead vocalist and guitarist and he is also an accomplished bass player having worked for Weary Hearts, Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time, and Kathy Chiavola. Wayne is a Midwest SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) “Male Vocalist of the Year” having won the award in 1987. He is also an accomplished songwriter having his songs covered by Larry Cordle & Lonesome Standard Time, Rhonda Vincent and Williams & Clark Expedition. And did we mention he does a killer impersonation of Willie Nelson? It is a crowd favorite!!
Williams & Clark Expedition
