Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Group In Concert at the Historic Ironwood Theatre

IRONWOOD, MI - Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Group have thrilled folk, bluegrass, and country audiences throughout America for more than thirty years. They are well known for their tours and many guest appearances with Garrison Keillor on National Public Radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show. The duo will be performing with their band at the Historic Ironwood Theatre at 7:30 PM on Friday, June 4, 2010.

Although based in Virginia, Robin and Linda Williams are respected internationally for their rich harmonies and original songwriting. For more than a quarter of a century they have delighted audiences large and small with a blend of bluegrass, folk, gospel, old-time and acoustic country that truly merits the title of “American music.” With guitar and banjo in hand they have appeared on The Grand Ole Opry, “Austin City Limits,” American “Mountain Stage,” “Music City Tonight,” and have enjoyed the rejuvenation of The Hopeful Gospel Quartet on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion.”

They have performed at major festivals, in concert halls and arts centers – not only in America, but in Canada and Europe. They have toured with such notables as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Emmylou Harris and The Seldom Scene. Members of Their Fine Group are Jim Watson, formerly of the Red Clay Ramblers, on bass and harmony vocals, and bluegrass veteran Jimmy Gaudreau on mandolin and mandola. Gaudreau has earned a reputation as one of the premier mandolinists in bluegrass music. Before joining the Williams, he played with such outstanding groups as The Country Gentlemen, J.D. Crowe and The New South and The Tony Rice Unit.

The group has received high praise from major critics around the country. David W. Johnson, of the Boston Globe said of them, "Among contemporary country performers, Robin and Linda Williams shine like a diamond amid rhinestones. Their sound is so sincere as to give the listener chills." "Vocally and instrumentally, the Williams combine impeccable musical discipline with a bare simplicity and an utter lack of pretension." said reviewer Stephen Holden of The New York Times. Robin & Linda and Their Fine Group appeared in the Prairie Home Companion movie released in 2006. Directed by master filmmaker Robert Altman, the production features a large cast of stellar performers including Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Virginia Madsen and Lindsay Lohan.

The Williams have released 20 recordings. Their latest, “Buena Vista,” filled with their own songwriting, is an exploration of life’s hard times and unexpected joys featuring the duo’s high lonesome harmonies and fiery guitar and banjo picking. Their “Visions of Love” recording, produced by Garrison Keillor, appeared on the Americana Charts soon after its release in January of 2002 and was rated in the top five of both the Folk and Bluegrass listings.

They have gained recognition from a variety of sources, winning a nomination from their colleagues at the International Bluegrass Music Association for a gospel recording and were listed for a top 10 “Album Of The Year” with their CD, “Devil of a Dream.”

Tickets, and more information on an evening of unique American music, are available from the Ironwood Theatre box office at 109 East Aurora Street, Ironwood , Michigan, by calling 906-932-0618. Prices are $18.00 for reserved and $15.00 general seating in advance. Student tickets are $5.00. Tickets are also available at the door. Visit the Theatre website: www.ironwoodtheatre.net for a direct link to the group or online to www.robinandlinda.com.