'Open Table Concert Series' welcomes Nashville singer Christopher Williams to Chad's Blind May 12

[May 05, 2011]  Following folk singer Ben Bedford's successful appearance last month, Lincoln's new "Open Table Concert Series" will welcome Nashville singer Christopher Williams to Chad's Blind at 1230 Fifth St. on May 12. The live concert begins at 7 p.m.

Admission is $5 and proceeds will be shared with the Humane Society of Logan County.

Nothing like your typical Nashville songwriter, Christopher Williams is a songwriter, storyteller and entertainer. His songs are direct, honest and confessional. Williams engages audiences with a mix of intense passion and humor. With what Boston Phoenix called "lush guitar work, and sweet soaring vocals," his songs are often punctuated by his single African djembe hand drum.

Critics say that Williams is a tourwise singer-songwriter who knows how to share energy with a live audience. Touring nonstop nationally for the last 10 years at a pace of more than 130 shows a year, Williams has built a faithful following of listeners around the country and is a true independent artist, releasing eight records on his own label.

Williams has toured with Grammy Award-winning band Jars of Clay. Thousands of YouTube users have seen Williams playing his African drum with Jars of Clay in their epic performance of "Show Your Love" at the Live 8 concert in Philadelphia. (See video.)

Williams has played with songwriter luminaries Arlo Guthrie, Phil Keaggy and David Wilcox.

His social concern shows through in his support for Blood and Water Mission and International Justice Mission. His newest release, "Sweet Redemption," showcases songs about his recent trips to Kenya and Uganda. He has contributed music to a USAID documentary film and attended the sponsored screening with former first lady Laura Bush in Washington, D.C.

His latest release is a new live recording called "Something As Simple." The CD features the honesty of a true live performance with stories, his signature djembe playing and his unique guitar style. It was recorded in the famed Club Passim listening room in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Mass.

Williams will be available after the concert to greet his fans and talk about his music.

[Text from file received]