South Carolina native, veteran songwriter, acclaimed musician and storyteller Jack Williams returns home for a New Year’s Celebration show backed up by local favorites The Winterline Band,  at the Tree of Life Congregation in Columbia on Saturday January 5^th.

Long-time residents will remember that Jack Williams rocked Columbia’s live music scene during the 80’s & 90’s with his original rock band, Fool in Love. Now, Williams spends the majority of his time touring the US and Europe as a solo artist, playing major folk festivals and venues across the country, including  The Newport Folk Festival and Chicago’s Folkstage, hosted by Rich Warren of NPR’s nationally syndicated radio show, ‘The Midnight Special.’ Of him, Warren says, “his artistry… is nothing short of amazing. Dazzling picking, expressive voice, unique and interesting songs. He is a showman in the best sense of the word and just wowed our audience. I think they would have followed him anywhere.”

Music legends Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul, & Mary) and Tom Paxton lauded Williams as ‘the best guitar player I’ve ever heard’ and ‘one of my (Paxton) all-time favorite pickers.’ It is no cliché’ to say that his music  defies genre labeling, as his style has evolved from a lifetime of musical involvement ranging from beatnik trumpeter and folk revivalist banjo player to country, rock and R & B electric and steel-guitar player and chamber music composer.

Though sometimes thought of as a ‘singer-songwriter’, audiences should not expect a night of quiet introspective ballads. Williams is known for his entertaining and high energy performances.  He often concludes his shows with a unique finale, a medley of songs and stories that span the varied styles and voices of his musical past, keeping audiences enthralled from start to finish

The music starts at 7:30 pm on Saturday, January 5^th.  Tickets are $20 advance and $23 at the door. Reservations are advised and may be made by calling (803) 200-2824 or by leaving a message at www.facebook.com/TOLCoffeehouse. Doors are at 6:30. Dinner for purchase provided by Groucho’s Deli.   The Tree of Life Congregation is located at 6719 N. Trenholm Rd in Columbia.  More about Jack Williams at www.jackwilliamsmusic.com