Familiar sound: Kevin Williams plays on nearly every number in the Gaither Christmas Homecoming show.GRAND RAPIDS — Kevin Williams may be one of the lesser-known artists on the Bill Gaither Homecoming crew.
IF YOU GO
Gaither Christmas Homecoming
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St.
Performing: Gaither Vocal Band, Booth Brothers, The Isaacs, The Martins, Gene McDonald, Charlotte Ritchie, Gordon Mote, Buddy Greene, Kevin Williams
Tickets: $36.50 artist circle, $26.50 advance reserved, $19.50 seniors and children 12 and younger, and military (group rates available at 742-6185), arena box office, Ticketmaster outlets, 800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com.
But the guitarist-musical director has his imprint on every song performed from the stage as well as numerous recordings by the individual artists.
"In 19 years of doing this, I've gotten to sit behind and play for some of my heroes — on the stage and in the studio," Williams, 46, said from his Nashville, Tenn., home.
"The only thing I don't play on is the a capella stuff."
Besides manning the guitar, Williams is in charge of the Gaither Homecoming concert’s rhythm section, pulling the strings on the evening’s wide-ranging musical packages.
He also opens each evening with a solo guitar selection or two while the majority of the audience is still finding their seats.
“I’m the Wal-Mart greeter for our tour,” he said of his role, which he repeats immediately after intermission.
His guitar savvy and sense of humor have found various outlets, including producing, recording and as a co-host of Gaither’s “Homecoming Radio” program.
In fact, his most recent album is “Kevin’s Wonderful World of Weird and Wacky Words,” a collection of comedic bits from the radio show.
“In the studio, Bill is great at bantering, and he and I quip back and forth, and that made its way to the stage.”
“Homecoming Radio” is heard in West Michigan at 6 p.m. Saturdays on WGNB-FM (89.3) and at 7 p.m. Saturdays on WFUR-AM (1570) and FM (102.9).
Williams gets plenty of on-stage one-liners during a concert, several at Gaither’s expense.
“I’ve always said he’s an easy target, but he’s great about it,” Williams said.
“It’s something to disarm the crowd and lets everyone relax and have a good time,” he said of the humor in which facial expressions/reactions are emphasized on giant video screens.
Williams has a solo album titled "Guitar Christmas," recorded with piano and orchestra. He expects to draw from the album on this holiday tour, which stops Friday at Van Andel Arena.
The first part of the concert is about half Christmas music from the variety of artists.
"The second half, with all of the artists sitting up there together singing Christmas songs, makes you want to build a fire right there," Williams said.
He was introduced to Gaither when he was called to fill in on guitar for a recording session. Gaither later called him back for two more.
In 1992, when an opening came to go out on the road with the Gaither Vocal Band, he was ready.
Their relationship has led him to play on and/or produce several Gaither artists’ recordings, including those of Russ Taff and Lynda Randle.
Williams credits Gaither’s touch for the success of his video and concert approach.
“Bill has this timeless presentation, just like the message of Christmas and the gospel are timeless,” he said.
“You’re transported from being a spectator to being right in the middle of things,” Williams said.
“He has the knack for making it a big living room.”
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