Virginia musician Keller Williams is a constant staple at many of Virginia's music festivals as well as festivals throughout the country. It's no secret that the Fredericksburg native loves his home state and he often performs in the Commonwealth with his own style of jam, bluegrass, folk, and alternative rock. But what else does he love about Virginia? We chatted with him to find out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piY2u0QMYOU
What is your favorite music venue to play in Virginia?
"I'd say it's a close tie between the Norva in Norfolk, Wolf Trap in Vienna, The Birchmere in Alexandria, the Lime Kiln in Lexington, the Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville and The National in Richmond…where I will be performing on November 26 for the second, annual Thanksforgrassgiving show with other Virginia boys Love Canon as well as Jeff Austin (formerly of Yonder Mountain String Band, Danton Boller (from my KWahtro) and Nicky Sanders (from the Steep Canyon Rangers). It’s a line up and venue I am definitely thankful for."
What is your favorite music festival in Virginia?
"It’s another close tie between FloydFest [in Floyd], Lockn' [in Arrington], Rhythm and Roots [in Bristol] and Watermelon Park Fest [in Berryville]. They are all special in their own way."
Where in Virginia is the best place to get a drink?
"Well........for me, it's in my back porch. I have the magic pour. But if you are looking for scenic, I'd say the Chesapeake Grill which is located literally on the Bay Bridge tunnel. Great place to stop either coming or going from Sunset Beach, which is on the North side of the bridge on the left. I want to go there now."
Photo credit: Bob Adamek
What is your favorite Virginia restaurant?
"Catch 31 in Virginia Beach. Great food. Ocean front. Bad ass playground equipment on the beach. Gazebo stage for cool local bands and big grass lawn with a community stage for big national act free shows."
Where in Virginia are your favorite places to go to when you’re not performing?
"I enjoy going to my kids pick up and drop off lines at their school. Or at least that's what I do the most. But Virginia Beach Boardwalk has always been special to me. There is a certain dock on the Nomini Creek in Mt. Holly where I like to sit and breathe and of course my back porch, which overlooks the Rappahannock River."
Where is one Virginia spot everyone must go to?
"For all you downstream snorkelers you must check out underneath the Falmouth Bridge in Fredericksburg, then walk on over to Carl’s Frozen Custard on Princess Anne Street. You will not be disappointed."
What are your favorite songs to play?
"These are my favorite ten tracks of mine, today. Tomorrow, it may be different, so please enjoy them now.”
https://open.spotify.com/user/visitvirginia/playlist/41y6SIJupbvHi3vCxLoXYu
Catch Keller Williams in concert this month when he performs at The National in Richmond on November 26. For more Virginia music, visit virginia.org/music
Photo credit: Josh Timmermans
Photo credit: Bob Adamek