Keller Williams, a nationally acclaimed guitarist and loop artist, performs at the Chilkat Center auditorium 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 6.
Keller is known to residents for hosting “Keller’s Cellar,” a weekly public radio program featuring his favorite music, and is remembered for a show at Dalton City about a decade ago.
Haines Arts Council president Tom Heywood said Keller is fascinating to watch, as well as listen to. “He sets up numerous loops on stage with different instruments, then he accompanies them himself. He created infectious grooves.”
Resident Mike Van Note said he’s been a fan since a friend sent him a Williams recording several years ago. “For Haines, he’s a big deal, as far as I’m concerned, and for $18 (ticket price), it’s a steal. It should be twice that.”
Though Williams has attracted a jam band following, Van Note said the guitarist plays a variety of good music.
A Washington Post reviewer said this of Williams’ show: “The usually barefoot dude moves from instrument to instrument — bass guitar, percussion,Theremin, synthesizer, piano — using these looping effects to layer sounds until he’s playing, essentially, in a band made up of various versions of himself. Oh, and he sings, too, generally odd anthems with a genial hippie, trippy vibe, and covers from Michael Jackson to Jimi Hendrix.”
Williams has produced eight albums, including covers, collaborations and a kids’ album. On his 2007 release, “Dream,” he collaborated with banjo master Bela Fleck, bassist Victor Weir and the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir. He’s covered songs by Pink Floyd, Ozzy Osbourne, Ani DiFranco and the Sugar Hill Gang.
“He’s a hip guy,” Heywood said. “He’s totally in the modern culture and he’s really interesting.”
Heywood said he’s been trying to book Williams for a local show for the past five years. Williams’ trip here coincides with five other performances scheduled in Interior Alaska.
He encouraged residents to buy tickets now, as about 100 tickets remained as of press time Wednesday. “It may well sell out.”
Tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for students and $50 for a family.