Gaither artist Kevin Williams [Click to enlarge]

Kevin Williams is one of the well-known Gaither artists who will be lending his talents Friday, July 25, to a benefit performance for the Rector High School Helping Hands Foundation.

Williams has been performing and recording with Bill Gaither and his organization for the last 17 years. Williams is known by many fans for both his talent with a guitar and his humorous offerings onstage. He also writes a humor column in the Gaither Homecoming magazine.

Originally from Kentucky, Williams has been playing the guitar most of his life. By age 12, he was playing in quartets and gospel groups. He was introduced to Bill Gaither in 1991. Williams was called in as a substitute guitarist for a Gaither recording session. His skill and personality caught the group's eye, and he has been a part of over 600 recordings since.

Rector native Bill Carter, one of the founders of Helping Hands, has long been a part of the Gaither management and production staff. Through his work with the group, Carter was able to arrange the concert to help raise funds for Helping Hands.

"When he (Carter) told us about this organization, it really hit home," Williams said. "It's just the most wonderful thing. It's all about people helping people."

Williams grew up in Russell Springs, Ky., a town of about 2,500 people. This experience has given him a fondness for small communities like Rector.

"There is a charm that is unique to small-town America," Williams said. "An organization like Helping Hands really goes to show you just how much people in small towns care about each other. That's a quality that I think has been lost somewhat in your bigger cities."

As a performer, Williams says he enjoys being onstage. With the opportunity to help a cause like Helping Hands, as well as visit a small town like Rector which is usually not given the opportunity to host renowned performers, Williams says he is especially looking forward to the upcoming date.

"I think it's going to be a great show. We've all heard about Helping Hands and the wonderful things they do. I think it's a wonderful thing that they're doing. If they don't do it, who will? I'm looking forward to being a part of it. I'm so honored they would put something like this together and invite me.

"I think the people there are going to be in for a good time. With all the artists who are going to perform, it should be a really good show. These are all my buddies who are coming out to do this event."

Williams will be part of a night of performances at the Rector High School gymnasium. Also performing will be former Lonestar lead singer Richie McDonald, Russ Taff, Gordon Mote and Reggie and Ladye Love Smith.

The concert will feature general admission and Gold Level seating. General admission tickets may be purchased for $20 each. Fans can purchase a Gold Level tickets for $50 each. Gold Level tickets will offer closer seating during the performance, as well as a special reserved dinner. Gold Level ticketholders also will have a special opportunity to get autographs and have their pictures made with the artists. Gold Level tickets may be purchased only by calling (870) 595-3290.

Tickets currently are on sale. General admission tickets may be purchased at Now & Then in Rector, The Storehouse in Jonesboro, The Lantern Bookstore in Paragould, Christian World in Blytheville, The Treasure Chest in Piggott and at Myra's Framing & 23rd Psalm in Kennett.

Ticket location addresses and telephone numbers are listed on the Helping Hands Foundation website. Those who want more information may visit www.rhshelpinghands.org.