By Shallom Kimanzi
WKTV Intern
Wrapping up the 2020 Sounds of Summer concerts will be bluegrass performers Lare Williams & New Direction (LWND).
The band will be playing for free at 7 p.m. in Cutler Park, 6701 Cutler Park SW, just west of 68th Street and Division Avenue this Thursday, July 30.
Lare Williams, a member of the band, grew up in a musical family band and decided to branch out and round up some of the best local pickers available to form LWND. The group then hit the road and played their music regionally before adding a few small national tours and making a name for themselves in the Bluegrass world.
Between his day job and touring, Lare has still found time to write songs and record four CDs, two DVDs, and release four singles to the world-wide markets. One of the band’s biggest achievements is when one of Lare’s original songs, “Old Guitar, co-written by Sara-Lee Rehkopf, reached a No. 1 spot which stayed on various bluegrass charts for six weeks.
The band has worked with some of the most well-known names in the bluegrass music world and this has helped shape LWND’s sound.
“Having the guidance and support of the pros is such a blessing and so very helpful in this business,” Williams said during an interview with WKTV.
Lare said he has called in some of his former bandmates and recording partners to join him for this evening of toe tapping Bluegrass tracks.
Sponsored by The Byron Township, the family-friendly event hosts its final concert in the series for this summer. The organizers will be observing public health guidelines such as requiring everyone to wear a mask and observing social distancing.
Catch previous Sounds of Summer concerts on WKTV Channel 25 at 8 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 p.m. Saturdays.
