“Mandolin virtuoso Tony Williamson sure can play, and what he doesn’t know about mandolins, nobody does.” This is how Acoustic Musician magazine described Tony Williamson’s world-class abilities. With roots in rural North Carolina, Tony Williamson grew up playing traditional music with family and friends. As a young man he performed in many bands including the “Bluegrass Alliance”, during which he made important contributions to the formation of Newgrass.  Since then, Williamson has played his mandolin to adoring audiences all over the world, including shows in France, Ireland, Brazil and Japan. Stateside, he performs as a soloist and with the Tony Williamson Band throughout the country. An educator and historian of his instrument, Tony has served on the faculty of Mandolin Symposium at the University of California Santa Cruz with David Grisman and Mike Marshall. Other notable appearances include the Mandolin Summit at the International School in Atlanta, Michael Feldman’s “Whad’Ya Know?” on Public Radio International and a performance for Luciano Pavarotti! Tony is also a regular performer at Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC.

Williamson’s mastery is not limited to any one genre.  He is the first mandolinist to be featured with the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra, and is known for his mastery of jazz, traditional, classical and Southern Gospel forms. Williamson is also sought after as a studio musician, appearing on recordings with Alison Krauss, Earl Scruggs, Tony Rice, John Hartford, Mike Cross, Ricky Skaggs, Vassar Clements, Jeff and Bobby Autry Mike Seeger and Jerry Douglas, among others.