CLEVELAND — Like many North Carolinians, Fred and Mary Lou Williams of Cleveland watched with horror at the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene last fall. After brainstorming ways they could help, the couple decided to do something about it — throw a benefit concert at their event venue.

The Williamses own Vista at Walnut Hill, a converted barn venue that usually hosts weddings and other celebrations. A spacious interior and exposed wood beams add to the rustic charm.

Next month, on May 3, the venue will reverberate with the melodic sounds of Williamson Branch, a bluegrass family group from Tennessee. The Williamses discovered Williamson Branch on one of their frequent east Tennessee sojourns.

“In 2023, at Christmas time, we’d like to go to Pigeon Forge,” Mary Lou said. “So we went to Dollywood for a show, and they were substituting for another group, and we liked them so much that we went back that day for their second show.”

Williamson Branch is composed of Kevin and Debbie Williamson and their daughters Melody Williamson Keyes, Kadence Williamson Reynolds and Caroline Williamson.

Since their formation in 2014, Williamson Branch has appeared on hundreds of stages including Ryman Auditorium in Nashville; Bluegrass First Class in Asheville; Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Festival, Brunswick, Maine; The Central Canadian Bluegrass Awards; Bill Gaither’s Fall Homecoming; and Guy Penrod’s Gospel Music Showcase.

With the benefit concert coming up, eager listeners won’t have to cross state lines to see Williamson Branch. All they have to do is come to Cleveland and it is for a good cause.

“Fred and I’ve been brainstorming ways to, No. 1, market our venue, but also, you know, thought if we could have a benefit, that would be great,” Mary Lou said.

Funds raised as part of the benefit concert will contribute to Bridge the GApp NC an outreach distribution hub of Lake James Community Church Inc. located in Marion.

“Everything over is going to be going towards Bridge the Gap,” Fred said.

Donations will go to that organization as well.

“There are so many amazing and miraculous stories of ministry and we are excited to see God’s gracious hand in the lives of those in need,” said Sharon Bollinger, the woman behind Bridge the GApp NC, on their Facebook page. “We are grateful to God for the outpouring of organizations / people donating food and needed supplies.”

The Williamses said that they believe in Bridge the GApp’s mission.

“The lady who is spearheading the organization has a dream of building 150 homes,” Mary Lou said.

Bridge the GApp NC said on its Facebook page, “We are honored to be chosen to be the recipient of Walnut Hill ‘s benefit to support building homes for WNC families in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The work has only begun. This is your opportunity to join in and bring Hope to families in need. With hope, the benefit concerts’ success will lend itself to the building of those homes.”

In addition to the music, there will be local vendors and a food truck for people to enjoy,

“We’re having a food truck from Spencer,” Mary Lou said.

The Williamses got in touch with ​​Melissa Schneider who owns the newly opened Spencer Deli and who has a food truck called Stick it 2 You. There will also be a coffee truck and specialty Cheerwine products available.

When guests begin arriving, a video will be playing that comprises drone footage of the damage that transpired in the mountains after the hurricane. The Williamses said that Bridge the GApp made arrangements to have that video available for the event prior to Williamson Branch kicking off their performance.

The couple has already received donations in excess of $3,000, some from people or companies that won’t be in attendance. With space still available, the Williamses hope to make the event a hit for the traveling musical talent.

“We want to make sure we have a good showing with how much we can donate, but also have a good showing of people in the barn, because this band travels all over the country,” Mary Lou said.

The event officially opens at 4 p.m. with music scheduled from 5-7 p.m.

Information on how to make donations will be available at the concert. Tickets are $25 and are available by visiting the Vista at Walnut Hill Facebook page or at

Benefit Concert