By DAVID DUPONT
BG Independent News
Mike Williams has been spreading holiday joy for a long time.
Growing up in Cincinnati, the future saxophonist would go caroling with his Boy Scout troop.
They would visit neighborhoods and nursing homes.
He also performed holiday concerts with the Cincinnati Boychoir.
He loved it. And his joy hasn’t abated.
His second Christmas EP, “15 Minutes of Xmas” has just dropped – and it’ll be available for download Friday on all the usual platforms.
Also on Friday from 8-10 p.m. Williams will present a holiday concert in The City Space, home of Brookside Church, 123 Court St. in Bowling Green. The show is presented by Mike Williams on Sax, Brookside Church, BRAVE, and Grounds for Thought.
It’s part of his “15 Minutes of Xmas” holiday tour that kicked off with a show in downtown Toledo last week and will include shows in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, where he’s gained some fans after playing the National Anthem at a Cleveland Guardians game.
Williams and his band — John Cunningham on keyboards, and brother Mike Miller, bass, and Tony Miller, drums – will play music from his latest EP , the second volume of “15 Minutes of Christmas” as well as other music. Local musicians Lonnie James and Zack Fletcher will also perform.
There will be light refreshments.
It’s a follow up from last year Christmas offering. It’s an invitation for listeners “to slow down during the holiday season and just take a few minutes to relax” whether it’s from shopping or taking final exams.
He recorded volume 2 with a variety of area musicians. He’s started supplementing his work as a single with band shows. Earlier this year the guys now in his band suggested collaborating given they played many of the same tunes.
Williams brings the band for bigger shows such as festivals or concerts.
Williams has also gigged with Toledo’s first lady of song Ramona Collins. She engages him when she’s doing rhythm ‘n’ blues, oldies, and a few jazz tunes. That included opening for Patti LaBelle in Toledo this summer. The experience was “incredible,” the saxophonist said.
Originally, he planned to have the CD release party in BG, but then the opportunity for a show in Toledo came up. Collins provided music during the event’s dinner hour. Then Williams and his band and guest artist singer-songwriter Nate Hicks performed.
The Bowling Green event is a free community concert. “I wanted to do one where people could just sit down and enjoy the experience” without the distractions of being in a bar or restaurant.
“I wanted to give back to the hometown for all the love and support the city has given me. And the only way I know how to do that was through music.”
For Williams, giving is more important than receiving. He loves shopping and picking out just the right gift, then watching someone unwrapping it on Christmas.
“I’m naturally a pretty happy, jolly person,” he said, punctuating it with a laugh that supports his point. “Once November hits, I get excited, and I become one of Santa’s elves. I love the holiday season.”
That includes the music.
He’s still playing some of those holiday tunes from his boyhood in Cincinnati. Those are songs that from the very first notes light up the season, and Williams is more than happy to share them with listeners.
